Ultrasonic scanner that supports wireless network connectivity fields for terminals

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for providing an ultrasonic scanner that supports wireless network connectivity of terminal devices. [Solution] The ultrasound scanner includes a transducer system, which generates ultrasound data based on the reflection of ultrasound signals transmitted by the transducer system as part of an ultrasound examination. The ultrasound scanner includes a first transceiver that communicates the ultrasound data to a display device that displays an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data via a first communication link. The ultrasound scanner includes one or more additional transceivers that communicate the ultrasound data via one or more additional communication links, and simultaneously with the first transceiver that communicates the ultrasound data via the first communication link, via an access point of a care facility that manages the ultrasound examination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 17 / 830,066, filed on June 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.

Background Art

[0003] Medical devices are increasingly required to always maintain a connection, either wired and / or wirelessly, to a hospital network in order 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 hospital IT teams and / or device manufacturers, 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 (handset) or ultrasonic device from the hospital WLAN to make the wireless connection on the terminal or ultrasonic device available to the scanner. Then, the user connects the terminal or ultrasonic device to the scanner. Once the wireless connection between the scanner and the terminal or 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 from the evaluation to the patient's medical record. That is, the user has to disconnect the terminal or ultrasonic device from the scanner and reconnect the terminal or 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 for providing an ultrasound scanner that supports wireless network connectivity of terminals is described. In some embodiments, the ultrasound scanner includes a transducer system, which is configured to generate ultrasound data based on reflections of ultrasound signals transmitted by the transducer system as part of an ultrasound examination. The ultrasound scanner includes a first transceiver, at least partially implemented in hardware and configured to communicate ultrasound data to a display device configured to display ultrasound images based on the ultrasound data, via a first communication link. The ultrasound scanner includes one or more additional transceivers, at least partially implemented in hardware, which communicate ultrasound data via one or more additional communication links to an access point in a care facility managing the ultrasound examination. One or more additional transceivers communicate ultrasound data via one or more additional communication links simultaneously with the first transceiver communicating ultrasound data via the first communication link.

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

[0008] In some embodiments, the method is carried out by an ultrasound system to perform an ultrasound examination. The method includes generating ultrasound data based on the reflection of an ultrasound signal transmitted by an ultrasound scanner, and communicating the ultrasound data via a first communication link to at least one display device configured to display an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data. The method also includes communicating the ultrasound data via one or more additional communication links, and simultaneously via the first communication link, and via an access point in a care facility managing the ultrasound examination.

[0009] Other systems, machines, and methods for wireless network connectivity of terminals are also described.

[0010] The attached drawings are illustrative and therefore represent exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting to the scope. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the connection status of a conventional ultrasound system, including the terminal unit and the ultrasound probe. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the connection status of another conventional ultrasonic system, including an ultrasonic device and a scanner. [Figure 3] This figure shows an ultrasonic system including an ultrasonic scanner that supports wireless connectivity of terminals, according to several embodiments. [Figure 4] This figure shows an ultrasonic system including an ultrasonic scanner that supports data network communication, according to several embodiments. [Figure 5] This figure shows an ultrasonic system including an ultrasonic scanner that supports data network communication, according to several embodiments. [Figure 6] This is a data flow diagram of the process performed by an ultrasound scanner to perform an ultrasound examination, according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0013] The embodiments described herein relate to an ultrasound system that includes a scanner that bridges WLAN connectivity to an ultrasound device and / or terminal (e.g., a display device) and acts as a hub for accessing a hospital network while scanning a patient. Such embodiments enable access to the hospital network while scanning a patient, direct real-time uploading of scan data to a hospital image storage system, real-time use of remote scanning / telemedicine, real-time use of video and voice over IP (VOIP) services to support translation / communication with patients, 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] In this specification, any reference to “one embodiment” or “one embodiment” means that certain features, structures, or characteristics described in relation to an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. The phrases “in one embodiment” or “in one embodiment” appearing in various parts of this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. The processes shown in the following figures are performed by processing logic, which includes hardware (e.g., circuits, dedicated logic, etc.), software, or a combination of both. The processes are described below in terms of several sequential operations, but it should be understood that some of the operations described may be performed in a different order. Furthermore, some operations may be performed in parallel rather than sequentially.

