Ultrasound imaging system with digital ultrasound imaging device

Abstract

An ultrasound (US) imaging system (100) is disclosed. The ultrasound imaging system (100) comprises: an ultrasound imaging device (110) comprising a transducer; and a digital transducer interface (DTI) (206). The DTI (206) comprises a plurality of transducer ports (309), each transducer port containing a plurality of digital data streams, adapted to transmit digitized echo output data from the ultrasound imaging device (110). The transducer port (309) is adapted to be connected to the ultrasound imaging device (110). The US system further comprises: a switching circuit (301) connected to each of the plurality of transducer ports (309); and a controller (102) adapted to control the switch (24) of the switching circuit (301) so as to transmit digital input data to one of the plurality of transducer ports (309) at a time and to transmit the digital echo output data from one of the plurality of transducer ports (309).

Description

Background Art

[0001] Ultrasound (US) imaging is ubiquitous in a variety of applications, including medical imaging. US imaging devices typically consist of an array of piezoelectric transducers used to make a variety of different measurements. Cart-based imaging systems typically have four identical transducer connectors for user convenience, where multiple transducers for imaging different anatomical structures can remain connected and the user can pick up the desired transducer and activate it by pressing a button on the user interface.

[0002] The transducer connectors in current cart-based systems connect analog signals from analog transducers. These connectors typically have a large number of connections and their performance is limited by the number of analog processing channels within the system. Digital ultrasound transducers (where ultrasound data is digitized within the transducer) have the potential to reduce the number of connections by multiplexing ultrasound data from multiple transducer elements into fewer high-speed digital connections. Since there are no analog processing channels within the system, image quality is no longer limited by the system.

[0003] Current digital USB-based ultrasound devices have limited performance because the data rate of the single data stream is insufficient to provide quality imaging performance. These devices also typically use a single connector port.

[0004] Sensors supporting different anatomical structures have different data rate requirements and use different integrated circuit technologies, requiring different voltages to power them. To keep the sensor connection cables small and light, smaller diameter conductors are used in the power supply lines, but they have significant losses in the power supply lines. Some of these sensors support continuous wave (CW) Doppler measurements using analog-based frequency band quadrature outputs.

[0005] What is needed is a system that overcomes at least the disadvantages of the known systems discussed above. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasound (US) imaging system is disclosed. The ultrasound imaging system includes: an ultrasound imaging device, which includes a transducer; and a digital transducer interface (DTI). The DTI includes: a plurality of transducer ports, each transducer port including a plurality of digital data streams, suitable for transmitting digitized echo output data from the ultrasound imaging device. The transducer port is suitable for connecting to the ultrasound imaging device. The US system also includes: a switching circuit, which is connected to each of the plurality of transducer ports; and a controller, which is suitable for controlling a switch of the switching circuit so as to transmit digital input data to one of the plurality of transducer ports at a time, and transmit the digital echo output data from one of the plurality of transducer ports.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a DTI is disclosed. The DTI includes: a plurality of transducer ports, each transducer port including a plurality of digital data streams, suitable for transmitting digitized echo output data from an ultrasound imaging device. The transducer port is suitable for connecting to the ultrasound imaging device. The US system also includes: a switching circuit connected to each of the plurality of transducer ports; and a controller adapted to control a switch of the switching circuit so as to transmit digital input data to one of the plurality of transducer ports at a time, and transmit the digital echo output data from one of the plurality of transducer ports. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Representative embodiments may be best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, for clarity of discussion, the dimensions may be increased or decreased arbitrarily. Where applicable and practical, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0009] Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of a US imaging system for imaging a portion of a body, according to a representative embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of an imaging interface for a US imaging system, according to a representative embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram of a digital transducer interface (DTI) for a US imaging system, according to a representative embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4A is a simplified schematic block diagram of one of multiple transducer ports of a DTI according to a representative embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4B-4I is a simplified schematic block diagram of a switch of a switch circuit of a DTI according to a representative embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method of starting and operating a US imaging device according to a representative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In the detailed description below, for the purpose of explanation, and not limitation, illustrative embodiments that disclose specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments according to the teachings of the present invention. The description of known systems, equipment, materials, operating methods, and manufacturing methods can be omitted to avoid obscuring the description of representative embodiments. Nevertheless, systems, equipment, materials, and methods within the capabilities of those of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of this teaching and can be used according to representative embodiments. It should be understood that the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to be limited. The defined terms are the meanings outside the scientific and technological meanings of the defined terms that are generally understood and accepted in the technical field of this teaching.

[0016] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept, the first element or component discussed below may also be referred to as the second element or component.

[0017] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. The singular forms of the terms "one", "an" and "said" as used in the specification and claims are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, the terms "include", "comprise" and / or similar terms specify the presence of the recorded features, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or increase of one or more other features, elements, parts and / or their groups. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any combination and all combinations of one or more items in the associated listed items.

[0018] As used in the specification and the appended claims, in addition to its ordinary meaning, the term "about" also means having an acceptable limit or degree. For example, "about 20 GHz" means that a person skilled in the art would consider that the signal is within a reasonable measure of 20 GHz.

