Casing for portable ultrasonic imaging device

Abstract

To use portable imaging devices in remote deployment conditions where external power sources are scarce.SOLUTION: Provided are a casing to store a portable imaging device, a method to be performed at the casing, and a machine-readable medium to cause one or more processors to implement the method. The imaging device is adapted to generate imaging data corresponding to a target being imaged using ultrasonic energy. The casing is adapted to be opened and closed, and includes an exterior housing; an interior portion within the exterior housing to house the imaging device therein; a memory; a one or more processors coupled to the memory to perform computations on the imaging data from the imaging device to at least one of purposes of causing an image of the target to be displayed on a display or causing the imaging data to be stored in the memory; and a power source to supply charge to the imaging device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments relate generally to casings, and in particular to casings for imaging devices such as handheld ultrasound imaging devices or probes, including those of micromachined ultrasound transducers (MUTs). [Background technology]

[0002] Micromachined ultrasound transducer (MUT) technology has enabled ultrasound or ultrasound imaging probes or imaging devices with smaller overall size and weight and lower operating power requirements compared to more conventional ultrasound imaging technology. Some MUT-based ultrasound imaging devices, including those based on capacitive MUT (cMUT) or piezoelectric MUT (pMUT) technology, are battery-powered, handheld devices. The smaller overall form factor and optional battery power source allow ultrasound imaging devices to be portable, a feature not previously possible with conventional generating ultrasound imaging devices.

[0003] The portable nature of MUT-based ultrasound imaging devices presents a new set of capabilities and operational benefits and challenges. For example, portable ultrasound imaging devices, due to their portability, may be exposed to environmental and / or mechanical stresses not experienced by non-portable ultrasound imaging devices, whose operating environments are typically well-controlled. For example, MUT-based ultrasound imaging devices are more likely to be used in outdoor conditions where they may be subject to drops / structural shock, moisture, direct sunlight, or extreme temperatures. MUT-based ultrasound imaging devices are also more likely to be used in locations where external power sources are scarce or not readily available.

[0004] The portability and low operating power requirements of MUT-based ultrasound imaging devices mean that they can be battery-powered, but batteries still provide a power source of limited duration. While MUT-based ultrasound imaging devices can operate using single-use batteries, an alternative solution is to have the probe operate using rechargeable battery cells or battery packs, such as those using lithium-ion technology. However, the available power drawn from a rechargeable battery also eventually draws down to a threshold below which the imaging device is no longer operable and the battery requires recharging. Typically, rechargeable batteries are recharged using a dedicated charging station plugged into an electrical outlet, such as an alternating current (AC) outlet, such as a wall outlet. However, in remote deployment situations where MUT-based probes are used, such a battery recharging source may not be readily available, affordable, or convenient. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] Some of the features of the embodiments are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The features and advantages of the embodiments will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description, in which the principles of the embodiments are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also referred to herein as "drawings" and "figures"), in which:

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging device according to some embodiments.

[0007] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging system according to some embodiments.

[0008] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to some embodiments.

[0009] [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a base portion of a casing according to some embodiments.

[0010] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a casing, according to one embodiment.

[0011] [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a casing according to a further embodiment.

[0012] [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of wireless communication circuitry of an embodiment of the casing and a wireless network over which the wireless communication circuitry may communicate wirelessly.

[0013] [Figure 8] 1 is a flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Some embodiments provide a casing for storing a portable imaging device adapted to generate imaging data corresponding to a target imaged using ultrasound energy, the casing being adapted to be opened and closed and comprising: an outer housing; an inner portion within the outer housing that houses the imaging device therein; a memory; one or more processors coupled to the memory for performing calculations on the imaging data from the imaging device for at least one of displaying an image of the target on a display or storing the imaging data in the memory; and a power source for charging the imaging device. Advantageously, some embodiments provide a casing for an ultrasound imaging device that is configured to protect the casing from mechanical impact or shock while also providing an auxiliary power source for charging the imaging device, and optionally provide wired or wireless communication to one or more processors within the casing to enable communication of imaging data between the casing and the imaging device, an external display, or a remote device (i.e., a device not co-located with the casing and imaging device). Further advantages of the embodiments will become apparent as the description proceeds.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Generally, embodiments relate to casings for imaging devices, and more particularly, to casings for imaging devices having ultrasound transducer elements.

[0016] As used herein, in some embodiments, an "ultrasonic waveform" may refer to the complementary waveform of each of the transducer elements transmitting in a medium, such as water, flesh, a lens, etc. Although transducer elements, such as a group of transducer elements in some embodiments, may sometimes fire together, they may often fire separately from one another (e.g., for steering).

[0017] Some embodiments of the imaging device may additionally include hardware and / or software that receives ultrasound energy reflected from the object being imaged and converts the received ultrasound energy into an electrical signal.

[0018] Some embodiments of the imaging device may further include hardware and / or software for displaying an image and / or constructing an image of the object being imaged to cause the image to be displayed.

[0019] To perform imaging, an imaging device may transmit ultrasound waveforms into bodily tissue to the object being imaged and receive reflected ultrasound energy from the object. Such imaging devices may include one or more transducer elements, which may function using photoacoustic or ultrasonic radiation effects. Such transducer elements may be used for imaging and may also be used in other applications. For example, transducer elements may be used in medical imaging, vascular flow measurement, speaker and microphone arrays, lithotripsy, localized tissue heating for therapeutic purposes, and highly intensive focused ultrasound (HIFU) procedures.

[0020] While the use of ultrasound waveforms, ultrasound waves, ultrasound pressure waves, and / or ultrasonic waves is expressly called out in the context of the embodiments, the embodiments are not specifically limited to ultrasound waves, but include within their scope the generation and processing of waves that can propagate within the body, be reflected back from an object in the body, and be decoded / analyzed / processed to generate information about the object, for example, generating an image corresponding to the object on a display device.

[0021] Traditionally, imaging devices, such as ultrasound imagers used in medical imaging, use piezoelectric (PZT) materials or other piezo-ceramic and polymer composite materials. Such imaging devices may include a housing that houses a transducer with the PZT material and other electronics that form and display an image on a display unit. To create bulk PZT elements or transducers, a thick slab of piezoelectric material may be cut into large, rectangular-shaped PZT elements. These rectangular-shaped PZT elements can be expensive to construct because the manufacturing process involves precisely cutting thick, generally rectangular-shaped PZT or ceramic materials and attaching them to a substrate at precise intervals. Furthermore, the impedance of the transducer is much higher than the impedance of the transducer's transmit / receive electronics, which can affect performance.

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in the context of imaging devices that utilize either piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (pMUT) or capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) technology, as described in further detail herein.

[0023] Generally, MUTs, such as both cMUTs and pMUTs, include a diaphragm (a thin film attached to its edge or some point inside the probe), whereas "traditional" bulk PZT elements typically consist of a solid piece of material.

[0024] Piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducers (pMUTs) can be efficiently formed on substrates that leverage various semiconductor wafer manufacturing operations. Semiconductor wafers currently come in sizes of 6 inches (15.24 cm), 8 inches (20.32 cm), and 12 inches (30.48 cm) and can accommodate hundreds of transducer arrays. These semiconductor wafers begin as silicon substrates on which various processing operations are performed. An example of such an operation is the formation of a SiO2 layer, also known as an insulating oxide. Various other operations, such as adding metal layers that function as interconnects and bond pads, are performed to enable connection to other electronics. Yet another example of a mechanical operation is the etching of cavities. Compared to conventional transducers with large amounts of piezoelectric material, pMUT elements built on semiconductor substrates are relatively less bulky, less expensive to manufacture, and have simpler, higher-performance interconnects between the electronics and the transducer. As such, they offer greater flexibility in the operating frequency of imaging devices that use them and the potential to produce higher quality images.

[0025] In some embodiments, the imaging device may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) including one or more transmit drivers, sensing circuitry to process electrical energy corresponding to received ultrasound energy (echo signals) reflected back from the object being imaged, and other processing circuitry to control various other operations. The ASIC may be formed on a separate semiconductor wafer or on the same semiconductor wafer. The ASIC may be located in close proximity to the pMUT elements to reduce parasitic losses. As a specific example, the ASIC may be 50 micrometers (μm) or less away from the transducer array including the pMUT elements. In a broader example, the separation between two wafers or two dies may be less than 100 μm, with each wafer including many dies, including transducers on the transducer wafer and ASICs on the ASIC wafer. In some embodiments, the ASIC has a footprint that is consistent with the pMUT transducer containing the pMUT elements, and therefore can be stacked for wafer-to-wafer interconnection with the pMUT transducer die, for example, the ASIC wafer is stacked with the transducer die, or the ASIC die itself is stacked with the transducer die through the interconnect. Alternatively, the transducer can also be developed on top of the ASIC wafer as a single device using low-temperature piezoelectric sputtering and other low-temperature processes compatible with ASIC processing.

[0026] According to one embodiment, wherever the ASIC and transducer interconnect, the two may have similar footprints. More specifically, according to the latter embodiment, the footprint of the ASIC may be an integer multiple or submultiple of the footprint of the pMUT.

[0027] Regardless of whether an imaging device uses pMUT or cMUT elements in its transducer, some embodiments of the imaging device can include multiple transmit channels and multiple receive channels. The transmit channels drive the transducer elements with voltage pulses at frequencies to which the elements respond. This causes an ultrasound waveform to radiate from the elements, and the waveform is directed toward the object being imaged, e.g., toward a body organ. In some examples, imaging devices with an array of transducer elements can use gel to create mechanical body contact between the imaging device and the body. The ultrasound waveform travels to the object, i.e., the organ, and portions of the waveform reflect off the transducer elements to form received / reflected ultrasound energy, where the received ultrasound energy can be converted to electrical energy within the imaging device. The received ultrasound energy can then be further processed by multiple receive channels to convert the received ultrasound energy into electrical signals, which can be processed by other circuitry to develop an image of the object based on the electrical signals.

[0028] An embodiment of an ultrasound imaging device includes a transducer array and control circuitry, including, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and transmit and receive beamforming circuitry and optionally additional control electronics. Each of the multiple transmit and / or receive channels may be dynamically controlled, for example, by the imaging device's control circuitry to reduce power or may be powered down entirely. Additionally, other characteristics of each channel may also be configurable.

[0029] In embodiments, the imaging device may include a handheld body or housing that houses the transducer and associated electronic circuitry, e.g., control circuitry, and optionally a computing device. The imaging device may also include a battery that powers the electronic circuitry.