[0015] In this specification, the term "and / or" represents three possible relationships between objects. For example, A and / or B may represent the cases where only A exists, where both A and B exist, and where only B exists, and A and B may be singular or plural.

[0016] As described above, conventional ultrasound systems suffer from connectivity limitations that arise when attempting to maintain simultaneous data connectivity between wireless ultrasound transducer devices (scanners), wireless computing and visualization systems such as smartphones or tablets (terminals), and wireless local area networks (WLANs). This connectivity problem applies to any medical device that attempts to support simultaneous data acquisition, wireless transfer of data for processing on terminals, and connection to a WLAN. Typically, common consumer devices such as iPhones® limit Wi-Fi connectivity to a single third-party wireless connection (e.g., a scanner or WLAN).

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the connection state of a conventional ultrasound system including a terminal device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet) and an ultrasound scanner (e.g., an ultrasound probe). As shown in inset 101 of Figure 1, in connection state 1, the terminal device is wirelessly connected to the scanner and disconnected from the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (e.g., a WLAN network in a hospital facility or another background where the use of ultrasound supports healthcare activities). The wireless connection to the scanner prevents the terminal device from connecting to the WLAN, and thus prevents it from performing all functions that require a persistent connection to the WLAN. The inability to maintain a persistent connection to the WLAN means that, until the WLAN connection can be re-established, the following device use cases will be hindered or completely prevented: real-time direct uploading 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 patients while scanning a 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.

[0018] As shown in inset 102 of Figure 1, in connection state 2, the terminal is connected to the WLAN and disconnected from the scanner. The wireless connection to the WLAN prevents the terminal from connecting to the scanner and evaluating patients. The inability to connect to the scanner means that the following device use cases are hindered or completely prevented: real-time direct uploading of scan data to the hospital image storage system; use of remote scanning / telemedicine while actively scanning patients; use of video and VoIP services to support translation / communication with patients while scanning patients; and real-time communication between the scanner and remote monitoring and management services. As shown in insets 101 and 102, the scanner is configured as an end node. Connectivity limitations also apply to current-generation small ultrasound machines (devices) when attempting to connect a scanner to other devices using a single Wi-Fi connection.

[0019] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the connection status of another conventional ultrasound system, including an ultrasound device and a scanner. As shown in Figure 2, in the connection status shown in inset 201, the ultrasound device is wirelessly connected to the scanner and disconnected from the WLAN. As described above, the wireless connection to the scanner prevents the ultrasound device from connecting to the WLAN, and thus prevents it from performing all functions that require a constant connection to the WLAN. As shown in Figure 2, in the connection status shown in inset 202, the ultrasound device is connected to the WLAN and disconnected from the scanner. As described above, wireless connection to the WLAN prevents the conventional ultrasound device from connecting to the scanner and evaluating patients. As shown in insets 201 and 202, the scanner is configured as an end node. In the end node configuration, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the scanner can scan patients when connected to a display device but cannot access the hospital network, while the scanner can access the hospital network but cannot scan patients when not connected to a display device.

