Sparse-Array Ultrasound Lens Timing for Real-Time 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound imaging probes provide 2D slice images, leading to inaccurate measurements and biased data interpretation due to 2D geometric assumptions, which are compounded for moving targets like the heart, necessitating improved imaging techniques.
Innovation Solution
A sparse-array ultrasound imaging system with adjustable acoustic lenses and reduced electrical channels, combined with AI-based image formation, to achieve real-time 3D volumetric imaging by introducing mechanical delays and optimizing sub-sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 2D ultrasound probes are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and image quality deteriorate due to inaccurate geometric assumptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D ultrasound imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by adding a temporal dimension through multi-frame acquisition and reconstruction. The system captures multiple 2D frames at different time points and reconstructs them into a 3D volumetric representation, enabling accurate measurement of moving targets like the heart without requiring complex mechanical 3D scanning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter by acquiring ultrasound frames at multiple time points (e.g., throughout the cardiac cycle) rather than a single snapshot. This temporal sampling approach, combined with controlled motion, allows reconstruction of 3D volumetric data that accurately represents moving structures, improving measurement precision without increasing hardware complexity
2Device complexity
If the number of transducer elements is reduced by channel reduction, then the device complexity and cost decrease, but the image quality and data completeness may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring multiple temporal frames with the reduced channel array before reconstruction. By collecting sufficient temporal data across the cardiac cycle, the system compensates for the reduced spatial sampling, allowing accurate 3D reconstruction despite using fewer transducer elements
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple temporal copies of the ultrasound data by acquiring frames at different time points. These temporal copies are then processed and reconstructed into a complete 3D volumetric representation, effectively compensating for the reduced number of physical transducer elements through redundant temporal sampling
3Measurement precision
If acoustic lens layers are added to control time delays, then the beamforming precision improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic lens system is segmented into multiple discrete lens layers, each with specific time delay characteristics. This segmentation allows independent optimization and manufacturing of each layer, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining precise beamforming control through the combined effect of multiple layers
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in the lens layer design, specifically varying the thickness and material properties of each lens layer to achieve the desired time delay profile. By adjusting these parameters during design, the system achieves precise beamforming control without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, improving ease of manufacture
4Measurement precision
If 3D volumetric imaging is implemented, then the measurement accuracy and diagnostic quality improve, but the computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by organizing and pre-processing the temporal frame data before 3D reconstruction. Frames are acquired and stored in a structured manner with temporal tagging, and preliminary motion estimation is performed, which simplifies the subsequent 3D reconstruction process and reduces computational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs parameter changes in the reconstruction algorithm, specifically using controlled temporal sampling rates and selective frame selection based on motion characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves accurate 3D reconstruction with reduced computational load, balancing measurement accuracy with processing efficiency
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 high-quality, real-time 3D volumetric imaging with a large field of view and reduced computational complexity, overcoming the limitations of conventional 2D imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more lens layers comprising a plurality of lens elements that correspond, respectively, with the plurality of transducer elements. The one or more lens layers are configured to affect a time delay of at least some of the signals emitted by the transducer elements
Data Source
AI summary
A sparse-array ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound transducer with a transducer array having a plurality of transducer elements defining an element layer. One or more lens layers are positioned over the element layer, and the one or more lens layers are configured to provide a time delay to at least some of the signals emitted by at least some of the transducer elements.