[0030] Thus, some embodiments relate to portable imaging devices that utilize either pMUT elements or cMUT elements in a 2D array, and in some embodiments, an array of such transducer elements is coupled to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) of the imaging device.

[0031] For purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in the following description to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these details. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples of the present disclosure described below can be implemented in a variety of ways, such as a process, one or more processors (processing circuits) of a control circuit, one or more processors (or processing circuits) of a computing device, a system, a device, or a method of a tangible computer-readable medium.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will recognize that (1) certain manufacturing operations may be performed optionally, (2) operations may not be limited to the particular order described herein, and (3) certain operations may be performed in different orders, including simultaneously.

[0033] The elements / components shown in the diagrams are illustrative of example embodiments and are intended to avoid obscuring the disclosure. References herein to "one example," "preferred example," "example," "examples," "embodiment," "some embodiments," or "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with an example is included in at least one example of the present disclosure and may be included in more than one example. The appearances of the phrases "in one example," "in an example," "in examples," "in an embodiment," "some embodiments," or "in embodiments" in various places herein do not necessarily all refer to the same example or examples. The terms "include," "including," "comprise," and "comprising" are to be understood as open terms, and any enumerations below are examples and are not meant to be limited to the listed items. Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not used to limit the scope of the description or claims. Moreover, the use of specific terms in various places herein is for purposes of explanation and should not be construed as limiting.

[0034] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging device 100 including a controller or control circuit 106 that controls selectively alterable channels (108, 110) and performs imaging calculations on a computing device 112, according to principles described herein. As described above, the imaging device 100 may be used to generate images of internal tissue, bone, blood flow, or organs of a human or animal body. Accordingly, the imaging device 100 may transmit signals into the body and receive signals reflected from the body part being imaged. Such imaging devices may include either pMUTs or cMUTs, which may be referred to as transducers or imagers and may be based on photoacoustic or ultrasonic irradiation effects. The imaging device 100 may also be used to image other objects. For example, the imaging device may be used in medical imaging; flow measurement in tubes, speaker, and microphone arrays; lithotripsy; localized tissue heating for therapeutic purposes; and highly intensive focused ultrasound (HIFU) procedures.

[0035] In addition to use with human patients, imaging device 100 may be used to acquire images of the internal organs of animals as well. Furthermore, in addition to imaging internal organs, imaging device 100 may also be used to determine the direction and velocity of blood flow in arteries and veins in Doppler mode imaging, and may be used to measure tissue stiffness.

[0036] Imaging device 100 can be used to perform various types of imaging in each imaging mode. For example, imaging device 100 can be used to perform one-dimensional imaging, also known as an A-scan, two-dimensional imaging, also known as a B-scan, three-dimensional imaging, also known as a C-scan, and Doppler imaging. Imaging device 100 can be switched and electronically configured under program control to different imaging modes, including, without limitation, linear mode and sector mode.

[0037] To facilitate such imaging, the imaging device 100 includes one or more ultrasonic transducers 102, each including an array of ultrasonic transducer elements 104. Each ultrasonic transducer element 104 may be embodied as any suitable transducer element, such as a pMUT or cMUT element or pixel. The transducer elements 104 operate to 1) generate ultrasonic pressure waves that pass through a body or other material and 2) receive reflected waves (received ultrasonic energy) from a target or other material within the body being imaged. In some examples, the imaging device 100 may be configured to simultaneously transmit and receive ultrasonic waveforms or ultrasonic pressure waves (short pressure waves). For example, the control circuitry 106 may be configured to control certain transducer elements 104 to transmit pressure waves toward a target object being imaged, while simultaneously causing other transducer elements 104 to receive reflected pressure waves / ultrasonic energy from the target object and generate electrical charges (signal reception) based on the received waves / received ultrasonic energy / received energy.

[0038] In some examples, each transducer element 104 may be configured to transmit or receive signals at a particular frequency and bandwidth associated with a center frequency and, optionally, additional center frequencies and bandwidths. Such multi-frequency transducer elements 104 may be referred to as multi-modal elements 104 and may extend the bandwidth of the imaging device 100. The transducer elements 104 may be capable of emitting or receiving signals at any suitable center frequency, such as from about 0.1 to about 100 megahertz. The transducer elements 104 may be configured to emit or receive signals at one or more center frequencies in the range of from about 3.5 to about 5 megahertz.

[0039] To generate pressure waves, the imaging device 100 may include multiple transmit (Tx) channels 108 and multiple receive (Rx) channels 110. The transmit channels 108 may include multiple components that drive the transducer 102, i.e., the array of transducer elements 104, with voltage pulses at responsive frequencies, which cause the transducer elements 104 to radiate ultrasonic waveforms toward the object being imaged.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the ultrasound waveform may include one or more ultrasound pressure waves transmitted substantially simultaneously from one or more corresponding transducer elements of the imaging device.

[0041] The ultrasound waveform travels toward the object being imaged, and a portion of the waveform reflects back to the transducer 102, which converts it into electrical energy through the piezoelectric effect. The receive channel 110 collects the electrical energy thus obtained, processes it, and transmits it to a computing device 112, which, for example, develops or generates an image that can be displayed.

[0042] In some examples, the number of transmit channels 108 and receive channels 110 of the imaging device 100 may remain constant, but the number of transducer elements 104 to which they are coupled may vary. The coupling of the transmit and receive channels to the transducer elements may be controlled by a control circuit 106 in one embodiment. In some examples, the control circuit may include the transmit channels 108 and receive channels 110, as shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the transducer elements 104 of the transducer 102 may be formed in a two-dimensional spatial array with N columns and M rows. In a specific example, the two-dimensional array of transducer elements 104 may have 128 columns and 32 rows. In this example, the imaging device 100 may have up to 128 transmit channels 108 and up to 128 receive channels 110. In this example, each transmit channel 108 and receive channel 110 may be coupled to multiple or a single pixel 104. For example, depending on the imaging mode (e.g., linear mode, in which multiple transducers transmit ultrasound waveforms in the same spatial direction, or sector mode, in which multiple transducers transmit ultrasound waves in different spatial directions), each row of transducer elements 104 may be coupled to a single transmit channel 108 and a single receive channel 110. In this example, the transmit channel 108 and receive channel 110 may receive a composite signal, the composite signal combining the signals received at each transducer element 104 in the respective row. In another example, i.e., during different imaging modes, each transducer element 104 may be coupled to a dedicated transmit channel 108 and a dedicated receive channel 110. In some embodiments, a transducer element 104 may be coupled to both a transmit channel 108 and a receive channel 110. For example, the transducer elements 104 may be adapted to create and transmit an ultrasound pulse and then detect echoes of that pulse in a manner that converts reflected ultrasound energy into electrical energy.

[0043] The control circuitry 106 may be embodied as any circuit or circuits configured to perform the functions described herein. For example, the control circuitry 106 may be embodied as or otherwise include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip, a processor and memory, a voltage supply, a current supply, one or more amplifiers, one or more digital-to-analog converters, one or more analog-to-digital converters, etc.

[0044] The illustrated computing device 112 may be embodied as any suitable computing device including any suitable components, such as a processor and memory. Communication circuitry, a battery, a display, etc. (not shown in FIG. 1 ) may further be coupled to the computing device. In one embodiment, the computing device 112 may be integrated with the control circuitry 106, the transducer 102, etc. in a single package, or a single chip, or a single system-on-chip (SoC), as suggested in the embodiment of FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, some or all of the computing device may be in a separate package from the control circuitry and, as suggested in the embodiment of FIG. 2 , as described in further detail below.

[0045] Each transducer element may be of any suitable shape, such as square, rectangular, oval, or circular. The transducer elements may be arranged in an orthogonal two-dimensional array, for example, N columns and M rows as described herein, or may be arranged in an asymmetric (or staggered) linear array.

[0046] The transducer elements 104 may have associated transmit driver circuits for associated transmit channels and low-noise amplifiers for associated receive channels. Thus, a transmit channel may include a transmit driver, and a receive channel may include one or more low-noise amplifiers. For example, although not explicitly shown, the transmit and receive channels may each include a multiplexer that corresponds to a control circuit to enable particular transducer elements and sets of transducer elements to be activated, deactivated, or placed into a low-power mode. It is understood that the transducers may be arranged in patterns other than orthogonal rows and columns, such as a circular pattern, or other patterns based on the range of ultrasonic waveforms generated therefrom.

[0047] 2 is a diagram of an imaging environment including an imaging system with selectively configurable features, according to an embodiment. The imaging system of FIG. 2 may include an imaging device 202 and, as described in further detail below, a computing system 222 including a computing device 216 and a display 220 coupled to the computing device.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2 , according to one embodiment, the computing device 216, not unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1 , may be physically separate from the imaging device 220. For example, the computing device 216 and the display device 220 may be located within a separate device, as compared to components of the imaging device 202 (in this situation, the illustrated computing system 222 is physically separate from the imaging device 202 during operation). The computing system 222 may include a mobile device, such as a cell phone or tablet, or a stationary computing device capable of displaying images to a user. In another example, as shown in FIG. 1 , for example, the display device, computing device, and associated display may be part of the imaging device 202 (not shown for now). That is, the imaging device 200, the computing device 216, and the display device 220 may be located within a single housing.

[0049] A "computing device" as referred to herein may, in some embodiments, be configured to generate signals for at least one of causing an image of a subject to be displayed on a display or causing other processing of received signals from an imaging device.

[0050] As shown, the imaging system includes an imaging device 202 configured to generate and transmit pressure waves 210 toward a target, such as a heart 214, via a transmit channel (FIG. 1, 108) in a transmit mode / process. An internal organ or other imaging target may reflect a portion of the pressure waves 210 toward the imaging device 202, which may receive them via a transducer (e.g., transducer 102 of FIG. 1), a channel (FIG. 1, 110), and a control circuit (FIG. 1, 106), which may receive the reflected pressure waves. The transducer may generate an electrical signal based on the received ultrasound energy in a receive mode / process. The transmit mode or receive mode may be applicable in the context of an imaging device that may be configured to either transmit or receive at different times. However, as previously noted, some imaging devices according to embodiments may be compatible with both the transmit mode and the receive mode simultaneously. The system also includes a computing device 216 that communicates with imaging device 100 through a communication channel, such as the illustrated wireless communication channel 218, although embodiments also encompass wired communication between the computing system and the imaging device. Imaging device 100 may communicate signals to computing device 216 that may cause one or more processors to process the received signals to complete the formation of an image of the object. Display device 220 of computing system 222 may then display the image of the object using the signals from the computing device.

