Modular portable ultrasound systems
First Claim
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1. An ultrasound imaging system including a mobile cart for a portable ultrasound display and processing device, the ultrasound imaging system comprising:
- a handheld display and image processor housing having a first electrical connector;
a computer within the handheld display and image processor housing;
a touch screen graphical user interface operable on the display and image processor housing, the display being mounted within the handheld display and image processor housing over the computer such that a user can view and operate the display;
a virtual control panel to actuate an ultrasound imaging operation using the display within the handheld display and image processor housing;
a beamformer within the handheld display and image processor housing, the beamformer being connected to receive image signals from a transducer connector during an imaging procedure;
a memory and a battery within the handheld display and image processor housing;
a base assembly having a second electrical connector configured to electrically connect to the handheld display and image processor housing that can be detachably mounted onto the base assembly such that the handheld display and image processor housing is powered by the battery, the second electrical connector including an external network connection and wherein the base assembly supports a control panel that separately operates the handheld display and image processor housing;
a plurality of tranducer connection ports such that a plurality of transducers electrically connect to the ultrasound imaging system, wherein each transducer connection port comprises a transmit and receive integrated circuit; and
a cart on which the base assembly is mounted, the cart carrying a direct current (DC) source electrically connectable to the handheld display and image processor housing and further including a wheel assembly.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a lightweight, high resolution portable ultrasound system using components and methods to improve connectivity and ease of use. A preferred embodiment includes an integrated system in which the beamformer control circuitry can be inserted into the host computer as a peripheral or within the processor housing.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. An ultrasound imaging system including a mobile cart for a portable ultrasound display and processing device, the ultrasound imaging system comprising:
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a handheld display and image processor housing having a first electrical connector; a computer within the handheld display and image processor housing; a touch screen graphical user interface operable on the display and image processor housing, the display being mounted within the handheld display and image processor housing over the computer such that a user can view and operate the display; a virtual control panel to actuate an ultrasound imaging operation using the display within the handheld display and image processor housing; a beamformer within the handheld display and image processor housing, the beamformer being connected to receive image signals from a transducer connector during an imaging procedure; a memory and a battery within the handheld display and image processor housing; a base assembly having a second electrical connector configured to electrically connect to the handheld display and image processor housing that can be detachably mounted onto the base assembly such that the handheld display and image processor housing is powered by the battery, the second electrical connector including an external network connection and wherein the base assembly supports a control panel that separately operates the handheld display and image processor housing; a plurality of tranducer connection ports such that a plurality of transducers electrically connect to the ultrasound imaging system, wherein each transducer connection port comprises a transmit and receive integrated circuit; and a cart on which the base assembly is mounted, the cart carrying a direct current (DC) source electrically connectable to the handheld display and image processor housing and further including a wheel assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification