Patent ID: 12228643

The features and advantages of the disclosed technologies will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. Introduction

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but is instead defined by the appended claims. Thus, embodiments beyond those shown in the accompanying drawings, such as modified versions of the illustrated embodiments, may nevertheless be encompassed by the present invention.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” or the like, indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the relevant art(s) to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

II. Example Embodiments

Example embodiments described herein are capable of providing a modularized acoustic probe that includes multiple acoustic transducers that have discrete substrates. A substrate of an acoustic transducer is a base material on which processing is performed to produce layer(s) of material(s) thereon. Examples of such processing include but are not limited to surface passivation, photolithography, ion implantation, etching, plasma ashing, thermal treatments, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Each acoustic transducer may include a single discrete substrate or multiple discrete substrates. For instance, each of multiple sub-components of the acoustic transducer may have a respective discrete substrate.

Example modularized acoustic probes described herein have a variety of benefits as compared to conventional acoustic probes. For instance, the example modularized acoustic probes may be capable of increasing bandwidth and/or sensitivity, as compared to conventional acoustic probes, while being capable of generating acoustic signals and detecting acoustic signals. Accordingly, images produced by the example modularized acoustic probes may have increased spatial resolution, penetration, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), tissue harmonic imaging performance, and Doppler imaging performance, as compared to conventional acoustic probes, without sacrificing the ability to generate acoustic waves.

The example modularized acoustic probes may include transducers (or transducer arrays) that are formed from respective types of substrates. For instance, a first subset of transducers may be formed from a first type of substrate, a second subset of the transducers may be formed from a second type of substrate that is different from the first type of substrate, and so on. Each subset of the transducers includes one or more of the transducers.

The example modularized acoustic probes may include transducers (or transducer arrays) that have respective types of transducer structure. For instance, one subset of transducers may have a first type of transducer structure, a second subset of the transducers may have a second type of transducer structure that is different from the first transducer structure, and so on.

An example modularized acoustic probe may include first transducer(s) that are configured to generate acoustic signals and second transducer(s) that are not configured to generate acoustic signals. For instance, the second transducer(s) may be capable of detecting acoustic signals more accurately, precisely, and/or efficiently than the first transducer(s). The first transducer(s) may be capable of generating acoustic signals more accurately, precisely, and/or efficiently than the second transducer(s).

An example modularized acoustic probe may include two arrays of transducers such that the transducers in the first array have a first type of transducer structure and the transducers in the second array have a second type of transducer structure. Having two arrays of transducers may cause the modularized acoustic probe to have a relatively lower complexity and/or cost than conventional 1.5D probes, which often include three or more arrays of transducers.

Example techniques described herein for making a modularized acoustic probe may provide a higher yield, as compared to conventional techniques for making an acoustic probe.

FIG.1is a block diagram of an example acoustic system100that includes modularized acoustic transducers118in accordance with an embodiment. The acoustic system100is operable to transmit acoustic signals (e.g., infrasound signals, human-audible signals, and/or ultrasound signals) toward an object, detect resulting echo signals that reflect from the object, and display a representation of the echo signals as an image. As shown inFIG.1, the acoustic system100includes a modularized acoustic probe102, an imaging system104, and a display106. The modularized acoustic probe102includes a probe scanhead108and a multiplexer110. The probe scanhead108includes the modularized acoustic transducers118. At least some of the modularized acoustic transducers118are operable during a transmit phase to convert electrical pulses that are received from the multiplexer110into acoustic waves and to transmit the acoustic waves toward object(s) in an environment of the acoustic system100. At least some of the modularized acoustic transducers118are operable during a receive phase to detect the echo signals, which result from the acoustic waves reflecting from the object(s), and to convert the echo signals into electrical signals.

The multiplexer110includes analog switches that are configured to selectively connect channels of the imaging system104to desired modularized acoustic transducers in the probe scanhead108. In the transmit phase, the multiplexer110forwards electrical pulses associated with the channels of the imaging system104to corresponding subsets of the modularized acoustic transducers118. In the receive phase, the multiplexer110forwards electrical pulses from subsets of the modularized acoustic transducers118to the imaging system104.

The imaging system104includes a transmitter112, a receiver114, and a computing system116. The transmitter112generates electrical pulses that are provided to the multiplexer110to drive the modularized acoustic transducers118. The receiver114receives electrical pulses from the multiplexer110and forwards those electrical pulses to the computing system116for processing. The computing system116provides output signals corresponding to the channels of the imaging system104, which cause the transmitter112to generate the electrical pulses that are provided to the multiplexer110. The computing system116also processes electrical pulses that are received from the receiver114. For instance, the computing system116generates image pixels based on the electrical pulses that are received from the receiver114.

The display106converts the image pixels that are received from the computing system116to display pixels. The display106displays the display pixels to form an image of the object(s).

FIG.2is a block diagram of an example modularized acoustic transducer200in accordance with an embodiment. For instance, the modularized acoustic transducer200may be an example implementation of one of the modularized acoustic transducers118shown inFIG.1. The modularized acoustic transducer200includes a photodetector module222, a laser module224, a bias module226, a tuning module228, a transducer module230, a thermal module232, and a lens module234. The photodetector module222includes at least one photodetector, which converts optical signals into electrical signals. For instance, the optical signal may be a laser beam that is modulated by a reflected acoustic signal, which has been reflected from an object (e.g., tissue or bone). The laser module224includes at least one laser, which transmits a laser beam to optical sensor elements. For example, the optical sensor elements may be included in the transducer module230. In accordance with this example, the transducer module203may be an acousto-optic sensor module that includes at least one acousto-optic sensor, which converts an acoustic signal to an optical signal. For instance, the acoustic signal may be the aforementioned reflected acoustic signal, which has been reflected from the object. The bias module226includes at least one bias circuit, which provides bias voltages to transducer elements in the transducer module230that require bias voltages. The tuning module228includes at least one tuning circuit, which performs impedance matching between transducer elements in the transducer module230and channels of an imaging system (e.g., imaging system104).

The transducer module230includes a transducer having at least one transducer element. For example, the transducer module230may include a single transducer element. In another example, the transducer module230may include multiple transducer elements (e.g., an array of transducer elements). Each transducer element converts electric signals to acoustic signals and/or converts acoustic signals to electric signals. Each transducer element may include multiple sub-elements, though the scope of the example embodiments is not limited in this respect. The transducer module230may be configured in any of a variety of ways. For example, the transducer module230may be configured to be an acousto-optic sensor module (as mentioned above), a whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator module, etc. A WGM resonator module includes at least one WGM resonator, which supports WGMs and modulates the laser beam that is transmitted by the laser module224.

The thermal module232includes at least one thermal circuit, which regulates temperature inside a probe scanhead (e.g., probe scanhead108) that includes the modularized acoustic transducer200. The lens module234includes at least one lens, which provides mechanical focusing of acoustic signals that are transmitted and/or received by the transducer module230.

The modularized acoustic transducer200is shown to include seven modules222,224,226,228,230,232, and234for non-limiting, illustrative purposes. It will be recognized that the modularized acoustic transducer200may include any suitable number of modules (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, . . . ). Moreover, each of the modules222,224,226,228,230,232, and234may be divided into multiple smaller modules. It will be further recognized that the modularized acoustic transducer200need not necessarily include any one or more of the photodetector module222, the laser module224, the bias module226, the tuning module228, the transducer module230, the thermal module232, and/or the lens module234. For instance, in an example embodiment, the modularized acoustic transducer200consists of five modules: the photodetector module222, the laser module224, the transducer module230, the thermal module232, and the lens module234. Moreover, the modularized acoustic transducer200may include module(s) in addition to or in lieu of the photodetector module222, the laser module224, the bias module226, the tuning module228, the transducer module230, the thermal module232, and/or the lens module234. The modules222,224,226,228,230,232, and234may be built at the same time and in the same place, or at different times and in different places before being assembled to form the modularized acoustic transducer200.

