Array ultrasonic acquisition circuit and display panel

Abstract

The invention provides an array ultrasonic acquisition circuit and a display panel. The array ultrasonic acquisition circuit comprises a plurality of pixel circuits arranged in an array; the pixel circuit comprises an ultrasonic sensor and a plurality of signal acquisition branches connected with the ultrasonic sensor; the ultrasonic sensor is used for transmitting an initial ultrasonic signal and receiving a return ultrasonic signal, and in the process of receiving the return ultrasonic signal corresponding to the initial ultrasonic signal, the plurality of signal acquisition branches are used for sequentially acquiring the return ultrasonic signals in different time periods in the process according to a time sequence. According to the method and the device, the initial ultrasonic signal can be transmitted once and acquired and read for multiple times, so that the transmitting times are reduced, the signal acquisition time is saved, the interference caused by multiple acquisition is avoided, the signal acquisition efficiency can be improved, the interference can be reduced, and the ultrasonic imaging quality and reliability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of ultrasonic technology, and in particular to an array ultrasonic acquisition circuit and a display panel. Background Art

[0002] Traditional ultrasonic imaging systems usually use single-element or linear array probes, and the signal of each element is led out through flexible printed circuits or cables. Each element corresponds to a signal acquisition system circuit. With the development trend of area array probes, the number of array pixels can easily reach millions, and signal acquisition has become a major problem restricting the development of area array probes. Large-scale array ultrasound uses the method of storing and reading the entire surface to achieve pixel-level acquisition. By acquiring multiple times at different times, splicing can achieve signal acquisition equivalent to traditional time domain acquisition. This solution cleverly realizes large-scale array ultrasound acquisition, but due to the limited reading rate, only one moment of the echo signal can be read in one transmission. It is necessary to repeat the transmission continuously to achieve multiple acquisitions at different times, so as to restore the entire echo signal; it not only increases the time for signal acquisition, but also may affect the accuracy of the signal and the imaging quality. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of the present application is to propose an array ultrasound acquisition circuit and a display panel to improve the efficiency of signal acquisition, reduce interference, and enhance the quality and reliability of ultrasound imaging.

[0004] Based on the above purpose, the present application provides an array ultrasound acquisition circuit, including a plurality of pixel circuits arranged in an array;

[0005] The pixel circuit includes an ultrasonic sensor and a plurality of signal acquisition branches connected to the ultrasonic sensor;

[0006] The ultrasonic sensor is used to transmit an initial ultrasonic signal and receive a return ultrasonic signal. In the process of receiving a return ultrasonic signal corresponding to an initial ultrasonic signal, the multiple signal acquisition branches are used to sequentially acquire the return ultrasonic signals at different time periods in the process according to a time sequence.

[0007] Based on the same inventive concept, the present application also provides a display panel, including the above-mentioned array ultrasound acquisition circuit.

[0008] From the above description, it can be seen that the array ultrasonic acquisition circuit and display panel provided by the present application, wherein the array ultrasonic acquisition circuit includes a plurality of pixel circuits arranged in an array; the pixel circuit includes an ultrasonic sensor and a plurality of signal acquisition branches connected to the ultrasonic sensor; the ultrasonic sensor is used to transmit an initial ultrasonic signal and receive a return ultrasonic signal, and in the process of receiving a return ultrasonic signal corresponding to an initial ultrasonic signal, the plurality of signal acquisition branches are used to sequentially acquire the return ultrasonic signals of different time periods in the process according to a time sequence. In this way, it is possible to transmit an initial ultrasonic signal once and acquire and read multiple times, thereby reducing the number of transmissions, saving signal acquisition time, and avoiding interference caused by multiple acquisitions, which can not only improve the efficiency of signal acquisition, but also reduce interference, and improve the quality and reliability of ultrasonic imaging. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present application or related technologies, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an array ultrasound acquisition circuit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0011] Figure 2 A circuit for a pixel circuit according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0012] Figure 3 A circuit for a pixel circuit according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0013] Figure 4 A circuit for a pixel circuit according to an embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ;

