Sparse two-dimensional transducer array
US5677491A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/4488
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A two-dimensional ultrasonic transducer for forming images. The transducer has a plurality of transducer elements for producing ultrasonic bursts in a predetermined manner, and receiving reflected ultrasound from the subject under examination due to the ultrasonic bursts. The plurality of transducer elements are arranged in an array into columns and rows, the columns of the transducer elements arranged in a scanning plane for scanning the subject under examination in order to form a two-dimensional profile of the subject, and the rows of the transducer elements having groups of symmetrically arranged transducer elements being oriented in a elevational plane. Each of the groups of symmetrically arranged transducer elements are mechanically arranged to have a focus at specified locations distant from the transducer which is within the subject under examination. Each of the groups of symmetrically arranged transducer elements coupled to a conductive channels for activating the group of symmetrically arranged transducer elements simultaneously to focus one of the ultrasonic bursts at the specified location from the transducer, and receive signals from the transducer elements due to rec…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.