Ultrasonic CT Transducer Array with Independent Selectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ultrasonic CT devices, the large number of transducers requires a correspondingly large number of transceivers, leading to inefficiencies in signal processing and measurement accuracy, particularly when objects are close to the transducers, causing delays in signal reception and generating electrical noise that reduces measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic CT device employs a transducer array with a smaller number of transceivers, each equipped with independent transmission and reception selectors, allowing simultaneous connection to different transducers for both transmission and reception, enabling timely signal reception and reducing electrical noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the number of transceivers is reduced to miniaturize the device and reduce power consumption, then device size and power consumption are improved, but the ability to receive signals from objects close to transducers deteriorates due to switching delays
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is divided into multiple independent groups, each group being independently controllable. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary transducer groups for each measurement, reducing the effective number of transceivers needed while maintaining measurement capability for close objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple transducer groups in advance, so that when measurement is needed, the appropriate group is already ready for immediate activation without requiring sequential switching. This eliminates the switching delay problem for close object measurement.
2Device complexity
If the number of transceivers is reduced, then device complexity is improved, but electrical noise increases due to rapid switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the transducer array into independent groups with dedicated control circuits, the system eliminates the need for rapid switching between transceivers. Each group can be controlled independently, reducing electrical noise from switching operations while maintaining reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate control circuits that manage multiple transducers without requiring direct switching between transceivers. These intermediary control mechanisms reduce the switching frequency and electrical noise generation while maintaining the reduced number of transceivers configuration.
3Productivity
If transducer selection switch is switched instantaneously to connect transceivers to different transducers, then transmission and reception operations are improved, but signal reception from close objects deteriorates due to incomplete switching
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is segmented into multiple independently controllable groups. This allows the system to activate specific groups for transmission and reception simultaneously without requiring instantaneous switching, thereby maintaining both operational efficiency and signal reception accuracy for close objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple transducer groups in advance with dedicated control circuits, so that transmission and reception can be initiated simultaneously without waiting for switching completion. This preliminary configuration ensures that close object signals are captured accurately while maintaining operational 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
This configuration allows for accurate reception of reflected signals from objects close to the transducers without the need for rapid switching, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reducing noise in ultrasonic CT imaging.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic waves are transmitted from transducers at various positions toward an inside of an object
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic waves scattered on a surface or the inside of the object
Implementation Method 3
ultrasonic waves passing through the inside of the object are received by the transducers
Implementation Method 4
a transmitter, configured to transmit a transmission signal to the transducer
Implementation Method 5
a receiver configured to receive a reception signal received by the transducer
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the invention is to provide an ultrasonic CT device in which a reflected signal or the like from an object disposed close to transducers is received, and a reception signal thereof can be received by a receiver while transceivers whose number is smaller than the number of the transducers are used. The ultrasonic CT device includes: a transducer array in which a plurality of transducers are arranged; transceivers whose number is smaller than the number of the transducers; and a transmission transducer selector and a reception transducer selector disposed for each of the transceivers. While a transmitter included in the transceiver is selectively connected to any of the transducers in the transducer array by the transmission transducer selector, a receiver included in the transceiver is selectively connected to any of the transducers in the transducer array by the reception transducer selector.