FIG.3is a block diagram of an example modularized acoustic probe300in accordance with an embodiment. The modularized acoustic probe300includes a first modularized acoustic transducer318aand a second modularized acoustic transducer318b. The first modularized acoustic transducer318ais configured to generate an acoustic signal344and to transmit the acoustic signal344toward an object348. The first modularized acoustic transducer318ahas a discrete substrate342a. The second modularized acoustic transducer318bis configured to detect a reflected acoustic signal346, which results from the acoustic signal344reflecting from the object348, and to convert the reflected acoustic signal346to an electrical signal. The second modularized acoustic transducer318bhas a discrete substrate342b. Each of the first and second modularized acoustic transducers318a-318bis shown to include a single discrete substrate for non-limiting illustrative purposes. It will be recognized that each of the first and second modularized acoustic transducers318a-318bmay include any suitable number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, . . . ) of discrete substrates, so long as each of the first and second modularized acoustic transducers318a-318bincludes at least one discrete substrate. For instance, each of the first and second modularized acoustic transducers318a-318bmay include a discrete substrate for each module (e.g., photodetector module222, laser module224, bias module226, tuning module228, transducer module230, thermal module232, and/or lens module234) that is included in the respective modularized acoustic transducer.

In an example embodiment, the second modularized acoustic transducer318bis not configured to generate acoustic signals. For example, the second modularized acoustic transducer318bmay be configured to not generate acoustic signals. In accordance with this example, the second modularized acoustic transducer318bmay include transducer element(s) that are configured to generate acoustic signals, and the transducer element(s) may be disabled. In another example, the second modularized acoustic transducer318bmay be incapable (e.g., inherently incapable) of generating acoustic signals. In accordance with this example, the material from which the second modularized acoustic transducer318bis formed may not be capable of generating acoustic signals.

In another example embodiment, the first modularized acoustic transducer318ais in a first row340aof a two-row transducer array, and the second modularized acoustic transducer318bin a second row340bof the two-row transducer array. In accordance with this embodiment, the first modularized acoustic transducer318ais designed to have an acoustic parameter having a first parameter value, and the second modularized acoustic transducer318bis designed to have the acoustic parameter having a second parameter value that is different from the first parameter value. Examples of an acoustic parameter include but are not limited to center frequency, resonant frequency, dynamic range, and quality factor (Q). For example, the first modularized acoustic transducer318amay be designed to have a center frequency or a resonant frequency of X, and the second modularized acoustic transducer318bmay be designed to have a center frequency or a resonant frequency of X*Y, where X is any suitable positive number (e.g., 3 MHz, 3.5 MHz, 6 MHz, or 7.5 MHz) and Y is any suitable positive number (e.g., 2, 12/7, 15/7, 2.5, or 3). In accordance with this embodiment, each of the first and second rows340a-340bmay be linear or curved. In further accordance with this embodiment, the first and second modularized acoustic transducers318a-318bmay be configured to cause a difference between the first parameter value and the second parameter value to be at least a threshold difference.

In yet another example embodiment, the second modularized acoustic transducer318bincludes an acousto-optic sensor, a laser (e.g., laser module224), and a photodetector (e.g., photodetector module222). The acousto-optic sensor is configured to convert the reflected acoustic signal346to an optical signal. The laser is configured to generate a laser beam to actuate the acousto-optic sensor. The photodetector is configured to detect the laser modulated by the reflected acoustic signal346. For instance, the frequency or intensity of the laser may be modulated by the reflected acoustic signal236. In accordance with this embodiment, the second modularized acoustic transducer318bmay include whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators that are configured to modulate the laser beam.

In still another example embodiment, the first modularized acoustic transducer318ais further configured to convert the reflected acoustic signal to a second electrical signal.

In another example embodiment, the first modularized acoustic transducer318ahas a first type of transducer structure, and the second acoustic transducer318bhas a second type of transducer structure that is different from the first type of transducer structure. Example types of transducer structure include but are not limited to lead zirconate titanate (PZT), single crystal (e.g., Si), Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasound Transducer (CMUT), and Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (PMUT).

In yet another example embodiment, the modularized acoustic probe300includes multiple implementations of the first modularized acoustic transducer318aand multiple implementations of the second modularized acoustic transducer318b. For example, the first modularized acoustic transducers may be included in a first array, and the second modularized acoustic transducers may be included in a second array. In accordance with this example, the first array may be included in the first row340a, and the second array may be included in the second row340b. In further accordance with this embodiment, each first modularized acoustic transducer in the first array is configured to generate a respective acoustic signal and to transmit the respective acoustic signal toward the object348. In further accordance with this embodiment, each second modularized acoustic transducer in the second array is configured to detect reflected acoustic signals, which result from the respective acoustic signals reflecting from the object348, and to convert the reflected acoustic signals to a respective electrical signal.

In an aspect of this embodiment, the modularized acoustic probe300further includes a third array of third modularized acoustic transducers such that each third modularized acoustic transducer in the third array is configured to generate a respective acoustic signal and/or convert the reflected acoustic signals to an electrical signal. In accordance with this aspect, each first modularized acoustic transducer, each second modularized acoustic transducer, and each third modularized acoustic transducer has a respective discrete substrate. In a first example implementation, each of the first array, the second array, and the third array is a curvilinear array, and each curvilinear array has a curved shape. In a second example implementation, each of the first array, the second array, and the third array is a linear array, and each linear array has a linear shape.

In another example embodiment, modularized acoustic probe300includes a first number of first acoustic transducers and a second number of second acoustic transducers. The first number and the second number are not same. In accordance with this embodiment, each first acoustic transducer is configured to generate a respective acoustic signal and to transmit the respective acoustic signal toward the object348. In further accordance with this embodiment, each second acoustic transducer is configured to detect reflected acoustic signals, which result from the respective acoustic signals reflecting from the object348, and to convert the reflected acoustic signals to a respective electrical signal. Each first acoustic transducer and each second acoustic transducer has a respective discrete substrate.

In yet another example embodiment, the modularized acoustic probe300is in a shape of a disk. In accordance with this embodiment, the first modularized acoustic transducer318aforms a first portion of the disk. In further accordance with this embodiment, the second modularized acoustic transducer318bforms a second portion of the disk.

In still another example embodiment, the first modularized acoustic transducer318aforms a ring around the second modularized acoustic transducer318b, or the second modularized acoustic transducer318bforms a ring around the first modularized acoustic transducer318a.

FIG.4illustrates an example single-row transducer array400. The single-row transducer array400includes multiple transducer modules450arranged in a single row440. Each of the transducer modules450may include a single transducer element or multiple transducer elements. In an example implementation, the transducer modules450have a common acoustic design. In accordance with this implementation, the transducer modules450may be interchangeable with each other. In another example implementation, any one or more of the transducer modules450may have an acoustic design that is different from an acoustic design of any one or more of the other transducer modules. For example, individual transducer modules may have different frequencies and pitches. Each of the transducer modules450may be capable of generating and detecting acoustic signals. For instance, each of the transducer modules450may be capable of generating and detecting a designated type of acoustic signals. Example types of acoustic signals include but are not limited to infrasound signals, human-audible signals, and ultrasound signals. The single-row transducer array400is shown to include three transducer modules for non-limiting, illustrative purposes. It will be recognized that the single-row transducer400may include any suitable number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, . . . ) of transducer modules. The transducer modules450may have respective discrete substrates.

