I need to detect bone fractures using ultrasound. It does not have to be very precise or state of the art. Medical grade probes are way too expensive. I just need a sensor which can tell me the depth of bone at a point and then I can move it around to see any instant change in depth or any distortions which suggest possible cracks. I am facing mainly two problems - the blind zone increases in body tissues as the speed of sound is around 5 times here than in air and second is that I need the analog output to be able to do my own signal processing. I cannot find very low blind zone along with analogue output sensors. The max I can dish out is around 100-120 USD. But preferably less than 70 USD. Please help. Either suggest some sensors or some other approach that can help detect fractures using ultrasound.
Edit: Specified that approaches need to have ultrasound
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Not a whole lot of medical knowledge here or using ultrasound for medical processes. Normally one would think if there was a far less expensive option to X-rays, it would already exist? If you do find something, it’s evident that there’s incredible commercial potential. A quick search online for inexpensive ways to detect fractures gives a lot of different prototype and theoretical methods (tuning fork, optical sensors, light etc.).
I’m working on it in theory.
It’s an ultrasonic/thermal/IR emitter with picture…similar to “Dr.Phlox”.
It’s a ways to go from X-Ray. Most engineers(which is the base of the robotics community) aren’t well in touch with less practical scientific procedures.
*My prototypes use the 3v Ultrasonic distance by Adafruit though
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I have recently discovered something in my research…
You may notice that IR light is a faster wavelength and produces heat similar to ultrasound.
While walking past one of my neon projects, I noticed something strange about the shadow from blocking my ultraviolet light. It reminded me of my IR tests. The camera shows no discernible shadow. This wasn’t a camera trick. The IR was passing through the object I was testing with. I didn’t think anything of it at the time. I was not able to record the objects I tested on.
However, I did learn one important fact. IR light is much faster than sunlight and it can usually pass through an object. What if light couldn’t pass through the object? I thought of an impassable object - aluminum. I tightly folded aluminum foil and tested the IR. It reflected the light. There was a shadow.
Not a critical fact…but I think it’s helpful in moving a project forward.
