Research Overview

Ultrasonix is the world leader in supplying Ultrasound imaging systems for research applications. Based on the OpenSONIX platform, the Sonix RP system provides an open-architecture system that can be configured via software to operate in the various modes required for research. Over 140 sites are using the Sonix RP system to develop new ultrasound technologies and test them under IRB. Some of these new technologies such as Elastography Imaging have already proven to be of clinical significance and starting to be integrated on the Sonix systems. Working in conjunction with the research groups, Ultrasonix is leading innovation in Ultrasound by providing the most flexible research platform available today.

  • Data Acquisition

    The Sonix RP system has the ability to acquire large cineloops of various types of data, ranging from raw RF signal in B-Mode, Color, PW, 3D/4D modes or scan converted data, 8-bits or 16-bits envelope data. The system sequences can also be manually programmed and the corresponding data acquired - for example to acquire full frames of pre-scan converted data in near-realtime.

  • OpenSONIX Platform

    The Sonix RP system provides access (in investigational mode for use under IRB only) to the various ultrasound imaging parameters to give the users the ability to alter sequences, processing and other features for their particular research use. Additional software plug-ins can be developed in Matlab, Visual C++, communicate and synchronize with peripherals connected to the system.

  • Large Library of Tools

    A dedicated Sonix RP user's group provides hundreds of posts with very helpful resources such as Matlab, Python, C Code to configure the system and process the data.


Research Applications

Application Description
Tissue Characterization Collect RF data for elastography imaging or to track tissue temperature for thermal monitoring during RF ablation
Tracking and Targeting Use real-time acquisition of B-Mode images to find target areas for HIFU or radiotherapy applications
Contrast Agents Use tissue and pulse inversion harmonic imaging for better visualizing contrast agents, as well as have full control over the power being applied to the transducer
Photoacoustics and Optoacoustics Collect pre-beamformed data by using the SonixDAQ to analyze low amplitude signals generated by tunable lasers
Volume Rendering Use the research interface or our dedicated Propello software to capture volumetric B images or raw RF data
Vascular Applications Collect 3 types of color Doppler data, and 2 types of pulsed Doppler data for blood-flow and other vascular analysis
Beamforming Algorithms Collect channel data from the SonixDAQ to create new beamforming techniques
Image Processing Collect B-Mode images in 3 different formats for developing new image processing algorithms for computer aided detection and diagnosis techniques
Non-Destructive Testing Adjust the speed of sound used in the beamforming processes to image non-tissue structures
Telemedicine Use the Ulterius SDK to control the ultrasound and gather images via a TCP/IP interface
Multi-Modality Registration Collect images and use tracking devices on the transducer to register the U/S image with MRI or CT datasets
Linguistics Capture high frame rate RF data to capture tongue motion, which can then be correlated through synchronization signals to other audio capture devices
Transducer Prototyping Use our flexible software setup interface to create custom transducers that can be ready for imaging in literally minutes

Research Forum

At the heart of the Sonix systems lies a foundation of innovative research and development. That spirit continues to drive the company forward and research continues to be an integral part of the company's structure. Ultrasonix pushes the envelope to discover new ways to use Ultrasound technology to deliver better patient care.

Ultrasonix has created a network for Ultrasound researchers in leading academic institutions worldwide to help them push the boundaries of Ultrasound technology. Based upon the feedback and research emerging from the research forum, Ultrasonix leverages its Sonix RP and SonixTOUCH Research systems, and its Open PC architecture to constantly refine and create leading edge Ultrasound technology.

The ever expanding research forum is part of our customer commitment in providing first class support. It offers a real-time and collaborative interface for users to get help with system functions, as well as communicate ideas and findings to be shared with the entire research community. On the forum, users will find specific sections for each research device and software development toolkit, as well other general information areas for posting programming or transducer related questions.

On the forum, source code is our friend. Our support team and our users are encouraged to share MATLAB® and C++ programs or snippets that can help users with their research, or provide insight on some tricks and tips into creating a functional and efficient program.



Awards and Sponsorhips

Ultrasonix Student Awards

The Ultrasonix Student Awards recognize outstanding contributions made by students and research assistants to the ultrasound research community. This may include sharing of knowledge through helping other users worldwide, or by creating open-source programs that run on Ultrasonix research platforms.

Year Winner(s) Prize
2009 Thor Andreas Tangen, NTNU / Michael Stauffer, U.Penn. $1000

Research Meeting and Conference Sponsorships

Ultrasonix is committed to making a difference in the research community, not only by development of the world's best selling ultrasound research platform, but also by sponsoring the various conferences and meetings that are held each year.

Date Meeting / Conference Location
10/2010 International Conference of the Ultrasonic Measurement and Imaging of Tissue Elasticity Utah, USA
09/2010 Medical Imaging and Augmented Reality Beijing, China
04/2010 Ultrasonix EU Researcher Meeting Munich, Germany
09/2009 International Conference of the Ultrasonic Measurement and Imaging of Tissue Elasticity Vlissingen, Netherlands
09/2009 Ultrasonix UK Researcher Meeting London, UK


Third Party Tools

Software Developer Description
Stradwin University of Cambridge Stradwin is a free 3D ultrasound acquisition and visualization system. It is fully compatible with the Sonix research platforms and associated SDK's
OpenIGTLink Queens University OpenIGTLink is an open-source tool for image guided therapy and other freehand 3D ultrasound navigation, etc. Developed by multiple groups, Queens University has made their own contributions, titled SynchroGrab, which is used for navigation for surgeries. Parts of this software has direct support for Sonix research devices.
Abersim NTNU Abersim is an open-source toolkit for simulating 3D nonlinear acoustic forward wave propagation. For custom transducer research, this provides excellent data, and has a MATLAB interface, as well core routines programmed in C for speedier simulations. The software has direct applications for custom transducer design done on the Ultrasonix research devices.

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