[0051] An imaging device according to some embodiments may include a portable device and / or a handheld device adapted to communicate signals wirelessly through a communication channel (using a wireless communication protocol, e.g., IEEE 802.11 or Wi-Fi® protocol, Bluetooth® protocol including Bluetooth Low Energy, millimeter wave communication protocol, or any other wireless communication protocol within the purview of those skilled in the art) or via a wired connection, such as a cable (e.g., USB2, USB 3, USB 3.1, and USB-C, Ethernet, etc.) or microelectronic device interconnect, with a computing device. In the case of a tethered or wired connection, the imaging device may include a port, as described in further detail in the context of FIG. 3 , to receive a cable connection for communicating with a computing device. In the case of a wireless connection, the imaging device 100 may include a wireless transceiver for communicating with the computing device 216.

[0052] It should be understood that in various embodiments, various aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented by various components. For example, in one embodiment, an imaging device may include circuitry (e.g., channels) that transmit and receive ultrasound waveforms through a transducer, while a computing device may be adapted to control such circuitry to generate ultrasound waveforms on transducer elements of the imaging device using voltage signals. In such an embodiment, the computing device may process signals from the imaging device to construct an image of the target using a framework discussed in more detail below, select and configure transmit and receive channels, control control circuitry to operate in one of multiple imaging modes, etc.

[0053] In another embodiment, the imaging device may include control circuitry that controls the generation of ultrasonic waveforms at the transducer elements using voltage signals to transmit and receive ultrasonic waveforms to and from the transducer elements, and may also generate electrical signals from the received ultrasonic energy. In such an embodiment, the imaging device control circuitry may transmit the electrical signals generated from the received ultrasonic energy to a computing device, which may process them to determine a target image to be generated. More generally, it should be understood that any suitable functions disclosed herein may be performed by one or more circuits, and that the circuits may be housed in a single physical device or may be housed physically separate from one another but communicatively coupled to one another.

[0054] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an imaging device according to some embodiments and the internal components within the housing of the imaging device, as described in further detail below.

[0055] As seen in FIG. 3 , imaging device 300 may include a handheld casing 331 housing transducer 302 and associated electronics. The imaging device may also include a battery 338 for powering the electronics. FIG. 3 therefore illustrates an embodiment of a portable imaging device capable of 2D and 3D imaging using a 2D array of pMUTs, optionally constructed on a silicon wafer. Such an array, coupled to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 106 with specific parameter electronic settings, enables high-quality image processing at a lower cost than previously possible. Furthermore, by controlling specific parameters, such as the number of channels used, power consumption can be varied and temperature can be altered. Imaging device 300 may be similar to imaging device 100 of FIG. 1 or imaging device 202 of FIG. 2 , by way of example only. As described above, the imaging device may include an ultrasound medical probe. FIG. 3 illustrates transducer 302 of imaging device 300. As described above, the transducer 302 may include an array of transducer elements (FIG. 1, 104) adapted to transmit and receive pressure waves (FIG. 2, 210). In some examples, the imaging device 300 may include a coating layer 322 that serves as an impedance matching interface between the transducer 302 and the human body or other material or tissue through which the pressure waves (FIG. 2, 210) are transmitted. In some cases, the coating layer 322 may function as a lens when designed with a curvature consistent with a desired focal length.

[0056] Imaging device 300 may be embodied in any suitable form factor. In some embodiments, a portion of imaging device 300 including transducer 302 may extend outward from the remainder of imaging device 100. Imaging device 300 may be embodied as any suitable ultrasound medical probe, such as, for example, a convex array probe, a micro-convex array probe, a linear array probe, an intravaginal probe, an intrarectal probe, a surgical probe, an intraoperative probe, etc.

[0057] In some embodiments, a user can apply gel to the skin of a living subject before direct contact with the coating layer 322 to improve impedance matching at the interface between the coating layer 322 and the human body. Impedance matching reduces losses of pressure waves (FIG. 2, 210) at the interface and reflected waves traveling at the interface toward the imaging device 300.

[0058] In some examples, the coating layer 322 may be a flat layer to maximize the transmission of acoustic signals from the transducer 102 to the body and vice versa. The thickness of the coating layer 322 may be a quarter wavelength of the pressure waves (FIG. 2, 210) generated by the transducer 102.

[0059] The imaging device 300 also includes control circuitry 106, such as one or more processors, optionally in the form of application specific integrated circuits (ASIC chips or ASICs), for controlling the transducer 102. The control circuitry 106 may be coupled to the transducer 102 by bumps or the like. As described above, the transmit channels 108 and receive channels 110 may be selectively alterable or adjustable, meaning that the amount of transmit channels 108 and receive channels 110 that are active at a given time may be changed, for example, based on the imaging mode of the imaging device. For example, the control circuitry 106 may be adapted to selectively adjust the transmit channels 108 and receive channels 110 based on whether the imaging device is performing one-dimensional imaging, also known as an A-scan, two-dimensional imaging, also known as a B-scan, three-dimensional imaging, also known as a C-scan, Doppler imaging, sector mode imaging, or linear mode imaging, and may be configured electronically, for example, under program control by a computing device.

[0060] The imaging device may also include one or more processors 326 for controlling the components of the imaging device 100. In addition to the control circuitry 106, the one or more processors 326 may be configured to at least one of control activation of the transducer elements, process electrical signals based on ultrasound waveforms reflected from the transducer elements, or generate signals that result in reconstruction of an image of the object being imaged by one or more processors of a computing device, such as computing device 112 of FIG. 1 or computing device 216 of FIG. 2. The one or more processors 326 may be further adapted to perform other processing functions associated with the imaging device. The one or more processors 326 may be embodied as any type of processor 326. For example, the one or more processors 326 may be embodied as a single or multi-core processor, a single or multi-socket processor, a digital signal processor, a graphics processor, a neural network computation engine, an image processor, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other processor or processing / control circuitry. Imaging device 100 may also include circuitry 328, such as an analog front end (AFE), for signal processing / conditioning, and an acoustic absorbing layer 330 for absorbing waves generated by transducer 102 and propagating toward circuitry 328. That is, transducer 102 may be mounted to a substrate and attached to acoustic absorbing layer 330. This layer may absorb any ultrasound signals emitted in the reverse direction (i.e., away from coating layer 322, toward port 334) that would otherwise be reflected and interfere with image quality. While FIG. 3 shows acoustic absorbing layer 330, this component may be omitted if other components impede material transmission of ultrasound in the reverse direction.

[0061] The analog front end 328 may be embodied as any one or more circuits configured to interface with other components of the imaging device, such as the control circuit 106 and the processor 326. For example, the analog front end 328 may include, for example, one or more digital-to-analog converters, one or more analog-to-digital converters, one or more amplifiers, etc.

[0062] The imaging device may include a communication unit 332 for communicating data, including control signals or received signals (from imaging operations), with external devices, such as a computing device ( FIG. 2 , 216), for example, through a port 334 or a wireless transceiver. The imaging device 100 may include a memory 336 for storing data. The memory 336 may be embodied as any type of volatile or non-volatile memory or data storage capable of performing the functions described herein. In operation, the memory 336 may store various data and software used during operation of the imaging device 100, such as operating systems, applications, programs, libraries, drivers, etc.

[0063] In some examples, imaging device 100 may include a battery 338 for powering components of imaging device 100. Battery 338 may also include battery charging circuitry, which may be a wireless or wired charging circuit (not shown). The imaging device may include a gauge that indicates the consumed battery charge and is used to configure the imaging device to optimize power management to improve battery life. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the imaging device may be powered by an external power source, such as by plugging the imaging device into a wall outlet.

[0064] Some embodiments provide a casing for a portable ultrasound imaging device that is configured to protect the imaging device from at least one of several environmental stresses and mechanical shocks, and optionally further provides a backup or auxiliary power supply that allows for powering the imaging device. The auxiliary power supply may include, for example, a rechargeable integrated battery for the casing, which in turn can be recharged through a wired electrical connection using a vehicle or wall outlet, using wireless power, or with energy supplied through a solar panel.

[0065] As previously noted, in some embodiments, for example, in the context of FIG. 2 above, the portable imaging device itself may not have an integrated display for displaying ultrasound images or for displaying a user interface for operating the various operational modes of the portable imaging device. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG. 2, the portable imaging device may be communicatively coupled to a display device, such as a tablet or smartphone, through a wired and / or wireless connection to provide this image display and user interface functionality. Specifically, in on-site or remote deployments of portable imaging devices, there may be situations when the device operator does not have a smartphone, tablet, or other display device to view ultrasound images output from the imaging device or to control input operations through a visual-based touchscreen user interface. The usefulness of MUT-based portable imaging devices, particularly in emergency situations, is not limited by their reliance on the availability of an operator's tablet or smartphone, or other display device, during operation of the imaging device, much less by such reliance on the display device being configured to be communicatively connected to the ultrasound portable imaging device. Additionally, in an unexpected emergency situation requiring a MUT-based ultrasound portable imaging device, the operator's tablet or smartphone device, even if available and configured for communication connection to the imaging device, may not be sufficiently charged to display the imaging device's imaging rounds as required.

[0066] Additionally, there may be situations where ultrasound image data needs to be stored remotely for later analysis, or when further examination or analysis by a physician or ultrasound imaging expert who is not physically present at the location where the imaging device is being used, perhaps due to an emergency situation, may be required. It is desirable for a first responder operating an ultrasound imaging portable imaging device at the scene of an accident to be able to transmit imaging data from the location of the accident to a physician at a remote location, allowing the physician to review the image data in real time or near real time. The physician in this example would be enabled to analyze the data for at least a preliminary analysis and advise the first responder regarding injuries revealed by the ultrasound images. The physician may be able to provide time-sensitive treatment information to the patient's first responders well before the patient arrives at the hospital. Alternatively, a physician (or other ultrasound imaging expert) at the hospital may instruct or advise the first responder on alternative imaging modes or methods, advising the first responder to image other parts of the patient's body to gather additional useful ultrasound imaging data. Thus, a feature worth deploying with an MUT-based ultrasound portable imaging device according to one embodiment is the provision of two-way wireless communication capabilities for transmitting imaging data and receiving remote feedback, advice, or instructions.

