Ultrasonic Transducer Surface Mapping for Focus Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic transducer arrays face challenges in maintaining accurate focus and preventing secondary hot spots due to transducer element location deviations and improper wiring, which can lead to reduced therapy effectiveness and tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving surface mapping to determine the actual location of each transducer element, adjusting drive signals based on the comparison between actual and expected locations, and updating controller files to correct for deviations and wiring errors, ensuring precise control of the transducer output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If transducer elements are positioned according to a pre-determined spherical model, then software configuration is simplified, but actual focus accuracy deteriorates due to manufacturing and thermal deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs surface mapping and determines actual transducer element locations before therapy treatment. By pre-measuring the actual positions of all transducer elements and storing this information in a lookup table, the system prepares correction data in advance. During therapy, the pre-determined spherical model software can continue to be used while automatically retrieving actual position corrections from the stored mapping data, thus maintaining both ease of software configuration and focus accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If transducer element locations are measured and corrected, then focus precision is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional mapping and correction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy or map of the actual transducer surface by measuring element positions and storing them in a lookup table. This digital replica allows the control system to retrieve actual position corrections without physically modifying the transducer or adding complex real-time measurement equipment during therapy. The copied position data is used to adjust drive signals, maintaining focus precision while avoiding the complexity of continuous physical measurement systems.
3Reliability
If surface mapping is performed to determine actual element locations, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but measurement and calibration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface mapping and actual position measurement is performed as a preliminary one-time calibration step before therapy sessions. The measured positions are stored in a lookup table for rapid retrieval during treatment. This approach concentrates the time-consuming measurement activity in advance, allowing subsequent therapy sessions to use the pre-established mapping data without repeating lengthy calibration procedures, thus improving therapy effectiveness while minimizing time loss during actual treatment.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If drive signals are adjusted based on actual locations, then secondary hot spots are reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual transducer element positions (measured during surface mapping) are used to adjust the drive signals. The system retrieves actual position data from the lookup table based on the intended focal zone, compares it with the spherical model positions, and automatically modifies the drive signal parameters accordingly. This feedback loop eliminates secondary hot spots by compensating for position deviations without requiring complex manual control adjustments.
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 the accuracy and quality of ultrasonic therapy by compensating for transducer element shifts and deformations, reducing secondary hot spots and improving focus precision, thereby increasing the effectiveness of tissue treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a time of flight of a pulse emitted from each transducer element and detected by a sensor
Implementation Method 2
measuring a time of flight of a pulse emitted from each transducer element and detected by a sensor
Implementation Method 3
piezo-ceramic transducers are driven by electric signals to produce ultrasonic energy
Implementation Method 4
The target tissue region is heated until the tissue is necrosed
Implementation Method 5
This series of sonications is used to cause coagulation necrosis of a tissue structure
Data Source
AI summary
Method for adjusting the output of a phased array ultrasonic transducer using surface mapping. The transducer surface is mapped using a sensor, such as a hydrophone, to determine the actual location of each transducer element relative to the expected location of each transducer element. Mapping can be performed by measuring a distance between a hydrophone and each transducer element. At least one of the hydrophone and the transducer are moveable relative to each other to map the transducer surface. A determination is made whether the actual location of a transducer element differs from the expected location. Drive signals of certain transducer elements having actual locations that differ from expected locations are adjusted to control the output of the transducer.