Microsoft Ventures into Ultrasound Technology
Sonography is one of the fastest developing diagnostic procedures today. Machines are constantly upgraded, in terms of functionality as well as portability. Microsoft is a major company known for its advanced computer technology – but is now known as one of the innovators in diagnostic medical sonography. Other companies have been doing the same thing – further improving sonography machines, making them easier to use and more accessible to rural community areas.
Microsoft is taking it a step further by developing a plug-in (USB-based) probe that only needs to be connected into a computer or even just a smartphone to function. Get your answers now through the link. |
Sonography basics
Sonograms operate on one main concept – the ability of sound to echo or bounce off of solid structures. This was first studied by Spallanzani, with his research on the ability of bats to echolocate. The same principle is used in sonography. Sound waves are created in a transducer, with piezoelectric sheets. The waves pass through the body, which bounce off of solid structures like bone and masses of tissue. These create images which are seen on the monitor and can be printed out to be analyzed.
Sonogram machines always have these parts – the transducer and the screen. Learn more about sonogram machines in Lisa’s articles.
Smaller and smaller
Innovations in sonogram machines have made it smaller and smaller, increasing its portability but often compromising functionality. Tablet-based sonograms are still in the works, with research proving it possible to have sonogram software installed in small devices. Microsoft is aiming to do the same thing, but with research focused on the transducer or probe itself. A plug-in probe is an all-in-one, simply connect it to any device and the software installs itself – all without compromising the ability of the transducer to create sound waves and images.
Dr. William D. Richard, an associate professor in computer science and engineering at Washington University (St. Louis) is responsible for creating the plug-in probe. He touts cost-efficiency as one of the biggest pros of plug-in probes. Because it is so small and convenient, it is also easier to use, more portable, and additionally, with an affordable price-tag (price is estimated at a few hundred dollars). Currently, his USB probes sell for several thousand dollars, but with further research and development, the cost can be cut even lower.
Accessibility and cost-efficiency
If the plug-in sonogram probes prove to be hit in the market, it is expected that diagnostic medical sonography will become more accessible to rural communities – places where allied health workers are present but medical equipment and supplies are not. Because the probe is easy to use, more people can easily be trained to use it – not necessarily requiring a medical doctor or certified sonographer for basic operations of the device. In emergency settings, even community leaders can be tasked to use the sonogram probe, coordinating medical management with allied health workers in nearby communities.
Sonograms operate on one main concept – the ability of sound to echo or bounce off of solid structures. This was first studied by Spallanzani, with his research on the ability of bats to echolocate. The same principle is used in sonography. Sound waves are created in a transducer, with piezoelectric sheets. The waves pass through the body, which bounce off of solid structures like bone and masses of tissue. These create images which are seen on the monitor and can be printed out to be analyzed.
Sonogram machines always have these parts – the transducer and the screen. Learn more about sonogram machines in Lisa’s articles.
Smaller and smaller
Innovations in sonogram machines have made it smaller and smaller, increasing its portability but often compromising functionality. Tablet-based sonograms are still in the works, with research proving it possible to have sonogram software installed in small devices. Microsoft is aiming to do the same thing, but with research focused on the transducer or probe itself. A plug-in probe is an all-in-one, simply connect it to any device and the software installs itself – all without compromising the ability of the transducer to create sound waves and images.
Dr. William D. Richard, an associate professor in computer science and engineering at Washington University (St. Louis) is responsible for creating the plug-in probe. He touts cost-efficiency as one of the biggest pros of plug-in probes. Because it is so small and convenient, it is also easier to use, more portable, and additionally, with an affordable price-tag (price is estimated at a few hundred dollars). Currently, his USB probes sell for several thousand dollars, but with further research and development, the cost can be cut even lower.
Accessibility and cost-efficiency
If the plug-in sonogram probes prove to be hit in the market, it is expected that diagnostic medical sonography will become more accessible to rural communities – places where allied health workers are present but medical equipment and supplies are not. Because the probe is easy to use, more people can easily be trained to use it – not necessarily requiring a medical doctor or certified sonographer for basic operations of the device. In emergency settings, even community leaders can be tasked to use the sonogram probe, coordinating medical management with allied health workers in nearby communities.