[0014] Figure 5 This is an example diagram of a pixel circuit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] Figure 6 This is an example diagram of an array ultrasound acquisition circuit according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] In the figure, 1, ultrasonic sensor, 2, input node, 3, first switch, 4, signal storage module, 5, second switch, 6, output node, 7, third switch, 8, fourth switch, 9, reset switch, 10, first sub-switch, 11, second sub-switch, 12, fifth switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in combination with specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present application should be the usual meanings understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which the present application belongs. The "first", "second" and similar words used in the embodiments of the present application do not represent any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. "Including" or "comprising" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing in front of the word cover the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. "Connect" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0019] In the related technology, ultrasonic imaging technology has been widely used in the fields of medical diagnosis, industrial detection, etc., especially in real-time imaging and high-resolution imaging. It has shown great potential. Traditional ultrasonic imaging systems usually use single array elements or linear array probes, and the signals of each array element are led out through flexible printed circuits or cables. Each array element corresponds to a signal acquisition system circuit. Although this method is effective, it is difficult to read large-scale arrays due to the need to process the signals of each array element separately, which limits the number of channels and resolution of ultrasonic imaging equipment. Existing ultrasonic equipment supports up to 256 channels, and the equipment cost is high. However, with the development trend of area array probes, the number of array pixels is easily millions, and signal acquisition has become a major bottleneck restricting the development of area array probes. The whole-surface storage and reading method of large-scale array ultrasound collects signals at different times multiple times and splices these signals, which is equivalent to the signal acquisition of traditional time domain acquisition. Although this scheme cleverly realizes the acquisition of large-scale array ultrasound, due to the limitation of the reading rate, only one moment of the echo signal can be read in one transmission. Therefore, it is necessary to repeat the transmission to realize multiple acquisitions of signals at different times, so as to restore the entire echo signal. Multiple transmissions and acquisitions not only increase the time for signal acquisition, but may also affect signal accuracy and imaging quality.

[0020] Based on the above problems, the applicant has found that an array ultrasound acquisition circuit is designed, including a plurality of pixel circuits arranged in an array; Figure 1As shown, the pixel circuit includes an ultrasonic sensor 1 and a plurality of signal acquisition branches connected to the ultrasonic sensor 1; the ultrasonic sensor 1 is used to transmit an initial ultrasonic signal and receive a return ultrasonic signal. In the process of receiving a return ultrasonic signal corresponding to an initial ultrasonic signal, the plurality of signal acquisition branches are used to sequentially acquire the return ultrasonic signals of different periods in the process according to a time sequence. In this way, it is possible to transmit an initial ultrasonic signal once and acquire and read it multiple times, thereby reducing the number of transmissions, saving signal acquisition time, and avoiding interference caused by multiple acquisitions. This can not only improve the efficiency of signal acquisition, but also reduce interference, and improve the quality and reliability of ultrasonic imaging.

[0021] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In some embodiments, the array ultrasound acquisition circuit includes a plurality of pixel circuits arranged in an array;

[0023] The pixel circuit includes an ultrasonic sensor 1 and a plurality of signal acquisition branches connected to the ultrasonic sensor 1;

[0024] The ultrasonic sensor 1 is used to transmit an initial ultrasonic signal and receive a return ultrasonic signal. In the process of receiving a return ultrasonic signal corresponding to an initial ultrasonic signal, the multiple signal acquisition branches are used to sequentially acquire the return ultrasonic signals at different time periods in the process according to a time sequence.

[0025] When implementing it, Figure 1 As shown, the array ultrasound acquisition circuit includes a plurality of pixel circuits arranged in an array, and each column of pixel circuits is connected via a signal readout line. Figure 2 As shown, the pixel circuit includes an ultrasonic sensor 1, which is responsible for transmitting an initial ultrasonic signal and receiving an ultrasonic signal reflected from a target object. The ultrasonic sensor 1 can be a transducer of a type such as a piezoelectric crystal, a capacitive micromechanical ultrasonic transducer, etc. The pixel circuit also includes a plurality of signal acquisition branches, which are connected to the ultrasonic sensor 1 and are used to sequentially acquire the return ultrasonic signals of different time periods according to a specific timing in the process of receiving the return ultrasonic signal. Each signal acquisition branch acquires the return ultrasonic signal within a specific time period. Timing control can ensure that during one transmission process, return ultrasonic signals of multiple different time periods can be acquired, avoiding the need for multiple transmissions to obtain a complete echo signal. The collected return ultrasonic signal will be stored in the signal storage module 4 in the signal acquisition branch, and can then be read according to the required timing to reduce the number of transmissions, thereby saving signal acquisition time and avoiding interference caused by multiple acquisitions.

[0026] Since each transmission can collect return signals from multiple different time periods, the number of repeated transmissions is reduced, which improves the efficiency of the system. Multiple acquisitions are completed in one transmission, which significantly saves the time for signal acquisition and is particularly suitable for application scenarios that require fast imaging. In application scenarios such as wearable devices and tissue movement, reducing the number of transmissions can effectively reduce interference caused by wearing and movement, and improve signal accuracy and imaging quality. Imaging can be completed in one transmission, which improves the efficiency and quality of ultrasound imaging.

[0027] Furthermore, if Figure 2 As shown, the signal acquisition branch includes an input node 2, a first switch 3, a signal storage module 4, a second switch 5 and an output node 6 connected in sequence;

[0028] The control end of the first switch 3 turns on the input node 2 after receiving the turn-on signal, so that the signal storage module 4 collects and stores the return ultrasonic signal of the corresponding time period. The control end of the first switch 3 disconnects the input node 2 after receiving the turn-off signal; the control end of the second switch 5 turns on the output node 6 after receiving the turn-on signal, and the return ultrasonic signal is exported from the output node 6.

