Patent Description:
Ultrasonic inspection is one type of non-destructive testing technique. An ultrasonic transducer can be used to emit ultrasonic signals (sound waves) that travel into the inspected target. Ultrasonic echoes resulting from reflection of the transmitted ultrasonic signals from boundaries within the inspected part (e.g., defects and outer boundaries) can be subsequently detected by the ultrasonic transducer. Properties of the reflected ultrasonic echoes can be measured by the ultrasonic transducer (e.g., amplitude, time of flight, etc.) and subsequently analyzed to identify characteristics of defects detected within the inspected part, such as location and size.

<CIT> discloses a phased array probe including a plurality of transducers and a flexible delay line. Received ultrasonic signals by the probe at a first position on a structure are processed to determine a second optimized position on the structure.

In general, the amplitude of an ultrasonic wave reflected from a boundary within the inspected part depends on the angle of the incidence of the ultrasonic wave on the boundary. In order to facilitate detection of ultrasonic echoes, it can be desirable to configure an ultrasonic testing system such that the amplitude of transmitted ultrasonic signals results in ultrasonic echoes signal that have a relatively large amplitude. If the amplitude of ultrasonic echoes is too low, they can be difficult to detect.

One approach to maximize the amplitude of ultrasonic echoes is to direct ultrasonic signals at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees to a normal vector of the surface of the target or the reflecting boundary, referred to as normal incidence. Under conditions of normal incidence, ultrasonic echoes reflected at a boundary within the target can return along the path of the emitted ultrasonic signals, while transmitted ultrasonic signals can continue along the same direction as the emitted ultrasonic signals. That is, substantially no refraction occurs. Because no refraction occurs, the maximum sound pressure is reemitted from the boundary in the direction of incidence of the ultrasonic wave, resulting in maximum detected amplitude of the reflected ultrasonic echoes. In contrast, if a refraction occurs, less sound amplitude is reemitted in the direction of incidence of the ultrasonic wave, resulting in a lower detected amplitude of the reflected ultrasonic echoes.

<FIG> illustrates one exemplary embodiment of an ultrasonic probe <NUM> configured to facilitate normal incidence of emitted ultrasonic signals. As shown, the ultrasonic probe <NUM> is in contact with a target <NUM> having a contoured surface <NUM> and a reflector <NUM> embedded within. The ultrasonic probe <NUM> includes ultrasonic transducers <NUM> and a flexible delay line <NUM>. The ultrasonic transducers <NUM> can be in the form of a two-dimensional array separated from one another by a predetermined distance.

The delay line <NUM> is a material interposed between the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> and the target <NUM> in which the speed of sound is relatively low. As a result, a precise delay can be introduced between the time at which the ultrasonic signal is emitted and the time at which resultant ultrasonic echoes are detected by the ultrasonic transducers <NUM>. Delay lines are commonly employed for detection of flaws near the surface of the target <NUM>, as the introduced time delay facilitates distinguishing between ultrasonic echoes resulting from reflection of ultrasonic signals at near sub-surface flaws reflection and other ultrasonic echoes resulting from reflection at the surface of the target <NUM>.

The elastic modulus of a solid, or in the case of a liquid the compression modulus, is a material property that characterizes the degree of deformation of the material in response to an applied force. The flexible delay line <NUM> can possess an elastic modulus that allows it to deform elastically and conform to contours <NUM> on the surface of the target <NUM>. As compared to more rigid delay lines, the flexible delay line <NUM> can reduce tilting of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> and facilitate orientation of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> for normal incidence between a direction of propagation <NUM> of the emitted ultrasonic signal (e.g., a beam axis) and the surface of the target surface <NUM>.

In contrast, if the direction of propagation <NUM> of the emitted ultrasonic signal and the surface of the target surface <NUM> are not aligned approximately perpendicular to one another but at a non-zero angle α (rotation about the y-axis), the transmitted ultrasonic signal is refracted at an angle β, as shown in <FIG>. Under this angle β, the reflector <NUM> is not "seen" because the ultrasonic signal is not reflected back to the ultrasonic transducers <NUM>. Refraction similarly occurs when the ultrasonic probe <NUM> is oriented at a non-zero angle γ (e.g., rotation about the z-axis).

Thus, to maximize the amplitude of ultrasonic echoes, it is desirable that α and β are approximately zero. However, due to the high degree of freedom of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> having the flexible delay line <NUM>, it can be time-consuming to achieve this alignment.

Accordingly, there exists an ongoing need for improved systems and methods for alignment of ultrasonic probes.

In an embodiment, a method of aligning an ultrasonic probe is provided. The method can include positioning an ultrasonic probe in contact with a target. The ultrasonic probe can include a flexible delay line extending from a first end to a second end and an array of ultrasonic transducers positioned at the first end of the flexible delay line. The second end of the flexible delay line can contact the target. The method can also include transmitting, by the array of ultrasonic transducers, respective ultrasonic signals. The method can further include receiving, by the array of ultrasonic transducers, ultrasonic echoes representing amplitude of the ultrasonic signals reflected from the target as a function of time from transmission. The method can additionally include determining, by a processor, a maximum amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes received by each ultrasonic transducer. The method can also include scaling, by the processor, the determined maximum amplitude received by each ultrasonic transducer based upon a greatest determined maximum ultrasonic echo amplitude. The method can further include binning, by the processor, each of the scaled maximum ultrasonic echo amplitudes. The method can additionally include assigning, by the processor, a color to each bin. The method can also include generating, by the processor, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) including a C-scan based upon the scaled ultrasonic echo amplitudes. Each pixel of the C-scan can correspond to at least one ultrasonic transducer. The relative position of each pixel of the C-scan can corresponds to the relative position of the ultrasonic transducer represented by the pixel. Each pixel can be displayed with the color assigned to the scaled ultrasonic echo received by the pixel. The method can further include \rendering, within a display, the generated GUI.

In an embodiment, the method can further include determining, by the processor, a time of flight for at least a portion of the received ultrasonic echoes corresponding to reflection from the target surface to reach its ultrasonic transducers. The method can also include determining, by the processor, the distance of at least a portion of the ultrasonic transducers to the target surface based on the time of flight of the received ultrasonic echoes and the speed of sound within the flexible delay line. The method can additionally include determining, by the processor from the ultrasonic transducer distances, a first angle of rotation of the array of ultrasonic transducers about an axis perpendicular to a normal vector to the surface of the target. The method can also include determining, by the processor from the time of flight, a second angle of rotation of the array of ultrasonic transducers about an axis parallel to the normal vector to the surface of the target. The method can further include updating, by the processor, the GUI to display an object overlaid upon the C-scan at a location defined by the first and second angles.

In an embodiment, the flexible delay line can be formed from a solid and has an elastic modulus within the range from about <NUM> GPa to about <NUM> GPa.

In an embodiment, the delay line can be formed from a liquid and has a compression modulus within the range from about <NUM> GPa to about <NUM> GPa.

In an embodiment, the liquid can be an ultrasonic couplant.

In another embodiment, an ultrasonic inspection system is provided and it can include an ultrasonic probe and a processing unit. The ultrasonic probe can include a flexible delay line extending from a first end to a second end and an array of ultrasonic transducers positioned at the first end of the flexible delay line. The second end of the flexible delay line can contact the target. The processing unit can include an analyzer having at least one processor. The at least one processor can be configured to receive, from the array of ultrasonic transducers, ultrasonic echoes representing amplitude of the ultrasonic signals reflected from the target as a function of time from transmission. The at least one processor can also be configured to determine a maximum amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes received by each ultrasonic transducer. The at least one processor can be further configured to scale the determined maximum amplitude received by each ultrasonic echoes based upon a greatest determined maximum amplitude. The at least one processor can be additionally configured to bin each of the scaled maximum amplitudes. The at least one processor can also be configured to assign a color to each bin. The at least one processor can be further configured to generate a Graphical User Interface (GUI) including a C-scan based upon the scaled ultrasonic echoes. Each pixel of the C-scan can corresponds to at least one ultrasonic transducer. The relative position of each pixel of the C-scan can correspond to the relative position of the ultrasonic transducer represented by the pixel. Each pixel can be displayed with the color assigned to the scaled ultrasonic echo received by the pixel. The at least one processor can additionally be configured to render, within a display, the generated GUI providing feedback for aligning the ultrasonic probe.

