Wireless Ultrasound Probe Workflow for Mobile Imaging and Advanced Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound diagnostic systems face limitations in performing advanced measurements and report creation due to hardware constraints and reduced input operability in portable terminals, compromising the mobility and operability of ultrasound probes.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound diagnostic system comprising a wirelessly connected ultrasound probe, portable terminal, and diagnostic apparatus, where the probe acquires and stores echo data, and the terminal and diagnostic apparatus process and transmit this data for advanced measurements and report creation, enabling improved mobility and operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the ultrasound probe is wirelessly connected to the apparatus body to improve mobility, then the mobility of the ultrasound probe is improved, but the ability to perform advanced measurement and report creation is compromised due to hardware limitations in portable terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three functional segments: the portable ultrasound probe for imaging acquisition, the portable terminal for real-time display and control, and the diagnostic apparatus for advanced measurement and report creation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific functions, enabling the probe to be lightweight and mobile while the diagnostic apparatus provides advanced processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable terminal serves as an intermediary device that receives ultrasound images from the probe and transmits them to the diagnostic apparatus. It acts as a bridge that enables data transfer between the mobile probe and the stationary diagnostic system, allowing advanced measurements to be performed on data acquired in the field.
2Ease of operation
If the portable terminal displays the ultrasound image to enable real-time monitoring during imaging, then the operability during imaging is improved, but the hardware constraints of the portable terminal limit advanced measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the real-time imaging function (handled by the portable terminal) from the advanced measurement function (handled by the diagnostic apparatus). This allows the portable terminal to focus on providing real-time feedback for ease of operation, while the diagnostic apparatus handles complex measurements that require more powerful hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable terminal acts as an intermediary that facilitates real-time imaging operation while also serving as a data transmission device. It receives raw ultrasound data from the probe, displays preliminary images for operator guidance, and transmits the data to the diagnostic apparatus for advanced analysis, thus bridging the gap between mobile imaging and stationary analysis.
3Weight of moving object
If the portable terminal is used for both displaying ultrasound images and performing advanced measurements, then the mobility is improved, but the input operability and processing capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the operational functions between the portable terminal and the diagnostic apparatus. The portable terminal provides a simplified interface for basic imaging control and real-time display, while the diagnostic apparatus provides a comprehensive interface for advanced measurements and report creation, allowing each device to optimize its interface for its specific purpose.
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
The system allows for advanced measurements and report creation while enhancing the mobility and operability of ultrasound probes by wirelessly transmitting and processing echo data across components.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound probe incorporating a transducer array, and an apparatus body connected to the ultrasound probe, and transmits an ultrasound beam from the ultrasound probe toward a subject, receives an ultrasound echo from the subject through the ultrasound probe
Implementation Method 2
a reception unit that amplifies a reception signal output from the transducer array and converts the reception signal into a digital signal
Implementation Method 3
a beam former that phase-sums the digital signal converted by the reception unit
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an ultrasound diagnostic system and a control method of the ultrasound diagnostic system capable of performing advanced measurement, report creation, and the like even while improving operability and mobility of an ultrasound probe.An ultrasound probe, a portable terminal, and a diagnostic apparatus are wirelessly connected to each other, the ultrasound probe has a probe memory, the ultrasound probe acquires echo data, including echo information before becoming an ultrasound image, through transmission and reception of an ultrasound wave with respect to a subject and stores the acquired echo data in the probe memory, the portable terminal controls the ultrasound probe and the diagnostic apparatus such that the echo data stored in the probe memory is wirelessly transmitted from the ultrasound probe to the diagnostic apparatus, and the diagnostic apparatus performs ultrasound diagnosis based on the echo data wirelessly transmitted from the ultrasound probe.