Ultrasound Array Data Capture via Reciprocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current matrix capture techniques in ultrasonic testing require large amounts of data storage and can limit scan speed due to the need to store all waveforms for every transmit-receive pair at each scan location, leading to inefficiencies and redundancy in data collection.
Innovation Solution
An efficient method for ultrasonic data capture that utilizes the reciprocity principle and incremental probe movements, reducing the number of firings and waveforms needed by leveraging symmetry in the data matrix, allowing for data reuse across neighboring locations, and optimizing data collection in both pulse-echo and pitch-catch modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all waveforms for every transmit-receive pair are stored at each scan location, then complete ultrasonic inspection data is captured, but data storage requirements become excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential data elements needed for ultrasonic inspection by recognizing that not all transmit-receive pair waveforms are independently necessary. By applying the reciprocity principle, the method extracts redundant data and stores only unique waveform information, significantly reducing storage requirements while maintaining complete inspection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards redundant waveform data that can be recovered through mathematical relationships. By identifying that waveforms from certain transmit-receive pairs can be derived from other measurements (particularly using the reciprocity principle where transmit and receive roles can be swapped), the system discards redundant copies and recovers complete data when needed.
2Reliability
If all waveforms are stored for every transmit-receive pair, then comprehensive data is available for analysis, but scan speed is limited due to data handling overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the minimum necessary data set by eliminating redundant waveform recordings. By recognizing patterns in the data collection process and applying the reciprocity principle, the system extracts unique information while discarding duplicates, thereby reducing data handling overhead and increasing scan speed without compromising inspection completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by collecting and storing only the subset of waveforms that are truly necessary for complete inspection coverage. Rather than excessively collecting all possible transmit-receive pair data, the method collects precisely the needed portion, reducing processing burden while maintaining full inspection capability through intelligent data selection and the reciprocity principle.
3Reliability
If the probe is fired multiple times to collect data from all transmit-receive pairs, then complete data matrix is obtained, but the number of firings and data collection time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent discards redundant firings by recognizing that certain transmit-receive pair measurements can be obtained by swapping the roles of transmit and receive elements (reciprocity principle). Instead of performing separate firings for each unique pair, the system performs fewer firings and recovers the complete data matrix by mathematically deriving missing information from reciprocal measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data collection process by combining multiple measurement objectives into a single firing sequence. By strategically selecting which elements to fire and which to use as receivers, the system merges the collection of multiple transmit-receive pair data into fewer integrated measurements, reducing total firing count and collection time while maintaining complete data matrix coverage.
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 method significantly reduces data storage requirements and increases scan speed, enabling more efficient data handling and processing, with potential for cleaner data and lower inspection costs by minimizing redundant data collection and storage needs.
Implementation Method 1
The method is predicated on the fact that in an ultrasonic array, the response from element 'i' to element 'j' is the same as the response from element 'j' to element 'i'.
Implementation Method 2
In ultrasonic testing, very short ultrasonic pulse-waves with center frequencies ranging typically from 0.1 to 15 MHz and, occasionally, up to 50 MHz are launched into materials to detect internal flaws or to characterize materials.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for efficiently achieving full-matrix ultrasonic data capture which includes the steps of providing an ultrasound array apparatus, the ultrasound array apparatus further comprising a probe, collecting data over a plurality of inspection locations, generating a plurality of data matrices, each of the data matrices reflecting data collected at the locations, and collecting, initially, a subset of a quantity of data needed for reconstruction of each of the inspection locations. In the method, as the probe moves from collection location to collection location, a data matrix at a prior collection location is gradually filled in as the probe moves to subsequent collection locations. In certain embodiments physical scanning of a probe with few elements is replaced by electronically scanning using an array with many elements.