In an embodiment, the at least one processor can be further configured to determine a time of flight for at least a portion of the received ultrasonic echo corresponding to reflection from the target surface to reach its ultrasonic transducers. The at least one processor can be additionally configured to determine the distance of at least a portion of the ultrasonic transducers to the target surface based on the time of flight of the received ultrasonic echoes and the speed of sound within the flexible delay line. The at least one processor can be further configured to determine, from the ultrasonic transducer distances, a first angle of rotation of the array of ultrasonic transducers about an axis perpendicular to a normal vector to the surface of the target. The at least one processor can also be configured to determine, from the time of flight, a second angle of rotation of the array of ultrasonic transducers about an axis parallel to the normal vector to the surface of the target. The at least one processor can be further configured to update the GUI to display an object overlaid upon the C-scan at a location defined by the first and second angles.

In an embodiment, the flexible delay line can be a formed from a liquid and has a compression modulus within the range from about <NUM> GPa to about <NUM> GPa.

When performing ultrasonic testing, it can be desirable to direct the ultrasonic signal approximately perpendicular to the surface of the target being tested in order to increase the strength (amplitude) of the detected reflected signal. Ultrasonic probes can employ flexible delay lines to better conform to curved target surfaces. However, it can be challenging to orient these ultrasonic probes to direct the ultrasonic signal approximately perpendicular to the surface of the target. Accordingly, improved systems and methods for aligning ultrasonic probes are provided. As discussed in greater detail below, ultrasonic echoes representing reflection of ultrasonic waves from the surface of a target are measured. Color-coded, two-dimensional plots of measured amplitude of ultrasonic echoes as a function of position can be generated and displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI). An operator can use these plots to receive real-time feedback that moving the ultrasonic probe has on the measured amplitudes to facilitate finding optimal inclination alignment of the ultrasonic probe. Beneficially, with such C-scans, an operator does not need to review the A-scan for signal optimization. Additionally, a simple and intuitive display in the form of a "water-bubble" like graphic can be generated and overlaid upon the two-dimensional plots to provide further specific guidance as to the direction in which to move the optimize the probe alignment.

Embodiments are presented in the context of flexible ultrasonic probes. However, it can be understood that the disclosed embodiments can be employed with any configuration of ultrasonic probe without limit.

<FIG> illustrates one exemplary embodiment of an ultrasonic inspection system <NUM> including the ultrasonic probe <NUM> in communication with a processing unit <NUM> and a display <NUM>. As discussed above, the ultrasonic probe <NUM> includes the array of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> (e.g., a two-dimensional array) and the flexible delay line <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the flexible delay line can be formed from a solid material and exhibits an elastic modulus within the range from about <NUM> GPa to about <NUM> GPa. In further embodiments, the delay line can be formed from a liquid material and exhibits a compression modulus within the range from about <NUM> GPa to about <NUM> GPa. The liquid material can be an ultrasonic couplant.

The processing unit <NUM> includes a transmitter <NUM>, a receiver <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an analog to digital converter (ADC) <NUM>, and an analyzer <NUM>. The transmitter <NUM> can include a pulser (not shown) configured to transmit electrical pulses to the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> according to a predetermined interrogation scheme. In certain embodiments, the interrogation scheme can be stored in the memory <NUM>, which is in communication with the transmitter <NUM>. The receiver <NUM> is configured to receive ultrasonic echoes measured by the ultrasonic transducers <NUM>, and can include an amplifier (not shown) configured to adjust a strength of the ultrasonic echoes. The ADC <NUM> can receive the measured ultrasonic echoes, in an analog form, from the receiver <NUM> and convert the ultrasonic echoes into corresponding digital signals.

