Ultrasound Adapter With Variable Acoustic Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound diagnostic methods struggle to accurately detect the position of an ultrasound probe without relying on scan rate or tissue composition similarity, leading to error accumulation and compromised compactness.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound diagnostic adapter with a pad and internal reflective members having different acoustic impedance, where the distance and width of the reflective members vary, allowing for precise detection of the probe position based on B-mode images without depending on scan rate or tissue composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image correlation method is used to detect probe position, then three-dimensional image can be produced, but error accumulates as distance increases and detection fails when tissue similarity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective member as an intermediary object placed on the subject's body surface. This reflective member serves as a reliable reference marker that provides consistent acoustic impedance contrast, enabling accurate probe position detection regardless of tissue similarity. The reflective member mediates between the ultrasound probe and the subject, ensuring reliable detection through its distinct acoustic properties rather than relying on tissue correlation.
2Speed
If mechanical moving mechanism is used to move ultrasound probe at constant speed, then three-dimensional image can be produced, but compactness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical moving mechanism with an acoustic field-based detection system. Instead of using rails, springs, and motors to mechanically move and control the probe, the system uses ultrasound waves to detect probe position by analyzing the reflected signals from the reflective member. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical components while maintaining speed control capability through acoustic measurement.
3Measurement precision
If image correlation method is used to detect probe position, then three-dimensional image can be produced, but error accumulates over distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the reflective member as a physical copy or replica of a known reference structure. The reflective member creates a standardized acoustic signature that can be reliably copied and recognized in each ultrasound image. This allows the system to determine probe position based on the known geometry and acoustic properties of the reflective member rather than relying on correlation with potentially varying tissue patterns, preventing error accumulation over distance.
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 detection of the ultrasound probe position, reducing errors and maintaining compactness, thereby improving the quality of B-mode and three-dimensional images.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflective member which is disposed inside the pad and made from a material having an acoustic impedance different from an acoustic impedance of a material included in the pad
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound diagnostic adapter used when diagnosing a subject using an ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound waves, the ultrasound diagnostic adapter includes: a pad which has (i) a main surface that is a surface on a side where the ultrasound probe is disposed, and (ii) a back surface that is a surface which is opposite to the main surface and is on a side where the subject is disposed; and a first reflective member which is disposed inside the pad and made from a material having a different acoustic impedance than a material included in the pad, wherein the first reflective member is disposed such that at least one of (i) a distance between the first reflective member and the main surface and (ii) a width of the first reflective member viewed from the side of the main surface varies depending on a position in the main surface.