Ultrasound Probe Sigma-Delta Beamformer Apodization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound imaging systems face challenges in high channel count systems and wireless transducers due to the inefficiency of data transmission from the transducer array to the console, and Sigma-Delta beamformers do not provide suitable output for high-quality imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
The integration of apodization with Sigma-Delta beamforming in ultrasound imaging probes, where apodization is applied during or after digital conversion, using a beamformer that converts analog echo signals to digital signals, applies delays, and sums the signals, producing a bit stream, with apodization functions providing more than five different levels to enhance image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If Sigma-Delta beamforming is used to reduce data transmission, then data transmission requirements are reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming process into two distinct stages: first, Sigma-Delta beamforming compresses the raw channel data into a compact bit stream for efficient transmission; second, apodization is applied independently to the compressed data or reconstructed signals to enhance image quality. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies apodization as a preliminary or concurrent action with the Sigma-Delta compression process. By incorporating apodization weights during the beamforming compression stage or applying them immediately after decompression, the system prepares the signal with enhanced quality characteristics before final image reconstruction, thereby avoiding quality loss from simple compression.
2Device complexity
If simple Sigma-Delta beamforming is used, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate processing functions—Sigma-Delta beamforming compression and apodization signal enhancement—into a single integrated beamformer device. This merging allows the system to maintain low device complexity by implementing both functions within the same hardware architecture, while achieving high image quality through the combined effect of compression-efficient Sigma-Delta processing and quality-enhancing apodization.
Solution Approach 2:
The beamformer is designed with multi-functionality, simultaneously performing data compression via Sigma-Delta beamforming and image quality enhancement via apodization. This universal design allows a single device to fulfill multiple functions that would traditionally require separate processing stages, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high image quality.
3Measurement precision
If more apodization levels are used, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements apodization with more than five different amplitude levels, representing a parameter change from traditional low-level apodization schemes. By increasing the number of apodization levels, the system achieves finer control over signal weighting and superior image quality. The complexity increase is managed by integrating this high-level apodization into the existing Sigma-Delta beamformer architecture, sharing hardware resources and processing pathways.
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound transducer probe (104) includes a transducer array (108) of elements (110) that emit an ultrasound signal and receive analog echo signals produced in response thereto and a beamformer (112), housed by the probe, that converts the analog echo signals to digital signals, applies delays to the digital signals, and sums the delayed digital signals, produces a value of a bit stream, wherein the beamformer apodizes the signals.