Wireless Ultrasound Probe Raw Data Acquisition Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound systems with wireless transducers face challenges in transmitting and storing raw ultrasound data in real-time due to bandwidth limitations of protocols like Wi-Fi, leading to loss of information and reduced efficiency in advanced analyses and research applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow for the acquisition and transmission of raw ultrasound data from a wirelessly connected device by storing processed ultrasound image data in an image buffer, which can store more frames than the corresponding raw data buffer, enabling selective retrieval of raw data corresponding to processed images, and allowing for continuous image feed without delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If raw ultrasound data is transmitted in real-time using wireless protocols, then complete information is available for advanced analysis, but bandwidth limitations prevent simultaneous transmission of images and raw data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of ultrasound data into image format before transmission. The processed image data is transmitted in real-time to the wireless device, while the complete raw data is stored locally in the ultrasound machine's buffer. This preliminary processing resolves the bandwidth conflict by sending only essential visual information wirelessly while preserving full raw data for later analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and transmits only the processed image data through the wireless connection, separating this from the complete raw data that remains in the ultrasound machine. This extraction approach allows real-time image sharing without overwhelming the wireless bandwidth, while raw data accessibility is maintained through local storage and selective retrieval capabilities.
2Productivity
If processed ultrasound image data is stored in a buffer, then real-time image display is enabled, but storage capacity is limited compared to raw data
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the data representation parameter from raw ultrasound signals to processed image format. This transformation reduces the storage capacity requirements in the wireless device's buffer while maintaining real-time display capability. The raw data remains stored in the ultrasound machine's larger buffer, providing both fast image display and adequate storage capacity through parameter transformation.
3Ease of operation
If wireless transducers are used, then portability and ergonomics are improved, but bandwidth is insufficient for simultaneous image and raw data streaming
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data transmission into two separate channels: processed image data transmitted wirelessly in real-time for immediate viewing, and complete raw data stored locally in the ultrasound machine. This segmentation allows the wireless transducer to maintain its portability advantage while the system as a whole preserves complete information availability through divided data handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The processed image data acts as an intermediary between the wireless transducer and the user, providing real-time visual feedback without requiring transmission of the complete raw data set. This intermediary approach enables the wireless system to function effectively while maintaining access to full raw data through local storage and selective retrieval mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for acquiring raw ultrasound data from an ultrasound machine using a wirelessly connected device. The systems can be configured to display ultrasound images on a display device and receive input to select the ultrasound images for which to retrieve corresponding raw ultrasound data from the ultrasound machine. A raw data buffer provided at the ultrasound machine may be capable of storing a first time duration of raw ultrasound data. An image display buffer provided at the wireless device may store: processed ultrasound image data corresponding to the raw ultrasound data stored in the raw data buffer; and previously-received processed ultrasound image data that has no corresponding raw ultrasound data stored in the raw data buffer.