Ultrasound modular front-end framework

Abstract

To provide a versatile system architecture based on modular ultrasound front-end subsystems.SOLUTION: An ultrasound modular front-end includes a first ultrasound front-end circuit that generates digital ultrasound data, and a communication module that is configured to be communicatively coupled to an ultrasound probe and a main console. The main console constructs ultrasound images based on the digital ultrasound data. The ultrasound front-end circuit is disposed within a first housing that is separate from a housing of the main console.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical imaging, and more particularly to an ultrasound modular front-end architecture (or framework). [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasound imaging systems generally operate based on the "pulse-echo" technique. These systems must be capable of alternately transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals. During transmission, for example, one or more piezoelectric transducer elements, arranged in a linear or two-dimensional array, are excited to high-frequency oscillations by electrical pulses emitted from a transmitter device. This generates an ultrasonic pulse that can be directed toward the object being imaged. This ultrasonic pulse is echoed back toward the transducer from a point within the object, for example, at a boundary layer between two media with different acoustic impedances. During reception, the "echo pulse" is received by the transducer elements and converted into a corresponding electrical input signal (i.e., "echo signal") that is provided to a receiver equipped with a sensitive preamplifier for signal enhancement. The amplified signal may then be provided to a signal processor for evaluating the echo imaging data to generate a visual image.

[0003] An ultrasound imaging system can be divided into three components: (1) a front-end (FE) that transmits, receives, and digitizes ultrasound signals; (2) a mid-end (FE) that performs demodulation, envelope detection, and compression; and (3) a back-end (FE) that performs post-processing. The front-end of an ultrasound system functions to transmit ultrasound signals into the body and receive echoes that return from the body. The received echoes are then amplified and digitized for further processing.

[0004] Current ultrasound imaging systems can be divided into two categories: (1) systems with an ultrasound front end within the probe and (2) systems with an integrated front end. For convenience, we refer to the former as handheld systems and the latter as cart-based systems. In this definition, cart-based systems also include portable systems, such as laptop-style portable systems with ports for connecting to conventional ultrasound probes. The probes in handheld systems may be connected to a handheld device or other console that does not include a front end, or to a console that includes its own front end. For example, a console capable of operating both conventional wired (or cabled) probes and wireless probes may have a front end within the console and the wireless probe. Typically, only cart-based systems offer advanced usage and probe support, while handheld systems typically offer only less functionality. This is because the front ends of handheld systems are limited by size and power constraints. The portable system is configured to be mounted (or docked) on a cart, but the cart does not include an ultrasound front end. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Accordingly, described herein is an ultrasound modular front-end configuration including a first ultrasound front-end circuit that generates digital ultrasound data and a communications module configured to be communicatively coupled to an ultrasound probe and a main console, where the main console constructs an ultrasound image based on the digital ultrasound data, and where the ultrasound front-end circuit is disposed in a housing separate from the main console housing.

[0006] A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and many of its associated aspects can be better understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasound imaging system. [Figure 2] Fig. 2A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasound imaging system, and Fig. 2B is a diagram illustrating a modular front end (MFE). [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the ultrasound imaging system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an ultrasound imaging method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for examples of particular components, devices, methods, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the implementation of the present configuration (or framework). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these details are not necessarily required for the actual implementation of the present configuration. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the implementation of the present configuration. Various modifications and alternative forms are applicable to the present configuration, and specific embodiments thereof have been illustrated in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular forms disclosed, but rather encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, although certain method steps are depicted as separate steps for ease of understanding, these separately depicted steps should not be construed as necessarily constrained to the order in which they are performed.

[0009] In the following description, the technical terms "segment," "generate," "register," "determine," "align," "register," "process," "calculate," "select," "estimate," "detect," "track," and the like refer to the operations and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device, unless expressly stated otherwise. Such a computer system or similar electronic computing device can manipulate and transform data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities in the computer system's registers and memory (storage device) into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system's memory or registers or other similar information storage, transmission, or display device. Each embodiment of the method described herein can be implemented using computer software. When written in a standard-compliant programming language, sequences of instructions (or instructions) configured to implement the method may be compiled to be executable on a variety of hardware platforms and interface with a variety of operating systems. It should be understood that, although implementations of the present invention are not described with reference to a particular programming language, a variety of programming languages ​​may be used.