FIG.5illustrates an example two-row transducer array500in accordance with an embodiment. The two-row transducer array500includes first transducer modules550arranged in a first row540aand second transducer modules552arranged in a second row540b. In an example implementation, the first transducer modules550have a first common (e.g., same) acoustic design, and the second transducer modules552have a second common acoustic design that is different from the first common acoustic design. For example, the first transducer modules550may be designed to generate acoustic signals, and the second transducer modules552may not be designed to generate acoustic signals. In an aspect of this example, the first transducer modules550may be designed to generate acoustic signals and not to convert acoustic signals to an electric signal, and the second transducer modules552may be designed to convert acoustic signals to an electric signal and not to generate acoustic signals. In another aspect of this example, the first transducer modules550may be designed to generate acoustic signals and to convert acoustic signals to an electrical signal, and the second transducer modules552may be designed to convert acoustic signals to an electrical signal and not to generate acoustic signals. In another example, the first transducer modules550may be designed to generate acoustic signals and not to convert acoustic signals to an electric signal, and the second transducer modules552may be designed to generate acoustic signals and to convert acoustic signals to an electric signal. It will be recognized that the first transducer modules550may be designed to generate acoustic signals and to convert acoustic signals to an electric signal, and the second transducer modules552may be designed to generate acoustic signals and to convert acoustic signals to an electric signal.

In another example, the first transducer modules550may be designed to have an acoustic parameter having a first parameter value, and the second transducer modules552may be designed to have the acoustic parameter having a second parameter value that is different from the first parameter value. For instance, the first transducer modules550may have a first center frequency (e.g., 6 MHz), and the second transducer modules552may have a second center frequency (e.g., 12 MHz) that is different from the first center frequency. The second transducer modules552may be made of a different material than the first transducer modules550. In an example implementation, the first transducer modules550are made of CMUT, PMUT, or PZT, and the second transducer modules552are made of optical sensors such as WGM resonators. In an example embodiment, the first transducer modules550are dedicated for generation of acoustic signals, and the second transducer modules552are dedicated for detection of acoustic signals. Each of the first row540aand the second row540bis shown to include three transducer modules for non-limiting, illustrative purposes. It will be recognized that each of the rows540a-540bmay include any suitable number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, . . . ) of transducer modules.

FIG.6illustrates another example two-row transducer array600in accordance with an embodiment.FIG.6differs fromFIG.5only in the number of transducer modules on each row. Although the number is the same for each row inFIG.5, the number varies from row to row inFIG.6. As shown inFIG.6, the two-row transducer array600includes a single first transducer module650arranged in a first row640aand multiple second transducer modules652arranged in a second row640b. In an example implementation, the second transducer modules652have a second common acoustic design that is different from the acoustic design of the first transducer modules650. The first row640ais shown to include one transducer module650, and the second row640bis shown to include six transducer modules, for non-limiting, illustrative purposes. It will be recognized that each of the rows640a-640bmay include any suitable number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, . . . ) of transducer modules. For instance, the first row640amay include two transducer modules, and the second row640bmay include five transducer modules.

FIG.7illustrates an example three-row transducer array700in accordance with an embodiment. The three-row transducer array700includes first transducer modules750arranged in a first row740a; second transducer modules752arranged in a second row740b; and third transducer modules754arranged in a third row740c. In the embodiment ofFIG.7, the second row740bis located between the first row740aand the third row740c. In an example implementation, the first transducer modules750have a first common acoustic design; the second transducer modules752have a second common acoustic design; and the third transducer modules754have a third common acoustic design. In an example, the first transducer modules750may be designed to have an acoustic parameter having a first parameter value; the second transducer modules752may be designed to have the acoustic parameter having a second parameter value that is different from the first parameter value; and the third transducer modules754may be designed to have the acoustic parameter having a third parameter value that is different from the first and second parameter values. For instance, the first transducer modules750may have a first center frequency (e.g., 15 MHz); the second transducer modules752may have a second center frequency (e.g., 7.5 MHz) that is different from the first center frequency; and the third transducer modules754may have a third center frequency (e.g., 3.5 MHz) that is different from the first center frequency and the second center frequency. The third transducer modules754may be made of a different material than the second transducer modules752, which may be made of a different material than the first transducer modules750. In an example implementation, the first transducer modules750are made of optical sensors such as WGM resonators; the second transducer modules752are made of PZT; and the third transducer modules754are made of CMUT or PMUT.

In an example embodiment, the transducer modules in one of the rows740a-740cis dedicated for generation of acoustic signals, and the transducer modules in the other two rows are dedicated for detection of acoustic signals. For example, the second transducer modules752, which are in the second row740b, may be used to generate acoustic waves and not to detect acoustic waves. In accordance with this example, the first transducer modules750and the third transducer modules754, which are in the respective first and third rows740aand740c, may be used to detect acoustic waves and not to generate acoustic waves. Each of the first row740a, the second row740b, and the third row740cis shown to include two transducer modules for non-limiting, illustrative purposes. It will be recognized that each of the rows740a-740cmay include any suitable number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, . . . ) of transducer modules. Moreover, the number of transducer modules may vary from row to row. For example, the first row740amay include one transducer module; the second row740bmay include four transducer modules; and the third row740cmay include two transducer modules.

FIG.8illustrates an example two-dimensional (2D) transducer array800in accordance with an embodiment. The 2D transducer array800includes 2D transducer modules850a-850d. The 2D transducer modules850a-850dhave a common acoustic design. Accordingly, the 2D transducer modules850a-850dmay be interchangeable with each other. Each of the 2D transducer modules850a-850dmay be capable of generating and detecting acoustic signals. The number of transducer elements in each of the 2D transducer modules may vary from 16×16=256 to any positive integer n>256. The 2D transducer array800includes four 2D transducer modules for non-limiting, illustrative purposes. It will be recognized that the 2D transducer array800may include any suitable number of 2D transducer modules in any suitable number of rows and any suitable number of columns. For instance, the 2D transducer array800may include three rows and four columns for a total of 3*4=12 2D transducer modules.

FIG.9illustrates an example one-dimensional (1D) curvilinear transducer array900in accordance with an embodiment. The 1D curvilinear transducer array900includes 1D transducer modules950a-950c. The 1D transducer modules950a-950chave a common acoustic design. Accordingly, the 1D transducer modules950a-950cmay be interchangeable with each other. Each of the 1D transducer modules950a-950cmay be capable of generating and detecting acoustic signals. The 1D curvilinear transducer array900includes three 1D transducer modules for non-limiting, illustrative purposes. It will be recognized that the 1D curvilinear transducer array900may include any suitable number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, . . . ) of 1D transducer modules. The transducer modules950a-950cmay have respective discrete substrates. It will be recognized that the multiple-row configurations shown inFIGS.5-7may be extended to curvilinear transducer arrays, as well.