[0020] Currently, without the function to connect the scanner to a WLAN, the direct communication with the services used to support the operation of the scanner is blocked. Due to the lack of this direct communication, it means that when a terminal is connected, the remote update of the scanner may need 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 ultrasound scanner 301 includes a transducer system (not shown) which generates ultrasound data based on the reflection of ultrasound signals transmitted by the transducer system as part of an ultrasound examination. The ultrasound 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 ultrasound scanner 301. The transceiver 307 can communicate ultrasound data to a wireless computing and visualization system 302 via a communication link 304. In some embodiments, the wireless computing and visualization system 302 may include one or more display devices capable of displaying ultrasound images based on the ultrasound data. The transceiver 306 can communicate ultrasound data via a wireless network access point 303 via a communication link 305, simultaneously with the transceiver 307 communicating ultrasound data via the communication link 304.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, when connected wirelessly to a display device of the computing and visualization system 302 via a communication link 304, the scanner 301 constituting the hub can scan a patient, transmit ultrasound data and display it on the display device via the communication link 304, and access the hospital network via the communication link 305. In some embodiments, the scanner 301 constituting the hub can access the hospital network, scan a patient, transmit ultrasound data via the communication link 305 and display it on the display device. For example, the hospital may include a server (not shown in Figure 3) that communicates with an access point 303, and the server may be implemented as an ultrasound machine that receives ultrasound data generated by the scanner 301 and generates ultrasound images based on the ultrasound data. The server can then communicate the ultrasound images to any suitable display device that communicates with the access point 303 (or the hospital network including the access point 303), such as a monitor in a patient room. The display device can then display the ultrasound images received from the server via the access point 303 (or the network connected to the access point 303). Therefore, the scanner 301 can communicate via the access point 303 with an ultrasound machine (e.g., a server) located at the center of the care facility, which generates ultrasound images and distributes them 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 a WLAN of a healthcare facility that manages ultrasound 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 also operates 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 access point 303. In some embodiments, communication link 305 provides at least one of charging parameters, usage parameters, configuration parameters, and update parameters 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 charging parameters, usage parameters, configuration parameters, and update parameters 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 ultrasound data via communication link 305 to an archiver coupled to an access point 303, which stores ultrasound data in patient records of ultrasound examinations. In some embodiments, the transceiver 306 receives one or more configuration update parameters via communication link 305 to update the configuration of the ultrasound scanner 301. In some embodiments, the transceiver 306 transmits one or more status parameters via communication link 305 indicating the status or usage of the ultrasound scanner 301. In some embodiments, the transceiver 306 receives at least one of text, audio, and video via communication link 305, and the transceiver 307 transmits at least one of text, audio, and video via communication link 304 to a display device (e.g., terminal 302) so that the user can consume it. ) is transferred to ). In some embodiments, transceiver 307 communicates ultrasound data to an additional display device (not shown) that displays additional ultrasound images based on the ultrasound data, via another communication link (not shown) and simultaneously with communication via communication link 304. In some embodiments, this other communication link is a wireless link and may additionally or alternatively include a wired communication link. In some embodiments, the ultrasound examination is performed as a real-time telemedicine examination, and transceiver 306 communicates ultrasound data via communication link 305 to a computing device located remotely from the ultrasound scanner 301 and participating in the real-time telemedicine examination. In some embodiments, transceivers 306 and 307 communicate according to the same protocol, and communication links 304 and 305 support communication via the same protocol. For example, the protocol may include the Wi-Fi protocol.

[0027] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic scanner 301 includes an accelerometer (not shown) that generates inertial motion data of the ultrasonic scanner. In some embodiments, at least one of the transceivers 306 and 307 initiates communication via communication links 305 and 304, respectively, in response to inertial motion data representing a gesture. In some embodiments, transceiver 306 turns on communication via communication link 305 in response to inertial motion data representing a first gesture and turns off communication via communication link 305 in response to inertial motion data representing a second gesture different from the first gesture. In some embodiments, transceiver 307 turns on communication via communication link 304 in response to inertial motion data representing a first gesture and turns off communication via communication link 304 in response to inertial motion data representing a second gesture different from the first gesture. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic scanner 301 includes a display that shows the connection status 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 the following to the ultrasound scanner 301 via at least one of the communication links 304 and 305: charge parameters, usage parameters, configuration parameters, and update parameters. In some embodiments, the transceiver 306 communicates ultrasound data via the communication link 305 and during ultrasound examination to a server device (not shown) coupled to the access point 303. 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., labels, estimates, probabilities, classifications, etc.). In some embodiments, the inferences include estimates of the imaged portion, such as the lungs, heart, liver, or other internal organs. In some embodiments, the inferences include estimates of whether detected blood vessels in the ultrasound data are arteries or veins. In some embodiments, the transceiver 306 receives inferences from the server device via the communication link 305 and during ultrasound examination. In some embodiments, the transceiver 307 wirelessly communicates inferences to a display device of the computation and visualization system 302 during an ultrasound examination via a communication link 304. Additionally or alternatively, the server can communicate inferences to a display device communicating with a hospital network, including an access point 301. For example, the server can communicate inferences to a monitor in the patient's room, which can then display the inferences, such as by overlaying them on an ultrasound image.

