An ultrasonic scanner that supports the wireless network connection field of a terminal device

Abstract

A system and method are described for providing an ultrasonic scanner that supports wireless network connection of a terminal device. The ultrasonic scanner includes a transducer system that generates ultrasonic data based on reflections of ultrasonic signals transmitted by the transducer system as part of an ultrasonic examination. The ultrasonic scanner includes a first transceiver that communicates the ultrasonic data to a display device that displays an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data via a first communication link. The ultrasonic scanner includes one or more additional transceivers that communicate the ultrasonic data via one or more additional communication links and simultaneously via the first communication link, and via an access point of a care facility that manages the ultrasonic examination, to the first transceiver that communicates the ultrasonic data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 830,066, filed Jun. 1, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to ultrasonic systems. More specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein relate to an ultrasonic scanner that supports a wireless network connection of a terminal device.

Background Art

[0003] Medical devices are increasingly maintaining a connection, always wired and / or wirelessly, to a hospital network to support seamless transfer of health information from the device to other applications such as a patient's electronic health record. This connection increasingly supports communication of device performance data and remote device management by a hospital's IT team and / or the device manufacturer, enabling preventive maintenance, cyber security updates, etc.

[0004] In conventional wireless ultrasonic systems, to evaluate a patient, the user has to turn on the scanner and disconnect the terminal device (handset) or the ultrasonic device from the hospital WLAN to make the wireless connection on the terminal device or the ultrasonic device available to the scanner. The user then connects the terminal device or the ultrasonic device to the scanner. Once the wireless connection between the scanner and the terminal device or the ultrasonic device is established, the user can evaluate the patient.

[0005] Once the evaluation is complete, a reverse connection process is required to upload the data obtained in the evaluation to the patient's medical record. That is, the user has to disconnect the terminal device or the ultrasonic device from the scanner and reconnect the terminal device or the ultrasonic device to the hospital WLAN. These disconnect and connect cycles are time consuming, energy inefficient, and do not provide optimal patient care.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] A system and method are described for providing an ultrasonic scanner that supports wireless network connection of a terminal device. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic scanner includes a transducer system configured to generate ultrasonic data based on reflections of ultrasonic signals transmitted by the transducer system as part of an ultrasonic examination. The ultrasonic scanner is at least partially implemented within hardware and includes a first transceiver configured to communicate the ultrasonic data via a first communication link to a display device configured to display an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data. The ultrasonic scanner is at least partially implemented within hardware and includes one or more additional transceivers configured to communicate the ultrasonic data via one or more additional communication links through an access point of a care facility that manages the ultrasonic examination. The one or more additional transceivers communicate the ultrasonic data simultaneously with the first transceiver that communicates the ultrasonic data via the first communication link via the one or more additional communication links.

[0007] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic system includes at least one display device configured to display an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data. The ultrasonic scanner is coupled to the at least one display device. The ultrasonic scanner is configured to generate ultrasonic data based on reflections of ultrasonic signals transmitted by the ultrasonic scanner as part of an ultrasonic examination. The ultrasonic scanner is configured to communicate the ultrasonic data to the at least one display device via a first communication link. The ultrasonic scanner is also configured to communicate the ultrasonic data via one or more additional communication links through an access point of a care facility that manages the ultrasonic examination. The ultrasonic scanner is configured to communicate the ultrasonic data via the one or more additional communication links simultaneously with communicating the ultrasonic data via the first communication link.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method is performed by an ultrasonic system to perform an ultrasonic examination. The method includes generating ultrasonic data based on reflections of ultrasonic signals transmitted by an ultrasonic scanner, and communicating the ultrasonic data via a first communication link to at least one display device configured to display an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data. The method also includes communicating the ultrasonic data via one or more additional communication links and simultaneously via the first communication link, via an access point of a care facility that manages the ultrasonic examination.

[0009] Other systems, machines, and methods for wireless network connection of the terminal are also described.

[0010] The accompanying drawings are illustrative and thus are exemplary embodiments and are not to be considered as limiting the scope.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] A system and method for providing an ultrasonic scanner that supports wireless network connection of a terminal device are described. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic scanner includes a transducer system configured to generate ultrasonic data based on reflections of ultrasonic signals transmitted by the transducer system as part of an ultrasonic examination. A first transceiver is implemented at least partially within the hardware of the ultrasonic scanner and is configured to communicate the ultrasonic data via a first communication link to a display device configured to display an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data. A second transceiver is implemented at least partially within the hardware of the ultrasonic scanner and is configured to communicate the ultrasonic data via a second communication link through an access point of a care facility that manages the ultrasonic examination. The second transceiver communicates the ultrasonic data simultaneously with the first transceiver that communicates the ultrasonic data via the first communication link via the second communication link.

