Ultrasound imaging device

Abstract

Ultrasonic Imaging Device This description relates to an ultrasonic imaging device (100) comprising an assembly (101) of ultrasonic transducers and an acoustic coupling layer (140) covering said assembly (101) of ultrasonic transducers, wherein the acoustic coupling layer (140) is made of an activatable polymer material configured to exhibit a first Young's modulus during an ultrasonic image acquisition phase and a second Young's modulus greater than the first Young's modulus outside of said acquisition phase. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Ultrasonic imaging device technical field

[0001] This description relates to the field of ultrasound imaging devices, and more particularly to skin impression acquisition devices and / or microvascular imaging devices based on ultrasound transducers. Prior art

[0002] An ultrasound imaging device typically comprises a plurality of ultrasound transducers and an electronic control circuit connected to the transducers. In operation, the set of transducers is positioned facing an object or body whose image is to be acquired. The electronic control circuit is configured to apply electrical excitation signals to the transducers, causing them to emit ultrasound waves towards the body to be analyzed. The ultrasound waves emitted by the transducers are reflected by the body to be analyzed (by its internal and / or surface structure) and then return to the transducers, which convert them back into electrical signals. These electrical response signals are read by the electronic control circuit and can be stored and analyzed to deduce information about the body being studied.

[0003] It would be desirable to improve at least in part certain aspects of known ultrasonic imaging devices. Summary of the invention

[0004] For this purpose, an embodiment provides an ultrasonic imaging device comprising an array of ultrasonic transducers, an acoustic coupling layer covering said array of ultrasonic transducers, and a heating device adapted to heat an object to be imaged placed on the acoustic coupling layer during an ultrasonic image acquisition phase.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises an electronic power supply and control circuit.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the heating device is adapted to recover heat generated by the electronic power supply and control circuit and to dissipate all or part of this heat in the acoustic coupling layer, above the assembly of ultrasonic transducers.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the heating device comprises one or more metal sheets arranged to conduct the heat generated by the electronic power and control circuit and to dissipate all or part of this heat in the acoustic coupling layer, above the assembly of ultrasonic transducers.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the heating device further includes one or more switches configured to interrupt the heat transfer to the acoustic coupling layer if an internal temperature of the device exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the heating device comprises a flexible Peltier module, a cold face of which is turned towards the electronic power supply and control circuit and a hot face of which is turned towards the object to be imaged.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the heating device comprises a heating mat including a coiled metallic resistance, arranged between the assembly of ultrasonic transducers and the object to be imaged.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the heating mat is embedded in the acoustic coupling layer.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the heating mat covers the acoustic coupling layer.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the heating device comprises a heating layer made of a thermoelectric polymer material, integrated into the acoustic coupling layer.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the heating layer is electrically connected to the electronic power supply and control circuit by means of connecting elements.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers of the ultrasonic transducer assembly are CMUT or PMUT transducers, piezoelectric or piezocomposite transducers, or single-crystal transducers.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the acoustic coupling layer comprises at least one layer of an activatable polymer material configured to exhibit a first Young's modulus during an ultrasonic image acquisition phase and a second Young's modulus greater than the first Young's modulus outside of said acquisition phase.

