Acoustic Imaging Technologies Corp.

William V Harrison, Jr

David E Vogt

Walter J Malinowski

Michael H Slayton

The train of echoes received in an ultrasound imaging system having an array of ultrasound transducers is shaped and/or focused by first and second programmable beam focusing modules (16-24) in a dynamic receive focus mode. The elemental ultrasound echo signals from a plurality of channels connected to the elements of the transducer array are selectively attenuated and/or phased shifted according to the programs prescribed for the focus zones and combined by each module. The combined echo signals are further processed in conventional fashion (34-38). The modules operates alternately. One module is being programmed, while the other module is combining the elemental echo signals for processing. Each beam focusing module comprises a delay line (56-60) having a plurality of input taps and a cross point switch (52) selectively connecting the channels to the input taps. The module is programmed by selectively closing the individual cross points of the cross point switch. Beam shaping i.e. apodizing, is accomplished by selectively attenuating the echoes (A.sub.1 -A.sub.48) prior to application to the input taps of the delay line in each module. The modules can be reconfigured to connect the modules in series in a composite focus mode.

Focused ultrasound imaging system and method

The train of echoes received in an ultrasound imaging system having an array of ultrasound transducers is shaped and/or focused by first and second programmable beam focusing modules in a dynamic receive focus mode. The elemental ultrasound echo signals from a plurality of channels connected to the elements of the transducer array are selectively attenuated and/or phased shifted according to the programs prescribed for the focus zones and combined by each module. The combined echo signals are further processed in conventional fashion. The modules operates alternately. One module is being programmed, while the other module is combining the elemental echo signals for processing. Each beam focusing module comprises a delay line having a plurality of input taps and a cross point switch selectively connecting the channels to the input taps. The module is programmed by selectively closing the individual cross points of the cross point switch. Beam shaping i.e. apodizing, is accomplished by selectively attenuating the echoes prior to application to the input taps of the delay line in each module. The modules can be reconfigured to connect the modules in series in a composite focus mode.

Programmable beam former

An ultrasonic transducer has two intersecting linear arrays defining a cross shaped transducer assembly having four arms and an intersecting area. A plurality of transverse grooves form transducer elements in the arms. Coaxial transducer elements are formed in the intersecting area. Each transducer element has its signal electrode on a common side of the transducer. One or both of the intersecting linear arrays may be curved along its longitudinal axis thus allowing the transducer to be mounted on cylindrical or spherical surfaces.

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Tempe, AZ, United States of America

William V Harrison, Jr