Ultrasonic Probe Position Feedback for Accurate Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic probes face challenges in determining whether their attachment position is appropriate, necessitating user confirmation of internal tomographic images to ensure desired measurements are obtained.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic apparatus with an ultrasonic transmission and reception unit, a determination unit, and a notification unit that automatically determines the position of the probe relative to the object and provides guidance for adjustments based on reception signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ultrasonic probe uses a flexible design to attach to irregular curved surfaces, then the adaptability to different object shapes is improved, but the ability to automatically determine appropriate attachment position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the ultrasonic probe continuously monitors reception signals from multiple ultrasonic elements, automatically determines attachment position appropriateness based on signal analysis, and provides real-time feedback to guide position adjustments. This resolves the contradiction by enabling automatic position determination despite the flexible design that allows attachment to irregular surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic probe performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically analyzing reception signals from its own ultrasonic elements to determine whether the attachment position is appropriate. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for external expertise in interpreting ultrasonic images for position verification, thereby enabling automatic position determination while maintaining flexibility for irregular surfaces.
2Measurement precision
If the user manually confirms internal tomographic images to determine appropriate attachment position, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic probe automatically performs the function of position verification that previously required user expertise. By analyzing reception signals from multiple ultrasonic elements and automatically determining attachment position appropriateness, the system eliminates the need for users to manually interpret tomographic images, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while significantly simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection and judgment process with an automated electronic signal analysis system. The determination unit electronically analyzes reception signals to objectively assess attachment position, substituting the mechanical/visual process of image confirmation with an automated electronic decision-making system that maintains accuracy while reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If the ultrasonic probe requires user expertise to interpret measurement results for position verification, then the measurement reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic probe performs self-verification of attachment position by automatically analyzing reception signals from its ultrasonic elements. The system determines whether the attachment position is appropriate without requiring external user expertise, thereby maintaining measurement reliability through automated signal analysis while making the device accessible to users without specialized knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automated feedback loop where the determination unit continuously analyzes reception signals and provides objective feedback on attachment position appropriateness. This feedback mechanism maintains measurement reliability by systematically evaluating signal quality from multiple elements while eliminating the need for user interpretation, thereby improving ease of operation.
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
Enables accurate and convenient attachment of the ultrasonic probe by automatically detecting and correcting improper positioning, improving measurement accuracy and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ultrasonic elements configured to transmit ultrasonic waves, receive the ultrasonic waves reflected inside an object and output a reception signal
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic transmission and reception unit including a plurality of ultrasonic elements configured to transmit ultrasonic waves, receive the ultrasonic waves reflected inside an object and output a reception signal, the plurality of ultrasonic elements being arranged in an array; a determination unit configured to determine whether a position of the ultrasonic transmission and reception unit with respect to the object is appropriate based on the reception signal output from each of the ultrasonic elements when the plurality of ultrasonic elements receive the ultrasonic waves; and a notification unit configured to notify a user of a position change of the ultrasonic transmission and reception unit when the determination unit determines that the position of the ultrasonic transmission and reception unit with respect to the object is inappropriate.