Model-driven engineering applied to the development of embedded software for B-mode ultrasound imaging systems - A case study

Our society has been experiencing an increasing dependence on medical devices. Errors in design and implementation of these systems can bring serious consequences. Technical and commercial demands are pushing the need for producing embedded devices in less time and with more features added to the final product. To deal with the difficulties of this scenario, it is presented a case study on how ELDORADO has deployed Model-driven Engineering (MDE) to develop a Real-time Ultrasound Modular Platform, which aims to be used for medical research purpose. Over 80% of the algorithms for the formation of B-mode images were developed based on this paradigm. Qualitative results demonstrate the potential of MDE application along with a consistent heterogeneous architecture and hardware/software codesign to achieve modularity, flexibility and loose coupling among signal processing, firmware/hardware.