Analog store digital read ultrasound beamforming system
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11378669-B2
Publication Date
2022-07-05
Expiration Date
2034-02-12
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Abstract
An analog store-digital read (ASDR) ultrasound beamformer architecture performs the task of signal beamforming using a matrix of sample/hold cells to capture, store and process instantaneous samples of analog signals from ultrasound array elements and this architecture provides significant reduction in power consumption and the size of the diagnostic ultrasound imaging system such that the hardware build upon ASDR ultrasound beamformer architecture can be placed in one or few application specific integrated chips (ASIC) positioned next to the ultrasound array and the whole diagnostic ultrasound imaging system could fit in the handle of the ultrasonic probe while preserving most of the functionality of a cart-based system. The ASDR architecture provides improved signal-to-noise ratio and is scalable.
Core Innovation
The invention presents an Analog Store Digital Read (ASDR) ultrasound beamformer architecture that performs signal beamforming using a matrix of sample/hold cells to capture, store, and process instantaneous analog signal samples from ultrasound array elements. This architecture substantially reduces power consumption and the size of diagnostic ultrasound imaging systems, allowing the hardware to be implemented in one or a few application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) placed close to the ultrasound array. This compact design enables the entire diagnostic ultrasound imaging system to fit within the handle of the ultrasonic probe while maintaining most of the functionality of traditional cart-based systems.
The ASDR architecture operates by sampling analog signals from each element of the ultrasonic array at a certain rate, storing these samples in an analog random access memory formed by banks of sample-hold cells organized as a matrix, then selecting and summing specific stored analog samples across channels according to a beamforming algorithm to form analog beamformed signal samples. These summed analog beamformed signals are then digitized for further processing. This method combines analog storage with digital control and beamforming, providing a scalable solution with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced hardware complexity.
The problem the invention addresses arises from limitations of prior analog and digital beamforming approaches in ultrasound imaging systems. Traditional analog beamformers suffer from poor time discrimination, low refresh rates, and irreversibility of beamforming algorithms. Digital beamformers offer dynamic beamforming and multiple algorithms but require complex hardware, leading to larger system size, higher power consumption, and cost. There remains a need to reduce the size and power requirements of diagnostic ultrasound imaging systems, while preserving or improving image quality and functionality.
Claims Coverage
The claims include multiple independent claims that cover various aspects of the ASDR ultrasound beamforming system and method, emphasizing structural components, operational features, and system integration.
Analog store digital read ultrasound beamformer architecture
An ultrasonic array formed of individual ultrasonic array elements grouped into channels, receiving input signal control circuitry creating signals for each channel, banks of sample-hold cells per channel forming analog random access memories that sample and store receiving signals, a beamforming processor selecting sample-hold cell data per beamforming instance based on a beamforming algorithm, an analog summation element summing selected sample-hold cell data to form analog beamformed samples, and an analog-to-digital converter digitizing these beamformed samples, with the entire system configured for placement in the handle of an ultrasonic probe.
Low power per channel operation
Each channel comprises only one array element and operates consuming less than 40 milliwatts, with embodiments using less than 25 or even 15 milliwatts per channel.
Capacitor-based sample-hold cells and integrated beamforming processor
Sample-hold cells are capacitor-based elements, and the beamforming processor is at least partially implemented as an integrated circuit such as an ASIC.
Sample-hold cell bank sizing based on signal delay and sampling rate
The number of sample-hold cells in each bank is equal to or greater than the product of the sampling rate and the maximum desired delay for the signal path to accommodate necessary beamforming delays.
Transmission beamformer utilizing sample-hold cells
A transmission beamformer stores at least portions of one transmission output pulse signal in banks of transmission sample-hold cells associated with channels, with embodiments sharing these banks among multiple channels or having separate banks for transmission and reception.
Multiple beamforming instances and storage
Multiple beamforming instances employing multiple beamforming algorithms are supported, with a bank of beamform sample-hold cells configured to store analog beamformed received signal samples prior to digitization.
System integration on at least one integrated circuit
The ASDR ultrasound beamforming system, including receiving input signal processor, sample-hold cell banks, beamforming processor, analog summation element, ADC, and transmission beamformer, is integrated in one or more integrated circuits configured for probe handle placement.
Ultrasonic array element configuration
Each array element is configured to convert electric energy into mechanical vibrations during transmission and mechanical vibrations into electric signals during reception.
The claims comprehensively cover an ASDR ultrasound beamformer system and method featuring analog sample storage in capacitor-based cells per channel, digital control to select and sum analog samples in accordance with beamforming algorithms, integrated low power channel operation, support for transmission and receive beamforming, multiple beamforming strategies, and full system integration suitable for miniaturization into a probe handle.
Stated Advantages
Significant reduction in the size of diagnostic ultrasound imaging systems enabling hardware placement in one or a few ASICs next to the ultrasound array so that the whole system fits in the probe handle while preserving most functionalities of cart-based systems.
Capability for wireless data and image transmission to any image display device or receiver connected to data ports.
Improved signal-to-noise ratio by drastically reducing hardware complexity and shortening the signal path from transducer elements to the digitizer.
Enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, diagnostic image contrast, and spatial resolution by implementing full aperture beamforming with independent transmit and receive channels for each element.
Lower power consumption per channel allowing extended operation on battery power.
Significantly reduced production cost through implementation on one or few ASICs.
Scalable architecture enabling construction of ultrasound arrays with any number of elements by linear expansion.
Improved image quality and reduced cost for systems built with 1.5D, 1.75D, and 2D arrays.
Documented Applications
Medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging for human and animal applications.
Non-destructive testing and evaluation including pipeline testing, airframe testing, turbine blade testing, bridge and structural testing, and manufacturing testing such as metal working rolls.
Ultrasonic testing used to find flaws and measure thickness of various materials including metals, plastics, aerospace composites, wood, concrete, and cement.
Geophysical exploration.
Sonar applications.
General ultrasound imaging or image-like applications requiring beamforming for transmission and/or reception.
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