Method of driving two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
First Claim
1. A method of driving a two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe comprising the steps of:
- dividing a first set of N transducers in the two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe into Z (<
N) groups, in which a second set of transducers lying at the same or approximately the same distance from a first focal spot of an ultrasonic beam are in the same group;
driving the transducers within the first set on a group-by-group basis; and
generating a first set of signals by adding, within a matrix switch, a second set of signals obtained from one of the Z groups of transducers.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
For the purpose of reducing the load on hardware for driving a two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe having a multiplicity of transducers, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes programmable gain amplifiers a00-a99 for amplifying signal voltages e00-e99 from transducers in a two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe, voltage-to-current converters h00-h99 for converting the voltages into current signals i00-i99, a matrix switch M for outputting additive current signals I0-I9 obtained by dividing the current signals i00-i99 into groups and adding current signals in respective groups, current-to-voltage converters H0-H9 for converting the currents into voltage signals, programmable gain amplifiers A0-A9, A-D converters C0-C9, and a digital beamformer unit B for conducting reception beamforming using digital signals D0-D9 and outputting an acoustic line signal W.
34 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of driving a two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe comprising the steps of:
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dividing a first set of N transducers in the two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe into Z (<
N) groups, in which a second set of transducers lying at the same or approximately the same distance from a first focal spot of an ultrasonic beam are in the same group;
driving the transducers within the first set on a group-by-group basis; and
generating a first set of signals by adding, within a matrix switch, a second set of signals obtained from one of the Z groups of transducers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification