Adaptive Ultrasound Gating for Non-Planar Surface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound scanning systems face challenges in accurately imaging structural features below the surface of objects with non-planar surfaces or varying distances between the transducer and the object, leading to difficulties in data analysis and reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A scanning system that dynamically gates ultrasound signals based on identified features such as penetration echoes, back wall echoes, and material discontinuities, allowing for adaptive and selective retention of signal subsets, which can account for object curvature and varying thicknesses, enhancing data accuracy and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ultrasound scanning is used on objects with non-planar surfaces or varying distances, then the scanning can be performed on complex geometries, but the accuracy of imaging structural features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic gating where the gate timing and width are adjusted in real-time based on the detected position of the back wall echo. This allows the system to adapt to varying distances and surface curvatures, maintaining accurate imaging of structural features despite geometric variations in the scanned object
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detected back wall echo to dynamically adjust the gating parameters. The detected echo position provides information about the local geometry, which is then used to optimize the gate settings for subsequent measurements, improving accuracy on non-planar surfaces
2Device complexity
If fixed gating is used to retain signal subsets, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot adapt to object curvature and varying thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gating that adjusts gate timing and width based on detected echo positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the simple gating structure to adapt to varying object geometries, including curvature and thickness variations, without requiring complex pre-programming or multiple fixed gates
3Measurement precision
If adaptive gating based on detected features is implemented, then the accuracy of structural feature analysis is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from detected echo features (penetration echo, back wall echo) to automatically adjust gating parameters. This feedback mechanism improves structural feature analysis accuracy by adapting to actual object geometry, while keeping the processing relatively simple through automated rather than manual adjustment
4Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of gating parameters is used, then the system remains simple to operate, but the productivity and efficiency of scanning are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of gating parameters by automatically detecting echo features and using this information to optimize gate timing and width. This eliminates the need for manual operator intervention, improving scanning efficiency and productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated functionality
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
The system provides more accurate and flexible ultrasound scanning by dynamically adapting to the object's surface curvature and internal features, improving the analysis of structural flaws and defects, especially in complex geometries like cylindrical pipes and curved surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer module configured to transmit ultrasound signals towards an object and to receive ultrasound signals reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
The analysis module may be configured to identify a penetration echo in the received ultrasound signals and the gating module may be configured to gate the received ultrasound signals to selectively retain signals received after the penetration echo
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning system for imaging structural features below the surface of an object, the scanning system comprising a transducer module configured to transmit ultrasound signals towards an object and to receive ultrasound signals reflected from the object whereby data pertaining to an internal structure of the object can be obtained; an analysis module coupled to the transducer module and configured to analyse received ultrasound signals to identify a feature in the received ultrasound signals; and a gating module configured to gate received ultrasound signals in dependence on the identified feature.