[0010] In one aspect, the present configuration provides a versatile system architecture based on a modular ultrasound front-end subsystem, enabling a scalable ultrasound imaging platform that can function at various levels of functionality and performance depending on the intended clinical application. For example, an ultrasound imaging system can be configured as a portable system that only provides wireless probe assistance (or support) for basic guidance applications. However, this may be enhanced with the addition of a modular FE (MFE) subsystem to assist with more advanced cardiac guidance. In another example, multiple system configurations may be generated from a common console or computational engine.

[0011] Compared to previous technologies, MFE-based systems offer advantages in efficiency, low cost, and scalability. Manufacturers can produce a common main console (MC), which provides the primary computing resource for the system. Manufacturers can produce multiple MFEs for different costs, performance, and / or probe support. Manufacturers can also combine an MC with one or more MFEs to create multiple system configurations tailored to specific clinical applications.

[0012] Alternatively, a base product may be offered at a lower price point and be augmented with the addition of MFEs. For example, a base product may provide portability and basic POC or point-of-care (POC) guidance capabilities. The same system may be "augmented" to provide advanced four-dimensional (4D) cardiac capabilities for guiding structural heart procedures. System vendors can achieve economies of scale by selling the same base system for multiple clinical specialties. Customers gain the versatility of being able to use the same system in multiple specialties instead of having to purchase and support multiple, often different, systems. These and other exemplary advantages and features are described in more detail below.

[0013] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary ultrasound imaging system 100. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes one or more modular front ends (MFEs) (114a-114b), which are communicatively coupled to a main console 101. The main console 101 may be enclosed in a housing separate from (or separate from) the housing of each MFE (114a or 114b). The main console 101 and / or the modular front ends (MFEs) (114a-114b) may be portable and / or compact devices to minimize size and power requirements.

[0014] The main console 101 includes a processor unit 104, which is connected to one or more non-transitory computer-readable media 105 (e.g., computer storage or memory devices), input-output devices 108 (e.g., monitor, mouse, touchpad, or keyboard), communications module 110, and an optional native front end 112 via input-output interface 121. The processor unit 104 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphical processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof. The main console 101 may further include support circuitry, such as cache, a power supply or battery, clock circuits, and a communications bus (not shown). Various other peripheral devices, such as additional data storage devices and printing devices, may also be connected to the main console 101. Additional computing resources (e.g., CPU, GPU, FPGA, computer storage) may be made available to the main console 101 to enhance computational performance. Such computing resources may be located within or coupled to the MFE (114a or 114b), and these additional computing resources may be used to enhance the functionality of the main console 101, and in particular to support additional functionality provided by the MFE (114a or 114b) itself (e.g., support for new probe types such as matrix arrays).

[0015] The present technology may be implemented in various forms, including hardware, software, firmware, dedicated processors, or a combination thereof, as part of microinstruction code, or as part of an application program or software product, or a combination thereof, and executed via an operating system. In some embodiments, the technology described herein is implemented as computer-readable program code tangibly embodied in one or more non-transitory computer-readable media 105. In particular, the technology may be performed by the processing engine 107. The non-transitory computer-readable media 105 may include random access memory, read-only memory, magnetic floppy disks, flash memory, and other types of storage devices, or combinations thereof. The computer-readable program code is executed by the processor unit 104 to, for example, process data acquired by the MFEs 114a-114b. The computer-readable program code is not limited to any particular programming language and its implementation. It should be understood that a variety of programming languages ​​and their encodings may be used to implement the teachings disclosed herein. The same or a different computer readable medium 105 can be used to store databases, including, by way of non-limiting example, image datasets, knowledge bases, individual subject data, medical records, subject diagnostic reports (or documentation), or combinations thereof.

[0016] The communications module 110 enables the main console 101 to communicate with the MFEs 114a-114b and / or other external systems and / or networks. In some embodiments, the communications module 110 includes a high-speed digital interface, such as Thunderbolt™, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Multi-Gigabit Ethernet, fiber optics, waveguide technology, or a wireless interface. Other types of interfaces are also available. In some embodiments, the communications module 110 includes a wireless signal transceiver that communicates signals using a common communications protocol, including, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), WIFI, Bluetooth, ZigBee, LoRa, and TCP / IP.

