Ultrasonic Probe Position Detection for Automated Vascular Regurgitation Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses for vascular regurgitation testing require manual operation, leading to user inconvenience and prolonged test times due to the need for manual placement and movement of probes and pressure devices.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a pressure device divided into regions, controlled by a controller that automatically contracts or expands blood vessels and operates in a predetermined order, using a detector to determine the probe's position and generate color Doppler images to assess regurgitation, allowing for automated workflow-based testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is used for vascular regurgitation testing, then the examiner can perform the test, but user inconvenience increases and test time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidtest time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure device is equipped with a detector that automatically detects the probe position and triggers the regurgitation test without requiring manual operation. The device performs self-service by autonomously determining when and where to apply pressure based on probe detection, thereby eliminating user inconvenience and reducing test time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of placing and moving the probe and pressure device is replaced by an automated detection and control system. The detector automatically identifies probe position and the controller manages the pressure application sequence, substituting manual mechanical actions with an automated electromechanical system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the pressure device is continuously moved during the test, then the test can be performed, but user inconvenience increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure device is divided into multiple independent pressure chambers (first, second, third chambers) that can be sequentially activated. This segmentation allows the device to remain stationary while different regions are pressurized in sequence based on probe position, eliminating the need for continuous movement and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detector continuously monitors probe position and pre-determines which pressure chamber should be activated next. This preliminary detection and preparation of pressure application sequences eliminates the need for continuous device movement during the test, as the system is already prepared to apply pressure at the correct location and time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution reduces user inconvenience and shortens vascular regurgitation test time by automating the positioning and operation of the probe and pressure device, improving the efficiency of the diagnostic process.

Implementation Method 1

a probe configured to radiate an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive the ultrasonic signal reflected from the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave generation and reflection: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

a pressure device configured to contract or expand a blood vessel of the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure application: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

The pressure device includes a detector configured to detect a pressure transmitted by the probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

The controller may generate a color Doppler image based on the ultrasonic signal transmitted by the probe and determine the presence or absence of regurgitation of blood and the regurgitation occurrence time based on the generated color Doppler image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3768173B1Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 SAMSUNG MEDISON CO LTD
  • EP3768173B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3768173B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3768173B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a probe configured to irradiate an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive the ultrasonic signal reflected from the object; a pressure device configured to contract or expand a blood vessel of the object and is divided into a plurality of regions; and a controller configured to operate in one region of the plurality of regions to generate an image related to the blood vessel of the object and sequentially operate in other regions of the plurality of regions.