Ultrasonic Bladder Scanner Calibration via Algorithmic Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic bladder scanners face calibration challenges due to misalignment between transducer rotational and dome centers, gear backlash, and the need for external water tanks, which affect measurement accuracy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method addresses these issues by detecting and minimizing misalignment between rotational and dome centers, aligning two-way scan data frames, and eliminating the need for external fixtures through algorithms that calculate Phi firing offsets and estimate gear backlash, allowing for accurate calibration without a water tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external water tanks and fixtures are used for calibration, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and calibration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the external water tank and calibration fixtures from the calibration process. The system performs calibration using only the transducer and patient anatomy, removing the need for external calibration equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy through algorithmic compensation of geometric parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by using the patient's own anatomy as the calibration reference. The transducer collects ultrasound data from the patient's bladder and body geometry, and the system automatically calculates and adjusts geometric parameters without requiring external calibration equipment or additional calibration procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional calibration methods with water tanks are used, then geometric alignment can be verified, but calibration time and patient convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical calibration system (water tank, physical alignment fixtures) with an algorithmic solution. The system uses ultrasound data processing and computational algorithms to detect and correct geometric misalignments between the transducer rotational center and dome center, eliminating the need for mechanical calibration equipment and time-consuming manual alignment procedures.
3Measurement precision
If misalignment between transducer rotational and dome centers is not corrected, then calibration process is simpler, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the geometric alignment between transducer rotational center and dome center using ultrasound data. The algorithm detects misalignment and automatically adjusts calibration parameters to compensate for the geometric error, creating a closed-loop system that maintains measurement accuracy despite physical misalignments in the transducer assembly.
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 improves the accuracy and efficiency of bladder volume measurements by reducing errors from misalignment and external fixture dependencies, enabling faster and more reliable calibration processes.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical three-dimensional one-channel ultrasonic probe...collect ultrasonic echo
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include systems and or methods directed to ultrasound calibration, real-time C-mode approaches, calibration using a plate target, a ball-and-socket scan mechanism, a spherical spiral path scan mechanism, and a wireless disposable laryngoscope.