Tri-State Transmit Pulser Waveform Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cost-effective ultrasound systems with high spatial and contrast resolution are needed for applications like breast cancer detection and musculoskeletal imaging, but existing systems are hindered by high equipment costs due to extensive signal and image processing requirements, which are not significantly reduced by digital signal processing due to low manufacturing volumes.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that encode user-specified waveforms into binary or trinary symbol sequences for tri-state RF ultrasonic transmitters, using impulse response estimation and hybrid pulse-width modulation to achieve high fidelity, implemented in the Vantage Ultrasound System, allowing for efficient generation of acoustic signals with improved transmitter clock frequency utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If extensive signal processing capabilities are implemented to achieve high spatial and contrast resolution, then image quality and diagnostic efficacy are improved, but system cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial and contrast resolutionVSAvoidsignal processing capabilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hardware-based signal processing circuits with software-based processing on a general-purpose computer. The ultrasound system uses a standard PC with off-the-shelf components to perform all signal processing, image formation, and display functions, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated processing circuits while maintaining diagnostic quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the fundamental parameter of processing architecture from specialized hardware circuits to general-purpose software processing. By using a personal computer with standard CPU, memory, and display components, the patent transforms the system from requiring extensive dedicated signal processing hardware to using versatile software-based processing that achieves the same diagnostic efficacy at lower cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If digital signal processing is implemented to improve accuracy and flexibility, then processing capability is improved, but system cost is not significantly reduced due to low manufacturing volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoidunique circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal personal computer platform that can perform multiple functions including signal processing, image formation, storage, and display. The same general-purpose hardware and software infrastructure handles all processing tasks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function and allowing the system to achieve high adaptability without increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes specialized digital signal processing circuits with software routines running on a standard personal computer. This replacement eliminates the need for manufacturing unique circuits at low volumes, as the same off-the-shelf computer hardware can be used across all systems while software provides the necessary processing flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive signal processing is implemented to differentiate tissue types, then diagnostic capability is improved, but equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue differentiation capabilityVSAvoidprocessing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex dedicated signal processing hardware with software-based processing on a personal computer. The same general-purpose system performs tissue differentiation, image formation, and display functions, achieving high diagnostic capability without requiring expensive specialized circuits for each processing task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

The solution achieves a normalized RMS error of -21.7 dB in reproducing complex waveforms, demonstrating increased fidelity and cost-effectiveness by optimizing tri-state pulser sequences and reducing system costs through efficient digital signal processing.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter circuit configured to accept the binary or trinary sequence of symbolic values that are configured to energize the ultrasonic transducer element with a corresponding sequence of positive, negative, or quiescent voltage levels... and to generate an acoustic signal or waveform into an acoustic medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10302750B2Method and system for arbitrary waveform generation using a tri-state transmit pulser

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 VERASONICS INC

AI summary

A method and system for generating arbitrary ultrasonic waveforms using a tri-state transmitter. Three variants of the device are described to provide functionality in three usage scenarios.