Synthetic data collection method for full matrix capture using an ultrasound array

Abstract

A method for efficiently achieving full-matrix ultrasonic data capture which includes the steps of providing an ultrasound array apparatus, the ultrasound array apparatus further comprising a probe, collecting data over a plurality of inspection locations, generating a plurality of data matrices, each of the data matrices reflecting data collected at the locations, and collecting, initially, a subset of a quantity of data needed for reconstruction of each of the inspection locations. In the method, as the probe moves from collection location to collection location, a data matrix at a prior collection location is gradually filled in as the probe moves to subsequent collection locations. In certain embodiments physical scanning of a probe with few elements is replaced by electronically scanning using an array with many elements.

1 . A method for efficiently achieving full-matrix ultrasonic data capture comprising:
 (a) providing an ultrasound array apparatus, the ultrasound array apparatus comprising a probe, the probe adapted for positioning over a test piece;   (b) collecting data over a plurality of locations;   (c) generating a plurality of data matrices, each of the data matrices reflecting data collected at the locations;   (d) collecting, initially, a subset of a quantity of data needed for reconstruction at each of the locations; and   (e) collecting data from location to location, gradually filling in a data matrix at a prior location as the probe moves to subsequent locations.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic array has k positions and m elements and no more than (k+m−1) element firings are required and no more than 
       
         
           
             
               
                 ( 
                 
                   k 
                   · 
                   m 
                 
                 ) 
               
               + 
               
                 
                   m 
                   · 
                   
                     ( 
                     
                       m 
                       - 
                       1 
                     
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                 2 
               
             
           
         
       
       waveforms are required to be collected in order to collect all the data needed for reconstruction. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the probe has a plurality of elements, each of the elements having an element pitch, further comprising the step of setting the scan increment equal to element pitch. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the probe is moved along a direction of the ultrasonic array to generate the plurality of data collection locations. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein a large array is employed. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein collection of data over the plurality of locations is accomplished by electronically transmitting and receiving on a subset of the elements, then incrementing the subset in order to electronically increment the data collection location. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound array is operating in pitch-catch mode. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the array has k positions and m elements and a subset of transmit elements and a subset of receive elements are fired in order to fill the matrix at each position. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein no more than 2(k+m−1)−1 firings are required and no more than k(2m−1)+(m−1) 2  waveforms are required to be collected in order to collect all the data needed for reconstruction. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein data collection increment is a unit fraction of element pitch such that collection increment is equal to pitch divided by L. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the array has k positions and m elements and no more than k+L·(m−1) element firings are required and no more than 
       
         
           
             
               
                 ( 
                 
                   k 
                   · 
                   m 
                 
                 ) 
               
               + 
               
                 L 
                 · 
                 
                   
                     m 
                     · 
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         m 
                         - 
                         1 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                   2 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
       waveforms are required to be collected in order to collect all the data needed for reconstruction, with the proviso that k>L for both of the equations herein. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the collected data is reused.