SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING POWER CONSUMPTION IN AN ULTRASOUND SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to diagnostic imaging, and more particularly to systems and methods for reducing power consumption in an ultrasound imaging system.

[0002] Medical diagnostic ultrasound is an imaging modality that employs ultrasound waves to probe the acoustic properties of biological tissues and produces corresponding images. Particularly, diagnostic ultrasound systems are used to provide an accurate visualization of muscles, tendons, and other internal organs to assess their size, structure and any pathological lesions using near real-time tomographic images. Further, diagnostic ultrasound is used for determining movement, for example, corresponding to blood flow within the body. Additionally, ultrasound systems also find use in therapeutics where an ultrasound probe is used to guide interventional procedures such as biopsies or to track an interventional device.

[0003] Conventional ultrasound systems include a plurality of transducer elements, for example, housed in a transducer probe to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy for transmission, and mechanical energy back into electrical signals on reception. Further, the ultrasound systems transform the received electrical signals into one or more digital images of a target region, such as a target organ in the body of a patient. The images, thus generated, may be displayed on an associated display device as static images. Additionally, the images may be used to generate a live streaming video of the target organ in near real-time for facilitating further evaluation and therapy.

[0004] Ultrasound systems, thus, provide efficient and cost-effective imaging without use of ionizing radiation typically used by other imaging systems such as X-ray and CT systems. Particularly, ultrasound systems find extensive use in monitoring medical conditions that require continual observation. By way of example, portable ultrasound systems may be employed to monitor patients who have undergone renal transplants and require constant and/or periodic monitoring of blood vessels in the transplanted kidney to detect any early complications. These portable ultrasound systems allow movement and use of the ultrasound system between ambulances, hospital emergency rooms, outpatient centers, and other medical offices.

[0005] Typically, the portable ultrasound systems are battery operated to allow use of the ultrasound systems over large geographical areas, including underdeveloped regions with erratic or undependable power supply infrastructure. Particularly, battery-operated, smartphone-based ultrasound devices facilitate early and/or remote detection of medical conditions in rural regions where modern diagnostic facilities, skilled medical practitioners and/or power supply have limited reach.

[0006] To that end, the portable ultrasound systems, for example, may include digital and/or wireless probes operatively connected to the battery-operated ultrasound systems. These digital and/or wireless probes are known to house an entire front-end circuit, for example including one or more beamformers, transmit-receive circuitry, and/or signal processors, within the probes. Presence of such a large number of system components causes greater power consumption in conventional ultrasound systems. Particularly, front-end components such as the transmit-receive circuitry consume substantial power during imaging. The power consumption further increases due to long periods of inactivity between ultrasound scans.

[0007] Accordingly, certain ultrasound systems are known to employ an auto-freeze button that switches off the probe after a certain period of inactivity on an associated user-interface. Typically, the length of inactivity period prior to switching off the probe is selected based on experience. However, such timed auto-freeze functionality may not allow for any energy savings during the inactivity period. Moreover, not using the user interface may not be an accurate indication of inactivity. By way of example, a user may not use the user interface for a substantial period of time while conducting a scan to obtain a desired view of a target organ. In such scenarios, the probe may be switched off after the selected inactivity period even though the user may still be performing the scan, thus resulting in unreliable imaging performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0008] Certain aspects of the present technique are drawn to exemplary ultrasound probes, systems, and methods for reducing power consumption in ultrasound systems. A target region corresponding to a subject is imaged using an ultrasound probe disposed over a surface of the subject. Further, a distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is determined during the imaging using a proximity sensor operatively coupled to the ultrasound probe. Subsequently, power consumption in the ultrasound probe is reduced when the determined distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is greater than a determined threshold.

DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features and aspects of embodiments of the present technique will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary ultrasound imaging system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary ultrasound probe including a proximity sensor, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0012] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for reducing power consumption in an ultrasound system, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following description presents systems and methods for reducing power consumption in ultrasound systems. Particularly, certain embodiments illustrated herein describe the systems and the methods that efficiently conserve power in ultrasound systems by automatically activating or deactivating corresponding system components. More specifically, the embodiments described herein disclose systems and methods that may allow automatic activation and deactivation of ultrasound system components based on the absence of imaging activity. The absence of imaging activity, for example, may be determined based on a determined proximity of an associated transducer probe to the body of a patient.