[0029] In some embodiments, the scanner 301 includes an energy converter (not shown) that converts the motion of the ultrasonic scanner into energy and charges the ultrasonic scanner's battery with energy. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic data generated by the scanner includes pre-scan converted image data, and a display device converts the pre-scan converted image data into scan converted image data to display the ultrasonic data. In some embodiments, a wearable device (not shown), such as a holster that can be worn by an operator, is used to hold the ultrasonic 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 ultrasonic images.

[0030] Figure 4 shows an ultrasonic system 400 including an ultrasonic scanner that supports data network communication, according to several embodiments. As shown in Figure 4, the ultrasonic system includes a scanner 401 that acts as a hub bridging a wireless network 403 via a wireless communication link 407 and a terminal device 402 via a wireless communication link 406. In some embodiments, the scanner 401 is the scanner 301 in Figure 3, as described above, or another scanner that supports wireless network connectivity of terminal devices. In some embodiments, the scanner is a dual-band Wi-Fi scanner including transceivers that support the 802.11a / b / g / n / ac wireless network standard protocol. In some embodiments, the scanner includes one or more transceivers that support the 2.4GHz and 5GHz 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 wireless STA client mode according to the 802.11ac wireless networking protocol at 433 MB / s over communication link 406, communication link 407, or both communication links 406 and 407. In some embodiments, terminal 402 represents a wireless computing and visualization system 302, or other wireless computing and visualization systems, as described above.In some embodiments, the scanner 401 includes a first transceiver (not shown) at least partially implemented in the hardware of the ultrasound scanner and configured to communicate ultrasound data via a wireless communication link 406 to a display device of a terminal 402 configured to display ultrasound images based on ultrasound data, and a second transceiver (not shown) at least partially implemented in the hardware of the ultrasound scanner and configured to communicate ultrasound data via a wireless communication link 407 and simultaneously via communication via the wireless communication link 406, through an access point of a care facility managing ultrasound examinations which is part of a wireless network 403.

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

[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 another wireless communication link. As shown in Figure 4, the wireless network 403 includes real-time enterprise WLAN services, such as user account access / management, storage and review (real-time or retrospective) 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) in a care facility managing ultrasound examinations, such as access point 303 in Figure 3. The scanner may be directly communicated via 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 may be communicated via wireless communication link 407 by the RMM system 405 for software and status updates. In some embodiments, the RMM system 405 includes, but is not limited to, remote update distribution and installation, device location monitoring, and 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 condition 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 Figure 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 connectivity is supported, but in other embodiments, such connectivity is not included.

[0033] Figure 5 shows an ultrasonic system 500, including an ultrasonic scanner 501 that supports data network communication, according to several embodiments. The scanner 501 has two or more available wireless connections, such as scanners as described above. As shown in Figure 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 hub or 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 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 ultrasound scanner 501 and communicates with the ultrasound 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 another wireless communication link. In some embodiments, the base station 504 connects to the internet 505 via a corporate WLAN 502. In some embodiments, the base station 504 connects to the internet 505 via a corporate cellular module on the base station 504 itself. Clinicians can connect to the scanner using their own mobile terminals. Image data from the terminal 503 can be shared via screencasting (e.g., AirPlay, Android® Cast, etc.) on a display device 509. In some embodiments, the display device 509 is a television (TV), a holographic projector, or another display device. In some embodiments, image processing functions are built into the scanner, and the scanner transmits ultrasound images for display on the display device 509. In some embodiments, image processing is performed remotely from the scanner 501, and the images are transmitted from the corporate WLAN 502 for display on a display device 509. In some embodiments, the display device 509 displays an ultrasound image based on ultrasound data received from the scanner. In some embodiments, the ultrasound data from the scanner 501 includes pre-scan converted image data, and the display device 509 converts the pre-scan converted image data into scan converted image data to display the ultrasound data.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the enterprise WLAN 502 is connected to on-premises enterprise services 508, which include a translation service orchestrator, data exchange proxies (e.g., Picture Archive Communication Systems (PACs), Vendor-Neutral Archives (VNAs), Synchronicity, Synapse), authentication services, an RMM proxy, and a device management web application. In some embodiments, the scanner connection status is updated. As shown in Figure 5, the updating and configuration management of the scanner group is sent by the device administrator to the device management application of on-premises enterprise services 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 the terminal scanner link. In some embodiments, the enterprise network security / authentication key is stored in the scanner 501.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the data exchange proxy for the on-premise enterprise service 508 is connected to the imaging data visualizer / consumer system 507. In some embodiments, the imaging data visualizer / consumer system 507 includes one or more of the following: an ultrasound 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 Figure 5, the imaging data visualizer / consumer system 507 is connected to both the on-premise service 508 and the cloud service 506 to access and visualize ultrasound data. The displays of the imaging data visualizer / consumer system 507 and the mobile terminal 503 enable viewing of ultrasound images generated using a single scanner on multiple displays.

