Ultrasonic Probe Line Delay Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large two-dimensional array ultrasonic probes face challenges in efficiently transmitting and receiving ultrasonic wave delay patterns due to high communication data amounts, requiring either increased circuit scale or data lane numbers, which are not considered realistic solutions.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus employs a control circuitry that transmits line delay data and second line delay data to the probe, allowing the probe to set delay amounts for each transducer using these data, thereby enabling efficient data transfer and control of ultrasonic waves during the blanking time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe is used, then the imaging coverage and resolution are improved, but the communication data amount increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The probe elements are divided into multiple sub-arrays, with each sub-array controlled by a dedicated transmitting/receiving IC. This segmentation allows delay patterns to be calculated and transmitted separately for each sub-array, reducing the communication burden on the main apparatus body while maintaining control over all elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical control structure with two dimensions: sub-array level control (handled by individual ICs) and full-array level coordination (handled by the apparatus body). This dimensional decomposition transforms the single-dimension problem of controlling all elements centrally into a multi-level system where delay calculation is distributed across multiple ICs.
2Measurement precision
If delay patterns for all elements are calculated centrally, then control accuracy is maintained, but the circuit scale and data lane requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The delay calculation function is extracted from the central apparatus body and implemented locally within each transmitting/receiving IC for its corresponding sub-array. This extraction eliminates the need for the main circuit to handle all element delay calculations simultaneously, reducing the required circuit scale and data lane capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each transmitting/receiving IC autonomously calculates delay patterns for its own sub-array elements without requiring centralized processing for each element. This self-service approach allows local intelligence at the IC level, reducing the burden on the central control system while maintaining precise delay control.
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 allows for high-speed data transfer and efficient control of ultrasonic waves, maintaining image quality and accuracy even with larger array scales, reducing the need for increased circuit scale or data lanes.
Implementation Method 1
An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject (patient), and receives reflected waves (echo) from the subject to generate an image of the inside of the subject
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of piezoelectric transducers two-dimensionally arranged along a first arrangement direction and a second arrangement direction
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and control circuitry. The ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers two-dimensionally arranged along a first arrangement direction and a second arrangement direction. The control circuitry transmits first line delay data and second line delay data to the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic probe further comprises setting circuitry configured to set a delay amount for each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, by using the transmitted first line delay data and second line delay data.