SUPERPIXEL ARRAY OF PIEZOELECTRIC ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCERS FOR 2-D BEAMFORMING

摘要

An array of piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer elements includes a plurality of superpixel regions. Each superpixel region includes at least two pixel sets, a first pixel set of the at least two pixel sets being disposed in a central portion of the superpixel region, and at least a second pixel set being disposed in an outer portion of the superpixel region. An electrical coupling may be provided between the array and transceiver electronics. The transceiver electronics may be configured to operate the array in a selectable one of a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the array generates a substantially plane ultrasonic wave having a first acoustic pressure. In the second mode, the array generates, from each superpixel region, a focused beam having a second acoustic pressure that is substantially higher than the first acoustic pressure.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
an array of piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer elements, the array including a plurality of superpixel regions, each superpixel region including at least two pixel sets, a first pixel set of the at least two pixel sets being disposed in a central portion of the superpixel region, and at least a second pixel set being disposed in an outer portion of the superpixel region; transceiver electronics; and an electrical coupling between the transceiver electronics and the array; wherein the transceiver electronics is configured to operate the array in a selectable one of a first mode and a second mode;
in the first mode, the array generates a substantially plane ultrasonic wave having a first acoustic pressure; andin the second mode, the array generates, from each superpixel region, a focused beam having a second acoustic pressure that is substantially higher than the first acoustic pressure.