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

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

[0039] Referring to Figure 6, process 600, in block 601, includes processing logic that generates ultrasound data based on the reflection of ultrasound signals transmitted by the transducer system as part of an ultrasound examination. Process 600 continues in block 602, where the processing logic uses a first transceiver to communicate the ultrasound data to a display device configured to display ultrasound images based on the ultrasound data via a first communication link. In block 603, the processing logic uses a second transceiver to communicate the ultrasound data via a second communication link and simultaneously with the first transceiver communicating via the first communication link, through an access point at the care facility managing the ultrasound examination. In some embodiments, the processing logic uses a second transceiver to communicate the ultrasound data via a second communication link to an archiver coupled to the access point and stores the ultrasound data in the patient record of the ultrasound examination. In some embodiments, the processing logic uses a second transceiver, as described above, to receive one or more configuration update parameters for updating the configuration of the ultrasound scanner via a second communication link. In some embodiments, the processing logic uses a second transceiver to transmit one or more status parameters indicating the status or usage of the ultrasound scanner over a second communication link. In some embodiments, the processing logic uses a second transceiver to receive at least one of text, audio, and video over a second communication link, and the first transceiver is implemented to forward at least one of text, audio, and video to a display device for user use over a first communication link. In some embodiments, the processing logic uses a first transceiver to communicate ultrasound data over a third communication link and simultaneously over the first communication link to an additional display device that displays additional ultrasound images based on the ultrasound data.

[0040] In some embodiments, the ultrasound examination is a real-time telemedicine examination, and the processing logic communicates ultrasound data from the ultrasound scanner to a computing device located remotely and participating in the real-time telemedicine examination via a second communication link using a second transceiver. In some embodiments, the first and second transceivers communicate according to the same protocol, and the first and second communication links support communication via the same protocol. In some embodiments, the processing logic uses an accelerometer to generate inertial motion data of the ultrasound scanner and, in response to the inertial motion data representing a gesture, initiates communication via the first and second communication links, respectively, using at least one of the first and second transceivers. In some embodiments, the processing logic displays the connection status of the ultrasound scanner to at least one of the first and second communication links on a display device. In some embodiments, the processing logic communicates at least one of the following parameters—charging parameters, usage parameters, configuration parameters, and update parameters—to the ultrasound base station via at least one of the first and second communication links in order to charge the ultrasound scanner's battery. In some embodiments, the processing logic uses a second transceiver to communicate ultrasound data via a second communication link and during ultrasound examination to a server device coupled to an access point and implementing a neural network to generate inferences based on the ultrasound data, and the processing logic receives inferences from the server device via the second communication link and during ultrasound examination. In some embodiments, the processing logic uses a first transceiver to communicate inferences to a display device via the first communication link during ultrasound examination, as described above.

[0041] The embodiments described herein support simultaneous real-time data acquisition and transmission while maintaining communication connectivity to the hospital network, enabling the use of terminals that support only a single Wi-Fi connection to the hospital network, without requiring expensive and scarce terminals with multipoint Wi-Fi connectivity or any other third-party Wi-Fi bridge solution. The embodiments described herein improve the user experience by matching the user experience of operating a wireless scanner with that of operating a conventional ultrasound system with a wired probe, and provide superior patient care compared to conventional ultrasound systems with wireless scanners.

