I-Corps: A hand-held device that generates 2D and 3D ultrasound sonograms

I-Corps项目更广泛的影响/商业潜力是引入一种即时超声设备，可以降低研究中数据采集的成本，并支持患者护理方面的科学进步。目前，世界上60%以上的地区无法获得超声成像技术。除了高昂的成本，培训也是一个障碍。通过机器学习算法的实现，在该装置中引入了引导和图像分类方面的内容。这可能有助于筛查怀孕期间潜在的并发症，并在乳房活检等应用中提供指导。为了训练机器学习算法，需要生成大型数据集，但超声波数据昂贵且收集速度缓慢。在美国，每年进行的超声检查超过1.25亿次，每次平均费用为800美元。广泛使用超声设备的主要优点是全球可获得负担得起的医疗诊断技术，以及远程医疗软件应用的平台。然后，超声图可以与医生和医疗保健提供者无线共享，从而有可能消除对物理办公室访问的需要，对许多人来说，这是一个漫长、昂贵和复杂的旅程。这一提议的即时超声系统将满足全球用户的需求。I-Corps项目的基础是开发一种手持、USB（通用串行总线）供电的设备，该设备可以生成二维和三维超声图，并以与网络摄像头视频相同的格式传输图像。然后，该视频可以显示或由诊断软件处理。硬件和软件是用户友好的，适用于各种受众。此外，可以使用人工智能来减轻新用户的培训负担。该便携式系统轴向分辨率为0.6 mm， 30 mm深度横向分辨率为1.9 mm，中心频率为4.25 MHz±5%。当与组织等效的幻影进行测试时，该设备呈现出足够质量的图像，以提取价值和关键信息，如内部结构的大小以及体积信息，这些信息可用于指导临床决策。基于小车的超声系统提供市场上最好的三维图像质量和处理软件，零售价为25万美元，这对许多市场来说都是令人望而却步的价格。提议的即时护理系统可以消除诊断成像的障碍，包括价格、超声图解释缺乏熟练程度和到达医疗设施的困难。性能、简单性和价格的结合使该技术广泛地可访问和可管理，适用于一系列应用程序。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is the introduction of a point-of-care ultrasound device that may reduce the cost of data acquisition in research and support scientific advancements in patient care. Currently, over 60% of the world lacks access to ultrasound imaging technology. In addition to prohibitive cost, training also is a barrier. With the implementation of machine learning algorithms, an aspect of guidance and image classification is introduced in the proposed device. This may facilitate the screening of potential complications during pregnancy and provide guidance during breast biopsies, among other applications. To train machine learning algorithms, large datasets need to be generated, but ultrasound data is expensive and slow to collect. In the United States, more than 125 million ultrasound studies are performed yearly at an average cost of $800 each. The main advantages of a broadly accessible ultrasound device are global accessibility to affordable medical diagnostic technology, and a platform for telemedicine software applications. Sonograms may then be shared wirelessly with physicians and healthcare providers, potentially eliminating the need for a physical office visit, which for many is a long, expensive, and complicated journey. This proposed point-of-care ultrasound system will address the needs of global users.This I-Corps project is based on the development of a hand-held, USB (universal serial bus)-powered device that generates 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional ultrasound sonograms and streams images in the same format as webcam video. This video may then be displayed or processed by diagnostic software. The hardware and software are user friendly and applicable for a range of audiences. In addition, artificial intelligence can be used to reduce the training burden for new users. The axial resolution of the proposed portable system is 0.6 mm, lateral resolution is 1.9 mm at 30 mm depth, and central frequency is 4.25 MHz ± 5%. When tested with tissue equivalent phantoms, the device rendered images of sufficient quality to extract value and critical information such as the size of internal structures as well as volumetric information, which may be used to guide clinical decisions. Cart-based ultrasound systems that provide the best-in-market 3-dimensional image quality and processing software can retail for $250,000, which is prohibitive in price for many markets. The proposed point-of-care system may eliminate barriers to diagnostic imaging including price, lack of proficiency in sonogram interpretation, and difficulty reaching medical facilities. The combination of performance, simplicity, and price make this technology broadly accessible and manageable for a range of applications.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.