Split Row-Column Addressing for 3D Ultrasound Imaging Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-dimensional transducer planar arrays for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging face challenges with low resolution and inability to deflect transmitted and received beams, due to shared channels and grounding issues, leading to mixed echo signal processing and reduced imaging quality.
Innovation Solution
A split row-column addressing method is introduced, where the two-dimensional planar array is divided into regions, allowing each region to share a wire and channel, enabling time delay calculations for focused beam steering and improved signal processing, reducing hardware complexity and enhancing image resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all array elements share the same ground wire and channel in a two-dimensional transducer planar array, then the device complexity is reduced, but the resolution decreases and beam deflection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the two-dimensional transducer planar array into multiple regions, where each region shares a common ground wire and channel. This segmentation approach reduces the overall connection complexity compared to fully connected arrays while maintaining sufficient resolution and beam deflection capability through regional signal processing.
2Device complexity
If all array elements share one channel and are driven by one channel, then the device complexity is reduced, but transmitted beams cannot be deflected in the channel direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the array into multiple regions, each with its own channel connection. This allows independent control of transmitted beams in the channel direction while maintaining simplified wiring architecture. Each region can be independently driven and its signals separately processed, enabling beam deflection capability.
3Measurement precision
If all array elements are fully connected with individual signal lines, then the beam resolution is maintained, but the manufacturing difficulty increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements regional connection schemes where multiple array elements share common ground wires and channels within each region. This segmentation reduces the total number of individual connection lines required, significantly easing manufacturing complexity while preserving adequate beam resolution through coordinated regional signal processing.
4Measurement precision
If array elements are densely distributed to eliminate grating lobes, then the imaging quality is improved, but the connection and wiring become excessively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the densely distributed array elements into regions that share common ground wires and channels. This segmentation allows maintaining dense element distribution for high imaging quality while reducing overall connection complexity through regional signal sharing. The regional approach enables efficient signal processing despite the dense element distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a split row-column addressing method for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging, and the method comprises: for an N×N planar array, obtain the pulse-echo response distribution from fully connected two-dimensional planar array, parameters thereof comprising beam widths A′ and B′ at −6 dB and −20 dB respectively, average side lobe C′, highest side lobe D′ and main side-lobe energy ratio E′; set counter K=2, split two-dimensional planar array into K regions in channel direction, determine array elements amount and connect array elements in each region; calculate the time delay according to distance between the coordinates of each region and the focus point within a scanning range of the two-dimensional planar array, and analyze the two-dimensional planar array by ultrasonic sound field simulation algorithm according to the time delay of each region. The invention can solve the prior art of low resolution, and the problem that transmitted and received beam cannot be deflected.