[0019] As used in the specification and the appended claims, in addition to its ordinary meaning, the term "substantially" also means within acceptable limits or degrees. For example, "multiple transducer ports are substantially the same" means that a person skilled in the art would consider the multiple transducer ports to be the same.

[0020] Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of an imaging system 100 for imaging a region of interest, according to a representative embodiment.

[0021] refer to Figure 1, the imaging system 100 includes an imaging device 110 and a computer system 115 for controlling imaging of a region of interest of a patient 105 on a table 106. The imaging device 110 is illustratively an ultrasound imaging system capable of providing ultrasound (US) image scanning of a region of interest in the patient 105. Exemplarily, the imaging device 110 is an imaging device of a type commonly used in US imaging procedures. The imaging device 110 is suitable for providing color Doppler imaging or three-dimensional blood flow volume imaging or continuous wave (CW) Doppler measurement results. As described in more detail below, the imaging device 110 illustratively includes a transducer array, which may include, for example, a capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (CMUT) or a piezoelectric transducer formed of a material such as PZT or PVDF. The transducer array can be coupled to a microwave beamformer (not shown) in the imaging device and controls the signal reception of the transducer.

[0022] In some embodiments, the imaging device 110 may be as described in the commonly owned International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2022069264 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 084728 filed on September 29, 2020. The entire disclosures of International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2022069264 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 084728 are expressly incorporated herein by reference (copies of these documents are attached to the original filing).

[0023] Computer system 115 receives image data from imaging device 110 and stores and processes the image data according to representative embodiments described herein. Computer system 115 includes controller 120, memory 130, display 140 including graphical user interface (GUI) 145, and user interface 150. Display 140 may also include a speaker (not shown) to provide audio feedback.

[0024] The controller 120 interacts with the imaging device 110 through the imaging interface 111. The imaging interface 111 includes a digital transducer interface (DTI) ( Figure 1100) and is capable of transmitting digital data at a relatively high data rate that can be connected to and from a variety of imaging devices 110 expected to be used in the US imaging system 100. As described in more detail below in conjunction with various representative embodiments, the DTI includes multiple ports and enables operation of a selected one of the multiple imaging devices 110 operating at a relatively high data rate in the US imaging system 100. The DTI of the imaging interface 111 is capable of switching between the multiple imaging devices 110 at a high data rate and receiving echo image data at a high data rate for further digital signal processing. In one aspect, the imaging interface 111 is capable of implementing a variety of imaging devices 110 that employ a variety of digital technologies that require different voltages. In addition, according to a representative embodiment, the DTI of the imaging interface 111 is capable of compensating for voltage drops in cables connecting the imaging devices 110 between the computer system 115 and the imaging devices 110. Furthermore, as described in more detail below, the DTI of the imaging interface 111 enables operation of an imaging device 110 adapted to perform CW Doppler imaging in addition to the digital US imaging device 110 described in the present teachings.

[0025] The memory 130 stores instructions that can be executed by the controller 120. The instructions, when executed, and as described more fully below, enable the controller 120 to allow a user to use the GUI 145 or the user interface 150 or both to perform different steps, and, for example, to initialize an ultrasound imaging device including a transducer. In addition, the controller 120 can implement additional operations based on the execution of the instructions, such as instructing another element of the computer system 115 (including the memory 130 and the display 140) or communicating with another element of the computer system 115 to perform one or more of the processes mentioned above.

[0026] The controller 120 represents one or more processing devices and is configured to run software instructions stored in the memory 130 to perform the functions described in various embodiments herein. The controller 120 can be implemented by a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on a chip (SOC), a general-purpose computer, a central processing unit, a computer processor, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller, a state machine, a programmable logic device, or a combination thereof, using any combination of hardware, software, firmware, hard-wired logic circuits, or a combination thereof. In addition, any processing unit or processor herein may include multiple processors, parallel processors, or both. Multiple processors may be included in or coupled to a single device or multiple devices.

[0027] As used herein, the term "processor" encompasses an electronic component capable of running a program or machine executable instructions. References to a computing device that includes a "processor" should be interpreted as including more than one processor or processing core, such as a multi-core processor. A processor may also refer to a collection of processors within a single computer system, or a collection of processors distributed among multiple computer systems, such as in a cloud-based or other multi-site application. The term computing device should also be interpreted to include a collection or network of computing devices, each of which includes a processor or multiple processors. A program has software instructions executed by one or more processors, which may be within the same computing device or may be distributed across multiple computing devices.

[0028] The memory 130 may include a main memory and / or a static memory, wherein these memories may communicate with each other and with the controller 120 via one or more buses. The memory 130 stores instructions for implementing some or all aspects of the methods and processes described herein. For example, the memory 130 may be implemented by, for example, any number, type, and combination of random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM), and may store various types of information, such as software algorithms used as instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform various steps and methods according to the present teachings. In addition, updates to the methods and processes described herein may also be provided to the computer system 115 and stored in the memory 130.

