1.5D Array Probe Aperture Control via Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound probes with 1.5D arrays face limitations in improving depth direction resolution without increasing the number of transmission/reception circuit channels, as they require doubling or quadrupling the number of circuit channels for dynamic focus control and aperture variation.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic wave measuring apparatus with a 1.5D array probe that includes a switching unit to alternately connect transducers on a central element row and end portion element row to transmission/reception channels, allowing for aperture control without increasing the number of circuit channels, enabling improved image resolution in the elevation direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 1.5D array probe is used to enable dynamic focus control and aperture variation in the elevation direction, then image resolution in the depth direction is improved, but the number of transmission/reception circuit channels must be doubled or quadrupled
Solution Approach 1:
The probe elements are segmented into a central element row and end portion element rows. The switching unit selectively connects either the central element row or the end portion element rows to the transmission/reception channels, enabling aperture control in the elevation direction without requiring multiple sets of circuit channels. This segmentation allows dynamic aperture adjustment while maintaining the same number of circuit channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit dynamically reconfigures the connection between probe elements and circuit channels based on the desired aperture size. By switching between different element rows (central or end portions), the system achieves dynamic aperture control in the elevation direction without increasing the number of circuit channels, thereby improving depth resolution adaptively.
2Ease of operation
If a 1.25D array with multiple acoustic lenses is used to control elevation aperture, then aperture control in the elevation direction is enabled, but the focus position is limited to discrete stages and cannot be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit enables dynamic reconfiguration of the active element rows, allowing continuous adjustment of the aperture size and focus position in the elevation direction. Unlike fixed acoustic lens systems, this switching mechanism provides flexible, dynamic control that can adapt to different imaging depths and requirements in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit acts as an intermediary between the probe elements and the circuit channels, enabling flexible reconfiguration of the active element set. This intermediary component allows the system to dynamically select which element rows are active, providing adaptability in focus position and aperture control without discrete lens limitations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of transmission/reception circuit channels is increased to enable dynamic focus control with a 1.5D array, then aperture control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The same set of transmission/reception circuit channels is universally used for both central element row and end portion element rows. The switching unit allows these channels to be dynamically assigned to different element rows based on the imaging requirements, enabling aperture control without requiring dedicated channels for each element row. This multi-functional use of circuit channels reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reuses the same circuit channels for different element rows through the switching unit. Instead of having static, dedicated channels for each element row, the channels are dynamically assigned based on which element row is currently active, reducing the total number of channels needed while maintaining aperture control capability.
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 solution enhances image resolution in tomographic slice images without increasing the number of transmission/reception circuit channels, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional 1.5D array probes by dynamically controlling aperture and focus in both lateral and elevation directions.
Implementation Method 1
a probe having a plurality of transducers that are capable of converting an acoustic wave into an electric signal and vice versa
Implementation Method 2
generates an acoustic wave by applying an electric signal to the probe
Implementation Method 3
reflection occurs in regions of differing acoustic impedance in an interior of the test subject, or in other words on a tissue boundary. An echo signal generated by the reflection is received by the probe
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic wave measuring apparatus includes: a probe having a plurality of transducers that are capable of converting an acoustic wave into an electric signal and vice versa; a transmitting and receiving unit that includes a plurality of channels connected to the probe, generates an acoustic wave from the probe, and obtains a reception signal of the probe; a plurality of switches that switch connections between the transducers and the channels; and an image generating unit that generates an image from the reception signal. The transducers include a central element row and an end portion element row, and the plurality of channels are respectively connected to the transducers on the central element row and the transducers on the end portion element row alternately via the switches.