Ultrasound Probe Control Apparatus Depth of Field Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radial ultrasound probes face challenges in maintaining a deep depth of field for regions of interest without decreasing frame rate, leading to excessive heat generation in shallow regions or insufficient transmission power for deep regions due to constant transmission voltage.
Innovation Solution
A probe control apparatus that adjusts the pulse repetition frequency and sets a new transmission voltage based on the changed depth of field, optimizing heat generation and transmission power by varying the pulse repetition frequency and transmission voltage accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the depth of field is deepened for the entire annular shape to observe deeper regions of interest, then the depth of field of regions other than the region of interest is also deepened, but the frame rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The image region is divided into a region of interest (deep depth of field required) and other regions (shallow depth of field acceptable). Different depth of field settings are applied to different segments, allowing deep observation in the region of interest while maintaining higher frame rates in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different depth of field characteristics are applied to different spatial locations. The region of interest receives deep depth of field processing while other regions use shallow depth of field, optimizing both observation quality and frame rate in different areas of the image.
2Length of stationary object
If the transmission voltage is set in accordance with a region having a deep depth of field, then a greater-than-necessary transmission voltage is applied to a region having a shallow depth of field, but heat exceeding an allowable value may be generated
Solution Approach 1:
Transmission voltage is adjusted according to the depth of field requirements of different regions. Regions with deep depth of field receive higher transmission voltage, while regions with shallow depth of field receive lower transmission voltage, preventing excessive heat generation in areas where it is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission voltage parameter is dynamically changed based on the depth of field settings for different scanning lines. This allows optimization of both image quality and heat generation by matching voltage levels to actual depth requirements.
3Temperature
If the transmission voltage is set in accordance with a region having a shallow field of view, then there is sufficient heat management, but a transmission power that can reach the region having a deep depth of field cannot be supplied and sensitivity is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
Transmission voltage is optimized for each region's specific requirements. Regions requiring deep depth of field receive higher voltage to maintain sensitivity, while regions with shallow depth of field receive lower voltage to control heat, achieving both goals simultaneously through spatial differentiation.
4Temperature
If the transmission voltage is varied to optimize heat generation and transmission power, then heat management and sensitivity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from depth of field settings and heat generation data to automatically adjust transmission voltage. This closed-loop control optimizes both heat management and sensitivity while keeping the control process automated and manageable.
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 approach allows for a deep depth of field in regions of interest without reducing frame rate, while minimizing heat generation and ensuring sufficient transmission power, thereby enhancing the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus's performance.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound probe 101 including a piezoelectric element 102
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric element 102 that generates an ultrasound wave in accordance with an applied voltage and that receives a reflected wave of the ultrasound wave
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a probe control apparatus includes processing circuitry. With respect to a scanning line in which a change has been made to a depth of field, the processing circuitry makes a change to a pulse repetition frequency in accordance with the depth of field after the change. The processing circuitry sets a new transmission voltage based on the pulse repetition frequency after the change.