[0017] Another embodiment provides for an ultrasonic imaging device comprising an array of ultrasonic transducers and an acoustic coupling layer coating said array of ultrasonic transducers, in which the acoustic coupling layer is made of an activatable polymer material configured to exhibit a first Young's modulus during an ultrasonic image acquisition phase and a second Young's modulus greater than the first Young's modulus outside of said acquisition phase.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the acoustic coupling layer is made of a thermo-active, photo-active, electro-active polymer, or a polymer that can be activated under the effect of a chemical or mechanical stimulus.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the acoustic coupling layer is made of a thermo-active polymer, the imaging device comprising a heating device configured to heat the acoustic coupling layer during an ultrasonic image acquisition phase, and to interrupt the heating outside of said acquisition phase.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the acoustic coupling layer is made of a thermo-active polymer that can be activated directly under the effect of heat generated by an object to be imaged, for example a user's finger.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the acoustic coupling layer is made of a thermo-active polymer that can be activated to exhibit the first Young's modulus when its temperature exceeds a threshold between 25°C and 40°C.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the acoustic coupling layer is made of a photoactive material whose Young's modulus takes the first value under the effect of light irradiation at a first wavelength A, and takes the second value under the effect of light irradiation at a second wavelength B, different from A, or when the irradiation at the first wavelength A is interrupted, or under the effect of another stimulus.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the device comprises one or more first light sources adapted to emit radiation at wavelength A through the acoustic coupling layer, and one or more second light sources adapted to emit radiation at wavelength B through the acoustic coupling layer.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises an electronic power supply and control circuit for the set of ultrasonic transducers, said one or more first and one or more second light sources being controlled by the electronic power supply and control circuit.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the acoustic coupling layer is made of an electro-active material whose Young's modulus takes the first value under the effect of an electrical polarization, and resumes the second value in the absence of said electrical polarization.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises an electronic circuit for powering and controlling the set of ultrasonic transducers, the device comprising first and second electrodes in contact with the acoustic coupling layer and connected to the electronic power and control circuit for the application of said electrical polarization.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducers of the ultrasonic transducer assembly are CMUT or PMUT transducers, piezoelectric or piezocomposite transducers, or single-crystal transducers.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the device is adapted to heat an object to be imaged placed on the acoustic coupling layer during a phase of acquiring an ultrasonic image. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] These features and advantages, as well as others, will be described in detail in the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0030] Fig. 1 schematically represents an example of an ultrasonic imaging device according to one embodiment;

[0031] [Fig.2] schematically represents another example of an ultrasonic imaging device according to one embodiment;

[0032] [Fig.3] schematically represents another example of an ultrasonic imaging device according to one embodiment;

[0033] [Fig.4] schematically represents another example of an ultrasonic imaging device according to one embodiment;

[0034] [Fig.5] schematically represents another example of an ultrasonic imaging device according to one embodiment;

[0035] [Fig.6] schematically represents another example of an ultrasonic imaging device according to one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 7 schematically represents another example of an ultrasound imaging device according to one embodiment; and

[0037] Fig. 8 schematically represents another example of an ultrasonic imaging device according to one embodiment. Description of the implementation methods

[0038] The same elements have been designated by the same reference numerals in the different figures. In particular, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same reference numerals and may have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0039] For the sake of clarity, only the steps and elements useful for understanding the described embodiments have been shown and detailed. In particular, the implementation of the ultrasonic transducers and the electronic control circuits of the described devices has not been detailed, as the described embodiments are compatible with conventional implementations of these components. Furthermore, the various applications that the described devices may have have have not been detailed, as the methods the implementation described being compatible with all or most of the usual applications of ultrasound imaging devices, and in particular applications for imaging parts of the human or animal body.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified, when referring to two elements connected together, this means directly connected without intermediate elements other than conductors, and when referring to two elements connected (in English "coupled") together, this means that these two elements can be connected or linked through one or more other elements.

[0041] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as the terms "above", "below", "superior", "inferior", etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as the terms "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures.

[0042] Unless otherwise specified, the expressions "approximately", "roughly", and "in the order of" mean within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0043] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically representing an example of an ultrasonic imaging device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0044] The device 100 of [Fig. 1] comprises an assembly 101 of ultrasonic (US) transducers, for example arranged in a matrix, in a strip, or in any other arrangement. The transducers of the assembly 101 are, for example, CMUT type transducers (capacitive ultrasonic membrane transducers), PMUT type transducers (piezoelectric membrane transducers), crystal transducers, or any other type of ultrasonic transducer, for example piezoelectric or piezocomposite transducers, or single crystal transducers.

[0045] The transducers of the assembly 101 are for example integrated into a monolithic chip, for example formed in and on a semiconductor substrate, for example a silicon substrate, or in and on an insulating substrate, for example a glass substrate (not detailed in the figure).

[0046] In the example shown, the transducer assembly 101 is mounted on a printed circuit board 103. The printed circuit board 103 comprises, for example, a substrate made of an electrically insulating material, for example plastic, and a set of metallic interconnecting pads and tracks (not detailed in the figure) formed on at least one face of the substrate. In this example, the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101 is fixed and electrically connected to the top face of the printed circuit board 103.

[0047] The device 100 of [Fig.1] further includes an electronic power supply and control circuit 110.

[0048] The circuit 110 includes an emission circuit 111 (PULS) adapted to provide electrical excitation signals to the ultrasonic transducers of the assembly 101 so as to cause the emission of ultrasonic waves by the transducers.