The analyzer <NUM> is in communication with the ADC <NUM> and receives the digitized echoes. The analyzer <NUM> can include one or more processors, and corresponding memory, configured to perform a variety of operations on the digitized echoes. In one aspect, the analyzer <NUM> can be configured to perform signal processing operations, such as filtering, noise reduction, scaling, etc. In another aspect, the analyzer <NUM> can be configured to generate and output one or more Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) <NUM> for viewing the ultrasonic echoes on the display <NUM>.

In further aspects, the analyzer <NUM> can be configured to generate the GUIs <NUM> based upon measured ultrasonic echoes for display to an operator that facilitate alignment of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> with respect to the target <NUM>. As discussed in greater detail below, the analyzer <NUM> can generate GUIs <NUM> that display the amplitude of ultrasonic echoes received by the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> (amplitude of A-scan <NUM>) in the form of a color-coded C-scan. In general, the amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes will increase as the inclination of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> (e.g., a beam axis) approaches normal to the surface of the target <NUM>. An operator can move the ultrasonic probe <NUM> and view changes in the amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes within the C-scan <NUM> displayed in the GUI <NUM> to obtain visual feedback. By maximizing the amplitude of received ultrasonic signals, the operator can quickly orient the beam axis of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> at or near a normal orientation with the surface of the target <NUM>.

In further embodiments, the analyzer <NUM> can be further configured to provide the operator with guidance as to which direction to move of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> to achieve normal/near normal orientation between the target surface <NUM> and the beam axis <NUM>. The time of flight for ultrasonic echoes reflected at the surface of the target <NUM> can be determined at respective ultrasonic transducers <NUM>. As the speed of sound within the flexible delay line is known, the time of flight can be used to determine the distance of each ultrasonic transducer to the target surface <NUM>. With knowledge of the position of each of the ultrasonic transducers within the array, these distance measurements can be used to determine the inclination (e.g., angles α, γ) of a plane containing the array of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> with respect to the normal vector to the surface of the target surface <NUM>. When an object representing the angles α, γ is overlaid upon the C-scan, the operator can readily identify the direction that moves inclination of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> closer to normal with the target surface <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of a method <NUM> for alignment of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> employing the ultrasonic inspection system <NUM>. As shown, the method includes operations <NUM>-<NUM>. Optionally, the method <NUM> can further include operations <NUM>-<NUM>. It can be appreciated, however, that embodiments of the method <NUM> can include greater or fewer operations than illustrated in <FIG> and the operations can be performed in an order different than illustrated in <FIG>.

In operation <NUM>, the ultrasonic probe <NUM> is positioned in contact with the target <NUM>. As discussed above, the ultrasonic probe <NUM> includes the flexible delay line <NUM> which extends from a first end (e.g., an upper end) to a second end (e.g., a lower end). The array of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> is positioned at the first end of the flexible delay line <NUM> and the second end of the flexible delay line contacts the target <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the array of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> transmits respective ultrasonic signals.

In operation <NUM>, the array of ultrasonic transducers receives ultrasonic echoes representing the amplitude of the ultrasonic signals that are reflected from the target <NUM> as a function of time from transmission.

In operation <NUM>, at least one processor (e.g., the analyzer <NUM>) can determine a maximum amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes that arise due to reflection from the target surface <NUM> for each ultrasonic transducer of the array of ultrasonic transducers <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the analyzer <NUM> can review an A-scan (e.g., A-scan 324a) measured by at least a portion of the ultrasonic transducers <NUM>, and up to all of the ultrasonic transducers within a specific time window to identify the portion of the ultrasonic echo arising due to reflection from the target surface <NUM>. As an example, the analyzer <NUM> can review the A-scan 324a measured by each of the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> within a specific time window to identify the portion of the ultrasonic echo arising due to reflection from the target surface <NUM>. An example of a portion of the ultrasonic echo representing a surface reflection is shown in the box <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the analyzer <NUM> can scale the determined maximum ultrasonic echo amplitude received by each of the ultrasonic transducers by a greatest determined maximum ultrasonic echo amplitude.