[0014] Although the following description includes embodiments relating to ultrasound imaging, these embodiments may also be implemented in other medical imaging systems that employ devices such as ultrasound and/or interventional probes during imaging. These systems, for example, may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, computed-tomography (CT) systems, and systems that monitor targeted drug and gene delivery. In certain embodiments, the present systems and methods may also be used for conserving power during non-medical imaging, for example, during nondestructive testing of elastic materials that may be suitable for ultrasound imaging and/or security screening. An exemplary environment that is suitable for practicing various implementations of the present system is described in the following sections with reference to FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an ultrasound system 100 for imaging one or more regions of interest (ROI) in a target object. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system 100 may be configured as a console system or a cart-based system. Alternatively, the ultrasound system 100 may be configured as a portable system, such as a hand-held, laptop-style and/or a smartphone-based system. For discussion purposes, the present embodiment describes the ultrasound system 100 as a portable ultrasound system.

[0016] Further, in the present disclosure, the ultrasound system 100 is discussed with reference to imaging one or more target ROI 101 in biological tissues of interest. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the target ROI 101, for example, may include cardiac tissues, liver tissues, breast tissues, prostate tissues, thyroid tissues, lymph nodes, vascular structures adipose tissue, muscular tissue, and/or blood cells. Alternative embodiments, however, may also employ the system 100 for imaging non-biological materials such as manufactured parts, plastics, aerospace composites, and/or foreign objects within the body such as a catheter or a needle.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the system 100 includes transmit circuitry 102 that generates a pulsed waveform to drive an array 104 of transducer elements 106 housed within a transducer probe 108. Particularly, the pulsed waveform drives the array 104 of transducer elements 106 to emit ultrasonic pulses into a body or volume of interest of a subject (not shown). The transducer elements 106, for example, may include piezoelectric, piezoceramic, capacitive, and/or microfabricated crystals. At least a portion of the ultrasonic pulses generated by the transducer elements 106 back-scatter from the target ROI 101 to produce echoes that return to the transducer array 104 and are received by a receive circuitry 110 for further processing.

[0018] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the receive circuitry 110 is coupled to a beamformer 112 that processes the received echoes and outputs corresponding radio frequency (RF) signals. Subsequently, a processing unit 114 receives and processes the RF signals according to a plurality of selectable ultrasound modalities in near real-time and/or offline mode. The processing unit 114 includes devices such as one or more general-purpose or application-specific processors, digital signal processors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), or other suitable devices in communication with other components of the system 100.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the processing unit 114 also provides control and timing signals for configuring one or more imaging parameters for imaging a target ROI 101. By way of example, the imaging parameters may include a sequence of delivery of different pulses, frequency of the pulses, a time delay between two different pulses, intensity of the pulses, and/or other such imaging parameters. Particularly, in one embodiment, the processing unit 114 is operatively coupled to a power source 116, for example through a communications link 117, to drive one or more components of the system 100. Accordingly, the power source 116 may include, for example, a fixed current outlet and/or a battery to provide drive voltage to the transducer probe 108, the transmit circuitry 102 and/or the receive circuitry 110, for imaging the target ROI101.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the processing unit 114 stores the delivery sequence, frequency, time delay, and/or beam intensity, for example, in a memory device 118 for use in imaging the target ROI 101. The memory device 118 includes storage devices such as a random access memory, a read only memory, a disc drive, solid-state memory device, and/or a flash memory. In one embodiment, the processing unit 114 uses the stored information for configuring the transducer elements 106 to direct one or more groups of pulse sequences toward the target ROI 101. Subsequently, the processing unit 114 tracks the displacements in the target ROI 101 caused in response to the incident pulses to determine corresponding tissue characteristics. The displacements and tissues characteristics, thus determined, are stored in the memory device 118. The displacements and tissues characteristics may also be communicated to a medical practitioner, such as a radiologist, for further diagnosis.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the processing unit 114 is further coupled to one or more user input-output devices 120 for receiving commands and inputs from an operator, such as, the medical practitioner. The input-output devices 120, for example, may include devices such as a keyboard, a touchscreen, a microphone, a mouse, a control panel, a display device 122, a foot switch, a hand switch, and/or a button. In one embodiment, the display device 122 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) for providing the medical practitioner with configurable options for imaging the target locations. By way of example, the configurable options may include a selectable ROI, a delay profile, a designated pulse sequence, a desired pulse repetition frequency and/or other suitable system settings to image the desired ROI. Additionally, the configurable options may further include a choice of medically relevant information such as a magnitude of strain and/or stiffness in the imaged tissues estimated from the received signals.

[0022] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the processing unit 114 processes the RF signal data to prepare image frames and to generate the requested medically relevant information based on user input. Particularly, the processing unit 114 processes the RF signal data to generate two-dimensional (2D) and/or three-dimensional (3D) datasets corresponding to different imaging modes. By way of example, the signal processor may generate B-mode, color Doppler, power Doppler, M-mode, anatomical M-mode, strain, strain rate, and/or spectral Doppler image frames based on specific scanning and/or user-defined requirements. Additionally, the processing unit 114 performs scan-conversion to convert the generated image frames from Polar to Cartesian coordinates for simplifying further computations.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the processing unit 114 generates the image frames in real-time while scanning the target ROl 101 and receiving corresponding echo signals. As used herein, the term "real-time" may be used to refer to an imaging rate of about 10 to about 30 image frames per second (fps) with a delay of less than 1 second. In one embodiment, the processing unit 114 customizes this delay in reconstructing and rendering the image frames based on specific system and/or imaging requirements. Further, the processing unit 114 processes the RF signal data such that a resulting image is rendered at the rate of 10 fps on the associated display device 122 communicatively coupled to the processing unit 114. The display device 122, for example, may be a local device. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the display device 122 may be remotely located to allow a remotely located medical practitioner to track medically relevant information corresponding to the patient.

[0024] In one embodiment, the processing unit 114 updates the image frames on the display device 122 in an offline and/or delayed update mode. Particularly, the image frames may be updated in the offline mode based on the echoes received over a determined period of time. Alternatively, the processing unit 114 dynamically updates the image frames and sequentially displays the updated image frames on the display device 122 as and when additional frames of ultrasound data are acquired.

[0025] Moreover, in certain embodiments, the system 100 includes a dedicated video processor 124 that digitizes the received echoes and outputs the resulting digital video stream on the display device 122. In one embodiment, the video processor 124 stores the frames of the target ROI 101 for later review and analysis or communicates the frames to a remote location for allowing the remotely located medical practitioner to diagnose a patient condition and/or to prescribe treatment. By way of example, the medical practitioner may evaluate the generated images for detecting a pathological condition such as presence of plaque or other blockages in a blood vessel of the patient.

[0026] Alternatively, the video processor 124 displays the video stream along with patient-specific diagnostic and/or therapeutic information in real-time while the patient is being imaged. The real-time video stream allows the medical practitioner to track progress of a contrast agent or an interventional device such as a catheter or a needle through the body of the patient. Additionally, real-time availability of diagnostic and/or therapeutic information also allows the medical practitioner to evaluate an efficacy of the interventional procedure in real-time, and further to determine whether to stop or continue the procedure based on the evaluated effect.

[0027] In one embodiment, the system 100 allows the medical practitioner to selectively configure the display of one or more of the images, the video stream, the diagnostic, and/or the therapeutic information as per imaging and/or user requirements. Particularly, the processing unit 114 allows the medical practitioner to selectively configure the display in real-time during an ultrasound scan, for example, for accurately ascertaining imaging parameters such as an optimal scan plane for imaging the target ROI 101. In certain embodiments, the target ROI 101, for example, may include an apical two-chamber or four-chamber view of the heart, view of a fetal head, fetal abdomen, and/or vascular landmarks. However, during imaging, even slight changes in a location and/or angular orientation of the ultrasound probe 108 may alter the view. Additionally, identification of the desired view from a plurality of possible views may be confounded by speckle noise and low contrast. Accordingly, the processing unit 114 allows the medical practitioner to repeatedly reposition the probe 108 until the desired view is identified.

[0028] However, such identification of the desired view may halt the imaging activity on an associated user-interface monitored by conventional ultrasound systems. One or more components of the conventional ultrasound systems, however, continue to consume power during such long periods of inactivity between ultrasound scans. Accordingly, certain conventional ultrasound systems automatically freeze a conventional ultrasound probe after a predetermined period of inactivity to conserve power and/or extend the life of the conventional probe. By way of example, the medical practitioner may freeze the conventional probe using, for example, a foot or a hand switch, a touch gesture, and/or a voice command that switches off the conventional probe after a predetermined period of inactivity on the associated user-interface.

