Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus Using Multiple Probes for 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
2D ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses take a long time to acquire images and struggle with volume information, while 3D apparatuses face challenges in cross-sectional diagnosis and have high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method using multiple probes to acquire and synthesize cross-sectional ultrasonic images, employing frequency band division and orthogonal coding techniques to separate and compress echo signals, generating 3D images with enhanced diagnostic information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a 2D ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus uses one probe to capture images, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but it takes a relatively long time to acquire an ultrasonic image and it is relatively difficult to acquire volume information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging task by using multiple probes (first probe and second probe) that can simultaneously capture ultrasonic images from different positions. This segmentation allows parallel image acquisition, significantly improving productivity while keeping each individual probe simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the imaging capabilities of multiple probes by synthesizing the first ultrasonic image from the first probe with the second ultrasonic image from the second probe to generate a composite three-dimensional ultrasonic image. This merging approach enables volume information acquisition and faster imaging without requiring a single complex expensive probe.
2Loss of information
If a 3D ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used to obtain 3D ultrasonic images, then volume information is acquired, but it is relatively difficult to acquire cross-sectional diagnosis information and manufacturing costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple simple 2D probes instead of a single complex 3D probe, segmenting the volume imaging task into multiple 2D image acquisitions from different positions. This approach reduces manufacturing costs while still achieving 3D volume information through synthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D plane imaging to 3D volume imaging by adding the spatial dimension through multiple probes positioned at different locations. The synthesis process integrates these 2D images to reconstruct 3D anatomical structures, enabling volume information acquisition without requiring expensive dedicated 3D probes.
3Loss of information
If a 3D ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used to obtain 3D ultrasonic images, then volume information is acquired, but it is relatively difficult to acquire cross-sectional diagnosis information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging task by using multiple probes positioned to capture specific cross-sectional views. Each probe acquires 2D images from its specific position, ensuring high-quality cross-sectional information is captured without being compromised by 3D reconstruction algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the 2D ultrasonic images from multiple probes to generate both 3D volume information and preserved cross-sectional diagnostic information. The synthesis process maintains the integrity of original 2D cross-sectional data while adding volumetric context, enabling both types of diagnosis.
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 approach reduces manufacturing costs, enhances user convenience, and provides accurate diagnosis information by efficiently acquiring cross-sectional data, improving upon conventional 2D and 3D ultrasonic diagnostic methods.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses irradiate an ultrasonic signal, which is generated by a transducer of a probe, onto a target object, and receive information which relates to an echo signal reflected from the object
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for operating an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The method includes transmitting separate first and second ultrasonic signals to an object, receiving a first echo signal which corresponds to the first ultrasonic signal and a second echo signal which corresponds to the second ultrasonic signal, separating the received first and second echo signals in order to generate first ultrasonic data which corresponds to the first echo signal and second ultrasonic data which corresponds to the second echo signal, and displaying a first ultrasonic image which is generated based on the first ultrasonic data and a second ultrasonic image which is generated based on the second ultrasonic data. The first ultrasonic image is an ultrasonic image of a first cross-sectional surface of the object, and the second ultrasonic image is an ultrasonic image of a second cross-sectional surface of the object.