Microbeamformer Apodization Control via Switchable Current Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic transducer systems for medical imaging face limitations in apodization control, particularly in microbeamforming, where the existing unipolar pulsers provide inadequate beam sidelobe control and inefficiencies in power supply, leading to heating issues and limited apodization capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that uses multiple switchable current sources and variable high voltage power supplies to control the apodization of ultrasonic transducers, allowing for independent power supply voltage connections to each microbeamformer patch and employing switchable current sources to drive transducers with varying currents for different durations, thereby shaping the transmit beam effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If unipolar pulsers are used to drive transducers, then the circuit complexity is reduced, but apodization control capability and beam sidelobe control are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control by switching between multiple current sources (first and second current sources) with different current levels. This allows the system to adapt the drive current dynamically based on the required apodization pattern, enabling sophisticated beam shaping while maintaining relatively simple unipolar pulser circuitry. The dynamic switching capability provides versatility in apodization control without requiring complex multi-level voltage generation circuits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If higher current sources are used to improve apodization control, then beam sidelobe control improves, but power dissipation increases causing heating issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by selectively applying different current levels to different regions of the transducer array. The first current source is applied to certain elements while the second current source is applied to other elements, creating localized apodization patterns. This allows precise control of beam sidelobes in specific regions without requiring high current throughout the entire array, thereby reducing overall power dissipation and heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the current parameter dynamically by switching between multiple discrete current levels (first current source and second current source). This parameter change enables the system to optimize the balance between beam sidelobe control and power dissipation. By selecting appropriate current levels for different spatial regions, the system achieves effective apodization while minimizing unnecessary power consumption and thermal effects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple current sources are implemented for apodization control, then apodization capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current delivery system into discrete, manageable components - specifically, separate current sources (first and second current sources) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows for modular implementation of apodization control, where each current source can be optimized for specific apodization patterns. The segmented approach provides clear design boundaries and simplifies the overall circuit architecture compared to a monolithic multi-level voltage generation system.
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 approach enhances apodization control, reduces power dissipation, and allows for efficient beam shaping without increasing circuit complexity, improving the quality of ultrasound images by effectively managing beam sidelobes and power usage.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of piezoelectric sensor elements arranged in a 2D array
Data Source
AI summary
Apodization control techniques for a microbeamformer including a plurality of microbeamformer channels each including a transducer, a microbeamformer transmitter for driving the transducer, a microbeamformer receiver for receiving signals from the transducer and usually a delay element for delaying the received transducer signals. To improve the generation of waveforms by the transducers, the voltage provided to the microbeamformer transmitters is adjusted and/or the current provided by the microbeamformer transmitters is adjusted. The microbeamformer channels can also be grouped together into patches and/or clusters with the patches and clusters being provided with a common voltage source or current.