[0029] The various types of ROM and RAM may include any number, type, and combination of computer-readable storage media, such as disk drives, flash memory, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable disks, tapes, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD), floppy disks, Blu-ray disks, universal serial bus (USB) drives, or any other form of storage media known in the art. Memory 130 is a tangible storage medium for storing data and executable software instructions, and is non-transient during the time the software instructions are stored therein. As used herein, the term "non-transient" should be interpreted as a state characteristic that is not permanent, but rather a state characteristic that will last for a period of time. The term "non-transient" specifically negates fleeting characteristics, such as characteristics of a particular propagating carrier or signal or other forms that exist only transiently anywhere at any time. Memory 130 may store software instructions and / or computer-readable code that implement various functions. Memory 130 may be secure and / or encrypted, or unsecure and / or unencrypted.

[0030] "Memory" is an example of a computer-readable storage medium, and should be interpreted as possibly being multiple memories or databases. For example, the memory or database may be multiple memories or databases local to a computer, and / or distributed among multiple computer systems or computing devices. Computer-readable storage media are defined as any medium that constitutes patentable subject matter under 35 USC § 101, and do not include any medium that does not constitute patentable subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101. Examples of such media include non-transient media, such as computer storage devices that store information in a format readable by a computer or data processing system. More specific examples of non-transient media include computer disks and non-volatile memory.

[0031] The user interface 150 may include a user and / or network interface for providing information and data output by the controller 120 and / or the memory 130 to the user and / or for receiving information and data input by the user. That is, the user interface 150 allows the user to operate the imaging device as described herein and arrange, control or manipulate various aspects of the imaging system 100 of the present teaching. It is worth noting that the user interface 150 enables the controller 120 to indicate the effects of the user's control or manipulation. The user interface 150 may include one or more ports, disk drives, wireless antennas, or other types of receiver circuits. For example, the user interface 150 may also be connected to one or more interface devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, joystick, microphone, camera, touchpad, touch screen, voice or gesture recognition captured by a microphone or camera.

[0032] Display 140 may be a monitor, such as a computer monitor, a television, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a flat panel display, a solid state display, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, or an electronic whiteboard. Display 140 may also provide a graphical user interface (GUI) 145 for displaying information to a user and receiving information from a user.

[0033] Figure 2 1 is a simplified block diagram of an imaging interface 111 for a US imaging system according to a representative embodiment. Various aspects and details of the imaging interface are the same as those described above in the US imaging system 100. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0034] The imaging interface 111 beneficially includes a graphics processor unit (GPU) 202, a switch 204, and a digital transducer interface (DTI) 206. The DTI 206 includes a relatively high data rate interface to the switch 204. As described in more detail below, the DTI 206 converts input data from the US imaging device 110 into a digital format, where each signal corresponds to each transducer element of the transducer phased array of the imaging device 110.

[0035] Given the bandwidth requirements of the digital echo output signals of the current imaging device 110, data transmission between the imaging device 110, the DTI 206, the switch 204, the GPU 202, and the controller 120 is performed using a relatively high bandwidth interface. For this reason, the transmission of the digital echo output data requires a large amount of bandwidth and cannot be properly implemented on many known relatively low bandwidth data transmission platforms. As described in more detail below, the DTI 206 receives data from the imaging device 110 at a rate of at least about 20 gigabits per second (Gbps). In some representative embodiments, the data rate at which the DTI 206 receives data from the imaging device 110 is in the range of at least about 20 Gbps to about 150 Gbps. In certain other embodiments, the data rate at which the DTI 206 receives data from the imaging device 110 is about 256 Gbps. In addition, the DTI 206 is suitable for providing input data to the imaging device 110 at a data rate of about 1 Gbps to about 32 Gbps because less data is required to program the imaging device 110.

[0036] According to a representative embodiment, data transmission between the imaging device 110, DTI 206, switch 204, GPU 202, and controller 120 is implemented using a high-speed data interconnect (e.g., a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interconnect) or a bus having one to 16 lanes of inter-device links for transmitting serial data from the imaging device 110 and the computer system 115 of the US system. It is worth noting that in order to accommodate the relatively high data rate transmission required, the serial link is advantageous in avoiding timing skew. It is worth noting that other known high-speed serial computer expansion bus standards may be used. Specifically, in order to accommodate the high data rate transmission in the imaging system 100, the bandwidth limit of the serial signal is greater than about 20 Gbps.

