Jungsuk Kim1, Kwang Soo Kim2, Hojong Choi3. 1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gachon University, Hambakmoe-ro, Incheon 21936, Korea. 2. IMP System, 301-3ho 267-96, Gumi, Gyeongbuk 39373, Korea. 3. Department of Medical IT Convergence Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi-Daero, Gumi 39253, Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The pulse-echo test is used to evaluate the performance of ultrasonic probes before manufacturing ultrasonic systems. However, commercial alignment instruments are very large and use complex programs with long operation times. OBJECTIVE: To develop a low-cost alignment instrument used in the pulse-echo test for evaluating the performance of various 2D and 3D ultrasonic probes. METHODS: The developed alignment instrument can be aligned with the X, Y, Z, azimuth, elevation, and tilt axes with manual structure to support mounting fixtures that hold 2D and 3D ultrasonic probes. Each axis has a manual lever and is designed to have no movement when fixed. In particular, tilt and azimuth directions are designed to move more than 5∘ left and right. RESULTS: The probe mounted in the X, Y, and Z axes can move at above 50 mm. The probe mounted in the azimuth, elevation, and tilt axes can move more than 5∘ in the left and right directions. The pulse-echo test using commercial ultrasonic probes showed maximum error rate of less than 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Our developed alignment instrument can reduce costs by eliminating the need for shortening inspection times for probe manufacturers.
BACKGROUND: The pulse-echo test is used to evaluate the performance of ultrasonic probes before manufacturing ultrasonic systems. However, commercial alignment instruments are very large and use complex programs with long operation times. OBJECTIVE: To develop a low-cost alignment instrument used in the pulse-echo test for evaluating the performance of various 2D and 3D ultrasonic probes. METHODS: The developed alignment instrument can be aligned with the X, Y, Z, azimuth, elevation, and tilt axes with manual structure to support mounting fixtures that hold 2D and 3D ultrasonic probes. Each axis has a manual lever and is designed to have no movement when fixed. In particular, tilt and azimuth directions are designed to move more than 5∘ left and right. RESULTS: The probe mounted in the X, Y, and Z axes can move at above 50 mm. The probe mounted in the azimuth, elevation, and tilt axes can move more than 5∘ in the left and right directions. The pulse-echo test using commercial ultrasonic probes showed maximum error rate of less than 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Our developed alignment instrument can reduce costs by eliminating the need for shortening inspection times for probe manufacturers.
Entities:
Keywords:
Ultrasonic probes; alignment instruments; ultrasonic transducers; water tank