Annular Array Transducer for Constant 3D Spatial Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound systems for breast imaging face challenges such as variable 3D spatial resolution with depth, operator dependency, high costs, and patient discomfort due to compression, as well as time-consuming cleaning processes, which limit their effectiveness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ultrasound system utilizing an annular array transducer with constant width rings for transmission and reception, combined with mechanical scanning and a water bath design that minimizes breast compression and facilitates easier cleaning, maintains constant 3D spatial resolution and voxel size throughout the imaging volume, allowing for efficient and comfortable breast imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional ultrasound systems use conventional transducer arrays with dynamic focusing, then operator dependency is reduced and automation is improved, but 3D spatial resolution becomes variable with depth and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the focal depth adjustable through mechanical translation of the transducer assembly along the acoustic axis. The system dynamically repositions the transducer to different depths during scanning, allowing the focal region to be maintained at various positions throughout the breast tissue volume, thereby achieving consistent 3D spatial resolution at all depths while automating the screening process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the breast imaging volume into multiple focal regions along the acoustic axis. By dividing the imaging depth into discrete segments and translating the transducer to position the focal region at each segment, the system maintains constant 3D spatial resolution throughout the entire volume, resolving the contradiction between automation and resolution consistency
2Measurement precision
If ultrasound systems compress the breast to improve imaging contact and resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water bath as an intermediary medium between the transducer and the breast. This water-filled enclosure provides acoustic coupling without requiring direct mechanical contact or compression of the breast tissue. The water acts as a mediator that transmits ultrasound energy effectively while eliminating the need for compressive force, thereby maintaining imaging resolution without causing patient discomfort or pain
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a water bath (hydraulic medium) to provide acoustic coupling instead of mechanical compression. The water fills the space between the transducer array and the breast, allowing ultrasound waves to propagate effectively through the medium without requiring physical contact or application of compressive force to the breast tissue
3Use of energy by moving object
If ABUS systems use extensive acoustic couplant to ensure acoustic path, then sound transmission is improved, but cleaning time increases and loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The water bath serves as a permanent intermediary medium that eliminates the need for extensive application and removal of acoustic couplant. The water is contained within an enclosure that interfaces with the breast, providing continuous acoustic coupling without requiring external couplant materials that would need to be cleaned off between patients, thereby significantly reducing cleaning time
4Measurement precision
If ultrasound tomographic ABUS systems use thousands of individual transducers to provide excellent images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a small array of transducers (e.g., 32 elements) that are dynamically repositioned through mechanical translation along the acoustic axis. By moving the compact transducer assembly to different focal depths during scanning, the system achieves tomographic imaging capability and constant 3D spatial resolution throughout the breast volume, avoiding the need for thousands of stationary transducers and reducing both device complexity and computational requirements
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
This approach provides consistent high-resolution images with reduced scanning time and lower costs by maintaining constant spatial resolution and voxel size, improving patient comfort and operational efficiency, while also simplifying the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic energy from a small number of individual transducers or alternatively an array of transducers, such as an annular array
Implementation Method 2
For those systems that use a water bath to couple the acoustic energy from the transducer array/s to the breast
Implementation Method 3
the rotatable support, mechanically coupled to at least one ultrasound transducer... operative to encircle a human breast and acquire reflected or transmitted ultrasound energy from tissue volumes
Data Source
AI summary
A breast imaging ultrasound system for ultrasound imaging of a body includes: scanning uniform sub-volumes of a mammalian breast with an ultrasound transducer having a fixed focal number (FN), acquiring ultrasonic images of portions of the target volume, the acquired images having the same voxel resolution, and processing the ultrasonic images, thereafter providing a 2D or 3D image of the target volume using constant size volume pixels (Voxels).