Multi-Probe Ultrasound Imaging via Synchronized Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical ultrasound systems using a single transducer face challenges in imaging large organs or organs with motion, as they have a limited field of view and struggle to differentiate between tissue and artefacts, leading to suboptimal image quality and the need for multiple scans to overcome acoustic shadowing and reverberation artefacts.
Innovation Solution
A multi-probe ultrasound imaging apparatus with a control unit coordinating multiple ultrasonic probes to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, allowing for simultaneous scanning from different angles and perspectives, thereby improving image quality and field of view while minimizing artefacts through synchronized probe sequencing and image fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single transducer is used for ultrasound imaging, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but the field of view is limited and image quality deteriorates due to acoustic shadowing and reverberation artefacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple independent transducers (probe 1, probe 2, etc.), each capable of capturing images from different perspectives. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the limitations of a single transducer by combining multiple views to eliminate acoustic shadowing and reverberation artefacts, thereby improving image quality without requiring a single complex transducer design
2Reliability
If multiple probes are used to image large organs from different angles, then the field of view and image quality improve, but the device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple probe images into a single composite image through image fusion technology. The processing unit receives images from multiple probes and merges them to create a comprehensive view of the organ, eliminating the need for manual image correlation and reducing the operational complexity despite using multiple probes
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic image quality assessment and probe selection based on real-time feedback about image quality metrics. The processing unit automatically determines which probe provides the best view of specific structures and adjusts the imaging plan accordingly, reducing the need for manual optimization and simplifying the coordination of multiple probes
3Ease of operation
If a single probe is used for scanning, then the ease of operation is high, but the productivity decreases due to the need for multiple scans and probe repositioning to overcome artefacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous imaging by having multiple probes operate simultaneously or in rapid succession, eliminating the need to stop and reposition a single probe. The system continuously acquires images from multiple perspectives and fusiones them in real-time, maintaining continuous useful action and improving productivity without compromising ease of operation
4Productivity
If probes operate simultaneously without coordination, then the productivity increases, but harmful factors increase due to ultrasonic wave interference between probes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by coordinating probes to transmit ultrasonic waves in alternating time slots or sequences. This timing coordination ensures that when one probe transmits, other probes are in receive mode, eliminating ultrasonic wave interference while maintaining high productivity through rapid sequential operation that appears simultaneous to the imaging process
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 high-quality imaging of large organs or organs with motion from multiple angles, enhancing the field of view and reducing artefacts, allowing for real-time image acquisition and display without the need for offline data processing, thus improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each probe comprising: at least one transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
The transducer transmits ultrasound waves and captures the reflected echo
Implementation Method 3
typically using an array of piezoelectric elements
Data Source
AI summary
Ultrasound imaging apparatus for imaging a region of interest in a subject comprises a plurality of separate ultrasonic probes (2a-2c) each having at least one transducer (72) for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves and a communications unit. A control unit (1) controls the probes to coordinate their operation in sequence, and obtains ultrasonic images from the probes for generating a display of those images together in real time simultaneously. The control unit transmits control signals to at least one of the probes, and each probe receives control signals from the control unit and/or from an adjacent one of the probes. The control signals cause the probes to execute a scan sequentially in a predetermined probe sequence which is usually repeated, and the control unit generates a display by combining the image data from the probes.