Ultrasound Signal Processing Frequency Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in designing a signal processing section that can efficiently handle both electronic and mechanical scan ultrasound probes, as they require a wide frequency range (3 to 30 MHz), leading to large analog circuits or low sampling clock speeds that compromise waveform reproducibility and filter performance.
Innovation Solution
A single common signal processing section with a changeable operation frequency (sampling clock) is implemented, allowing the apparatus to process both electronic and mechanical scan data, using a programmable FPGA and adjustable filter coefficients to optimize processing speed and filter characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide frequency range (3 to 30 MHz) is supported to handle both electronic and mechanical scan probes, then the apparatus can process both probe types, but the analog circuit becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional analog signal processing system with a digital signal processing system. The A/D converter converts analog echo signals to digital data, and digital filters replace analog filters. This substitution allows the system to handle both electronic and mechanical scan probe data through a unified digital processing path, significantly reducing analog circuit complexity while maintaining the capability to process both probe types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal signal processing architecture where a single digital signal processing section handles both electronic scan and mechanical scan probe data. The scan converter is designed to process data from either probe type by adjusting processing parameters, eliminating the need for separate processing paths and reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If the sampling clock speed is reduced to simplify the signal processing section, then the circuit becomes simpler, but waveform reproducibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic sampling clock system where the sampling clock frequency is adjusted based on the probe type being used. For mechanical scan probes requiring higher frequency accuracy, the sampling clock operates at a higher frequency (e.g., 100 MHz or 200 MHz). For electronic scan probes, the sampling clock can operate at lower frequencies. This dynamic adjustment maintains waveform reproducibility when needed while allowing circuit simplification when high precision is not required.
3Measurement precision
If the sampling clock speed is increased to improve waveform reproducibility, then measurement precision improves, but the signal processing section becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the sampling clock frequency based on the connected probe type and processing requirements. When high waveform reproducibility is needed (mechanical scan mode), the sampling clock operates at higher frequencies. When processing electronic scan data where absolute precision is less critical, the sampling clock frequency is reduced. This dynamic operation achieves high measurement precision only when necessary, avoiding the constant high complexity and cost of a always-high-frequency sampling system.
4Device complexity
If digital signal processing is used to reduce circuit size, then device complexity decreases, but the sampling clock frequency must be very high to maintain waveform accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic sampling clock frequency adjustment in the digital signal processing system. The sampling clock frequency is set high (e.g., 100-200 MHz) when processing mechanical scan probe data that requires accurate waveform reproduction. When processing electronic scan probe data, the sampling clock frequency is reduced. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to use digital signal processing (reducing circuit size) while only invoking high sampling frequencies when absolutely necessary for mechanical scan accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the sampling clock frequency parameter based on processing requirements. By adjusting this critical parameter dynamically, the system achieves accurate waveform reproduction at high sampling rates only when needed for mechanical scan data, while operating at lower sampling rates for electronic scan data, thereby reducing overall system complexity and power consumption.
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 configuration enables a compact circuit design that effectively processes signals across the desired frequency range, improving reproducibility and filter performance, particularly in achieving steep cut-off characteristics and reducing unnecessary frequency components.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound transducer mounted inside
Implementation Method 2
receives an echo signal of the ultrasound pulse reflected from the living tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a connection section to which an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound transducer mounted therein is detachably connected, a transmission section that drives the ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound probe connected to the connection section by a transmission signal of a transmission frequency thereof, an echo signal creation section that creates a digital echo signal from an echo signal received by the ultrasound transducer, a signal processing section that carries out signal processing to the digital echo signal, a processing-speed changing section that changes an operation frequency of the signal processing in the signal processing section, and a change control section that controls change of the operation frequency.