Self-shape estimation algorithm for a flexible ultrasonic array probe

A self-shape estimation algorithm for a flexible ultrasonic array probe was described in the paper. Position information of each element in the array is essentially required to achieve a focal control in ultrasonic imaging process. The purpose of this study is to develop an algorithm to estimate array shape without other sensors. In our proposed algorithm, beam image (BI) was used as an evaluation function in the estimation of the shape. BI is an image representing a transmitted beam profile in the imaging object. BI was obtained by scanning of receive focal points around the transmit focal point. The quality factor of BI was used as an evaluation function and parameters describing assumed shapes were searched. We conducted simulation and gel experiments with commercially available flexible probe unit. The algorithm was evaluated by the quality of an estimated self-shape and reconstructed images using an estimated self-shape. The theoretical lateral and depth resolutions were 0.5~1mm and 0.3mm in light of...