Ultrasound Probe Signal Line Reduction via C-MUT Multiplexing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses with broadband capacitive ultrasound transducers face challenges in reducing the outer diameter of probes due to the need for multiple wirings, which complicates their application in thin lumens and catheters, and existing solutions like multiplexers require additional signal lines for selecting transducers, making them difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus utilizes a single transmission and reception signal line for both transmitting and receiving ultrasound, with selection signals superimposed on the transmission signals to sequentially drive capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers, eliminating the need for additional signal lines and allowing for a thinner probe design by integrating signal determining portions on the probe itself.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ultrasound transducers are arranged to obtain tomographic images, then imaging capability is improved, but the number of wirings increases causing larger outer diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducer control functions into a single wiring system. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus transmits multiple types of signals (drive signals, selection signals, reception signals) through one common wiring between the body and the probe, eliminating the need for separate wirings for each transducer element.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wiring system performs multiple functions: it transmits drive signals to activate transducers, sends selection signals to choose which transducer operates, and carries reception signals back from the probe. This multi-functional wiring replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated signal lines.
2Ease of operation
If a multiplexer is added to select transducers, then transducer selection capability is improved, but additional signal lines are required making probe thinner difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transducer selection function with the existing single wiring system. Selection signals are transmitted through the same wiring that carries drive and reception signals, eliminating the need for additional multiplexer control lines that would increase probe diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical transducer rotation (which required drive shafts with poor followability in bent lumens) with electronic transducer selection through signal processing. The signal determining portion electronically switches between transducers based on selection signals, providing better adaptability to bent lumens without mechanical constraints.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical drive shaft is used to rotate C-MUT, then transducer scanning is achieved, but followability in bent lumens deteriorates causing uneven rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical drive shaft system with an electronic control system. Instead of physically rotating the C-MUT through a mechanical drive shaft, the system uses selection signals to electronically activate different transducer elements in sequence, achieving scanning capability without mechanical components that suffer from poor followability in bent lumens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the ultrasound transmission function across multiple discrete transducer elements arranged in an array. By selectively activating individual elements or groups of elements through selection signals, the system achieves scanning and tomographic imaging capabilities without requiring mechanical movement of a single transducer.
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 reduces the number of signal lines required, enabling the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to be applied in thinner lumens and maintaining high-quality ultrasound tomographic image generation without the limitations of mechanical drive shafts, thus enhancing the applicability and performance of the ultrasound diagnostic system.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasound probes that use piezoelectric elements have been known
Implementation Method 2
Bias voltages as well as ultrasound drive signals are applied onto these electrodes to vibrate a film at the top of the cavity, thereby transmitting ultrasound
Implementation Method 3
an echo signal that comes back is detected by the film at the top, so that the transmission and the reception of the ultrasound are achieved
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: transmission and reception signal lines that send transmission and reception signals of ultrasound to a plurality of ultrasound transducers; and signal determining portions that are close to the plurality of ultrasound transducers and determine a selection signal for selecting an ultrasound transducer to be driven or a readout signal for reading out the selection signal, the selection signal being sent out in synchronization with a transmission signal for forming the transmission and reception signal, and electrically couple the ultrasound transducer to be driven with the transmission and reception signal line in accordance with a result of the determination. The transmission and reception signal line sends the transmission and reception signal with the selection signal or the readout signal.