On-demand ultrasound processing via resource pool segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasound imaging systems require consumers to choose performance levels at the time of purchase, limiting flexibility and increasing costs as higher-end systems are purchased for lower-end imaging needs.
Innovation Solution
Separating the ultrasound sub-system from an ultrasound resource pool allows for on-demand allocation of processing resources based on identified performance modes, enabling flexible performance adjustments and cost-effective usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a consumer purchases a higher end ultrasound imaging scanner, then the system can perform high-end scans, but the consumer pays a higher price even when used for lower end imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a portable ultrasound sub-system and a separate processing resource pool. The sub-system handles data acquisition and basic processing, while the resource pool provides additional processing power on-demand. This segmentation allows the portable device to remain affordable while accessing high-end processing capabilities when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing resource pool serves multiple functions: it processes data from the portable sub-system, provides cloud-based storage, and offers various performance levels (low-end, mid-range, high-end, premium) through a unified interface. This multi-functionality allows a single system to serve diverse imaging needs without requiring separate dedicated devices for each performance level.
2Quantity of substance
If a consumer purchases a lower end ultrasound imaging scanner, then the cost is reduced, but the consumer cannot perform higher end scans
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the data acquisition function (portable sub-system) from the heavy processing function (resource pool), the system allows consumers to purchase an affordable portable device while accessing high-end processing capabilities through cloud-based resources when advanced imaging is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable sub-system acts as an intermediary between the user and the processing resource pool. It collects ultrasound data locally and can process it using either basic onboard resources or by requesting additional processing power from the cloud-based resource pool, thus enabling performance escalation without hardware escalation.
3Productivity
If ultrasound processing resources are permanently allocated to a sub-system, then high performance is available, but resources are wasted when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates processing resources based on real-time needs. The portable sub-system can request additional processing resources from the pool when high-performance scans are needed and release them when not needed. This dynamic allocation ensures high processing performance is available on-demand while avoiding resource waste during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
Processing resources are temporarily allocated to the portable sub-system only when needed for specific scans. After the scan is complete, the resources are de-allocated and returned to the pool for reuse by other users or applications. This approach maximizes resource utilization efficiency while maintaining the ability to provide high-performance processing when required.
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound imaging system (102) includes an ultrasound sub-system (104) with at least a transducer array (112), and an ultrasound resource pool (106). The ultrasound sub-system and the ultrasound resource pool are separate entities. The ultrasound resource pool provides temporary access to ultrasound processing resources of the ultrasound resource pool on an on-demand basis, based on an identified performance mode of the ultrasound sub-system for a scan.