Ultrasonic Probe Multi-Direction Waveform Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic measuring devices face challenges in user operability and accuracy due to the need to adjust the scanning plane orientation while viewing the display unit, leading to potential deviations in measurement results, especially when the device is not integrated or when the user cannot see the screen during measurement.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic measuring device that acquires and processes A-mode waveform data from multiple scanning plane directions, selects the optimal data based on predetermined criteria, and generates notification data to inform the user of appropriate measurement results, allowing for improved user-friendliness and accuracy without requiring constant visual feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the display unit is integrated with the ultrasonic probe, then device compactness is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to view the screen during measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically selects the appropriate A-mode waveform data from multiple scanning directions without requiring user intervention or visual confirmation. The notification unit provides audio feedback to confirm successful measurement, enabling the device to serve itself in selecting optimal data while maintaining compact integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of scanning plane direction by acquiring A-mode waveform data in multiple directions (1st to K-th directions). This allows the system to compensate for incorrect probe orientation automatically, resolving the contradiction between compact design and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the operator adjusts measurement conditions while viewing the display unit, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex adjustment procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs the function of selecting optimal measurement data from multiple scanning directions without requiring operator intervention. The notification unit confirms successful automatic selection, making the system self-sufficient in adjusting measurement conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment of probe orientation by the operator is replaced by an automated electronic system that acquires and processes data from multiple directions. This substitution eliminates the need for complex manual adjustments while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If multiple A-mode waveform data groups are acquired from different scanning directions, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing device automatically performs the complex task of acquiring, comparing, and selecting optimal A-mode waveform data from multiple scanning directions. The notification unit provides audio confirmation of successful measurement, making the complex multi-directional scanning process transparent to the user and effectively self-managing.

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

Enables users to obtain accurate measurement results by automatically selecting the appropriate scanning plane orientation and providing notification data, enhancing user operability and reducing the complexity of measurement operations.

Implementation Method 1

emits ultrasonic waves toward an object and receives reflected waves from interfaces between materials that have different acoustic impedances inside the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

reflected waves from interfaces between materials that have different acoustic impedances

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic impedance difference:

Data Source

PatentUS9687214B2Ultrasonic measuring device, program, and method of controlling ultrasonic measuring device

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An ultrasonic measuring device includes an ultrasonic transducer device, and a processing device that performs processing based on a reception signal from the ultrasonic transducer device. The processing device includes a data acquisition unit that, based on the reception signal, acquires 1st to K-th (K being an integer greater than or equal to 2) A-mode waveform data groups that correspond to cases where the direction of the scanning plane relative to a measurement location surface is 1st to K-th directions; a selection unit that selects a measurement result A-mode waveform data piece based on the 1st to K-th A-mode waveform data groups; and a notification control unit that generates notification data based on the at least one of the measurement result A-mode waveform data piece and a measurement result A-mode waveform data group that corresponds to the measurement result A-mode waveform data piece, and outputs the generated notification data.