Integrated Active Ultrasonic Probe Signal Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic probes connected to processing stations via long cables suffer from added noise in echo data, requiring specialized hardware and processing, which complicates maneuverability and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated active ultrasonic probe with specialized hardware and processing components that can transmit ultrasonic test data over a standard digital interface to a connected processing system, allowing for the use of generic processing units like PCs or tablets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If long cables are used to connect the ultrasonic probe to the processing station, then the probe can be operated at a distance from the processing station, but added noise is introduced into the echo data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data conversion functionality from the external processing station and places it directly into the probe head through an integrated circuit. This allows the probe to convert echo data to digital format at the source, eliminating the need for long analog cables and their associated noise problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit acts as an intermediary device between the ultrasonic transducers and the processing station. It performs data conversion and processing locally, serving as a mediator that eliminates the harmful effect of long cable connections by converting signals before transmission.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If specialized hardware and processing components are integrated into the probe, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the probe complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ultrasonic transducers, integrated circuit for data conversion, and processing components into a single integrated probe unit. This combination improves signal-to-noise ratio by eliminating external cable connections while consolidating multiple functions into one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions including data conversion, signal processing, and digital transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby improving signal quality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized hardware is used in the processing station, then compatibility with specific probe types is achieved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the processing station more universal by having it receive already-processed digital data from the integrated probe. The processing station becomes a general-purpose digital receiver that can work with any probe containing the integrated circuit, eliminating the need for specialized hardware for each probe type.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit creates a digital copy of the echo data that can be transmitted through standard digital interfaces. This digital representation can be processed by any general-purpose computing device, replacing the need for specialized analog processing hardware.
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 solution improves signal-to-noise ratio, simplifies connections, and allows for the use of versatile processing systems, reducing the need for custom hardware and enhancing maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical pulses are applied to the electrodes of the phased array transducers causing a physical deflection in the piezoelectric material which generate ultrasonic energy
Implementation Method 2
As the ultrasonic energy, in the form of pulses or beams, pass through the object, various ultrasonic reflections called echoes occur as the ultrasonic beams interact with internal structures
Implementation Method 3
When the resulting ultrasonic echo returns to contact the surface of the piezoelectric material of a transducer it generates a detectable voltage difference across the transducer's electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An ultrasonic probe includes ultrasonic transducers and processing electronics to control emission of ultrasonic energy and to process and digitize returned echo data. Processed echo data can then be transmitted over a digital interface for display.