Curved Transducer Array for Hybrid Optoacoustic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging technologies face challenges in achieving high-quality, quantitative imaging due to limited angular coverage and inefficient data acquisition strategies, leading to artifacts and loss of image quality.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a curved transducer array with a concave surface and multiplexer unit for hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging, enabling two- or three-dimensional imaging by emitting and detecting ultrasound waves effectively around the object, and employing synthetic aperture beamforming and spatial compounding to improve image quality and frame rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a linear transducer array is used for hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging, then the device structure is simple, but the angular coverage is limited and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by arranging transducer elements along a concave arc instead of a linear configuration. This curved arrangement enables the transducer array to wrap around the imaging object, providing omnidirectional angular coverage (360 degrees) while maintaining structural simplicity. The concave geometry allows simultaneous emission and detection of ultrasound waves from multiple angles, eliminating the angular limitations of linear arrays and significantly improving image quality without requiring complex multi-array systems.
2Ease of operation
If conventional data acquisition strategies are used, then the system is easy to operate, but artifacts appear and image quality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing spatial compounding of ultrasound data acquired from multiple transducer elements before final image reconstruction. The system pre-processes the raw ultrasound signals by combining information from different angular perspectives and depths, creating a compounded dataset that eliminates artifacts. This preliminary processing step ensures that when the final image is reconstructed, high quality is achieved without requiring complex post-processing or manual intervention, maintaining ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If a curved transducer array with concave surface is used, then angular coverage and image quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the curved transducer array into multiple independent element groups, each capable of being controlled individually. This segmentation allows the complex curved array to function as multiple simpler units working in parallel, facilitating manufacturing and reducing overall system complexity. Each segment can be independently positioned and calibrated, making the curved configuration more manageable while maintaining the angular coverage and image quality benefits.
4Device complexity
If traditional ultrasound imaging methods are used, then the imaging process is simple, but frame rates are low and productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling simultaneous emission and detection operations across multiple transducer elements in a coordinated manner. The curved array configuration allows multiple elements to transmit and receive ultrasound waves concurrently at different angular positions, creating continuous data acquisition throughout the imaging cycle. This parallel operation eliminates idle time between sequential scans, maintaining continuous useful action and significantly increasing frame rates without requiring complex imaging sequences.
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
The solution allows for high-quality, quantitative optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging with improved angular coverage and reduced artifacts, enhancing both optoacoustic and pulse-echo ultrasound image quality and frame rates.
Implementation Method 1
Optoacoustic imaging is based on the photoacoustic effect, according to which ultrasonic waves are generated due to absorption of electromagnetic radiation by an object
Implementation Method 2
the transducer elements being configured to emit ultrasound waves impinging on the object and to detect ultrasound waves which are reflected and/or transmitted by the object
Implementation Method 3
to detect ultrasound waves which are generated in the object upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and an according method for hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging of an object (1). The device comprising an irradiation unit (2, 3) for irradiating the object (1) with electromagnetic radiation, in particular light, and a transducer unit (4) comprising a plurality of transducer elements (5), the transducer elements (5) being configured to emit ultrasound waves impinging on the object (1) and to detect ultrasound waves which are reflected and/or transmitted by the object (1) upon impinging on the object (1), and to detect ultrasound waves which are generated in the object (1) upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the transducer elements (1) are arranged along a curved line, in particular a concave line, or a curved surface, in particular a concave surface. A multiplexer unit (15) is configured to control the transducer unit (4) to operate in different operation modes and to switch the transducer unit (4) between the different operation modes, in particular between a first mode (receive-only mode) and/or a second mode (transmit-and-receive mode) and/or a third mode (mixed mode). The multiplexer unit (15) comprises a first electronic circuit designed for acquisition of ultrasound data and a second electronic circuit designed for acquisition of optoacoustic data, the first electronic circuit having a first input impedance and the second electronic circuit having a second input impedance, which is different from the first input impedance.