[0017] The MFEs 114a-114b are configured to acquire digital ultrasound data. Each MFE (114a, 114b) includes an ultrasound front-end (FE) circuit (120a or 120b) for transmitting, receiving, and digitizing ultrasound signals, and a communication module (122a, 122b) for communicating the ultrasound data. Other components, such as additional computing resources, may be included in the MFEs (114a-114b). In some embodiments, the front-end circuit (120a, 120b) includes a transmitter, a receiver, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The transmitter excites or triggers a transducer (or converter) with transmit pulses to transmit ultrasound waves into a subject region (or target region). The transducer receives ultrasound waves from the subject region in response to the ultrasound waves transmitted into the subject region. The receiver receives analog echo signals from the transducer in response to the ultrasound waves and amplifies them. The ADC converts the analog echo signals to digital ultrasound data. In some embodiments, the FE circuitry (120a, 120b) facilitates partial or full beamforming on transmit or receive. In the case of partial beamforming, additional beamforming may occur outside of the MFE (114a, 114b), for example, within the main console 101.

[0018] Each MFE (114a, 114b) is housed in its own housing outside the housing of the main console 101. The housing of each MFE (114a, 114b) is made of plastic, metal, wood, fiberglass, or any material now known or later developed for housing electronic devices. Each FE circuit (120a, 120b) is disposed within the MFE housing. Furthermore, the MFE housing may at least partially house the communications modules (122a, 122b) and may cover portions of the communications modules (122a, 122b), for example, to provide access to one or more ports for electrical connections.

[0019] The communication modules (122a, 122b) include first and second communication interfaces configured to be communicatively coupled to the ultrasound probes (130a, 130b) and the main console 101. The first and second communication interfaces may include wired interfaces, such as high-speed digital wired interfaces using Thunderbolt™, USB, Multi-Gigabit Ethernet, fiber optics, waveguide technology, etc. For example, the probes (130a, 130b) in use may be connected to one of the first communication interfaces by attaching their connectors to ports on the first communication interface. An interface cable or other suitable electrical connection may be used to connect the first communication interface to the probes (130a, 130b). For example, a micro-coaxial cable may be used to transmit analog signals between the front-end transmit / receive channels and the transducers (130a, 130b) within the probes. Other connection schemes, such as digital data interfaces, may also be used.

[0020] A cable connection or a docking connection can be used to connect the second communication interface to the main console 101. Alternatively, the first and second communication interfaces can include wireless interfaces. In some embodiments, the communication modules (122a, 122b) include a wireless receiver that bridges communications between the wireless probe 130 and the main console 101. If a wired communication interface connectable to a cable is used, the MFEs (114a, 114b) can be powered from an external power source via the same cable, for example, using technology such as Power over Ethernet (PoE). Alternatively, the MFE housing can further include a power input port for connecting to an external power source.

[0021] The probes (130a, 130b) are communicatively coupled to the MFEs (114a, 114b) via wired or wireless connections. The probes (130a, 130b) include ultrasound transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves from a subject region. The ultrasound transducers may include an array (or arrangement) of piezoelectric, capacitive membrane ultrasound transducers, or an array of elements that convert between electrical and acoustic energy, now known or later developed. In some embodiments, the transducers are housed within a probe housing. The probe housing may have a shape suitable for handheld use. In other embodiments, the probe housing has a shape suitable for use inside a patient, such as in the form of an endoscope or catheter. In some embodiments, the probe housing may at least partially house the transducer array, for example, covering a portion of the transducer array to allow acoustic access to the face of the array for scanning the subject. In some embodiments, the probes (130a, 130b) may include their own ultrasound FE circuitry to enable receive and / or transmit beamforming.

[0022] A native ultrasound front end (FE) 112 may optionally be provided within the main console 101. The ultrasound front end 112 includes ultrasound front end (FE) circuitry 120c, which transmits, receives, and digitizes ultrasound signals from a probe 130c to output digital ultrasound data. The probe 130c is communicatively coupled to the front end 112 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the ultrasound front end 112 may have limited or different capabilities than the front end circuits 120a-120b of the MFEs 114a-114b. For example, the ultrasound FE circuitry 120c may support a different type of probe 130c than the probes 130a-130b supported by the MFEs 114a-114b. In this case, the main console 101 may use its native FE 112 with the probe 130c to form an imaging system with limited capabilities. The additional MFEs 114a-114b may support additional probes 130a-130b not supported by the front end 112.