[0029] However, as previously noted, such timed auto-freeze functionality does not allow for any energy savings during the inactivity period. Additionally, not using the user interface may be an inaccurate indication of cessation of imaging activity as the user interface may not be used for substantial time while conducting a scan. In such scenarios, the conventional probe switches off even though the medical practitioner may still be performing the scan. Unexpected freezing of the displayed image and/or video stream in the conventional ultrasound system may distract the medical practitioner, thus resulting in a blurred and/or incorrect image.

[0030] In contrast to the automatic freeze functionality in the conventional ultrasound systems, embodiments of the present system 100 employ a proximity sensor 126 that provides information for use in conserving power in the system 100. To that end, in one embodiment, the proximity sensor 126 may be housed within the transducer probe 108. In accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, the proximity sensor 126 aids in automatically switching the transducer probe 108 on or off based on absence of imaging activity. The proximity sensor 126 determines absence of imaging activity, for example, based on a determined proximity of the transducer probe 108 to the body of the patient. An embodiment of the present disclosure describing operation of the proximity sensor 126 for conserving power and extending the life of the transducer probe 108 will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary ultrasound probe 200, similar to the ultrasound probe 108 of FIG. 1, for use in an ultrasound system in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the ultrasound probe 200 includes a probe housing 202. The probe housing 202, for example, is constructed from materials such as plastic and/or glass. Moreover, the probe housing 202 is shaped to allow for ergonomic use by a medical practitioner and/or to house one or more system components within the probe 200.

[0032] The system components, for example, include a transducer array 204 including a plurality of transducer elements 206, such as the transducer elements 106 of FIG. 1. As previously noted, the transducer elements 206 are configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy for imaging a target ROI 101 of a patient. Further, the system components also include transmit circuitry 208, receive circuitry 210, and a processing and control unit (PCU) 212, which may be similar to the transmit circuitry 102, receive circuitry 110, and the processing unit 114, respectively, of FIG. 1.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the transmit circuitry 208, the receive circuitry 210, and/or the PCU 212 may be wireless and may be wirelessly coupled to other components of the ultrasound system (not shown in FIG. 2) over a communications link 214. Accordingly, the communications link 214, for example, may include wireless links corresponding to communications networks such as wireless local access network (WLAN), cellular networks, satellite networks, and/or a backplane bus. Alternatively, when employing physically connected system components, the communications link 214 may include a cable that connects the probe housing 202 and/or the system components housed therein to one or more other components of the ultrasound system. In certain further embodiments, the communications link 214 may include both wired and wireless links.

[0034] Further, in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, the probe 200 includes at least one proximity sensor 216. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor 216 may be positioned within the probe housing 202 or on an outer surface of the probe 200. Particularly, the proximity sensor 216 may be positioned such that the proximity sensor 216 is operatively coupled to, for example, the transmit circuitry 208, the receive circuitry 210, and/or the PCU 212. As previously noted, the proximity sensor 216 determines absence of imaging activity based on a determined proximity of the transducer probe 200 to a body surface 218 of the patient. On determining absence of imaging activity, the proximity sensor 216 causes automatic deactivation of the transducer probe 200.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the proximity sensor 216 employs optical, infrared, capacitive, and/or radio frequency proximity sensors for determining proximity between the transducer probe 200 and the patient's body. By way of example, the proximity sensor 216 may include a photoelectric sensor that uses a light transmitter and a photoelectric receiver to determine a distance between the transducer probe 200 and the patient's body. Alternatively, the proximity sensor 216 may include a range-controlled radar to determine the distance between the transducer probe 200 and the patient's body using radio frequency (RF) waves.

[0036] In a presently contemplated embodiment, the proximity sensor 216 is a capacitive proximity sensor, which may detect proximity with and/or without physical contact between the probe 200 and the patient's body. Particularly, the capacitive proximity sensor 216 detects proximity to any target whose dielectric constant is greater than air. The capacitive proximity sensor 216 includes a first plate 220 and driver electronics 222. When using the capacitive proximity sensor 216 in the probe 200, the body surface 218 acts as a second plate, whereas the air between the probe 200 and the body surface 218 acts as a dielectric 224 between the two plates. Generally, the capacitive proximity sensor 216 works on the principle of a capacitor. Accordingly, when a size of the probe 200 and the body surface 218 remains constant, a change in capacitance may correspond to a change in the distance between the probe 200 and the body surface 218. Generally, the capacitance increases as the distance between the probe 200 and the body surface 218 decreases and vice versa. Further, the value of capacitance remains substantially constant when the probe 200 is in contact with the body surface 218.