[0037] PCIe devices communicate over logical connections called interconnects or links. A link is a point-to-point communication channel between two PCIe ports, allowing both of them to send and receive normal PCI requests (configuration, I / O, or memory read / write) and interrupts (INTx, MSI, or MSI-X). At the physical level, a link consists of one or more lanes. A lane consists of two differential signal pairs, one pair for receiving data and the other for transmitting data. Therefore, each lane consists of four wires or signal lines. Conceptually, each lane acts as a full-duplex byte stream, transferring eight-bit "byte" formatted packets in both directions simultaneously between the endpoints of the link. A physical PCI Express link may contain 1, 4, 8, or 16 lanes. As is well known, the number of lanes is prefixed with an "x" (for example, "x8" represents an eight-lane card or slot), with x16 being the largest size commonly used. Lane size is also referred to by the terms "width" or "multiple", for example, an eight-lane slot can be referred to as "8x" or "8-lane wide". Although the number of lanes used is not limited by the present teachings, according to a representative embodiment, in which graphics data is transmitted from the imaging device 110 and ultimately to the computer system 115, a wider lane system facilitates faster data transfer. By way of example only, the connection from the US device to the GPU 202 is performed using a 16-lane (x16) link.

[0038] PCIe is just one example of the general trend of replacing parallel buses with serial interconnects; other examples include, but are not limited to, Serial ATA (SATA), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), FireWire (IEEE1394), and RapidIO. In digital video, common examples are DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort. In addition, multi-lane serial designs can allocate fewer lanes to slower devices, allowing for increased flexibility.

[0039] According to a representative embodiment, data received from DTI 206 is provided to switch 204 via a PCIe interconnect. Switch 204 is a PCIe switch adapted to transfer data to and from GPU 202 and controller 120 to DTI 206 at data rates characteristic of the PCIe interconnect.

[0040] The GPU 202 performs known beamforming steps by processing the digital echo output signals from the imaging device 110 in an orderly manner for display by the US imaging system 100. The GPU 202 may then scan-convert the digital echo output signals from the imaging device 110 into a desired format for display by the US imaging system 100. The output of the GPU 202 is then provided by the switch 204 and then provided to the controller 120 of the US imaging system 100. Alternatively, the digital echo output data from the imaging device 110 may be transmitted to the controller 120 via the switch 204.

[0041] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram of a DTI 206 for a US imaging system according to a representative embodiment. Various aspects and details of the imaging interface are the same as those described above with respect to the US imaging system 100 and the imaging interface 111. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0042] DTI 206 includes a switching circuit 301. As described in more detail below, the switch circuit 301 includes a plurality of switches ( Figure 3 ), to achieve the connection between the transducer of the imaging device 110 and the DTI 206.

[0043] DTI 206 also includes a controller 302 and a memory 303. In a representative embodiment, controller 302 includes an FPGA that acts as a processor (e.g., a multi-core processor) or includes a processor, and memory 303 includes a computer-readable medium that stores instructions. In addition to storing executable instructions (code), memory 303 can also be used as a buffer data received from the transducer of imaging device 110. It is worth noting that the reception rate of output digital echo image data from imaging device 110 may be greater than the capabilities of controller 120, so it is beneficial to buffer the image digital echo data in memory.

[0044] The DTI 206 also includes a clock circuit 305 and a phase locked loop (PLL) 306 to provide external timing functions to the controller 302. Advantageously, the PLL 306 enables the generation of relatively low jitter / low noise timing signals to be provided to the controller 102, and enables relatively accurate transmission and reception of data to and from the controller 302. Advantageously, the frequency of the PLL 306 is programmable to allow for interfacing with sensors having different data rate requirements. The timing signals from the clock circuit 305 are used, among other functions, for the configuration of the selected imaging device 110 when selected by the user. In this way, the control and data signals provided by the controller 302 are transmitted based on the timing set by the clock circuit 305.

[0045] DTI 206 also includes a power supply 307. Power supply 307 provides the required power to imaging device 110. Notably, power supply 307 is adapted to compensate for voltage drops caused by electrical connections (eg, cables) between power supply 307 and imaging device 110, as described in more detail below.

[0046] As described in more detail below, the controller 302 executes instructions to implement connections between the DTI 206 and the imaging device 110. These connections enable the transmission of input data to the imaging device 110 and the reception of output digital echo data from the imaging device 110. It is worth noting that when an FPGA is used for the controller 302, the FPGA will be programmed to perform the various functions described herein. The use of an FPGA as the controller 302 is merely illustrative. More generally, the controller 302 may include a system on a chip (SOC) that includes a processor that runs instructions stored in the memory 303 so that the configuration of the switches of the switch circuit 301 can affect the configuration of the selected type of imaging device 110 and the transmission and reception of data between the DTI 206 and the imaging device 110. The controller 302 may also be a custom designed integrated circuit.

[0047] The DTI 206 also includes a continuous wave (CW) processor 304 that is adapted to receive in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) analog image data from the imaging device 110, as described in more detail below.

[0048] DTI 206 also includes a connector 308 to provide data / signal transmission between computer system 115 and imaging device 110 of imaging system 100. Consistent with the representative embodiments described above, connector 308 includes components suitable for transmitting data along a PCIe bus.

