Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system with reduced power consumption and heat generation

摘要

An ultrasound system is described which exhibits reduced power consumption and improved reliability. When the ultrasound system is idle for a period of time it automatically invokes a sequence of energy-saving procedures, including readying the system for use at a predetermined time. The use of periodically invoked low power states, even if only for seconds at a time, will over the long term save energy including the cost of air conditioning the site of the ultrasound system. Such low power states also reduce the heat dissipation and exposure of components to heat, one of the major causes of component failure. Thus an embodiment of the present invention can improve ultrasound system reliability and long term effectiveness and cost.