[0023] It should be understood that the main console 101 does not necessarily have its own FE circuit 120c. The main console 101 may operate solely through the connection of one or more MFEs 114a-114b. Alternatively, the main console 101 may operate using wireless and / or digital probes (including their own FEs). In the former case, the MFEs (114a, 114b) are essential components of the ultrasound system formed by the combination of the probes (130a, 130b), MFEs (114a, 114b), and the main console 101. In the latter case, the MFEs (114a, 114b) are optional extensions of the system formed by the main console 101 and its wireless and / or digital probes. In this case, the system can function as an imaging system, with some limited capabilities, without the MFEs (114a, 114b). For example, the additional MFEs (114a, 114b) may support additional probes (130a, 130b) that are not supported by the main console 101.

[0024] In some embodiments, the MFEs 114a-114b form the basis of a distributed system, where the MFEs 114a-114b and the main console 101 are physically separated by a distance (e.g., at least 3 feet) (1 foot = 0.3048 meters). In this case, a common main console 101 can service multiple MFEs 114-114b located in different rooms or areas of a building. The MFE(s) 114-114b can also be located within a treatment area for scanning patients. The main console 101 can also be located relatively far from that treatment area. This can have utility in circumstances independent of the presence of the main console 101.

[0025] In some embodiments, the main console 101 is configured to simultaneously process digital ultrasound data streams from multiple MFEs 114a-114b to generate individual images, video, and / or audio from each MFE's ultrasound data stream. The image, video, and / or audio data may be transmitted back to the treatment area via an applicable cable connection or wireless communication interface. Locating the main console 101 at a remote location while centralizing the processing of ultrasound data streams from multiple MFEs 114a-114b offers power handling advantages because the main console 101 may be physically larger and more power-hungry than the MFEs 114a-114b. This allows for expanded use of artificial intelligence or other advanced diagnostic tools. Further expansion is possible by including wireless probe receivers within the MFEs 114a-114b. Thus, the MFEs 114a-114b may also bridge the gap between wireless probes and the main console 101. This allows the main console 101 to be located relatively far from the treatment area, a useful feature.

[0026] Additionally, some of the system components and method steps of the configurations depicted in the accompanying drawings may be implemented in software. As such, it should be understood that the actual connections between system components (or process steps) may vary depending on how the configurations are programmed. Those skilled in the relevant art will be able to contemplate the descriptions of the configurations and similar implementations or configurations given the teachings provided herein.

[0027] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary configuration of the ultrasound imaging system 100. As shown, the MFE 114 is removably mounted to a rail 204 of a patient treatment table (e.g., a bed) 202 in an examination room. It should be understood that the MFE 114 can also be removably mounted to other locations near the patient treatment table 202, such as a wall, an IV pole, a shelf, or a table. A bracket 206 provides mechanical support for removably mounting the housing of the MFE 114 to the rail 204. The MFE 114 is communicatively coupled to the main console 101 via a cable 208. The main console 101 is removably attached to the patient treatment table 202 using a bracket 210. The main console 101 may also be mounted to other locations near the patient treatment table 202 (e.g., a wall, an IV pole, a shelf, or a table). Such a configuration advantageously provides a "zero footprint" and avoids cluttering the treatment area with equipment.

[0028] One or more types of ultrasound probes 130 can be communicatively coupled to the MFE 114. The configuration shown in FIG. 2A is useful in interventional (or catheter) cardiology, particularly in electrophysiology (EP) and structural cardiology. In the former case, an intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter can be plugged into the MFE 114 at the bedside, allowing for easy integration into the EP environment. Structural cardiology may require either a matrix transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or matrix ICE (MICE) probe. The MFE 114 can support either of these types of probes. In some embodiments, for applications requiring the availability of multiple cabled probes, multiple probe connectors may be provided on the MFE 114 (e.g., on both sides). Alternatively, multiple MFEs 114 of different types, each suitable for accommodating specific probes, may be simultaneously connected to the main console 101. Such "connections" may be wireless or wired.