[0013] Embodiments described herein are directed to an ultrasonic system that bridges a WLAN connection to an ultrasonic device and / or a terminal device (e.g., a display device) and operates as a hub for accessing a hospital network while scanning a patient. Such embodiments enable access to a hospital network while scanning a patient, direct real-time upload of scan data to a hospital image storage system, real-time use of remote scan / telemedicine, real-time use of video and voice over IP (VOIP) services to support translation / communication with a patient, real-time communication between the scanner and remote monitoring and management services, real-time access to cloud-based educational content, and real-time use of cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) and other cloud-based services.

[0014] References to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" in this specification mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places in this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. The processes shown in the following figures are executed by processing logic that includes hardware (e.g., circuits, dedicated logic, etc.), software, or a combination of both. The processes are described below with respect to several sequential operations, but it should be understood that some of the operations described may be executed in a different order. Additionally, some operations may be executed in parallel rather than sequentially.

[0015] As used herein, the term "and / or" represents three relationships that may exist between objects. For example, A and / or B can represent the case where only A exists, the case where both A and B exist, and the case where only B exists, and A and B may be singular or plural.

[0016] As described above, conventional ultrasonic systems have problems with connectivity constraints that occur while attempting to maintain simultaneous data connections between a wireless ultrasonic transducer device (scanner), a wireless computing and visualization system such as a smartphone or tablet (terminal), and a wireless local area network (WLAN). This connectivity problem applies to any medical device that attempts to support simultaneous data acquisition, wireless transfer of data for processing on the terminal, and connection to the WLAN. Typically, a general consumer terminal such as an iPhone (registered trademark), for example, limits Wi-Fi connections to a single third-party wireless connection (e.g., a scanner or WLAN).

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram 100 showing a connection state of a conventional ultrasonic system including a terminal device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet) and an ultrasonic scanner (e.g., an ultrasonic probe). As shown in the inserted diagram 101 of FIG. 1, in connection state 1, the terminal device is wirelessly connected to the scanner and is disconnected from a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., a WLAN network in a hospital facility or another background where the use of ultrasonic supports healthcare activities). The wireless connection to the scanner makes it impossible to connect the terminal device to the WLAN and unable to execute all functions that require a continuous connection to the WLAN. The inability to continuously connect to the WLAN means that until the WLAN connection can be re-established, the following device usage cases, real-time direct upload of scan data to a hospital image storage system, use of remote scanning / telemedicine while actively scanning a patient, use of video and voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) services to support translation / communication with a patient while scanning the patient, and real-time communication between the scanner and remote monitoring and management services, real-time access to cloud-based educational content, and real-time use of cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) and other cloud-based services are inhibited or completely prevented.

[0018] As shown in the inserted figure 102 of FIG. 1, in connection state 2, the terminal is connected to the WLAN and disconnected from the scanner. Due to the wireless connection to the WLAN, it becomes impossible to connect the terminal to the scanner to evaluate the patient. The inability to connect to the scanner means that the following device usage scenarios, real-time direct upload of scan data to the hospital image storage system, use of remote scanning / telemedicine while actively scanning the patient, use of video and VOIP services to support translation / communication with the patient while scanning the patient, and real-time communication between the scanner and the remote monitoring and management services are inhibited or completely prevented. As shown in inserted figures 101 and 102, the scanner is configured as an end node. The connectivity constraint also applies when trying to connect the scanner to other devices using a single connection Wi-Fi, such as in current-generation miniaturized ultrasound machines (devices).

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram 200 showing the connection state of another conventional ultrasound system including an ultrasound device and a scanner. As shown in FIG. 2, in the connection state shown in inserted figure 201, the ultrasound device is wirelessly connected to the scanner and disconnected from the WLAN. As described above, due to the wireless connection to the scanner, it becomes impossible to connect the ultrasound device to the WLAN and perform all functions that always require a connection to the WLAN. As shown in FIG. 2, in the connection state shown in inserted figure 202, the ultrasound device is connected to the WLAN and disconnected from the scanner. As described above, when wirelessly connecting to the WLAN, it becomes impossible to connect the conventional ultrasound device to the scanner to evaluate the patient. As shown in inserted figures 201 and 202, the scanner is configured as an end node. In the end node configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the scanner is connected to the display device, it can scan the patient but cannot access the hospital network. On the other hand, when the scanner is not connected to the display device, it cannot scan the patient but can access the hospital network.

