Next-Generation Hybrid Ultrasound and Thermoacoustic Imaging System

Publication ID: 24-11857291_0005_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Next-Generation Hybrid Ultrasound and Thermoacoustic Imaging System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857291_0005_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857291_0005_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,291.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A revolutionary imaging system integrating ultrasound and thermoacoustic modalities for real-time, high-resolution, and multi-modal imaging of biological tissues, enabling unprecedented insights into tissue structure and function.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a serial architecture and energy-saving methods for ultrasound and thermoacoustic systems, but it had limitations in terms of resolution, speed, and multi-modality capabilities. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a hybrid computing architecture, machine learning algorithms, and advanced transducer arrays to enable real-time, high-resolution imaging and monitoring of biological tissues.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The next-generation hybrid ultrasound and thermoacoustic imaging system consists of a transducer array for generating and detecting ultrasound and thermoacoustic signals, a hybrid computing architecture for processing and integrating said signals in real-time, and machine learning algorithms for generating 3D images and analyzing tissue structure and function. The system can be integrated into wearable, implantable, or injectable devices for real-time monitoring, or into cloud-based platforms for remote analysis and interpretation. The system enables non-invasive, real-time monitoring of brain activity and neural function, and has potential applications in cancer diagnosis, cardiovascular disease monitoring, and neurology.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in imaging technology by combining ultrasound and thermoacoustic modalities in a single system, and by leveraging machine learning algorithms and hybrid computing architectures to enable real-time, high-resolution imaging and monitoring. The inventive concept's novelty lies in the integration of these components and the resulting capabilities, which are not obvious from the original patent or prior art.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in transducer array design, computing architecture, and machine learning algorithms. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in different medical specialties, such as cardiology, oncology, or neurology, or for use in non-medical applications, such as material inspection or food safety monitoring.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The next-generation hybrid ultrasound and thermoacoustic imaging system has significant commercial potential in the medical imaging market, with potential applications in cancer diagnosis, cardiovascular disease monitoring, and neurology. The system could also be adapted for use in non-medical industries, such as material inspection or food safety monitoring, offering a broad market potential.

Field of Art

Biomedical imaging technologies, specifically ultrasound and thermoacoustic signal processing and detection systems, requiring advanced electrical engineering, signal processing, and medical instrumentation expertise

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with a PhD or MS in electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, or medical physics, with expertise in signal processing, transducer design, and medical imaging technologies, familiar with advanced computing architectures and machine learning techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's hybrid imaging system represents a predictable combination of known ultrasound and thermoacoustic imaging techniques with emerging machine learning and computing technologies. The integration of multiple signal detection modalities and real-time processing architectures follows established engineering design principles for medical imaging systems. The proposed variations represent incremental improvements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner familiar with contemporary biomedical imaging research and development.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Transducer array for receiving thermoacoustic signals from an interrogated object
PTD Variation
Hybrid transducer array capable of generating and detecting both ultrasound and thermoacoustic signals simultaneously
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining multiple signal detection modalities is a known technique in medical imaging, representing a predictable extension of existing transducer technologies
Source Patent Element
Field programmable gate array for digital processing and control
PTD Variation
Hybrid computing architecture with integrated machine learning algorithms for real-time signal processing and 3D image generation
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing machine learning techniques on programmable hardware represents a standard evolutionary approach in signal processing technologies
Source Patent Element
Portable and/or battery-operated device configuration
PTD Variation
Wearable, implantable, or injectable devices with miniaturized transducer arrays and low-power computing architectures
Obviousness Reasoning
Miniaturization and power optimization are predictable design choices for medical imaging technologies, following established engineering optimization strategies
Source Patent Element
Thermoacoustic data acquisition unit with analog front end
PTD Variation
Cloud-based platform with secure data transmission and machine learning-based analytics engine for remote monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending local signal processing capabilities to cloud-based platforms represents a natural technological progression in medical imaging and data analysis
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857291 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed hybrid ultrasound and thermoacoustic imaging system variations obvious and non-inventive. The proposed technical combinations represent predictable extensions of existing medical imaging technologies, utilizing standard engineering design principles and known signal processing techniques.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,291
TitleSerial architecture and energy saving methods for ultrasound and thermoacoustic systems
Assignee(s)PhotoSound Technologies Inc.