[0049] The DTI 206 also includes a plurality of transducer ports 309-312, each of which includes a plurality of digital data streams suitable for transmitting digitized echo output data from an ultrasound imaging device, and transmitting control and data signals from the controller 302. Figure 3In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, four transducer ports are depicted. It should be emphasized that this is merely illustrative and more or fewer ports may be used depending on the requirements of the imaging system 100. The multiple transducer ports 309-312 labeled J1-J4 are substantially identical and are suitable for transmitting relatively high-speed serial digital signals between the transducers of the imaging device 110 and the computer system 115 of the US imaging system 100. As discussed in more detail below, each of the multiple transducer ports 309-312 is selected to be compatible with the selected transmission platform. For example, the physical layer may use 24 current mode logic (CML) differential pairs. Therefore, according to a representative embodiment, the selected transmission platform includes 24 CML differential pairs. It is worth noting that CML is exactly the same physical layer used in PCIe. However, PCIe also includes a complex Protocol layer, which is not included in the interface.

[0050] The plurality of transducer ports 309-312 are also adapted to receive control data and clock signals from the clock circuit 305. In addition, each of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312 is adapted to receive baseband CW data, as described below.

[0051] As described above, according to a representative embodiment, a selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312 is engaged at a time. To do so, the user selects a particular imaging device 110 to perform an examination on the patient. After selecting the imaging device 110, the user connects the imaging device 110 to the selected port (e.g., J1). As described in more detail below, after selecting a particular transducer port for connecting the imaging device 110, the controller 302 activates the switch ( Figure 3 309 to 312) to engage a selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309 to 312, thereby engaging the selected imaging device 110 with the imaging system 100 and enabling ultrasound examination to be performed. 2 The C-bus 314 may be used to communicate low bandwidth information such as transducer identification, serial number, operating temperature, and status.

[0052] The connection between the selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312 is made using interconnects 315 and 316, where interconnects 315 transmit output digital echo image data from the imaging device 110 and interconnects 316 transmit control and signals from the computer system 115 and the selected imaging device. The interconnects 315, 316 are selected to be compatible with the selected transmission platform of the DTI 206. For example, in view of the relatively high bandwidth requirements for receiving output digital echo image data from the imaging device 110, the interconnects 315 are illustratively 24 differential pairs of CML or similar relatively high data rate interconnects. Similarly, in order to transmit control and data signals from the controller 302 to the imaging device 110, the interconnects 316 are, for example, 8 low voltage differential signal (LVDS) pairs or similar relatively high data rate interconnects. In addition, the interconnects 315, 316 each provide multiple data streams through a selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312 to enable data transmission / reception at a combined data rate of greater than about 20 Gbps contemplated by the present teachings. Again, by way of example, when implemented using CML differential pairs, the interconnects 315, 316 can have up to 32 channels to provide multiple data streams at the desired data transmission rate to perform desired imaging through the US imaging system 100.

[0053] According to a representative embodiment, after user selection, the imaging device 110 is configured by the computer system 115 according to control and data signals from the user. As described above, the DTI 206 enables a higher data rate exchange of data and signals between the selected imaging device 110 and the user of the imaging system 100. Thus, the interconnect 315 is a serial interface and does not exhibit timing skew because there is only one differential signal in each direction within each channel, and there is no external clock signal because the clock information is embedded in the serial signal itself. Notably, the clock is used to control the clock logic within the imaging device 110.

[0054] Baseband CW data from the imaging device 110 is transmitted via the baseband CW interface 318. By selecting the appropriate switch in the switch circuit 301, the baseband CW I / Q data can be provided to the DTI 206 through a selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312, and ultimately to a user at the computer system 115 of the imaging system 100. Baseband CW is typically used to measure blood flow in the body by continuously transmitting ultrasound energy into the body, and the measurement is based on the Doppler shift of the reflected sound waves. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that baseband CW ultrasound typically requires a relatively high dynamic range. Therefore, the baseband CW interface 318 is illustratively an analog link that complies with the relatively high dynamic range of the CW signal required by the imaging device 110.

[0055] Also connected through a selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312 is a power supply 307. It is worth noting that based on input signals 324, 325, the power supply 307 provides the required power to the selected imaging device 110 through the interface 320. The raw input voltages of these power supplies are from 12V and 3.3V defined in the PCIe standard and are provided through the connector 308.

[0056] In addition, the power supply 307 also receives a remote sense signal 319 from a selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312 connected by the selected switch of the switching circuit 301. The remote sense signal 319 provides a voltage level measured at the transducer head of the imaging device 110. The measured voltage is provided by the power supply 307 to the controller 302. Depending on the length of the cable connecting the imaging device 110 and the selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312, the voltage at the imaging device 110 may undesirably drop due to power loss in the cable. To prevent such voltage loss, the remote sense voltage is provided as analog feedback to the power supply 307 circuit to adjust the output voltage to compensate for the loss.

[0057] The memory 303 is connected to the memory 303 through the interface 321, and the memory 303 can be used to temporarily hold the data from the transducer before sending it through the interconnect 322 (which may include a PCIe bus). The memory 303 acts as an elastic buffer to compensate for any differences in the data rate or timing of the transducer interface data from the interconnect 315 and the interconnect 322. The use of an elastic buffer also allows for different bit widths between the transducer interface buses of the interconnect 315 and the interconnect 322. In this example, the transducer interface bus has 24 streams, while the PCIe interface has 16 lanes.