[0029] In specific implementation, the input node 2 is the starting point of the signal acquisition branch, and receives the return ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor 1. The control end of the first switch 3 receives a conduction signal or a disconnection signal. When the control end of the first switch 3 receives the conduction signal, the first switch 3 is turned on, so that the input node 2 is connected to the signal storage module 4. When the control end of the first switch 3 receives the disconnection signal, the first switch 3 is disconnected, and the connection between the input node 2 and the signal storage module 4 is cut off. The first switch 3 controls the acquisition period of the signal storage module 4 to ensure that the return ultrasonic signal is collected and stored within a specific time period. The signal storage module 4 is a component for storing the return ultrasonic signal, which can be a capacitor, a memory or other device capable of storing electrical signals. During the conduction period of the first switch 3, the signal storage module 4 receives and stores the return ultrasonic signal transmitted from the input node 2. The signal storage module 4 stores the return ultrasonic signal until it needs to be read. When the control end of the second switch 5 receives the conduction signal, the second switch 5 is turned on, so that the signal storage module 4 is connected to the output node 6, ensuring that when the return ultrasonic signal needs to be read, the stored return ultrasonic signal is exported to the output node 6. The output node 6 is the end point of the signal acquisition branch, and it outputs the return ultrasonic signal stored in the signal storage module 4 to the subsequent signal processing circuit or system. Specifically, at the initial moment when the signal acquisition branch acquires the return ultrasonic signal of the corresponding time period, a conduction signal is sent to the first switch 3, the first switch 3 is turned on, the input node 2 is connected to the signal storage module 4, the return ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the signal storage module 4 through the input node 2 and stored therein, and at the end moment when the signal acquisition branch acquires the return ultrasonic signal of the corresponding time period, a disconnection signal is sent to the first switch 3; when acquiring the return ultrasonic signal of the corresponding time period, a conduction signal is sent to the control end of the second switch 5, the second switch 5 is turned on, so as to read the return ultrasonic signal.

[0030] By controlling the first switch 3 and the second switch 5, the signal acquisition and output can be accurately controlled to ensure that the return ultrasound signals of different time periods are collected. The signal storage module 4 can efficiently store and read the return ultrasound signals under the cooperation of the first switch 3 and the second switch 5. By transmitting once and collecting multiple times, the interference caused by multiple transmissions is reduced, and the accuracy of the signal and the imaging quality are improved.

[0031] Furthermore, if Figure 2 As shown, the pixel circuit further includes: a third switch 7 and a fourth switch 8 connected to the third switch 7;

[0032] The control end of the third switch 7 is connected to the output nodes 6 of the plurality of signal acquisition branches, and the output end of the third switch 7 is connected to the input end of the fourth switch 8;

[0033] After the output node 6 of a signal acquisition branch outputs a return ultrasonic signal, the third switch 7 is turned on and sends the return ultrasonic signal to the input end of the fourth switch 8; after receiving the turn-on signal, the control end of the fourth switch 8 outputs the return ultrasonic signal from the output end of the fourth switch 8.

[0034] In specific implementation, the control end of the third switch 7 is connected to the output node 6 of multiple signal acquisition branches, and the output end of the third switch 7 is connected to the input end of the fourth switch 8. The main function of the third switch 7 is to receive the return ultrasonic signal from multiple signal acquisition branches and transmit the return ultrasonic signal to the input end of the fourth switch 8. The output end of the fourth switch 8 is used to output the return ultrasonic signal to the subsequent signal processing circuit or system. The main function of the fourth switch 8 is to control the final output time period of the return ultrasonic signal to ensure that the return ultrasonic signal is accurately output when needed. In the signal acquisition stage, each signal acquisition branch collects and stores the return ultrasonic signal of the corresponding time period according to the timing control. In the signal reading stage, the control end of the third switch 7 receives the conduction signal, the third switch 7 is turned on, and the output node 6 of the signal acquisition branch is connected to the input end of the fourth switch 8. The return ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the input end of the fourth switch 8 through the third switch 7. After the control end of the fourth switch 8 receives the conduction signal, the fourth switch 8 is turned on, and the return ultrasonic signal is output from its output end to the subsequent signal processing circuit or system. To ensure that the return ultrasonic signal is accurately read when needed, avoid signal loss or delay.

[0035] The introduction of the third switch 7 and the fourth switch 8 allows the transmission and output of the signal to be more flexibly controlled to meet different application requirements. Through the cooperation of the third switch 7 and the fourth switch 8, the return ultrasonic signal can be efficiently transmitted from multiple acquisition branches to the output node 6, reducing the delay of signal transmission. The fourth switch 8 controls the final output period of the return ultrasonic signal, ensuring that the signal is accurately output when needed, thereby improving the accuracy of signal processing.

