Ultrasound Beamformer Power Management via Aperture and Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound diagnostic imaging systems face challenges in power saving, as previous methods to reduce power consumption often compromise efficiency and image quality due to the need for additional controls and unstable power in image processing circuits.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a power-saving approach by adjusting the active aperture size and update frequency based on focusing depth, using a combination of hardware and software units to selectively enable processing blocks only when necessary, thereby reducing power consumption without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If circuits are turned off or power consumption is reduced during certain phases to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but additional controls are required and efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by adjusting the operational state of beamformer circuits based on real-time imaging depth requirements. The system transitions circuits between full power, reduced power, and powered-off states dynamically, optimizing the balance between power savings and imaging efficiency without requiring complex additional controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power consumption levels) of beamformer circuits based on the imaging depth. By modifying power parameters dynamically according to the delayed time characteristics of reflected ultrasound signals, the system achieves power savings while maintaining appropriate imaging performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If circuits are turned off to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but image quality may be compromised due to lack of stable power in image processing circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by adjusting the operational state of beamformer circuits based on real-time imaging depth requirements. The system transitions circuits between full power, reduced power, and powered-off states dynamically, optimizing the balance between power savings and imaging efficiency without requiring complex additional controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different power management strategies to different beamformer circuits based on their specific functional requirements. Critical image processing circuits maintain stable power operation while less critical circuits can be powered down or reduced, achieving power savings without compromising overall image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, embodiments of the ultrasound imaging system save power in relation to a predetermined active aperture and or a predetermined update depth. With respect to a predetermined active aperture, the imaging system saves power by reducing or turning off a predetermined portion of the receive electronics when the predetermined receive electronics portion is not operating in relation to the active aperture range. That is, in a first power saving mode, the predetermined receive electronics portion operates only when it is collecting and or processing the data inside the active aperture range. Furthermore, with respect to a predetermined update depth, the imaging system saves power by reducing the operational frequency as the predetermined receive electronics portion collects or process the data from a deeper area. That is, in a second power saving mode, the predetermined receive electronics portion operates less frequently when it is collecting and or processing the data from the middle or far range than the near range. Lastly, the imaging system saves power by modifying the operation as the predetermined receive electronics portion collects or process the data depending upon the active aperture and or the update depth. That is, in a third power saving mode, the predetermined receive electronics portion operates at least less frequently when it is collecting and or processing the data from the outside the active aperture and or at a far update depth. In other words, the third power saving mode is a hybrid or combination of the first and second power saving modes.