Ultrasound Probe Virtual Origin Control for Trapezoidal Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses using trapezoidal scanning methods experience decreased image quality at the center of the scan region due to wide inter-acoustic line angles, which reduces the acoustic line density and image clarity.

Innovation Solution

The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus adjusts scan conditions to set smaller inter-acoustic line angles at the center compared to the edges, and positions virtual origins closer to the transducer at the edges than at the center, allowing for controlled trapezoidal scanning with improved acoustic line density and image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional virtual origin method is used for trapezoidal scanning, then wide field of view is achieved, but inter-acoustic line angle at center becomes wide causing decreased image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidimage quality at center

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by setting different virtual origin positions for different regions of the transducer array. Specifically, the center transducer group uses a first virtual origin position while edge transducer groups use second virtual origin positions that are closer to the transducer surface. This regional differentiation allows the center region to maintain smaller inter-acoustic line angles for better image quality while edge regions contribute to expanding the overall field of view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If virtual origin is set on back side of transducer for trapezoidal scanning, then scan region is expanded, but acoustic line density at center decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan regionVSAvoidacoustic line density

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by differentiating virtual origin positioning between center and edge transducer groups. The center transducer group maintains a larger distance to its virtual origin (first virtual origin position), resulting in smaller inter-acoustic line angles and higher acoustic line density. Edge transducer groups use smaller distances to their virtual origins (second virtual origin positions), which helps expand the overall scan region while maintaining acceptable line density at boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If equal inter-acoustic line angles are controlled across all transducers, then uniform scanning is achieved, but center region image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning uniformityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally creating unequal virtual origin distances for different transducer groups. Instead of using a uniform virtual origin position for all transducers, the center transducer group uses a first virtual origin position (farther from transducer surface) while edge transducer groups use second virtual origin positions (closer to transducer surface). This asymmetric configuration optimizes image quality at the center by reducing inter-acoustic line angles in that region, while still maintaining functional scanning uniformity across the overall field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 image quality by increasing acoustic line density at the center and maintaining stable image quality across the scan region, providing a wider field of view while minimizing abrupt changes in image quality.

Implementation Method 1

transmits ultrasound toward a subject by driving an ultrasound probe in which a plurality of transducers are arranged in an array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

receives a reception signal that is based on waves reflected within the subject from the ultrasound probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11484295B2Ultrasound diagnostic technique for setting virtual origins of acoustic lines for trapezoidal scanning

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus transmits ultrasound toward a subject by driving an ultrasound probe in which multiple transducers are arranged in an array, receives a reception signal that is based on waves reflected within the subject from the ultrasound probe, and generates an ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: a scan control section that sets scan conditions so that trapezoidal scanning is performed by the ultrasound probe; and a transmission section that controls driving of the ultrasound probe based on the scan conditions. The scan control section sets the scan conditions so that the inter-acoustic line angles in or around the center of the ultrasound probe are smaller than the inter-acoustic line angles near the edges when viewed along the scan direction.