In operation <NUM>, the analyzer <NUM> can bin each of the scaled maximum ultrasonic echo amplitudes. As shown in <FIG>, the bins <NUM> can extend from <NUM> to <NUM> (or <NUM> to <NUM>% on a percentage scale). For example, each of the bins can be of equal extent (e.g., <NUM> or <NUM>%). In alternative embodiments, the bins can extend over a portion of the range from <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM>%.

In operation <NUM>, a color can be assigned to each bin <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the following colors are assigned:.

In one aspect, the same color can be assigned to multiple bins <NUM>. In other aspects, different colors can be assigned to different bins. Furthermore, reference to specific colors is for illustration purposes and other colors, shades, patterns, or other visibly distinguishable indications can be employed without limit to visually demark respective bins.

Subsequently, the analyzer <NUM> can generate the GUI <NUM> that includes a C-scan based upon the scaled ultrasonic echoes. In general the C-scan <NUM> provides a two-dimensional plan view of the amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes received by the array of ultrasonic transducers <NUM>. Each pixel <NUM> in the C-scan <NUM> can represent a single one of the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> or a group of ultrasonic transducers (e.g., an average value of the amplitude of multiple ultrasonic transducers). The display of pixels <NUM> in the C-scan <NUM> corresponds to the position of respective ultrasonic transducers <NUM> or group of ultrasonic transducers.

In operation <NUM>, the GUI <NUM> can be rendered within the display <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a C-scan 322a corresponding to the A-scan 324a acquired for the ultrasonic probe <NUM> at an initial position. As shown, the pixels <NUM> of the C-scan 322a are colored blue B and green G, corresponding to amplitudes between <NUM>-<NUM>%. The pixels <NUM> having the blue color B surround the pixels <NUM> having the green color G.

As discussed above, an operator can employ the GUI <NUM> to obtain feedback on the effect of movement of the ultrasonic probe <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate an A-scan 324b and corresponding C-scan 322b following movement of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> from the initial position to a first position. As shown, the maximum amplitude corresponding to the ultrasonic echo reflected from the target surface <NUM> increases in the first position of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> as compared to the initial position (e.g., ultrasonic echo in box <NUM> vs. box <NUM>). As further shown in the C-scan 322b acquired at the first position, a majority of the pixels <NUM> that were blue B in the C-scan 322a acquired at the initial position have become green G, while some of the pixels <NUM> that were green G in the C-scan 322a acquired at the initial position have become yellow Y.

<FIG> illustrate an A-scan 324c and corresponding C-scan 322c following movement of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> from the first position to a second position of the ultrasonic probe <NUM>. As shown, the maximum amplitude corresponding to the ultrasonic echo reflected from the target surface <NUM> increases in the second position of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> as compared to the first position (e.g., ultrasonic echo in box <NUM> vs. box <NUM>). As further shown in the C-scan 322c acquired at the second position, some of the pixels <NUM> that were green G in the C-scan 322b acquired at the first position have become yellow Y , while some of the pixels <NUM> that were yellow Y in the C-scan 322b acquired at the first position have become red R.

The change of colors from blue to yellow to red as the alignment of the ultrasonic probe is moved from the initial position, through the first position, and to the second position represents increasing amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes. This indicates that the inclination of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> has moved closer to a normal inclination in the second position as compared to the initial position. Beneficially, the operator can rely entirely on the colored, visual display of the A-scan amplitude within the C-scan <NUM> for signal optimization, without reference to the A-scan itself.

