Ultrasound Probe Transducer Activation Using Echo Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ultrasound imaging systems require manual selection and activation of transducers, leading to inaccuracies and potential errors in transducer activation due to complex workflows and environmental factors, affecting the accuracy of automatic activation.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a transducer of an ultrasound probe by simultaneously transmitting ultrasonic signals from multiple basic elements arranged at intervals, detecting echo signals, and controlling the activation state based on these detections to ensure accurate and efficient transducer activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual selection and activation of transducer is performed, then activation accuracy is improved, but workflow complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransducer activation accuracyVSAvoidworkflow complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the presence and state of the transducer and activates it without requiring manual user intervention. The transducer's activation state is determined self-automatically based on detection results from the control device, eliminating the need for manual selection and activation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously detects the transducer's state (presence, coupling status) and uses this feedback information to automatically control activation. The control device receives detection results and adjusts the transducer activation state accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves accuracy while reducing manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If automatic transducer activation is implemented, then workflow efficiency is improved, but activation accuracy deteriorates due to complex workflows and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow efficiencyVSAvoidactivation determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical operations (user manually selecting and activating transducer) with automated detection and control mechanisms. The control device automatically detects transducer state and controls activation based on detection results, substituting human operations with automated electronic control to maintain accuracy while improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary between the transducer and the user. It detects the transducer's presence and state, processes this information, and automatically controls activation without requiring the user to directly interact with the transducer selection and activation process, thereby maintaining accuracy while simplifying the user interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple basic elements transmit ultrasonic signals simultaneously, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveecho signal detection accuracyVSAvoidtransducer energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of activating all basic elements of the transducer simultaneously, the system activates only the necessary number of elements required for accurate detection. The control device determines the minimum set of basic elements needed to achieve reliable echo signal detection, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 method provides rapid and accurate activation determination of the transducer, reducing errors and simplifying the user workflow while maintaining imaging quality and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a probe is typically used to transmit an ultrasonic signal to a site to be scanned and receive an ultrasonic echo signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic transmission: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS20260060654A1Method for controlling transducer of ultrasound probe and ultrasound imaging system
Publication Date: 2026.03.05 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • US20260060654A1 patent drawing
  • US20260060654A1 patent drawing
  • US20260060654A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling a transducer of an ultrasound probe, including: controlling a plurality of basic elements of the transducer to simultaneously transmit ultrasonic signals, wherein the plurality of basic elements are arranged at intervals; detecting an echo signal of the ultrasonic signal transmitted by each of the plurality of basic elements; and controlling an activation state of an imaging function of the transducer based on a detection result of the echo signals. Further provided in the present application are an ultrasound imaging system and a non-transitory computer-readable medium.