Curved Transducer Arrays for Compact Ultrasound Endoscope Tips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound endoscopes have a distal end part that is too large, limiting their usability and increasing the burden on the subject during operations.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasound endoscope features a transducer array arranged in a curved shape with an opening angle of 90 to 180 degrees, allowing for a larger angle of view and a reduced distal end size, combined with a processor that performs specific driving controls to enhance scanning range and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional transducer array configuration is used, then the ultrasound endoscope can achieve adequate imaging coverage, but the distal end part becomes too large, limiting usability and increasing subject burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear or flat transducer array arrangement to a curved three-dimensional configuration. By arranging transducers along an arc in the radial direction of the insertion part, the system achieves a larger effective opening angle (90-180 degrees) within a compact distal end structure, thereby reducing the required distal end size while maintaining imaging coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including setting the opening angle between 90-180 degrees, controlling the number of transducers between 32-128 elements, and positioning transducers at specific radial distances. These parameter optimizations enable the curved array to achieve adequate imaging coverage with a reduced distal end footprint
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transducer array opening angle is increased to improve scanning range, then the distal end size increases, but reducing the opening angle limits the angle of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved transducer array configuration where transducers are arranged along an arc in the radial direction. This curvature enables the array to achieve a large effective opening angle (90-180 degrees) by utilizing the radial geometry, thereby expanding scanning range without proportionally increasing the distal end size. The curved arrangement allows the transducers to cover a wider angular sector within a compact radial footprint
3Measurement precision
If more transducers are added to improve image quality and resolution, then the distal end part size increases, but reducing the number of transducers decreases imaging capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-uniform spacing between transducers along the curved array, with closer spacing in certain regions and wider spacing in others. This localized variation in transducer distribution optimizes the balance between achieving sufficient image quality through adequate sampling and minimizing the overall distal end size. The non-uniform spacing allows efficient use of transducer elements within the constrained curved geometry
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 design enables a smaller distal end part, improving operability and reducing subject burden while maintaining effective scanning and image quality, with the potential for wider scanning ranges and enhanced image resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer array in which a plurality of transducers, each of which extends in a first direction intersecting an axial direction of an insertion part of the ultrasound endoscope, are arranged in a curved shape
Implementation Method 2
a processor configured to perform processing of generating an ultrasound image based on an output signal of the transducer array obtained by controlling the transducer array
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes: an ultrasound endoscope including a transducer array in which a plurality of transducers extending in a first direction intersecting an axial direction of an insertion part are arranged in a curved shape; and a processor configured to perform processing of generating an ultrasound image based on an output signal of the transducer array obtained by controlling the transducer array, in which an opening angle of the transducer array as viewed in the first direction is 90 degrees or more and less than 180 degrees, and the processor is configured to perform first control of generating the ultrasound image with a first angle of view larger than the opening angle.