Network-Based Ultrasound Imaging Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging systems face challenges in efficiently processing and transmitting large volumes of data, particularly in real-time applications, which can limit their effectiveness and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A network-based ultrasound imaging system that transmits unfocused three-dimensional pings from a transducer array, receives echoes, and processes them to produce two-dimensional image frames, with data reduction techniques applied to optimize data transfer and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all digital sample sets from the full dataset are transferred to the remote server, then image quality and processing accuracy are improved, but data transmission time and network bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transfers only a sub-set of digital sample sets from the full dataset to the remote server, rather than transferring all data. This selective extraction reduces data transmission time and network bandwidth consumption while maintaining sufficient image quality for real-time imaging applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transferring only the necessary portion (sub-set) of the complete dataset required for adequate image reconstruction. This partial data transfer achieves acceptable image quality without the time penalty of transferring the entire full dataset.
2Productivity
If a sub-set of digital sample sets is transferred to the remote server, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but image quality and processing accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines the optimal sub-set of digital sample sets that provides sufficient data for acceptable image quality in real-time applications. This partial data approach balances transmission efficiency with image quality requirements, transferring only what is necessary for the imaging task at hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the parameters of data transfer by selecting specific digital sample sets based on imaging requirements, transfer bandwidth, and processing capabilities. This parameter optimization ensures that the sub-set transferred maintains adequate image quality while maximizing transmission efficiency.
3Speed
If the complete dataset is processed locally in the data capture device, then processing speed is improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing functions by separating data capture and initial digitization (performed locally at the data capture device) from beamforming and image reconstruction (performed remotely at the server). This segmentation reduces the computational burden and complexity of the local device while maintaining real-time processing capability through distributed computing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network communication intermediary that transfers processed digital sample sets from the local device to the remote server. This intermediary approach allows the data capture device to remain relatively simple while leveraging the computational power of remote servers for complex beamforming operations.
4Loss of energy
If data reduction techniques are applied during data transfer, then network bandwidth consumption is reduced, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transfers only the essential sub-set of digital sample sets required for real-time imaging, removing redundant or less critical data from the transfer stream. This extraction approach reduces network bandwidth consumption while the server handles the complexity of processing the reduced dataset to maintain image quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient data processing and transmission, allowing for real-time imaging and improved image quality, while also reducing the computational burden on the data capture device.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting an unfocused three-dimensional ping into an object from a transmitter element of a transducer array
Implementation Method 2
receiving echoes of the unfocused three-dimensional ping with a plurality of receiver elements of the transducer array
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for network-based ultrasound imaging are provided, which can include a number of features. In some embodiments, an ultrasound imaging system images an object with three-dimensional unfocused pings and obtains digital sample sets from a plurality of receiver elements. A sub-set of the digital sample sets can be electronically transferred to a remote server, where the sub-set can be beamformed to produce a series of two-dimensional image frames. A video stream made up of the series of two-dimensional images frames can then be transferred from the remote server to a display device.