[0029] Both the matrix TEE and MICE examples demonstrate the advantages of this configuration. Matrix TEE probes are very expensive and can operate on different ultrasound platforms. Users may want to be able to reuse the same TEE probe in different environments, if possible. Additionally, users may prefer a portable or zero-footprint system within the lab. MICE catheters are highly specialized, sterilizable transducers typically designed to plug into an adapter cable that allows connection to cart-based ultrasound systems. The MFE 114 can function as an alternative "adapter," allowing a MICE catheter to interface with the main console 101 without a front end or with its own insufficient front end. In both the matrix TEE and MICE cases, some FE components can be included on the probe itself. These typically include a transmitter and a subarray receive beamformer. In each case, the MFE 114 can provide analog receivers, an ADC, and some beamforming support for transmit and receive. As noted above, the MFE 114 does not need to include all typical FE features. The MFE 114 may include at least an analog transmitter, receiver, and ADC, as well as communication interfaces to the main console 101 and probes 130 .

[0030] 2B illustrates an example of the MFE 114. The MFE 114 may include an ultrasound front-end (FE) circuit 120, first and second communication interfaces 122(i), 122(ii), and a power supply 250 for powering the MFE 114. The first communication interface 122(i) may include a multi-channel transducer port connector for communicating with an ultrasound probe 130, such as a TEE probe or a MICE catheter. The first communication interface 122(i) communicates ultrasound signals received from the ultrasound probe 130 to the ultrasound FE circuit 120.

[0031] In some embodiments, the ultrasound FE circuitry 120 includes a transmitter (e.g., a multi-channel pulser), a receiver, and an ADC. For example, the multi-channel pulser may be used to deliver pulses to excite the probe 130, which transmits ultrasound waves into the subject region. The receiver receives and amplifies analog echo signals from the probe 130 in response to the ultrasound waves. The ADC converts the analog echo signals to digital ultrasound data. The FE circuitry 120 can then communicate the ultrasound data to the second communication interface 122(ii). The second communication interface 122(ii) transmits the ultrasound data to the main console 101. The second communication interface 122(ii) can include, for example, a control and data sequencer for transmitting the ultrasound data via the high-speed data link 208.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary configuration of the ultrasound imaging system 100. The MFE 114 is removably mounted to a wheel assembly 302. The MFE 114 is mounted in a support bracket 304 below a surface 306 of the wheel assembly 302. The main console 101 is a portable display device that is disposed on the surface 306 and communicatively connected to the MFE 114. The MFE 114 is communicatively coupled to a probe 130, which may be stored on the surface 130. It should be understood that other system configurations are possible. For example, the main console 101 may be compact and handheld. The MFE 114 may be mounted on a cart or at some fixed location. The main console 101 may be mounted (or docked) to a cart or other fixed location to expand its capabilities.

[0033] 4 illustrates an example ultrasound imaging method 400. It should be understood that the steps of method 400 may be performed in the illustrated order or in a different order. Additional, different, or fewer steps may also be performed. Furthermore, method 400 may be performed using the system 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a different system, or a combination thereof.

[0034] At least one modular front end (MFE) (114a, 114b) is communicatively coupled to the main console 101 and the probes (130a, 130b), as indicated at 402. The MFE (114a, 114b) is enclosed within its own MFE housing, which is separate from the housing of the main console 101. Disposed within the MFE housing are FE circuits (120a, 120b). The FE circuits (120a, 120b) may include transmitters, receivers, and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that generate ultrasound data in response to ultrasound signals from the probes (130a, 130b). The MFE housing may further provide communication modules (122a, 122b) that include a first communication interface communicatively coupled to the ultrasound probes (130a, 130b) and a second communication interface communicatively coupled to the main console 101. The first and second communication interfaces may include wired (or cabled) or wireless interfaces.

[0035] The probes (130a, 130b) may include an array of transducers that convert acoustic energy into electrical energy. One or more MFEs (114a-114b) may support additional probes that are not otherwise supported by the main console 101.

[0036] As shown at 404, the processing engine 107 in the main console 101 receives digital ultrasound data from the MFEs (114a, 114b). The processing engine 107 in the main console 101 can be versatile and can support various types of probes (130a-c), imaging formats, and / or image processing methods. For example, the probes (130a-c) can be wireless or wired, may or may not have their own front ends, and may be matrix TEE, ICE, or other specialized ultrasound probes. The processing engine 107 in the main console 101 can provide enhanced transducer support when attached to each MFE (114a, 114b), but can disable such support while the main console 101 is detached from the MFEs (114a, 114b).

