Ultrasound Imaging Device Sub-Array Transducer Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional ultrasound image acquisition devices face challenges due to the high number of ultrasonic transducers, which complicates the electronic control circuit and data transmission, particularly in terms of limited configuration options between the transducer array and the transmit/receive circuits.
Innovation Solution
The device is designed with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a matrix of sub-arrays, each with a single transmit/receive circuit and a combiner/splitter selector circuit, allowing for flexible coupling of transducers to the circuit, either individually or in groups, to optimize data acquisition strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of ultrasonic transducers is increased to achieve three-dimensional image acquisition, then the imaging capability and resolution are improved, but the complexity of the electronic control circuit and data transmission increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is divided into multiple sub-arrays, with each sub-array independently coupled to a transmit/receive circuit. This segmentation allows the large-scale transducer array to be managed through multiple smaller, independent units, reducing the overall circuit complexity while maintaining the capability to acquire three-dimensional images through coordinated operation of all sub-arrays
Solution Approach 2:
Each transmit/receive circuit is designed to be universally compatible with multiple transducers within its sub-array. The circuits can selectively couple to different transducers based on imaging requirements, allowing a single circuit design to serve multiple functions and reducing the total number of dedicated circuits needed
2Device complexity
If the number of transmit and receive circuits is reduced through multiplexing, then the electronic control circuit bulk is reduced and data transmission is simplified, but the configuration flexibility between transducer array and circuits is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic coupling mechanisms that allow transmit/receive circuits to be selectively connected to different transducers within sub-arrays based on imaging requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the same reduced number of circuits to adapt to various imaging modes and configurations, maintaining flexibility while keeping the overall circuit count low
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes multiple coupling configurations between transmit/receive circuits and transducer sub-arrays during system initialization or setup phases. These pre-configured coupling options allow rapid switching between different imaging modes without requiring physical reconfiguration, thereby maintaining adaptability while using a reduced number of circuits
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 enables efficient data acquisition and processing by allowing various strategies for image acquisition, improving resolution and signal-to-noise ratio while reducing the bulk of the electronic control circuit and simplifying data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic device is configured to apply electric excitation signals to the transducers to cause the transmission of ultrasound waves by the transducers
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasound waves transmitted by the transducers are reflected by the body to be analyzed, and then return to the transducers, which convert them back into electric signals
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic imaging device includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the array being divided into a plurality of sub-arrays of neighboring transducers, each including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the device including, for each sub-array:a single transmit and/or receive circuit; anda combiner selector and/or splitter selector circuit configurable to couple any, alone, of the transducers of the sub-array to the transmit and/or receive circuit of the sub-array, or to simultaneously couple a plurality of the transducers of the sub-array to the transmit and/or receive circuit of the sub-array. The device further includes a control circuit adapted to individually controlling the combiner selector and/or splitter selector circuits of the different sub-arrays.