[0020] Currently, without the function to connect the scanner to a WLAN, direct communication with the services used to support the operation of the scanner is blocked. Due to the lack of this direct communication, it may mean that when a terminal is connected, the remote update of the scanner needs to be held on the terminal and uploaded to the scanner. In some embodiments, by configuring the scanner as a "hub" to access the WLAN, it becomes possible to update and monitor the scanner even when no terminal is present.

[0021] Currently, the function to simultaneously connect several scanners to a single terminal (or small ultrasonic device) is facing the same issue of Wi-Fi connection limitations. In some embodiments, combining the scanners into a Wi-Fi mesh and having a configuration with a single Wi-Fi connection on the terminal enables seamless switching between transducers based on the immediate needs of the user.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram 300 showing an ultrasonic system including an ultrasonic scanner that supports wireless connection of a terminal according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic system includes an ultrasonic scanner 301 and a calculation and visualization system 302. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic scanner is a wireless scanner. In some embodiments, the calculation and visualization system 302 is a wireless system. In some embodiments, the calculation and visualization system 302 is a terminal such as, for example, but not limited to, a smartphone, a tablet, and a wireless ultrasonic device including one or more display devices.

[0023] The ultrasonic scanner 301 includes a transducer system (not shown), which generates ultrasonic data based on reflections of ultrasonic signals transmitted by the transducer system as part of an ultrasonic examination. The ultrasonic scanner 301 includes a transceiver 306 and a transceiver 307. In some embodiments, each of the transceivers 306 and 307 is at least partially implemented within the hardware of the ultrasonic scanner 301. The transceiver 307 can communicate ultrasonic data to a wireless computing and visualization system 302 via a communication link 304. In some embodiments, the wireless computing and visualization system 302 can include one or more display devices capable of displaying an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data. The transceiver 306 can communicate ultrasonic data via an access point 303 of a wireless network simultaneously with the transceiver 307, which communicates ultrasonic data via the communication link 304, via a communication link 305.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, when connected wirelessly via communication link 304 to the display device of the computing and visualization system 302, the scanner 301 that constitutes the hub scans the patient, transmits ultrasonic data, and displays it on the display device via communication link 304, and can access the hospital network via communication link 305. In some embodiments, the scanner 301 that constitutes the hub can access the hospital network, scan the patient, and transmit ultrasonic data via communication link 305 for display on the display device. For example, the hospital may include a server (not shown in FIG. 3) that communicates with access point 303, and the server may be implemented as an ultrasonic machine that receives ultrasonic data generated by scanner 301 and generates an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data. The server can then communicate the ultrasonic image to any suitable display device that communicates with access point 303 (or the hospital network including access point 303), such as a monitor in the patient room. The display device can then display the ultrasonic image received from the server via access point 303 (or the network connected to access point 303). Thus, the scanner 301 can communicate via access point 303 with an ultrasonic machine (e.g., a server) located at the center within the care facility that generates ultrasonic images and distributes the ultrasonic images to display devices located throughout the care facility via the care facility network.

[0025] In some embodiments, one or both of communication links 304 and 305 include a wireless communication link. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of communication links 304 and 305 may include a wired communication link. In some embodiments, the wireless network including access point 303 is the WLAN of a healthcare facility that manages ultrasonic examinations, or another wireless network. In some embodiments, scanner 301 operates as a client (station) to access point 303 of an enterprise wireless network and as an access point to wireless computing and visualization system 302. In some embodiments, communication link 304 provides ultrasonic data for displaying an ultrasonic image on a display of wireless computing and visualization system 302 and is prioritized over communication link 305. In some embodiments, scanner 301 includes a battery, and the priorities of communication link 304 and communication link 305 are determined based on the battery level. For example, when the battery level is below a threshold battery level (e.g., less than 15% battery remaining), scanner 301 can prioritize communication link 304 over communication link 305, whereby data from the scanner is communicated to terminal 302 more quickly than to access point 303. In some embodiments, communication link 305 provides at least one of a charging parameter, a usage parameter, a configuration parameter, and an update parameter to the ultrasonic-based station to charge the battery of ultrasonic scanner 301 and is prioritized over communication link 304. In some embodiments, communication link 304 provides at least one of a charging parameter, a usage parameter, a configuration parameter, and an update parameter to the ultrasonic-based station to charge the battery of ultrasonic scanner 301 and is prioritized over communication link 305. In some embodiments, communication link 304 is more stable than communication link 305 and transmits more data per second. In some embodiments, communication link 305 is more stable than communication link 304 and transmits more data per second.

