Linear Matrix Ultrasound Probe Layout for 3D fUS Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing functional ultrasound (fUS) imaging techniques face challenges in achieving 3D imaging of brain functional connectivity while maintaining time coherence between acoustic waves and reducing the complexity of driving electronics, particularly with 2D ultrasound probes that suffer from limited sensitivity and high wiring complexity.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasound probe design with linear matrices of transducers arranged in a specific configuration, covered by cylindrical acoustic lenses, allows for simultaneous insonation of multiple planes with minimal inter-distance and focused acoustic waves, enabling 3D imaging with reduced electronic complexity and maintained sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If 2D ultrasound probes are used for 3D functional ultrasound imaging, then the field of view and imaging capability are improved, but the wiring complexity and electronic complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is segmented into multiple linear matrices of transducers arranged in a specific configuration, where each matrix can be independently controlled. This segmentation reduces the wiring complexity by organizing transducers into manageable groups rather than requiring individual wiring for all transducers across the entire 2D array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a conventional 2D probe configuration to a three-dimensional arrangement of linear matrices. By adding the spatial dimension of matrix arrangement, the system achieves 3D imaging capability while maintaining manageable electronic complexity through the modular matrix structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If 2D ultrasound probes are used for 3D functional ultrasound imaging, then the field of view is improved, but the sensitivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Cylindrical acoustic lenses are applied to specific regions (linear matrices) of the probe rather than uniformly across the entire array. This local application of acoustic focusing enhances the sensitivity in specific imaging planes while maintaining the expanded field of view provided by the multi-matrix configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Acoustic lenses are introduced as intermediary elements between the transducers and the tissue being imaged. These lenses focus the acoustic waves, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of the system without requiring an increase in the overall probe size or transducer count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If linear matrices with minimal inter-distance are used, then the 3D imaging coverage is improved, but the acoustic wave interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidacoustic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Cylindrical acoustic lenses are applied locally to each linear matrix to focus acoustic waves in specific directions. This localized focusing ensures that acoustic energy is concentrated where needed for imaging coverage while minimizing lateral interference between adjacent matrices with minimal inter-distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 proposed probe design enhances the field of view for fUS imaging, maintains time coherence, and reduces electronic complexity, facilitating 3D functional connectivity imaging with improved sensitivity and fewer blind spots.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of linear matrices of transducers configured to emit acoustic waves with a given central wavelength and detect backscattered acoustic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

each linear matrix from said plurality of linear matrices of transducers is covered with a single cylindrical acoustic lens configured to focus said acoustic waves emitted by the linear matrix

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic lens focusing: Acoustic Lens

Data Source

PatentUS12540923B2Ultrasound probes and apparatuses for ultrasound imaging including such

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 ICONEUS

AI summary

An ultrasound probe includes a connector and a probe head that includes a mount located in a tip part of the probe head, various linear matrices of transducers that emit acoustic waves with a given central wavelength and detect backscattered acoustic waves. The linear matrices are electrically connected to the connector, wherein each linear matrix from the linear matrices of transducers includes a first side along a first direction and a second side along a second direction. The second side is smaller than the first side. The linear matrices are fixed to the mount and juxtaposed on the mount with the first sides adjacent. Each linear matrix from the linear matrices of transducers is covered with a single cylindrical acoustic lens that focuses the acoustic waves emitted by the linear matrix. Each cylindrical acoustic lens includes a cylindrical axis substantially parallel to the first direction.