Handheld Ultrasonic Imaging System with Integrated Beamformer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic systems are high-cost, complex, and require specialized training, limiting their applicability for routine medical tasks due to non-intuitive image formats and cumbersome configurations, making them impractical for widespread use.

Innovation Solution

A handheld ultrasonic imaging system that integrates a transducer array, display unit, beamformer, and power system in a portable unit, capable of producing C-Mode images and collecting 3D data, with the image displayed directly at the acquisition site, allowing for intuitive operation and reduced complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional ultrasonic diagnostic systems are used, then image quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but system cost and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conventional monolithic ultrasonic system is segmented into three independent modules: a transducer array for signal acquisition, a beamformer for signal processing, and a display for image presentation. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and enables flexible configurations that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining diagnostic image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beamformer is designed as a universal processing unit that can work with different transducer arrays and display configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same beamformer to support various imaging modes and clinical applications, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems and thereby lowering overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional B-Mode image format is used, then tomographic imaging capability is achieved, but ease of interpretation and mental registration with patient anatomy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidease of interpretation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of presenting the traditional B-Mode tomographic slice that requires mental rotation and registration, the system inverts the approach by displaying images in a format that directly corresponds to the patient's anatomical orientation. This inversion makes the image intuitive to interpret without requiring specialized training or cognitive effort to register with the underlying anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If array transducer connected to beamformer through cable is used, then signal processing capability is maintained, but ease of operation and portability deteriorates due to cumbersome configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transducer array and beamformer are merged into an integrated unit, eliminating the need for external cables and connections. This integration maintains full signal processing capability while dramatically improving ease of operation and portability, allowing the system to be easily moved between patients and clinical locations without setup complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If large beamformer is used, then economical system production is achieved, but portability and ease of use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem costVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The beamformer functionality is segmented and distributed across multiple integrated circuits rather than using a single large beamformer. This segmentation enables the system to be manufactured economically using standard IC fabrication processes while keeping the overall system size and weight suitable for portable applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system enables easy, cost-effective, and portable ultrasonic imaging, facilitating routine medical procedures and increasing accessibility, with potential for broad clinical applications and improved patient outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

a transducer array disposed on the housing; the transducer for transmitting ultrasonic energy into the target and receiving ultrasonic echo signals from the target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic transmission and reception: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS7699776B2Intuitive ultrasonic imaging system and related method thereof

Publication Date: 2010.04.20 UNIV OF VIRGINIA PATENT FOUND

AI summary

A hand held ultrasonic instrument (10) is provided in a portable unit that performs C-Mode imaging and collects 3D image data. In a preferred embodiment a transducer array (60), display unit (20), beamformer (40), power system, and image processor are integrated in one enclosure weighing less than three pounds. In operation, the portable unit is scanned across a target and the displayed image is conveniently presented to the operator whereby the displayed image corresponds exactly to the target, or a scaled fashion if desired.