Acoustic Array Imaging Resolution and Couplant-Free Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound techniques for medical imaging and testing are limited by the need for time-consuming scanning and processing, poor feature size and resolution, and reliance on technician manipulation, with traditional methods also requiring acoustic couplants for signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic array system comprising multiple transceivers arranged in panels with a driver circuit and controller interface, capable of emitting and receiving focused sound signals across a range of frequencies, allowing for real-time imaging without the need for acoustic couplants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional ultrasound techniques use single-element probes or linear transducer arrays, then the device complexity is reduced, but the imaging resolution and feature size are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic transducer is divided into multiple independent elements arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each element can be independently controlled and activated, allowing the system to achieve high-resolution imaging through coordinated operation of individual segments while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional one-dimensional linear arrays to two-dimensional planar arrays of acoustic transducers. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous illumination of multiple regions and reception of signals from multiple directions, achieving high-resolution three-dimensional imaging without requiring complex mechanical scanning mechanisms.
2Productivity
If traditional acoustic microscopy uses single transducer scanning, then the device complexity is low, but the scanning time and processing time are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures the acoustic transducer array with multiple elements capable of simultaneous operation. Instead of scanning sequentially through different positions, the array is prepared in advance to illuminate and detect signals across multiple regions concurrently, eliminating time-consuming sequential scanning and achieving real-time imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple acoustic transducer elements operate continuously and simultaneously to illuminate different regions and receive signals in parallel. This continuous parallel operation eliminates idle time between scanning steps and maintains productive imaging action throughout the measurement process, achieving real-time three-dimensional visualization.
3Ease of operation
If conventional techniques require acoustic couplant for signal transmission, then the signal transmission is reliable, but the ease of operation is reduced and additional materials are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic transducer array elements are designed to generate and detect acoustic signals directly through the test medium without requiring external coupling agents. The system serves its own coupling need by using the array's ability to penetrate and transmit signals through air-gap interfaces, eliminating the requirement for acoustic couplant materials and simplifying operation.
4Productivity
If technician manipulation and positioning of transducer probe is used, then the adaptability is improved, but the productivity and resolution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning and scanning operations with an electronically controlled acoustic array. Instead of physically moving a transducer probe to different locations, the system uses electronic signal processing to dynamically focus and steer the acoustic beam across the region of interest, achieving real-time imaging without mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves beam focusing and steering by dynamically changing electronic parameters such as phase and amplitude of signals to individual array elements. By adjusting these electrical parameters rather than mechanical positions, the system can rapidly reconfigure the acoustic field to image different regions in real-time without physical repositioning delays.
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 high-resolution, real-time imaging with increased dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio, reducing scanning time and improving feature resolution across various mediums, including biological tissues and geologic structures.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic array, the acoustic array including one or more array panels including a first array panel, each of the one or more array panels including a respective transceiver array
Implementation Method 2
adjusting, via the driver circuit, a first phase of the probe signal at one or more transmitter elements of the first transceiver array based on the focal point, and emitting, via the first transceiver array, the probe signal at the focal point
Implementation Method 3
each transceiver array comprising one or more transceivers, each transceiver comprising a respective transmitter element and a respective receiver element
Data Source
AI summary
Novel tools and techniques for acoustic array detection and imaging are provided. A system includes an acoustic array comprising one or more array panels. Each of the one or more array panels includes a transceiver array of one or more acoustic transceivers, each acoustic transceiver further including a transmitter element configured to generate sound and a receiver element to capture sound. A driver circuit is coupled to a first transceiver array of a first array panel of the one or more array panels, the driver circuit configured to drive individually each transmitter element and each receiver element of the first transceiver array. A controller interface is coupled to the driver circuit, and a controller coupled to the controller interface.