[0037] In one embodiment, the PCU 212 determines a change in proximity between the probe 200 and the body surface 218 based on the determined change in the capacitance. In another embodiment, however, the proximity sensor 216 may include an independent processing unit for determining the change in proximity. Alternatively, the proximity sensor 216 may employ a processing unit, such as the processing unit 114 of FIG. 1, corresponding to the ultrasound system for determining the change in proximity.

[0038] Further, in a presently contemplated embodiment, the driver electronics 222 is configured to output specific changes in current and/or voltage corresponding to detected changes in capacitance. The PCU 212 scales these current and/or voltage changes to represent specific changes in the distance between the probe 200 and the body surface 218. Typically, an amount of current or voltage change for a unit change in distance between the probe 200 and the body surface 218 corresponds to a sensitivity of the proximity sensor 216.

[0039] In one embodiment, for example, the sensitivity of the proximity sensor 216 may be about 1.0 Volt/100 micrometer (um). Accordingly, a +2 Volts change in the output indicates that the body surface 218 has moved 200 um closer to the probe 200. The PCU 212 interprets a decrease in distance between the probe 200 and the body surface 218 as continuing imaging activity, and thus, continues to keep the probe 200 active. Conversely, the PCU 212 interprets an increase in distance between the probe 200 and the body surface 218 as a decrease in imaging activity. Accordingly, the PCU 212 activates power conservation measures when detecting that capacitance falls below a determined threshold. Certain exemplary power consumption measures implemented in the probe 200 in response to a change in capacitance detected by the proximity sensor 216 will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart 300 depicting an exemplary method for reducing power consumption in an ultrasound system. In the present disclosure, embodiments of the exemplary method may be described in a general context of computer executable instructions on a computing system or a processor. Generally, computer executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

[0041] Additionally, embodiments of the exemplary method may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where optimization functions are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a wired and/or wireless communication network. In the distributed computing environment, the computer executable instructions may be located in both local and remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices.

[0042] Further, in FIG. 3, the exemplary method is illustrated as a collection of blocks in a logical flow chart, which represents operations that may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. The various operations are depicted in the blocks to illustrate the functions that are performed, for example, during imaging data acquisition, proximity sensing, and/or power reduction phases of the exemplary method. In the context of software, the blocks represent computer instructions that, when executed by one or more processing subsystems, perform the recited operations.

[0043] The order in which the exemplary method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described blocks may be combined in any order to implement the exemplary method disclosed herein, or an equivalent alternative method. Additionally, certain blocks may be deleted from the exemplary method or augmented by additional blocks with added functionality without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. For discussion purposes, the exemplary method will be described with reference to the elements of FIGS. 1-2.

[0044] As previously noted, conventional ultrasound systems cause wastage of substantial power due to long periods of inactivity between ultrasound scans. Use of automatic freeze in such conventional ultrasound systems after a predetermined period of inactivity, however, may result in inefficient power conservation and/or erroneous imaging. By way of example, the medical practitioner may freeze the conventional ultrasound probe using a control panel that switches off the probe after a predetermined period of inactivity on an associated user-interface.

[0045] However, as previously noted, such timed auto-freeze functionality does not allow for any energy savings during the inactivity period. Additionally, automatic freeze functionality may result in situations where the conventional probe switches off even though the user may still be performing the scan. Such unexpected freezing of the displayed image or video stream in the conventional ultrasound system may distract a medical practitioner, thus resulting in a blurred and/or incorrect image. Since a pathological condition of a patient is typically ascertained from image-derived parameters, errors in the generated images may lead to erroneous diagnosis and/or treatment of the patient.

[0046] In contrast, embodiments of the present method employ a proximity sensor for use in conserving power in the ultrasound system. In accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, the proximity sensor aids in automatically switching the transducer probe on or off based on presence or absence of imaging activity. The proximity sensor determines absence of imaging activity, for example, based on a determined proximity of the transducer probe to the body of the patient.