[0036] Furthermore, if Figure 3 As shown, the second switch 5 includes: a first sub-switch 10 and a second sub-switch 11 connected to the first sub-switch 10;

[0037] Wherein, the control end of the first sub-switch 10 is connected to the signal storage module 4, and the output end of the first sub-switch 10 is connected to the input end of the second sub-switch 11;

[0038] After the signal storage module 4 sends the returned ultrasonic signal to the control end of the first sub-switch 10 and the input end of the first sub-switch 10 receives the start signal, the first sub-switch 10 is turned on and sends the returned ultrasonic signal to the input end of the second sub-switch 11. After receiving the turn-on signal, the control end of the second sub-switch 11 outputs the returned ultrasonic signal from the output end of the second sub-switch 11.

[0039] In specific implementation, the control end of the first sub-switch 10 is connected to the signal storage module 4, the input end of the first sub-switch 10 receives the start signal, and the output end of the first sub-switch 10 is connected to the input end of the second sub-switch 11. The main function of the first sub-switch 10 is to receive the return ultrasonic signal sent by the signal storage module 4, and after receiving the start signal, transmit the return ultrasonic signal to the input end of the second sub-switch 11. The control end of the second sub-switch 11 receives the conduction signal, the input end of the second sub-switch 11 is connected to the output end of the first sub-switch 10, and the output end of the second sub-switch 11 is used to output the return ultrasonic signal to the subsequent signal processing circuit or system. The main function of the second sub-switch 11 is to control the final output time period of the return ultrasonic signal to ensure that the return ultrasonic signal is accurately output when needed. In the signal storage stage, the signal storage module 4 receives and stores the return ultrasonic signal. The signal storage module 4 sends the stored return ultrasonic signal to the control end of the first sub-switch 10. When the stored return ultrasonic signal needs to be transmitted to the output node 6, the input end of the first sub-switch 10 receives a start signal, which turns on the first sub-switch 10 and transmits the return ultrasonic signal in the signal storage module 4 to the input end of the second sub-switch 11. In the signal output stage, the control end of the second sub-switch 11 receives a turn-on signal, which turns on the second sub-switch 11 and outputs the return ultrasonic signal from its output end to a subsequent signal processing circuit or system.

[0040] The combination of the first sub-switch 10 and the second sub-switch 11 allows the transmission and output of the signal to be more accurately controlled, ensuring that the signal is accurately output when needed. By controlling the transmission and output of the signal in stages, the efficiency of signal management can be improved and the delay in the signal transmission process can be reduced. The design of the first sub-switch 10 and the second sub-switch 11 can simplify the connection between the signal acquisition branch and the output node 6, improve the flexibility and scalability of the circuit design, significantly improve the acquisition and processing capabilities of ultrasonic signals, and provide a solid foundation for high-quality ultrasonic imaging.

[0041] Furthermore, if Figure 4 As shown, the signal storage module 4 includes a fifth switch 12; the control end of the fifth switch 12 is connected to the first switch 3, and the output end of the fifth switch 12 is connected to the input end of the second switch 5;

[0042] The control end of the first switch 3 turns on the input node 2 after receiving the turn-on signal, so that the fifth switch 12 collects and stores the ultrasonic signal of the corresponding time period. After the input end of the fifth switch 12 receives the start signal, the fifth switch 12 turns on and sends the returned ultrasonic signal to the input end of the second switch 5. After receiving the turn-on signal, the control end of the second switch 5 outputs the returned ultrasonic signal from the output end of the second switch 5.

[0043] In specific implementation, the control end of the fifth switch 12 is connected to the first switch 3, the input end of the fifth switch 12 receives a start signal, and the output end of the fifth switch 12 is connected to the input end of the second switch 5. The main function of the fifth switch 12 is to transmit the stored return ultrasonic signal to the second switch 5 after receiving the start signal (the fifth switch 12 is usually a thin film transistor, and there is a parasitic capacitance between the control end and the input end and the output end of the thin film transistor, which can store the return ultrasonic signal). The control end of the first switch 3 receives a turn-on signal, the first switch 3 is turned on, so that the input node 2 is connected to the control end of the fifth switch 12, and the return ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the fifth switch 12 through the input node 2 and stored therein. When it is necessary to transmit the stored return ultrasonic signal to the output node 6, the input end of the fifth switch 12 receives a start signal, the fifth switch 12 is turned on, and the return ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the input end of the second switch 5.

[0044] The fifth switch 12 can efficiently store and transmit the returned ultrasonic signal, reducing the delay in the signal transmission process. Through the cooperation of the first switch 3 and the fifth switch 12, the acquisition and storage of the signal can be flexibly controlled to ensure that the signal is accurately acquired and stored when needed. The design of the fifth switch 12 can simplify the connection between the signal acquisition branch and the output node 6, improve the flexibility and scalability of the circuit design, and save manufacturing costs.

