.. _SimulatedChannelDataStream: Simulated Channel Data Stream ============================= The **Simulated Channel Data Stream** provides a way to generate synthetic ultrasound channel data for testing, debugging, and research. Instead of using real ultrasound acquisitions, this tool creates a stream of channel data that mimics the echoes produced by simple phantoms (such as single or multiple point scatterers) under configurable conditions. Key Features ------------ - **Phantom Selection:** Choose between different phantom types, such as a single scatterer at the origin or a grid of scatterers, to analyze and test various imaging scenarios. - **Configurable Parameters:** Adjust the position of the phantom, the pulse-echo sequence, transducer properties, and the amplitudes of echo, transmit, and noise signals to match your testing needs. - **Simulation Backends:** If the optional Python package `pyMUST `_ is installed, the stream can use the advanced SIMUS simulation for more realistic channel data. Otherwise, or if desired, a simple built-in model is used. - **Flexible Output:** The stream produces channel data images and associated metadata, making it suitable for validating algorithms that consume channel data, such as beamformers or custom processing pipelines. - **Testing and Debugging:** The stream can emit images one-by-one for controlled testing, or operate in real-time for continuous data generation. Typical Use Cases ----------------- - Testing and validating ultrasound image formation algorithms without requiring real hardware or datasets. - Debugging channel data processing pipelines in a controlled and reproducible environment. - Research and development of new ultrasound processing techniques using synthetic data. Usage ----- To use the Simulated Channel Data Stream, you can create it in the ImFusion Suite by opening the "Import" menu and selecting "Streaming -> Simulated Channel Data Stream". The stream will appear in the data tree as a new input stream (1), which can be used by other algorithms or modules in the Ultrasound Image Formation module or general algorithms, e.g. by right-clicking it and selecting the desired algorithm from the context menu. Since it is a simulated stream, it immediately starts emitting data once it is created, and you can configure its parameters through the provided controller. .. figure:: SimulatedChannelDataStream.png :alt: Simulated Channel Data Stream controller screenshot :align: center The Simulated Channel Data Stream controller in the ImFusion Suite. The controller (2) allows you to set parameters such as phantom type, position, and simulation backend as well as the imaging parameters.