[0047] Accordingly, at step 302, a target region corresponding to a subject such as a patient is imaged using an ultrasound probe, such as the ultrasound probe 200 of FIG. 2. The ultrasound probe 200 is disposed over a surface of the subject. In one embodiment, the ultrasound probe 200 includes one or more transducer elements configured to transmit ultrasound energy into the patient and to detect resulting echoes from the patient. The ultrasound probe 200 is typically coated with an ultrasound gel or a conductive liquid to ensure good acoustical coupling between the ultrasound probe 200 and a surface of the patient's body for imaging the target region.

[0048] In certain embodiments, a processing unit, such as the processing unit 114 of FIG. 1 or the processing and control unit 212 of FIG. 2 uses energy and/or timing information corresponding to the received echoes to determine structural and/or functional information corresponding to the target region. Additionally, the processing unit 212 communicates the determined information to a medical practitioner, for example, visually and/or audibly through one or more input-output devices. In one embodiment, the determined information, for example, includes quantitative data such as blood flow direction or a rate of flow of blood in the target region. The medical practitioner may use the determined information for detecting a pathological condition such as presence of plaque or other blockages and/or to aid in deploying a vascular stent in the patient.

[0049] Further, as previously noted, embodiments of the present method disclose use of a proximity sensor operatively coupled to the ultrasound probe to optimize power consumption in the transducer probe and/or the ultrasound system during imaging. At step 304, distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface of the patient's body during the imaging may be determined using the proximity sensor, such as the proximity sensor 216 of FIG. 2. In accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, the proximity sensor 216 may be a capacitive proximity sensor. In one embodiment, the capacitive proximity sensor 216 is configured to determine a change in capacitance between the ultrasound probe 200 (See FIG. 2) and the body surface using the proximity sensor 216.

[0050] Typically, the capacitance increases as the distance between the probe 200 and the body surface decreases, and vice versa. Accordingly, a change in capacitance proves to be a useful tool to estimate a change in distance between the probe 200 and the body surface. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor 216 is configured to change an output voltage corresponding to a change in the detected capacitance. As the changes in the output voltage may be more easily measured, these measured changes may be used to determine a corresponding change in the distance between the probe and the body surface. By way of example, if the sensitivity of the proximity sensor 216 is about 1.0 Volt/100 um, a -2 Volts change in the output voltage indicates that the body surface has moved 200 um further away from the probe 200.

[0051] In certain embodiments, an increasing separation (or decreasing proximity) between the probe 200 and the body surface is interpreted as a decrease in imaging activity. Accordingly, at step 306, it may be determined when the determined distance, or in turn, the determined capacitance falls below a determined threshold. The determined threshold may be selected based on a priori knowledge, for example, obtained from published literature and/or previous implementations. In one embodiment, a separation of more than 1 millimeter (mm) may be selected as a threshold that indicates cessation of the imaging activity. In another embodiment, however, the threshold may be about 0.1 mm. In certain other embodiments, however, the threshold may be any suitable value based on system-specific or imaging requirements.

[0052] In certain embodiments, multiple threshold values may be used to indicate different stages of deactivation of the ultrasound probe 200. By way of example, a separation of about 0.01 mm may cause the associated display to freeze automatically, whereas a separation of about 0.1 mm may cause at least some components of the ultrasound system to transition to low-power mode. However, a separation of about more than 1 mm may deactivate the ultrasound probe 200 completely. In certain embodiments, the deactivated ultrasound probe 200 may also be reactivated when the determined distance between the ultrasound probe 200 and the surface decreases and is less than the determined threshold.

[0053] In accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, determining separation or proximity entails monitoring variations in capacitance, voltage, and/or electric charge between the proximity sensor 216 and the surface. The determined threshold, thus, may correspond to, for example, a distance threshold, a capacitance threshold, a voltage threshold, and/or an electric charge threshold. In an exemplary implementation, where a separation of more than 1 mm is indicative of inactivity, the determined threshold for a proximity sensor 216 with a sensitivity of about 1.0 Volt/100 micrometer (urn) may be about 10 Volts. In certain embodiments, the determined threshold may correspond to a combination of multiple thresholds such as the distance threshold and the capacitance threshold that may be evaluated for activating power conservation measures.

[0054] If the determined distance between the ultrasound probe 200 and the surface is greater than the determined threshold, at step 308, power consumption in the ultrasound probe 200 may be reduced. By way of example, when using a voltage threshold of about 10 Volts, a measurement of more than 10 Volts may be indicative of decreasing proximity between the probe 200 and the body surface. The decreasing proximity may be representative of a decrease in imaging activity. Accordingly, the proximity sensor 216 activates one or more power conservation measures in the ultrasound probe 200. In certain embodiments, the reduction in the power consumption may be achieved by immediately deactivating the ultrasound probe 200 and/or the ultrasound system once the proximity between the ultrasound probe 200 and the surface falls below the determined threshold.

