Multi-Client Ultrasound Imaging System with Cloud Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging systems are inflexible, limiting users to specific performance levels and hardware/software configurations, leading to inefficient resource utilization and the need for multiple scanners for different functionalities and updates.
Innovation Solution
A multi-client ultrasound imaging system that shares processing resources among multiple input devices and user interfaces, allowing dynamic allocation of processing units to create 'virtual' scanners, enabling flexible use of ultrasound input devices with cloud-based processing and user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a customer purchases a low end ultrasound imaging scanner, then the purchase cost is reduced, but the imaging performance is limited and cannot perform high end scans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cloud-based processing system where multiple ultrasound input devices of different performance levels can access shared high-end processing resources. This allows low-end scanners to perform high-end imaging by offloading processing tasks to the cloud, making the system universally capable across different device tiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud-based intermediary processing system that mediates between ultrasound input devices and final image output. This intermediary enables low-end devices to access high-end processing capabilities without requiring expensive local hardware, resolving the contradiction between purchase cost and imaging performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a customer purchases a high end ultrasound imaging scanner, then high end imaging capabilities are available, but the purchase cost increases even when used for low end imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based processing system provides universal access to high-end imaging capabilities for all users regardless of their local device specifications. Users only pay for the processing power they actually need, eliminating the need to purchase expensive scanners for capabilities that may not be regularly utilized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively creates a virtual copy of high-end processing capabilities in the cloud that can be accessed by multiple users simultaneously. This allows low-end physical devices to access high-end processing functions without requiring expensive physical hardware copies at each location.
3Reliability
If an ultrasound imaging scanner is reserved for an examination, then the scanner is available for that specific use, but the processing hardware and software become unavailable to other clinicians even when the scanner is idle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultrasound imaging system into separate components: local input devices and cloud-based processing resources. This segmentation allows multiple clinicians to simultaneously access different processing resources in the cloud while maintaining reserved access guarantees, eliminating the resource contention that occurs with physical scanner reservations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud-based system dynamically allocates processing resources to different users based on real-time needs and reservations. When a scanner is reserved, the processing capacity is dynamically assigned to that user in the cloud, while other users can simultaneously utilize other available processing resources, optimizing overall system productivity and resource utilization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If updated or new hardware and software is released, then improved functionality is available, but existing purchased scanners cannot support these updates requiring another purchase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtualized environment in the cloud where updated hardware and software capabilities are continuously available. Users access these updated capabilities through the cloud platform without needing to purchase new physical scanners, as the processing resources are software-defined and can be updated remotely.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud-based processing system provides a universal platform that supports multiple generations of ultrasound technologies and software updates simultaneously. All users access the same updated capabilities through the cloud, eliminating the need for each user to purchase new hardware to access updates.
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound imaging scanner includes an ultrasound input device (104), of a plurality of ultrasound input devices, that includes an array of transducer elements, which transmits an ultrasound signal and receives an echo signal produced in response thereto; and a multi-client ultrasound imaging data processing system (106) that includes processing resources which are shared by the plurality of ultrasound input devices, wherein the processing resources include a plurality of ultrasound signal processing units, each including a plurality of ultrasound signal processing blocks configured to processes echo signals, and wherein the multi-client ultrasound imaging data system temporarily allocates at least one ultrasound signal processing block to process the received echo signal of the ultrasound input device, generating an image indicative thereof.