[0026] In some embodiments, the transceiver 306 communicates ultrasonic data via the communication link 305 to an access point 303 and an archiver that stores the ultrasonic data within a patient record of an ultrasonic examination. In some embodiments, the transceiver 306 receives, via the communication link 305, one or more configuration update parameters for updating the configuration of the ultrasonic scanner 301. In some embodiments, the transceiver 306 transmits, via the communication link 305, one or more status parameters indicating the status or usage of the ultrasonic scanner 301. In some embodiments, the transceiver 306 receives, via the communication link 305, at least one of text, audio, and video, and the transceiver 307 transfers, via the communication link 304, at least one of text, audio, and video to a display device (e.g., the terminal 302) for consumption by a user. In some embodiments, the transceiver 307 communicates ultrasonic data, via another communication link (not shown) and simultaneously with communication via the communication link 304, to an additional display device (not shown) that displays additional ultrasonic images based on the ultrasonic data. In some embodiments, this another communication link is a wireless link and additionally or alternatively may include a wired communication link. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic examination is performed as a real-time telemedicine examination, and the transceiver 306 communicates ultrasonic data via the communication link 305 to a computing device that is remote from the ultrasonic scanner 301 and participates in the real-time telemedicine examination. In some embodiments, the transceivers 306 and 307 communicate according to the same protocol, and the communication links 304 and 305 support communication via the same protocol. For example, the protocol can include a Wi-Fi protocol.

[0027] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic scanner 301 includes an accelerometer (not shown) that generates inertial movement data of the ultrasonic scanner. In some embodiments, at least one of the transceivers 306 and 307 starts communication via the communication links 305 and 304, respectively, in response to inertial movement data representing a gesture. In some embodiments, the transceiver 306 turns on communication via the communication link 305 in response to inertial movement data representing a first gesture, and turns off communication via the communication link 305 in response to inertial movement data representing a second gesture different from the first gesture. In some embodiments, the transceiver 307 turns on communication via the communication link 304 in response to inertial movement data representing a first gesture, and turns off communication via the communication link 304 in response to inertial movement data representing a second gesture different from the first gesture. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic scanner 301 includes a display that displays the connection state of the ultrasonic scanner 301 with at least one of the communication links 304 and 305.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ultrasound scanner 301 includes a battery (not shown) that is charged by an ultrasound base station configured to communicate one or more of charging parameters, usage parameters, configuration parameters, and update parameters to the ultrasound scanner 301 via at least one of the communication links 304 and 305. In some embodiments, the transceiver 306 communicates ultrasound data to a server device (not shown) coupled to the access point 303 via the communication link 305 and during an ultrasound examination. In some embodiments, the server device includes a neural network that generates inferences based on the ultrasound data. In some embodiments, the inferences include the output of the neural network (e.g., label, estimate, probability, classification, etc.). In some embodiments, the inferences include an estimate of an imaged portion such as the lungs, heart, liver, or other internal organs. In some embodiments, the inferences include an estimate as to whether a detected blood vessel in the ultrasound data is an artery or a vein. In some embodiments, the transceiver 306 receives inferences from the server device via the communication link 305 and during an ultrasound examination. In some embodiments, the transceiver 307 communicates the inferences wirelessly to the display device of the computing and visualization system 302 via the communication link 304 during an ultrasound examination. Additionally or alternatively, the server can communicate the inferences to a display device that is in communication with a hospital network including the access point 301. For example, the server can communicate the inferences to a monitor in a patient room, thereby enabling the inferences to be displayed, such as by overlaying the inferences on an ultrasound image.

[0029] In some embodiments, scanner 301 includes an energy converter (not shown) that converts the movement of the ultrasound scanner into energy and charges the battery of the ultrasound scanner. In some embodiments, the ultrasound data generated by the scanner includes pre-scan converted image data, and the display device converts the pre-scan converted image data into scan-converted image data to display the ultrasound data. In some embodiments, a wearable device (not shown), such as a holster that an operator can wear, is used to hold the ultrasound scanner. In some embodiments, at least one display device of the wireless computing and visualization system 302 includes a device having a wearable head-up display that displays an ultrasound image.