[0058] Data is provided to and received from the controller 120 via the interconnect 322, which connects the DTI 206 to the controller 120 via the connector 308. Since the rate at which data is exchanged between the controller 120 and the imaging device 110 is relatively large, the interconnect 322 is also a relatively high data rate interconnect (e.g., PCIe or a similar relatively high data rate interconnect). According to a representative embodiment, when a user selects a desired imaging device 110 via the computer system 115, an identification signal is sent via the I22. 2The C-bus 314 is sent from the imaging device 110 to the computer system 115. Upon receiving the identification signal from the imaging device 110, the controller 120 sends control and data signals through the interconnect 322 to activate the desired switch of the switching circuit 301 determined in the controller 302 to engage a selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312. Once the switch is engaged, imaging begins, and data is transmitted between the imaging device 110 and the controller 120 via the DTI 206 of the US imaging system. The interconnect 322 is selected to be compatible with the transmission platform selected by the DTI 206. For example, in view of the relatively high bandwidth requirements for receiving digital echo output data from the imaging device 110, the interconnect 322 is, for example, PCIe or a similar relatively high data rate interconnect. Similarly, in order to transmit control and data signals from the controller 120 to the imaging device 110 through the controller 302, the interconnect 322 is, for example, PCIe or a similar relatively high data rate interconnect. In addition, the interconnect 322 provides multiple data streams initiated through a selected one of the multiple transducer ports 309-312 to enable data transmission / reception at a combined data rate of greater than about 20 Gbps as contemplated by the present teachings. Again, for example, when implemented according to the PCIe protocol, the interconnect 322 can have up to 16 lanes to provide multiple data streams at the required data transfer rate to perform the required imaging by the US imaging system 100.

[0059] The representative embodiments thus far have described the use of switching circuit 301 to achieve proper connection between controller 120 and imaging device 110 of US imaging system 100 by using a selected one of a plurality of transducer ports 309-312 at a time. It is noted that this is merely illustrative, and the present teachings contemplate the use of multiplexer 330 in controller 302 in place of a single interconnect 315, with a plurality of interconnects 315, 326, 327, and 328 providing digital echo data streams from respective transducer ports 309, 310, 311, and 312. In this embodiment, each of interconnects 315, 326, 327, and 328 is connected to a respective one of the plurality of transducer ports 309, 310, 311, and 312. Interconnects 326, 327, and 328 are substantially identical to interconnect 315, and are therefore selected to enable data transmission / reception at data rates greater than about 20 Gbps contemplated by the present teachings. Again, by way of example, when implemented in accordance with this embodiment, the interconnects 326 , 327 , and 328 may have up to 32 lanes to provide multiple data streams at the desired data transfer rates to perform the desired imaging by the US imaging system 100 .

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the multiplexer 330 is adapted to select a data stream from the currently selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312 that is engaged at a particular time. During operation, each data stream from the transducer ports 309, 310, 311, and 312 is received by a corresponding receiver 329 of the controller 302. The multiplexer 330 is then adapted to select one of the interconnects 315, 326, 327, or 328 to receive the data stream corresponding to the selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312. These output echo data are then transmitted from the multiplexer as output echo data 331 to the controller 120 of the US imaging system 100 from the DTI 206. The output echo data 331 is temporarily stored in the memory 303 until the interconnect 322 is available for transmission to the controller 120.

[0061] Figure 4A is a simplified schematic block diagram of one of a plurality of transducer ports 309-312 of the DTI 206 according to a representative embodiment. Various aspects and details of the transducer port 309 are the same as those described above in the US imaging system 100, the imaging interface 111, and the DTI 206. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0062] Of note, the identified transducer port 309 (also designated as J1) is adapted to receive control signals and data from the controller 302 and to transmit echo output data from the imaging device 110 to the controller 302. As described above, the sensor ports 310, 311, and 312, designated as J2, J3, and J4, respectively, are substantially identical to the sensor port 309. As described above, the transducer port 309 is selected for transmitting all data from the imaging device 110 via the interconnect 315 and for transmitting all control signals and data from the controller 302 to the imaging device via the interconnect 316. The transducer port 309 is selected based on the communication protocol (e.g., PCIe) selected for transmitting data between the imaging device 110, the DTI 206, and the controller 120 of the imaging system 100. The transducer port 309 illustratively includes 24 high-speed serial data pairs that transmit digital data from the transducers of the imaging device 110 to the DTI 206 and controller 120 of the imaging system 100 using current mode logic (CML).

[0063] The transducer port 309 also includes connections for voltage power supplies to provide power to the transducers of the imaging device. These power supplies provide voltages of 0.9V, 1.8V, 2.5V, and 3.3V for various functions within the imaging device 110. As described above, the voltage losses within the transducer cable assembly may be relatively high due to the current draw on the various power supplies. Therefore, the transducer port 309 port includes a remote sense connection to sense the voltage on the imaging device. As described above, the controller 302 is adapted to increase the power output from the power supply 307 to the imaging device 110 via the connector of the transducer port 309 to compensate for the cable voltage losses.

