Ultrasonic Transducer Array Time-Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic devices for medical imaging and therapy suffer from signal interference due to resonance in piezoelectric transducers and lack integration of image-capturing and treatment functions, leading to space inefficiency, high production costs, and reduced convenience.
Innovation Solution
A biological object image-capturing and treatment system that integrates image-capturing and treatment functions into a single device, utilizing a signal transmitting and receiving element array where adjacent elements transmit or receive signals during different periods, employing distinct power signals for imaging and treatment procedures to minimize interference and enhance signal accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piezoelectric transducers with silver surface plated ceramic materials are used for signal transmission and reception, then the image-capturing speed and resolution are improved, but signal interference occurs due to resonance between adjacent transducers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing time-division multiplexing where adjacent transducers operate in alternating time periods. Specifically, odd-numbered transducers transmit during one period while even-numbered transducers receive, then vice versa in the next period. This periodic switching eliminates simultaneous transmission-reception conflicts and resonance interference between adjacent elements, while maintaining high imaging speed and resolution through rapid alternation.
2Reliability
If separate ultrasonic devices are used for image-capturing and treatment functions, then each function can be optimized independently, but the occupied space increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single ultrasonic transducer array that performs both image-capturing and treatment functions. The same physical transducers used for high-resolution imaging are also employed for therapeutic ultrasound delivery, eliminating the need for separate devices. The system switches between imaging and treatment modes through controlled activation patterns, reducing overall device volume while maintaining functional optimization through software-controlled operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the image-capturing and treatment functions into a single integrated system. The transducer array, signal processing unit, and control mechanisms are combined into one device platform. This consolidation reduces the total occupied space, lowers production costs through shared components, and improves operational convenience while maintaining the reliability of both functions through unified control.
3Speed
If multiple signal transmitting and receiving elements operate simultaneously, then the image-capturing speed increases, but interference between transmitting and receiving elements occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action through time-division multiplexing where the transducer array operates in sequential phases. During each period, only specific subsets of transducers (e.g., odd-numbered or even-numbered) are activated for transmission while others remain in reception mode or are inactive. This periodic switching maintains high parallel processing capability and imaging speed while eliminating simultaneous transmission-reception interference that would occur with continuous full-array operation.
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 system reduces signal interference and improves signal accuracy, allowing for precise imaging and treatment while occupying less space and reducing production costs by integrating functions and using specialized signal operations.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic probes typically use piezoelectric transducers as signal transmitting and receiving components
Implementation Method 2
these ceramic materials are likely to produce resonance and, when adjacent transducers transmit or receive signals, the problem of signal interference often occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A biological object image-capturing and treatment system includes a micro detection and treatment device. The micro detection and treatment device includes a plurality of signal transmitting and receiving elements arranged as an array, wherein adjacent at least two signal transmitting and receiving elements transmit signals or receive signals during different periods. When performing an image-capturing procedure, at least one signal transmitting and receiving element transmits a first power signal and, when performing a treatment procedure, at least one signal transmitting and receiving element transmits a second power signal, wherein a power of the first power signal is different from a power of the second power signal.