Linear transducer array and method for both pulse-echo and holographic acoustic imaging
US4170142A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1977 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/2695
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A linear transducer array for transmitting and receiving acoustic waves in both pulse-echo and holographic modes of operation. For pulse-echo acoustic imaging the array includes a linear subarray of transmitting transducer elements disposed in a plane along a longitudinal axis. Each transmitting element has an elongate shape and a principal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the array. For holographic imaging the apparatus further includes a removable mechanical shutter for blocking a predetermined portion of the principal axis of each of the transmitting elements so that a dispersive acoustic beam can be generated. The array also includes a linear subarray of receiving transducer elements coplanar with the transmitting subarray and disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis. The subarray of receiving elements is used to detect the reflected acoustic waves for both holographic and pulse-echo imaging.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.