Wireless Communication Options for a Mobile Ultrasound System

This work evaluates the feasibility of wireless
real-time ultrasound image streaming, for use in
disaster, rescue and medical transport. Relevant
transmission parameters (data rate, packet loss,
jitter, and latency) and network protocols were
measured for 3 wireless networks: 802.11g ad-hoc
network, 3G cellular broadband network, and Inmarsat
BGAN satellite network. In addition, H.264 compressed
echocardiographic image loops were transmitted in
real-time over the 3 wireless networks, with
specified image quality (VGA and QVGA) and specified
frame rates (10, 15, 20 and 30 frames per second),
and then uncompressed and recorded.
Physicians with expertise in medical ultrasound
subsequently rated the diagnostic content of the
transmitted image stream relative to the original
image loops. The results showed that with efficient
video compression, diagnostically valuable wireless
streaming of ultrasound video can be carried out.
This work will benefit individuals and organizations
in the field of telemedicine and remote medical
imaging as well as those in the wireless community.

Autorentext
Brett W. Dickson, MS: Electrical and Computer Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA. Verification Engineer at SiCortex Inc, Maynard, MA; Peder C. Pedersen, ME and Ph.D: Bioengineering at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA

Klappentext
This work evaluates the feasibility of wireless real-time ultrasound image streaming, for use in disaster, rescue and medical transport. Relevant transmission parameters (data rate, packet loss, jitter, and latency) and network protocols were measured for 3 wireless networks: 802.11g ad-hoc network, 3G cellular broadband network, and Inmarsat BGAN satellite network. In addition, H.264 compressed echocardiographic image loops were transmitted in real-time over the 3 wireless networks, with specified image quality (VGA and QVGA) and specified frame rates (10, 15, 20 and 30 frames per second), and then uncompressed and recorded. Physicians with expertise in medical ultrasound subsequently rated the diagnostic content of the transmitted image stream relative to the original image loops. The results showed that with efficient video compression, diagnostically valuable wireless streaming of ultrasound video can be carried out. This work will benefit individuals and organizations in the field of telemedicine and remote medical imaging as well as those in the wireless community.