[0064] The transducer port 309 also includes CW Doppler baseband in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) analog output connections from the imaging device 110 .

[0065] The transducer port 309 also includes low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) clock, trigger, and programming data connections for configuring the transducers of the imaging device 110. Each connector also provides a high voltage power connection, typically set to + / -35V, and associated remote sense connections.

[0066] Finally, transducer port 309 includes a 2 C bus connection, which provides imaging device identification and temperature monitoring. As described in more detail below, the identification of the user-selected imaging device 110 enables configuration of the switches of the switch circuit 301 for use in accordance with the present teachings.

[0067] Figure 4B-4I is a simplified schematic block diagram of switches 402-409 of the switching circuit 301 of the DTI 206 according to a representative embodiment. Various aspects and details of the switches are the same as those described in the above-mentioned US imaging system 100, imaging interface 111, and DTI 206. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the representative embodiments currently described.

[0068] The switches 402-409 use the "select" control signal 313 provided by the controller 302 to switch signals from the system to / from the selected transducer connector. For ease of description, the switches 402-409 are configured to engage the transducer port 309 (J1) as the selected active port among the plurality of transducer ports 309-312. As described above, and described in more detail below, after the controller 120 identifies the selected particular transducer port, the switches 402-409 are configured to connect the various components of the DTI 206 to the selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312 so as to operate the imaging device 110 through the selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312. Figures 4A-4IAs can be seen, switches 402 - 409 are adapted to connect to transducer ports 310 ( J2 ), 311 ( J3 ), and 312 ( J4 ) depending on the selected imaging device 110 used in imaging system 100 .

[0069] Figure 4B is a simplified block diagram of a switch 402 that switches 24 current mode logic (CML) data pairs from a selected transducer port 309 (J1) to the interconnect 315 and to the controller 302. The switch 402 includes a plurality of switches as shown that are compatible with the communication protocol selected by the DTI 206. By way of example only, a commercially available PCI Gen. 3.0 compatible solid-state switch is used for switching the CML differential pairs.

[0070] Figure 4C is a simplified block diagram of a switch 403 adapted to switch eight (8) LVDS pairs from the controller 302 to a selected transducer port 309 (J1) corresponding to a clock signal 317 and control commands and data from the interconnect 316. Again, by way of example only, the switches in the switch 403 include commercially available PCI Gen. 3.0 compatible solid-state switches to switch LVDS differential signals.

[0071] Figure 4D is a simplified block diagram of a switch 404 comprising an analog multiplexer integrated circuit for mapping a baseband CW signal from a selected transducer port 309 (J1) to the CW processor 304 described above.

[0072] Figure 4E is a simplified block diagram of a switch 405 that includes an analog multiplexer IC for providing a remote sense signal 319 that provides feedback to the power supply 307 to adjust the output voltage due to infrared losses over the length of the cable connection from the selected transducer port 309 to the imaging device 110.

[0073] Figure 4F is a simplified block diagram of switch 406 , which comprises a solid-state power switch for powering a selected transducer port 309 using a voltage (shown as 4 ) from power supply 307 .

[0074] Figure 4G 4 is a simplified block diagram of a switch 407 that includes relays to provide a remote sense signal 319 for the high voltage of the power supply 307. Again, based on the measured value of the remote sense signal, the power supply 307 is adapted to adjust the output voltage provided to the transducer head of the imaging device to ensure normal operation. It is worth noting that the relays are used in view of the relatively high voltage and current provided by the power supply 307.

[0075] Figure 4H is a simplified block diagram of a switch 408, which includes relays for providing positive and negative high voltages from the power supply 307 to the selected transducer port 309. Relays are used in view of the relatively high voltage and current provided by the power supply 307.

[0076] Fig. 4I is a simplified block diagram of switch 409, comprising an analog multiplexer integrated circuit for switching I 2 C bus is mapped from the selected transducer port to Figure 3 I 2 C bus 314.

[0077] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method 500 for starting and operating a US imaging device according to a representative embodiment. Various aspects and details of the method are the same as those described in conjunction with the US imaging system 100, and are implemented using the various components of the US imaging system 100 described above. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the representative embodiments currently described.

[0078] At 502, the method 500 begins by receiving a so-called "handshake" from the selected imaging device 110 and the controller 120. It is worth noting that when connecting to a selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312, the imaging device 110 communicates with the controller 120 through the above combination. Figure 2-3 The described communication path transmits the identification data to the controller 120 .

[0079] At 504, the method continues by combining Figure 4B-4I The configuration of the switches at 504 includes selecting the switches that need to be engaged to provide a connection to a selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309-312, the selection being determined by the controller 302. According to a representative embodiment, instructions (codes) stored in the memory 303 are executed by the controller to determine the necessary connections of the various switches, thereby establishing the necessary electrical connections between the imaging device 110 and the computer system 115 of the US imaging system 100.

