Numerical Investigation of Relative Array Element Localization Algorithm for Enabling Imaging from Flexible Ultrasonic Arrays

Abstract

Array element locations are a necessary input for ultrasonic imaging algorithms. This effort studies a recently developed algorithm that determines the relative array element locations of a flexible ultrasound array applied to a non-flat surface. A numerical investigation of the optimization-based method for determining relative array element locations compares the actual locations of the elements to those determined by the algorithm, and images produced with the actual element locations versus those estimated by the algorithm. The algorithm performance is evaluated in two example regions with complex boundaries. The error of relative array element location estimates is characterized, and the impact on the resolution of the total focusing method with full matrix capture is demonstrated.