FIG.10illustrates an example circular (a.k.a. disk) transducer array1000in accordance with an embodiment. The circular transducer array1000includes a first transducer module1050and a second transducer module1052. In an example implementation, the first transducer module1050has a first acoustic design, and the second transducer module1052has a second acoustic design that is different from the first acoustic design. For example, the first transducer module1050may be designed to generate acoustic signals, and the second transducer module1052may not be designed to generate acoustic signals. In another example, the first transducer module1050may be designed to have an acoustic parameter having a first parameter value, and the second transducer module1052may be designed to have the acoustic parameter having a second parameter value that is different from the first parameter value. For instance, the first transducer module1050may have a first center frequency (e.g., 6 MHz), and the second transducer module1052may have a second center frequency (e.g., 12 MHz) that is different from the first center frequency. The first transducer module1050may be made of a first material, and the second transducer module1052may be made of a second material that is different from the first material. In an example implementation, the first transducer module1050is made of CMUT, PMUT, or PZT, and the second transducer module1052is made of an optical sensor such as a WGM resonator. In an example embodiment, the first transducer module1050is configured to generate acoustic signals and not to detect acoustic signals, and the second transducer module1052is configured to detect acoustic signals and not to generate acoustic signals. In an example embodiment, the first transducer module1050includes a single transducer element, and the second transducer module1052includes a single transducer element.

FIG.11illustrates an example annular transducer array1100in accordance with an embodiment. The annular transducer array1100includes a first transducer module1150and a second transducer module1152. In an example implementation, the first transducer module1150has a first acoustic design, and the second transducer module1152has a second acoustic design that is different from the first acoustic design. For example, the first transducer module1150may be designed to generate acoustic signals, and the second transducer module1152may not be designed to generate acoustic signals, or vice versa. In another example, the first transducer module1150may be designed to have an acoustic parameter having a first parameter value, and the second transducer module1152may be designed to have the acoustic parameter having a second parameter value that is different from the first parameter value. For instance, the first transducer module1150may have a first center frequency (e.g., 6 MHz), and the second transducer module1152may have a second center frequency (e.g., 12 MHz) that is different from the first center frequency, or vice versa.

The first transducer module1150may be made of a first material, and the second transducer module1152may be made of a second material that is different from the first material. In an example implementation, the first transducer module1150is made of CMUT, PMUT, or PZT, and the second transducer module1152is made of an optical sensor such as a WGM resonator, or vice versa. In an example embodiment, the first transducer module1150is configured to generate acoustic signals and not to detect acoustic signals, and the second transducer module1152is configured to detect acoustic signals and not to generate acoustic signals. In another example embodiment, the first transducer module1150is configured to detect acoustic signals and not to generate acoustic signals, and the second transducer module1152is configured to generate acoustic signals and not to detect acoustic signals. In yet another example embodiment, the first transducer module1150is configured to generate acoustic signals and to detect acoustic signals, and the second transducer module1152is configured to detect acoustic signals and not to generate acoustic signals. In still another example embodiment, the first transducer module1150is configured to detect acoustic signals and not to generate acoustic signals, and the second transducer module1152is configured to generate acoustic signals and to detect acoustic signals. In another example embodiment, the first transducer module1150is configured to generate acoustic signals and not to detect acoustic signals, and the second transducer module1152is configured to generate acoustic signals and to detect acoustic signals. In yet another example embodiment, the first transducer module1150is configured to generate acoustic signals and to detect acoustic signals, and the second transducer module1152is configured to generate acoustic signals and not to detect acoustic signals.

The annular transducer array1100is shown to include two transducer modules for non-limiting, illustrative purposes. It will be recognized that the annular transducer array1100may include any suitable number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, . . . ) of transducer modules. For instance, the second transducer module1152is shown to surround the first transducer module1150in a plane that is parallel with a circular surface1156of the first transducer module1150inFIG.11. A third transducer module may surround the second transducer module1152in the plane, a fourth transducer module may surround the third transducer module in the plane, and so on. Accordingly, the transducer modules may form concentric circles in the plane. In an example embodiment, the first transducer module1150includes a single transducer element, and the second transducer module1152includes a single transducer element.

FIG.12illustrates an example transducer module1200that includes a single row1240of transducer elements1258in accordance with an embodiment. In an example implementation, the transducer elements1258have a common acoustic design. For instance, the transducer elements1258may be designed to be identical. In another example implementation, a distance (a.k.a. gap), X, between adjacent transducer elements is a constant. In yet another example implementation, a distance (a.k.a. pitch), Y, between centers of adjacent transducer elements is a constant. An entirety of each transducer element is active. Accordingly, each transducer element is capable of generating acoustic signals and/or detecting acoustic signals. Each transducer element may have any suitable acoustic structure, including but not limited to PZT, single crystal, CMUT, PMUT, and/or optical sensor.

FIG.13illustrates an example transducer module1300that includes three rows1340a-1340cof transducer sub-elements1358in accordance with an embodiment. Each row includes the same number of the transducer sub-elements1358for non-limiting, illustrative purposes. It will be recognized that each row may include a different number of the transducer sub-elements1358than other row(s). The transducer module1300includes a single row of transducer elements, and each of the transducer elements includes three sub-elements for non-limiting, illustrative purposes. It will be recognized that each of the transducer elements may include any suitable number of sub-elements (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, . . . ). In an example implementation, the pitch (i.e., the distance between centers of adjacent transducer sub-elements) in each row is constant. The pitch among the rows is the same. A size of the transducer sub-elements1358may vary from row to row, as shown inFIG.13, though the example embodiments are not limited in this respect. An entirety of each transducer sub-element is active. Accordingly, each of the transducer sub-elements1358is capable of generating acoustic signals and/or detecting acoustic signals. Each transducer sub-element may have any suitable acoustic structure, including but not limited to PZT, single crystal, CMUT, PMUT, and/or optical sensor.

FIG.14illustrates an example transducer module1400that includes multiple rows1440a-1440cof 2D transducer elements1458in accordance with an embodiment. In an example implementation, the transducer elements1458have a common acoustic design. For instance, the transducer elements1458may be designed to be identical. In another example implementation, the pitch (i.e., the distance between centers of adjacent transducer elements) is constant in both vertical and horizontal dimensions. In yet another example implementation, the pitch in the vertical dimension is different form the pitch in the horizontal dimension. For instance, the pitch in the horizontal dimension may be 0.2 mm, and the pitch in the vertical dimension may be 0.25 mm, or vice versa.

FIG.15illustrates an example modularized acoustic probe1500, including two acoustic transducers1518a-1518bthat are each capable of generating and detecting acoustic signals, in accordance with an embodiment. The first acoustic transducer1518aincludes a first lens module1534a, a first transducer module1530a, and a first tuning module1528a. The second acoustic transducer1518bincludes a second lens module1534b, a second transducer module1530b, and a second tuning module1528b. The first and second lens modules1534a-1534bare operable in a manner similar to the lens module234shown inFIG.2. The first and second transducer modules1530a-1530bare operable in a manner similar to the transducer module230shown inFIG.2. The first and second tuning modules1528a-1528bare operable in a manner similar to the tuning module228shown inFIG.2.

The acoustic designs of the respective first and second acoustic transducers1518a-1518bmay be same or different. For instance, although the first and second acoustic transducers1518a-1518binclude the same types of modules, the acoustic design of the first lens module1534amay differ from the acoustic design of the second lens module1534b; the acoustic design of the first transducer module1530amay differ from the acoustic design of the second transducer module1530b; and/or the acoustic design of the first tuning module1528amay differ from the acoustic design of the second tuning module1528b.

It will be recognized that even if the acoustic designs of the respective first and second acoustic transducers1518a-1518bare the same, they can be inevitably different in one or more performance parameters due to natural variabilities in manufacturing processes. For example, the first acoustic transducer1518amay be 2 dB more sensitive than the second acoustic transducer1518b, or vice versa. In order to compensate for those transducer-to-transducer variations, the first and second tuning modules1528a-1528bare designed with different settings to minimize the acoustic performance differences between the first and second acoustic transducers1518a-1518b. For example, the first acoustic transducer1518amay use 1.2 μH tuning inductors, and the second acoustic transducer1518bmay use 0.82 μH tuning inductors, or vice versa. Besides the tuning compensation approach, it is also possible to compensate for the variations with different settings in the imaging system (e.g., imaging system104) to which the modularized acoustic probe1500is coupled. For example, the imaging system may apply a first gain to channels connected to transducer elements of the first acoustic transducer1518aand a second gain, which is different form the first gain, to channels connected to transducer elements of the second acoustic transducer1518bbased on (e.g., according to) a difference between their sensitivities.

