Ultrasound Probe Impact Logging for Defect Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound diagnostic systems struggle to provide detailed information about defects in ultrasound probes, particularly when impacts occur outside the imaging process, making it difficult for users to identify the cause and location of defects.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound diagnostic system equipped with an impact sensor on the probe to detect impacts, an ultrasound information acquisition unit to capture ultrasound data, and an impact recording memory to store this information, allowing for detailed analysis of probe abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only log data representing defect occurrence is generated, then the system structure remains simple, but the user cannot grasp detailed location information of the defect
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically acquiring ultrasound information and impact detection data immediately when a defect is detected, storing these data in association before the user needs to analyze them. This ensures detailed defect location information is captured without requiring complex real-time processing during user investigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (automatic data acquisition and association unit) that bridges the simple log data generation and the detailed defect information storage. This intermediary automatically collects and associates ultrasound information with impact detection data, providing detailed defect location information without requiring the user to manually implement complex measurement systems.
2Reliability
If uniformity monitoring is performed only during continuous ultrasound image capture, then the system operates simply, but defects occurring during non-capture states cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the ultrasound information acquisition dynamic rather than static. The acquisition is automatically triggered based on impact detection events or system startup conditions, allowing the system to adaptively monitor for defects both during and outside of continuous capture states without requiring complex manual operation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where impact detection data serves as a trigger signal for automatic ultrasound information acquisition. When an impact is detected or the system starts up, feedback loops automatically initiate data collection and storage, ensuring comprehensive defect detection coverage without increasing operational complexity for the user.
3Ease of operation
If manual defect confirmation is required, then the system remains simple to operate, but the user cannot easily grasp the cause and location of defects
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple data types (impact detection data, ultrasound information, and defect log data) into a single associated dataset stored together. This combination allows the user to access comprehensive defect information including cause and location by reviewing one integrated data set, greatly simplifying defect analysis without losing any critical information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of relevant defect information (impact detection data and ultrasound information) and stores them in association with the defect log. These copied data sets preserve the original measurement details while making them easily accessible for user analysis, eliminating the need for complex manual reconstruction of defect cause and location information.
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 users to accurately identify and locate defects in ultrasound probes by associating impact data with ultrasound information, facilitating easy and detailed defect detection.
Implementation Method 1
an impact sensor disposed on the ultrasound probe and detecting an impact applied to the ultrasound probe to acquire impact detection information
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasound information acquisition unit that transmits and receives an ultrasound beam from the transducer array and acquires ultrasound information including at least one of a reception signal output from the transducer array
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an ultrasound diagnostic system and a control method of the ultrasound diagnostic system, which enable a user to grasp information regarding a defect occurred in an ultrasound probe in detail.An ultrasound diagnostic system including: an ultrasound probe having a transducer array; and an apparatus main body that is connected to the ultrasound probe, in which an impact sensor disposed on the ultrasound probe and detecting an impact applied to the ultrasound probe to acquire impact detection information, an ultrasound information acquisition unit that transmits and receives an ultrasound beam from the transducer array and acquires ultrasound information including at least one of a reception signal output from the transducer array or an ultrasound image generated based on the reception signal, in a case where the impact detection information is acquired, and an impact recording memory that records the impact detection information and the ultrasound information are provided.