Multi-mode Ultrasound Transducer for Probe Switching Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ultrasound imaging systems require switching between different probes for various medical applications, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially in critical environments, and may lead to delays due to the need for sterile covering and handling.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode ultrasound transducer capable of operating in multiple imaging modes, allowing a single transducer to simulate both steered and non-steered imaging modes, enabling imaging of different body areas without the need for probe switching, by activating subsets of transducer elements and steering ultrasound signals in different directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different ultrasound probes are used for different medical applications, then imaging versatility is improved, but device complexity and time to switch probes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single ultrasound probe that can operate in multiple imaging modes (phased-array mode and curvilinear-array mode) by configuring different subsets of transducer elements. This allows the same physical probe to replace multiple specialized probes, achieving imaging versatility without requiring physical probe switching or multiple probe configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures which transducer elements are active based on the desired imaging mode. The ultrasound processor selectively activates different subsets of elements from the same transducer array, allowing dynamic switching between phased-array and curvilinear-array imaging modes without physical probe changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different ultrasound probes are used for different medical applications, then imaging versatility is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the single probe universal and capable of performing both phased-array and curvilinear-array imaging through software-controlled element selection, the system eliminates the time required to physically remove one probe and attach another. The mode switching is achieved through electronic configuration rather than physical manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical probe switching operation with an electronic/software-based mode selection mechanism. The ultrasound processor electronically reconfigures the active transducer elements based on the selected imaging mode, substituting physical probe changes with digital signal processing configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a phased-array probe is used for heart imaging, then imaging capability in constricted spaces is improved, but field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the active transducer elements based on the desired imaging mode. When phased-array mode is selected, a first subset of elements is activated to achieve narrow beam steering for constricted space imaging. When curvilinear-array mode is selected, a second subset of elements is activated to provide a wider field of view, all using the same physical probe.
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
Enables expedited and efficient ultrasound imaging across various medical applications, reducing the need for multiple probes and minimizing delays in time-sensitive situations, such as emergency care, by allowing a single transducer to perform multiple imaging tasks.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasound probes (also called ultrasound transducers) generally contain a number of transducer elements that can be selectively pulsed to generated ultrasound signals
Implementation Method 2
These ultrasound signals are projected into a volume of tissue and corresponding echo signals are processed to generate an ultrasound image
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate generally to ultrasound imaging methods and apparatus that allow for multiple modes of imaging using a single ultrasound transducer having a plurality of transducer elements. In an embodiment, there is provided an ultrasound imaging machine that is: operable in a first imaging mode in which the plurality of transducer elements are activated; and operable in a second imaging mode different from the first imaging mode, and in the second imaging mode, a subset of the plurality of transducer elements are activated so that ultrasound signals are steered from the subset of the plurality of transducer elements, where any remaining transducer elements of the plurality of transducer elements not part of the subset are inactive when operating in the second imaging mode.