FIG.16illustrates an example modularized acoustic probe1600, including a first acoustic transducer1618aconfigured to generate acoustic signals and a second acoustic transducer1618bconfigured to detect acoustic signals, in accordance with an embodiment. The first acoustic transducer1618ais not configured to detect acoustic signals. For instance, the first acoustic transducer1618aincludes a first lens module1634a, a transmit module1630a, and a tuning module1628. The transmit module1630ais configured to generate acoustic signals and is not configured to detect acoustic signals. The transmit module1630amay be made of any of the following sensors: PZT, single crystal, CMUT, and PMUT. The first lens module1634afocuses the acoustic signals generated by the transmit module1630a. The tuning module1628impedance matches transducer elements in the transmit module1630ato an imaging system (e.g., imaging system104) to which the modularized acoustic probe1600is coupled.

The second acoustic transducer1618bis not configured to generate acoustic signals. For instance, the second acoustic transducer1618bincludes a second lens module1634b, a receive module1630b, a photodetector module1622, and a laser module1624. The receive module1630bis configured to detect acoustic signals and is not configured to generate acoustic signals. The receive module1630bis further configured to convert the detected acoustic signals to optical signals. For instance, the receive module1630amay be made of optical sensors or other types of sensors. The second lens module1634bfocuses the acoustic signals received by the receive module1630b. The laser module1624sends a laser beam to the receive module1630bvia optical fibers, a prism, or other structure to actuate the receive module1630b. The photodetector module1622receives the laser beam modified by the acoustic signals from the receive module1630band converts the modified laser beam into electrical signals.

FIG.17illustrates an example modularized acoustic probe1700, including a first acoustic transducer1718aconfigured to generate and detect acoustic signals and a second acoustic transducer1718bconfigured to detect acoustic signals, in accordance with an embodiment. The first acoustic transducer1718aincludes a first lens module1734a, a transceiver module1730a, and a first tuning module1728a, which are operable in a manner similar to the lens module1534a, the first transducer module1530a, and the first tuning module1528a, respectively, shown inFIG.15. The transceiver module1730amay be made of any of the following types of sensors: PZT, single crystal, CMUT, and PMUT.

The second acoustic transducer1718bis not configured to generate acoustic signals. The second acoustic transducer1718bincludes a second lens module1734b, a receive module1730b, a second tuning module1728b, and a bias module1726. The receive module1730bis configured to detect acoustic signals and is not configured to generate acoustic signals. The second lens module1734b, the second tuning module1728b, and the bias module1726are operable in a manner similar to the lens module234, the tuning module228, and the bias module232, respectively, shown inFIG.2. The receive module1730bmay be made of any of the following types of sensors: PZT, single crystal, CMUT, PMUT, and optical sensors.

FIGS.18-19depict flowcharts1800and1900of example methods for making a modularized acoustic probe in accordance with embodiments. The flowcharts1800and1900may be performed by an acoustic probe production system2000shown inFIG.20, for example. For illustrative purposes, the flowcharts1800and1900are described with respect to the acoustic probe production system2000. The acoustic probe production system2000includes a computing system2002, semiconductor fabrication machinery2004, sorting machinery2006, and combining machinery2008. The computing system2002includes fabrication logic2010, sorting logic2012, and combining logic2014. Further structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the discussion regarding the flowcharts1800and1900.

As shown inFIG.18, the method of flowchart1800begins at step1802. In step1802, transducer sub-components having respective discrete substrates are fabricated. Each of the transducer sub-components may be a module (e.g., photodetector module222, laser module224, bias module226, tuning module228, transducer module230, thermal module232, or lens module234) or a portion of a module (e.g., a transducer element or a transducer sub-element). In an example implementation, the semiconductor fabrication machinery2004fabricates transducer sub-components2016having respective discrete substrates. For example, the semiconductor fabrication machinery2004may fabricate the transducer sub-components2016based on instructions that are received from the fabrication logic2010. In accordance with this example, the fabrication logic2010may be configured (e.g., programmed) to control the semiconductor fabrication machinery2004to perform processing steps (e.g., semiconductor processing steps) to fabricate the transducer sub-components2016. Examples of such processing steps include but are not limited to surface passivation, photolithography, ion implantation, etching, plasma ashing, thermal treatments, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and die cutting. The fabrication logic2010may generate a fabrication indicator2022to indicate that the transducer sub-components2016have been fabricated.

At step1804, a first subset of the transducer sub-components is combined to form a first acoustic transducer that is configured to generate an acoustic signal and is further configured to transmit the acoustic signal toward an object. Combining may include gluing, placing in contact, electrically coupling (e.g., soldering or connecting with an electrical connector), and/or optically coupling. In an example implementation, the combining machinery2008combines a first subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the first acoustic transducer, which is configured to generate the acoustic signal and which is further configured to transmit the acoustic signal toward an object. For example, the combining machinery2008may combine the first subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the first acoustic transducer based on instructions that are received from the combining logic2014. In accordance with this example, the combining logic2014may be configured to control the combining machinery2008to combine the first subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the first acoustic transducer.

In a sorting aspect of this implementation, the sorting machinery2006sorts the transducer sub-components2016into sub-component subsets2018that correspond to respective acoustic transducers. For instance, the sorting machinery2006may sort the transducer sub-components2016into the sub-component subsets2018based on instructions that are received from the sorting logic2012. The sorting logic2012may be configured to control the sorting machinery2006to sort the transducer sub-components2016into the sub-component subsets2018. For instance, the sorting machinery2006may control the sorting machinery2006to sort the transducer sub-components2016into the sub-component subsets2018based on receipt of the fabrication indicator2022. The sorting logic may generate sorting information2024to indicate which of the transducer sub-components2016are included in each of the sub-component subsets2018. In accordance with this aspect, the combining logic2014may be configured to control the combining machinery2008to combine the first subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the first acoustic transducer based on the sorting information2024indicating which of the transducer sub-components2016are included in the first subset.

At step1806, a second subset of the transducer sub-components is combined to form a second acoustic transducer that is configured to detect a reflected acoustic signal, which results from the acoustic signal reflecting from the object, and is further configured to convert the reflected acoustic signal to an electrical signal and is not configured to generate acoustic signals. The first subset of the transducer sub-components and the second subset of the transducer sub-components may include one or more common (e.g., same) transducer sub-components, or the first and second subsets may be mutually exclusive. In an example implementation, the combining machinery2008combines a second subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the second acoustic transducer, which is configured to detect the reflected acoustic signal and which is further configured to convert the reflected acoustic signal to the electrical signal and is not configured to generate acoustic signals. For example, the combining machinery2008may combine the second subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the second acoustic transducer based on instructions that are received from the combining logic2014. In accordance with this example, the combining logic2014may be configured to control the combining machinery2008to combine the second subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the second acoustic transducer.

In a sorting aspect of this implementation, the combining logic2014may be configured to control the combining machinery2008to combine the second subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the second acoustic transducer based on the sorting information2024indicating which of the transducer sub-components2016are included in the second subset.

