Wireless Ultrasound Probe Dynamic Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless ultrasound probes face challenges in minimizing power consumption while maintaining operational efficiency, as they rely on internal batteries without external power sources, leading to potential battery discharge during extended use.
Innovation Solution
A wireless probe design that includes an ultrasound reception/transmission module, signal processing module, and wireless communication module, controlled by a controller that selectively supplies or blocks power based on operation states, using a power unit that includes a battery and optional wireless power reception, to manage power distribution effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wireless probe continuously supplies power to all modules (ultrasound reception/transmission, signal processing, wireless communication), then the probe maintains operational efficiency and can perform scanning and data processing functions, but the battery power is consumed rapidly leading to short operation duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by making the power supply state changeable based on operation mode. The controller dynamically adjusts power supply to modules according to whether the probe is in scanning mode, data processing mode, or standby mode, allowing the system to adapt power consumption to actual operational needs rather than maintaining constant power supply to all modules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic power supply control where power is supplied to different modules at different time periods based on operational requirements. During scanning operations, power is supplied to ultrasound reception/transmission and signal processing modules, while wireless communication module power is adjusted based on whether data transmission is currently needed, creating a periodic power distribution pattern
2Duration of action of moving object
If the wireless probe blocks power to reduce consumption, then battery life is extended, but the probe may not be able to respond quickly to user manipulation or maintain continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback-based power control where the controller continuously monitors operational state and user manipulation signals. When user manipulation is detected during a scanning operation, the controller receives feedback and quickly restores power supply to relevant modules to maintain operational responsiveness, preventing the probe from becoming unresponsive due to power blocking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary power supply to the wireless communication module during scanning operations to ensure data transmission capability is ready in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when data transmission becomes necessary, the module is already powered and ready to respond immediately, maintaining operational readiness while managing overall power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a wireless probe including: an ultrasound reception/transmission module that receives a first power and scans a target object by transmitting ultrasound signals to the target object and receiving ultrasound echo signals reflected from the target object; a signal processing module that receives a second power, generates pulses for generating the ultrasound signals and generates ultrasound data by using the ultrasound echo signals; a wireless communication module that receives a third power and receives/transmits predetermined data from/to a medical device; a controller that controls supply of at least one of the first power, the second power, and the third power based on an operation state of the wireless probe; and a power unit that supplies or blocks the at least one of the first power, the second power, and the third power according to control of the controller. Each component included in the wireless probe may reduce power consumed by the wireless probe.