Ultrasound imaging with sparse array probes
Inventors
Davis, Henry A. • Specht, Donald F. • Call, Josef R. • Adam, Sharon L. • Smith, David M. • GOKBORA, Erik
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Assignees
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MAUI ImagingMAUI Imaging develops ultrasound-based medical imaging solutions designed to overcome the limitations of traditional ultrasound, particularly in visualizing anatomy beyond bone, air, and metal barriers. Founded in 2006, the company has pioneered Computed Echo Tomography (CET) to enable diagnostic imaging in settings where conventional CT or MRI are impractical. With over 160 patents granted and FDA clearance for its K3900 system, MAUI Imaging targets applications in trauma medicine, critical care, neurosurgery, and interventional radiology, aiming to enhance timely diagnostics and interventions in both civilian and military environments.
MAUI Imaging develops ultrasound-based medical imaging solutions designed to overcome the limitations of traditional ultrasound, particularly in visualizing anatomy beyond bone, air, and metal barriers. Founded in 2006, the company has pioneered Computed Echo Tomography (CET) to enable diagnostic imaging in settings where conventional CT or MRI are impractical. With over 160 patents granted and FDA clearance for its K3900 system, MAUI Imaging targets applications in trauma medicine, critical care, neurosurgery, and interventional radiology, aiming to enhance timely diagnostics and interventions in both civilian and military environments.
Publication Number
US-12048587-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
Sparse arrays of transducer elements may be beneficial in providing ultrasound transducer probes with a wide total aperture while containing a manageable number of transducer elements. Sparse arrays made with bulk piezoelectric materials or with arrays of micro-elements can be effectively with ping-based multiple aperture ultrasound imaging techniques to perform real-time volumetric imaging.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention relates to ultrasound imaging improvements using sparse, ping-based multiple-aperture systems. It highlights real-time 2D/3D/4D imaging in which a point-source ping transmission enables fast volume insonification compared with scanline methods.
A key part of the invention is the use of a transmit aperture that approximates a point source, while using receive transducer elements on multiple aperture regions. The disclosure describes sparse array probe and transducer constructions in which micro-element-based transducer elements are grouped into array elements, including strategies for multi-frequency sparse array designs.
The disclosure includes probe architectures with physical gaps between probe segments so that imaging can be performed directly under a gap of open space. It describes combining receive aperture information from both sides of the gap by using paired receive apertures, to produce a volumetric image of the region below the gap.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines an ultrasound imaging system with a gap-separated probe and a ping-based multiple-aperture imaging control scheme, with a single main inventive combination of probe structure and volumetric image formation. The dependent claim adds a structural refinement that each array segment includes an array of micro-elements.
Gap-separated first and second array segments in fixed positions
The transducer probe has a first array segment and a second array segment separated by a gap of open space, with the first and second array segments secured to at least one structural housing member rigidly holding the first and second arrays in fixed positions relative to one another.
Unfocused ping transmission approximating a point source
The imaging control system transmits an unfocused ultrasound ping from a transmit aperture approximating a point-source into an object to be imaged.
Paired receive apertures to receive echoes below the gap
The imaging control system receives echoes of the ping from reflectors directly below the gap using receive transducer elements on both the first array segment and the second array segment.
Volumetric image generation by combining echoes from both array segments
The imaging control system produces a volumetric image of the region below the gap by combining echo data from echoes received by receive elements on both the first array segment and the second array segment.
Array segments formed by micro-elements
The system is configured such that each array segment is an array of micro-elements.
Across the independent claim and its dependent refinement, the inventive aspects focus on a transducer probe with first and second array segments separated by a gap of open space held in fixed positions, an imaging control system that transmits an unfocused ping from a transmit aperture approximating a point source, receiving echoes directly below the gap using receive elements on both array segments, and generating a volumetric image by combining echo data from both sides of the gap; the dependent claim specifies micro-elements in each array segment.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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