Ultrasound Probe Processing Allocation by Terminal Computing Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The issue with existing ultrasound systems is the increased power consumption and heat generation in the ultrasound probe due to advanced processing, especially when connected to display terminals with low computing power, which limits the use of various types of display terminals.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasound system and probe are designed to adapt processing based on the computing power of the connected display terminal, selecting and generating ultrasound image data or intermediate data accordingly, allowing the display terminal to perform the necessary processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If advanced processing is performed in the ultrasound probe to generate high-definition ultrasound image data, then image quality is improved, but power consumption of the ultrasound probe increases and temperature inside the ultrasound probe rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic processing mode switching between probe-side and terminal-side processing based on real-time detection of terminal computing power. The system transitions between different operational states (probe generates complete image data vs. probe generates intermediate data only) to adapt to varying computational resources available, thereby optimizing the balance between image quality and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the processing parameter by selectively generating either complete ultrasound image data or only intermediate data based on terminal capabilities. When terminal computing power is sufficient, the probe generates complete high-definition image data; when terminal computing power is limited, the probe generates only intermediate data to reduce power consumption and heat generation.
2Manufacturing precision
If advanced processing is performed in the ultrasound probe to generate high-definition ultrasound image data, then image quality is improved, but temperature inside the ultrasound probe rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the processing location between the ultrasound probe and the display terminal based on detected terminal computing power. This dynamic switching prevents excessive heat generation in the probe by offloading processing to the terminal when appropriate, while maintaining the capability to generate high-definition images when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the image generation processing function from the ultrasound probe and relocates it to the display terminal when terminal computing power is sufficient. This separation reduces the computational burden and heat generation in the probe while maintaining image quality through terminal-side processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ultrasound probe generates ultrasound image data for display terminal, then various types of display terminals can be used, but processing capability is limited by the probe's computing power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing workflow into two distinct parts: intermediate data generation (performed by the probe) and final image data generation (performed by the terminal). This segmentation allows the probe to maintain compatibility with various terminals while the terminal leverages its own computing power for the computationally intensive image generation step.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal intermediate data format that can be processed by both probe-side and terminal-side image generation units. This multi-functional approach allows the same intermediate data to serve different terminal types with varying computing powers, enhancing versatility while enabling high-performance terminals to generate high-definition images.
4Ease of operation
If the ultrasound probe generates complete ultrasound image data, then processing is simplified on the display terminal side, but power consumption and heat generation in the probe increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the data generation parameter based on terminal computing power detection. When terminal computing power is sufficient, the probe generates only intermediate data (reducing probe power consumption) while the terminal performs the computationally intensive image generation. When terminal computing power is limited, the probe generates complete image data to simplify terminal processing.
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 the use of various types of display terminals, balancing power consumption and heat generation by distributing processing tasks between the ultrasound probe and the display terminal according to their computing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator array 11, a transmission circuit 12 that transmits an ultrasound wave from the oscillator array
Implementation Method 2
a reception circuit 13 that performs reception focus processing on a reception signal output from the oscillator array that has received an ultrasound echo to generate a sound ray signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided are an ultrasound system, an ultrasound probe, a control method of the ultrasound system, and a control method of the ultrasound probe capable of using various types of display terminals and causing the display terminal to perform processing according to computing power of the display terminal to be used. An ultrasound system includes a display terminal and an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe has a reception circuit that generates a sound ray signal from a reception signal output from an oscillator array, an image generation unit that generates ultrasound image data from the sound ray signal, and a data selection unit that selects one of the ultrasound image data and intermediate data generated in a middle of generating the ultrasound image data, according to computing power of the display terminal, as data to be output to the display terminal. The display terminal to which the intermediate data is input generates the ultrasound image data from the intermediate data and displays an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound image data on the monitor.