[0049] The circuit 110 further includes a receiver circuit 113 (REC) adapted to read electrical response signals generated by the ultrasonic transducers of the assembly 101 under the effect of an ultrasonic wave received from the object to be imaged.

[0050] Circuit 110 further includes a circuit 115 (PROC) for processing electrical signals emitted by the transmitting circuit 111 and / or received by the receiving circuit 113.

[0051] Circuit 110 further includes a power supply circuit 117 (SUPP). Circuit 117 is particularly suitable for supplying power to the transmission circuit 111, the reception circuit 113 and / or the processing circuit 115.

[0052] The circuits 111, 113, 115, and 117 are, for example, integrated into one or more integrated circuit chips. As an example, the circuits 111, 113, 115, and 117 are integrated into four separate integrated circuit chips, respectively. However, the described embodiments are not limited to this particular case.

[0053] The circuits 111, 113, 115 and 117 are, for example, mounted on one or more printed circuit boards. In the example shown, the transmitting circuit 111 and receiving circuit 113 are mounted on a printed circuit board 121, and the processing circuit 115 and power supply circuit 117 are mounted on another printed circuit board 123. More specifically, in this example, the transmitting circuit 111 and receiving circuit 113 are fixed and electrically connected to the top side of the printed circuit board 121, and the processing circuit 115 and power supply circuit 123 are fixed and electrically connected to the top side of the printed circuit board 123.

[0054] In the example of [Fig.1], the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101 and the electronic power supply and control circuit 110 are integrated monolithically, for example in the same housing (not visible in the figure) so as to form a monolithic ultrasonic imaging module.

[0055] In this example, the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101 is arranged above the electronic power supply and control circuit 110. More specifically, in the example shown, the printed circuit board 103 is arranged above the assembly comprising the printed circuit board 121 and the circuits 111 and 113, which is itself arranged above the assembly comprising the printed circuit board 123 and the circuits 115 and 117. In other words, the printed circuit boards 123, 121, and 103 are stacked vertically. Mechanical fasteners, not shown, may be provided to mechanically fasten the printed circuit boards to one another. In addition, electrical connection elements, not shown, may be designed to electrically connect the printed circuit boards to each other.

[0056] A protective dielectric material 131, for example a protective resin, can be disposed between the printed circuit boards 123 and 121 and between the printed circuit boards 121 and 103. By way of example, the material 131 completely fills the gaps between the printed circuit board 123 and the printed circuit board 121 and between the printed circuit board 121 and the printed circuit board 103. The protective material 131 can further cover the underside of the printed circuit board 123, and the upper side of the printed circuit board 103 around the assembly 101 of ultrasonic transducers.

[0057] The device 100 of [Fig. 1] further comprises a coupling layer 140, for example made of a polymer material, for example electrically insulating, coating the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101. By way of example, the layer 140 is disposed on and in contact with the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101. Alternatively, the layer 140 is fixed to the upper surface of the transducer assembly 101 by means of an adhesive layer, not shown.

[0058] In the example shown, layer 140 also covers the upper surface of the printed circuit board 103 around the assembly 101 of ultrasonic transducers. More specifically, in this example, layer 140 extends continuously over the entire surface of the printed circuit board 103.

[0059] The thickness of the coupling layer 140 is for example between 100 pm and 5 mm, for example between 500 pm and 1 mm.

[0060] The upper face of layer 140 defines a contact surface on which an object to be imaged is placed, for example one or more fingers of a user, the palm of a user, or any other part of the human or animal body that one wishes to image.

[0061] Layer 140 provides ultrasonic coupling between the transducers of assembly 101 and the object to be imaged. In particular, layer 140 is preferably relatively flexible and deformable to avoid the presence of air gaps between the transducers of assembly 101 and the object to be imaged. Furthermore, layer 140 preferably has an acoustic impedance matched to that of the object to be imaged, for example, an acoustic impedance substantially equal to the acoustic impedance of skin. Thus, layer 140 maximizes the transfer of acoustic energy between the ultrasonic transducers and the object being analyzed.

[0062] Layer 140 can also have a protective function for the device and in particular for the ultrasonic transducers of assembly 101. In particular, the layer 140 preferably exhibits a relatively high mechanical strength so as not to degrade over time and in contact with the objects to be imaged.

