Ultrasound Transmit Apodization via Pulse Width Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound systems require additional hardware and software for apodization, which increases complexity and time for operations, and conventional beamformers transmit the same pulse train or waveform from each element, limiting imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A digital transmit beamformer that selectively transmits different pulsed or linear waveforms on a line-by-line or channel-by-channel basis, enabling transmit apodization without the need for additional hardware or software, by using pulse width variation to tailor energy levels for different elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional beamformers transmit the same pulse train from each element, then hardware complexity is reduced, but imaging capabilities are limited and transmit apodization cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the transmitted waveform by varying the pulse width for different transducer elements. The digital beamformer stores multiple waveform sequences with different pulse widths and selectively transmits them to different elements, enabling transmit apodization without additional hardware. This parameter change allows different energy levels to be applied to different elements, improving imaging capabilities while maintaining hardware simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware and software are added for apodization, then transmit apodization capability is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The digital beamformer is designed to perform multiple functions: it stores waveform sequences, applies delays for beam steering and focusing, and simultaneously provides transmit apodization by selecting appropriate waveform sequences with varying pulse widths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate apodization hardware or software, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full apodization capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware and software are added for apodization, then transmit apodization capability is improved, but operation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The beamformer pre-stores multiple waveform sequences with different pulse widths in its memory before transmission. During operation, it simply selects and transmits the appropriate pre-prepared sequence for each element, rather than generating or processing apodization signals in real-time. This preliminary preparation of waveform sequences significantly reduces operation time while maintaining full apodization capability.
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 solution allows for efficient transmit apodization, reducing sidelobes and off-axis artifacts, and enables the transmission of different waveforms from different elements, enhancing imaging capabilities such as focusing at different depths and reducing hardware complexity.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical pulse would be applied to an element at the appropriate time for its contribution to the desired beam formation, causing the transducer element to vibrate and generate an acoustic pulse at its resonant frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital transmit beamformer for an ultrasound system has a waveform sample memory which stores sequences of samples of different pulse transmit waveforms of differing pulse widths. The memory is shared by a plurality of transmit channels, each of which can access its own selected sample sequence, independent of the selections by other channels. Waveform sample readout by the channels occurs substantially simultaneously during a transmit event, producing a transmit beam from a transmit aperture with different pulse waveforms applied to different elements of the transmit aperture. Higher energy waveforms with wider pulse widths are applied to central elements of the aperture and lower energy waveforms with narrower pulse widths are applied to lateral elements of the aperture to produce an apodized transmit beam.