2D Transducer Array Interposer for 3D Medical Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current beamforming methods for medical imaging systems face challenges in efficiently arranging and controlling two-dimensional transducer-arrays to achieve high-definition three-dimensional imaging, particularly in integrating multiple transducer-arrays and optimizing delay times for analog and digital beamforming processes.
Innovation Solution
A beamforming apparatus comprising multiple two-dimensional transducer-arrays connected by an interposer, with a controller generating delay signals for each transducer and driving units that include delayers and switch devices to implement transmitting and receiving delays, allowing for flexible arrangement and hybrid beamforming in both horizontal and vertical directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple 2D transducer-arrays are integrated to achieve high-definition 3D imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer system is divided into multiple independent 2D transducer-arrays that can be arranged in tile formations. Each array is a separate module with its own driving unit, allowing the system to achieve large-aperture 3D imaging while maintaining modular complexity management. The segmentation enables high-definition imaging through multiple coordinated arrays rather than requiring a single complex monolithic array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D transducer arrays to a three-dimensional configuration by stacking multiple 2D arrays in the elevation direction. This dimensional expansion enables volumetric 3D imaging capability while maintaining the manageable complexity of individual 2D array modules. The interposer structure facilitates this three-dimensional arrangement by providing electrical interconnection between stacked arrays.
2Adaptability or versatility
If delay times are optimized for each transducer to enable flexible beamforming, then beamforming performance is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Delay values for each transducer are pre-calculated and stored in a lookup table based on geometric relationships and desired beamforming parameters. During operation, the controller simply retrieves pre-computed delay values rather than calculating them in real-time, significantly reducing control complexity while maintaining flexible beamforming capability for both analog and digital beamforming modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driving units are used to control each transducer array, then control flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each driving unit is designed as a universal module capable of controlling any 2D transducer-array regardless of its position in the tiled configuration. The driving units implement both analog beamforming with delayers and digital beamforming capabilities, making them multi-functional. This universality allows standardized manufacturing of driving units while maintaining the flexibility to control multiple arrays through the interposer interface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If transducer-arrays are arranged in tile formations, then system scalability is improved, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple 2D transducer-arrays are arranged in a nested tile formation where arrays are stacked in the elevation direction and connected through interposers. This nested arrangement allows scalable system construction by adding or removing entire tile modules. The interposer provides a standardized interface that simplifies the integration of nested arrays, enabling systematic scaling from small to large aperture configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A beamforming method includes generating a control signal for implementing a delay time for each of a plurality of transducers of each of a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) transducer-arrays, transmitting the control signal to a plurality of driving units respectively corresponding to the plurality of 2D transducer-arrays via an interposer that electrically connects the plurality of 2D transducer-arrays to each other, and driving each 2D transducer-array of the plurality of 2D transducer-arrays with a corresponding driving unit of the plurality of driving units according to the control signal transmitted via the interposer.