Ultrasound imaging system using an array of transducer elements and an imaging method

Abstract

The invention provides an ultrasound imaging system, comprising an array of transducer elements grouped into element groups, wherein the element groups comprise a plurality of first element groups (having a first orientation) and a plurality of second element groups (having a second orientation different from the first orientation). A first conductor is connected to each of the elements in each first element grouping and a second conductor is connected to each of the elements in each second element grouping. Each element group is adapted to be activated for transmission or reception by the application of a bias voltage, by way of a plurality of bias voltage circuits, and controlled by a plurality of transmit and receive circuits. The system is adapted to acquire first ultrasound data, wherein the bias voltage is applied to the first conductors of the array (or a sub-array) and the transducers receive a signal from a transmit and receive circuit. The system is further adapted to acquire second ultrasound data, wherein the bias voltage is applied to the second conductors of the array (or a different sub-array) and the transducers receive a signal from a transmit and receive circuit. Thus, the ultrasound system is adapted to acquire two separate ultrasound data (such as ultrasound images) corresponding to different views without requiring any physical movement of the array.