Ultrasonic Transducer Array Optimization for Sidelobe Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses fail to consider the characteristic differences and edge transducer gaps between ultrasonic transducer blocks, leading to errors in beam convergence and the presence of sidelobes in ultrasonic imaging.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that includes a control unit to determine and adjust transmission/reception conditions based on the position of each ultrasonic transducer block, using optimized delay times and weighting coefficients to account for edge transducer gaps and characteristics, thereby improving acoustic field accuracy and reducing sidelobes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic transducer blocks are bonded together through adhesive layers to form a two-dimensional array, then the probe can achieve real-time 3D scanning capability, but edge transducers experience bonding-induced shape changes and vibration characteristic differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distinguishing edge transducers from inner transducers and applying different delay times and weighting coefficients to each type. The control unit determines transmission/reception conditions based on whether a transducer is located at an edge or inner position, allowing optimized acoustic characteristics for each local region of the transducer array.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive layers are used to bond ultrasonic transducer blocks, then the probe structure is formed, but gaps appear between edge transducers causing beam convergence errors and sidelobes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the positions of all transducers including edge transducers, and pre-calculating appropriate delay times and weighting coefficients before actual ultrasonic transmission/reception occurs. The control unit stores this optimized information and retrieves it during operation to compensate for the gaps caused by adhesive layers.
3Ease of operation
If conventional delay time calculation methods are used without considering edge transducer gaps, then the system is simpler to operate, but beam convergence errors and sidelobes are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the control unit automatically determine transducer positions and calculate optimized delay times and weighting coefficients without requiring manual intervention or complex user input. The system self-configures based on stored position information and executes ultrasonic transmission/reception with optimized parameters automatically.
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
The solution enables accurate ultrasonic transmission/reception by specifying the position of each transducer and applying appropriate delay times and weighting coefficients, resulting in improved deflection angle accuracy and reduced sidelobes, enhancing the overall quality of ultrasonic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic transducers arranged in a two-dimensional matrix... formed by cutting a plurality of (e.g., three) blocks made of a ceramic piezoelectric material
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which noninvasively obtains a tomogram of a soft tissue in a living body from the body surface by an ultrasonic pulse reflection method
Data Source
AI summary
A spatial position x′ of each ultrasonic transducer is accurately obtained for each probe in consideration of each edge transducer gap, and a delay time T(x′(n)) and a weighting coefficient W(x′(n)) are calculated on the basis of the position of each ultrasonic transducer. A control unit executes ultrasonic transmission/reception by using the calculated delay times and weighting coefficients to realize a suitable acoustic field with high deflection angle accuracy, small sidelobes, and the like as compared with the prior art.