It can be a challenging task, however, for the operator to determine the direction in which to change the inclination of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> for signal optimization. Thus, it would be beneficial to provide the operator with further visual display of the angles α and γ to indicate the direction to change the inclination of the ultrasonic probe <NUM>. As discussed in greater detail below, this goal can be achieved using the ultrasonic echoes received at respective ultrasonic transducers <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a plane <NUM> representing the orientation of the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers <NUM>. A three-dimensional coordinate grid (x, y, z) is further illustrated for reference. Assume, for the sake of example, that the target surface <NUM> is parallel to the x-y plane (e.g., the plane extending out of the page). As shown, a surface normal T (dashed line) to the target surface <NUM> extends straight upwards (e.g., parallel to the z-axis). As discussed above, the surface normal N to the plane <NUM> is oriented at the angle α to the surface normal T about the y-axis and at the angle γ to the surface normal T about the z-axis. This orientation of the plane <NUM> can be identified using the ultrasonic echoes received by the ultrasonic transducers <NUM>.

In operation <NUM> of the method <NUM>, the processor can determine a time of flight (ToF) for each received ultrasonic echo corresponding to reflection from the target surface <NUM> to reach its ultrasonic transducer <NUM>. As discussed above, the A-scan measured by each of the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> includes the time of flight for the emitted ultrasonic signal to travel to the target surface <NUM>, reflect from the target surface <NUM>, and return to the array of ultrasonic transducers <NUM> (e.g., box <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). During the time of flight, the ultrasonic signal/ultrasonic echo travels through the flexible delay line <NUM> at a known speed (e.g., the speed of sound of the material of the flexible delay line <NUM>).

In operation <NUM>, the analyzer <NUM> can determine the distance of at least a portion of the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> to the target surface <NUM> using the measured time of flight and the speed of sound within the flexible delay line <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the analyzer <NUM> can determine, from the ultrasonic transducer distances, a first angle of rotation of the array of ultrasonic transducers (e.g., angle α) about an axis perpendicular to a normal vector to the surface of the target.

In operation <NUM>, the analyzer <NUM> can determine, from the ultrasonic transducer distances, a second angle of rotation of the array of ultrasonic transducers (e.g., angle γ) about an axis parallel to the normal vector to the surface of the target.

<FIG> shows a projection <NUM> of the different values for the first angle α and the second angle γ as circles <NUM> with respect to the surface normal N, in a simple and intuitive display. As shown, the first angle α represents the radial distance from the surface normal T, shown as a centered cross mark. The second angle γ represents the angular position. This representation can be considered analogously to a water bubble, where placement of a circle (α, γ) at about the center represents alignment of the surface normal N of the plane <NUM> of the ultrasonic transducers <NUM> with the surface normal T of the target surface <NUM>. To facilitate alignment of the ultrasonic probe <NUM>, the projection <NUM> can be combined with the C-scan <NUM>.

As an example, in operation <NUM>, the analyzer <NUM> can update the GUI <NUM> to display an object (e.g., circle <NUM>) overlaid upon the C-scan <NUM> at a location defined by the first angle α and the second angle γ. In alternative embodiments, the projection <NUM> can be displayed in a corner of the C-scan <NUM>.

In further embodiments, the projection <NUM> can include concentric circles <NUM> centered about the surface normal T. Displaying the concentric circles <NUM> as part of an overlay upon the C-scan <NUM> can additionally help the operator correctly position the ultrasonic probe <NUM> in the x- and y-directions.

<FIG> present plots <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, illustrating combinations of projections <NUM> corresponding C-scans <NUM>. Plot <NUM> combines a projection of angles (α1,γ1) <NUM> with corresponding C-scan 322a for the initial position of the ultrasonic probe <NUM>, while plot <NUM> combines a projection of angles (α2,γ2) <NUM> with corresponding C-scan 322b for the first position of the ultrasonic probe <NUM>, and plot <NUM> combines a projection of angles (α2,γ2) <NUM> with corresponding C-scan 322c for the second position of the ultrasonic probe <NUM>. As noted above, when the ultrasonic probe <NUM> is moved from the initial position, through the first position, to the second position, the displayed amplitude increases, indicating that the ultrasonic probe alignment becomes closer to normal with the target surface <NUM>.

