Modular portable ultrasound systems

An ultrasound imaging system including a mobile cart for a portable ultrasound display and processing device, the ultrasound imaging system comprising:

• a handheld display and image processor housing having a first electrical connector;
• a computer within the handheld display and image processor housing;
• a touch screen graphical user interface operable on the display and image processor housing, a display being mounted within the handheld display and image processor housing over the computer such that a user can view and operate the display;
• a virtual control panel to actuate an ultrasound imaging operation using the display within the handheld display and image processor housing;
• a beamformer connected to receive image signals from a transducer connector during an imaging procedure;
• a memory and a battery within the handheld display and image processor housing;
• a base assembly having a second electrical connector configured to electrically connect to the handheld display and image processor housing that can be detachably mounted onto the base assembly such that the handheld display and image processor housing is powered by the battery, the second electrical connector being connected to an external network connection and wherein the base assembly supports a control panel that separately operates the handheld display and image processor housing;
• a plurality of transducer connection ports such that a plurality of transducers electrically connect to the ultrasound imaging system, the computer being configured to identify a selected transducer and to adjust system operation based on stored transducer parameters for the selected transducer;
• and
• a cart on which the base assembly is mounted, the cart including a wheel assembly.