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Prototype software environment for digital ultrasound review

Currently, Hewlett-Packard's ultrasound systems offer two options for storage and retrieval of ultrasound image data: realtime storage to videotape, or short 2-second digital video stored non-realtime to optical disk. Videotape is the primary storage medium due to its realtime recording capabilities. Unfortunately, videotape is less than ideal for many reasons: loss of image quality due to compromises in recording to videotape and to the medium itself tape storage and retrieval problems, and post-exam review inflexibility for diagnostic and teaching purposes. These limitations suggest the need for a new storage and retrieval mechanism that acquires digital video sequences in realtime. As a first step to achieving digital ultrasound review, an investigation of the feature requirements for an ideal fully digital review station was undertaken. This work included surveying a selected set of cardiologists, and interviewing engineers and clinical specialists at Hewlett-Packard. Target specifications for performance, image quality, and functionality of an ideal review station environment were identified. Based on these specifications, a cost and performance analysis of a hypothetical fully digital lab is undertaken. Results indicate that current costs of implementation are prohibitive, and suggest a software-based approach that will ride the performance/cost curve as hardware and compression technology advance. To that end, a set of functionality requirements based on survey and interview results was targeted for implementation in a software prototype. The prototype review environment is implemented on a PC using Visual Basic and Windows 3.1. Its capabilities include: zooming images, watching multiple exams or cardiac views simultaneously, performing measurements, and annotation using text or pen. Preliminary evaluation of the new prototype review environment indicates a need for further investigation of different software and hardware platforms for better performance, functionality, and reliability. Thesis Supervisor: DavidL. Tennenhouse Title: Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Thesis Supervisor: Barry F. Hunt Title: Engineer, Hewlett-Packard Company