[0042] The ability to connect the scanner to a terminal while maintaining a WLAN connection to support the user's workflow offers a significant advantage over conventional scanners in terms of consistency of user experience when using ultraportable class ultrasonic devices for different mobile operating systems (e.g., iOS, Android®).

[0043] It will be apparent from this description that the embodiments described herein can be embodied at least partially in software. That is, 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-temporary machine-readable storage medium such as volatile DRAM or non-volatile flash memory. In various embodiments, hardwired circuits may be used in combination with software instructions to carry out the embodiments described herein. Therefore, techniques and methods are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuits and software, or any particular source for instructions executed by one or more data processing systems.

[0044] The above specification describes specific exemplary embodiments. It will be apparent that various modifications can be made to those embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope set forth in the following claims. Therefore, this specification and the drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. It is an ultrasonic scanner, A transducer system configured to generate ultrasonic data based on the reflection of an ultrasonic signal 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 via a first communication link to a display device configured to display an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic data, 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 through a wireless local area network (WLAN) network access point, Equipped with, The ultrasonic scanner operates as a hub bridging the WLAN via the one or more additional communication links and the display device via the first communication link. Ultrasonic scanner.

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

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, voice, and video via the one or more additional communication links, and the first transceiver is implemented to transfer at least one of the text, voice, 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 via a third communication link and simultaneously with the communication via the first communication link to an additional display device configured to display additional ultrasonic images based on the ultrasonic data.

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

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 motion data of the ultrasonic scanner, wherein at least one of the first transceiver and the one or more additional transceivers is configured to initiate communication via the first communication link and the one or more additional communication links, respectively, in response to the inertial motion data representing a gesture.

10. The ultrasonic scanner according to claim 1, further comprising a display configured to show the connection status of the ultrasonic scanner to the first communication link and at least one of 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 the first communication link and at least one of the one or more additional communication links, and including communicating at least one of charge parameters, usage parameters, configuration parameters, and update parameters.

12. The one or more additional transceivers described above, The ultrasound data is communicated via the one or more additional communication links and, during the ultrasound examination, to a server device that implements a neural network connected to the network access point and configured to generate inferences based on the ultrasound data, and The system is implemented to receive the inference from the server device via the one or more additional communication links mentioned above, during the ultrasound examination. 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 examination.

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 to charge the battery of the ultrasonic scanner with the energy.

15. A display device configured to display an ultrasound image based on ultrasound data, An ultrasound scanner, which is used as part of an ultrasound examination. The ultrasonic scanner generates ultrasonic data based on the reflection of ultrasonic signals transmitted by the ultrasonic scanner, and the ultrasonic scanner includes a first transceiver and one or more additional transceivers coupled to the first transceiver. Using the first transceiver, the ultrasonic data is communicated to the at least one display device via the first communication link, and An ultrasound scanner configured to communicate the ultrasound data via one or more additional communication links using one or more additional transceivers, through a network access point of a wireless local area network (WLAN) of a care facility managing the ultrasound examination, Equipped with, The ultrasonic scanner operates as a hub bridging the WLAN via the one or more additional communication links and the display device via the first communication link. Ultrasonic system.

16. The ultrasonic system according to claim 15, further comprising a base station configured to charge the battery of the ultrasonic scanner and to communicate with the ultrasonic scanner via the first communication link and at least one of 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 device having a wearable head-up display configured to display the ultrasonic image.

20. A method for performing an ultrasound examination, which is performed by an ultrasound scanner including a first transceiver and one or more additional transceivers coupled to the first transceiver, wherein the method is The process involves generating ultrasonic data based on the reflection of ultrasonic signals transmitted by an ultrasonic scanner, and Using the first transceiver, the ultrasound data is communicated via a first communication link to at least one display device configured to display an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data, Using the one or more additional transceivers, the ultrasound data is communicated via one or more additional communication links through a network access point of the wireless local area network (WLAN) of the care facility managing the ultrasound examination, Includes, The ultrasonic scanner operates as a hub bridging the WLAN via the one or more additional communication links and the display device via the first communication link. method.

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