Ultrasonic Probe Inspection Using Non-Adjacent Transducer Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic probe inspection methods face challenges in separating desired reflected signals from undesired signals caused by noise factors, particularly in high-frequency probes, leading to unreliable inspections due to superimposed echoes and increased noise amplitudes.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus employs a method where ultrasonic transducers are selected non-adjacently with a predetermined separation distance, combining temporal and spatial attenuation to isolate primary and secondary echoes, allowing for higher pulse repetition frequencies and shorter inspection times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional inspection methods using reflected signals from the ultrasonic lens-air interface are used, then the inspection process is simple and does not require additional tools, but undesired signals from multiple reflections and noise factors become superimposed on the reflected signal, making it difficult to properly separate and extract the desired signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inspection process by sequentially selecting and inspecting individual ultrasonic transducers rather than activating all transducers simultaneously. This segmentation isolates the reflected signal from each transducer, preventing superposition of signals from multiple transducers and enabling clear separation of desired reflected signals from undesired noise and multiple reflections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by using pulse transmission with specific pulse repetition frequencies. By controlling the timing and periodicity of ultrasonic pulses, the system creates temporal separation between transmitted pulses and their reflected echoes, allowing the reflected signal to be distinguished from continuous noise and multiple reflections through timing-based signal separation
2Productivity
If high pulse repetition frequencies are used to reduce inspection time, then productivity increases, but undesired signals from multiple reflections and noise factors increase in amplitude, worsening signal separation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the inspection into individual transducer measurements, the patent reduces the total number of pulses needed compared to full-array methods. This segmentation allows for optimized pulse repetition frequencies that maintain high productivity while preventing noise accumulation from excessive pulsing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of multiple reflections and noise into a beneficial timing signature. By analyzing the temporal structure of received signals and knowing the expected time-of-flight for reflected signals, the system identifies and extracts desired signals even in the presence of noise and multiple reflections, transforming noise contamination into a manageable signal processing challenge
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 effectively separates desired signals from noise, enabling reliable and efficient probe inspections even in high-frequency scenarios by utilizing both temporal and spatial signal attenuation, reducing inspection time and improving accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
cause the selected ultrasonic transducer to transmit an ultrasonic pulse; and sequentially inspect each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers by acquiring a reflected signal responding to transmission of the ultrasonic pulse from the interface
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and a a main body. The ultrasonic probe includes at least a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array and an ultrasonic lens. The main body inspects the ultrasonic probe by using a reflected signal from an interface between the ultrasonic lens and air, and includes inspection processing circuitry. The inspection processing circuitry is configured to: sequentially select an ultrasonic transducer to be inspected from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers one by one in such a manner that any two ultrasonic transducers being continuously selected are not spatially adjacent but are separated by a predetermined separation distance; cause the selected ultrasonic transducer to transmit an ultrasonic pulse; and sequentially inspect each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers by acquiring a reflected signal responding to transmission of the ultrasonic pulse from the interface.