Ultrasound beamformers for research

Most traditional ultrasound scanners are “closed” systems and their use for research purposes is limited. The open architecture of our platform allows customizable hardware and software implementations on specific request of researchers. Hardware Tools: RF Data Access implemented in MATLAB / Python environment, I/O synchronization triggers, dedicated probes, duo probes, etc… Software Tools: research tools included in EWII software (dll for MATLAB or other custom software), SDK for compiling proprietary software, B-to-Line, WM CopyData support, etc… A feature of our systems is the saving of all the fps collected and not only those processed and visualized on the display.

SDK – Software Developement Kit

The software development kit - SDK Usgfw2 is a high-level programming library for compiling custom scanning software. It allows access to the frames and scan lines of each frame. It contains an installation package of redistributable files, programming documentation and source code examples that show how to access to data and control the ultrasound scanner in different scanning modes. The SDK is compatible with several programming languages (native C++, Delphi, managed C++, C#, VB) which support Microsoft COM (Component Object Model). The developed software can run on Microsoft Windows x86, x32 and x64 bit, operating systems Windows 7 / 8 /10. The complete package is available free of charge for research centres, developers and OEM partners upon signature of an NDA agreement. Echo Wave II is based on this SDK.

Input/Output Sync Trigger Option

TELEMED beamformers can be equipped with additional connectors to synchronize the scanner with other signals or instrumentation. For this purpose, we provide special versions of the ArtUs, SmartUs, MicrUs, ClarUs beamformers.

RF Data Access (ArtUS Only)

Most traditional ultrasound diagnostic equipment consists of closed systems and does not provide access to RF data/signals (Raw RF Data). RF-Data contain important information about acoustic waves and their interaction with tissues. Such information can be used for the development of new diagnostic methods, Quantitative Ultrasound Imaging and tissue characterization. Telemed offers tools for real-time RF data access (B-mode + RF Data) and packages for data processing, implemented in MATLAB and Python environments.

MATLAB

The Automation Programming Interface of Echo Wave II allows you to use a MATLAB script or a custom script to access the cine frames and their times. The AutoInt1.dll plug-in implements the Automation Programming Interface COM (ProgId EchoWave2.CmdInt1) to access Echo Wave II ultrasound images from other 32/64-bit applications. The MATLAB script for accessing frames and their time is similar to the following:

asm_path = '...\Config\Plugins\autoint1client.dll'; % "..." must be replaced with full path
asm = NET.addAssembly(asm_path);
cmd = AutoInt1Client.CmdInt1();
ret = cmd.ConnectToRunningProgram(); % connect to running "Echo Wave II"
md.OpenFile('C:\Echo Images\test1.tvd'); % open file
rm_count = cmd.GetFramesCount(); % get the number of frames
for i1=1:frm_count
cmd.GoToFrame1n(i1, true); % go to frame
t = cmd.GetCurrentFrameTime(); % get frame time
fprintf(1, 'Frame %d of %d. Time = %f ms.\n', i1, frm_count, t);
img = uint8(cmd.GetLoadedFrameRGB()); % get frame image in RGB format
figure; imshow(img, 'Border', 'tight', 'InitialMagnification', 100); % show image
end

For further information please refer to the installation subfolder “Windows (C:) \ programs x86 \ TELEMED \ Echo Wave II \ Config \ Plugins \ Autoint1Client”.

Duo Probe

The Duo Probe is a probe equipped with two scan heads; it allows the execution of simultaneous acquisitions made on two different scanning planes.

B-To-Line

The B-to-Line utility allows you to extract metadata from raw data image/video files. The extracted data provide specific details on each individual frame/scan line: transmission/reception parameters, with the definition of the duration of each frame and the IFI-Inter Frame Intervals data to an approximation of 100 ns. B-to-Line represents a support for synchronization with other signals (e.g.: EMG, etc.).