Ultrasound Probe Position Encoding Without Mechanical Encoders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic inspection methods for non-destructive testing require separate mechanical motion sensors for motion tracking, which can be prone to fouling, calibration issues, and alignment challenges with acoustic data.
Innovation Solution
Extracts data indicative of probe assembly motion from acquired acoustic echo data, using a deterministic noise pattern to estimate displacement without a separate mechanical motion sensor, facilitating motion tracking in Phased Array Ultrasound Testing (PAUT).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanical motion sensors are used to track probe displacement, then motion tracking can be performed, but the system becomes more complex and prone to errors due to fouling or calibration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motion tracking function from separate mechanical sensors and integrates it into the ultrasound imaging system itself. By using deterministic noise patterns already present in the ultrasound images, the system eliminates the need for external mechanical encoders, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining motion tracking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound system performs motion tracking using its own acquired images and inherent deterministic noise patterns, rather than relying on separate mechanical sensors. The system serves its own motion tracking needs by correlating noise patterns across sequential images, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall complexity
2Measurement precision
If separate mechanical motion sensors are used, then motion data can be obtained, but errors due to fouling or calibration issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical motion sensors with an acoustic/image-based motion tracking method. By substituting mechanical encoders with ultrasound image correlation using deterministic noise patterns, the system eliminates sources of mechanical error such as fouling and calibration issues, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability
3Loss of information
If mechanical encoders are used for motion tracking, then probe position can be tracked, but alignment with acoustic data acquisition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motion tracking function with the acoustic data acquisition process. By using the same ultrasound images for both imaging and motion tracking, and by correlating deterministic noise patterns that are inherent to the acoustic data, the system ensures perfect alignment between motion tracking and acoustic data without requiring separate mechanical sensors
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 and reliable motion tracking of ultrasound probes during inspection, eliminating errors from mechanical encoders and simplifying the inspection process, while maintaining alignment with acoustic data.
Implementation Method 1
deterministic noise pattern associated with a particular probe location can be identified and motion of the noise pattern can be used to provide an estimate of probe assembly motion
Data Source
AI summary
Data indicative of displacement of an acoustic probe assembly (or motion of an imaging aperture associated therewith) can be extracted from acquired acoustic echo data to perform motion tracking without requiring a separate mechanical motion sensor. As an illustrative example, a deterministic noise pattern associated with a particular probe location can be identified and motion of the noise pattern can be used to provide an estimate of probe assembly motion. Such an estimate can be used to facilitate imaging corresponding to multiple probe locations in support of acoustic non-destructive testing (NDT) such as in relation to Phased Array Ultrasound Test (PAUT).