[0067] According to another embodiment, the wireless communication capability may enable uploading of ultrasound image data, along with other information or metadata associated with the image (including, but not limited to, patient identification information (e.g., name, age, gender), date of image, geographic location of imaging, etc.), to a remote storage or server for future retrieval and analysis.

[0068] An additional useful feature of some embodiments is the provision of local data storage capabilities, such as non-volatile memory, in the imaging device, e.g., as an alternative to or in addition to image transmission capabilities. Such data storage capabilities may be particularly useful in instances when a wireless network is not readily available for transmitting images to a remote end user or data storage facility. The local non-volatile memory may store ultrasound image data for immediate retrieval and analysis, or for later uploading to an alternative data storage system, such as cloud storage.

[0069] According to some embodiments, one or more of the above advantageous embodiments, including but not limited to backup battery recharging functionality, wired or wireless communication functionality, display functionality, and local data storage functionality, can be packaged into a form factor that minimizes size and weight and is integrated inside an enclosure to provide physical protection against mechanical and thermal shock to the enclosed components, including the MUT-based ultrasound portable imaging device itself.

[0070] According to one embodiment, a protective case or casing for a portable MUT-based portable imaging device is provided. The protective casing may have a rigid exterior and a cushioned or padded interior to protect the contents of the case, including, among other things, an ultrasound portable imaging device stored or intended to be stored therein.

[0071] As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 4 , an embodiment of protective casing 400 may further include an integrated charging dock 401 with an onboard battery 402, wireless communication circuitry 403, non-volatile memory 404, and / or an integrated touchscreen display 405, or any combination thereof. A CPU or processor 406 may also be integrated into the protective casing to coordinate the functionality and interoperability of onboard battery 402, two-way wireless communication subsystem 403, non-volatile memory 404, and / or integrated touchscreen display 405. Some or all of the signal processing functions of computing device 112 of FIG. 1 or computing device 216 of FIG. 2 may be further offloaded to processor 406 during or after operation of the imaging device to acquire images of the target. For example, processor 406 may perform all of the functions of computing device 216 of FIG. 2 .

[0072] Various features of the casing according to some embodiments are described in turn below.

[0073] Impact-resistant exterior

[0074] According to some embodiments, the protective casing may comprise an impact-resistant material, such as impact-resistant plastic. The impact-resistant material may include a hard or flexible material, such as rubber or a rubber-like material. The protective casing may be configured to provide physical protection against mechanical stresses, mechanical shock / impact damage, or heavy objects that the MUT-based portable imaging device and its accessories may experience if the casing containing the MUT-based portable imaging device is dropped or if a heavy object is dropped onto the protective casing containing the MUT-based portable imaging device.

[0075] Security against unauthorized access

[0076] According to some embodiments, the protective casing can provide physical security against unauthorized access and use of the MUT-based portable imaging device. For example, the protective casing may include a lock. As used herein, a lock refers to a fixed mechanical or electronic device that can be unlocked by a physical object (e.g., a key, key card, fingerprint, RFID card, security token, etc.), by secret information (e.g., by providing a sequence of numbers or letters or a password), or a combination thereof.

[0077] Accessory Organization

[0078] According to some embodiments, the protective casing may also include one or more containers or compartments for imaging device accessories, thus also providing further organization and portability of such accessories, including associated cords, cables, gel packets, and / or spare batteries. By storing the portable imaging device and its associated accessories internally, the protective casing allows for easy transportation and shipping to remote locations.

[0079] General Design

[0080] 5, according to some embodiments, protective casing 400 may include a clamshell or briefcase-style design including two portions: a base 501 and a lid 502. In the illustrated embodiment, the base and lid portions are connected by one or more hinges 503 that allow the casing to pivot open and closed, however, embodiments include within their scope base and lid portions that (1) are connected to one another at corresponding side edges so as to be able to pivot relative to one another to close the casing, such as via hinges, a foldable pliable material, or any other suitable mechanism, and / or (2) are configured to be separated from one another when the casing is open and connected to one another to close the casing through any suitable mechanism, such as a latch and / or snap closure.

[0081] The interior material of the casing can be made of a compliant material such as a compliant plastic, foam or rubber material that can be provided with a conformal shock absorbing recess or cutout for the imaging device and optionally its accessories, plastic or padding, along with a cutout or cradle for holding and protecting the ultrasound handheld imaging device therein.

[0082] The casing 400 may also house charging contacts 604 within the integrated charging dock 401, for example at the base 501, which lead to / from associated circuitry (not shown) for powering the imaging device in the charging dock 401. The charging dock 401 may be configured to be powered from any power source, such as AC power through a socket, or by an on-board battery 402. The charging or electrical contacts couple the portable imaging device to a backup or auxiliary power source (e.g., battery 402) to charge the portable imaging device, such as the internal battery 338 of the imaging device 300, when the internal battery, such as battery 338 of the imaging device 300 in FIG. 3, is at a low power level or is absent.

[0083] The casing 400 may also include, for example, in the base 501, wireless communication circuitry 403 and / or a port or wire for wired connection to another device, such as an imaging device. The wireless communication circuitry 403 may include circuitry for effecting wireless communication, such as by using a wireless communication protocol, e.g., IEEE 802.11 or Wi-Fi protocol, a Bluetooth protocol including Bluetooth Low Energy, a millimeter wave communication protocol, a cellular communication protocol, such as a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) 2G, 4G, 5G, or 6G communication protocol, an Internet of Things protocol, e.g., Thread or Zigbee®, or any other wireless communication protocol within the purview of those skilled in the art. The port (to which one or more wires may be plugged) or wires, if provided, may use a communication protocol, such as, for example, Ethernet, RS-232, RS-485, UART, USART, USB2, USB3, USB3.1, and / or USB-C.

[0084] The casing 400 may also include, for example, in the base 501, non-volatile memory; or an integrated display; or any combination of the above. The lid 502 may also include interior foam, plastic, or padding to further protect the ultrasound handheld imaging device. The lid 502 may also house some of the features, such as the wireless communication circuitry 403, the non-volatile memory 404, or an integrated display, such as an integrated touchscreen display, to distribute the components enabling various functions and features within the protective casing in a space-efficient manner. Alternatively, some components for a particular function may be distributed between and housed within the base 501 and the lid 502. For example, with respect to wireless communication functions (described in more detail herein), some components, such as the application processor and / or baseband processor of the wireless communication circuitry 403, may be housed in the base 501, while other wireless communication-related components of the circuitry 403, such as one or more antenna structures required for wireless communication, may be housed within the structure of the lid 502.

[0085] The protective casing may further include one or more latches 504 that, when engaged, maintain the protective casing in a closed position. The protective casing may optionally include one or more carrying handles 505 or adjustable straps. The handles or straps provide a relatively convenient and easy way for an owner or user of the portable imaging device to carry the protective casing.

[0086] The protective casing may optionally include one or more locks 506 that limit access to the contents of the casing to only those with authorized access. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various types of locks are possible to effectively physically secure the contents of the protective casing, including key locks, combination locks, fingerprint reader-based locks, or other locks that utilize biometric authentication methods as the basis for authorized access.

[0087] The outer protective casing or shell is constructed of a durable, impact-resistant material, for example, the outer protective casing may be constructed of molded plastic that exhibits mechanical strength, rigidity, and abrasion resistance properties to protect the contents from being dropped from a height or from a relatively large impact force applied for a short period of time.

[0088] The protective casing may optionally include a water-resistant gasket (not shown in FIG. 5) that creates a seal when the protective casing is fully closed. For example, a water-resistant gasket seated along the periphery of one of the pivoting portions of the casing (e.g., base 501) creates a water-resistant barrier when it contacts the periphery of the other pivoting portion of the casing (e.g., lid 502) when the casing portions are pressed together, preferably when one or more latches 504 or locks 506 engage to create additional sealing pressure.

[0089] The protective casing may optionally include a pressure relief valve or equalization valve 507 to allow the internal pressure of the closed and sealed casing to equalize with the external pressure, thereby releasing stress-inducing pressure from the casing.

[0090] Internal protective cushion

[0091] Referring now to FIG. 6 , the protective casing 400 includes a protective interior material 601 for providing stability and cushioning for the casing contents against mechanical forces (e.g., a drop against a hard surface) or the accumulation of external pressure on the case. The protective interior material 601 can include at least one of a compliant material, such as open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, hybrid open-cell and closed-cell foam, one or more gel-filled cushions, molded plastic, or any other compliant material, such as a rubber material, that can define a recess therein that substantially conforms to the outer shape of the imaging device, the recess providing shock absorption for the imaging device. Similar recesses may be provided in accessories of the imaging device, providing similar shock absorption benefits for the accessories. In the case of a foam material for the inner protector material, the recess may be a precise cutout in the foam material that at least approximately matches the geometric shape of the portable imaging device, allowing the portable imaging device to be stored in a relatively fixed position with minimal unintended movement or shifting during transport. Alternatively, the interior of the protective casing may include a form-fitting plastic molded to define one or more recesses that fit the approximate geometry of the portable imaging device and, optionally, its accessories, so as to secure the portable imaging device and its accessories in a relatively fixed position during transport. For example, the interior plastic may be molded so that, with some pressure, the portable imaging device snaps into it and is held by a molded cavity that approximates the geometry of the portable imaging device. The interior of the protective casing may also include clips, straps, bands, or magnets, which alone or in conjunction with the interior foam or molded plastic, may secure the interior contents in place.

[0092] The inside of the protective casing may optionally include a compartment, such as an integrated compartment for accessories, such as a pocket or pouch 602, for securing miscellaneous items for the imaging device, such as data transfer cords, charging cables, gel packets, alcohol pads, spare batteries, etc. The integrated pocket may be open or may include any method of closure, including, for example, a zipper, snaps, a drawstring, hoop and loop tape, or an elastic drawstring.

[0093] The inside of the protective casing may further include a sterilization mechanism at the location where the imaging device is stored, such as a recess adapted to receive the imaging device therein. According to one embodiment, the sterilization mechanism may include one or more ultraviolet sterilization light sources 621 disposed on the walls of the recess and adapted to direct sterilization light toward the portion of the imaging device to be sterilized. The sterilization light source 621 may be coupled to the processor 406 or its own dedicated processor and may be activated, for example, as soon as the imaging device is positioned in the recess of the casing. For example, a sensor, such as a touch-sensitive mechanism, may be activated when the imaging device is positioned in the recess and / or when the lid of the casing is closed to activate its sterilization through powering on the sterilization light. The processor 406 or the dedicated processor may be configured to keep the light on for a predetermined period of time.