[0063] Experiments carried out by the inventors have shown that, for certain applications, for example for microvascular imaging applications, the quality of the acquired images depends strongly on the temperature of the object being imaged. For example, imaging the low blood flow and microscopic vessels located at the tips of the fingers and toes is difficult because these vessels are located at the coldest extremities and can undergo vasoconstriction and therefore a decrease in blood flow.

[0064] According to one aspect of a first embodiment, a heating device adapted to heat the object to be imaged during an ultrasound image acquisition phase is integrated into the imaging device. This makes it possible to increase the object's temperature during acquisition, and thus improve the quality of the acquired images, particularly for microvascular imaging applications.

[0065] In the example of [Fig.1], the heating device 150 is a heat sink configured to collect heat generated by the electronic control and power supply circuit 110, and conduct it to the side of the upper face of the device, above the assembly 101 of ultrasonic transducers.

[0066] More particularly, in this example, the heating device 150 comprises a first metallic sheet or layer 151 covering the upper face of the transmitting circuit 111, a second metallic sheet or layer 153 covering the upper face of the receiving circuit 113, a third metallic sheet or layer 155 covering the upper face of the processing circuit 115, and a fourth metallic sheet or layer 157 covering the upper face of the power supply circuit 117. Each of the metallic sheets 151, 153, 155 and 157 extends, for example, continuously over the entire surface of the underlying electronic circuit 111, respectively 113, respectively 115, respectively 117.

[0067] The heating device 150 of [Fig. 1] further comprises a metal foil or layer 159 covering the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101. The metal foil 159 extends, for example, continuously over the entire upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101. By way of example, the metal foil 159 is embedded in the coupling layer 140, between the upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101 and the upper surface of the layer 140. In other words, the metal foil 159 covers a lower portion of the layer 140 and is covered by an upper portion of the layer 140. Alternatively, the metal foil 159 is located on and in contact with the upper surface of the coupling layer.

[0068] The heating device 150 of [Fig.1] further includes metallic regions 160 thermally connecting the metal sheets 151, 153, 155 and 157 to the upper metal sheet 159.

[0069] In the example of [Fig. 1], the heating device 150 further comprises four thermal switches 161, 163, 165, 167 thermally connecting the metal sheets 151, 153, 155, and 157 respectively to the upper metal sheet 159. Each of the switches 161, 163, 165, 167 is adapted to, in a first configuration, thermally connect the metal sheet 161, 163, 165, and 167 respectively to the upper metal sheet 159, and, in a second configuration, thermally isolate the metal sheet 161, 163, 165, and 167 respectively from the upper metal sheet 159.

[0070] The switches 161, 163, 165, and 167 are, for example, mechanical switches, such as metal bimetallic strips, adapted to automatically switch from the first configuration to the second configuration when their temperature exceeds a first predefined threshold, and from the second configuration to the first configuration when their temperature falls below a second predefined threshold, equal to or lower than the first threshold (hysteresis). Alternatively, the switches 161, 163, 165, and 167 are electrically controlled switches based on temperature measurements taken by means of one or more temperature sensors of the device, not detailed in the figure. Alternatively, the switches 161, 163, 165, and 167 may be omitted, the heat-collecting metal sheets 151, 153, 155, and 157 being, for example, directly thermally connected to the upper metal sheet 159.

[0071] In operation, the heat produced by the electronic control and power supply circuit 110 is collected by the metal collection sheets 151, 153, 155 and 157, and conducted to the upper face of the device where it is dissipated by the metal dissipation sheet 159.

[0072] This allows the object to be imaged to be heated during an ultrasonic image acquisition phase.

[0073] Switches 161, 163, 165, and 167 allow, if necessary, for all or part of the heat flow transmitted to the upper metal sheet 159 to be stopped if the heat generated by the electronic control and power supply circuit 110 is too high, in order to prevent the risk of burns to the user and / or damage to the coupling layer 140 or the ultrasonic transducers. In this case, the heat flow can optionally be redirected to an auxiliary heat sink, not shown, located, for example, on the underside of the device.

[0074] One advantage of the device 100 in [Fig. 1] is that the heating device 150 recovers the heat generated by the electronic control and power supply circuit 110 to heat the object to be imaged and thus improve the quality of the acquired images. Another advantage is that the metallic layers also provide shielding for the ultrasonic transducers, protecting them against potential electromagnetic interference.

