Wireless Probe Low-Power Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless ultrasound probes face challenges in efficient power management, particularly in determining when to switch to a low-power mode to conserve energy without disrupting image acquisition and transmission.
Innovation Solution
A wireless probe and ultrasonic imaging apparatus system that determines the condition of the wireless communication network based on transfer rate, signal quality, SNR, and receive signal strength, and decides to switch to a low-power mode based on whether the ultrasound image contains an object, position information between the probe and the apparatus, and a predetermined waiting time, using image processing and triangulation to assess the need for continuous scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless probe continuously operates in scanning mode to ensure image acquisition readiness, then image acquisition quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the probe's operational state between scanning mode and low-power mode based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors wireless communication quality, image content, and position information to determine when to switch modes, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple feedback mechanisms to control power mode: wireless communication quality feedback (transfer rate, signal quality, SNR, RSSI), image content feedback (whether air image is continuously acquired), and position feedback (distance and direction from imaging apparatus). This multi-feedback approach ensures reliable image acquisition while enabling power savings.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the wireless probe switches to low-power mode to conserve energy, then power consumption is reduced, but image acquisition may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessments before switching to low-power mode by evaluating wireless communication quality, image content, and position information in advance. This ensures that the probe only enters low-power mode when conditions guarantee that image acquisition will not be disrupted, preventing reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe autonomously monitors its own operational conditions and makes intelligent decisions about when to switch modes based on pre-set criteria. The controller automatically determines the optimal power state without external intervention, balancing power savings with image acquisition requirements.
3Loss of information
If the probe continuously transmits image data over wireless network to maintain real-time imaging, then image transmission quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by switching between continuous transmission (scanning mode) and reduced transmission (low-power mode) based on conditions. Image data transmission is maintained at high quality when needed but can be reduced or paused when the probe is in low-power mode, as determined by the controller's assessment of current operational requirements.
4Reliability
If the probe maintains continuous wireless communication to support real-time imaging, then communication reliability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication operates dynamically, adjusting between active continuous communication and reduced communication states based on operational needs. The controller monitors communication quality metrics and position information to determine when full communication reliability is necessary versus when power-saving communication reduction is acceptable.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are a wireless probe, an ultrasound imaging apparatus, and a method of controlling the same. The wireless probe includes a determiner for determining whether to switch into a low-power mode based on at least one of a condition of a wireless communication network, whether an ultrasound image is about an object, position information between an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and the wireless probe, and whether a predetermined waiting time has passed; and a probe controller for controlling switching into the low-power mode based on the determination result.