Wireless Ultrasonic Transducer for Remote Imaging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic imaging technologies face challenges in remote control and minimal invasion of patient privacy, as they often require a trained operator to be present and can be cumbersome, limiting the ability to capture multiple image planes and perform procedures efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A wireless or wired ultrasonic transducer array system that can be remotely controlled using motors for rotation, linear movement, and depth adjustment, allowing for the capture of multiple image planes without an operator's direct presence, using wireless communication protocols like WiFi or Bluetooth, and integrated with a central server for data transmission and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a hand-held ultrasonic transducer is used with direct operator control, then real-time imaging can be obtained, but the operator must be physically present and trained, limiting remote operation and patient privacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hand-held transducer controlled by direct physical manipulation with a motorized transducer assembly that can be remotely controlled via wireless signals. The motor-driven rotation and positioning mechanisms substitute for manual operator control, enabling automated or remote operation while maintaining imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the remote operator and the transducer assembly. This intermediary allows control signals to be transmitted without physical presence at the patient's side, enabling remote operation while preserving the operator's ability to control imaging parameters.
2Extent of automation
If a motorized transducer assembly is used for remote control, then operator presence is reduced, but device complexity increases due to motors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single motorized transducer assembly unit. The same assembly that provides rotational movement also houses the transducer elements, control electronics, and wireless communication components. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate complex systems into one integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the transducer array is mounted on a rotatable platform within a housing that contains the motor and control electronics. The wireless communication components are integrated into the same housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall device complexity despite the multiple functional components.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for remote control, then operator mobility is improved, but data transmission reliability may be affected by interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the wireless communication system to monitor signal quality and transmission status. The system can detect interference or signal degradation and adjust transmission parameters accordingly, ensuring reliable data communication while maintaining operator mobility.
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 efficient remote operation of ultrasonic imaging, reducing the need for trained personnel, allowing patients to move freely while imaging data is transmitted to a remote workstation for analysis, and facilitating both imaging and therapeutic procedures with minimal invasion of privacy.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasound operates on a principle of transmitting a sound wave of a given frequency range and recording the time and value of reflected wave data of a principal frequency and its harmonics from body parts of interest
Implementation Method 2
The advent of piezocomposite material comprising a piezoelectric ceramic and a polymer has improved performance of commonly used ultrasonic arrays
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A remotely manipulatable ultrasound transducer element or transducer array permits an operator of an ultrasound system to be remotely located from a patient and yet remotely control the location of the element or array on a patient's body such as on the skin surface or within a body cavity. The transducer element or transducer array associated with motors and control circuits comprises an assembly within a housing for fixation to or within a human body and is intended to be placed one time and then remotely manipulated in directions of rotation, twist, and linearly in first and second perpendicular directions within a plane parallel to the surface of the human body and remotely controlled to provide therapeutic or diagnostic treatment or imaging of an internal body region of interest under study. In one embodiment, the housing comprises at least one motor and one of a transducer element and a transducer array which is mounted to a rotor of the motor via an optional gear assembly for rotation, for example, in a range of 180 degrees so that multiple planes of imaging can be obtained, for example, of a heart or other body organ from the skin surface. The remotely manipulatable ultrasound transducer or transducer array assembly may comprise a wireless transceiver having a unique identifier for communication with one or more remote workstations, each having a unique identifier. Motors may provide linear, longitudinal axis movement, perpendicular movement to a longitudinal axis, rotation, twist and focus. Control information may comprise pulsing frequency, delay between elements, beamforming, time of day, direction, frequency, amplitude and the like to control one or more transducer elements or transducer arrays for therapeutic, diagnostic or imaging purposes.