Ultrasonic Probe Position Sensor Separation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic imaging apparatuses cannot accurately determine if a position sensor is separated from the ultrasonic probe, which is crucial for correct medical image matching and diagnosis, as they rely solely on signal strength changes without accounting for peripheral environment influences.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus with multiple position sensors that calculate distances and signal strengths relative to a field generator, determining separation by comparing these values against predetermined thresholds and displaying or notifying the user of any discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal strength monitoring is used to detect position sensor separation, then detection capability is provided, but false detection occurs due to peripheral environment influences
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into multiple independent detection units: distance detection unit that calculates distance between position sensors, signal strength detection unit that monitors signal intensity, and environment detection unit that identifies peripheral obstacles. Each unit operates independently to detect different aspects of sensor status, allowing the system to cross-validate results and reduce false detections caused by environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces distance calculation as an intermediary detection mechanism between the position sensors and the final separation determination. By calculating the distance between multiple position sensors and comparing it to a predetermined value, the system creates an intermediate verification step that filters out false signals caused by peripheral environment influences on signal strength alone.
2Reliability
If multiple position sensors are used to improve detection accuracy, then separation detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple position sensors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they detect separation from the ultrasonic probe, calculate mutual distance for verification, and detect peripheral obstacles through signal blocking analysis. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high detection reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same hardware components perform multiple detection tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines separation detection, distance measurement, and environment detection functions into a single integrated system using the same position sensors. By merging these detection functions and processing them through a unified control unit, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring without the complexity of separate independent systems for each function.
3Measurement precision
If distance calculation between position sensors is implemented, then separation detection accuracy is improved, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores the predetermined distance value between position sensors during the setup phase. This preliminary action allows the operational phase to simply compare real-time distance measurements against the pre-stored reference value, significantly reducing processing time during actual detection while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical verification methods with computational distance calculation based on coordinate information from position sensors. By using mathematical calculations (distance formula based on coordinates) instead of physical measurement mechanisms, the system achieves high precision separation detection with minimal processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same are disclosed, which relate to a technology for determining whether a position sensor mounted to an ultrasonic probe is separated from the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, a plurality of position sensors mounted to the ultrasonic probe so as to acquire position information of the ultrasonic probe, and a control unit. The control unit determines whether at least one of a distance and a direction between the plurality of position sensors corresponds to at least one of a predetermined distance and a predetermined direction on the basis of coordinate information of the plural position sensors, and determines that at least one of the plural position sensors is separated from the ultrasonic probe when at least one of the distance and the direction does not correspond to at least one of the predetermined distance and the predetermined direction.