[0080] At 506, the method continues to engage the switch determined in 504. The controller 302 sends a command to the switching circuit to engage the combination. Figure 4B-4IThe determined switches described above provide a connection to a selected one of the plurality of transducer ports 309 to 312. According to a representative embodiment, the instructions (codes) stored in the memory 303 are executed by the controller to implement the necessary connections of the various switches, thereby establishing the necessary electrical connections between the imaging device 110 and the computer system 115 of the US imaging system 100.

[0081] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the present disclosure that the apparatus, system, and method of the present teachings provide for the transmission of echo image data from an ultrasound device. For example, compared to known methods and systems, various aspects of the protocol, including the start, duration, and termination of steps in the protocol, can be facilitated during the generation of the protocol, or during the implementation of the protocol, or during both. In addition, errors resulting from human-machine interaction with the imaging system can be reduced, thereby reducing the need for repeated processes and reducing the time required to complete the imaging process. It is worth noting that these benefits are merely illustrative, and other advances in the field of medical imaging will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after benefiting from the present disclosure.

[0082] Although methods, systems and components for establishing a relatively high data rate connection with an ultrasonic imaging device have been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the words used are descriptive and illustrative, rather than restrictive. Changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims as currently stated and modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the protocol implementations taught herein. The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the concepts described in the present disclosure. As such, the subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive, and the claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the scope of the present disclosure will be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and should not be limited or restricted to the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. An ultrasound imaging system (100), comprising: An ultrasonic imaging device (110) comprising a transducer; as well as A digital transducer interface (DTI (206)) comprising: a plurality of transducer ports (309), each transducer port comprising a plurality of digital data streams adapted to transmit digitized echo output data from the ultrasound imaging device (110), the transducer ports (309) being adapted to be connected to the ultrasound imaging device (110); a switching circuit (301) connected to each of the plurality of transducer ports (309); and a controller (102) adapted to control a switch (24) of the switching circuit (301) so as to transmit digital input data to one transducer port of the plurality of transducer ports (309) at a time and to transmit the digital echo output data from one transducer port of the plurality of transducer ports.

2. The ultrasound imaging system (100) according to claim 1 further includes a memory (130) storing instructions, which, when executed by the controller (102), cause the controller (102) to control the switch (24) of the switch circuit (301) to transmit digital input data to one transducer port among the multiple transducer ports (309) at a time and transmit the digital echo output data from one transducer port among the multiple transducer ports.

3. The ultrasound imaging system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The connection between the DTI (206) and the ultrasound imaging device (110) includes a connector (308) adapted to transmit data at a combined data rate of at least 20 Gbps for the plurality of digitized echo streams.

4. The ultrasound imaging system (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The connector (308) comprises a Peripheral Component Interconnect (315) Express (PCIE) connector (308).

5. The ultrasound imaging system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The controller (102) includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

6. The ultrasound imaging system (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The switching circuit (301) includes a multiplexer (330) circuit disposed within the FPGA.

7. The ultrasound imaging system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The DTI (206) also includes an analog processor (304) adapted to receive continuous wave (CW) data from the switching circuit (301).

8. A digital transducer interface (320) (DTI (206)), comprising: A plurality of transducer ports (309), each transducer port comprising a plurality of digital data streams adapted to transmit digitized echo output data from an ultrasound imaging device (110), the transducer ports (309) being adapted to be connected to the ultrasound imaging device (110); a switching circuit (301) connected to each of the plurality of transducer ports (309); a controller (102); and a controller (102) adapted to control a switch of the switching circuit (301) so as to transmit digital input data to one transducer port of the plurality of transducer ports (309) at a time and to transmit the digital echo output data from one transducer port of the plurality of transducer ports.

9. The DTI (206) of claim 8, further comprising a memory (130) storing instructions which, when executed by the controller (102), cause the controller (102) to control a switch (24) of the switch circuit (301) to transmit digital input data to one transducer port among the plurality of transducer ports (309) at a time and to transmit the digital echo output data from one transducer port among the plurality of transducer ports.

10. The DTI (206) according to claim 8, wherein: The connection between the DTI (206) and the ultrasound imaging device (110) includes a connector (308) adapted to transmit data at a combined data rate of at least 20 Gbps for the plurality of digitized echo streams.

11. The DTI (206) according to claim 8, wherein: The controller (102) includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

12. The DTI (206) according to claim 11, wherein: The switching circuit (301) includes a multiplexer (330) circuit disposed within the FPGA.

13. The DTI (206) of claim 8, further comprising an analog processor (304) adapted to receive continuous wave (CW) data from the switching circuit (301).

14. The DTI (206) according to claim 8, wherein: The switching circuit (301) also includes a single active connector (308) and a switch (204) adapted to connect a control signal from the controller (102) to the single active connector (308).

15. A method (500) of starting and operating an ultrasound imaging system (100) having a digital transducer interface (320), the method (500) comprising: Receive a handshake from the selected port; determining a switch to engage for a particular imaging device (110); as well as Instructions are executed to engage the switch of the selected imaging transducer.

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