美国华盛顿大学研究人员现在研发了一种特殊的移动医疗成像仪,细心的读者在看到它的外形后就会立刻识出它的庐山真面目,这台成像仪就是一台使用Windows Mobile操作系统的智能手机。
由于智能手机的电力和空间要求,所以它的应用范围还是比较有限的,肯定不能与其他磁共振成像仪相提并论。但是对于经常出诊的医生来说,或许会喜欢上这个能随身携带的小智能设备。
Researcher William D. Richard (left) takes an ultrasound probe of his colleague David Zar's carotid artery. The pair designed the probe, which w
orks on Windowssmart phones over USB. (Source: Washington University)
The program on the phone is capable of creating medical quality images and resolving detail as fine as individual arteries. And best of all, the cost is under $2,000. (Source: Washington University)
From the size of a cabinet, the electronics for the scanner were shrunk over the years to a 1x3 inch circuit board which uses only the power provided by a USB connector. (Source: Washington University)
据悉微软为这个项目捐了10万美元,但却不希望这些研究人员把这项技术应用到消费市场。这项技术将主要提供给发展中国家,供那些无法购买昂贵诊断设备的小诊所使用。目前华盛顿大学正寻求麻省理工学院共同合作,准备在一些第三世界国家进行实地测试。