Ultrasonic Probe Position Detection and Display Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face inefficiencies in guiding the ultrasonic probe to a specific scanning slice, relying heavily on operator memory and skill, and require cumbersome input operations for dual display modes, leading to decreased diagnosis efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus incorporates a position detector and guide information generation unit to provide probe guide information based on the probe position and designation position, allowing for direct guidance to the desired scanning slice and automatic switching of display contents and scanning modes using movement matching as a trigger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays B-mode images and relies on operator memory and skill for slice guidance, then the apparatus can perform basic ultrasonic imaging, but the operator workload increases and diagnosis efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs slice guidance and display switching based on probe position detection, eliminating the need for operator intervention in slice selection. The apparatus serves itself by autonomously determining optimal scanning slices and switching displays accordingly, thereby reducing operator workload while maintaining high diagnosis efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator judgment and memory-based slice selection with an automated position detection system using magnetic sensors and computer processing. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated sensing and computing resolves the contradiction by improving efficiency without increasing operational complexity
2Ease of operation
If the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provides guide information and automatic display switching, then probe guidance to desired scanning slice is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus integrates multiple functions including position detection, guide information generation, automatic display switching, and dual display capability within a single system. This multi-functionality allows the device to provide enhanced probe guidance without requiring separate dedicated equipment, thereby managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a position detector and guide information generation unit as intermediary components that bridge the gap between the ultrasonic probe and the display system. These intermediaries automatically translate probe position into appropriate display selections, improving ease of operation while containing complexity within dedicated modular components
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual display mode is implemented with manual slice selection, then multiple scanning slices can be displayed, but cumbersome input operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines which scanning slices to display in dual display mode based on detected probe position, eliminating the need for manual input operations. The apparatus self-adjusts the display configuration to show relevant slices without operator intervention, maintaining versatility while simplifying operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position detector continuously monitors probe position and automatically adjusts dual display content accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the displayed slices always correspond to the current probe position, providing adaptability without requiring cumbersome manual input operations
4Reliability
If conventional apparatus requires operator input to maintain slice during image processing, then image processing functions can be performed, but slice deviation occurs and operations become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically maintains accurate slice positioning during image processing operations by continuously referencing probe position data. The apparatus self-corrects any potential slice deviation without requiring operator input, ensuring reliability while keeping operations simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary position detection and slice determination before image processing operations begin. By pre-establishing the correct slice based on probe position, the system ensures slice accuracy is maintained throughout subsequent processing without requiring intermediate operator interventions
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 enables efficient guidance of the ultrasonic probe to the desired scanning slice, improves diagnosis efficiency by simplifying operations, and enhances the reproducibility of scanning slices, reducing operator workload.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor such as a magnetic sensor
Implementation Method 2
performing display (to be referred to as dual display hereinafter) of a tomographic image corresponding to a scanning slice by ultrasonic waves
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, position detector detecting a probe position, ultrasonic image generation circuitry generating an ultrasonic image, storage circuitry storing volume data and a designation position in association with each other, slice image generation circuitry generating a slice image to the designation position based on the data and the designation position, a display displaying at least one of first display displaying the slice image and the ultrasonic image and second display displaying contents different from contents in the first display, control circuitry controlling switching from the first display to the second display in response to movement of the probe position into a range to the designation position.