[0037] As shown at 406, the processing engine 107 within the main console 101 constructs an ultrasound image based on the digital ultrasound data. The digital ultrasound may undergo further processing before a displayable ultrasound image is created. Some image construction tasks are also referred to as "beamforming tasks." The processing engine 107 may perform complete beamforming, partial beamforming, or no beamforming based on the received digital ultrasound data. Further processing tasks, such as sampling, detection, and / or formatting, may be performed by the processing engine 107 to generate a displayable ultrasound image. The ultrasound image may be displayed, for example, on the monitor 108 communicatively coupled to the main console 101 and / or another monitor communicatively coupled to the MFEs (114a, 114b).

[0038] The following lists exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0039] Exemplary embodiment 1: An ultrasonic modular (or modular) front end, comprising: a first ultrasound front-end circuit that generates digital ultrasound data; a communications module configured to be communicatively coupled to the first ultrasound probe and to a main console, the main console constructing an ultrasound image based on the digital ultrasound data; a first housing separate from the second housing of the main console, the first ultrasonic front-end circuit being disposed within the first housing; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0040] Exemplary embodiment 2: An ultrasonic modular front-end according to exemplary embodiment 1, wherein a first ultrasonic front-end circuit includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and an analog-to-digital converting device.

[0041] Exemplary embodiment 3: An ultrasound modular front-end according to any of exemplary embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the first ultrasound front-end circuit is characterized by facilitating partial or complete beamforming.

[0042] Exemplary embodiment 4: An ultrasound modular front end according to any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the communication module comprises a first communication interface and a second communication interface configured to be communicatively coupled to a first ultrasound probe and a main console, respectively.

[0043] Exemplary embodiment 5: An ultrasonic modular front-end according to any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first ultrasonic probe includes a second ultrasonic front-end circuit.

[0044] Exemplary embodiment 6: An ultrasonic modular front-end as described in any of exemplary embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the main console includes a third ultrasonic front-end circuit, the third ultrasonic front-end circuit supporting a second ultrasonic probe of a different type than the first ultrasonic probe.

[0045] Exemplary embodiment 7: An ultrasound modular front-end as described in any of exemplary embodiments 1 to 6, further comprising one or more additional computing resources, which are made available to the main console for enhanced computing power.

[0046] Exemplary embodiment 8: An ultrasound modular front end according to any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the first housing is removably attached to the treatment table.

[0047] Exemplary embodiment 9: An ultrasound modular front-end according to any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the first ultrasound probe comprises an intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter.

[0048] Exemplary embodiment 10: An ultrasound modular front end according to any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 9, characterized in that the first ultrasound probe comprises a matrix transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or matrix ICE (MICE) probe.

[0049] Exemplary embodiment 11: An ultrasonic modular front end according to any one of exemplary embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the first housing is removably attached to the wheel assembly.

[0050] Exemplary embodiment 12: 1. An ultrasound imaging system comprising: at least one modular front end including a communications module and a first ultrasound front end circuit that generates digital ultrasound data; a main console communicatively coupled to the at least one modular front end via a communication module; In this case, the main console constructs an ultrasound image based on the digital ultrasound data, and the main console and the at least one modular front end are physically separated.

[0051] Exemplary embodiment 13: Exemplary embodiment 12 is an ultrasound imaging system, wherein the at least one modular front end includes a plurality of modular front ends.

[0052] Exemplary embodiment 14: An ultrasound imaging system according to Exemplary Embodiment 13, wherein the main console processes digital ultrasound data from multiple modular front ends simultaneously.

[0053] Exemplary embodiment 15: An ultrasound imaging system according to any of exemplary embodiments 13 and 14, wherein the plurality of modular front ends are adapted to support different types of probes.

[0054] Exemplary embodiment 16: An ultrasound imaging system according to any one of exemplary embodiments 12 to 15, wherein the communication module comprises a wireless receiving device that enables wireless communication between at least one modular front end and the ultrasound probe.

[0055] Exemplary embodiment 17: An ultrasound imaging system according to any one of exemplary embodiments 12 to 16, wherein at least one modular front end and the main console are removably attached to a treatment table.

[0056] Exemplary embodiment 18: An ultrasound imaging system according to any one of exemplary embodiments 12 to 17, wherein at least one modular front end is removably attached to a wheel assembly.

[0057] Exemplary embodiment 19: An ultrasound imaging system according to Exemplary Embodiment 18, wherein the main console is a portable display device (or display unit) that is positioned on a surface of the wheel assembly.

[0058] Exemplary embodiment 20: 1. A method of ultrasound imaging, comprising: at least one modular front end (MFE) communicatively coupled to the main console and the probe, wherein the at least one MFE includes ultrasound front end circuitry that generates digital ultrasound data in response to ultrasound signals from the probe; receiving, by a main console, digital ultrasound data from the at least one MFE; and constructing, by the main console, an ultrasound image based on the digital ultrasound data; The method is characterized by including the steps.

[0059] Although the present configuration has been described in detail above with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications and substitutions to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, elements and / or features of multiple exemplary embodiments may be combined with or substituted for one another within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An ultrasonic modular front end, comprising: a first ultrasound front-end circuit that generates digital ultrasound data; a communications module configured to be communicatively coupled to a first ultrasound probe and a main console, the main console constructing an ultrasound image based on the digital ultrasound data; a first housing separate from a second housing of the main console, the first ultrasonic front-end circuit being disposed within the first housing; Ultrasonic modular front-end, including:

2. The ultrasonic modular front-end of claim 1 , wherein the first ultrasonic front-end circuit includes a transmitter, a receiver, and an analog-to-digital converter.

3. The ultrasound modular front-end of claim 1 , wherein the first ultrasound front-end circuitry facilitates partial or complete beamforming.

4. 2. The ultrasound modular front end of claim 1, wherein the communications module comprises a first communications interface and a second communications interface configured to be communicatively coupled with the first ultrasound probe and the main console, respectively.

5. The ultrasonic modular front-end of claim 1 , wherein the first ultrasonic probe includes a second ultrasonic front-end circuit.

6. 10. The ultrasonic modular front end of claim 1, wherein the main console includes a third ultrasonic front end circuit, the third ultrasonic front end circuit supporting a second ultrasonic probe of a different type than the first ultrasonic probe.

7. 10. The ultrasound modular front end of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional computing resources, the additional computing resources being made available to the main console for enhanced computing power.

8. The ultrasonic modular front end of claim 1 , wherein the first housing is removably attached to a treatment table.

9. The ultrasound modular front-end of claim 1 , wherein the first ultrasound probe comprises an intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter.

10. The ultrasound modular front-end of claim 1 , wherein the first ultrasound probe comprises a matrix transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or matrix ICE (MICE) probe.

11. The ultrasonic modular front end of claim 1 , wherein the first housing is removably attached to a wheel assembly.

12. 1. An ultrasound imaging system comprising: at least one modular front end including a communications module and a first ultrasound front end circuit that generates digital ultrasound data; a main console communicatively coupled to the at least one modular front end via the communication module; In this case, the main console constructs an ultrasound image based on the digital ultrasound data, and the main console and the at least one modular front end are physically separated.

13. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 12 , wherein the at least one modular front end comprises a plurality of modular front ends.

14. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 13 , wherein the main console simultaneously processes digital ultrasound data from the multiple modular front ends.

15. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of modular front ends support different types of probes.

16. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 12 , wherein the communication module comprises a wireless receiver that enables an ultrasound probe to communicate wirelessly with the at least one modular front end.

17. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 12 , wherein the at least one modular front end and the main console are removably attached to a treatment table.

18. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 12 , wherein the at least one modular front end is removably attached to a wheel assembly.

19. 20. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 18, wherein the main console is a portable display device positioned on a surface of the wheel assembly.

20. 1. A method of ultrasound imaging, comprising: at least one modular front end (MFE) communicatively coupled to the main console and the probe, wherein the at least one MFE includes ultrasound front end circuitry that generates digital ultrasound data in response to ultrasound signals from the probe; receiving, by the main console, digital ultrasound data from at least one MFE; and constructing an ultrasound image based on the digital ultrasound data by the main console; Ultrasound imaging methods.

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