2D Array Ultrasound Probe Digital Microbeamformer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional ultrasound systems with two-dimensional array transducers face challenges due to the unwieldy cables required for connecting the probe to the system mainframe, and the heat generation from integrated beamforming circuitry, which increases cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The integration of low-power digital microbeamformer circuitry within the ultrasound probe, utilizing delta-sigma or successive approximation analog-to-digital conversion techniques, to perform digital beamforming and reduce power consumption below 3 watts, thereby minimizing heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If beamforming is performed in the system mainframe for 2D array transducers, then image quality is maintained, but the cable becomes thick and unwieldy due to thousands of conductors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe handlingVSAvoidcable structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the beamforming function into two segments: a microbeamformer in the probe that performs initial beamforming on groups of elements, and a system beamformer in the mainframe that completes the beamforming process. This segmentation reduces the number of cable connections from thousands to a manageable number while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension by placing processing circuitry (microbeamformer) directly in the probe, transforming the system from a centralized mainframe-only architecture to a distributed architecture. This dimensional change allows local processing without requiring extensive cable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If microbeamformer circuitry is integrated in the probe, then cable complexity is reduced, but power consumption and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable structureVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The microbeamformer performs only partial beamforming (intragroup processing) rather than complete beamforming. This partial action reduces the computational load and power consumption in the probe, allowing heat management while still achieving cable simplification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the microbeamformer to operate within a 3-watt power budget, using low-power digital-to-analog conversion techniques and optimized circuit design. This parameter constraint drives the development of energy-efficient circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If more transducer elements are used in 2D arrays, then imaging capability is improved, but the number of cable connections becomes unmanageable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidcable connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple transducer element signals into grouped sums within the probe using the microbeamformer. This merging reduces the number of independent connections required in the cable, as multiple element signals are aggregated before transmission to the mainframe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microbeamformer acts as an intermediary device between the transducer elements and the system mainframe. It performs intermediate processing (partial beamforming) that bridges the gap between the large number of elements and the limited cable capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution allows for a compact, cool, and cost-effective ultrasound probe with reduced power consumption, enabling efficient digital beamforming and improved handling during scanning while maintaining image quality.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing delta-sigma or successive approximation analog-to-digital conversion techniques

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDelta-sigma conversion:

Implementation Method 2

utilizing delta-sigma or successive approximation analog-to-digital conversion techniques

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuccessive approximation conversion:

Implementation Method 3

A probe has a two dimensional array transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

reducing power consumption below 3 watts, thereby minimizing heat generation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11937982B22D array ultrasound probe with 3 watt digital microbeamformer

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

An ultrasound probe has a two dimensional matrix array transducer and a digital microbeamformer. The microbeamformer comprises a plurality of transmitters and amplifiers coupled to elements of the array transducer, a plurality of low power analog to digital converters and digital beamforming circuitry coupled to the amplifiers, a microbeamformer controller, a power supply and a USB controller which cumulatively consume three watts or less.