Ultrasonic Probe Array Rotation Control for Image Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face difficulties in allowing users to easily select and obtain desired images due to the manual adjustment required for rotating the ultrasound probe's array angle, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus equipped with a controller that captures and displays multiple images based on the rotation angle of the array, allowing users to select and display the desired image, with options for real-time or sequential display, and the ability to distinguish and enlarge the selected image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of array angle is used to acquire desired ultrasound images, then the user can obtain images at specific angles, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically capturing multiple ultrasound images at different array rotation angles in advance. The controller rotates the array to predetermined angles and stores the captured images, so when the user wants to view images at specific angles, they are already available for immediate selection and display without requiring manual rotation adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of ultrasound images at different rotation angles and stores them in memory. Instead of requiring the user to manually rotate the probe to obtain each desired angle, the controller has already captured and stored multiple copies of images at various angles, allowing the user to simply select from the available copies for display.
2Ease of operation
If multiple images are captured and displayed for user selection, then the user can easily find desired images, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it automatically rotates the array to predetermined angles, captures ultrasound images at each angle, stores the images in memory, and displays them for user selection. By consolidating these functions into a single controller, the system achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically performing the image capture and display functions without requiring manual operation for each angle adjustment. The controller autonomously rotates the array, captures images at multiple angles, and presents them for selection, reducing the operational burden on the user while maintaining manageable system complexity through automation.
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
Facilitates easier and more efficient image acquisition by automatically controlling the rotation angle of the ultrasound probe's array, enabling users to quickly obtain desired images, thereby improving user experience and reducing manual adjustment burdens.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasound probe includes a piezoelectric layer in which a piezoelectric material in the ultrasound probe vibrates and converts an electrical signal into an acoustic signal
Implementation Method 2
lens configured to focus ultrasonic waves, which move to the front side of the piezoelectric layer, to a particular point
Implementation Method 3
sound absorbing layer configured to prevent the ultrasonic waves from moving to the rear side of the piezoelectric layer
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe provided with an array having at least one transducer; a display configured to display an image captured by the array; a body provided with a controller configured to, when at least one image is selected by a user among a plurality of images captured according to a rotation angle of the array, control a rotation angle of the array to allow the selected image to be displayed on the display.