Two-dimensional transducer arrays for improved field of view
First Claim
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1. An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising:
- an ultrasonic probe;
a plurality of acoustic elements configured and arranged to form a two-dimensional array, said two-dimensional array configured and adapted to fit within the ultrasonic probe wherein said plurality of acoustic elements includes at least two active acoustic elements capable of generating acoustic pulses and/or receiving echo signals; and
a beam controller coupled to said two-dimensional array, said beam controller capable of driving the at least two active acoustic elements to produce said acoustic pulses originating from the two active acoustic elements for impinging an acoustic target to generate the echo signals, and having associated circuitry configured for controlling directional movement of said acoustic pulses by a combination of tractor treading and beam steering.
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Abstract
A method and system for using two-dimensional transducer arrays for improving the field of view during an ultrasonic examination are disclosed. The ultrasonic imaging system includes a two-dimensional transducer array with a plurality of acoustic elements, a beam controller, a signal processor, and a display. The beam controller controls a generated acoustic beam capable of being advanced longitudinally or laterally along the two-dimensional transducer array. Additionally, the generated acoustic beam is capable of being phase-shifted by the beam controller. Combining the phase shifting of and advancement of the acoustic beam increases the field of view of the two-dimensional array.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising:
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an ultrasonic probe; a plurality of acoustic elements configured and arranged to form a two-dimensional array, said two-dimensional array configured and adapted to fit within the ultrasonic probe wherein said plurality of acoustic elements includes at least two active acoustic elements capable of generating acoustic pulses and/or receiving echo signals; and a beam controller coupled to said two-dimensional array, said beam controller capable of driving the at least two active acoustic elements to produce said acoustic pulses originating from the two active acoustic elements for impinging an acoustic target to generate the echo signals, and having associated circuitry configured for controlling directional movement of said acoustic pulses by a combination of tractor treading and beam steering. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for improving volumetric imaging in an ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising the acts of:
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providing an ultrasonic probe; providing a plurality of acoustic elements configured and arranged to form a two-dimensional array, said two-dimensional array configured and adapted to fit within the ultrasonic probe wherein said plurality of acoustic elements includes at least two active acoustic element capable of generating an acoustic pulse originating from the two active acoustic elements and/or receiving echo signal; providing a beam controller coupled to said two-dimensional array, said beam controller capable of driving the at least two of active acoustic element to produce said acoustic pulse for impinging an acoustic target to generate the echo signals and having associated circuitry configured for controlling directional movement of said acoustic pulses by a combination of tractor treading and beam steering; and actuating said beam controller to generate and move said acoustic pulse. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An ultrasonic imaging kit comprising:
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at least two ultrasonic probes, each having a transducer array and associated circuitry where each ultrasonic probe is configured and dimensioned for alternative placement within an ultrasonic system, at least one of a first ultrasonic probe further including a plurality of acoustic elements configured and arranged to form a two-dimensional array, said two-dimensional array configured and adapted to fit within the ultrasonic probe wherein said plurality of acoustic elements includes at least two active acoustic elements capable of generating an acoustic pulse and/or receiving echo signal; and a beam controller coupled to the circuitry of the first ultrasonic probe and in communication with said transducer array disposed within said ultrasonic probe, said beam controller capable configured for driving the at least two active acoustic elements to produce said acoustic pulses originating from the two active acoustic for impinging an acoustic target to generate echo signals and having associated circuitry configured for controlling directional movement of said acoustic pulses by a combination of tractor treading and beam steering. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An ultrasonic imaging system comprising:
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an ultrasonic probe; a plurality of acoustic elements configured and arranged to form a two-dimensional array, said two-dimensional array configured and adapted to fit within the ultrasonic probe wherein said plurality of acoustic elements includes at least two active acoustic elements capable of generating an acoustic pulse and/or receiving an echo signals; and a beam controller coupled to said two-dimensional array, said beam controller configured for driving the at least two active acoustic element to produce said acoustic pulses originating from the two active acoustic for impinging an acoustic target to generate at the echo signal, and having associated circuitry configured for controlling directional movement of said acoustic pulse by a combination of tractor treading and beam steering. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification