This paper presents an initial implementation of a Virtual Ultrasound Imaging System as an interactive educational tool for students and researchers in the medical ultrasound imaging field. The system uses a cause and effect approach for understanding the results of changing transducer attributes and pulse parameters on the quality of the ultrasound image. The elements of the system include Field II simulation program, MATLAB computational environment,and computer generated test phantoms. The system allows the user to change the array type (linear, convex, and phased), the array parameters (e.g., the number of elements and the element dimensions), the pulse parameters (center frequency and bandwidth), and the phantom type. An easy to use graphical user interface has also been developed to facilitate the use of the virtual ultrasound system. The system should prove valuable for teaching and research purposes. |