[0045] Furthermore, a reset switch 9 is provided between the ultrasonic sensor 1 and the input node 2;

[0046] Before the ultrasonic sensor 1 transmits an initial ultrasonic signal, the reset switch 9 and the first switches 3 on the plurality of signal acquisition branches are turned on to reset the signal storage modules 4 on the plurality of signal acquisition branches to an initial state.

[0047] In the specific implementation, in order to ensure the accuracy and consistency of each ultrasonic signal acquisition process, a reset switch 9 is introduced between the ultrasonic sensor 1 and the input node 2. The main function of the reset switch 9 is to reset the signal storage module 4 on the signal acquisition branch to the initial state before each initial ultrasonic signal is emitted, to ensure that the residual signal collected last time is cleared. Before the ultrasonic sensor 1 emits the initial ultrasonic signal, the reset switch 9 receives the turn-on signal and turns on, and the multiple first switches 3 on the signal acquisition branch also receive the turn-on signal and turn on. After the reset switch 9 is turned on, the charge of the signal storage module 4 is cleared and reset to the initial state.

[0048] The reset switch 9 resets the signal storage module 4 to the initial state before each acquisition, ensuring that the signal acquired each time is clean and avoiding acquisition errors caused by residual signals in the storage module. The design of the reset switch 9 can simplify the reset process of the signal acquisition branch and improve the flexibility and scalability of the circuit design.

[0049] Furthermore, the array ultrasound acquisition circuit further includes: a timing controller connected to the control end of the first switch 3;

[0050] The timing controller sends a conduction signal to the first switch 3 at the initial moment when the signal acquisition branch acquires the return ultrasonic signal of the corresponding time period;

[0051] The timing controller sends a disconnection signal to the first switch 3 at the end of the signal acquisition branch acquiring the return ultrasonic signal of the corresponding time period.

[0052] In a specific implementation, in order to accurately control the working timing of the signal acquisition branch, the array ultrasound acquisition circuit further includes a timing controller (not shown in the figure) connected to the control end of the first switch 3. The main function of the timing controller is to send a conduction signal and a disconnection signal to the first switch 3 in different working stages of the signal acquisition branch according to a preset timing. For example, at the initial moment of a time period of signal acquisition, the timing controller sends a turn-on signal to the control end of the first switch 3. The first switch 3 is turned on after receiving the turn-on signal, so that the input node 2 is connected to the signal storage module 4, and the return ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the signal storage module 4 through the input node 2 and stored therein. At the end moment of signal acquisition, the timing controller sends a disconnection signal to the control end of the first switch 3. The first switch 3 is disconnected after receiving the disconnection signal, and the connection between the input node 2 and the signal storage module 4 is cut off, and the signal acquisition is stopped; at the initial moment of the next time period, the timing controller sends a turn-on signal to the control end of the first switch 3 of the next signal acquisition branch, and repeats the above acquisition steps until each signal acquisition branch in the pixel circuit completes the return ultrasonic signal acquisition, thereby realizing the emission of an initial ultrasonic signal once and the acquisition of return ultrasonic signals multiple times, reducing the interference caused by multiple emissions, and improving the accuracy of the signal and the imaging quality.

[0053] The timing controller can also be connected to the control end of the second switch 5 and the fourth switch 8, and to the input end of the third switch 7. When reading the return ultrasonic signal, the timing controller sends a turn-on signal to the control end of the second switch 5 and the fourth switch 8 to turn on the second switch 5 and the fourth switch 8, and sends a start signal to the input end of the third switch 7 to turn on the third switch 7, so as to read the return ultrasonic signal in the signal storage module 4. The timing controller can also be connected to the input end of the first sub-switch 10, and to the control end of the second sub-switch 11. When reading the return ultrasonic signal, the timing controller sends a start signal to the input end of the first sub-switch 10 to turn on the third switch 7, and sends a turn-on signal to the control end of the second sub-switch 11 to turn on the second sub-switch 11, so as to read the return ultrasonic signal in the signal storage module 4.

[0054] The timing controller can accurately control the working timing of the signal acquisition branch to ensure that the returned ultrasonic signal is collected and stored in the correct time period to improve the efficiency of signal acquisition and reduce unnecessary signal acquisition time. Accurate timing control can reduce interference during signal acquisition and ensure signal quality and accuracy.

[0055] Furthermore, the first switch 3 , the second switch 5 , the third switch 7 and the fourth switch 8 are field effect transistors.