[0075] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically representing another example of an ultrasonic imaging device 200 according to one embodiment.

[0076] Device 200 of [Fig.2] differs from device 100 of [Fig.1] essentially in that, in device 200, the heating device 150 of [Fig.1] is replaced by a heating device 250.

[0077] The heating device 250 of [Fig.2] is a flexible Peletier module. The Peletier module 250 has the shape of a flexible ribbon or sheet and has a first face 250a, called the cold face, intended to be placed against a heat-generating device, and a second face 250b, called the hot face, intended to be turned towards a heat dissipation zone.

[0078] In this example, the Peletier module covers the upper surface of the assembly 101 of ultrasonic transducers, the edges of the Peletier module being folded under part of the electronic control and power supply circuit 110.

[0079] More particularly, in the example of [Fig.2], the transmitting circuits 111 and receiving circuits 113 are fixed and electrically connected to the underside of the printed circuit board 103, and the edges of the Peltier module are folded under the underside of the circuits 111 and 113 and over the circuits 115 and 117. In this example, the printed circuit board 121 can be omitted.

[0080] By way of example, the upper part of the Peletier module, covering the assembly 101 of ultrasonic transducers, is embedded in the coupling layer 140, between the upper face of the assembly 101 of ultrasonic transducers and the upper face of the layer 140.

[0081] In this example, at the top of the Peltier module 250, the hot face 250b of the Peltier module is oriented towards the top of the imaging device, i.e., towards the object to be imaged. At the folded edges of the Peltier module 250, the cold face 250a of the Peletier module is in contact with the bottom of the electronic circuits 111 and 113.

[0082] In operation, the Peletier 250 module cools the electronic circuits 111 and 113 and dissipates the generated heat from its hot side and in particular from the top side of the imaging device, on which the object to be imaged is placed.

[0083] One advantage of the device 200 in [Fig. 2] is that the heating device 250 recovers the heat generated by the electronic control and power supply circuit 110 to heat the object to be imaged, and also allows the electronic control and power supply circuit 110 to be cooled.

[0084] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically representing another example of an ultrasonic imaging device 300 according to one embodiment.

[0085] Device 300 of [Fig.3] differs from device 100 of [Fig.1] essentially in that, in device 300, the heating device 150 of [Fig.1] is replaced by a heating device 350.

[0086] The heating device 350 of [Fig.3] is a resistive heating mat comprising a coiled metallic resistance, for example arranged between two sheets of an electrically insulating material, for example a polyimide.

[0087] The heating mat 350, for example, covers the entire upper surface of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101. The heating mat 350 is, for example, connected to the power supply circuit 117 for its electrical supply.

[0088] In the example of [Fig.3], the heating mat 350 is embedded in the coupling layer 140, between the upper face of the assembly 101 of ultrasonic transducers and the upper face of the layer 140.

[0089] One advantage of the device 350 of [Fig.3] is that the heating device 350 can be precisely controlled to obtain the desired temperature at the top face of the coupling layer 140.

[0090] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically representing an alternative embodiment of the 300 ultrasonic imaging device of Fig. 3.

[0091] In this embodiment, the heating mat 350 is flush with the upper surface of the coupling layer 140. This embodiment is less suitable for acquiring skin impressions because the image plane to be acquired (the skin surface) is very close to the metal coils of the heating mat. Thus, the impression of the metal coils is superimposed on the image of the finger, which degrades the quality of the acquisition. This embodiment is, however, suitable for acquiring an image in a plane further from the contact surface of the device, for example, a microvascular image, as the heating mat is then no longer visible in the acquired image.

[0092] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically representing another example of an ultrasonic imaging device 500 according to one embodiment.

[0093] Device 500 of [Fig.5] differs from device 100 of [Fig.1] essentially in that, in device 500, the heating device 150 of [Fig.1] is replaced by a heating device 550.

[0094] The heating device 550 includes a heating layer 551 made of a thermoelectric polymer material, that is to say a polymer material adapted to generate heat under the effect of electrical polarization.

[0095] Layer 551 is, for example, made of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-based material, or of a polymer material incorporating conductive nanoparticles, for example, silver nanowires, to achieve a level of conductivity that generates heat when subjected to electrical stress. Alternatively, layer 551 is made of a transparent conductive oxide, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped indium tin oxide (FTO), or aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO). Alternatively, layer 551 is made of a carbon nanotube-based material or graphene.