At step1808, the first transducer and the second transducer are combined to form the modularized acoustic probe. In an example implementation, the combining machinery2008combines the first transducer and the second transducer to form a modularized acoustic probe2020. For example, the combining machinery2008may combine the first transducer and the second transducer to form the modularized acoustic probe2020based on instructions that are received from the combining logic2014. In accordance with this example, the combining logic2014may be configured to control the combining machinery2008to combine the first transducer and the second transducer to form the modularized acoustic probe2020.

In some example embodiments, one or more steps1802,1804,1806, and/or1808of flowchart1800may not be performed. Moreover, steps in addition to or in lieu of steps1802,1804,1806, and/or1808may be performed. For instance, in an example embodiment, the flowchart ofFIG.1800further includes testing the transducer sub-components. For example, each of the transducer sub-components may be individually tested to determine whether the respective transducer sub-component is to be discarded. In accordance with this example, each transducer sub-component that does not satisfy designated testing criteria may be discarded. In accordance with this embodiment, steps1804,1806, and1808may be performed in response to (e.g., following) the testing of the transducer sub-components. In an example implementation, the semiconductor fabrication machinery2004tests the transducer sub-components2016.

In another example embodiment, the method of flowchart1800further includes acoustically testing the modularized acoustic probe. For instance, the modularized acoustic probe may be acoustically tested in response to performance of step1808. In an example implementation, the combining machinery2008acoustically tests the modularized acoustic probe2020.

In yet another example embodiment, the method of flowchart1800further includes connecting the modularized acoustic probe to an imaging system (e.g., imaging system104) to generate acoustic (e.g., ultrasound) images. In an example implementation, the combining machinery2008connects the modularized acoustic probe2020to the imaging system.

As shown inFIG.19, the method of flowchart1900begins at step1902. In step1902, transducer sub-components having respective discrete substrates are fabricated. In an example implementation, the semiconductor fabrication machinery2004fabricates transducer sub-components2016having respective discrete substrates. For example, the semiconductor fabrication machinery2004may fabricate the transducer sub-components2016based on instructions that are received from the fabrication logic2010. The fabrication logic2010may generate a fabrication indicator2022to indicate that the transducer sub-components2016have been fabricated.

At step1904, a first subset of the transducer sub-components is combined to form a first acoustic transducer in a first row of a two-row transducer array. The first acoustic transducer is configured to generate an acoustic signal and further configured to transmit the acoustic signal toward an object. In an example implementation, the combining machinery2008combines a first subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the first acoustic transducer in the first row of the two-row transducer array. For example, the combining machinery2008may combine the first subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the first acoustic transducer in the first row of the two-row transducer array based on instructions that are received from the combining logic2014.

As mentioned above with reference to flowchart1800ofFIG.18, the sorting machinery2006may sort the transducer sub-components2016into sub-component subsets2018that correspond to respective acoustic transducers. For instance, the sorting machinery2006may sort the transducer sub-components2016into the sub-component subsets2018based on instructions that are received from the sorting logic2012. The sorting logic2012may be configured to control the sorting machinery2006to sort the transducer sub-components2016into the sub-component subsets2018. For instance, the sorting machinery2006may control the sorting machinery2006to sort the transducer sub-components2016into the sub-component subsets2018based on receipt of the fabrication indicator2022. The sorting logic may generate sorting information2024to indicate which of the transducer sub-components2016are included in each of the sub-component subsets2018. In accordance with this aspect, the combining logic2014may be configured to control the combining machinery2008to combine the first subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the first acoustic transducer in the first row of the two-row transducer array based on the sorting information2024indicating which of the transducer sub-components2016are included in the first subset.

Step1904includes step1910. At step1910, the first acoustic transducer is designed to have an acoustic parameter having a first parameter value. For example, the combining machinery2008may design the first acoustic transducer to have the acoustic parameter having the first parameter value. In accordance with this example, the combining machinery2008may combine the first subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the first acoustic transducer based on the sorting machinery2006selecting the transducer sub-components in the first subset based a determination that the transducer sub-components in the first subset, when combined, will provide the acoustic parameter having the first parameter value. For instance, the sorting logic2012may select which transducer sub-components are to be included in the first subset based on test information regarding the transducer sub-components2016. The sorting logic2012may determine which combination of transducer sub-components will provide the acoustic parameter having the first parameter value based on an analysis of the test information.

At step1906, a second subset of the transducer sub-components is combined to form a second acoustic transducer in a second row of the two-row transducer array. The second acoustic transducer is configured to detect a reflected acoustic signal, which results from the acoustic signal reflecting from the object, and further configured to convert the reflected acoustic signal to an electrical signal. The first subset of the transducer sub-components and the second subset of the transducer sub-components may include one or more common (e.g., same) transducer sub-components, or the first and second subsets may be mutually exclusive. In an example implementation, the combining machinery2008combines a second subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the second acoustic transducer in the second row of the two-row transducer array. For example, the combining machinery2008may combine the second subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the second acoustic transducer in the second row of the two-row transducer array based on instructions that are received from the combining logic2014.

In a sorting aspect of this implementation, the combining logic2014may be configured to control the combining machinery2008to combine the second subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the second acoustic transducer in the second row of the two-row transducer array based on the sorting information2024indicating which of the transducer sub-components2016are included in the second sub set.

Step1906includes step1912. At step1912, the second acoustic transducer is designed to have the acoustic parameter having a second parameter value. For example, the combining machinery2008may design the second acoustic transducer to have the acoustic parameter having the second parameter value. In accordance with this example, the combining machinery2008may combine the second subset of the transducer sub-components2016to form the second acoustic transducer based on the sorting machinery2006selecting the transducer sub-components in the second subset based a determination that the transducer sub-components in the second subset, when combined, will provide the acoustic parameter having the second parameter value. For instance, the sorting logic2012may select which transducer sub-components are to be included in the second subset based on test information regarding the transducer sub-components2016. The sorting logic2012may determine which combination of transducer sub-components will provide the acoustic parameter having the second parameter value based on the analysis of the test information.

At step1908, the first transducer and the second transducer are combined to form the modularized acoustic probe. In an example implementation, the combining machinery2008combines the first transducer and the second transducer to form the modularized acoustic probe2020. For example, the combining machinery2008may combine the first transducer and the second transducer to form the modularized acoustic probe2020based on instructions that are received from the combining logic2014.

In some example embodiments, one or more steps1902,1904,1906,1908,1910, and/or1912of flowchart1900may not be performed. Moreover, steps in addition to or in lieu of steps1902,1904,1906,1908,1910, and/or1912may be performed. For instance, in an example embodiment, the flowchart ofFIG.1900further includes testing the transducer sub-components. For example, each of the transducer sub-components may be individually tested to determine whether the respective transducer sub-component is to be discarded. In accordance with this example, each transducer sub-component that does not satisfy designated testing criteria may be discarded. In accordance with this embodiment, steps1904,1906,1908,1910, and1912may be performed in response to (e.g., following) the testing of the transducer sub-components. In an example implementation, the semiconductor fabrication machinery2004tests the transducer sub-components2016.

In another example embodiment, the method of flowchart1900further includes acoustically testing the modularized acoustic probe. For instance, the modularized acoustic probe may be acoustically tested in response to performance of step1908. In an example implementation, the combining machinery2008acoustically tests the modularized acoustic probe2020.

In yet another example embodiment, the method of flowchart1900further includes connecting the modularized acoustic probe to an imaging system (e.g., imaging system104) to generate acoustic (e.g., ultrasound) images. In an example implementation, the combining machinery2008connects the modularized acoustic probe2020to the imaging system.

