Ultrasound Probe Image Processing Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound systems face challenges in performing various examinations due to heat generation and power consumption limitations in the ultrasound probe, making it difficult to generate multiple types of ultrasound images, especially when used in home medical care settings.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound system comprising an ultrasound probe, a user interface device connected by wire, and a mobile information terminal, where the probe includes a transducer array and a transmission/reception circuit for generating ultrasound images, and the user interface device generates additional image types like elastography, low-speed blood flow, and contrast images, with the mobile terminal displaying these images and allowing user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image processing is performed in the ultrasound probe, then image quality and processing speed are improved, but heat generation increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing function into two segments: basic image generation is performed in the ultrasound probe, while advanced image processing (elastography, contrast imaging, etc.) is performed in the external information processing device. This segmentation allows the probe to maintain simple processing with low heat generation while still enabling high-quality advanced imaging through external computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts complex image processing functions from the ultrasound probe and relocates them to an external information processing device. By taking out the computationally intensive tasks (elastography calculation, contrast enhancement, etc.) from the probe's limited processing environment, the system reduces heat generation and power consumption in the probe while maintaining the capability to generate high-quality advanced ultrasound images.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex image processing is performed in the ultrasound probe, then various types of ultrasound images can be generated, but power consumption increases making it unsuitable for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing workload between the portable ultrasound probe and the external information processing device. The probe handles only essential signal acquisition and basic image generation with minimal power consumption, while the external device performs advanced processing for multiple examination types (elastography, contrast imaging, Doppler analysis) that would otherwise require excessive power in the probe.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external information processing device as an intermediary between the ultrasound probe and the display system. This intermediary handles all computationally intensive image processing tasks, allowing the portable probe to maintain low power consumption while still enabling diverse examination types through the intermediary's processing capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more processing circuits are mounted in the ultrasound probe, then image processing capabilities are improved, but heat generation increases reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments processing capabilities between two devices: the ultrasound probe contains only essential processing circuits for basic functionality, while advanced processing capabilities are located in the external information processing device. This segmentation maintains system reliability by keeping the probe's circuitry simple and cool-running, while still providing comprehensive processing capabilities through the external device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts advanced processing circuits from the ultrasound probe and relocates them to an external information processing device. By taking out the additional processing circuits that would generate heat and reduce reliability in the portable probe, the system maintains high processing capabilities through external computation while ensuring the probe remains reliable and suitable for portable use.
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 perform diverse ultrasound examinations by distributing image processing between the probe and user interface device, reducing heat and power constraints, thus enhancing examination capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the ultrasound probe includes a transducer array, a transmission/reception circuit that transmits an ultrasound wave from the transducer array and generates a sound ray signal based on a reception signal acquired by the transducer array
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound probe, a user interface device (3) connected to the ultrasound probe by wire, and a mobile information terminal connected to at least one of the ultrasound probe or the user interface device (3), in which the ultrasound probe includes a transducer array, a transmission/reception circuit that generates a sound ray signal based on a reception signal acquired by the transducer array, and a first image generation unit that generates a first ultrasound image based on the sound ray signal, the user interface device (3) includes a second image generation unit (34) that generates a second ultrasound image based on the sound ray signal, and the mobile information terminal includes a monitor that displays the first ultrasound image or the second ultrasound image.