Dual-Array Ultrasound Probe Motion Tracking Using Array-State Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses struggle to accurately recognize the use state of probes with multiple transducer arrays, leading to inefficiencies in identifying the position and motion of the probe relative to a subject.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus equipped with a sensor that outputs motion and angle information, combined with a processor that determines the used transducer array, allows for precise identification of the probe's position and motion by integrating this information with used array data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is provided in the ultrasound probe to detect motion or angle information, then the motion or angle information can be acquired, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor in the ultrasound probe is designed to serve multiple functions: it detects both motion information (acceleration, velocity) and angle information (orientation, position) of the probe. This multi-functionality allows the system to acquire comprehensive probe state data without adding separate detection devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Loss of information
If used array information is acquired to determine which transducer array is used, then the probe use state can be correctly recognized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically acquires and processes used array information to determine which transducer array is currently being utilized. This self-service mechanism enables the system to autonomously track probe configuration changes and maintain accurate use state information without requiring additional manual input or complex external monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the used array information and using it to adjust the determination of probe use state. This feedback loop ensures that the system maintains accurate awareness of the current probe configuration and can correctly interpret sensor data in the context of the active transducer array
3Measurement precision
If motion information and angle information are integrated with used array information, then the probe position and motion can be accurately determined, but the information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges motion information, angle information, and used array information into a unified data processing framework. By combining these different types of information in an integrated manner, the system achieves accurate determination of probe position and motion while avoiding the complexity of separate processing systems through coordinated data fusion
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
Enables accurate recognition of the probe's position and motion relative to a subject, enhancing examination efficiency by automating the identification process and improving image data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that is provided in the housing and outputs information for acquiring motion information of the ultrasound probe or angle information of the ultrasound probe
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe including a housing in which a first transducer array is disposed at one end and a second transducer array is disposed at the other end, a sensor that is provided in the housing and outputs information for acquiring motion information of the ultrasound probe or angle information of the ultrasound probe, and a processor that acquires used array information indicating which of the first transducer array and the second transducer array is used. The processor is configured to acquire the motion information or the angle information based on the output of the sensor and determine a motion or a position of the ultrasound probe with respect to a subject based on the acquired motion information or angle information and the used array information.