Hybrid Optoacoustic Tomography Transducer Array Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging techniques face challenges in achieving high-quality images that allow for quantitative conclusions, as they struggle to optimize both optoacoustic and ultrasonographic signal detection simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A device and method featuring transducer elements with different pitches and sizes arranged on curved surface segments, optimized for either optoacoustic or ultrasonographic imaging, allowing for improved real-time imaging performance by separating the geometrical properties and arrangements for each modality, and using absorbing elements to generate ultrasound waves for enhanced image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single transducer array is used for both optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality and detection precision for both modalities cannot be optimized simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is divided into two distinct segments: a first transducer array optimized for optoacoustic signal detection and a second transducer array optimized for ultrasonographic signal detection. Each segment can have different geometries, pitches, and element configurations tailored to its specific modality requirements, allowing both image qualities to be optimized simultaneously without compromising device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the detector surface are assigned different transducer element configurations. The first transducer elements have specific pitch and size optimized for optoacoustic imaging, while the second transducer elements have different pitch and size optimized for ultrasonographic imaging. This local differentiation allows each modality to achieve its optimal image quality while using a single integrated device
2Measurement precision
If transducer elements have uniform pitch and size, then manufacturing is simplified, but detection precision for both optoacoustic and ultrasonographic signals cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different pitch and size parameters for transducer elements depending on their function. First transducer elements have a first pitch and first size optimized for optoacoustic detection, while second transducer elements have a second pitch and second size optimized for ultrasonographic detection. This local quality differentiation maximizes signal detection precision for both modalities while maintaining a systematic manufacturing approach
3Measurement precision
If the detector surface is flat, then ease of manufacture is improved, but image quality for deep tissue imaging is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detector surface is configured with a curved geometry rather than a flat surface. This curvature allows for improved detection of ultrasound waves from deep tissues by optimizing the spatial arrangement of transducer elements relative to the imaged object. The curved surface enables better signal collection angles and improved image quality for deep tissue imaging while maintaining a manufacturable structure
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 enables the acquisition of high-quality optoacoustic and ultrasonographic images, allowing for quantitative analysis and improved diagnostic conclusiveness, suitable for both stationary and handheld devices in two- and three-dimensional imaging.
Implementation Method 1
Optoacoustic imaging is based on the physical effect, also referred to as optoacoustic effect, according to which ultrasonic waves are generated due to absorption of electromagnetic radiation by an object, for example a biological tissue, and a subsequent thermoelastic expansion of the object
Implementation Method 2
first transducer elements configured to detect ultrasound waves generated in the imaged object upon irradiating the object with the electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
second transducer elements configured to detect ultrasound waves reflected and/or transmitted by the object
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes a device and a method for hybrid optoacoustic and ultrasonographic imaging of an object. The device comprises: an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the object with electromagnetic radiation; first transducer elements configured to detect ultrasound waves generated in the object upon irradiating the object with the electromagnetic radiation; second transducer elements configured to detect ultrasound waves reflected and/or transmitted by the object; a surface comprising at least one first surface segment, on which the first transducer elements are arranged, and at least one second surface segment, on which the second transducer elements are arranged. The first surface segment and/or the second surface segment have a curved shape. The first transducer elements have a first size and pitch and second transducer elements have a second size and pitch, wherein the first pitch and second pitch are different and/or the first size and second size are different.