Row-Column Addressed 2-D Transducer Array for Two-Way Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional row-column addressing in 2-D transducer arrays for ultrasound imaging and flow estimation is limited by one-way focusing and is not well-suited for real-time volumetric 3-D vector flow imaging, lacking two-way focusing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A 2-D transducer array with orthogonal 1-D arrays of transducing elements configured for row-column addressing, where the controller controls transmission and reception to achieve two-way focusing in elevation, and a beamformer processes echoes to generate images and estimate 3-D vector flow information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional row-column addressing is used with orthogonal 1-D arrays for transmit and receive, then the system can achieve 3-D imaging capability, but only one-way focusing is achievable in transmit and receive directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the 1-D arrays universal by enabling them to perform both transmit and receive functions. The row array can transmit while the column array receives, and vice versa, allowing the system to achieve two-way focusing capability without adding separate dedicated transmit and receive arrays. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling full focusing capability while maintaining the simplicity of the 1-D array configuration.
2Productivity
If traditional row-column addressing with orthogonal arrays is used, then 3-D vector flow can be implemented in a single plane, but real-time volumetric 3-D vector flow imaging is not achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching of transmit and receive functions between the row and column arrays. By dynamically alternating which array transmits and which receives, the system can acquire data for multiple planes and volumes in sequence, enabling real-time volumetric 3-D vector flow imaging while maintaining accurate flow estimation through proper temporal sequencing and dynamic focusing.
3Measurement precision
If a full 2-D array with individual element addressing is used, then two-way focusing can be achieved, but the array size and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 2-D transducer array into two separate 1-D arrays (row array and column array) that are orthogonal to each other. Each 1-D array is independently addressed and controlled. This segmentation allows the system to achieve two-way focusing capability equivalent to a full 2-D array while significantly reducing the complexity of element addressing and control electronics, as each 1-D array requires fewer independent channels.
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 approach enhances spatial resolution and enables two-way focusing, improving the ability to image and estimate 3-D vector flow with reduced array size while maintaining or improving resolution, suitable for both static and moving tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a 2-D transducer array with a first 1-D array of one or more rows of transducing elements configured to produce first ultrasound data and a second 1-D array of one or more columns of transducing elements configured to produce second ultrasound data
Implementation Method 2
a 2-D transducer array with a first 1-D array of one or more rows of transducing elements configured to produce first ultrasound data and a second 1-D array of one or more columns of transducing elements configured to produce second ultrasound data
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound imaging system (100) includes a 2-D transducer array (102) with a first 1-D array (104, 204) of one or more rows of transducing elements (106, 2041, . . . 2046) configured to produce first ultrasound data and a second 1-D array (104, 206) of one or more columns of transducing elements (106, 2061, . . . 2066) configured to produce second ultrasound data. The first and second 1-D arrays are configured for row-column addressing. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a controller (112) configured to control transmission and reception of the first and second 1-D arrays, and a beamformer (114) configured to beamform the received first and second echoes to produce ultrasound data, and an image processor (116) configured to process the ultrasound data to generate an image, which is displayed via a display (224).