[0056] In a specific implementation, the first switch 3, the second switch 5, the third switch 7 and the fourth switch 8 are field effect transistors, specifically, the first switch 3, the second switch 5, the third switch 7 and the fourth switch 8 are thin film transistors. Thin film transistors are a special type of field effect transistor, which are usually used in displays and sensor arrays because of their excellent performance and manufacturing advantages. Thin film transistors are usually manufactured by depositing a layer of thin film semiconductor material (such as amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon or organic semiconductor) on a glass or plastic substrate. The gate (Gate) of the thin film transistor is the control terminal, and the current between the source (Source) and the drain (Drain) is controlled by applying a voltage. The source (Source) of the thin film transistor is the input terminal of the current. The drain (Drain) of the thin film transistor is the output terminal of the current. When the gate voltage reaches a certain threshold, a conductive channel is formed between the source and the drain, and the current can pass; when the gate voltage is lower than the threshold, the conductive channel is closed and the current is blocked. When the first switch 3 receives a turn-on signal, the gate voltage turns on the first switch 3, connecting the input node 2 and the signal storage module 4; when the first switch 3 receives a turn-off signal, the gate voltage turns off the first switch 3, cutting off the connection between the input node 2 and the signal storage module 4. When the second switch 5 receives a turn-on signal, the gate voltage turns on the second switch 5, connecting the signal storage module 4 and the output node 6, and transmitting the stored signal to the output node 6. When the third switch 7 receives a start signal, the gate voltage (returning ultrasonic signal) turns on the third switch 7, connecting the output node 6 of the signal acquisition branch and the input end of the fourth switch 8. When the fourth switch 8 receives a turn-on signal, the gate voltage turns on the fourth switch 8, connecting the output end of the third switch 7, and outputting the returned ultrasonic signal to the subsequent signal processing circuit or system.

[0057] By using thin film transistors as switches, the array ultrasound acquisition circuit has been significantly optimized in terms of signal acquisition, storage and transmission. Thin film transistors have high input impedance, which can reduce the load impact on the signal source and improve the accuracy and integrity of the signal. The operating current of thin film transistors is small, which can reduce the power consumption of the circuit and is particularly suitable for portable and low-power application scenarios. Thin film transistors have fast switching speeds, which can achieve efficient signal acquisition and transmission and meet the needs of high-frequency signal processing. Thin film transistors can be manufactured on large-area substrates, suitable for large-scale integrated circuits and display arrays, and have good manufacturing flexibility and cost-effectiveness. By using thin film transistors as switches, the array ultrasound acquisition circuit has been significantly optimized in terms of signal acquisition, storage and transmission, which improves the performance and reliability of the system and provides a solid foundation for high-quality ultrasound imaging.

[0058] Furthermore, the first sub-switch 10 and the second sub-switch 11 are field effect transistors.

[0059] In a specific implementation, the first sub-switch 10 and the second sub-switch 11 are field effect transistors, specifically, the first sub-switch 10 and the second sub-switch 11 are thin film transistors. In the signal storage stage of the first sub-switch 10, the signal storage module 4 receives and stores the return ultrasonic signal. The signal storage module 4 sends the stored return ultrasonic signal to the gate of the first sub-switch 10. When it is necessary to transmit the stored return ultrasonic signal to the output node 6, the input end of the first sub-switch 10 receives a start signal, the first sub-switch 10 is turned on, and the return ultrasonic signal in the signal storage module 4 is transmitted to the input end of the second sub-switch 11. In the signal output stage, the gate of the second sub-switch 11 receives a turn-on signal, the second sub-switch 11 is turned on, and the return ultrasonic signal is output from its output end to the subsequent signal processing circuit or system.

[0060] By using thin film transistors as sub-switch arrays, the ultrasound acquisition circuit has been significantly optimized in terms of signal acquisition, storage and transmission. Thin film transistors have high input impedance, which can reduce the load impact on the signal source and improve the accuracy and integrity of the signal. The operating current of thin film transistors is small, which can reduce the power consumption of the circuit and is particularly suitable for portable and low-power application scenarios. Thin film transistors have fast switching speeds, which can achieve efficient signal acquisition and transmission and meet the needs of high-frequency signal processing. Thin film transistors can be manufactured on large-area substrates, suitable for large-scale integrated circuits and display arrays, and have good manufacturing flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

[0061] In some embodiments, Figure 5 As shown, the process of collecting and reading the returned ultrasonic signal is described in detail by taking the pixel circuit shown in the figure as an example. The pixel circuit includes a first signal collection branch, a second signal collection branch and a third signal collection branch.

[0062] In the first time period, the reset switch 9 and the first switches 3 in all signal acquisition branches are turned on, and all signal storage modules 4 are reset;

[0063] In the second time period, all switches in the pixel circuit are disconnected, and the ultrasonic sensor 1 transmits an initial ultrasonic signal;

[0064] In the third time period, the first switch 3 in the first signal acquisition branch is turned on, the returned ultrasonic signal is acquired and stored in the signal storage module 4, and then the first switch 3 is turned off;

[0065] In the fourth time period, the first switch 3 in the second signal acquisition branch is turned on, the returned ultrasonic signal is acquired and stored in the signal storage module 4, and then the second switch 5 is turned off;

[0066] In the fifth time period, the first switch 3 in the third signal acquisition branch is turned on to acquire the returned ultrasonic signal and store it in the signal storage module 4, and then the third switch 7 is turned off.

