Analog store digital read ultrasound beamforming system and method
Inventors
Assignees
Ursus Medical Designs LLC • URS-US MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY Inc
Publication Number
US-9739875-B2
Publication Date
2017-08-22
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 provides an Analog Store Digital Read (ASDR) ultrasound beamforming architecture performing signal beamforming using a matrix of sample/hold cells. These cells capture, store, and process instantaneous samples of analog signals from ultrasound array elements. This architecture significantly reduces power consumption and device size, enabling placement of all necessary hardware in one or a few application specific integrated chips (ASICs) positioned next to the ultrasound array.
The ASDR beamformer allows the entire diagnostic ultrasound imaging system to fit within the ultrasonic probe handle while preserving most functionality of cart-based systems. The architecture enhances signal-to-noise ratio and scalability, using analog sample storage combined with digital control to accomplish beamforming.
The problem solved by this invention addresses the limitations of traditional ultrasound beamformers. Analog beamformers, while simple, suffer from poor time discrimination, low refresh rates, and irreversible beamforming processes allowing only one algorithm. Digital beamformers offer precision and flexibility but require complex hardware, resulting in increased size, cost, and power consumption. There remains a need to reduce size and power while providing effective beamforming, which the ASDR architecture achieves by using analog storage with digital readout to unify advantages and minimize drawbacks.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims covering methods, systems, and apparatuses employing the Analog Store Digital Read ultrasound beamforming architecture. The following inventive features are identified from these claims.
Analog store digital read ultrasound beamforming method
A method comprising dividing an ultrasonic array into channels, each with at least one array element; creating receiving input signals per channel; sampling these signals at a rate; storing sampled data in associated banks of sample-hold cells forming analog random access memory; selecting sample-hold cell data per beamforming instance per a beamforming algorithm; summing selected sample-hold cell data from associated channels to form an analog beamformed received signal sample; and digitizing the analog beamformed received signal.
Low power multi-channel beamforming
Each channel may comprise only one array element, includes processing through at least one voltage controlled amplifier and filter, and uses less than 40 milliwatts in operation.
Sample-hold cell storage and sampling rates
Sample-hold cells are capacitor-based; the number of cells per bank equals or exceeds the product of sampling rate and maximum signal path delay; and sampling speeds for storing and reading sampled data can be independent.
Transmission pulse storage using sample-hold cells
Storing shapes of transmission output pulse signals per transmission channel within banks of transmission sample-hold cells, with options for shared or distinct banks for receiving and transmission per channel.
Multiple beamforming algorithms utilization
Utilization of multiple beamforming instances and algorithms, storing each analog beamformed received signal per instance in a bank of beamform sample-hold cells before digitization.
Analog Store Digital Read beamformer apparatus
A beamformer comprising an ultrasonic array divided into channels each with at least one element; signal control circuitry creating receiving inputs per channel; plurality of banks of sample-hold cells per channel forming analog random access memory; beamforming processor selecting sample-hold cell data per beamforming instance; analog summation of selected data forming analog beamformed output; and analog-to-digital conversion of the beamformed signal.
Power efficient channel operation
Beamformer channels configured so that each channel uses less than 40 milliwatts in operation.
Integrated circuit implementation
At least part of the beamforming processor is formed as an integrated circuit; sample-hold cells are capacitor-based elements.
Transmission pulse storage in apparatus
Including a transmission beamformer for storing portions of transmission output pulse signals in banks of transmission sample-hold cells associated with that channel, with shared or distinct banks.
Multiple beamforming algorithms in apparatus
Capability to utilize multiple beamforming algorithms and store corresponding beamform signals in banks of beamform sample-hold cells prior to digitization.
Ultrasound imaging system configuration
A system with an ultrasonic array divided into individual channels, each using less than 40 milliwatts in operation, comprising receiving signal processors, banks of sample-hold cells inside the probe forming analog random access memory, beamforming processor, analog summation element, analog-to-digital converter, and transmission beamformer storing transmission pulses in the probe.
The claims collectively cover an ultrasound beamforming method, apparatus, and system utilizing analog sample-hold cells arranged as analog random access memory for storing analog signals from array elements, performing beamforming via selection and summation of stored analog samples, followed by digitization. The invention features low power operation, flexibility in sampling rates, storage of transmission pulses, capacity for multiple beamforming algorithms, and ASIC integration supporting compact, scalable ultrasound imaging systems.
Stated Advantages
Significant reduction in size allowing the diagnostic ultrasound system hardware to fit in one or a few ASICs near the ultrasound array and enabling the entire imaging system to fit in the handle of the ultrasonic probe while preserving cart-based system functionality.
Improved signal-to-noise ratio due to radical reduction in signal path complexity and hardware components from array elements to digitizer.
Lower power consumption per channel, enabling extended battery operation.
Reduced production cost owing to integration in one or a few ASICs.
Scalable architecture facilitating construction of ultrasound arrays with any number of elements through linear expansion.
Improved image quality and cost reduction for 1.5D, 1.75D, and 2D ultrasound arrays.
Compact system supports wireless transmission of beamformed data and diagnostic images to various display devices.
Documented Applications
Medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging for human and animal applications.
Non-destructive testing and evaluation such as pipeline testing, airframe testing, turbine blade testing, bridge and structural testing, manufacturing testing including metal working rolls.
Ultrasonic testing of metals, plastics, aerospace composites, wood, concrete, cement using various ultrasound frequencies.
Geophysical exploration and sonar applications.
Other ultrasound imaging or image-like applications requiring beamforming for transmission and/or receiving such as radar, terahertz, infrared, and optical imaging systems, seismic geophysical exploration.
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