Abstract: Software System, referred to as Image Transport Engine, for processing a sequence of images by deploying Image Processing Functions onto a multiprocessor system called Platform, which generates input image data in order to provide processed output image data. The Software System comprises a software data partitioning model, referred to as Communication Pattern, which partitions the images of the sequence using time-stamped data packets, the transfer of which may overlap the execution of said image processing functions. The Communication Pattern is formed of Software Modules linked by oriented Connections associated to the Modules through Ports. Each Module activates one Image Processing Function attached to it and manages data transfers and synchronization. The source Module partitions the Input Data into data packets that are Image Strips, formed of consecutive image lines. The Image Strips may overlap other Image Strips.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer, comprising a substrate (10) which forms a backing medium, a layer of piezoelectric material (20), and one or more matching layers (30, 40) whose acoustic impedance has a value between that of the piezoelectric material and that of a foremost, propagation medium (50). The matching layer (layers) is (are) provided exclusively between the piezoelectric material (20) and the foremost, propagation medium (50). The acoustic impedance of the backing medium (10) is sufficiently high with respect to the acoustic impedance of the piezoelectric material for the backing medium to be considered to be rigid, the thickness of the layer of piezoelectric material (20) being equal to one quarter of the wavelength associated with the resonant frequency of the transducer.