[0067] In the sixth time period, the second switch 5 in the first signal acquisition branch is turned on, the third switch 7 and the fourth switch 8 are turned on, and the return ultrasonic signal acquired in the third time period is read out from the signal storage module 4;

[0068] In the seventh time period, the second switch 5 in the second signal acquisition branch is turned on, and the third switch 7 and the fourth switch 8 are turned on, and the return ultrasonic signal collected in the fourth time period is read out from the signal storage module 4;

[0069] In the eighth time period, the second switch 5 in the third signal acquisition branch is turned on, and the third switch 7 and the fourth switch 8 are turned on, and the return ultrasonic signal acquired in the fifth time period is read out from the signal storage module 4.

[0070] In some embodiments, by Figure 6 The array ultrasonic acquisition circuit shown is used to illustrate the timing control process of the array ultrasonic acquisition circuit reading the returned ultrasonic signal, wherein the array ultrasonic acquisition circuit includes 4 pixel circuits (m,n)(m,n+1)(m+1,n)(m+1,n+1), and each pixel circuit includes a first signal acquisition branch, a second signal acquisition branch and a third signal acquisition branch.

[0071] When reading the returned ultrasonic signal of the first time period, the second switch 5 and the third switch 7 of the first signal acquisition branch in all pixel circuits are turned on. At this time, the fourth switch 8 in the pixel circuit of the m row is turned on, and the first moment returned ultrasonic signal of the pixel circuit of the m row is read out through the signal reading line; after the reading is completed, the fourth switch 8 in the pixel circuit of the m row is disconnected, and the fourth switch 8 in the pixel circuit of the m+1 row is turned on, and the first time period returned ultrasonic signal of the pixel circuit of the m+1 row is read out through the signal reading line, and after the reading is completed, the second switch 5, the third switch 7 of the first signal acquisition branch in all pixel circuits and the fourth switch 8 in the pixel circuit of the m+1 row are disconnected.

[0072] When reading the returned ultrasonic signal of the second time period, the second switch 5 and the third switch 7 of the second signal acquisition branch in all pixel circuits are turned on. At this time, the fourth switch 8 in the pixel circuit of the m row is turned on, and the second moment returned ultrasonic signal of the pixel circuit of the m row is read out through the signal reading line; after the reading is completed, the fourth switch 8 in the pixel circuit of the m row is disconnected, and the fourth switch 8 in the pixel circuit of the m+1 row is turned on, and the second time period returned ultrasonic signal of the pixel circuit of the m+1 row is read out through the signal reading line, and after the reading is completed, the second switch 5, the third switch 7 of the second signal acquisition branch in all pixel circuits and the fourth switch 8 in the pixel circuit of the m+1 row are disconnected.

[0073] When reading the returned ultrasonic signal of the third time period, the second switch 5 and the third switch 7 of the third signal acquisition branch in all pixel circuits are turned on. At this time, the fourth switch 8 in the pixel circuit of the m row is turned on, and the third time returned ultrasonic signal of the pixel circuit of the m row is read out through the signal reading line; after the reading is completed, the fourth switch 8 in the pixel circuit of the m row is disconnected, and the fourth switch 8 in the pixel circuit of the m+1 row is turned on, and the third time returned ultrasonic signal of the pixel circuit of the m+1 row is read out through the signal reading line, and after the reading is completed, the second switch 5, the third switch 7 of the third signal acquisition branch in all pixel circuits and the fourth switch 8 in the pixel circuit of the m+1 row are disconnected.

[0074] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a display panel, including the array ultrasonic acquisition circuit of the aforementioned embodiment, and the array ultrasonic acquisition circuit is any of the above-mentioned array ultrasonic acquisition circuits provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Since the principle of solving the problem of the display panel is similar to that of the aforementioned array ultrasonic acquisition circuit, the implementation of the array ultrasonic acquisition circuit in the display panel can refer to the implementation of the pixel circuit in the aforementioned example, and the repeated parts will not be repeated. The display panel can be applied to any display device, and the display device can be a display, a mobile phone, a television, a laptop computer, an electronic paper, a digital photo frame, a navigator, an all-in-one machine, etc. The other essential components of the display device should be understood by ordinary technicians in this field, and will not be repeated here, nor should they be used as a limitation to the present invention.

[0075] It should be noted that the above describes some embodiments of the present application. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recorded in the claims can be performed in an order different from that in the above embodiments and still achieve the desired results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require the specific order or continuous order shown to achieve the desired results. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0076] It is understandable that before using the technical solutions of each embodiment of the present disclosure, the type, scope of use, usage scenarios, etc. of the personal information involved will be informed to the user in an appropriate manner, and the user's authorization will be obtained.

[0077] It is understandable that the above notification and the process of obtaining user authorization are merely illustrative and do not constitute a limitation on the implementation of the present disclosure. Other methods that meet relevant laws and regulations may also be applied to the implementation of the present disclosure.

