Multi-Beam Transducer Using Overlapping Element Subsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound systems face limitations in data acquisition rate due to constraints on transmitting ultrasound signals, hindering advancements in color Doppler, 3D, and 4D imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that divide a transducer's elements into overlapping subsets to simultaneously transmit multiple beams using a beamformer, allowing for increased frame rates by utilizing overlapping apertures and coded excitation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple non-overlapping apertures are used to transmit ultrasound beams, then data acquisition rate is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple separate transmit channels
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is segmented into multiple subsets of elements (first subset, second subset, etc.) that can be independently controlled to transmit multiple beams simultaneously. Each subset acts as an independent aperture, allowing parallel data acquisition without requiring separate physical transducers.
Solution Approach 2:
A single transducer array performs multiple transmit functions by dividing its elements into different subsets. The same physical transducer can transmit multiple simultaneous beams through different element combinations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated transmit channels while maintaining high data acquisition rates.
2Productivity
If the frame rate is increased to provide data rates needed for color Doppler and 3D imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but the limitations on ultrasound signal transmission rate become more significant
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ultrasound beams are transmitted continuously and simultaneously through different element subsets rather than sequentially. This parallel transmission approach maintains continuous useful action, eliminating idle time between transmissions and achieving the high frame rates required for color Doppler and 3D imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from sequential single-beam transmission to parallel multi-beam transmission by adding the dimension of spatial multiplexing. Different element subsets transmit different beams simultaneously in the same temporal window, effectively increasing the transmission rate without requiring faster individual pulse transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for acquiring ultrasonic data using multi-beam transmission. The method includes transmitting a first transmit beam using a first subset of element and transmitting a second transmit beam using a second subset of the elements. The first and second subsets of elements comprising at least one common element. The first and second beams are transmitted simultaneously. The elements are divided into the first and second subsets that may comprise at least partially different subsets of elements. An ultrasonic system is also provided that comprises a transducer comprising an array of elements and a beamformer for dividing the array of elements into at least first and second subsets of elements. The first and second subsets of elements at least partially overlapping. A transmitter drives the first and second subsets of elements to simultaneously transmit different first and second transmit beams, respectively. A receiver receives receive lines representative of the first and second transmit beams. The transmitter may transmit different first and second coded transmit waveforms from the first and second subsets of elements.