[0055] Alternatively, the reduction in the power consumption may be achieved by deactivating the ultrasound probe 200 and/or the ultrasound system in one or more stages. Specifically, at step 310, the proximity sensor 216 allows for sequential or random implementation of such staged deactivation for conserving power in the ultrasound system based on predetermined and/or user-defined criteria. By way of example, in one stage of deactivation, a frame rate at which ultrasound data is acquired by the ultrasound probe 200 is reduced. Reduction in the image frame rate results in a corresponding reduction in the power consumed by the ultrasound probe 200 for imaging the target region. In another stage, power supply to one or more electronic components corresponding to the ultrasound probe 200 and/or the ultrasound system may be progressively reduced and/or eliminated. Alternatively, a video stream being displayed on a display device may be frozen at a particular image to conserve power once the capacitance falls below the determined threshold. In yet another stage of deactivation, imaging of the subject using the ultrasound probe 200 is completely terminated.

[0056] However, at step 306, if it is determined that the determined distance between the ultrasound probe 200 and the surface is not greater than the determined threshold, at step 312, the ultrasound probe 200 may continue to be active. Particularly, a capacitance value greater than the determined threshold value may be interpreted as being indicative of continued imaging operation by the ultrasound probe 200, thereby preventing any erroneous freezing of the image frames during an active ultrasound scan.

[0057] Embodiments of the present disclosure, thus, provide systems and methods that allow for more efficient power conservation in ultrasound probes and/or ultrasound imaging systems. In particular, use of the proximity sensor in the ultrasound probe allows for more accurate estimate of the imaging inactivity that qualifies for activation of power conservation measures in the ultrasound probe. Reducing the power consumed in the ultrasound probe results in a corresponding reduction in energy and/or costs typically incurred during ultrasound imaging. Additionally, deactivation of the ultrasound probe during periods of inactivity not only extends the life of the ultrasound probe but also reduces the heat generated in the ultrasound probe due to continuous operation. Reduction in probe temperatures, in turn, enhances comfort and safety of patients and/or medical practitioners.

[0058] It may be noted that the foregoing examples, demonstrations, and process steps that may be performed by certain components of the present systems, for example by the processing unit 114, the video processor 124, and/or the PCU 212 of FIGS. 1-2, may be implemented by suitable code on a processor-based system. To that end, the processor-based system, for example, may include a general-purpose or a special-purpose computer. It may also be noted that different implementations of the present disclosure may perform some or all of the steps described herein in different orders or substantially concurrently.

[0059] Additionally, the functions may be implemented in a variety of programming languages, including but not limited to Ruby, Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), Perl, Delphi, Python, C, C++, or Java. Such code may be stored or adapted for storage on one or more tangible, machine-readable media, such as on data repository chips, local or remote hard disks, optical disks (that is, CDs or DVDs), solid-state drives, or other media, which may be accessed by the processor-based system to execute the stored code.

[0060] Although specific features of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be shown in and/or described with respect to some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. It is to be understood that the described features, structures, and/or characteristics may be combined and/or used interchangeably in any suitable manner in the various embodiments, for example, to construct additional assemblies and methods for use in diagnostic imaging.

[0061] While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

We Claim:

1. A method, comprising:

imaging a target region corresponding to a subject using an ultrasound probe disposed over a surface of the subject;

determining distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface using a proximity sensor operatively coupled to the ultrasound probe; and

reducing power consumption in the ultrasound probe when the determined distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is greater than a determined threshold.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface comprises determining a change in capacitance between the ultrasound probe and the surface using the proximity sensor.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising determining the distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface based on the determined change in the capacitance.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising determining that the ultrasound probe is actively imaging when the capacitance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is greater than the determined threshold.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising determining that the ultrasound probe is actively imaging when there is an increase in the capacitance between the ultrasound probe and the surface.

6. The method of claim 3, further comprising determining that the ultrasound probe is inactive when there is a decrease in the capacitance between the ultrasound probe and the surface.

