Ultrasound Scan Data Transfer for Flexible 3D Post-Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound scanning systems face limitations in data flexibility and post-processing capabilities, particularly in transferring and modifying 3D data for subsequent analysis, as they primarily rely on 2D image data transfer, which restricts the ability to optimize imaging settings post-scan.
Innovation Solution
A scanning system that transfers 3D data alongside 2D images, allowing for flexible post-scan processing and analysis by generating 3D data as a subset or full matrix capture (FMC) post-scan, enabling modification of imaging settings based on the transferred data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If only 2D image data is transferred from the ultrasound scanning system, then the data transfer volume is reduced, but the flexibility and capability of post-scan processing and analysis is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer process by transferring only selected 3D data subsets (e.g., data from specific transducer elements, time gates, or regions of interest) rather than complete 3D datasets. This allows post-scan processing flexibility while controlling data volume through selective extraction of relevant portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and transfers only the necessary 3D data components required for specific post-scan analyses rather than transferring all raw data. This extraction approach enables targeted post-processing capabilities while minimizing unnecessary data transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete 3D data is transferred for flexible post-processing, then analysis flexibility is improved, but the data transfer time and bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of regions of interest or features during the scan, then pre-selects and prepares only the relevant 3D data subsets for transfer. This preliminary action enables flexible post-processing of specific areas without the time penalty of transferring complete datasets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial data transfer by sending only the portions of 3D data that are sufficient for the intended post-scan analyses rather than transferring excessive complete datasets. This partial action approach maintains adaptability for modifying imaging settings while reducing transfer time.
3Measurement precision
If 3D data is captured and stored for later analysis, then the ability to optimize imaging settings post-scan is improved, but the storage requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential 3D data components needed for accurate structural feature detection and stores/transfers these extracted subsets rather than managing complete raw datasets. This extraction strategy maintains measurement precision while simplifying data management complexity.
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
Enhances scanning and analysis capabilities by allowing flexible post-scan processing of 3D data, enabling accurate identification and modification of imaging settings, thus improving the detection of structural features below the object's surface.
Implementation Method 1
A transmitted sound wave is reflected and refracted as it encounters materials with different acoustic impedance properties
Implementation Method 2
A transmitted sound wave is reflected and refracted as it encounters materials with different acoustic impedance properties
Implementation Method 3
The set of received ultrasound signals may comprise amplitude data and/or time-of-flight data
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning system for imaging structural features below the surface of an object, the scanning system comprising: a transducer module configured to transmit ultrasound signals towards an object and to receive ultrasound signals reflected from the object whereby data pertaining to an internal structure of the object can be obtained, the transducer module being configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals for each of a first frame and a subsequent second frame in an ultrasound scan comprising the first and second frames; an image generation module configured to generate image data representative of the object based on the received ultrasound signals; and a communication module for communicating with a remote device, the communication module being configured to send, to the remote device: a set of received ultrasound signals based on ultrasound signals received during the first frame of the scan, and image data generated based on ultrasound signals received during the second frame of the scan.