[0094] Integrated charging dock

[0095] Still referring to FIG. 6 , in a preferred embodiment, the protective casing can include an integrated charging dock 401 including charging contacts 604 for the ultrasound portable imaging device. When the portable imaging device is seated within the casing, the portable imaging device can be in electrical contact with one or more charging contacts 604 simultaneously. In an alternative embodiment, the protective casing can include circuitry and components for inductively or resonantly charging the imaging device while it is within the casing, such as using any one of the wireless charging protocols including at least one of AirFuel Alliance (AFA) Rezence, Qi, or other wireless charging mechanisms. Whether using direct electrical contact or wireless charging, the charging dock can be used to power the portable imaging device according to a predetermined charging power profile and recharge the portable imaging device's rechargeable battery when the remaining power balance of the portable imaging device's rechargeable integrated battery falls below a predetermined threshold. The recharging operation of the integrated charging dock stops when the portable imaging device's charging battery reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0096] During a recharging operation in the protective casing, the integrated charging dock may transfer power from an external power source, such as a home AC outlet or a vehicle outlet, or from a separate power storage unit (e.g., an on-board battery) 402 that is itself integrated into the protective casing and pre-charged, through charging coils in the casing and imaging device, respectively, for inductive and / or resonant charging to the portable imaging device's rechargeable battery. When charging from an external power source, the charging power source may be connected between an external electrical outlet (e.g., an AC outlet) and a port 605 (e.g., a USB port) located inside the protective casing. Also, the on-board battery 402 integrated into the protective casing may be recharged by an external power source, such as from a home AC outlet or a vehicle outlet, and is of sufficient capacity to hold a sufficient charge to enable at least one recharge of the portable imaging device's rechargeable battery.

[0097] According to some embodiments, the onboard battery may be recharged through a solar panel 606 that may be integrated into the exterior of the protective casing or that may be separately detachable and deployable to recharge the onboard battery, which may then be stored separately and remotely inside the protective casing. The optional solar panel provides a power source for recharging the onboard battery in cases when there is no local supply for recharging the onboard battery, such as in situations where the ultrasound portable imaging device is deployed in a remote location.

[0098] According to some embodiments, a remaining battery power or charging status indicator 607 associated with the onboard battery indicates how much power is remaining in the onboard battery. Optionally, a separate charging status indicator 609 may be provided on the casing to indicate charging of the imaging device when the imaging device is housed within the casing. Any of the charging status indicators may include one or more light-emitting diodes that indicate relative battery power levels, and changing the color of one or more light-emitting diodes or flashing the light-emitting diodes in various blinking patterns (e.g., slow blinking and fast blinking) may further indicate the charging status of the onboard battery 102. According to one embodiment, the charging status indicators 607 and 609 may further indicate to the user whether the onboard battery 402 or 338, respectively, is being charged (e.g., from an external AC outlet), whether it is fully charged, and / or whether the onboard battery is being discharged as part of the charging process of the portable imaging device's rechargeable battery.

[0099] According to some embodiments, the protective casing may also include a jack or charging port 611, such as a USB-C or other charging port, to allow charging of the battery 402 and / or other peripheral devices (not shown in FIG. 6) that may be used with the ultrasound portable imaging device.

[0100] In some embodiments, the protective casing may further include a jack or charging port 613 that allows peripheral devices such as tablets, smartphones, peripheral display devices, etc. to be charged through the casing using the same power source for the imaging device described above, such as by battery 402 or by connecting the casing to an AC power source.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the protective casing may further include a jack or data transfer port 615 to enable data transfer to and from peripheral devices, such as a tablet, smartphone, or auxiliary memory device, such as a USB-compatible memory card, or other external memory, for transmission to and from the casing's memory 404. In such situations, ultrasound imaging data may be transferred from the non-volatile memory to the auxiliary memory for wireless or wired transfer to another memory location, for example, for transportation, in instances where the casing's memory 404 may not have sufficient storage space for all captured ultrasound imaging data. For example, transfer of ultrasound imaging data from the auxiliary memory to the casing's memory 404 may occur in instances where the memory 404 may not have sufficient space for all captured ultrasound data, but the display 405 may be useful for displaying ultrasound images corresponding to the data for each set of captured ultrasound data (e.g., by patient, by organ, by location, etc.).

[0102] As previously noted, the portable ultrasound handheld imaging device housed within the protective casing can be connected, either through a cable or a wireless signal connection (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, mmWave, etc.), to a tablet or smartphone-style device to display images and imaging data from the ultrasound handheld imaging device. Because the tablet and smartphone devices themselves operate using their own rechargeable batteries, a charging port (e.g., USB) 611 that allows a charging connection between the tablet or smartphone device and the casing's power source is useful for charging the tablet or smartphone device, along with the ultrasound handheld imaging device to recharge the tablet or smartphone battery, allowing for longer periods of operation (e.g., image display). Any associated cables (e.g., USB to USB-C or USB to Lightning) can optionally be stored within an integrated pocket, pouch, or compartment 302 inside the protective casing.

[0103] Wireless communication

[0104] The portable nature of MUT-based portable imaging devices provides opportunities for remote deployment and collection of ultrasound imaging data. However, in certain circumstances, there is an added benefit of transmitting ultrasound image data in real time or near real time to a location remote from the premises where the portable imaging device is actually deployed. There may be situations where the ultrasound image data needs to be stored at a remote location for later analysis, or where further review or analysis is required by a physician or ultrasound imaging expert who is not physically present at the location where the ultrasound imaging is taking place, perhaps due to an emergency situation.

[0105] 7, according to some embodiments, two-way (uplink and downlink) wireless communication capabilities for transmitting imaging data and receiving remote feedback, advice, or commands may be incorporated within the protective casing by one or more wireless transceivers 403. According to some embodiments, the protective casing 400 may include a two-way wireless communication subsystem 403 as previously described, which may include at least one of integrated wireless wide area network (WWAN) communication circuitry 701, or integrated wireless local area network (WLAN) communication circuitry 706, integrated Bluetooth and / or Bluetooth® low energy communication circuitry 731, and integrated millimeter wave (e.g., IEEE 802.11ay or 802.11ad) communication circuitry 732. Generally, the one or more wireless transceivers may include one or more wireless transceivers that comply with the IEEE 802.11 or Wi-Fi protocols, Bluetooth protocols including Bluetooth Low Energy, millimeter wave communication protocols, cellular communication protocols such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 2G, 4G, 5G, or 6G communication protocols, Internet of Things protocols such as Thread or Zigbee, as noted above, or any other wireless communication protocol within the purview of those skilled in the art.

[0106] According to some embodiments, each of the WWAN communication circuitry 701, WLAN communication circuitry 706, Bluetooth communication circuitry 731, and mmWave communication circuitry 732 may include a baseband processor, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and an RF front end module (FEM) to enable wireless communication in uplink and downlink directions. While baseband circuitry 703 and RF FEM 704 are shown for the WWAN communication circuitry 701, it is understood that, as noted above, suitable baseband processors, RF circuitry, and FEMs may be provided for WLAN, Bluetooth, and / or mmWave circuitry, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Each of the wireless communication circuits may be connected by its FEM to one or more associated antennas, and some of the communication circuits may even share antennas (not shown).

[0107] According to some embodiments, the MUT-based portable imaging device may be configured to transmit its ultrasound imaging data via wireless communication circuitry (e.g., communication 332 in FIG. 3 ) to wireless communication circuitry 403 within the protective casing, such that the imaging data received at protective casing 400 may be at least one of: (1) processed by processor 406 and transmitted to a display external to the casing or integrated with the casing, such as display 405; or (2) retransmitted via a wireless or wired connection to a desired destination, such as secondary memory or remote cloud storage 707 (e.g., in some of the scenarios described with respect to data port 615), and / or to a remote computer workstation 708 including or connected to a display, for viewing by a remotely located physician or ultrasound imaging analyst. Operation of wireless communication circuitry 403 within the protective casing may be powered by onboard battery 102. In this manner, the wireless communication capability provided by the protective casing may stream imaging data to secondary or remote destinations in real time or near real time.

[0108] Because the wireless communication circuitry 403 of the protective casing may be capable of transmitting in both the uplink and downlink directions, in addition to transmitting imaging and other data in the uplink direction, the protective casing may be capable of receiving data in the downlink direction. For example, in response to ultrasound imaging data being transmitted over the uplink, an individual receiving the imaging data at a transmitting remote endpoint (e.g., a remote computer workstation 708 at a hospital) may wish to provide verbal instructions or guidance to the operator of the ultrasound handheld imaging device. Such audio or text data may be received at the protective casing 400 by the integrated wireless communication circuitry 703 and output through an optional speaker 709 onboard and integrated into the protective casing 400, or output in text format through the display 405. An individual receiving the imaging data at the remote transmitting endpoint 708 may wish to transmit responsive textual or graphical information, such as written instructions, image annotations, or the like, to the operator of the ultrasound handheld imaging device. Textual and / or graphical information may also be received in the protective casing by the integrated wireless communication circuitry 403 and output via the optional on-board integrated display 405, as previously described herein. An optional microphone 710, which may be on-board and integrated into the protective casing 400 or connected to the protective casing 400, further enables two-way audio communication with an individual at the remote transmitting endpoint 408, such that an operator of the portable imaging device may communicate audio with, for example, a remotely located physician or ultrasound imaging analyst.

[0109] The WLAN communications circuitry 406 within the protective casing 400 may provide WLAN communications in accordance with one or more currently known WLAN standards, such as WiFi (IEEE 802.11), or in accordance with one or more WLAN standards enabled by future WLAN standard-setting efforts. For example, built-in WiFi functionality enables wireless communications between the protective casing 400 of the present invention and a WLAN-enabled router 711 (e.g., a WiFi router) for wireless communications of data with remote locations in uplink and downlink directions. Built-in Bluetooth functionality enables wireless communications between the protective casing 400 of the present invention and other wireless communications-enabled medical devices (not shown in FIG. 7 ), such as a pulse oximeter or blood pressure monitor.

[0110] The ability to transfer data from the casing to another device, such as a removable computing system including a remote display, allows the imaging device to be advantageously used in critical or life-threatening scenarios where medical professionals may not be available and where the imaging data is time-sensitive and ripe for analysis and recommendations in the form of real-time diagnosis, feedback, and treatment guidance by a medical professional.

