Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer comprising a linear array of piezoelectric elements for converting a single line from a compressional acoustic image field to electrical impulses which, in turn, provide a means for converting the incident compressional image field to a visual representation. In order to match the configuration of the acoustic image field, the array of piezoelectric elements, in a preferred embodiment, has the configuration of an arc, that is, the array is arranged in a straight line in one plane and in an arc in a plane orthogonal to the first. The transducer is made up of a plurality of assemblies each of which is composed of segments of piezoelectric material each held in a supporting slot in a length of metal plate which slot is filled with a material selected to provide impedance matching between the piezoelectric material and the transmission medium.

Abstract: A lens converter ultrasonic camera method and system are shown for producing a visible representation in real time and true perspective of inhomogeneities in an opaque subject or specimen and especially suitable for imaging organs of living organisms. An ultrasonic wave generating transducer means is coupled to the specimen for insonification thereof, and focused perspective images using either transmitted or reflected ultrasonic waves are produced and directed upon an array of acoustic to electrical transducer elements. Scanning means are employed to expose the transducer elements to the entire acoustic image to generate electrical signals representative of the acoustic image.