Segmented Transducer Probe Ultrasonic Tomography Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic tomography systems face challenges in detecting small defects within objects due to limited resolution, particularly when defects are closely spaced, making it difficult to identify individual defects within the reconstructed image.
Innovation Solution
A segmented transducer probe generates a rotatable, non-axial-symmetric sound field that is incrementally rotated to improve the resolution of ultrasonic tomography images, allowing for better identification of defects by employing tomographic reconstruction methods to reconstruct volumetric slices of the test specimen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ultrasonic tomography systems are used, then the inspection process is simple, but the resolution is insufficient to detect small or closely spaced defects
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer probe is divided into multiple independently controllable transducer elements arranged in a circular array. Each element can be activated individually or in specific patterns to generate different sound field configurations, enabling the system to achieve high resolution through computational control rather than physical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the activation and phasing of individual transducer elements to generate rotatable non-axial-symmetric sound fields. By changing the excitation patterns of the segmented elements, the sound field can be rotated and reconfigured without moving the physical probe, achieving enhanced resolution through dynamic signal control
2Measurement precision
If the sound field is rotated incrementally, then the image resolution improves, but the inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic rotation of the non-axial-symmetric sound field at discrete angular increments. By systematically rotating the sound field through multiple angles and collecting echo data at each position, the system reconstructs high-resolution images through tomographic methods, achieving precision through periodic sampling rather than continuous scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple virtual views of the test specimen by rotating the sound field and reconstructing images from different angular perspectives. These multiple reconstructions are then combined to produce a final high-resolution image, effectively copying the inspection process from multiple angles to achieve superior detail
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
The use of a segmented transducer probe with a rotatable, non-axial-symmetric sound field enhances the resolution of ultrasonic tomography images, enabling more accurate detection and identification of defects within the test specimen.
Implementation Method 1
a segmented transducer probe having a plurality of transducer segments adapted to transmit ultrasonic excitation signals into a test specimen
Implementation Method 2
to receive echo signals resulting from the interaction of the ultrasonic excitation signals and the test specimen
Implementation Method 3
utilize tomographic reconstruction methods to reconstruct an image corresponding to at least one volumetric slice of the test specimen
Data Source
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AI summary
A system including a segmented transducer probe is provided. The segmented transducer probe includes a plurality of transducer segments adapted to transmit ultrasonic excitation signals into a test specimen and to receive echo signals resulting from the interaction of the ultrasonic excitation signals and the test specimen. The system also includes a processing system adapted to receive data from the segmented transducer probe that corresponds to the received echo signals and to utilize tomographic reconstruction methods to reconstruct an image corresponding to at least one volumetric slice of the test specimen.