Portable ultrasound unit and docking station
First Claim
1. A docking cart to which a portable ultrasound unit is connected, the portable ultrasound unit (PUU) comprising a transducer port configured to be coupled to a connector of an ultrasound transducer and PUU ultrasound processing circuitry that accepts first ultrasound image data from the transducer port and processes the first ultrasound image data to generate second ultrasound image data, the docking cart comprising:
- digital communications circuitry that supports communications between the docking cart and the connected portable ultrasound unit; and
docking cart ultrasound processing circuitry that processes the second ultrasound image data received by the docking cart from the portable ultrasound unit through the digital communications circuitry, wherein the docking cart ultrasound processing circuitry is integrally disposed within the docking cart.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A portable ultrasound unit and docking cart for the unit are provided. When the portable unit is mounted to the docking cart, the docking cart transforms the portable unit into a cart-based system with enhanced features and functionality such as improved ergonomics, ease of use, a larger display format, external communications connectivity, multiple transducer connections, and increased data processing capabilities. A clinician display and patient display may be provided on the cart. Communications circuitry in the docking cart may be used to support communications between the docking cart'"'"'s processor and external networks and devices. The docking cart may receive physiological signals such as cardiac signals and may use this information to synchronize ultrasound imaging operations with a patient'"'"'s physiological condition. Adjustable user interface controls, data handling features, security features, power control functions, and thermal management capabilities may be provided in the docking cart.
236 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A docking cart to which a portable ultrasound unit is connected, the portable ultrasound unit (PUU) comprising a transducer port configured to be coupled to a connector of an ultrasound transducer and PUU ultrasound processing circuitry that accepts first ultrasound image data from the transducer port and processes the first ultrasound image data to generate second ultrasound image data, the docking cart comprising:
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digital communications circuitry that supports communications between the docking cart and the connected portable ultrasound unit; and docking cart ultrasound processing circuitry that processes the second ultrasound image data received by the docking cart from the portable ultrasound unit through the digital communications circuitry, wherein the docking cart ultrasound processing circuitry is integrally disposed within the docking cart. - 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, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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35. A docking cart to which a portable ultrasound unit is connected, the docking cart comprising:
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digital communications circuitry that supports communications between the docking cart and the connected portable ultrasound unit; and a processor that processes ultrasound image data received by the docking cart from the portable ultrasound unit through the digital communications circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether the docking cart has been moved to an unauthorized location.
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36. A docking cart to which a portable ultrasound unit is connected, the docking cart comprising:
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digital communications circuitry that supports communications between the docking cart and the connected portable ultrasound unit; and a processor that processes ultrasound image data received by the docking cart from the portable ultrasound unit through the digital communications circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to disable at least some operations when the processor determines that the cart has been moved to a new network environment.
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Specification