2D Ultrasound Transducer Array Patch Beamforming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Two-dimensional array transducers with a large number of elements require a cumbersome cable with thousands of signal lines, making them impractical for handheld use, and existing solutions that allow variable configuration often compromise image clarity and beam steering due to pitch changes and increased sidelobes.
Innovation Solution
A microbeamformer integrated circuit in the transducer probe performs partial beamforming on groups of elements, called patches, which are then summed and transmitted over a standard cable to the system beamformer, allowing the same matrix array stack to operate with different ultrasound systems using a reduced number of signal lines and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 2D array transducer with thousands of elements is used to achieve high-resolution imaging, then image quality is improved, but the cable becomes impractically large and heavy for handheld use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 2D array transducer into multiple independently controllable subarrays or patches. Each subarray is controlled by a separate channel, reducing the total number of channels needed in the cable. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high-resolution imaging capabilities while using a practical number of cable connections, making the probe feasible for handheld use.
2Device complexity
If elements are connected in blocks to reduce cable channels, then cable complexity is reduced, but pitch increases causing increased sidelobes and decreased image clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the system to reconfigure which elements are active in each subarray. This dynamic element selection enables the system to maintain optimal element spacing (pitch) even when using fewer cable channels, thereby preventing sidelobe increase and maintaining image clarity while reducing cable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including element selection, subarray configuration, and beamforming parameters to compensate for the reduced number of channels. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system maintains image quality metrics such as sidelobe levels and resolution despite using a simplified cable configuration with fewer lines.
3Reliability
If a fixed configuration probe is used to match a specific system beamformer, then system compatibility is ensured, but adaptability to different ultrasound systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the probe with a universal interface and control architecture that can adapt to multiple different ultrasound systems and beamformers. The independently controllable subarrays and dynamic element selection capability allow the same probe to be configured for use with various system specifications, making it universally compatible while maintaining reliable operation across different platforms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a variable configuration 2D matrix array transducer to operate with different system beamformers without compromising image clarity or beam steering, using a minimal number of signal lines and reducing probe cable costs, while maintaining high-resolution imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A 2D array comprises elements extending in both azimuth and elevation directions which can be operated fully independently to both focus and steer beams
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A matrix array transducer probe has a two dimensional array of transducer elements coupled to adjustable delays for each element. A controllable switch matrix combines a plurality of differently delayed element signals to form a patch signal and produces a plurality of patch signals in this manner. The switch matrix determines the patch configuration in consideration of the number of channels of a system beamformer which completes the beamformation, and the element delays are set in consideration of the configuration of the elements to be used in each patch. Patch signal formation may be done in two stages, including a stage which includes a hard-wired signal combiner. The matrix array probe can be operated with differently sized system beamformers or the same transducer stack used in different probes configured for specific beamformer configurations.