[0111] Non-volatile memory

[0112] Still referring to FIG. 7 , according to some embodiments, the protective casing 400 includes on-board non-volatile memory 404. The amount of on-board non-volatile memory may depend on the final configuration of the protective casing and the expected range of use of the imaging device without the need to recharge the on-board battery 402. In some embodiments, the storage capacity of the non-volatile memory may be based on the total battery capacity of the on-board battery 402 and the imaging device's battery 338. In some embodiments, the storage capacity of the non-volatile memory may be based on the availability of wireless communication circuitry in the casing. For example, the protective casing may include sufficient on-board non-volatile memory to store ultrasound imaging data for eventual offloading and transfer to another data storage location (e.g., cloud storage 707). As another example, if the protective casing 400 lacks wireless communication circuitry 701 or the wireless communication circuitry 403 cannot access an available wireless communication network, the on-board non-volatile memory 404 integrated into the protective casing can retain the ultrasound image data until the protective casing with the imaging data stored therein is physically delivered to another location (e.g., a hospital) for data offloading or until the wireless communication circuitry can access an available wireless communication network.

[0113] The on-board non-volatile memory 404 may also be utilized to store software instructions, such as instructions for operating the ultrasound handheld imaging device in various alternative operating modes, or for providing a user interface on an optional on-board or integrated display, as further described herein. The on-board non-volatile memory 404 may also be used to store signal processing applications and algorithms that enable the processor 406 to process and display ultrasound imaging data in a manner selected by a user. Other software that may be stored in the on-board non-volatile memory 404 may include voice recognition software that enables various features integrated into the protective casing 400 to be activated by a user's voice commands. The on-board non-volatile memory 104 also provides for the possibility of future software updates that may be released by the ultrasound handheld imaging device manufacturer or third-party vendors. This includes updates that may be "pushed" by the manufacturer or downloaded by the user over a wireless communication network or through the data port 615.

[0114] Processor

[0115] The integrated processor 406 may be adapted to perform one or more functions of a computing device, such as computing device 216 of Figure 2, or a control circuit, such as control circuit 106 of Figure 1. For example, the processor 406 may be configured to generate signals for at least one of causing an image of the target being imaged to be displayed on a display, such as display 405, or a display coupled to the casing through either a wired or wireless connection, or causing other processing of received signals from the imaging device. The computing device may further optionally control activation of transmit and / or receive channels of the imaging device, for example, by a wired or wireless connection.

[0116] According to some embodiments, the processor 406 may control the imaging device to operate in various imaging modes, such as a one-dimensional imaging mode, also known as an A-scan, a two-dimensional imaging mode, also known as a B-scan, a three-dimensional imaging mode, also known as a C-scan, and / or a Doppler imaging mode. The processor may further control the imaging device to operate in a linear mode or a sector mode, as described above. Thus, the processor 406 may switch the imaging device 400 between two or more imaging modes.

[0117] According to some embodiments, the processor 406 may determine to change the imaging mode of the imaging device based on a determination that the imaging device, or any portion thereof, has exceeded one or more predetermined operating temperature thresholds.

[0118] According to some embodiments, the processor 406 may be adapted to implement a feature identification algorithm, e.g., using image recognition software, including, e.g., machine learning, to identify a target being imaged by the imaging device based on signals from the imaging device, and to communicate that identification information to a user.

[0119] According to some embodiments, the processor 406 may generate signals to generate image-related communications to a user regarding image data from the imaging device, including, by way of example, at least one of markings / annotations / colors on the image, audio or text communications regarding the image, to enable the user to interpret the image and determine next steps regarding the subject being imaged. For example, such next steps may include decisions regarding procedures to be performed on the patient undergoing imaging, such as regarding the next imaging step.

[0120] Integrated touchscreen display

[0121] Many portable MUT-based ultrasound handheld imaging devices do not include an integrated display that shows the ultrasound image to the user, but rather rely on a tethered tablet or smartphone device as a means of displaying the image. In such a configuration, the tablet or smartphone device can be connected to the portable MUT-based handheld imaging device by a wired cable or wireless communication connection to exchange imaging data with the tablet or smartphone device.

[0122] However, in instances where a secondary display such as via a tablet, smartphone, or other computer is not possible, such as when such a device is not available locally, or when the use of a portable imaging device does not allow for a separate tablet or smartphone display device, or when such a display device may lack sufficient battery charge to function properly as an imaging display, the display 405 of the casing 400 provides a useful backup image display capability.

[0123] Referring back to FIG. 4 , according to some embodiments, the onboard display 405 may be integrated into the protective casing 400. The onboard display 405 need not be large, and its overall dimensions should be sufficient to display the ultrasound image in a visually usable format (i.e., if the screen is too small to present important or user-recognizable features of the ultrasound image, its usefulness is further limited). On the other hand, the onboard display 405 should not be so large as to adversely affect the overall size, weight, and other characteristics of the protective casing 400. According to some embodiments, the onboard display 405 may be powered by the onboard battery 102. According to another embodiment, the onboard display 405 may also be powered when the protective casing 400 is plugged into an AC power source or other external power source, such as through port 605 or charging port 611.

[0124] According to another embodiment, the on-board display 405 may include a touch screen and thus be touch-sensitive, allowing a user to select user-selectable features and functions of the portable MUT-based ultrasound presented on the display 405, for example, through an on-screen menu. The touch-sensitive nature of the screen may also allow a user to input text information related to the ultrasound images, such as the identity of the subject being imaged, the date, the location of the imaging, etc. According to some embodiments, a user may recall or access one or more ultrasound images of interest stored in the on-board non-volatile memory 404 for display on the on-board display 405, and the user may add associated text, such as notes, other marks, or other supplemental data, through a virtual keyboard on the touch-sensitive on-board display 405. The additional text may then be stored in the on-board non-volatile memory 404, such that the additional text is associated with one or more particular images of interest.

[0125] According to some embodiments, the on-board display 405 may be fixed in place in the protective casing. According to alternative embodiments, the position visualization on-board display 405 may swivel to change the viewing angle for improved visibility. According to yet another embodiment, the on-board display 405 may be a peripheral device of the casing, coupled to the casing's circuitry through a data port, such as data port 615, to receive data from the non-volatile memory 404, display images related thereto, and transmit display-related data back to the non-volatile memory of the storage device.

[0126] ECG Subsystem

[0127] According to some embodiments, an electrocardiogram (ECG) subsystem for producing an electrocardiogram (ECG), i.e., measuring the electrical activity of the heart, may be integrated into the protective casing 400. The ECG subsystem may have a set of electrodes that may be stored inside the protective casing 400. The ECG electrodes may transmit their respective signals (electrical changes) to the ECG subsystem inside the protective casing for further signal processing. The ECG subsystem may comprise circuitry for receiving, processing, storing, or displaying the electrode signals (or any combination thereof), which may be part of the processor 406 or may be separate from it. According to some embodiments, the measured ECG electrode signals, either unprocessed or processed, may be stored in the onboard non-volatile memory 404 for future acquisition and analysis. The processed ECG signals may also be output to the onboard display 405, and a corresponding image may be viewed by the operator. The processed ECG signals may also be transmitted through the wireless communication circuitry 403 to remote storage (e.g., remote cloud storage 707) or to a remote computer workstation 708 (for viewing by a physician or ECG specialist at a remote location).

[0128] UV sterilization subsystem

[0129] According to some embodiments, an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection subsystem or mechanism, such as one including a disinfecting light 621, may be integrated into the protective casing 400. In particular, the protective casing 400 may include light emitting diodes (LEDs) 621 that emit UV radiation to disinfect, sterilize, or sanitize the ultrasound imaging portable imaging device while the portable imaging device is resting on the charging dock 401. The UV disinfection subsystem UV LEDs may be integrated partially into the surface of the charging dock 401 and / or at a location on the lid 202 that allows UV energy emitted by the UV LEDs to reach the surface of the ultrasound imaging portable imaging device secured to the charging dock 401 when the protective casing 400 is closed, as shown in FIG. 6 . The UV disinfection subsystem may be powered by an on-board battery 602.

[0130] The intensity and duration of UV energy emitted by the UV LEDs may be controlled through circuitry integrated into the protective casing 400, such as through processor 406, or through a dedicated sterilization mechanism processor, or a combination of both, as previously described. Optionally, the UV sterilization subsystem may be activated only when the protective casing 400 is fully closed (e.g., sensed by circuitry that determines that the protective casing 400 is closed through hinge 503, lock 504, or other electrical contact between base 501 and lid 502). Optionally, the manufacturer or provider of the protective casing 400 may pre-program a minimum length of time or duration for UV sterilization of the portable imaging device. Optionally, a user may activate, deactivate, or change operating parameters of the UV sterilization subsystem (e.g., the duration of UV sterilization), for example, through the on-board integrated display 405. Preferably, the UV LED emits UV energy at a wavelength at or around 254 nm, in at least the UV-C portion of the spectrum, to remove pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and mold, from the surface of the ultrasound imaging portable imaging device, thereby disinfecting and sanitizing the portable imaging device before next use.

[0131] Point-of-Care Kiosks

[0132] According to some embodiments, the protective casing 400 containing the subsystems disclosed herein above can be used as part of a point-of-care kiosk that may be deployed, for example, in a pharmacy or clinic. The kiosk itself may have a separate, integrated display larger than the protective casing's integrated display 405 to allow the operator and patient to better view the ultrasound image. In this particular embodiment, the protective casing may be integrated with or connected to the kiosk through a direct electrical contact mechanism, such as a docking port, or through a cable, e.g., jack 615. Ultrasound images acquired at the point-of-care kiosk may be stored locally in the on-board non-volatile memory 404 and / or uploaded to remote storage 707 and / or a remote computer workstation 708 via the two-way wireless communication subsystem 403, as previously described. Between scanning sessions or off-hours, the portable imaging device may be secured in the protective casing, recharged, and disinfected in between by the ultraviolet sterilization subsystem.

[0133] 8 is a flowchart of a process 800 for execution in a casing of an ultrasound imaging device, according to some embodiments. At operation 802, the process includes performing a calculation on imaging data from the ultrasound imaging device to at least one of displaying an image of the target being imaged on a display or storing the imaging data in a memory within the casing. At operation 804, the process includes determining that the imaging device is housed in the casing. At operation 806, the process includes triggering charging of a battery of the imaging device by a power source of the casing based on determining that the imaging device is housed in the casing.