7. The method of claim 3, further comprising determining that the ultrasound probe is inactive when the capacitance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is less than the determined threshold, wherein the determined threshold comprises a capacitance threshold, a distance threshold, or a combination thereof.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface comprises:

determining a change in voltage, electric charge, or a combination thereof, between the ultrasound probe and the surface using the proximity sensor; and

determining the distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface based on the determined change in the voltage, the electric charge, or the combination thereof.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein reducing the power consumption in the ultrasound probe comprises deactivating the ultrasound probe in one or more stages.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein deactivating the ultrasound probe in one or more stages comprises reducing a frame rate at which ultrasound data is acquired by the ultrasound probe.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein deactivating the ultrasound probe in one or more stages comprises reducing power supply to one or more electronic components corresponding to the ultrasound probe, the imaging system, or a combination thereof.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein deactivating the ultrasound probe in one or more stages comprises terminating imaging of the subject using the ultrasound probe.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein deactivating the ultrasound probe in one or more stages comprises eliminating power supply to one or more electronic components corresponding to the ultrasound probe, the imaging system, or a combination thereof.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein deactivating the ultrasound probe in one or more stages comprises freezing a video stream corresponding to the target region at a particular image in the video stream.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein deactivating the ultrasound probe in one or more stages comprises determining when the distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is greater than at least one threshold in a plurality of thresholds, wherein each threshold in the plurality of thresholds corresponds to a particular stage of deactivation in the one or more stages.

16. The method of claim 9, further comprising reactivating the ultrasound probe when the determined distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface increases and is greater than the determined threshold.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising continuing imaging of the target region when the determined distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is greater than the determined threshold.

18. An ultrasound probe, comprising:

a transducer array comprising a plurality of transducer elements that generate a pulse sequence for imaging a target region corresponding to a subject, wherein the ultrasound probe is disposed over a surface of the subject;

a proximity sensor operatively coupled to the ultrasound probe, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to determine a distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface during imaging; and

a processing unit coupled to the proximity sensor, wherein the processing unit is configured to reduce power consumption in the ultrasound probe when the determined distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is greater than a determined threshold.

19. The ultrasound probe of claim 18, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a photoelectric proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a radio frequency proximity sensor, or combinations thereof.

20. An ultrasound system, comprising:

an ultrasound probe, comprising:

a transducer array comprising a plurality of transducer elements configured to generate a pulse sequence for imaging a target region corresponding to a subject, wherein the ultrasound probe is disposed over a surface of the subject;

a proximity sensor operatively coupled to the ultrasound probe, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to determine a distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface during imaging;

a power source configured to provide power supply for driving the ultrasound probe;

a processing unit operatively coupled to the proximity sensor and the power source, wherein the processing unit is configured to direct the power source to reduce power consumption in the ultrasound probe when the determined distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is greater than a determined threshold.

21. The ultrasound system of claim 20, wherein the power source comprises a battery.

22. The ultrasound system of claim 20, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive proximity sensor.

23. The ultrasound system of claim 20, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a photoelectric proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, a radio frequency proximity sensor, or combinations thereof.

24. The ultrasound system of claim 20, further comprising a display device configured to display one or more of an image, a video stream, medical information, or combinations thereof, corresponding to the target region in the subject.

25. The ultrasound system of claim 24, further comprising a memory device configured to store the pulse sequence, the determined distance, the determined threshold, the image, the video stream, the medical information, or combinations thereof.

26. The ultrasound system of claim 24, wherein the processing unit is configured to freeze display of the image, the video stream, the medical information, or combinations thereof, when the determined distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is greater than the determined threshold.

27. The ultrasound system of claim 20, wherein the processing unit is configured to reduce a frame rate at which ultrasound data is acquired by the ultrasound probe when the determined distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is greater than the determined threshold.

28. The ultrasound system of claim 20, wherein the processing unit is configured to reduce power supplied to one or more electronic components corresponding to the ultrasound probe, the ultrasound system, or a combination thereof, when the determined distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is greater than the determined threshold.

29. The ultrasound system of claim 20, wherein the processing unit is configured to terminate imaging of the subject using the ultrasound probe when the determined distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is greater than the determined threshold.

30. The ultrasound system of claim 20, wherein the power source is configured to reduce power supply to one or more electronic components corresponding to the ultrasound probe, the ultrasound system, or a combination thereof, when the determined distance between the ultrasound probe and the surface is greater than the determined threshold.