Matrix Ultrasound Transducer Reconfiguration for 1D Array Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current matrix ultrasound transducers face limitations in achieving high-quality 2D imaging while also supporting 3D imaging, due to the need for reduced system channel switches which compromises spatial resolution and requires switching between transducers for different imaging modes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows for reconfiguration of sub-arrays in a matrix transducer to form both 1D and 2D arrays using a multiplexer and controller, enabling efficient routing of transducer elements with fewer switches to support various sub-array shapes and orientations, thereby enhancing imaging resolution and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sub-arrays are grouped together to reduce the number of switches and system channel requirements, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and spatial resolution are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix transducer array is segmented into multiple sub-arrays that can be independently configured and connected to different system channels. This segmentation allows each sub-array to be optimized for specific imaging directions while maintaining overall system flexibility, thereby preserving spatial resolution without requiring excessive switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration of sub-array connections through controllable switches, allowing the transducer to adapt its geometry during operation. This dynamic capability enables optimal spatial resolution for different imaging planes (2D or 3D) while using a limited number of physical switches, resolving the contradiction between switch reduction and precision maintenance.
2Device complexity
If the number of sub-arrays within a group is limited to minimize switches per element, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for forming 1D arrays is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Each sub-array is designed with universal connectivity capabilities, where switches can route elements to multiple different system channels depending on the imaging mode required. This multi-functionality allows the same limited set of switches to support both 3D volume imaging and 2D planar imaging by reconfiguring sub-array assignments, thereby maintaining adaptability without increasing switch count.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sub-array shapes and orientations are optimized for 3D volume imaging, then adaptability for 4D imaging is improved, but imaging quality for 2D planar scanning is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures sub-array geometries and orientations based on the selected imaging mode. For 2D planar scanning, sub-arrays are arranged in linear configurations optimized for planar resolution. For 3D/4D imaging, the same sub-arrays are reconfigured into two-dimensional matrix patterns. This dynamic adaptability allows optimal image quality for each mode without compromising the other, using the same physical hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
For ultrasound imaging using a matrix transducer, interconnects or switches are provided to allow sub-arrays forming a 1D array, such as with sub-arrays one element wide with the maximum number of elements in elevation. Where groups are used to limit the switches and available system channels per group, an extra switch may connect between elements of different groups through a group output to extend a sub-array across groups. To further limit the number of switches, the group may be sub-divided where different combinations of sub-groups are connectable with different combinations of the system channels for the group.