[0134] In examples, instructions implemented by processor 406 may be provided via memory 404, or processor 406 may be embodied as a non-transitory machine-readable medium containing code that directs processor 406 to perform electronic operations in the casing. Processor 406 may access the non-transitory machine-readable medium across an interconnection between memory 404 and processor 406. For example, the non-transitory machine-readable medium may be embodied by separate memory within memory 404 or processor 406, or may include a specific storage unit such as an optical disk, flash drive, or any number of other hardware devices that may be inserted into the casing. The non-transitory machine-readable medium may contain instructions that direct processor 406 to perform a particular sequence or flow of actions, for example, as described with respect to the flowcharts and block diagrams of operations and functions shown herein. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” are interchangeable.

[0135] Any of the embodiments described below may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments) unless explicitly stated otherwise. Aspects described herein may also implement hierarchical application of plans, for example, by introducing hierarchical priorities (e.g., low / medium / high priority) for utilization of various features.

[0136] While implementations have been described with reference to certain exemplary aspects, it will be apparent that various modifications and variations of these aspects can be made without departing from the broader scope of the present disclosure. Many of the structures and processes described herein can be used in combination or implemented in parallel. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be regarded in an illustrative and not a restrictive sense. The accompanying drawings that form a part of this specification show, by way of example, and not by way of limitation, specific aspects in which the subject matter may be practiced. The described aspects are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other aspects may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this detailed description is not to be construed in a limiting sense, but the scope of various aspects is defined solely by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0137] Such aspects of the inventive subject matter may be referred to individually and / or collectively herein for convenience only, and are not intended to unduly limit the scope of this application to any single aspect or inventive concept when more than one is actually disclosed.

[0138] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. The embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific examples provided herein. While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the foregoing specification, the description and illustration of the embodiments herein are not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that all aspects of the various embodiments are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations, or relative proportions set forth herein, which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations, or equivalents. EXAMPLES

[0139] Illustrative examples of the techniques disclosed herein are provided below. Certain embodiments of these techniques may include any one or more, and any combination of, the examples described below.

[0140] Example 1 comprises a casing for storing a portable imaging device adapted to generate imaging data corresponding to a target imaged using ultrasonic energy, the casing being adapted to be opened and closed and comprising: an outer housing; an inner portion within the outer housing for accommodating the imaging device therein; a memory; one or more processors coupled to the memory for performing calculations of the imaging data from the imaging device for at least one of displaying an image of the target on a display or storing the imaging data in the memory; and a power source for charging the imaging device.

[0141] Example 2 includes the subject matter of example 1, wherein the memory, the computing device, and the power source are in the interior portion of the casing, and the casing includes a base and a lid adapted to be secured to one another when the casing is closed.

[0142] Example 3 includes the subject matter of example 1, wherein the outer housing is made of an impact resistant material that protects the imaging device against impacts when the imaging device is stored in the casing and when the casing is closed, and the inner portion includes a conformal material that provides padding for the imaging device when the imaging device is stored in the casing.

[0143] Example 4 includes the subject matter of example 1, wherein the power source includes at least one of a battery or one or more solar panels, and the casing further includes a charging contact coupled to the battery or the at least one of the one or more solar panels and positioned to contact the imaging device to power the imaging device's battery.

[0144] Example 5 includes the subject matter of example 4, wherein the solar panel is coupled to the battery to charge the battery.

[0145] Example 6 includes the subject matter of example 3, wherein the compliant material defines a recess therein substantially conformal to a portion of an exterior contour of the imaging device for telescopically retaining the imaging device therein.

[0146] Example 7 includes the subject matter of example 6, wherein the recess corresponds to a charging dock for the imaging device, and the power source is coupled to the charging dock to charge the imaging device when nested within the recess.

[0147] Example 8 includes the subject matter of example 6, further including a disinfection mechanism located in the interior portion that causes disinfection of one or more portions of the imaging device when the imaging device is nested in the recess.

[0148] Example 9 includes the subject matter of example 8, wherein the disinfection mechanism includes one or more ultraviolet disinfection light sources located on walls of the recess and adapted to direct disinfection light toward the one or more portions of the imaging device.

[0149] Example 10 includes the subject matter of example 9, wherein the one or more processors control activation and deactivation of the light sources.

[0150] Example 11 includes the subject matter of example 10, wherein the one or more processors activate the light source in response to determining that the casing is closed and at least one of the imaging devices is nested in the recess.

[0151] Example 12 includes the subject matter of example 1, further comprising a wireless power circuit having one or more charging coils positioned to align with one or more corresponding coils of the imaging device when the imaging device is stored in the casing to produce at least one of inductive or resonant charging of the imaging device.

[0152] Example 13 includes the subject matter of example 1, wherein the one or more processors are for selecting an imaging mode for the imaging device from a plurality of selectable imaging modes and controlling the imaging device to operate based on the selected imaging mode, the selectable imaging modes including at least one of a one-dimensional imaging mode, a two-dimensional imaging mode, a three-dimensional imaging mode, a Doppler imaging mode, a linear mode, or a sector mode.

[0153] Example 14 includes the subject matter of example 13, wherein the one or more processors select the imaging mode based on whether the imaging device, or any portion thereof, exceeds one or more predetermined operating temperature thresholds.

[0154] Example 15 includes the subject matter of example 1, wherein the one or more processors implement a feature identification algorithm to identify a target being imaged based on the image data, generate data based on the identification of the target, and cause communication of the data based on the identification of the target to at least one of a user of the imaging device or a remote device.

[0155] Example 16 includes the subject matter of example 15, wherein the data based on the identification of the target corresponds to at least one of a mark on an image of the target, a text communication, or a voice communication.

[0156] Example 17 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 15-16, wherein the data based on the identification of the target corresponds to guiding a medical procedure to be performed on a patient, and the target is the patient.

[0157] Example 18 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the casing is configured for communication between the one or more processors and at least one of the display, the imaging device, and a remote device via a wired or wireless connection, the communication including at least one of imaging data, metadata associated with the imaging data, audio data, or text data.

[0158] Example 19 includes the subject matter of example 18, wherein the metadata includes at least one of patient identification information, a date of the image data, or a geographic location of an imaging corresponding to the image data.

[0159] Example 20 includes the subject matter of example 18, further comprising the display.

[0160] Example 21 includes the subject matter of example 20, wherein the display has a touch screen.

[0161] Example 22 includes the subject matter of example 21, wherein the one or more processors cause user-selectable features to be displayed on the display such that a user can select one of the features using the touch screen, the features including available commands from the user related to ultrasound imaging.

[0162] Example 23 includes the subject matter of example 18, further comprising wireless communication circuitry for implementing the communication, wherein the wireless communication circuitry generates wireless communication in accordance with at least one of a Wi-Fi wireless communication protocol, a cellular wireless communication protocol, a millimeter wave wireless communication protocol, or a Bluetooth wireless communication protocol.

[0163] Example 24 includes the subject matter of example 18, further comprising a port for a wired connection to implement the communication, the port conforming to at least one wired communication protocol including Ethernet, RS-232, RS-485, UART, USART, USB2, USB3, USB3.1, or USB-C.

[0164] Example 25 includes the subject matter of example 18, wherein the one or more processors determine to cause the communication based on a storage capacity of the memory.

[0165] Example 26 includes the subject matter of example 18, wherein the one or more processors determine at least one of an audio signal or a visual signal received from a remote device on the casing for a user of the imaging device based on imaging data transmitted to the remote device, and at least one of playing the audio signal to the user on a speaker coupled to the one or more processors or displaying the visual signal to the user on a display coupled to the one or more processors.

[0166] Example 27 includes the subject matter of example 26, further comprising at least one of the speaker or the display.

[0167] Example 28 includes the subject matter of Example 18, wherein the processor, in response to determining that the casing is closed, triggers a wired or wireless upload of data including imaging data from either a memory of the imaging device when the imaging device is stored in the casing or the memory of the casing to another device, the other device being one of a device local to the casing or a remote device.

[0168] Example 29 includes the subject matter of Example 28, wherein in response to determining that the data has been uploaded to the other device, the one or more processors erase the data from the memory of the imaging device or one of the memories of the casing.

[0169] Example 30 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the one or more processors determine an audio signal from a microphone coupled thereto and cause communication of data corresponding to the audio signal to a remote device.

[0170] Example 31 includes the subject matter of example 28, further comprising the microphone.

[0171] Example 32 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the one or more processors cause imaging data to be read from the memory and communicated to at least one of the imaging device, the display, or a user of a remote device.

[0172] Example 33 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1-16, further comprising an electrocardiogram (ECG) subsystem including circuitry for at least one of receiving and processing electrode signals from the ECG electrodes.

[0173] Example 34 includes the subject matter of example 31, in which the one or more processors include the ECG subsystem.

[0174] Example 35 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1 to 16, wherein the one or more processors cryptographically encode the imaging data before causing the imaging data to be written to the memory.

[0175] Example 36 includes the subject matter of any one of examples 1-16, further including a lock, the lock including at least one of a mechanical or electronic securing device that is released by at least one of a password, or a physical key, including a key card, a fingerprint, a radio frequency identification (RFID) card, or a security token.

[0176] Example 37 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-16, further comprising one or more compartments for storing accessories for the imaging device.

[0177] Example 38 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-16, further comprising one or more charging ports coupled to the power source, and one or more data communication ports coupled to the one or more processors.

[0178] Example 39 includes the subject matter of example 38, wherein the one or more charging ports and the one or more data communication ports are configured to couple the casing to an external docking station.

[0179] Example 40 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 16, further comprising a charge level indicator that indicates at least a charge level of the power source or a charge level of a battery of the imaging device when the imaging device is housed in a casing.

[0180] Example 41 includes a set comprising the casing of any one of examples 1 to 16 and the imaging device.

[0181] Example 42 includes a method performed in a casing adapted to store a portable imaging device configured to generate imaging data corresponding to a target being imaged using ultrasonic energy, wherein the casing is adapted to open and close and includes a memory, the method including the steps of: performing calculations of the imaging data from the imaging device for at least one of displaying an image of the target on a display or storing the imaging data in the memory; determining that the imaging device is stored in the casing; and triggering charging of a battery of the imaging device by a power source of the casing based on a determination that the imaging device is stored in the casing.