[0078] A person skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely illustrative and is not intended to imply that the scope of the present application is limited to these examples. In line with the concept of the present application, the technical features in the above embodiments or different embodiments may be combined, the steps may be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of the different aspects of the embodiments of the present application as described above, which are not provided in detail for the sake of simplicity.

[0079] In addition, to simplify the description and discussion, and in order not to make the embodiments of the present application difficult to understand, the known power supply / ground connection with the integrated circuit (IC) chip and other components may or may not be shown in the provided drawings. In addition, the device can be shown in the form of a block diagram to avoid making the embodiments of the present application difficult to understand, and this also takes into account the fact that the details of the implementation of these block diagram devices are highly dependent on the platform to be implemented in the embodiments of the present application (that is, these details should be fully within the scope of understanding of those skilled in the art). In the case of elaborating specific details (e.g., circuits) to describe exemplary embodiments of the present application, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented without these specific details or when these specific details are changed. Therefore, these descriptions should be considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0080] Although the present application has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, many alternatives, modifications and variations of these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.

[0081] The embodiments of the present application are intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications and variations that fall within the broad scope of the present application. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An array ultrasound acquisition circuit, characterized in that: comprising a plurality of pixel circuits arranged in an array; The pixel circuit includes an ultrasonic sensor and a plurality of signal acquisition branches connected to the ultrasonic sensor; The ultrasonic sensor is used to transmit an initial ultrasonic signal and receive a return ultrasonic signal. In the process of receiving a return ultrasonic signal corresponding to an initial ultrasonic signal, the multiple signal acquisition branches are used to sequentially acquire the return ultrasonic signals at different time periods in the process according to a time sequence.

2. The array ultrasound acquisition circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal acquisition branch includes an input node, a first switch, a signal storage module, a second switch and an output node connected in sequence; The control end of the first switch turns on the input node after receiving the turn-on signal, so that the signal storage module collects and stores the return ultrasonic signal of the corresponding time period. The control end of the first switch disconnects the input node after receiving the turn-off signal; the control end of the second switch turns on the output node after receiving the turn-on signal, and the return ultrasonic signal is exported from the output node.

3. The array ultrasound acquisition circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pixel circuit further includes: a third switch and a fourth switch connected to the third switch; Wherein, the control end of the third switch is connected to the output nodes of the plurality of signal acquisition branches, and the output end of the third switch is connected to the input end of the fourth switch; After the output node of a signal acquisition branch outputs a return ultrasonic signal, the third switch is turned on and sends the return ultrasonic signal to the input end of the fourth switch; after receiving the turn-on signal, the control end of the fourth switch outputs the return ultrasonic signal from the output end of the fourth switch.

4. The array ultrasound acquisition circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second switch includes: a first sub-switch and a second sub-switch connected to the first sub-switch; Wherein, the control end of the first sub-switch is connected to the signal storage module, and the output end of the first sub-switch is connected to the input end of the second sub-switch; After the signal storage module sends the returned ultrasonic signal to the control end of the first sub-switch and the input end of the first sub-switch receives the start signal, the first sub-switch is turned on and sends the returned ultrasonic signal to the input end of the second sub-switch, and the control end of the second sub-switch outputs the returned ultrasonic signal from the output end of the second sub-switch after receiving the turn-on signal.

5. The array ultrasound acquisition circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The signal storage module includes a fifth switch; a control end of the fifth switch is connected to the first switch, and an output end of the fifth switch is connected to an input end of the second switch; The control end of the first switch turns on the input node after receiving the turn-on signal, so that the fifth switch collects and stores the ultrasonic signal of the corresponding time period. After the input end of the fifth switch receives the start signal, the fifth switch turns on and sends the returned ultrasonic signal to the input end of the second switch. After receiving the turn-on signal, the control end of the second switch outputs the returned ultrasonic signal from the output end of the second switch.

6. The array ultrasound acquisition circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that: A reset switch is also provided between the ultrasonic sensor and the input node; Before the ultrasonic sensor transmits an initial ultrasonic signal, the reset switch and the first switches on the plurality of signal acquisition branches are turned on to reset the signal storage modules on the plurality of signal acquisition branches to an initial state.

7. The array ultrasound acquisition circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: A timing controller connected to the control end of the first switch; The timing controller sends a conduction signal to the first switch at the initial moment when the signal acquisition branch acquires the return ultrasonic signal of the corresponding time period; The timing controller sends a disconnection signal to the first switch at the end time when the signal acquisition branch acquires the return ultrasonic signal of the corresponding time period.

8. The array ultrasound acquisition circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first switch, the second switch, the third switch and the fourth switch are field effect transistors.

9. The array ultrasound acquisition circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first sub-switch and the second sub-switch are field effect transistors.

10. A display panel, characterized in that: The invention comprises the array ultrasound acquisition circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images