Ultrasonic Probe Channel Selection for Wireless Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless-communication-type ultrasonic diagnostic systems, using multiple systems in a common space can lead to channel congestion, resulting in slowed or disrupted wireless communication, which affects the quality and transmission speed of ultrasonic image data, potentially deteriorating image quality and impacting diagnostic accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic probe is equipped with a processor that determines the best channel to connect to by counting other probes on a per-channel basis, selecting the channel with the smallest number of connected probes of similar types, thereby minimizing congestion and ensuring stable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple ultrasonic diagnostic systems use the same wireless channel in a common space, then the systems can operate simultaneously, but channel congestion occurs resulting in slowed or disrupted wireless communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication channel by introducing channel identification information and dividing the communication space into multiple channels. Each ultrasonic probe is assigned to a specific channel based on its identification, allowing multiple systems to operate simultaneously without interference. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling simultaneous operation while maintaining communication stability through channel separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to wireless communication by introducing channel identification as an additional parameter beyond traditional frequency or time division. This creates a multi-dimensional communication space where probes can be distinguished and separated by channel ID, allowing multiple systems to coexist without congestion while maintaining reliable communication on each individual channel.
2Device complexity
If ultrasonic probes connect to the same wireless channel, then communication infrastructure is simplified, but congestion occurs affecting image quality and transmission speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication infrastructure by introducing channel identification information that divides the communication space into multiple independent channels. Each channel can handle probes independently, preventing congestion while maintaining relatively simple infrastructure. This segmentation allows image data to be transmitted without congestion-related quality degradation while keeping the overall system architecture manageable.
3Ease of operation
If ultrasonic probes use wireless communication without channel separation, then connection establishment is simplified, but transmission speed and image quality deteriorate due to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assigning channel identification information to each ultrasonic probe before wireless communication begins. This pre-assignment is done automatically during probe initialization, requiring no manual intervention from operators. The channel separation is established in advance, ensuring fast transmission speeds from the start while maintaining ease of operation through automated channel assignment.
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic probe includes a wireless transmitter-receiver configured to perform communication through a wireless network having a plurality of channels and obtain identification information of apparatuses connected to the wireless network from the apparatuses; a memory configured to store identification information for identifying other ultrasonic probes from among the apparatuses; and a processor configured to count other ultrasonic probes connected with the wireless network on a per channel basis with respect to the plurality of channels based on the identification information obtained by the wireless transmitter-receiver and the identification information stored in the memory, and determine to connect to a channel at which the number of the other ultrasonic probes counted by the processor is smallest.