[0030] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an ultrasonic system 400 including an ultrasonic scanner that supports data network communication according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 4, the ultrasonic system includes a scanner 401 that operates as a hub bridging a wireless network 403 via a wireless communication link 407 and bridging a terminal 402 via a wireless communication link 406. In some embodiments, the scanner 401 is the scanner 301 of Figure 3, or another scanner that supports the wireless network connection of the terminal, as described above. In some embodiments, the scanner is a dual-band Wi-Fi scanner including a transceiver that supports the 802.11a / b / g / n / ac wireless network standard protocol. In some embodiments, the scanner includes one or more transceivers that support the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. In some embodiments, the scanner is a dual-mode Bluetooth® 5 scanner. In some embodiments, the scanner is a simultaneous access point (AP) station (STA), or a Wi-Fi direct (P2P) scanner. In some embodiments, the scanner is configured for parallel operation of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®. In some embodiments, the scanner supports the Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) security protocol. In some embodiments, the scanner operates in a wireless STA client mode according to the 802.11ac wireless networking protocol at 433 MB / second via communication link 406, communication link 407, or both communication links 406 and 407. In some embodiments, the terminal 402 represents the wireless computing and visualization system 302, or another wireless computing and visualization system, as described above.In some embodiments, the scanner 401 is at least partially implemented in the hardware of the ultrasound scanner and is configured to communicate ultrasound data to a display device of a terminal 402 configured to display an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data via a wireless communication link 406, and is at least partially implemented in the hardware of the ultrasound scanner and is configured to communicate ultrasound data via a wireless communication link 407 and, simultaneously with the communication via the wireless communication link 406, via an access point of a care facility that manages an ultrasound examination that is part of the wireless network 403, including a first transceiver (not shown).

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the scanner 401 is a hub (or bridge) for all data network communications. When connected to the terminal 402 via the wireless communication link 406, the scanner 401 supports the transfer of scan data / images from the scanner to the terminal for display, and at the same time enables the data / connections necessary to support the real-time enterprise WLAN service of the wireless network 403 to reach the terminal 402 via the wireless communication link 407. Generally, the enterprise WLAN service is a service (e.g., VOIP, telemedicine) required while the scanner is connected to the terminal.

[0032] In some embodiments, the wireless communication link 406 is a Wi-Fi Direct (P2P) link, a Bluetooth® Router (BLR) 5.0 link, a wireless AP mode link, or other wireless communication link. As shown in FIG. 4, the wireless network 403 includes real-time enterprise WLAN services such as access / management of user accounts, storage and review (real-time or retroactive) of enterprise or third-party imaging systems, text, voice, video over IP (VOIP) communication, real-time device imaging and telemetry (telemedicine), and other real-time services. In some embodiments, the wireless network 403 includes an access point (not shown) of a healthcare facility that manages ultrasonic examinations, such as the access point 303 of FIG. 3. The scanner can be directly contacted via the wireless communication link 408 by a remote monitoring and management (RMM) system 405 to support software and status updates. In some embodiments, the RMM system 405 is part of the wireless network 403, and the scanner can be contacted with software and status updates via the wireless communication link 407 by the RMM system 405. In some embodiments, the RMM system 405 includes, but is not limited to, distribution and installation of remote updates, device location monitoring, scanner access control (in case of loss or theft). In some embodiments, the RMM system 405 can provide manufacturer-specific services used to evaluate and maintain the proper operation and physical state of the scanner. In some embodiments, the RMM includes a remote / mobile device management system such as KNOX management, or other remote / mobile device management systems. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal 402 becomes a client on the network created by the scanner 401. The terminal 402 can connect to the WLAN when not connected to the scanner. In some embodiments, cellular data connections are supported, while in other embodiments such connections are not included.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an ultrasonic system 500 including an ultrasonic scanner 501 that supports data network communication according to some embodiments. The scanner 501 has two or more available wireless connections, such as the scanners as described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic system 500 includes an ultrasonic scanner 501 connected to a corporate WLAN 502, a mobile terminal 503, and a base station 504. In some embodiments, the scanner 501 represents one of the scanners that support the wireless network connection of the terminal as described above. In some embodiments, the mobile terminal 503 represents one of the wireless computing and visualization systems described herein. In some embodiments, the scanner operates as a WLAN hub or a part thereof for connecting to the WLAN 502. In some embodiments, the scanner 501 uses a WLAN shared with the terminal 503. In some embodiments, the scanner 501 operates as an AP or a hub for connecting to the mobile terminal 503. In some embodiments, the corporate WLAN 502 is a hospital WLAN or another corporate WLAN.

