Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus
US7217243B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 24, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/483
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A plurality of 2D sub arrays are defined on a 2D array transducer for effecting transmission and reception of ultrasound. For each sub array, a plurality of groups are set. More specifically, a plurality of (16, for example) transducer elements forming a sub array are grouped or divided into a plurality of (4, for example) groups. A multiplexer sums a plurality of receiving signals output from the plurality of transducer elements for each group, and generates a group receiving signal. A plurality of group receiving signals thus generated are then subjected to a sub phase adjusting and summing process to form a sub phase adjusted and summed signal. A plurality of sub phase adjusted and summed signals corresponding to the plurality of sub arrays are then subjected to a main phase adjusting and summing process. A sub phase adjusting and summing processing section is provided within a probe head, a cable connector, or an apparatus body. During transmission, the multiplexer supplies a transmitting signal to a plurality of transducer elements forming a group in parallel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.