Ultrasonic Probe Temperature Estimation Using Adaptive Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in accurately managing the temperature of the transmission-reception wavefront in ultrasound probes, particularly during transition periods when estimation errors can occur due to changing conditions, and fail to consider the influence of ambient temperature effectively.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a probe head containing an ultrasonic transducer, electronic circuit, internal temperature sensor, and an estimator that uses a combination of basic and auxiliary temperature estimation functions to accurately estimate the transmission-reception wavefront temperature, incorporating an ambient temperature sensor to enhance estimation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single basic temperature estimation function is used, then the device complexity is low, but the temperature estimation accuracy deteriorates during transition periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the temperature estimation function adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically switches between a basic estimation function (for normal periods) and an auxiliary estimation function (for transition periods) based on detected temperature变化 patterns. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining high accuracy during transition periods without permanently increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the estimation function based on operating conditions. By detecting whether the system is in a normal period or transition period, it selects appropriate estimation parameters (basic function vs. auxiliary function), thereby maintaining high measurement precision without requiring a permanently complex system architecture.
2Reliability
If temperature management is strictly controlled to ensure safety, then living body safety is improved, but operation restrictions increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring temperature and comparing it against estimated safe thresholds. The system uses temperature detection results to dynamically adjust operation restrictions, lifting restrictions when temperature is safely below thresholds and applying restrictions only when necessary. This feedback mechanism ensures safety while minimizing unnecessary operation restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by estimating temperature in advance based on detection data and using these predictions to proactively manage operation restrictions. By predicting future temperature trends, the system can prevent unsafe conditions before they occur while avoiding premature restrictions when temperature will remain safe.
3Measurement precision
If ambient temperature influence is not considered, then the estimation process is simpler, but temperature estimation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates ambient temperature as a variable parameter in the estimation process. The auxiliary estimation function specifically accounts for ambient temperature changes during transition periods, improving accuracy without requiring fundamental changes to the basic estimation architecture. This selective parameter inclusion resolves the contradiction between accuracy and complexity.
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
The solution enhances the accuracy of temperature estimation for the transmission-reception wavefront, ensuring safe operation by accurately managing temperature both in normal and transition periods, and considers the impact of ambient temperature, thereby preventing unnecessary operation restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a medical apparatus that forms ultrasound images using ultrasonic transmission and reception waves to and from a living body
Implementation Method 2
an internal temperature sensor configured to detect an internal temperature
Implementation Method 3
Both of the ultrasonic transducer and the electronic circuit work as heat sources, and the heat caused by the ultrasonic transducer and the electronic circuit increases the temperature of the transmission-reception wavefront
Data Source
AI summary
In order to estimate a temperature of a transmission-reception wavefront of a probe head, a first computing unit and a second computing unit are provided. The first computing unit estimates a temperature TA of the transmission-reception wavefront according to a basic function based on an internal temperature T1, an ambient temperature T2, power consumption Ptotal (=Pic+Ptd), and any other parameter. The basic function is a linear function. The second computing unit estimates a temperature TB of the transmission-reception wavefront according to an auxiliary function based on a previously estimated temperature Tpre, an internal temperature difference ΔT1, and any other, parameter. A selection unit selects any of the temperatures TA and TB depending on situations.