Ultrasound Probe Wireless Data Compression for Low Latency Veterinary Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Veterinary ultrasound scanners face challenges with poor image quality and high latency due to unreliable Wi-Fi data transmission in outdoor or challenging environments, exacerbated by the latency inherent in MPEG compression techniques used in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an ultrasound imaging apparatus with a data compressor that compresses ultrasound frame data separately before transmission, using radio transceivers for wireless communication, and a decompressor that processes the data to form images, reducing latency and improving image quality by adapting to changing bandwidth conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If MPEG compression format with GOP structure is used for wireless transmission, then image compression efficiency is improved, but transmission latency increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video stream into individual frames that are compressed and transmitted independently rather than as grouped pictures. Each frame is encoded as a complete unit without requiring reference to other frames, eliminating the GOP structure latency while maintaining compression through frame-level optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary compression of each ultrasound frame before transmission, preparing complete frame data in advance at the scanner. This allows frames to be transmitted as self-contained units that can be decoded immediately upon receipt without waiting for reference frames from subsequent transmissions.
2Speed
If wireless transmission bandwidth is increased to reduce latency, then transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts compression parameters and transmission settings based on current bandwidth conditions and power availability. By optimizing the balance between compression ratio and transmission speed according to real-time conditions, the system achieves acceptable latency without maximizing power consumption.
3Ease of operation
If handheld scanner is used for veterinary applications, then mobility and ease of operation are improved, but image transmission reliability deteriorates in challenging environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements error correction codes and data redundancy measures before transmission to cushion against potential transmission errors in challenging environments. This preliminary protection ensures that even when wireless conditions are poor, the transmitted ultrasound data can be reliably reconstructed without requiring retransmission.
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 solution significantly reduces latency and enhances image quality by compressing and transmitting ultrasound frame data independently, allowing for real-time image formation and display with minimal delay, even in sub-optimal bandwidth conditions, thus improving the usability of handheld ultrasound scanners in veterinary applications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more ultrasound sources and receivers, transmit circuitry configured to apply electrical signals to the ultrasound sources to transmit ultrasound pulses into a scan region
Implementation Method 2
one or more ultrasound sources and receivers, receive circuitry configured to measure ultrasound echoes received at the ultrasound receivers from the scan region
Data Source
AI summary
Ultrasound imaging apparatus and method for veterinary applications. An ultrasound probe obtains ultrasound frame data which is compressed prior to wireless communication to a data processing unit. The data processing unit decompresses the ultrasound frame data and uses it to generate ultrasound images. The transmit bandwidth or transmit buffer size are monitored and the scan rate is reduced if required to maintain low latency. The apparatus generates images with lower latency and greater tolerance of variations in wireless data transfer bandwidth than where images are generated by an ultrasound probe and transmitted wirelessly to a remote display. A regularly updated image can be displayed even if image quality may be temporarily reduced.