Superpixel array of piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers for 2-D beamforming
US10139479B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG10K11/341
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An array of piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer elements includes a plurality of superpixel regions. Each superpixel region includes at least two pixel sets, a first pixel set of the at least two pixel sets being disposed in a central portion of the superpixel region, and at least a second pixel set being disposed in an outer portion of the superpixel region. An electrical coupling may be provided between the array and transceiver electronics. The transceiver electronics may be configured to operate the array in a selectable one of a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the array generates a substantially plane ultrasonic wave having a first acoustic pressure. In the second mode, the array generates, from each superpixel region, a focused beam having a second acoustic pressure that is substantially higher than the first acoustic pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.