[0034] In some embodiments, the base station 504 charges the battery of the ultrasonic scanner 501 and communicates with the ultrasonic scanner 501 via a communication link. In some embodiments, this communication link is a Bluetooth® link, a Wi-Fi link, a near field communication (NFC) link, or other wireless communication link. In some embodiments, the base station 504 connects to the Internet 505 via the enterprise WLAN 502. In some embodiments, the base station 504 connects to the Internet 505 via its own enterprise cellular module. The clinician can connect to the scanner using their mobile terminal. Imaging data from the terminal 503 can be shared via screen mirroring (e.g., AirPlay, Android® Cast, etc.) on the display device 509. In some embodiments, the display device 509 is a television (TV), a holographic projector, or other display device. In some embodiments, an image processing function is built into the scanner, and the scanner transmits an ultrasonic image for display on the display device 509. In some embodiments, the image processing is performed remotely from the scanner 501, and the image is transmitted from the enterprise WLAN 502 for display on the display device 509. In some embodiments, the display device 509 displays an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data received from the scanner. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic data from the scanner 501 includes pre-scan converted image data, and the display device 509 converts the pre-scan converted image data to scan converted image data to display the ultrasonic data.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the enterprise WLAN 502 is connected to an on-premises enterprise service 508 that includes a translation service orchestrator, a data exchange proxy (e.g., Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA), Synchronicity, Synapse), an authentication service, an RMM proxy, and a device management web application. In some embodiments, the scanner connection status is updated. As shown in FIG. 5, the management of the update and configuration of the scanner group is sent by a device administrator to a device management application of the on-premises enterprise service 508 via a web-based graphical user interface (GUI). In some embodiments, the enterprise network security / authentication key is stored in the terminal 503 and transferred to the scanner 501 via a terminal scanner link. In some embodiments, the enterprise network security / authentication key is stored in the scanner 501.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, the data exchange proxy of the on-premises enterprise service 508 is connected to an imaging data visualizer / consumer system 507. In some embodiments, the imaging data visualizer / consumer system 507 includes one or more of an ultrasonic stand device, a personal computer (PC) workstation (e.g., desktop or laptop), an electronic health record (EHR), and an electronic medical record (EMR) data storage system. As shown in FIG. 5, the imaging data visualizer / consumer system 507 is connected to both the on-premises service 508 and the cloud service 506 to access and visualize ultrasonic data. The displays of the imaging data visualizer / consumer system 507 and the mobile terminal 503 enable viewing of ultrasonic images generated using a single scanner on multiple displays.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, each of enterprise WLAN 502 and base station 504 is connected to services on cloud 506 via Internet 505. In some embodiments, the cloud includes a translation service orchestrator, an authentication service, a device data sharing service, a clinic integration service, an RMM service, and a device management web application. As shown in FIG. 5, the RMM service of cloud 506 is connected to an RMM proxy of a service deployed in on-premises service 508 (e.g., within a hospital). As shown in FIG. 5, the management of the update and configuration of the scanner group is sent by the device administrator to the device management web application on cloud 506 via a web-based graphical user interface (GUI).

