Ultrasound Transducer Array for Acoustic Sensor Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating acoustic sensors implanted within subjects, such as needles or catheters, are inefficient due to their specular nature and unfavorable incidence angles, making it challenging to visualize them under ultrasound guidance.
Innovation Solution
A location device utilizing an ultrasound transducer array with a controller arrangement that performs frequency analysis on reflected signals to progressively refine the location of the acoustic sensor through adaptive transmit beam patterns, allowing for precise localization without mechanical movement of the transducer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic sensors are embedded in interventional devices for ultrasound tracking, then the sensors can be located under ultrasound guidance, but the sensors become difficult to visualize due to their specular nature and unfavorable incidence angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized ultrasound transducer array as an intermediary device between the acoustic sensor and the imaging system. This transducer array with independent element control acts as a mediator that can actively probe and detect the acoustic sensor's position, overcoming the sensor's specular nature and unfavorable incidence angles that make it difficult to visualize with conventional ultrasound imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical B-mode ultrasound imaging with an electronic field-based detection system. Instead of relying on mechanical scanning and visual interpretation of ultrasound images, the system uses electronic control of transducer elements to transmit focused ultrasound beams and detect reflected signals, substituting mechanical visualization with electronic signal processing and frequency analysis.
2Ease of operation
If conventional B-mode ultrasound imaging is used to locate acoustic sensors, then the imaging process is simple, but the location accuracy is insufficient due to specular reflections and unfavorable incidence angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultrasound transducer array into independently controllable elements, allowing each element or group of elements to be controlled separately. This segmentation enables the transmission of focused ultrasound beams at different angles and the independent analysis of reflected signals from different directions, thereby improving location accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key imaging parameters by using frequency analysis of reflected signals instead of conventional amplitude-based B-mode imaging. By analyzing the frequency characteristics of echoes from the acoustic sensor, the system achieves higher location accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automated signal processing.
3Productivity
If the transducer array uses electronic beamforming to image volumetric regions, then high frame rates and robust elevation focusing are achieved, but the number of elements (100-200 rows and columns) increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functionality needed for acoustic sensor localization from the full 2D array capabilities. Instead of utilizing all 100-200 rows and columns for general volumetric imaging, the system selectively activates and processes signals from specific transducer elements that are most relevant for detecting the acoustic sensor's position, thereby reducing the effective complexity while maintaining high frame rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only a subset of the transducer array's full capability for the specific task of acoustic sensor localization. The system activates and processes signals from selected elements rather than all elements, achieving the required location precision with reduced computational and operational complexity while preserving the ability to perform full volumetric imaging when needed.
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 significantly reduces uncertainty and improves workflow in locating acoustic sensors, enabling high-precision location in a shorter time by iteratively increasing accuracy through non-focused and focused transmit beams, and determining the sensor's orientation for optimal signal reception.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound transducer array arranged to transmit a plurality of ultrasound beams and receive corresponding reflected echo signals
Implementation Method 2
receive corresponding reflected echo signals
Implementation Method 3
An acoustic sensor device in general has a membrane which deforms in response to an external stimulus, and has a resonance frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A location device is provided for determining the location of an acoustic sensor. A location process makes use of a plurality of transmit beams (wherein a beam is defined as a transmission from all transducers of an ultrasound array), with a frequency analysis to identify if there is a signal reflected from the acoustic sensor. A location is obtained from the plurality of frequency analyses.