Redistribution layer in an ultrasound diagnostic imaging transducer
US9274088B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 1, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/483
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging is performed with a multi-dimensional transducer array and an imaging system for planar scanning. The elements of the array may be distributed on a periodic grid with aperiodic shifts in position. When a one-dimensional array is formed on the array, the aperiodic shifts better distribute acoustic energies, reducing peaks in side lobes. Using a layered structure of switches underneath the acoustic elements, side lobes may be further reduced. The switches are used for interconnecting elements to form macro elements of the one-dimensional aperture on the multi-dimensional array. The switches are distributed on a grid corresponding to the desired imaging frequency. The acoustic elements are distributed with a finer pitch. The finer pitch allows formation of the macro elements for the one-dimensional aperture where the edges of the macro elements have fewer or no periodic patterns.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.