It will be recognized that the acoustic probe production system2000may not include one or more of the computing system2002, the semiconductor fabrication machinery2004, the sorting machinery2006, the combining machinery2008, the fabrication logic2010, the sorting logic2012, and/or the combining logic2014. Furthermore, the acoustic probe production system2000may include components in addition to or in lieu of the computing system2002, the semiconductor fabrication machinery2004, the sorting machinery2006, the combining machinery2008, the fabrication logic2010, the sorting logic2012, and/or the combining logic2014.

Any one or more of the fabrication logic2010, the sorting logic2012, the combining logic2014, flowchart1800, and/or flowchart1900may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.

For example, any one or more of the fabrication logic2010, the sorting logic2012, the combining logic2014, flowchart1800, and/or flowchart1900may be implemented, at least in part, as computer program code configured to be executed in one or more processors.

In another example, any one or more of the fabrication logic2010, the sorting logic2012, the combining logic2014, flowchart1800, and/or flowchart1900may be implemented, at least in part, as hardware logic/electrical circuitry. Such hardware logic/electrical circuitry may include one or more hardware logic components. Examples of a hardware logic component include but are not limited to a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application-specific standard product (ASSP), a system-on-a-chip system (SoC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), etc. For instance, a SoC may include an integrated circuit chip that includes one or more of a processor (e.g., a microcontroller, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), etc.), memory, one or more communication interfaces, and/or further circuits and/or embedded firmware to perform its functions.

III. Further Discussion of Some Example Embodiments

(A1) An example modularized acoustic probe (FIG.1,102;FIG.3,300,FIG.16,1600;FIG.17,1700) comprises a first acoustic transducer (FIG.3,318a,FIG.16,1618a;FIG.17,1718a) configured to generate an acoustic signal (FIG.3,344) and to transmit the acoustic signal toward an object (FIG.3,348); and a second acoustic transducer (FIG.3,318b,FIG.16,1618b;FIG.17,1718b) configured to detect a reflected acoustic signal (FIG.3,346), which results from the acoustic signal reflecting from the object, and to convert the reflected acoustic signal to an electrical signal. The second acoustic transducer is not configured to generate acoustic signals. The first acoustic transducer and the second acoustic transducer have respective discrete substrates (FIGS.3,342aand3432b).(A2) In the example modularized acoustic probe of A1, wherein the second acoustic transducer comprises: an acousto-optic sensor configured to convert the reflected acoustic signal to an optical signal; a laser configured to generate a laser beam to actuate the acousto-optic sensor; and a photodetector configured to detect the laser modulated by the reflected acoustic signal.(A3) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of A1-A2, wherein the second acoustic transducer further comprises a plurality of whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators configured to modulate the laser beam.(A4) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of A1-A3, wherein the second acoustic transducer is not capable of generating the acoustic signals.(A5) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of A1-A4, wherein the first acoustic transducer is further configured to convert the reflected acoustic signal to a second electrical signal.(A6) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of A1-A5, wherein the first acoustic transducer has a first type of transducer structure; and wherein the second acoustic transducer has a second type of transducer structure that is different from the first type of transducer structure.(A7) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of A1-A6, comprising: a first array of first acoustic transducers, a second array of second acoustic transducers, and a third array of third acoustic transducers. Each first acoustic transducer in the first array is configured to generate a respective acoustic signal and to transmit the respective acoustic signal toward the object. Each second acoustic transducer in the second array is configured to detect reflected acoustic signals, which result from the respective acoustic signals reflecting from the object, and to convert the reflected acoustic signals to a respective electrical signal. Each third acoustic transducer in the third array is configured to at least one of generate a respective acoustic signal or convert the reflected acoustic signals to an electrical signal.(A8) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of A1-A7, wherein each of the first array, the second array, and the third array is a curvilinear array, each curvilinear array having a curved shape.(A9) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of A1-A8, comprising: a first number of first acoustic transducers and a second number of second acoustic transducers. Each first acoustic transducer is configured to generate a respective acoustic signal and to transmit the respective acoustic signal toward the object. Each second acoustic transducer is configured to detect reflected acoustic signals, which result from the respective acoustic signals reflecting from the object, and to convert the reflected acoustic signals to a respective electrical signal. Each first acoustic transducer and each second acoustic transducer has a respective discrete substrate. The first number and the second number are not same.(A10) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of A1-A9, wherein the modularized acoustic probe is in a shape of a disk; wherein the first acoustic transducer forms a first portion of the disk; and wherein the second acoustic transducer forms a second portion of the disk.(A11) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of A1-A10, wherein the first acoustic transducer forms a ring around the second acoustic transducer; or wherein the second acoustic transducer forms a ring around the first acoustic transducer.(B1) An example modularized acoustic probe (FIG.1,102;FIG.3,300,FIG.16,1600;FIG.17,1700) comprises a first acoustic transducer (FIG.3,318a,FIG.15,1518a;FIG.16,1618a;FIG.17,1718a) in a first row of a two-row transducer array and a second acoustic transducer (FIG.3,318b,FIG.15,1518b;FIG.16,1618b;FIG.17,1718b) in a second row of the two-row transducer array. The first acoustic transducer is configured to generate an acoustic signal (FIG.3,344) and to transmit the acoustic signal toward an object (FIG.3,348). The second acoustic transducer is configured to detect a reflected acoustic signal (FIG.3,346), which results from the acoustic signal reflecting from the object, and to convert the reflected acoustic signal to an electrical signal. The first acoustic transducer and the second acoustic transducer have respective discrete substrates (FIGS.3,342aand3432b). The first acoustic transducer is designed to have an acoustic parameter having a first parameter value, and the second acoustic transducer is designed to have the acoustic parameter having a second parameter value that is different from the first parameter value.(B2) In the example modularized acoustic probe of B1, wherein the second acoustic transducer is not configured to generate acoustic signals.(B3) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of B1-B2, wherein the second acoustic transducer is not capable of generating acoustic signals.(B4) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of B1-B3, wherein the second acoustic transducer comprises: an acousto-optic sensor configured to convert the reflected acoustic signal to an optical signal; a laser configured to generate a laser beam to actuate the acousto-optic sensor; and a photodetector configured to detect the laser modulated by the reflected acoustic signal.(B5) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of B1-B4, wherein the second acoustic transducer further comprises a plurality of whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators configured to modulate the laser beam.(B6) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of B1-B5, wherein the first acoustic transducer is further configured to convert the reflected acoustic signal to a second electrical signal.(B7) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of B1-B6, wherein the first acoustic transducer has a first type of transducer structure; and wherein the second acoustic transducer has a second type of transducer structure that is different from the first type of transducer structure.(B8) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of B1-B7, wherein the first row of the two-row transducer array comprises a first number of first acoustic transducers and wherein the second row of the two-row transducer array comprises a second number of second acoustic transducers. Each first acoustic transducer is configured to generate a respective acoustic signal and to transmit the respective acoustic signal toward the object. Each second acoustic transducer is configured to detect reflected acoustic signals, which result from the respective acoustic signals reflecting from the object, and to convert the reflected acoustic signals to a respective electrical signal. Each first acoustic transducer and each second acoustic transducer has a respective discrete substrate. The first number and the second number are not same.(B9) In the example modularized acoustic probe of any of B1-B8, wherein the modularized acoustic probe includes a transducer combination in a shape of a disk; wherein the transducer combination includes the first acoustic transducer and the second acoustic transducer; wherein the first acoustic transducer forms a first portion of the disk; and wherein the second acoustic transducer forms a second portion of the disk.(C1) A method of making a modularized acoustic probe (FIG.1,102;FIG.3,300,FIG.16,1600;FIG.17,1700) comprises: fabricating (FIG.18,1802) a plurality of transducer sub-components (FIG.20,2004) having a plurality of respective discrete substrates; combining (FIG.18,1804) a first subset of the plurality of transducer sub-components to form a first acoustic transducer (FIG.3,318a,FIG.16,1618a;FIG.17,1718a) that is configured to generate an acoustic signal (FIG.3,344) and is further configured to transmit the acoustic signal toward an object (FIG.3,348); combining (FIG.18,1806) a second subset of the plurality of transducer sub-components to form a second acoustic transducer (FIG.3,318b,FIG.16,1618b;FIG.17,1718b) that is configured to detect a reflected acoustic signal (FIG.3,346), which results from the acoustic signal reflecting from the object, and is further configured to convert the reflected acoustic signal to an electrical signal and is not configured to generate acoustic signals; and combining (FIG.18,1808) the first transducer and the second transducer to form the modularized acoustic probe.(D1) A method of making a modularized acoustic probe (FIG.1,102;FIG.3,300,FIG.15,1500;FIG.16,1600;FIG.17,1700) comprises: fabricating (FIG.19,1902) a plurality of transducer sub-components (FIG.20,2004) having a plurality of respective discrete substrates; combining (FIG.19,1904) a first subset of the plurality of transducer sub-components to form a first acoustic transducer (FIG.3,318a,FIG.15,1518a;FIG.16,1618a;FIG.17,1718a) in a first row of a two-row transducer array, the first acoustic transducer configured to generate an acoustic signal (FIG.3,344) and further configured to transmit the acoustic signal toward an object (FIG.3,348), wherein combining the first subset of the plurality of transducer sub-components comprises designing (FIG.19,1910) the first acoustic transducer to have an acoustic parameter having a first parameter value; combining (FIG.19,1906) a second subset of the plurality of transducer sub-components to form a second acoustic transducer (FIG.3,318b,FIG.15,1518b;FIG.16,1618b;FIG.17,1718b) in a second row of the two-row transducer array, the second acoustic transducer configured to detect a reflected acoustic signal (FIG.3,346), which results from the acoustic signal reflecting from the object, and further configured to convert the reflected acoustic signal to an electrical signal, wherein combining the second subset of the plurality of transducer sub-components comprises designing (FIG.19,1912) the second acoustic transducer to have the acoustic parameter having a second parameter value that is different from the first parameter value; and combining (FIG.19,1908) the first transducer and the second transducer to form the modularized acoustic probe.

