Robert N. Phelps

Dynamic sub-array mapping systems and methods for ultrasound imaging

Elements within each of a plurality of sub-arrays are dynamically grouped as a function of the steering direction. The dynamic grouping allows for partial beamforming with more similar delays within each grouping of elements within the sub-array. A plurality of partial beamformers is provided for each sub-array. Different ones of the elements are mapped to different ones of the partial beamformers as a function of the steering direction. As used herein, steering direction includes one or more of a focal location, a scan line angle, a scan line origin or other beamforming parameters associated with establishing a relative delay between elements. The shape or grouping of elements is changed at the beginning of any acquisition cycle, such as the beginning of transmit and receive operation for a given steering direction. Dynamic sub-array mapping may minimize negative effects of sub-array partial beamforming by providing an optimal shape of the sub-array groupings based on the steering direction.

Some observations on underwater hearing.

We examine the relative role of bone conduction and tympanic conduction in underwater localization and detection by humans. Basically, we placed divers underwater and covered up various parts of the skull and outer ear with neoprene foam (an insulator of sound) and measured thresholds and localization accuracy. Sound conduction through the ear canal (tympanic conduction) appears to play only a minor role in the detection of sounds 1000 Hz and higher. Yet conduction through the canal appears to be very important for localization.

Method for scalable manufacturing of medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging systems

A plurality of application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips with different functions is provided. Each of the ASICs performs one or more functions along an ultrasound data path. The chips include communications protocols or processes for allowing scaling. For example, ASICs for backend processing include data exchange ports for communicating between other ASICs of the same type. As another example, receive beamformer ASICs cascade for beamformation. By providing ASICs implementing many or most of the ultrasound data path functions, with scalability, the same ASICs may be used for different system designs. A family of systems from high end to low-end using the same types of ASICs, but in different configurations, is provided.