Ultrasound Transducer Array Wavefront Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound systems face challenges in achieving high-resolution imaging due to limited aperture size, view-dependent artefacts, and the need for precise physical positioning of transducers, which restricts data collection and image quality, especially at large depths.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple ultrasound transmitters and receivers that use coherent signal combination by determining the relative spatial positions of transmitters based on wavefront analysis, allowing for improved image formation without requiring precise physical positioning, and enabling an extended effective aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single ultrasound transducer with large physical aperture is used, then image resolution and imaging depth are improved, but device complexity and adaptability to different applications deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ultrasound system into multiple separate transducers instead of using a single large transducer. Each transducer is simpler and more adaptable, but their combined effect creates an extended effective aperture through coherent signal combination, achieving high resolution without requiring a single complex large-aperture device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the capabilities of multiple separate transducers by coherently combining their signals. The relative spatial positions of transmitters are determined from received wavefronts, and this position information is used to perform coherent signal combination, creating an extended effective aperture that achieves imaging performance equivalent to a single large transducer
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate ultrasound transmitters are used to extend aperture, then image resolution is improved, but the need for precise relative positioning of transmitters increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines its own relative spatial positioning using the ultrasound waves it transmits and receives. By analysing received wavefronts from multiple transmitters, the system self-calibrates the relative positions of transmitters without requiring external positioning systems or manual calibration, eliminating the need for high-precision mechanical positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses received wavefront information as feedback to determine transmitter positions. The analysing of received wavefronts provides position data that is then fed back into the coherent signal combination process, creating a self-correcting system that automatically adapts to actual transmitter positions
3Ease of operation
If conventional ultrasound transducers are used, then device simplicity and ease of operation are maintained, but image quality and resolution at large depths deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple simple transducers instead of one complex large-aperture transducer. Each transducer maintains simplicity and ease of operation, but their coordinated operation through coherent signal combination with extended effective aperture achieves improved image quality and resolution at large depths
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 the effective aperture, improving resolution and contrast, and allowing for imaging at greater depths with reduced artefacts, while maintaining adaptability across different applications.
Implementation Method 1
configuring two or more separate ultrasound transmitters to transmit a signal into a coincident region
Implementation Method 2
analysing each of the received wavefronts to determine a relative spatial position of each of the two or more separate ultrasound transmitters
Implementation Method 3
using the determined relative spatial position of each of the two or more separate ultrasound transmitters to perform coherent signal combination of the wavefronts
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described provide an ultrasound method, and an ultrasound apparatus and computer program product operable to perform that method. In some embodiments, the method allows for provision of a multi-transducer ultrasound imaging system by providing a robust method to accurately localize the transducers in the system in order to beamform a final image. The method and apparatus described allow for improvements in imaging quality in terms of resolution, depth penetration, contrast and signal to noise ratio (SNR).