Acoustic System Testing via Switch Matrix Signal Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Acoustic imaging systems lack effective methods for directly evaluating the performance of transmission and receiving elements, leading to subtle degradation issues that can result in incorrect analyses due to the lack of quantitative assessment tools.
Innovation Solution
A testing device is connected to the acoustic system via multiple channels, using a switch matrix to simulate echo signals that mimic responses from selected acoustic probes, allowing for the evaluation of transmitter and receiver circuits through pattern matching and electro-acoustic signal injection techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal self-diagnostic capabilities are used in acoustic imaging systems, then limited verification of system operation is provided, but effective diagnosis of transmission and receiving elements is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a testing device as an intermediary component that couples to the acoustic system through the transducer array. This testing device includes signal generators and detectors that inject test signals through the transmitter elements and detect responses from receiver elements, enabling direct quantitative assessment of individual element performance without requiring physical phantoms or visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic system performs self-diagnosis by using its own transmitter and receiver elements to evaluate each other's performance. The testing device leverages the system's inherent capabilities - transmitters send out test pulses and receivers detect the responses - allowing the system to self-assess element functionality through electrical connection alone, eliminating the need for external physical test objects.
2Loss of information
If phantoms are used to evaluate image quality, then qualitative assessment is provided, but quantitative evaluation of system or probe performance is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical phantom-based assessment method with an electrical signal-based testing approach. Instead of using physical test objects (phantoms) that require visual inspection and qualitative judgment, the system uses electrical test signals injected through the transducer elements, with responses measured and analyzed quantitatively to assess element performance, gain settings, and system functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple-element array transducers are used, then acoustic imaging capability is improved, but subtle degradation in transmission and receiving elements occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by evaluating each element of the multiple-element array transducer individually rather than assessing the array as a whole. The testing device can isolate and test specific transmitter elements and receiver elements separately, identifying which specific elements have degraded performance, allowing for targeted replacement or repair while maintaining functionality of healthy elements.
4Productivity
If no direct quantitative testing method is used, then system operation continues without interruption, but correct analysis of acoustic data cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing element-level diagnostics and quality assurance tests before conducting actual acoustic imaging measurements. The testing device evaluates transmitter pulse characteristics, receiver sensitivity, and element functionality in advance, ensuring that only properly functioning elements are used for data acquisition, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy and reliability of subsequent acoustic measurements without interrupting overall system operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables objective verification of acoustic system performance, identifying defects in individual elements and ensuring accurate image analysis by simulating scattering operations and generating appropriate echo signals based on user-selected parameters and probe-specific data.
Implementation Method 1
The signal may include a pattern of pulses including Doppler pulses. At least one Doppler pulse from the pattern pulses of the signal may be detected with the testing device. A response to the signal from the acoustic system may be provided by generating an echo pulse with the testing device based on the detected at least one Doppler pulse wherein the echo pulse is frequency shifted from the detected at least one Doppler pulse
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for testing acoustic systems. According to one embodiment, a method for testing an acoustic system can comprise receiving a signal from the acoustic system at a testing device coupled with the acoustic system via one of a plurality of channels between the acoustic system and the testing device. The signal can include a pattern of pulses including Doppler pulses. At least one Doppler pulse from the pattern pulses of the signal can be detected with the testing device. A response to the signal from the acoustic system can be provided by generating an echo pulse with the testing device based on the detected at least one Doppler pulse wherein the echo pulse is frequency shifted from the detected at least one Doppler pulse and mimics a response to the detected at least one Doppler pulse for a selected acoustic probe.