Ultrasonic Probe Position Estimation Using Doppler Echo Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic equipment requires additional sensors to estimate the position of the ultrasonic probe, increasing costs and complicating image creation, especially with one-dimensional array probes.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that estimates the position of the ultrasonic probe using ultrasound signals and their response signals, employing a controller to determine the probe's position based on changes in frequency and Doppler effects, eliminating the need for external sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate position sensor, guide, or other components are attached to the ultrasonic probe to estimate the position, then the position estimation capability is improved, but the cost increases and image creation becomes difficult for 1D array probes
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic probe uses its own transmitted ultrasound signals and received echo signals to estimate its position, without requiring external position sensors or guides. The probe serves its own positioning needs by analyzing the characteristics of ultrasound signals reflected from the examination table surface, thereby eliminating additional components and reducing device complexity while maintaining position estimation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound signals transmitted for imaging purposes are dual-used for both image creation and position estimation. The same ultrasonic probe that captures medical images also estimates its own position by analyzing echo signals, making the device multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate positioning systems
2Measurement precision
If a separate position sensor, guide, or other components are attached to the ultrasonic probe to estimate the position, then the position estimation capability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic probe uses its own transmitted ultrasound signals and received echo signals to estimate its position, without requiring external position sensors or guides. The probe serves its own positioning needs by analyzing the characteristics of ultrasound signals reflected from the examination table surface, thereby eliminating additional components and reducing device complexity while maintaining position estimation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound signals transmitted for imaging purposes are dual-used for both image creation and position estimation. The same ultrasonic probe that captures medical images also estimates its own position by analyzing echo signals, making the device multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate positioning systems
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 allows for cost-effective and efficient estimation of the ultrasonic probe's position without additional hardware, enabling accurate image creation for both 1D and 2D array probes, including the generation of volume and panoramic images.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic probe includes a piezo-electric layer having a piezo-electric material therein to make conversions between an electric signal and an acoustic signal while vibrating
Implementation Method 2
a matching layer enabling an ultrasound produced in the piezo-electric layer to be effectively delivered to the object by reducing a difference in acoustic impedance between the piezo-electric layer and the object
Implementation Method 3
a lens having an ultrasound propagating forward from the piezo-electric layer focused at a particular point
Implementation Method 4
a sound-absorbing layer for blocking the ultrasound from propagating backward from the piezo-electric layer to prevent image distortion
Implementation Method 5
employing a controller to determine the probe's position based on changes in frequency and Doppler effects
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprise an ultrasonic probe configured to transmit an ultrasound signal to an object and receive a response signal reflected from the object, an image generator configured to create an ultrasound image of the object based on a first ultrasound signal and a first response signal and a controller configured to control transmission order and transmission intervals of the ultrasound signal and estimate a position of the ultrasonic probe based on a second ultrasound signal and a second response signal. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the current position of the ultrasonic probe is estimated using an ultrasound signal transmitted for creation of an ultrasound image without attachment of an extra sensor, so the position of the ultrasonic probe may be estimated more economically and effectively.