IV. Example Computer System

Example embodiments, systems, components, subcomponents, devices, methods, flowcharts, steps, and/or the like described herein, including but not limited to the acoustic system100, the acoustic probe production system2000, flowchart1800, and flowchart1900, may be implemented in hardware (e.g., hardware logic/electrical circuitry), or any combination of hardware with software (computer program code configured to be executed in one or more processors or processing devices) and/or firmware. The embodiments described herein, including systems, methods/processes, and/or apparatuses, may be implemented using well known computing devices, such as computer2100shown inFIG.21. For example, the acoustic system100, the acoustic probe production system2000, each of the steps of flowchart1800, and each of the steps of flowchart1900may be implemented using one or more computers2100.

The computer2100can be any commercially available and well known communication device, processing device, and/or computer capable of performing the functions described herein, such as devices/computers available from Microsoft Corporation, HP, Inc., Lenovo Group Limited, International Business Machines Corporation, Apple Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., Cray Inc., Samsung Electronics America, Inc., etc. The computer2100may be any type of computer, including a server, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer such as a smart watch or a head-mounted computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, etc.

The computer2100includes one or more processors (also called central processing units, or CPUs), such as a processor2106. The processor2106is connected to a communication infrastructure2102, such as a communication bus. In some embodiments, the processor2106can simultaneously operate multiple computing threads. The computer2100also includes a primary or main memory2108, such as random access memory (RAM). The main memory2108stores control logic2124(e.g., computer software or firmware) and data.

The computer2100also includes one or more secondary storage devices2110. The secondary storage devices2110include, for example, a hard disk drive2112and/or a removable storage device or drive2114, as well as other types of storage devices, such as memory cards and memory sticks. For instance, the computer2100may include an industry standard interface, such a universal serial bus (USB) interface for interfacing with devices such as a memory stick. The removable storage drive2114represents a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disk drive, an optical storage device, a tape backup, etc.

The removable storage drive2114interacts with a removable storage unit2116. The removable storage unit2116includes a computer useable or readable storage medium2118that stores computer software2126(control logic) and/or data. The removable storage unit2116represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc, optical storage disk, memory stick, memory card, or any other computer data storage device. The removable storage drive2114reads from and/or writes to the removable storage unit2116in a well-known manner.

The computer2100also includes input/output/display devices2104, such as touchscreens, LED and LCD displays, keyboards, pointing devices, etc.

The computer2100further includes a communication or network interface2120. The communication interface2120enables the computer2100to communicate with remote devices. For example, the communication interface2120allows the computer2100to communicate over communication networks or mediums2122(representing a form of a computer useable or readable medium), such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, etc. The network interface2120may interface with remote sites or networks via wired or wireless connections. Examples of the communication interface2120include but are not limited to a modem (e.g., for 4G and/or 5G communication(s)), a network interface card (e.g., an Ethernet card for Wi-Fi and/or other protocols), a communication port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card, a wired or wireless USB port, etc. Control logic2128may be transmitted to and from the computer2100via the communication medium2122.

Any apparatus or manufacture comprising a computer useable or readable medium having control logic (e.g., software or firmware) stored therein is referred to herein as a computer program product or program storage device. Examples of a computer program product include but are not limited to main memory2108, secondary storage devices2110(e.g., hard disk drive2112), and removable storage unit2116. Such computer program products, having control logic stored therein that, when executed by one or more data processing devices, cause such data processing devices to operate as described herein, represent embodiments. For example, such computer program products, when executed by the processor2106, may cause the processor2106to perform any of the steps of flowchart1800ofFIG.18and/or flowchart1900ofFIG.19.

Devices in which embodiments may be implemented may include storage, such as storage drives, memory devices, and further types of computer-readable media. Examples of such computer-readable storage media include a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk, flash memory cards, digital video disks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROM), and the like. As used herein, the terms “computer program medium” and “computer-readable medium” are used to generally refer to media (e.g., non-transitory media) such as the hard disk associated with a hard disk drive, a removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk (e.g., CD ROMs, DVD ROMs, etc.), zip disks, tapes, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, MEMS-based storage devices, nanotechnology-based storage devices, as well as other media such as flash memory cards, digital video discs, RAM devices, ROM devices, and the like. A computer-readable storage medium is not a signal, such as a carrier signal or a propagating signal. For instance, a computer-readable storage medium may not include a signal. Accordingly, a computer-readable storage medium does not constitute a signal per se.

Such computer-readable storage media may store program modules that include computer program logic to implement, for example, embodiments, systems, components, subcomponents, devices, methods, flowcharts, steps, and/or the like described herein (as noted above), and/or further embodiments described herein. Embodiments are directed to computer program products comprising such logic (e.g., in the form of program code, instructions, or software) stored on any computer useable medium. Such program code, when executed in one or more processors, causes a device to operate as described herein.

Note that such computer-readable storage media are distinguished from and non-overlapping with communication media (do not include communication media). Communication media embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media, as well as wired media. Embodiments are also directed to such communication media.

The disclosed technologies can be put into practice using software, firmware, and/or hardware implementations other than those described herein. Any software, firmware, and hardware implementations suitable for performing the functions described herein can be used.

V. Conclusion

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.