Diagnostic medical ultrasound system and method for using a sparse array
US6224556A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 25, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/4488
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for obtaining ultrasound data with a sparse array of transducer elements is provided. About one wavelength of a highest operating frequency separates the center of each transducer element from any adjacent transducer element. While this spacing may generate grating lobes, the beamformer of the ultrasound system is configured to filter and isolate information at a harmonic of a fundamental transmit frequency. The resultant two-way beam pattern is less effected by the grating lobes. The image generated as a function of the harmonic information has few artifacts created as a function of the sparse spacing of the transducer elements. Given a set number of beamformer transmit channels, the sparse spacing may allow for a larger aperture width with few artifacts as a result of sparse element spacing. The larger aperture width generates a narrower beam in the azimuthal dimension of a one-dimensional transducer. By generating a narrower beam, better azimuthal resolution may be obtained. Alternatively, the number of transmit channels may be reduced to provide a beam width that is the same or similar to a beam generated with a conventional phased array where transducer ele…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.