Ultrasonic Probe Sensitivity Correction via Reflected Wave Signal Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

The sensitivity of ultrasonic transducers in ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses deteriorates over time due to aging, affecting the quality of ultrasonic images generated, as polarization characteristics degrade, leading to variations in sensitivity between transducers.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with processing circuitry that measures and stores initial reflected wave signals, compares them with subsequent signals, and corrects variations by adjusting driving voltages or re-polarizing transducers to maintain sensitivity, using a memory to store measurement conditions and feature values for each channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If ultrasonic transducers are used for prolonged periods, then productivity is maintained, but sensitivity deteriorates due to aging and polarization degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidtransducer sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary sensitivity measurements and stores reference data before actual ultrasonic imaging operations. By pre-characterizing each transducer's sensitivity and storing baseline values, the system can later compare current performance against these pre-established references to detect and correct aging effects, thereby maintaining reliability during prolonged productivity-oriented operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by repeatedly measuring transducer sensitivity during operation, comparing current measurements against stored reference values, and automatically correcting deviations through gain adjustments or re-polarization commands. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures sensitivity remains stable despite aging, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and maintained reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If sensitivity correction is performed frequently, then transducer sensitivity is maintained, but time is lost due to repeated measurements and corrections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity consistencyVSAvoidcorrection measurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of performing complete sensitivity correction procedures frequently, the system uses partial action by implementing lightweight reference comparisons and selective corrections only when deviations exceed thresholds. The system measures key sensitivity parameters periodically and applies corrections only when necessary, reducing time loss while maintaining sensitivity consistency through targeted rather than exhaustive correction cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If re-polarization is applied to restore sensitivity, then transducer performance is recovered, but manufacturing complexity increases due to additional processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization characteristicsVSAvoidre-polarization system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically detecting polarization degradation through sensitivity measurements and triggering re-polarization procedures without requiring external intervention or complex manual processes. The control circuitry autonomously manages the entire lifecycle from detection to correction, reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining reliable polarization characteristics through automated self-maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 suppresses sensitivity variations between transducers, maintaining image quality by recovering sensitivity to reference levels, allowing for intuitive detection of deterioration and correction without requiring configuration changes or increased costs.

Implementation Method 1

A polarization treatment for causing polarization is applied to each ultrasonic transducer to provide piezoelectricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11638570B2Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, probe sensitivity management system, and non-transitory storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, a memory, and processing circuitry. The ultrasonic probe includes ultrasonic transducers. The processing circuitry measures first reflected wave signals generated by the ultrasonic probe at a first time point. The processing circuitry stores information concerning the first reflected wave signals in the memory. The processing circuitry measures second reflected wave signals generated by the ultrasonic probe at a second time point. The processing circuitry performs correction to suppress variations between the second reflected wave signals respectively generated by the ultrasonic transducers based on the information concerning the first and second reflected wave signals.