[0182] Example 43 includes the subject matter of Example 42, and further includes triggering a disinfection mechanism to cause disinfection of one or more portions of the imaging device based on at least one of the determinations that the imaging device is stored in the casing.

[0183] Example 44 includes the subject matter of example 43, wherein the disinfection mechanism includes one or more ultraviolet disinfection light sources located in the casing and adapted to direct disinfection light toward the one or more portions of the imaging device.

[0184] Example 45 includes the subject matter of example 44, further including controlling activation and deactivation of the light source.

[0185] Example 46 includes the subject matter of example 44, further including activating the light source when the casing is closed and deactivating the light source when the casing is open.

[0186] Example 47 includes the subject matter of example 42, further including triggering charging of the casing battery by the power source.

[0187] Example 48 includes the subject matter of example 47, wherein the power source includes a solar panel, and the method further includes activating the solar panel to charge at least one of the battery of the casing or the battery of the imaging device.

[0188] Example 49 includes the subject matter of example 48, further including activating the solar panel in response to determining that the casing is closed.

[0189] Example 50 includes the subject matter of Example 42, wherein the step of triggering the charging includes triggering a wireless power circuit including one or more charging coils in the casing positioned to be aligned with one or more corresponding coils in the imaging device when the imaging device is stored in the casing to cause at least one of inductive or resonant charging of the imaging device.

[0190] Example 51 includes the subject matter of Example 42, and further includes selecting an imaging mode for the imaging device from a plurality of selectable imaging modes and controlling the imaging device to operate based on the selected imaging mode, wherein the selectable imaging modes include at least one of a one-dimensional imaging mode, a two-dimensional imaging mode, a three-dimensional imaging mode, a Doppler imaging mode, a linear mode, or a sector mode.

[0191] Example 52 includes the subject matter of example 51, wherein selecting the imaging mode is based on whether the imaging device, or any portion thereof, exceeds one or more predetermined operating temperature thresholds.

[0192] Example 53 includes the subject matter of Example 42, and further includes implementing a feature identification algorithm to identify the target being imaged based on the image data, generating data based on the identification of the target, and causing communication of the data based on the identification of the target to at least one of a user of the imaging device or a remote device.

[0193] Example 54 includes the subject matter of example 53, wherein the data based on the identification of the target corresponds to at least one of a mark on an image of the target, a text communication, or a voice communication.

[0194] Example 55 includes the subject matter of example 52, wherein the data based on the identification of the target corresponds to guiding a medical procedure to be performed on a patient, and the target is the patient.

[0195] Example 56 includes the subject matter of Example 52, and further includes communicating between the casing and at least one of the display, the imaging device, and a remote device via a wired or wireless connection, wherein the communicating includes sending or receiving at least one of imaging data, metadata associated with the imaging data, audio data, or text data.

[0196] Example 57 includes the subject matter of example 56, wherein the metadata includes at least one of patient identification information, a date of the image data, or a geographic location of an imaging corresponding to the image data.

[0197] Example 58 includes the subject matter of Example 56, and further includes displaying user-selectable features on the display such that the user can select one of the features using a touchscreen feature of the display, the features including commands available to the user related to ultrasound imaging.

[0198] Example 59 includes the subject matter of Example 56, wherein the communicating step includes using a wireless communication circuit to implement communication of the casing, and the wireless communication circuit generates wireless communication that complies with at least one of a Wi-Fi wireless communication protocol, a cellular wireless communication protocol, a millimeter wave wireless communication protocol, or a Bluetooth wireless communication protocol.

[0199] Example 60 includes the subject matter of example 56, wherein the communicating step includes using a port in the casing for a wired connection, the port conforming to at least one wired communication protocol including Ethernet, RS-232, RS-485, UART, USART, USB2, USB3, USB3.1, or USB-.C.

[0200] Example 61 includes the subject matter of example 56, wherein the communicating step is based on a storage capacity of the memory.

[0201] Example 62 includes the subject matter of Example 56, and further includes determining at least one of an audio signal or a visual signal received from a remote device on the casing for a user of the imaging device based on imaging data transmitted to the remote device, and at least one of playing the audio signal to the user on a speaker or displaying the visual signal on the display.

[0202] Example 63 includes the subject matter of Example 56, and further includes, in response to determining that the casing is closed, triggering a wired or wireless upload of data including imaging data from either the memory of the imaging device when the imaging device is stored in the casing or the memory of the casing to another device, the other device being one of a device local to the casing or a remote device.

[0203] Example 64 includes the subject matter of Example 63, and further includes, in response to determining that the data has been uploaded to the other device, erasing the data from one of the memory of the imaging device or the memory of the casing.

[0204] Example 65 includes the subject matter of example 42, further including determining an audio signal from a microphone coupled to the casing, and initiating communication of data corresponding to the audio signal to a remote device.

[0205] Example 66 includes the subject matter of example 42, further including causing imaging data to be read from the memory and communicated to at least one of the imaging device, the display, or a user of a remote device.

[0206] Example 67 includes the subject matter of example 42, further including at least one of receiving and processing electrode signals from electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes of an ECG subsystem of the casing.

[0207] Example 68 includes the subject matter of example 42, further including cryptographically encoding the imaging data prior to causing the imaging data to be written to the memory.

[0208] Example 69 includes one or more computer-readable media having a plurality of instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform the method of any one of Examples 42 to 68.

[0209] Example 70 includes an apparatus comprising means for carrying out the method of any one of Examples 42 to 68.

[0210] Example 71 includes an article of manufacture including one or more tangible, computer-readable, non-transitory storage media including computer-executable instructions operable, when executed by at least one computer processor, to cause the at least one processor to perform any one of the methods of Examples 42 to 68.

Claims

1. a casing for storing a portable imaging device adapted to generate imaging data corresponding to a target imaged using ultrasound energy, the casing being adapted to be opened and closed; an outer housing comprising an impact resistant material; an interior portion within the outer housing for receiving the imaging device therein, the interior portion including a compliant material defining a conformal recess for receiving the imaging device; memory; one or more processors coupled to the memory for performing calculations on the imaging data from the imaging device to at least one of displaying an image of the target on a display or storing the imaging data in the memory; and a power source for charging the imaging device; A casing comprising:

2. 2. The casing of claim 1, wherein the memory, the one or more processors, and the power source are in the interior portion of the casing, the casing comprising a base portion and a lid portion adapted to be secured to one another when the casing is closed.

3. 3. A casing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conformable material comprises a shock absorbing material that provides padding for the imaging device when the imaging device is stored in the casing.

4. 4. A casing according to claim 1, wherein the power source includes at least one of a battery or one or more solar panels, and the casing further comprises charging contacts coupled to the battery or at least one of the one or more solar panels and positioned to contact the imaging device to supply power to the imaging device's battery.

5. 5. The casing of claim 1, wherein the recess corresponds to a charging dock for the imaging device, and the power source is coupled to the charging dock to charge the imaging device when nested within the recess.

6. A casing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a disinfection mechanism positioned in the interior portion that causes disinfection of one or more portions of the imaging device when the imaging device is nested in the recess.

7. 7. The casing of claim 6, wherein the disinfection mechanism includes one or more ultraviolet disinfection light sources located on a wall of the recess and adapted to direct disinfection light toward the one or more portions of the imaging device.

8. 8. A casing as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a wireless power circuit having one or more charging coils positioned to align with one or more corresponding coils of the imaging device when the imaging device is stored in the casing, to generate at least one of inductive or resonant charging of the imaging device.

9. 9. The casing of claim 1, wherein the casing is configured for communication between the one or more processors and at least one of the display and the imaging device via a wired or wireless connection, the communication including at least one of imaging data, metadata associated with the imaging data, audio data, or text data.

10. further comprising a wireless communication circuit; the casing transmits the imaging data to a remote endpoint via the wireless communication circuitry; 10. A casing as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more processors determine at least one of an audio signal or a visual signal received from a remote endpoint in the casing for a user of the imaging device based on imaging data transmitted to the remote endpoint, and at least one of playing the audio signal to the user on a speaker coupled to the one or more processors or displaying the visual signal to the user on a display coupled to the one or more processors.

11. The casing of claim 10 , wherein the casing receives data related to medical procedure guidance from the remote endpoint via the wireless communication circuitry.

12. The casing of claim 11 , wherein the data relating to the medical procedure instruction is output through a speaker or a display of the casing.

13. the remote endpoint has a display; 13. The casing of claim 10, wherein causing a display to display an image of the target comprises causing the display of the remote endpoint to display an image of the target.

14. 14. A casing as described in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the one or more processors, in response to determining that the casing is closed, trigger a wired or wireless upload of data including imaging data from either a memory of the imaging device when the imaging device is stored in the casing or the memory of the casing to the remote endpoint.

15. 15. The casing of claim 14, wherein in response to determining that the data has been uploaded to the remote endpoint, the one or more processors cause the data to be erased from one of the memory of the imaging device or the memory of the casing.

16. 16. The casing of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a lock, the lock comprising at least one of a mechanical or electronic securing device that is released by at least one of a password, or a physical key including a key card, a fingerprint, a radio frequency identification (RFID) card, or a security token.

17. A casing according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising the display.

18. 18. A casing according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more compartments for storing accessories of the imaging device.

19. 19. The casing of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising one or more charging ports coupled to the power source, and one or more data communication ports coupled to the one or more processors.

20. a portable imaging device adapted to generate imaging data corresponding to a target being imaged using ultrasound energy; and a casing for housing the imaging device, an outer portion of the casing comprising an impact resistant material, the casing comprising: a dock including a compliant material defining a conformal recess for receiving the imaging device; memory; one or more processors coupled to the memory for performing calculations on the imaging data from the imaging device to at least one of displaying an image of the target on a display or storing the imaging data in the memory; and a power source for charging the imaging device; a casing having A system comprising:

21. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the compliant material is a shock absorbing material comprising at least one of a compliant plastic, foam, or rubber material, and the impact resistant material comprises a molded plastic material.

22. 22. The system of claim 20 or 21, wherein the power source includes at least one of a battery or one or more solar panels, and the casing further comprises charging contacts coupled to the battery or at least one of the one or more solar panels and positioned to contact the imaging device to supply power to the imaging device's battery.

23. 23. The system of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the casing further comprises wireless communication circuitry, the casing transmitting the imaging data to a remote endpoint via the wireless communication circuitry.

24. 24. The system of any one of claims 20 to 23, further comprising the display.

Images