[0038] FIG. 6 is a data flow diagram of a process 600 performed by an ultrasonic scanner to perform an ultrasonic examination according to some embodiments. This process may be performed by processing logic that may include hardware (circuits, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as that executed on a general-purpose computer system or a dedicated machine), firmware, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic scanner is a transducer system as described above, and as part of the ultrasonic examination, a transducer system that generates ultrasonic data based on the reflection of ultrasonic signals transmitted by the transducer system, and a first transceiver that is at least partially implemented within the hardware of the ultrasonic scanner and communicates the ultrasonic data to a display device that displays an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data via a first communication link, and a second transceiver that is at least partially implemented within the hardware of the ultrasonic scanner and communicates the ultrasonic data via a second communication link and simultaneously with the first transceiver that communicates via the first communication link, via an access point of a care facility that manages the ultrasonic examination. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic scanner includes one or more processors and a memory coupled to the processors for performing process 600.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, process 600 includes, at block 601, processing logic that generates ultrasonic data based on reflections of ultrasonic signals transmitted by a transducer system as part of an ultrasonic examination. Process 600 continues at block 602, where the processing logic communicates the ultrasonic data to a display device configured to display an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data via a first communication link using a first transceiver. At block 603, the processing logic communicates the ultrasonic data via an access point of a care facility that manages the ultrasonic examination using a second transceiver via a second communication link and simultaneously with the first transceiver that communicates via the first communication link. In some embodiments, the processing logic communicates the ultrasonic data to an archiver coupled to the access point via a second communication link using the second transceiver and stores the ultrasonic data within a patient record of the ultrasonic examination. In some embodiments, the processing logic receives, as described above, one or more configuration update parameters for updating a configuration of the ultrasonic scanner via a second communication link using the second transceiver. In some embodiments, the processing logic transmits one or more status parameters indicating a status or usage of the ultrasonic scanner via a second communication link using the second transceiver. In some embodiments, the processing logic receives at least one of text, audio, and video via a second communication link using the second transceiver, and the first transceiver is implemented to transfer at least one of text, audio, and video to the display device for use by a user via the first communication link. In some embodiments, the processing logic communicates the ultrasonic data to an additional display device that displays an additional ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data using the first transceiver via a third communication link and simultaneously with the first transceiver that communicates via the first communication link.

[0040] In some embodiments, the ultrasound examination is a real-time telemedicine examination, and the processing logic is remote from the ultrasound scanner and participates in the real-time telemedicine examination by a second transceiver communicating ultrasound data to a computing device via a second communication link. In some embodiments, the first transceiver and the second transceiver communicate according to the same protocol, and the first communication link and the second communication link support communication via the same protocol. In some embodiments, the processing logic uses an accelerometer to generate inertial movement data of the ultrasound scanner and, in response to the inertial movement data representing a gesture, initiates communication via the first communication link and the second communication link respectively using at least one of the first transceiver and the second transceiver. In some embodiments, the processing logic displays on a display device the connection status of the ultrasound scanner with at least one of the first communication link and the second communication link. In some embodiments, the processing logic communicates at least one of charging parameters, usage parameters, configuration parameters, and update parameters with an ultrasound-based station via at least one of the first communication link and the second communication link to charge the battery of the ultrasound scanner. In some embodiments, the processing logic uses the second transceiver to communicate ultrasound data to a server device that is coupled to an access point and implements a neural network to generate inferences based on the ultrasound data via the second communication link and during the ultrasound examination, and the processing logic receives inferences from the server device via the second communication link and during the ultrasound examination. In some embodiments, the processing logic communicates inferences to a display device during the ultrasound examination via the first communication link using the first transceiver as described above.

[0041] The embodiments described herein enable the use of a terminal device that supports single Wi-Fi connection to a hospital network, without the need for an expensive and rare terminal device with multi-point Wi-Fi connection or some other third-party Wi-Fi bridge solution, while maintaining communication connection to the hospital network and supporting real-time simultaneous acquisition and transfer of data. The embodiments described herein match the user experience of operating a wireless scanner with the user experience of operating a conventional ultrasonic system with a wired probe, improve the user experience, and achieve excellent patient care compared to ultrasonic systems with conventional wireless scanners.

[0042] The ability to connect a scanner to a terminal device while maintaining a WLAN connection that supports the user's workflow provides a significant advantage over conventional scanners in terms of the consistency of the user experience when using ultra-portable class ultrasonic devices for different mobile operating systems (e.g., iOS, Android (registered trademark)).

[0043] It is apparent from this description that the embodiments described herein may be at least partially embodied in software. That is, the techniques and methods may be executed in a data processing system or a set of data processing systems in response to one or more processors executing a series of instructions stored in a storage medium such as a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium such as volatile DRAM or non-volatile flash memory. In various embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in combination with software instructions to implement the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the techniques and methods are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuitry and software, or to any particular source for the instructions executed by one or more data processing systems.

[0044] In the foregoing specification, specific exemplary embodiments have been described. It will be apparent that various modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope described in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic scanner, A transducer system configured to generate ultrasonic data based on reflections of ultrasonic signals transmitted by the transducer system as part of an ultrasonic examination, A first transceiver at least partially implemented within the hardware of the ultrasonic scanner and configured to communicate the ultrasonic data to a display device configured to display an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data via a first communication link, One or more additional transceivers at least partially implemented within the hardware of the ultrasonic scanner and configured to communicate the ultrasonic data via one or more additional communication links and simultaneously with the communication via the first communication link, via an access point of a network, An ultrasonic scanner comprising the above.

2. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1, wherein the one or more additional transceivers are implemented to communicate the ultrasonic data to an archiver coupled to the access point via the one or more additional communication links and configured to store the ultrasonic data in a patient record of the ultrasonic examination.

3. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1, wherein the one or more additional transceivers are implemented to receive one or more configuration update parameters for updating the configuration of the ultrasonic scanner via the one or more additional communication links.

4. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1, wherein the one or more additional transceivers are implemented to transmit one or more status parameters indicating the status or usage of the ultrasonic scanner via the one or more additional communication links.

5. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1, wherein the one or more additional transceivers are implemented to receive at least one of text, audio, and video via the one or more additional communication links, and the first transceiver is implemented to transfer at least one of the text, audio, and video to the display device for user use via the first communication link.

6. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1, wherein the first transceiver is implemented to communicate the ultrasonic data to an additional display device configured to display an additional ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data via a third communication link and simultaneously with the communication via the first communication link.

7. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic examination is performed as a real-time remote medical examination, and the one or more additional transceivers are implemented to communicate the ultrasonic data to a computing device remote from the ultrasonic scanner and participating in the real-time remote medical examination via the one or more additional communication links.

8. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1, wherein the first transceiver and the one or more additional transceivers are implemented to communicate according to the same protocol, and the first communication link and the one or more additional communication links are implemented to support communication via the same protocol.

9. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1, further comprising an accelerometer configured to generate inertial movement data of the ultrasonic scanner, and at least one of the first transceiver and the one or more additional transceivers is configured to start communication via the first communication link and the one or more additional communication links respectively in response to the inertial movement data representing a gesture.

10. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1, further comprising a display configured to display a connection state of the ultrasonic scanner with at least one of the first communication link and the one or more additional communication links.

11. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1, further comprising a battery configured to be charged by an ultrasonic base station configured to communicate with the ultrasonic scanner via at least one of the first communication link and the one or more additional communication links, the communication including communicating at least one of a charging parameter, a usage parameter, a configuration parameter, and an update parameter.

12. The one or more additional transceivers are Communicate the ultrasonic data to a server device implementing a neural network coupled to the access point and configured to generate inferences based on the ultrasonic data via the one or more additional communication links and during the ultrasonic inspection, and Implemented to receive the inference from the server device via the one or more additional communication links and during the ultrasonic inspection, The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1.

13. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 12, wherein the first transceiver is implemented to communicate the inference to the display device via the first communication link during the ultrasonic inspection.

14. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1, further comprising an energy converter configured to convert the movement of the ultrasonic scanner into energy and charge the battery of the ultrasonic scanner with the energy.

15. At least one display device configured to display an ultrasonic image based on ultrasonic data, An ultrasonic scanner, as part of an ultrasonic inspection, Generate ultrasonic data based on reflections of ultrasonic signals transmitted by the ultrasonic scanner, Communicate the ultrasonic data to the at least one display device via a first communication link, and An ultrasonic scanner configured to communicate the ultrasonic data via one or more additional communication links and via an access point of a care facility that manages the ultrasonic inspection simultaneously with the communication via the first communication link, An ultrasonic system comprising:

16. The ultrasonic system according to claim 15, further comprising a base station configured to charge the battery of the ultrasonic scanner and communicate with the ultrasonic scanner via at least one of the first communication link and the one or more additional communication links.

17. The ultrasonic system according to claim 15, wherein the ultrasonic data includes pre-scan converted image data, and the at least one display device is implemented to convert the pre-scan converted image data into scan-converted image data and display the ultrasonic data.

18. The ultrasonic system according to claim 15, further comprising a wearable device configured to hold the ultrasonic scanner.

19. The ultrasonic system according to claim 15, wherein the at least one display device includes a wearable head-up display configured to display the ultrasonic image.

20. A method performed by an ultrasonic scanner to perform an ultrasonic examination, the method comprising: generating ultrasonic data based on reflections of ultrasonic signals transmitted by the ultrasonic scanner; communicating the ultrasonic data to at least one display device configured to display an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data via a first communication link; communicating the ultrasonic data via one or more additional communication links and simultaneously with the communication via the first communication link, via an access point of a care facility that manages the ultrasonic examination; A method comprising.

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