The operator, when viewing the plot <NUM>, can intuitively understand that movement of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> from the initial position to urge the circle <NUM> representing (α1,γ1) <NUM> towards the center of the plot <NUM> (e.g., down and right), as shown by the arrow can provide signal optimization (e.g., increased amplitude).

This movement places the ultrasonic probe <NUM> in the first position. When viewing the plot <NUM> resulting from such movement, the operator can see improvement in the amplitude, as compared to the initial position, but can further understand that additional optimization is possible, as the circle representing (α2,γ2) <NUM> is not centered. Thus, the operator can move the ultrasonic probe <NUM> to urge the circle towards the center of the plot <NUM> (e.g., up and left), as shown by the arrow.

This movement places the ultrasonic probe <NUM> in the second position. When viewing the plot <NUM> resulting from such movement, the operator can see improvement in the amplitude, as compared to the first position and further recognize that optimization is complete, as the circle representing (α3,γ3) <NUM> is centered. Thus, the operator can cease further movement of the ultrasonic probe <NUM> and secure the ultrasonic probe <NUM> in place at the second position.

Exemplary technical effects of the methods, systems, and devices described herein include, by way of non-limiting example improved systems and methods for aligning ultrasonic probes. The disclosed embodiments can employ measured ultrasonic echoes that represent reflection of ultrasonic waves from the surface of a target. In one aspect, color-coded ultrasonic C-scans of amplitude can be generated and displayed to facilitate finding optimal inclination alignment of the ultrasonic probe. Beneficially, with such C-scans, an operator does not need to review the A-scan for signal optimization. In another aspect, a simple and intuitive display of the direction in which to optimize the probe alignment in the form of a "water-bubble" like graphic can be overlaid upon the C-scans.

Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims.

Claim 1:
A method of aligning an ultrasonic probe, comprising:
positioning (<NUM>) an ultrasonic probe (<NUM>) in contact with a target (<NUM>), the ultrasonic probe (<NUM>) including a flexible delay line (<NUM>) extending from a first end to a second end and an array of ultrasonic transducers (<NUM>) positioned at the first end of the flexible delay line (<NUM>), wherein the second end of the flexible delay line contacts the target (<NUM>);
transmitting (<NUM>), by the array of ultrasonic transducers (<NUM>), respective ultrasonic signals;
receiving (<NUM>), by the array of ultrasonic transducers (<NUM>), ultrasonic echoes representing amplitude of the ultrasonic signals reflected from the target (<NUM>) as a function of time from transmission;
determining (<NUM>), by a processor (<NUM>), a maximum amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes received by each ultrasonic transducer;
scaling (<NUM>), by the processor (<NUM>), the determined maximum amplitude received by each ultrasonic transducer based upon a greatest determined maximum ultrasonic echo amplitude;
binning (<NUM>), by the processor (<NUM>), each of the scaled maximum ultrasonic echo amplitudes;
assigning (<NUM>), by the processor (<NUM>), a color to each bin (<NUM>);
generating (<NUM>), by the processor (<NUM>), a Graphical User Interface (GUI) (<NUM>) including a C-scan (<NUM>) based upon the scaled ultrasonic echo amplitudes, wherein each pixel (<NUM>) of the C-scan (<NUM>) corresponds to at least one ultrasonic transducer, wherein the relative position of each pixel (<NUM>) of the C-scan (<NUM>) corresponds to the relative position of the ultrasonic transducer represented by the pixel (<NUM>), and wherein each pixel is displayed with the color assigned to the scaled ultrasonic echo received by the pixel; and
rendering, within a display (<NUM>), the generated GUI (<NUM>).