[0096] In this example, the heating layer 551 is integrated into the coupling layer 140. More particularly, in this example, the layer 551 covers a lower part of the coupling layer 140 and is covered by an upper part of the coupling layer 140.

[0097] In this example, the thickness of the heating layer 551 is relatively thin compared to the total thickness of the coupling layer 140.

[0098] By way of example, the thickness of the heating layer 551 is between 50 and 200 nm, for example on the order of 100 nm.

[0099] The heating device 550 of [Fig.5] further includes electrical connection elements 553 electrically linking the heating layer 551 to the electronic power supply circuit 117 of the device.

[0100] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically representing an alternative embodiment of the 500 ultrasonic imaging device of Fig. 5.

[0101] In this embodiment, the heating layer 551 has a relatively large thickness, and constitutes the major part of the thickness of the coupling layer 140. The coupling layer 140 may further include a relatively thin electrically insulating layer 552 covering the layer 551, to prevent any risk of electrocution of the user.

[0102] More generally, the heating devices 150, 250, 350 and 550 of the imaging devices described in relation to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 can be replaced by any other heating device suitable for heating the object to be imaged during an acquisition phase of an ultrasonic image of the object, for example an infrared LED-based device.

[0103] According to one aspect of a second embodiment, the coupling layer 140 of the imaging device is made of a polymer material having mechanical properties, and in particular a Young's modulus, that can be modified under the effect of a stimulus, for example a thermal (heating or cooling), light, electrical, chemical (water, pH, etc.), or mechanical (pressure or impact) stimulus. The coupling layer The 140 is configured to exhibit a first Young's modulus during an ultrasonic image acquisition phase, and a second Young's modulus greater than the first outside of said acquisition phase. In other words, the mechanical properties of the coupling layer 140 are designed to control its acoustic coupling properties during acquisition. More specifically, the coupling layer 140 is designed to be more conformable, for example, softer or more flexible, during acquisition to improve acoustic coupling between the transducers and the object being analyzed, and less conformable, for example, harder or more rigid, outside of acquisition to enhance the mechanical protection properties conferred by the layer 140.For example, the Young's modulus of coupling layer 140 during ultrasound image acquisition is at least 10% lower, preferably at least 20% lower, and preferably at least 50% lower, than outside of acquisition, for example, when the imaging device is switched off. For example, the Young's modulus of coupling layer 140 is less than 1.7 MPa and preferably less than 0.7 MPa during acquisition, and greater than 2.5 MPa and preferably greater than 5.5 MPa outside of acquisition.

[0104] According to a first embodiment, the coupling layer 140 is made of a thermo-active polymer material, that is to say a polymer material whose mechanical properties and in particular the Young's modulus are modified under the effect of heat.

[0105] In this case, the coupling device may include a heating device adapted to heat the coupling layer 140 to a temperature above ambient temperature, for example above 25°C, preferably above 30°C, preferably above 35°C, preferably above 40°C, during an ultrasonic image acquisition phase, so as to decrease the Young's modulus of the layer 140. Outside of the acquisition phases, the heating device may be interrupted so as to return the coupling layer 140 to ambient temperature and thus increase its Young's modulus.

[0106] The heating device can be identical or similar to the devices described previously in relation to Figures 1 to 6. In other words, the first embodiment (heating the object to be imaged during acquisition) and the first example of the second embodiment (modification of the mechanical properties of the coupling layer by heating during acquisition) can be combined.

[0107] By way of alternative, the heat used to reduce the Young's modulus of the coupling layer during acquisition is solely the heat emitted by the object to be imaged itself, for example a user's finger, when the latter is placed on the face upper part of the coupling layer. In this case, the imaging device may not include a specific heating device.

[0108] By way of example, the coupling layer 140 is made of a thermo-active polymer based on PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PLA (polylactide), EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), PCL (poly(e-caprolactone), tBA / PEGDMA (tert-butyl acrylate / poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate), PU (polyurethane), PMMA (poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene (PS), or silicone.

[0109] As an alternative, a similar operation can be achieved with a polymer whose mechanical properties are modified by cooling. In this case, the heating device can be replaced by a cooling device.

[0110] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically representing a second example of an ultrasonic imaging device 700 according to the second embodiment.

[0111] In this example, the coupling layer 140 is made of a photoactive polymer material, that is to say a polymer material whose mechanical properties and in particular the Young's modulus are modified under the effect of light radiation.

[0112] Device 700 of [Fig.7] comprises substantially the same elements as device 100 of [Fig.1], with the exception of the heating device 150.

[0113] In this example, the coupling layer 140 is made of a photoactive polymer whose Young's modulus takes a first relatively low value under the effect of light irradiation at a first wavelength A, and takes a second relatively high value under the effect of light irradiation at a second wavelength B, different from A.

[0114] Wavelengths A and B are, for example, visible or infrared wavelengths. However, the embodiments described are not limited to this particular case.

[0115] The device 700 comprises one or more light sources 710 adapted to emit radiation at wavelength A through the coupling layer 140, and one or more light sources 712 adapted to emit radiation at wavelength B through the coupling layer 140. The light sources 710 and 712 are, for example, fixed and connected to the printed circuit board 103, at the periphery of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 101. The light sources 710 and 712 are, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) adapted to emit at wavelengths A and B, respectively.

[0116] The electronic control and power supply circuit 110 is configured to, before an ultrasonic image acquisition phase, for example when an object to be imaged is detected opposite the assembly 101 of ultrasonic transducers, activate the light source(s) 710, so as to make the coupling layer 140 relatively soft and improve its acoustic coupling properties, and then, after the acquisition, activate the light source(s) 712 so as to make the coupling layer 140 relatively hard and improve its mechanical protection properties.

[0117] For example, when the user places a finger on the upper surface of layer 140 for fingerprint capture, circuit 110 activates emission at wavelength A, which releases the stress and allows layer 140 to adapt to the morphology of the finger. At the end of the capture, the polymer returns to its smooth shape (in other words, the upper surface of layer 140 becomes essentially flat again), and emission at wavelength B is activated, which stiffens the polymer and maintains layer 140 in this state.

[0118] Advantageously, the embodiment shown in [Fig. 7] can be adapted to a photoacoustic imaging device, that is, a device in which, during the acquisition of an ultrasonic image, modulated light is emitted towards the object to be imaged. In this case, the same light source can be used to emit the modulated light during acquisition and to soften the coupling polymer of layer 140 (wavelength A).

[0119] As an alternative, the return to the initial state (relatively high Young's modulus) can be obtained simply by interrupting the irradiation at wavelength A, by heating or cooling, or under the effect of another stimulus. In this case, the light sources emitting at wavelength B can be omitted.

[0120] By way of example, the coupling layer 140 is made of a photoactive polymer comprising diazo-type groups, acrylate derivatives, cinnamyl derivatives, furanyl derivatives, or other groups known for their photosensitive properties. A person skilled in the art will be able to select the appropriate group based on its chemical compatibility with the coupling polymer of layer 140 and the desired photoactivation properties.

[0121] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically representing a third example of an 800 ultrasonic imaging device according to the second embodiment.

[0122] In this example, the coupling layer 140 is made of an electroactive polymer material, that is to say a polymer material whose mechanical properties and in particular the Young's modulus are modified under the effect of an electrical polarization, for example under the effect of an electrical voltage.

[0123] Device 800 of [Fig.8] comprises substantially the same elements as device 100 of [Fig.1], with the exception of the heating device 150.

[0124] In this example, the coupling layer 140 is made of an electro-active polymer whose Young's modulus takes a first relatively low value under the effect of an electrical polarization, for example an electrical voltage, applied between electrodes E and F in contact with the polymer, and a second relatively high value in the absence of said electrical polarization.

[0125] The electrodes E and F are for example in contact with the polymer of the coupling layer 140 in the vicinity respectively of two opposite lateral edges of the layer 140.

[0126] The electrodes E and F are for example connected to the electronic power supply circuit 117 of the device for the application of electrical polarization.

[0127] The electronic control and power supply circuit 110 is configured to, before an ultrasonic image acquisition phase, for example when an object to be imaged is detected opposite the assembly 101 of ultrasonic transducers, apply the electrical polarization so as to make the coupling layer 140 relatively soft and improve its acoustic coupling properties, and then, after the acquisition, deactivate the electrical polarization so as to make the coupling layer 140 relatively hard and improve its mechanical protection properties.

[0128] For example, when the user places a finger on the upper surface of layer 140 for fingerprint capture, circuit 110 activates the electrical polarization of layer 140, which releases the stress and allows layer 140 to adapt to the morphology of the finger. At the end of the capture, the polymer returns to its smooth shape (in other words, the upper surface of layer 140 becomes essentially flat again) and the electrical polarization is deactivated, which stiffens the polymer and maintains layer 140 in this state.

[0129] By way of example, the coupling layer 140 is made of an electro-active polymer from the family of polyacrylates, polyurethanes, latex, natural rubbers, silicones, butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers, piezoelectric polymers for example type PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), or its copolymer P(VDF-TrFE) (vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene).

[0130] Various embodiments and variations have been described. Those skilled in the art will understand that certain features of these various embodiments and variations could be combined, and other variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art. In particular, the embodiments described are not limited to the examples of materials and dimensions mentioned in this description.

[0131] Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will be able to combine the various embodiments described above according to the needs of the intended application. In particular, a person skilled in the art will be able to combine the first and second embodiments described above to benefit both from the advantage of heating the object to be imaged during acquisition and from adapting the mechanical properties of the coupling layer under the effect of a stimulus. In particular, the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 8 can be combined with the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

[0132] Furthermore, although above only examples of application to ultrasonic imaging devices have been described, a person skilled in the art will be able, from the indications in this description, to adapt the embodiments described to other devices for emitting and / or receiving ultrasound, for example devices for treating the human or animal body by emitting ultrasound, or even non-destructive testing devices by ultrasound not necessarily applied to the human or animal body.

[0133] Finally, the practical implementation of the embodiments and variants described is within the reach of a person skilled in the art, based on the functional indications given above.

Claims

Demands

1. Ultrasonic imaging device (100; 200; 300; 500; 700; 800) comprising an array (101) of ultrasonic transducers and an acoustic coupling layer (140) covering said array (101) of ultrasonic transducers, a face of the acoustic coupling layer (140) opposite said array (101) of ultrasonic transducers defining a contact surface with an object or body to be imaged, wherein the acoustic coupling layer (140) is made of a polymer material that can be activated by means of an electronic power and control circuit (110) of the device, configured to exhibit a first Young's modulus during an ultrasonic image acquisition phase and a second Young's modulus greater than the first Young's modulus when the device is off, wherein: a) the acoustic coupling layer (140) is made of a thermo-active polymer, the device further comprising a device for heating (150; 250; 350;550) configured to heat the acoustic coupling layer (140) to a temperature above ambient temperature during an ultrasonic image acquisition phase and to interrupt the heating outside of the acquisition phases; or b) the acoustic coupling layer (140) is made of a photoactive polymer, the device further comprising a light source (710) configured to irradiate the acoustic coupling layer (140) during an ultrasonic image acquisition phase and to be interrupted outside of the acquisition phases; or c) the acoustic coupling layer (140) is made of an electroactive polymer, the electronic power and control circuit (110) being configured to apply an electrical polarization to the acoustic coupling layer (140) during an ultrasonic image acquisition phase and to interrupt said electrical polarization outside of the acquisition phases.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic coupling layer (140) is made of a thermo-active polymer that can be activated to exhibit the first Young's modulus when its temperature exceeds a threshold between 25°C and 40°C.

3. Device (700) according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic coupling layer (140) is made of a photoactive material of which Young's modulus takes the first value under the effect of light irradiation at a first wavelength A, and takes the second value under the effect of light irradiation at a second wavelength B, different from A, or when the irradiation at the first wavelength A is interrupted, or under the effect of another stimulus.

4. Device (700) according to claim 3, the light source (710) is adapted to emit radiation at wavelength A through the acoustic coupling layer (140), the device further comprising one or more other light sources (712) adapted to emit radiation at wavelength B through the acoustic coupling layer (140).

5. Device (700) according to claim 4, wherein said light source (710) and said one or more other light sources (712) are controlled by the electronic power supply and control circuit (110).

6. Device (800) according to alternative c) of claim 1, comprising first (E) and second (F) electrodes in contact with the acoustic coupling layer (140) and connected to the electronic power supply and control circuit (110) for the application of said electrical polarization.

7. Device (100; 200; 300; 500; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ultrasonic transducers of the assembly (101) of ultrasonic transducers are CMUT or PMUT transducers, piezoelectric or piezocomposite transducers, or single crystal transducers.

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