Electret acoustic transducer array for computerized ultrasound risk evaluation system
First Claim
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1. A system for examining tissue, the system comprising:
- a sensor system having at least one acoustic transducer array, each such acoustic transducer array comprising;
a substrate having a plurality of distinct cells formed therein;
a plurality of acoustic transducing elements, each such acoustic transducing element being formed of an electret material and positioned within one of the distinct cells; and
a flexible conductive membrane formed over the distinct cells; and
a control system in communication with the sensor system, the control system comprising a controller adapted to control the at least one acoustic transducer array for insonifying the tissue and receiving scattered acoustic radiation from the tissue, wherein the received scattered acoustic radiation includes a mix of reflected and transmitted acoustic waves.
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Abstract
An electret-based acoustic transducer array is provided and may be used in a system for examining tissue. The acoustic transducer array is formed with a substrate that has a multiple distinct cells formed therein. Within each of the distinct cells is positioned an acoustic transducing element formed of an electret material. A conductive membrane is formed over the distinct cells and may be flexible.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A system for examining tissue, the system comprising:
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a sensor system having at least one acoustic transducer array, each such acoustic transducer array comprising;
a substrate having a plurality of distinct cells formed therein;
a plurality of acoustic transducing elements, each such acoustic transducing element being formed of an electret material and positioned within one of the distinct cells; and
a flexible conductive membrane formed over the distinct cells; and
a control system in communication with the sensor system, the control system comprising a controller adapted to control the at least one acoustic transducer array for insonifying the tissue and receiving scattered acoustic radiation from the tissue, wherein the received scattered acoustic radiation includes a mix of reflected and transmitted acoustic waves. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for examining tissue, the method comprising:
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insonifying the tissue;
receiving scattered acoustic radiation from the tissue with an acoustic transducer array having a plurality of acoustic transducing elements formed of an electret material and positioned within distinct cells of a substrate, wherein the acoustic transducer array is disposed to surround at least a portion of the tissue, whereby the received scattered acoustic radiation includes a mix of reflected and transmitted acoustic waves; and
generating a representation of the portion of the tissue from the received scattered acoustic radiation. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A system for examining tissue, the system comprising:
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means for insonifying the tissue;
means for receiving scattered acoustic radiation from the tissue including an acoustic transducer array having a plurality of electret transducing means for converting the scattered acoustic radiation into electrical signals, each such electret transducing means being formed within distinct cells of a substrate, wherein the means for receiving scattered acoustic radiation is disposed to surround at least a portion of the tissue, whereby the received scattered acoustic radiation includes a mix of reflected and transmitted acoustic waves; and
means for generating a representation of the portion of the tissue from the electrical signals. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification