Dual scan-type ultrasonic scanning apparatus and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to dual scan-type ultrasonic scanning apparatus and method capable of creating ultrasonic images of both sides of an object to be inspected simultaneously in a single scan by positioning ultrasonic probes on both sides of the object to be inspected. Ultrasonic images are acquired by transferring, simultaneously in one direction, an upper probe spaced a predetermined distance apart from the upper surface of an object to be inspected, and a lower probe spaced a predetermined distance apart from the lower surface of the object to be inspected and scanning same from both sides, and scanning time can be saved, and scanning efficiency can be improved, by generating a first C-scan image from the reflected signal of a first ultrasonic signal output from the upper probe, generating a first T-scan image by receiving the transmitted signal of the first ultrasonic signal from the lower probe, and generating a second C-scan image from the reflected signal of a second ultrasonic signal output from the lower probe.

Description

Ultrasonic scanning device and method using a double-sided scanning method

[0001] The present invention relates to high-speed ultrasonic scanning technology, and more specifically, to an ultrasonic scanning device and method of a double-sided scanning type capable of performing ultrasonic inspection on both sides of an object to be inspected.

[0002] Ultrasound systems are one of the important diagnostic systems with diverse applications. In particular, ultrasound systems are widely used in various fields due to their non-invasive and non-destructive characteristics regarding the object being examined. Such ultrasound systems utilize an ultrasound probe containing a broadband transducer to transmit and receive ultrasound signals. By moving this ultrasound probe, ultrasound signals are introduced into and reflected from the object being examined to perform a predetermined inspection.

[0003] At this time, the ultrasonic probe must move in close contact with the object to be inspected. To this end, an ultrasonic system may be used in which a liquid medium, such as water, is placed in a tank, the object to be inspected is submerged in water, and then the tip of the probe moves over the object to be inspected while submerged in water to obtain an ultrasonic image of the object to be inspected.

[0004] However, conventional ultrasonic inspection devices scan while the object is submerged in an ultrasonic medium, such as water, so the inspection is performed on only one side of the object. Consequently, conventional ultrasonic inspection devices suffer from a problem of reduced scanning efficiency.

[0005] [Prior Art Literature]

[0006] (Patent Document 1) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2187526 (Published December 07, 2020)

[0007] (Patent Document 2) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2036058 (Published October 24, 2019)

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a double-sided scanning type ultrasonic scanning device and method that can generate ultrasonic images of an object to be examined simultaneously from both sides in a single scan by placing ultrasonic probes on both sides of the object to be examined.

[0009] An ultrasonic scanning method of a double-sided scanning method according to an embodiment of the present invention acquires an ultrasonic image by simultaneously moving an upper probe (S1) disposed at a predetermined distance from the upper surface of an object to be inspected and a lower probe (S2) disposed at a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the object to be inspected in a single direction to scan the object to be inspected from both sides. The method comprises the steps of: outputting a first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) from the upper probe (S1) toward the object to be inspected; receiving a first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1) generated by the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) being reflected inside the object to be inspected through the upper probe (S1); generating a first C-Scan ultrasonic image from the first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1); receiving a first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2) generated by the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) being transmitted through the object to be inspected through the lower probe (S2); and generating a first T-Scan ultrasonic image from the first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2). The method may include the step of outputting a second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) toward the object to be inspected from the lower probe (S2); the step of receiving a second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3), generated by the reflection of the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) inside the object to be inspected, through the lower probe (S2); and the step of generating a second C-Scan ultrasonic image from the second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3).

[0010] After the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) is output from the upper probe (S1), the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) can be output from the lower probe (S2) after a time delay of a set time interval.

[0011] The upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) can be arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction.

[0012] The method may further include the step of receiving a second transmitted ultrasonic signal generated by the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) penetrating the object to be inspected into the upper probe (S1); and the step of generating a second T-Scan ultrasonic image from the second transmitted ultrasonic signal.

[0013] After the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) is output from the lower probe (S2), the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) can be output from the upper probe (S1) after a time delay of a set time interval.

[0014] The method may further include a step of correcting the C-scan image using the above T-scan image.

[0015] The method may further include a step of vertically inverting the first C-scan image or the second C-scan image.

[0016] The method may further include a step of correcting the first C-scan image or the second C-scan image using both the first T-scan image and the second T-scan image.

[0017] The time delay between the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) and the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) can be set to be substantially the same as the time delay between the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) and the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1).

[0018] The upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) are positioned on the left and right sides of the object to be inspected (Ti) at a predetermined distance apart, and can scan the object to be inspected (Ti) in the up and down direction while being transported in the up and down direction.

[0019] An ultrasonic scanning device of a double-sided scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper probe (S1) disposed at a predetermined distance from the upper surface of an object to be inspected and a lower probe (S2) disposed at a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the object to be inspected, and acquires an ultrasonic image by scanning the object to be inspected from both sides while simultaneously moving the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) in one direction. A first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) is output from the upper probe (S1) toward the object to be inspected, and a first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1) generated by the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) being reflected inside the object to be inspected is received through the upper probe (S1), and a first C-Scan ultrasonic image is generated from the first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1), and a first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2) generated by the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) passing through the object to be inspected is received through the lower probe (S2), and from the first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2) A first T-Scan ultrasonic image is generated, and a second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) is output from the lower probe (S2) toward the object to be inspected. A second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3), generated by the reflection of the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) inside the object to be inspected, is received through the lower probe (S2), and a second C-Scan ultrasonic image can be generated from the second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3).

[0020] An ultrasonic scanning method of a double-sided scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention is an ultrasonic scanning method for acquiring ultrasonic images by scanning an object to be examined from a plurality of surfaces using a first probe and a second probe arranged to be spaced apart from each other on a first surface and a second surface of the object to be examined, the method comprising: a step of outputting a first ultrasonic signal from the first probe toward the object to be examined; a step of receiving a first response signal generated based on the first ultrasonic signal through the first probe; a step of generating a first ultrasonic image from the first response signal; a step of receiving a second response signal generated based on the first ultrasonic signal through the second probe; a step of generating a second ultrasonic image from the second response signal; a step of outputting a second ultrasonic signal from the second probe toward the object to be examined so as to be temporally separated from the first ultrasonic signal; a step of receiving a third response signal generated based on the second ultrasonic signal through the second probe; and a step of generating a third ultrasonic image from the third response signal; wherein the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image may be acquired for substantially the same area of ​​the object to be examined.

[0021] An ultrasonic scanning device of a double-sided scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention is an ultrasonic scanning device that acquires ultrasonic images by scanning an object to be inspected from a plurality of surfaces, comprising: a first probe disposed spaced apart from a first surface of the object to be inspected; a second probe disposed spaced apart from a second surface of the object to be inspected; and a control unit that controls the first probe and the second probe. The control unit controls the output of a first ultrasonic signal from the first probe toward the object to be inspected, receives a first response signal generated based on the first ultrasonic signal through the first probe to generate a first ultrasonic image, receives a second response signal generated based on the first ultrasonic signal through the second probe to generate a second ultrasonic image, controls the output of a second ultrasonic signal from the second probe toward the object to be inspected so as to be temporally separated from the first ultrasonic signal, receives a third response signal generated based on the second ultrasonic signal through the second probe to generate a third ultrasonic image, and the first ultrasonic image and the second ultrasonic image can be acquired for substantially the same area of ​​the object to be inspected.

[0022] According to the present invention, by placing ultrasonic probes on both sides of an object to be inspected so that ultrasonic images can be generated simultaneously from both sides of the object to be inspected in a single scan, scanning time can be saved and scanning efficiency can be improved.

[0023] The present invention described above has the effect of improving scanning efficiency compared to conventional technology while also enabling stable scanning.

[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2 are exploded perspective views of a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0025] FIGS. 3 and 4 are partial perspective views showing a first axis transfer unit of a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0026] FIGS. 5 and 6 are partial perspective views showing a driving crank and a moving plate of a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0027] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a driving crank of a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a driving weight of a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0029] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of a scanning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0030] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a second axis transfer unit of a scanning device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and

[0031] Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams illustrating the mechanism for simultaneous acquisition of C-scan and T-scan images.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines or the size of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms described below are defined in consideration of their functions within the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intent or practice of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0034] Furthermore, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention but are merely exemplary details of the components presented in the claims of the present invention. Embodiments including components that are included in the technical concept throughout the specification of the present invention and that can be substituted as equivalents for the components in the claims may be included within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, technical features used in one embodiment may be applied in other embodiments as they are or with modifications without special mention.

[0035] A scanning device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a double-sided scanning type transfer device (10) that moves an ultrasonic probe (S) in two-axis directions on a measurement target part (B) as shown in FIGS. 1 to 11. At this time, the measurement target part (B) is configured to obtain an ultrasonic image of a test target by moving the probe over the test target while the tip of the probe is submerged in water after the test target is submerged in water. Since this is identical to the prior art, redundant description and illustration thereof are omitted. In addition, the ultrasonic probe (S) is also identical to that described in the prior art, so redundant description and illustration thereof are omitted.

[0036] The present invention comprises a first axis transfer unit (100) for transferring the ultrasonic probe (S) in a first direction, a moving frame (300) installed on a measurement target (B) on which the first axis transfer unit (100) is provided, and a second axis transfer unit (200) provided on one side of the measurement target (B) for transferring the moving frame (300) in a direction different from the first direction. That is, the ultrasonic probe (S) is provided on one side of the transfer frame (300), and the transfer frame (300) is transferred in two axis directions by the first axis transfer unit (100) and the second axis transfer unit (200). Accordingly, with the above-described configuration, the ultrasonic probe (S) can be moved in two axis directions, making scanning more efficient.

[0037] At this time, the first axis transfer unit (100) includes a drive crank (110) rotated by a first power generation unit (M1) and an operating rod (120) disposed on each side of the drive crank (110), wherein the ultrasonic probe (S) is provided on one side of the operating rod (120). At this time, the operating rod (120) is pin-coupled to the drive crank (110) and moves the ultrasonic probe (S) by moving them closer to each other or further apart from each other by the rotation of the drive crank (110). In other words, multiple ultrasonic probes (S) are moved in a direction that moves closer to each other or further apart from each other by the rotation of the drive crank (110), thereby further improving scanning efficiency.

[0038] The drive crank (110) comprises a drive shaft (1110) that is rotated by the first power generation unit (M1) and a plurality of drive weights (1130) provided on the drive shaft (1110). As described above, the drive crank (110) rotates to move the operating rod (120) back and forth. However, vibration may occur due to reasons such as inertia force during the rotation of the drive crank (110), which can hinder the stable transport of the ultrasonic probe (S). To solve this problem, the present invention attaches a drive weight to one side of the drive crank (110). This configuration enables the drive crank (110) to rotate more stably, thereby allowing for stable scanning.

[0039] The above driving weight (1130) includes a plurality of weight units (WU) formed in pairs. These weight units (WU) are provided on the driving shaft (1110) and rotate.

[0040] The weight unit (WU) comprises a first weight (1130-1) and a second weight (1130-2) arranged to face each other and having the same shape. That is, a plurality of weight units (WU) composed of the first weight (1130-1) and the second weight (1130-2) are provided on the drive shaft (1110).

[0041] The first weight (1130-1) and the second weight (1130-2) have the same shape and each include a disc-shaped weight body (1131) and a weight protrusion (1132) that protrudes from the weight body (1131) with a specific shape. That is, a pair of weight bodies (1131) are arranged, and the weight protrusion (1132) protrudes from the mutually facing sides. A connecting shaft (1113) is arranged between these weight bodies (1131).

[0042] At this time, the weight protrusion (1132) and the connecting shaft (1113) are spaced apart in the radial direction, and one end of the operating rod (120) is pin-connected to the connecting shaft (1113) of the weight unit (WU). That is, the connecting shaft (1113) rotates eccentrically due to the rotation of the weight body (1131), and the operating rod (120) moves back and forth due to this rotation of the connecting shaft (1113). At this time, since the connecting shaft (1113) is spaced apart from the weight protrusion (1112) in the radial direction, when the weight body (1131) rotates, the weight protrusion (1112) functions like a flywheel to absorb the instability occurring in the weight body (1131).

[0043] Meanwhile, as described above, a plurality of weight units (WU) are arranged on the drive shaft (1110), and it is also possible for the weight protrusion (1132) of a specific weight unit (WU) among the weight units (WU) to be arranged in the upper side in the height direction, and for the weight protrusion (1132) of another weight unit (WU) adjacent to the specific weight unit (WU) to be arranged in the lower side in the height direction.

[0044] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, four weight units (WU) may be provided on the drive shaft (1110). Among these, the weight protrusion (1132-1) of the first weight unit (WU1) is positioned on the lower side in the drawing. The weight protrusion (1132-2) of the second weight unit (WU2) adjacent to the first weight unit (WU1) is positioned on the upper side in the drawing. With this configuration, the load is evenly distributed when the drive shaft (1110) rotates, thereby enabling stable rotation.

[0045] As previously described, the first axis transfer unit (100) is provided on the moving frame (300). This moving frame (300) is installed on the measurement target part (B), and for this purpose, it can be installed on the measurement target part (B) by various configurations, which will be explained separately.

[0046] The above-described moving frame (300) includes a first support wall (310) positioned in the forward and backward movement direction of the operating rod (120), a pair of second support walls (320) connecting the first support walls (310), and a top plate (330) covering the upper surface of the first support walls (310).

[0047] Additionally, the first axis transfer unit (100) includes a movable plate (130) pin-coupled to the end of the operating rod (120) and a first guide unit (140) fixed to the lower side of the upper plate (330) to guide the movement of the movable plate (130). At this time, an ultrasonic probe (S) is installed on the bottom surface of the movable plate (130). With this configuration, the movable plate (130) can move stably by the first guide unit (140), and thereby the ultrasonic probe (S) can also move stably.

[0048] The first guide member (140) comprises a first base (1410) fixed to the lower side of the top plate (330), a first rail (1420) fixed to the bottom surface of the first base (1410) and arranged in the direction of movement of the movable plate (130), and a first coupling block (1430) coupled to the first rail (1420). At this time, the first coupling block (1430) is coupled to the movable plate (130) to guide the movement of the movable plate (130).

[0049] A pair of first fixing plates (340) may be installed on the lower side of the top plate (330). The first base (1410) may be installed on the lower side of the first fixing plates (340). Meanwhile, a second fixing plate (350) may be installed between the first fixing plates (340). The second fixing plate (350) is installed on the first support wall (310) and on the lower side of the top plate (330) to stably support the top plate (330).

[0050] Meanwhile, the drive crank (110) is rotatably positioned between the first support walls (310). To this end, a portion of the drive shaft (1110) penetrates the first support wall (310) and is exposed to the outside, and an interlocking pulley (1120) is positioned on the exposed drive shaft (1110). Additionally, a first power generating unit (M1) is positioned on one side of the first support wall (310), and the interlocking pulley (1120) is rotated by the first power generating unit (M1) to rotate the drive shaft (1110). Meanwhile, the interlocking pulley (1120) and the first power generating unit (M1) may be directly connected or indirectly connected by a component such as a power belt (not shown).

[0051] In addition, widely known bearings, etc., can be provided at both ends of the drive shaft (1110) to allow the drive shaft (1110) to rotate stably.

[0052] According to the present invention, the ultrasonic probe (S) can be moved in two axes by a first axis transfer unit (100) and a second axis transfer unit (200). At this time, the second axis transfer unit (200) may include a second power generation unit (M2) that generates rotational force and is positioned on one side of the measurement target unit (B), a ball screw (210) that is rotated by the second power generation unit (M2), a moving block (220) that is screw-coupled to the ball screw (210), and an interlocking plate (230) that is coupled to the moving block (220).

[0053] At this time, the ball screw (210) is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the transfer direction of the first axis transfer unit (100), and the moving block (220) moves back and forth according to the rotation direction of the ball screw (210). In addition, the interlocking plate (230) is positioned on the bottom surface of the moving frame (300) to transfer the moving frame (300). That is, the moving block (220) is moved by the rotation of the ball screw (210), and the interlocking plate (230) is moved by the movement of the moving block (220), thereby moving the transfer frame (300) in the second axis direction.

[0054] At this time, the above-mentioned interlocking plate (230) is positioned on one side of the bottom surface of the transfer frame (300), and a rail support member (240) is positioned on the other side of the bottom surface of the transfer frame (300) to stably support the transfer frame (300).

[0055] That is, the second axis transfer unit (200) of the present invention may include a rail support unit (240) disposed on the other side of the measurement target unit (B), and a second rail (250) is disposed on the rail support unit (240). A second coupling block (260) is coupled to the second rail (250) to enable movement. At this time, the second rail (250) and the rail support unit (240) are arranged in the same direction as the ball screw (210), and the second coupling block (260) is coupled to the bottom surface of the movable frame (300).

[0056] In other words, one side of the bottom surface of the transfer frame (300) is supported by a rail support (240), and the other side of the bottom surface of the transfer frame (300) is supported by a linkage plate (230), a ball screw (210), and a moving block (220).

[0057] Meanwhile, the ultrasonic probe (S) may include an upper probe (S1) and a lower probe (S2) arranged in an up-and-down direction. With this configuration, the upper and lower surfaces of the object to be measured can be measured simultaneously, thereby improving scanning efficiency. Meanwhile, the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) may each be fixed by a U-shaped connecting frame (S3).

[0058] Below, we will look at an ultrasonic scanning method using the scanning device (10) of the present invention with reference again to FIGS. 1 to 13, which were examined earlier.

[0059] As previously described, operating rods (120) are positioned on both sides of the drive crank (110). At this time, one side of the operating rod (120) is pin-coupled to the drive crank (110), and an ultrasonic probe (S) is provided on the other side of the operating rod (120). At this time, the operating rod (120) moves back and forth by the rotation of the drive crank (110), so that the ultrasonic probes (S) move closer to each other or move further apart from each other. Meanwhile, as previously explained, a moving plate (130) is provided on the operating rod (120), and an ultrasonic probe (S) may be provided on the lower side of the moving plate (130).

[0060] Meanwhile, the operating rod (120) may include a bar-shaped operating rod body (1210) and a ring-shaped coupling end (1220) formed at the end of the operating rod body (1210). The movable plate (130) to which the operating rod (120) is coupled may include a plate-shaped movable plate body (1310) and a bracket (1320) provided on the movable plate body (1310). At this time, it is also possible for the coupling end (1220) to be pin-coupled to the bracket (1320).

[0061] Additionally, a separate coupling end (1230) is provided at the other end of the operating rod body (1210) so that it can be pin-coupled to the connecting shaft (1113) of the driving crank (110).

[0062] At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, when the drive crank (110) rotates clockwise, the operating rod (120) moves left and right in the drawing, causing the ultrasonic probes (S) to move away from each other. Conversely, when the drive crank (110) rotates counterclockwise, the ultrasonic probes (S) move closer to the drive clamp (110).

[0063] With this invention, the ultrasonic probe (S) can be moved all at once, thereby improving scanning efficiency.

[0064] Meanwhile, as previously described, the drive crank (110) is installed on the moving frame (300), and the moving frame (110) is moved by the second axis transfer unit (200). That is, the ultrasonic probe (S) is moved in the first axis direction by the drive crank (110) and moved in the second axis direction by the second axis transfer unit (200). By this invention, two-axis movement is possible, thereby improving scanning efficiency.

[0065] Meanwhile, the ultrasound probe (S) may include an upper probe (S1) and a lower probe (S2) arranged in an up-and-down direction. The object to be examined may be positioned between the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2). The upper probe (S1) may be positioned above the object to be examined to scan the upper surface of the object to be examined to acquire a first ultrasound image, and the lower probe (S2) may be positioned below the object to be examined to scan the lower surface of the object to be examined to acquire a second ultrasound image.

[0066] In this case, even if the thickness of the object to be inspected is so thick that it is difficult for the ultrasonic output to reach it according to various specifications such as the output ultrasonic frequency of the ultrasonic probe, the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) scan both sides of the object to be inspected simultaneously, thereby scanning both sides of the object to be inspected simultaneously in a single scan and acquiring respective ultrasonic images, thereby shortening the scanning time and improving scanning efficiency.

[0067] At this time, a problem may occur in which the ultrasonic signal input by being reflected from the object to be inspected by the ultrasonic signal output from the lower probe (S2) interferes with the ultrasonic signal input by being reflected from the object to be inspected by the ultrasonic signal output from the upper probe (S1). To solve this problem, the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) may be arranged so that the ultrasonic signals output from each of the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) are not located on the same straight line penetrating the same upper and lower surfaces, and the straight line extending from the upper probe (S1) through the object to be inspected and the straight line extending from the lower probe (S2) through the object to be inspected are staggered from each other.

[0068] In another embodiment, the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) may be arranged such that a straight line extending from the upper probe (S1) through the object to be inspected coincides with a straight line extending from the lower probe (S2) through the object to be inspected. In this case, a set time interval may be provided between the ultrasonic signal of the upper probe (S1) and the ultrasonic signal of the lower probe (S2) to prevent the ultrasonic signal of the upper probe (S1) and the ultrasonic signal of the lower probe (S2) from being output simultaneously at the same location. Accordingly, the ultrasonic signal of the upper probe (S1) and the ultrasonic signal of the lower probe (S2) may not interfere with each other.

[0069] In another embodiment, two inspection targets may be placed overlappingly, and each inspection target may be scanned by an upper probe (S1) and a lower probe (S2). In this case, one inspection target may be placed on the lower surface of the upper probe (S1), and the other inspection target may be placed on the upper surface of the lower probe (S2). In this case, by scanning both inspection targets simultaneously in a single scan to acquire respective ultrasound images, the scanning time can be shortened and scanning efficiency improved.

[0070] Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams illustrating the mechanism for simultaneous acquisition of C-scan and T-scan images.

[0071] Referring to the drawings, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a double-sided scanning ultrasonic scanning device and method, a first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1) and a first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2) can be generated respectively by a first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) transmitted in the form of a pulse from an upper probe (S1). The first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1) is generated by being reflected inside an object to be inspected (Ti) by the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) and input to the upper probe (S1), and a first C-scan ultrasonic image can be generated from the first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1).

[0072] Additionally, the first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2) is generated by penetrating the interior of the inspection target (Ti) through the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) and input to the lower probe (S2), and a first T-scan ultrasonic image can be generated from the first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2). At this time, the first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1) and the first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2) can be reflected and transmitted ultrasonic signals for the same position on the plane of the inspection target (Ti), respectively.

[0073] Accordingly, the double-sided scanning type ultrasonic scanning device and method can substantially simultaneously acquire C-scan images and T-scan images by means of a single input ultrasonic signal (Tx1) at the same planar position of the object to be inspected (Ti).

[0074] A second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3) can be generated by a second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) transmitted in pulse form from a lower probe (S2). The second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3) is generated by reflection from within the object to be inspected (Ti), input to the lower probe (S2), and a second C-scan ultrasonic image can be generated from the second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3). Accordingly, according to the present invention, both C-scan images and T-scan images on both sides can be obtained by a single ultrasonic scan.

[0075] At this time, after the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) is output from the upper probe (S1), the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) can be output from the lower probe (S2) after a set time interval (e.g., a time delay of 10 µs). Therefore, since one lower probe (S2) receives two signals, the first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2) and the second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3), with an interval equal to the set time delay, it is possible to generate T-scan images and C-scan images without signal interference by scanning the ultrasonic probe once.

[0076] In another embodiment, the double-sided scanning type ultrasonic scanning device and method receive a second transmitted ultrasonic signal (not shown) generated by a second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) passing through an object to be inspected as input to an upper probe (S1), and can generate a second T-Scan ultrasonic image from the second transmitted ultrasonic signal.

[0077] Accordingly, since one upper probe (S1) receives two signals, a first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1) and a second transmitted ultrasonic signal (not shown), at intervals of a set time delay, it is possible to generate T-scan images and C-scan images without signal interference by scanning the ultrasonic probe once.

[0078] At this time, the T-scan image by the upper probe (S1) and the T-scan image by the lower probe (S2) can each be obtained at a position where the upper probe (S1) is moved by an amount equal to the time delay between the first ultrasound signal (Tx1) and the second ultrasound signal (Tx2).

[0079] Accordingly, while obtaining a C-scan image at one location generated by the upper probe (S1) and a C-scan image at one location generated by the lower probe (S2), respectively, a T-scan image by the upper probe (S1) and a T-scan image by the lower probe (S2) respectively can be obtained, thereby improving the resolution of the T-scan image.

[0080] In this case, after the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) is output from the lower probe (S2), the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) can be output from the upper probe (S1) after a set time interval (e.g., a time delay of 10 µs). Therefore, since one upper probe (S2) receives two signals, the second transmitted ultrasonic signal (not shown) and the next first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1), with an interval equal to the set time delay, it is possible to generate T-scan images and C-scan images without signal interference by scanning the ultrasonic probe once.

[0081] Meanwhile, the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) is an ultrasonic signal output in the form of a pulse from the upper probe (S1) toward the object to be inspected (Ti), and the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) is an ultrasonic signal output in the form of a pulse from the lower probe (S2) toward the object to be inspected (Ti). At this time, the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) may be output after a time delay of a predetermined time interval following the output of the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1).

[0082] Additionally, while the upper probe (S1) moves linearly along the upper surface of the object to be inspected (Ti), a first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) may be output at every step set at a set time interval. While the lower probe (S2) moves linearly along the lower surface of the object to be inspected (Ti), a second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) may be output at every step set at a set time interval. At this time, since the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) are moved as a single unit by a single driving device, the step interval of the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) and the step interval of the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) may be the same. In this case, the resolution of the first C-scan image and the second C-scan image becomes the same.

[0083] The time delay between the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) and the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) can be a set time interval corresponding to the step size that serves as the standard for resolution in the scanning of the ultrasonic probe. Typically, since the time interval corresponding to the step size can be much larger than the time delay between the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) and the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1), there may be no need to consider a separate time delay in this case.

[0084] In another embodiment, the time delay between the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) and the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) may be set to be substantially the same as the time delay between the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) and the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1). In this case, the time delay between the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) and the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) and / or the time delay between the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) and the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) may be substantially half of the step interval between the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) and the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) and / or the step interval between the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) and the next second ultrasonic signal (Tx2).

[0085] In this case, signal interference between the first ultrasound signal (Tx1) and the second ultrasound signal (Tx2) is minimized, thereby improving the quality of the acquired ultrasound image.

[0086] In addition, when C-scan images can be obtained from both the upper and lower sides of a single inspection target (Ti), a first C-scan image and a second C-scan image can be combined to obtain a C-scan image with uniform resolution and a resolution that is twice as high. To achieve this, the first C-scan image or the second C-scan image can be combined by inverting it vertically. Furthermore, when generating the first C-scan image or the second C-scan image, images can be generated on a layer-by-layer basis, and images can be generated such that they remain the same layer even when the image is inverted vertically.

[0087] In addition, in an embodiment that additionally generates a second T-scan image, it is possible to obtain a T-scan image with uniform resolution and a resolution that is twice as high.

[0088] Meanwhile, although the present specification describes the present invention primarily in an embodiment in which the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) are positioned on the upper and lower surfaces of an object to be inspected (Ti) and transported, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied in a case where the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) are positioned on the left and right surfaces of the object to be inspected (Ti) and transported in a straight line in the vertical direction to scan the object to be inspected (Ti) in the vertical direction.

[0089] FIGS. 12 and 13 schematically illustrate an ultrasonic scanning device and method capable of performing C-Scan and T-Scan together on the upper and lower surfaces of an object to be inspected in a single scan.

[0090] Referring to the drawing, according to C-Scan, an ultrasonic signal output from an upper probe (S1) is reflected inside the object to be inspected, and the resulting reflected signal is input to the upper probe (S1) to generate an ultrasonic image, and an ultrasonic signal output from a lower probe (S2) is reflected inside the object to be inspected, and the resulting reflected signal is input to the lower probe (S2) to generate an ultrasonic image.

[0091] According to T-Scan, an ultrasonic signal output from an upper probe (S1) passes through an object to be inspected, and the transmitted ultrasonic signal generated is input to a lower probe (S2) to generate an ultrasonic image, or an ultrasonic signal output from a lower probe (S2) passes through an object to be inspected, and the transmitted ultrasonic signal generated is input to an upper probe (S1) to generate an ultrasonic image.

[0092] An upper probe (S1) and a lower probe (S2) are each positioned at a predetermined distance apart on the upper and lower surfaces of an object to be inspected, respectively, and each scans the upper and lower surfaces of the object to be inspected. The upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) may be positioned in a straight line in the vertical direction so that an ultrasonic output from the upper probe (S1) can pass through the object to be inspected and be input to the lower probe (S2), or an ultrasonic output from the lower probe (S2) can pass through the object to be inspected and be input to the upper probe (S1).

[0093] At this time, the ultrasonic signal output from the upper probe (S1) is reflected inside the object being inspected, and the resulting reflected signal is input to the upper probe (S1) to generate a C-Scan ultrasonic image. Simultaneously, the same ultrasonic signal output from the upper probe (S1) passes through the object being inspected, and the resulting transmitted ultrasonic signal is input to the lower probe (S2) to generate a T-Scan ultrasonic image. Additionally, while the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) are scanning the upper and lower surfaces of the object being inspected, respectively, the C-Scan ultrasonic image of the lower probe (S2) can be generated with a set time interval for the ultrasonic signal output from the upper probe (S1).

[0094] Accordingly, it becomes possible to acquire C-Scan and T-Scan ultrasound images of the object being inspected while minimizing or preventing interference between the ultrasound signals of the upper and lower surfaces.

[0095] Meanwhile, the double-sided scanning method of ultrasonic scanning can acquire ultrasonic images by scanning the object to be inspected from both sides by scanning together an upper probe (S1) positioned at a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the object to be inspected and a lower probe (S2) positioned at a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the object to be inspected.

[0096] An ultrasonic scanning method of a double-sided scanning method according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step of outputting a first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) toward an object to be inspected from an upper probe (S1); a step of receiving a first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1), generated by the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) being reflected inside the object to be inspected, through the upper probe (S1); a step of generating a first C-Scan ultrasonic image from the first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1); a step of receiving a first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2), generated by the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) being transmitted through the object to be inspected, through a lower probe (S2); a step of generating a first T-Scan ultrasonic image from the first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2); a step of outputting a second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) toward an object to be inspected from a lower probe (S2); and a step of receiving a second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3), generated by the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) being reflected inside the object to be inspected, through the lower probe (S2). and may include the step of generating a second C-Scan ultrasound image from the second reflected ultrasound signal (Rx3).

[0097] The first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) and the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) can be output staggered from each other by a preset time interval, for example, 10 µs. For example, after the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) is output from the upper probe (S1), the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) can be output from the lower probe (S2) after a preset time interval (for example, a time delay of 10 µs).

[0098] Accordingly, since one lower probe (S2) receives two signals, the first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2) and the second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3), at intervals of a set time delay, it is possible to generate T-scan images and C-scan images without signal interference by scanning the ultrasonic probe once.

[0099] To this end, the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) can be arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction so that the ultrasonic output from the upper probe (S1) passes through the object to be inspected and is input to the lower probe (S2), or the ultrasonic output from the lower probe (S2) passes through the object to be inspected and is input to the upper probe (S1).

[0100] As another embodiment, the double-sided scanning ultrasonic scanning method may further include the step of receiving a second transmitted ultrasonic signal (not shown) generated by a second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) passing through an object to be inspected into an upper probe (S1); and the step of generating a second T-Scan ultrasonic image from the second transmitted ultrasonic signal.

[0101] Accordingly, since one upper probe (S1) receives two signals, a first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1) and a second transmitted ultrasonic signal (not shown), at intervals of a set time delay, it is possible to generate T-scan images and C-scan images without signal interference by scanning the ultrasonic probe once.

[0102] At this time, the T-scan image by the upper probe (S1) and the T-scan image by the lower probe (S2) can each be obtained at a position where the upper probe (S1) is moved by an amount equal to the time delay between the first ultrasound signal (Tx1) and the second ultrasound signal (Tx2).

[0103] Accordingly, while obtaining a C-scan image at one location generated by the upper probe (S1) and a C-scan image at one location generated by the lower probe (S2), respectively, a T-scan image by the upper probe (S1) and a T-scan image by the lower probe (S2) respectively can be obtained, thereby improving the resolution of the T-scan image.

[0104] In this case, after the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) is output from the lower probe (S2), the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) can be output from the upper probe (S1) after a set time interval (e.g., a time delay of 10 µs). Therefore, since one upper probe (S2) receives two signals, the second transmitted ultrasonic signal (not shown) and the next first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1), with an interval equal to the set time delay, it is possible to generate T-scan images and C-scan images without signal interference by scanning the ultrasonic probe once.

[0105] Meanwhile, the time delay between the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) and the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) can be a set time interval corresponding to the time obtained by subtracting the time delay between the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) and the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) from the step size that serves as the standard for resolution in the scanning of the ultrasonic probe. Typically, since the time interval corresponding to the step size can be much larger than the time delay between the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) and the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1), there may be no need to consider a separate time delay in this case.

[0106] As another embodiment, the double-sided scanning method for ultrasonic scanning may further include a step of correcting a C-scan image using a T-scan image. Accordingly, the quality of the ultrasonic image obtained according to the present invention can be improved.

[0107] At this time, the first C-scan image can be corrected using the first T-scan image. In addition, by using both the first T-scan image and the second T-scan image to correct the first C-scan image and / or the second C-scan image, the quality of the ultrasound image can be further improved.

[0108] As another embodiment, the double-sided scanning ultrasonic scanning method may further include the step of synthesizing a first C-scan image and a second C-scan image when C-scan images can be obtained from both the upper and lower sides of a single inspection target (Ti). In this case, a C-scan image with a resolution improved by twofold can be obtained.

[0109] In addition, when the time delay between the first ultrasound signal (Tx1) and the second ultrasound signal (Tx2) is set to be substantially the same as the time delay between the second ultrasound signal (Tx2) and the next first ultrasound signal (Tx1), a C-scan image with uniform resolution and a resolution improved by twofold can be obtained.

[0110] To this end, the method may further include a step of vertically flipping the first C-scan image or the second C-scan image. At this time, when generating the first C-scan image or the second C-scan image, the image may be generated on a layer-by-layer basis, and the image may be generated such that the same layer remains even after vertical flipping.

[0111] Another embodiment of the present invention is a double-sided scanning method for acquiring ultrasonic images from multiple angles by utilizing a first probe and a second probe, respectively, which are spaced apart on the first and second surfaces of an object to be inspected. Looking at the specific procedure, first, the first probe outputs a first ultrasonic signal toward the object to be inspected. Subsequently, the first probe receives a first response signal that is reflected back from within the object to generate a first ultrasonic image. Simultaneously, a second response signal generated as the first ultrasonic signal passes through the object is transmitted to the second probe on the opposite side, and a second ultrasonic image is created based on this. In the next step, the second probe directly outputs a second ultrasonic signal toward the object with a time difference from the previously generated signal. The second probe receives a third response signal, which is a reaction to this signal, to generate a third ultrasonic image. The first and second images acquired in this process contain information regarding substantially the same area of ​​the object to be inspected.

[0112] An ultrasonic scanning device of a double-sided scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises first and second probes spaced apart from each other on a first surface and a second surface of an object to be inspected, respectively, and a control unit that controls them. The control unit oversees the overall scanning process and, first, controls the first probe to output a first ultrasonic signal to the object to be inspected. Then, it receives a first response signal returning to the first probe to generate a first image, and simultaneously controls the second probe to collect a second response signal transmitted to it to generate a second image. Subsequently, to avoid signal interference, the control unit causes the second probe to output a second ultrasonic signal after a certain period of time has elapsed, and receives a third response signal corresponding thereto through the second probe to complete a third image. The first image and the second image obtained through such device operation can represent the same location within the object to be inspected.

[0113] An ultrasonic scanning method of a double-sided scanning method according to one embodiment of the present invention enables the efficient acquisition of multiple ultrasonic images by simultaneously performing ultrasonic inspection on multiple surfaces of an object to be inspected. To this end, the present invention utilizes a first probe and a second probe that are spaced apart and disposed on a first surface and a second surface of an object to be inspected, respectively. Here, the first surface and the second surface refer to surfaces facing each other with the object to be inspected in between, and may, for example, be the top surface and bottom surface, left surface and right surface, or front surface and rear surface of the object to be inspected.

[0114] The first probe and the second probe are positioned at a predetermined distance from the object to be inspected. This separation distance can be appropriately set by considering the frequency of the ultrasonic signal, the material and thickness of the object to be inspected, the required image resolution, etc. Generally, the separation distance may be in the range of several millimeters to several centimeters, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] The scanning method of the present invention first outputs a first ultrasonic signal from a first probe toward an object to be inspected. The first ultrasonic signal is a pulsed ultrasonic signal, and its frequency can be set in various ways depending on the purpose of inspection and the characteristics of the object. For example, in the case of industrial non-destructive inspection, a frequency in the range of 1 MHz to 10 MHz may be used, and in the case of medical ultrasonic inspection, a higher frequency may be used.

[0116] When a first ultrasonic signal is incident on an object under inspection, various ultrasonic responses are generated due to the internal structure, defects, non-uniformity, etc. of the object under inspection. The present invention obtains two different response signals from these responses. First, a first response signal generated based on the first ultrasonic signal is received through a first probe. This first response signal may be a signal that is reflected back from within the object under inspection after the first ultrasonic signal has been reflected. Such reflection may occur at interfaces, defects, or non-uniform regions within the object under inspection where there is a difference in acoustic impedance.

[0117] A first ultrasonic image is generated from a first response signal. This first ultrasonic image is an image acquired from the first surface side of the object being inspected, and may be, for example, a C-Scan image. A C-Scan image is a two-dimensional image that shows ultrasonic reflection characteristics at a specific depth or depth range on the plane of the object being inspected.

[0118] As a characteristic configuration of the present invention, a second response signal is received through a second probe based on the same first ultrasonic signal output from a first probe. This second response signal may be a signal transmitted to the second surface side by the first ultrasonic signal penetrating the object to be inspected. That is, the ultrasonic waves output from the first probe penetrate the object to be inspected and are received by the second probe located on the opposite side.

[0119] A second ultrasonic image is generated from the second response signal. This second ultrasonic image is an image based on ultrasonic information transmitted through the object being inspected, and may be, for example, a T-Scan (Through-Transmission Scan) image. The T-Scan image reflects characteristics such as attenuation, absorption, and scattering within the object being inspected, and provides integrated information across the entire thickness of the object being inspected.

[0120] Importantly, since the first and second ultrasound images are generated from the same first ultrasound signal, these two images are acquired for substantially the same area of ​​the object being inspected. Here, "substantially the same area" does not mean exactly the same location, but rather refers to areas that substantially overlap or correspond to each other when considering the probe's beam diffusion, ultrasound reflection, and transmission characteristics. With this configuration, reflection and transmission information can be acquired simultaneously from a single ultrasound signal output, thereby significantly improving inspection efficiency.

[0121] The present invention utilizes the second probe not only for signal reception but also for signal transmission. Specifically, a second ultrasonic signal is output from the second probe toward the object to be inspected. At this time, the second ultrasonic signal is output so as to be temporally separated from the first ultrasonic signal. Here, "temporarily separated" means that the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal are output with a sufficient time interval to prevent interference between them. For example, the second ultrasonic signal may be output after the first ultrasonic signal is output and both the first response signal and the second response signal are received. Alternatively, the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal may be output alternately, with an appropriate time delay considering the response time of each signal. This time delay may be, for example, several microseconds to tens of microseconds, but may vary depending on the thickness, material, and ultrasonic speed of the object to be inspected.

[0122] A third response signal generated based on the second ultrasonic signal is received through the second probe. This third response signal may be a signal that is reflected from within the object being inspected by the second ultrasonic signal and returns to the second probe. A third ultrasonic image is generated from the third response signal. This third ultrasonic image is a reflected image acquired from the second side of the object being inspected, and may be, for example, a C-Scan image of the second side.

[0123] According to the present invention, three different ultrasonic images (a first ultrasonic image, a second ultrasonic image, and a third ultrasonic image) can be obtained in a single scanning operation. The first ultrasonic image provides reflection information on the first surface side of the object being inspected, the second ultrasonic image provides transmission information on the entire object being inspected, and the third ultrasonic image provides reflection information on the second surface side of the object being inspected.

[0124] These three images provide mutually complementary information. For example, reflection-based images (first and third ultrasound images) can clearly show the location and size of a defect, while transmission-based images (second ultrasound image) can provide information about the soundness or uniformity of the entire object being inspected. In addition, by comparing the reflection images acquired from the first and second surfaces, respectively, it is possible to determine which surface of the object being inspected the defect is close to, or at what depth inside it.

[0125] Furthermore, since the first and second ultrasound images are acquired over substantially the same area, inspection accuracy can be significantly improved by comparing or combining these two images for analysis. For example, attenuation correction of the first ultrasound image (reflection image) can be performed using information from the second ultrasound image (transmission image). Alternatively, more accurate defect detection and characterization can be performed by combining the features of the two images.

[0126] When performing actual scanning, the first probe and the second probe move relative to the object being inspected while scanning the entire area of ​​the object or the area of ​​interest. This movement can be performed in various patterns, such as linear scanning, raster scanning, and spiral scanning. The first probe and the second probe can be combined as a single unit and move together, and a separate transfer device or scanning mechanism may be used for this purpose.

[0127] During the scanning process, the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal are repeatedly output at regular step intervals. For example, a new ultrasonic signal can be output and a response signal received whenever the probe moves by 50 µm or 100 µm. These step intervals are determined according to the required image resolution.

[0128] In one embodiment, the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal may be output alternately. That is, the first ultrasonic signal is output from the first probe, the second ultrasonic signal is output from the second probe after a predetermined time, and the next first ultrasonic signal is output from the first probe after another predetermined time. In this case, the time interval between each signal may be set to be the same or different.

[0129] In another embodiment, the time delay between the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal may be set to be substantially the same as the time delay between the second ultrasonic signal and the next first ultrasonic signal. In this case, the first probe and the second probe alternately output at equal time intervals, and substantially twice the sampling density can be obtained on the scanning path. This has the effect of improving image resolution.

[0130] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first probe and the second probe may be positioned in a straight line penetrating the object to be inspected. That is, they are aligned so that the ultrasonic beam axis of the first probe and the ultrasonic beam axis of the second probe coincide. This arrangement allows for the transmission signal to be received as efficiently as possible, thereby improving the quality of the second ultrasonic image.

[0131] In another embodiment, the first probe and the second probe may not be placed in a perfectly straight line but may be placed slightly offset from each other. This may be to prevent the signal output from the first probe and the signal output from the second probe from interfering with each other within the object being inspected. Even in this case, the offset between the probes is minimized so that the transmitted signal can still be sufficiently received.

[0132] In another embodiment, the first and second surfaces may be the left and right surfaces, or the front and rear surfaces, rather than the top and bottom surfaces of the object to be inspected. For example, the first probe and the second probe may be placed on the left and right surfaces of the object to be inspected, and scanning may be performed while moving them in the up and down direction. This arrangement may be selected depending on the shape of the object to be inspected or the inspection environment.

[0133] In a further embodiment of the present invention, multiple acquired ultrasonic images may be mutually corrected or combined. For example, a reflection-based first ultrasonic image or a third ultrasonic image may be corrected using a transmission-based second ultrasonic image. Specifically, by extracting acoustic attenuation information at each position of the object under inspection from the second ultrasonic image and using this to compensate for the depth-dependent attenuation of the first ultrasonic image, it is possible to evaluate the defect size and characteristics more accurately.

[0134] In addition, the first ultrasound image acquired from the first plane and the third ultrasound image acquired from the second plane may be combined. For example, the third ultrasound image may be inverted vertically and then superimposed or composited with the first ultrasound image. Since the two images represent the same area of ​​the same object being examined, a composite image with uniform and double-improved resolution can be obtained through appropriate alignment and layer correspondence.

[0135] The double-sided ultrasonic scanning method according to the present invention can be applied to various fields. In industrial settings, it can be utilized for weld inspection, composite material inspection, and detection of internal defects in metal materials. In the medical field, it can be used for evaluating the characteristics of biological tissues or detecting lesions. Furthermore, in the field of research and development, it can be utilized for characterizing new materials or monitoring manufacturing processes.

[0136] As explained above, the double-sided scanning method of the present invention has the effect of shortening inspection time and improving inspection accuracy by efficiently utilizing multiple probes to acquire multiple complementary ultrasound images in a single scan.

[0137] < Additional embodiment for preventing signal interference >

[0138] In the double-sided scanning ultrasonic scanning method and apparatus of the present invention, signal interference is prevented by outputting a first ultrasonic signal and a second ultrasonic signal separately in time. In addition to this basic time delay method, the present invention may apply various signal interference prevention technologies alone or in combination with the time delay method. Below, additional interference prevention methods with high practical applicability are described in detail.

[0139] [Signal interference prevention using frequency division method]

[0140] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first probe and a second probe may be configured to output ultrasonic signals having different center frequencies. For example, the first probe may output a first ultrasonic signal having a center frequency of 5 MHz, and the second probe may output a second ultrasonic signal having a center frequency of 7.5 MHz. In this case, each probe may be provided with a band-pass filter to selectively receive only the signal in the frequency band it outputs.

[0141] Specifically, the first probe may have a filter that passes only signals between 4.5 MHz and 5.5 MHz, and the second probe may have a filter that passes only signals between 7 MHz and 8 MHz. According to this configuration, even if a 5 MHz signal output from the first probe passes through the object being inspected and reaches the second probe, it is blocked by the filter of the second probe, so it does not cause interference with the 7.5 MHz signal that the second probe intends to receive simultaneously. Likewise, the 7.5 MHz signal output from the second probe is blocked by the filter of the first probe.

[0142] The biggest advantage of the frequency division method is that two probes can transmit and receive ultrasonic signals simultaneously without time delay. In other words, even if the first and second ultrasonic signals are output at the same time, completely separated response signals can be obtained due to the difference in frequency. This can dramatically improve scanning speed and is particularly advantageous in industrial environments where large areas need to be inspected quickly.

[0143] However, there are several considerations when using different frequencies. First, since the penetration depth and resolution vary depending on the ultrasound frequency, the characteristics of the first ultrasound image and the third ultrasound image may differ slightly. Generally, low frequencies have a deep penetration depth but low resolution, while high frequencies have high resolution but a shallow penetration depth. Therefore, the frequencies of the two probes must be appropriately selected considering the thickness of the object being inspected and the required resolution. Generally, a ratio of 1:1.2 to 1:2 between the two frequencies is appropriate, and, for example, a combination of 5 MHz and 6 MHz, or 5 MHz and 7.5 MHz, may be used.

[0144] Second, the quality of the second ultrasound image (transmission image) may be affected due to the frequency-dependent attenuation characteristics of the object being inspected. When a 5 MHz signal output from the first probe passes through the object being inspected and reaches the second probe, the second probe is configured to receive a 7.5 MHz signal, so it cannot directly receive this 5 MHz transmission signal. To solve this, the second probe may be configured to be equipped with a dual-band filter so as to receive both its own transmission frequency (7.5 MHz) and the transmission frequency (5 MHz) of the first probe. In this case, the received signal is separated into each frequency component through digital signal processing to generate the corresponding ultrasound image.

[0145] In this embodiment, a time delay method and a frequency division method may be used together. For example, the first ultrasonic signal (5 MHz) and the second ultrasonic signal (7.5 MHz) may be set to different frequencies, and an additional short time delay (e.g., 5 microseconds) may be applied. This acts as a dual protection mechanism to minimize signal interference to an extreme degree, and is particularly advantageous for inspecting thick objects or objects with complex internal structures.

[0146] [Prevention of signal interference using spatial separation]

[0147] In another embodiment of the present invention, signal interference can be prevented by spatially staggering the first probe and the second probe. In the previously described embodiment, the first probe and the second probe were described as being placed on a straight line penetrating the object to be inspected, but in this embodiment, the two probes are intentionally placed at an offset.

[0148] Specifically, the first probe and the second probe may be positioned apart by a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction. For example, the center axis of the first probe and the center axis of the second probe may be positioned at a horizontal distance of about 5 mm to 20 mm. With this offset arrangement, the ultrasonic beam output from the first probe and the ultrasonic beam output from the second probe do not completely overlap inside the object being inspected, but only partially overlap or pass each other. Therefore, the influence of the signal output from one probe on the received signal of the other probe is significantly reduced.

[0149] The offset distance is determined by considering the divergence angle of the ultrasonic beam, the thickness of the object being inspected, and the required level of interference suppression. Generally, the beam diameter of the ultrasonic probe is similar to the physical size of the probe in the near-field region, and gradually diverges with distance in the far-field region. When the thickness of the object being inspected is 10 mm and the diameter of the probe is 10 mm, a significant interference reduction effect can be achieved with only an offset of about 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0150] An important aspect of this embodiment concerns the reception of the transmitted signal. Since the first probe and the second probe are offset from each other, when the first ultrasonic signal output from the first probe passes through the object to be inspected, its path does not exactly coincide with the central axis of the second probe. However, due to the diffusion characteristics of the ultrasonic beam, the second probe can still receive the transmitted signal. However, the signal intensity may be somewhat reduced compared to the case where it is fully aligned. To compensate for this, the transmission output can be increased, the reception sensitivity can be increased, or a signal averaging technique can be applied.

[0151] Another method of spatial separation is angular arrangement. In this case, the first probe and the second probe are positioned at a certain angle rather than perpendicular to the surface of the object being inspected. For example, the first probe may be positioned at an angle tilted 5 degrees from the vertical, and the second probe may be positioned at an angle tilted 5 degrees in the opposite direction. With this arrangement, the ultrasonic beam paths of the two probes intersect within the object being inspected, but direct interference is reduced because there is an angle of intersection.

[0152] The advantage of the spatial separation method is that it does not require additional electronic devices or complex signal processing. Since interference can be reduced solely through the physical placement of probes, implementation is simple and cost-effective. Furthermore, this method can be used in conjunction with the previously described time delay or frequency division methods. For example, if two probes are placed with a 10mm offset and a 10 microsecond time delay is applied simultaneously, the combined effects can achieve highly effective interference suppression.

[0153] [Signal Interference Prevention Using Pulse Repeat Frequency Modulation]

[0154] In another embodiment of the present invention, signal interference can be minimized by setting the Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) of the first probe and the second probe differently. The Pulse Repetition Frequency refers to the frequency at which ultrasonic pulses are output; for example, if the PRF is 1 kHz, 1,000 ultrasonic pulses are output per second.

[0155] In this embodiment, the first probe repeatedly outputs a first ultrasonic signal at a first pulse repetition frequency (e.g., 1.0 kHz), and the second probe repeatedly outputs a second ultrasonic signal at a second pulse repetition frequency (e.g., 1.3 kHz) that is different from the first pulse repetition frequency. By using these different PRFs, the signal output timing of the two probes is asynchronous. That is, there are moments when the two signals are output simultaneously, but in most cases, they are output separately in time.

[0156] Looking at the specific operation, at the initial stage, the first probe and the second probe may accidentally output signals simultaneously. However, from the next pulse onwards, the output timing gradually diverges due to the difference in PRF between the two probes. For example, if the first probe is 1.0 kHz (period 1.0 ms) and the second probe is 1.3 kHz (period approximately 0.77 ms), and the first pulse of the first probe and the first pulse of the second probe are output simultaneously, the second pulse of the second probe is output approximately 0.23 ms ahead of the first probe. This timing difference accumulates, and after a certain period of time, the signals of the two probes become completely out of sync.

[0157] The key to this method lies in statistical interference reduction. During the entire scanning process, thousands to tens of thousands of ultrasonic pulses are output, but only a fraction of them actually cause interference due to the temporal overlap of signals from two probes. Since interference does not occur in the majority of the remaining pulses, the overall impact of interference is significantly reduced. Furthermore, because the locations where interference occurs are irregularly distributed along the scan path, this interference appears as random noise in the final image and can be easily removed using signal averaging or filtering techniques.

[0158] A difference in pulse repetition frequency is generally appropriate to be about 10% to 50%. For example, if the first PRF is 1.0 kHz, the second PRF can have a value between 1.1 kHz and 1.5 kHz. If the PRF difference is too small, the beat period becomes long, limiting the interference reduction effect, and if the difference is too large, the scan density of one probe becomes excessively high or low, which can lead to an imbalance in image quality.

[0159] This embodiment can be combined very well with the time delay method described above. For example, basically, a second ultrasonic signal is output after a certain time delay following the output of a first ultrasonic signal, but the PRF of each probe can be set differently. In this case, primary interference prevention by the time delay and secondary interference mitigation by PRF modulation are achieved simultaneously, thereby ensuring a very high level of signal quality. It is particularly useful when the thickness of the object to be inspected changes significantly or its internal structure is complex, making it difficult to sufficiently prevent interference with only a fixed time delay.

[0160] [Signal Interference Prevention Using Adaptive Time Control]

[0161] In another embodiment of the present invention, an adaptive timing control method can be applied to dynamically adjust the time delay between the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal according to the characteristics of the object being inspected. In the time delay method described above, a fixed time interval (e.g., 10 microseconds) was used, but in this embodiment, this time interval is changed in real time.

[0162] The basic principle of adaptive time control is as follows. The minimum time required for ultrasound to travel back and forth through an object being inspected is determined by the thickness of the object and the speed of sound within the material. For example, if the thickness of the object being inspected is d and the speed of sound is v, the time it takes for the ultrasound to penetrate the object is t = d / v, and the time it takes to be reflected back is t = 2d / v. Therefore, the minimum time delay required to prevent interference must be greater than these round-trip times.

[0163] In this embodiment, the thickness of the object to be inspected is measured before or during scanning, and an optimal time delay is calculated based on the measured thickness. The thickness of the object to be inspected can be measured in several ways. The simplest method is to measure the time-of-flight of a first ultrasonic signal output from a first probe that penetrates the object to be inspected and reaches a second probe. The thickness can be calculated from this time and the sound velocity information of the material. Alternatively, the thickness can be obtained by measuring the time difference between the upper surface echo and the lower surface echo in the first reflected ultrasonic signal.

[0164] When the thickness of the object under inspection is measured, the control unit can calculate the optimal time delay using the following formula: t_delay = α × (2d / v) + β. Here, α is a safety factor, which generally has a value of about 1.2 to 1.5, and β is an additional time that takes into account the response time of the probe and the switching time of the electronic circuit, which is generally about a few microseconds. For example, in the case of a steel material (sound speed about 5900 m / s) with a thickness of 20 mm, the round-trip time is about 6.8 microseconds, so if α=1.3 and β=2 microseconds are applied, the optimal time delay is calculated to be about 11 microseconds.

[0165] Adaptive time control is particularly useful when scanning inspection objects with non-uniform thickness. For example, in the case of objects with stepped shapes or sloped structures, the thickness can vary from 5mm to 50mm depending on the scan location. If a fixed time delay is used, scanning speed is reduced in thin areas due to unnecessarily long delays, while interference may occur in thick areas due to insufficient time delay. By using adaptive time control, these problems can be resolved by applying the optimal time delay at each location.

[0166] To implement this embodiment, a control unit capable of real-time signal processing is required. The control unit analyzes the signal received at each scan position to calculate the thickness of the object to be inspected, and determines a time delay value to be used at the next scan position based on the calculated thickness. Since this calculation and update must be performed in milliseconds, a high-speed computing device such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) may be used. In addition, the control unit transmits the calculated time delay value to a pulse generator in real time to dynamically adjust the output timing of the second ultrasonic signal.

[0167] Adaptive time control can be combined with other interference prevention methods. For example, when combined with frequency division, different time delays can be applied for each frequency, as the optimal transmission time may differ at each frequency. Alternatively, when combined with spatial separation, the optimal time delay can be calculated by considering both the probe offset distance and the thickness of the inspection target. Through such combined applications, the highest level of image quality and inspection efficiency can be achieved for various inspection conditions and object characteristics.

[0168] The signal interference prevention methods described above (frequency division, spatial separation, pulse repetition frequency modulation, and adaptive time control) are substantial alternatives that can complement or replace the basic time delay method of the present invention. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and they can be appropriately selected or combined considering the characteristics of the object under inspection, required image quality, scan speed, system cost, etc. In particular, a hybrid method combining two or more methods can achieve optimal performance by combining the advantages of each method, and thus can be usefully utilized in advanced ultrasound inspection systems.

[0169] Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, this is for the purpose of specifically explaining the invention and is not limited thereto. It is evident that modifications or improvements can be made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the present invention. All simple variations or modifications of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention, and the specific scope of protection of the present invention will be clarified by the appended claims.

[0170] The present invention can be usefully applied in precision manufacturing industries where internal defect inspection is essential, such as semiconductor packaging, secondary batteries, or composite material components. By applying a method in which upper and lower probes transmit and receive signals with a precise time difference, signal interference is fundamentally blocked, while simultaneously identifying the surface condition (C-Scan) and internal density and bonding condition (T-Scan) of a product in a single pass, making it optimized for mass production lines where production efficiency and inspection accuracy are critical.

[0171] In addition, it provides stable ultrasonic images by effectively suppressing mechanical vibrations generated during high-speed scanning through a crank type equipped with a drive weight and a robust 2-axis transfer system. These features have high industrial value in the quality control of electric vehicle batteries or highly integrated electronic components, where 100% inspection must be performed without missing minute air pockets or delamination.

Claims

1. An upper probe (S1) positioned at a predetermined distance from the upper surface of an object to be inspected and a lower probe (S2) positioned at a predetermined distance from the lower surface of an object to be inspected are simultaneously moved in one direction to scan the object to be inspected from both sides and acquire an ultrasonic image. A step of outputting a first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) from the upper probe (S1) toward the object to be inspected; A step of receiving a first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1) generated by the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) being reflected inside the inspection target through the upper probe (S1); A step of generating a first C-Scan ultrasound image from the first reflected ultrasound signal (Rx1); A step of receiving a first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2) generated by the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) passing through the inspection target through the lower probe (S2); A step of generating a first T-Scan ultrasound image from the first transmitted ultrasound signal (Rx2); A step of outputting a second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) from the lower probe (S2) toward the object to be inspected; A step of receiving a second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3) generated by the reflection of the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) inside the inspection target through the lower probe (S2); and A double-sided scanning ultrasonic scanning method comprising the step of generating a second C-Scan ultrasonic image from the second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3).

2. In Paragraph 1, A double-sided scanning ultrasonic scanning method in which, after the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) is output from the upper probe (S1), the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) is output from the lower probe (S2) after a time delay of a set time interval.

3. In Paragraph 1, Ultrasonic scanning method of a double-sided scanning type in which the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction.

4. In Paragraph 1, A step of receiving a second transmitted ultrasonic signal generated by the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) passing through the inspection target into the upper probe (S1); and A double-sided scanning method for ultrasound scanning further comprising the step of generating a second T-Scan ultrasound image from the second transmitted ultrasound signal.

5. In Paragraph 4, A double-sided scanning ultrasonic scanning method in which, after the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) is output from the lower probe (S2), the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) is output from the upper probe (S1) after a time delay of a set time interval.

6. In Paragraph 1, A double-sided ultrasound scanning method comprising an additional step of correcting a C-scan image using a T-scan image.

7. In Paragraph 6, A double-sided scanning ultrasound scanning method comprising the additional step of inverting a first C-scan image or a second C-scan image vertically.

8. In Paragraph 4, A double-sided scanning ultrasonic scanning method further comprising the step of correcting a first C-scan image or a second C-scan image using both the first T-scan image and the second T-scan image.

9. In Paragraph 1, A double-sided scanning ultrasonic scanning method in which the time delay between the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) and the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) is set to be substantially the same as the time delay between the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) and the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1).

10. In Paragraph 1, An ultrasonic scanning method of a double-sided scanning method in which the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) are arranged on the left and right sides of an object to be inspected (Ti) at a predetermined distance apart and are transported in an up-and-down direction to scan the object to be inspected (Ti) in an up-and-down direction.

11. An upper probe (S1) disposed at a predetermined distance from the upper surface of an object to be inspected and a lower probe (S2) disposed at a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the object to be inspected, and By simultaneously moving the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) in one direction and scanning, the inspection target is scanned from both sides to obtain an ultrasonic image. The upper probe (S1) outputs a first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) toward the object to be inspected, receives a first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1) generated by the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) being reflected inside the object to be inspected through the upper probe (S1), and generates a first C-Scan ultrasonic image from the first reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx1). The first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2) generated by the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) passing through the inspection target is received through the lower probe (S2), and a first T-Scan ultrasonic image is generated from the first transmitted ultrasonic signal (Rx2). A double-sided scanning ultrasonic scanning device that outputs a second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) toward the inspection target from the lower probe (S2), receives a second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3) generated by the reflection of the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) inside the inspection target through the lower probe (S2), and generates a second C-Scan ultrasonic image from the second reflected ultrasonic signal (Rx3).

12. In Paragraph 11, A double-sided scanning ultrasonic scanning device in which, after the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) is output from the upper probe (S1), the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) is output from the lower probe (S2) after a time delay of a set time interval.

13. In Paragraph 11, An ultrasonic scanning device of a double-sided scanning type in which the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction.

14. In Paragraph 11, A double-sided scanning type ultrasonic scanning device that receives a second transmitted ultrasonic signal generated by the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) passing through the inspection target via the upper probe (S1), and generates a second T-Scan ultrasonic image from the second transmitted ultrasonic signal.

15. In Paragraph 11, A double-sided scanning ultrasonic scanning device that corrects C-scan images using T-scan images.

16. In Paragraph 14, An ultrasonic scanning device of a double-sided scanning method that corrects a first C-scan image or a second C-scan image using both the first T-scan image and the second T-scan image.

17. In Paragraph 11, An ultrasonic scanning device of a double-sided scanning method in which the time delay between the first ultrasonic signal (Tx1) and the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) is set to be substantially the same as the time delay between the second ultrasonic signal (Tx2) and the next first ultrasonic signal (Tx1).

18. In Paragraph 11, An ultrasonic scanning device of a double-sided scanning type in which the upper probe (S1) and the lower probe (S2) are arranged on the left and right sides of an object to be inspected (Ti) at a predetermined distance apart and are transported in an up-and-down direction to scan the object to be inspected (Ti) in an up-and-down direction.

19. An ultrasonic scanning method for acquiring ultrasonic images by scanning an object on multiple sides using a first probe and a second probe that are spaced apart from each other on a first side and a second side of the object, respectively. A step of outputting a first ultrasonic signal from the first probe toward the object to be inspected; A step of receiving a first response signal generated based on the first ultrasonic signal through the first probe; A step of generating a first ultrasound image from the first response signal; A step of receiving a second response signal generated based on the first ultrasonic signal through the second probe; A step of generating a second ultrasound image from the second response signal; A step of outputting a second ultrasonic signal from the second probe toward the object to be inspected so as to be temporally separated from the first ultrasonic signal; A step of receiving a third response signal generated based on the second ultrasonic signal through the second probe; and The method includes the step of generating a third ultrasound image from the third response signal; The above first ultrasound image and the above second ultrasound image are obtained for substantially the same area of ​​the object being examined in an ultrasound scanning method.

20. An ultrasonic scanning device that acquires ultrasonic images by scanning an object to be examined from multiple sides, A first probe positioned spaced apart from the first surface of the object to be inspected; A second probe positioned so as to be spaced apart from the second surface of the object to be inspected; and A control unit that controls the first probe and the second probe; is included, The above control unit is, Controls the output of a first ultrasonic signal from the first probe toward the object to be inspected, and A first response signal generated based on the first ultrasound signal is received through the first probe to generate a first ultrasound image, and A second response signal generated based on the first ultrasound signal is received through the second probe to generate a second ultrasound image, and Control to output a second ultrasonic signal from the second probe toward the inspection target so as to be temporally separated from the first ultrasonic signal, and A third response signal generated based on the second ultrasound signal is received through the second probe to generate a third ultrasound image, and The first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image are obtained for substantially the same area of ​​the object being examined, in an ultrasound scanning device.

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