Next-Generation Ultrasound and Thermoacoustic System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A wearable, portable, and real-time ultrasound and thermoacoustic system that dynamically adjusts frequency for optimal imaging resolution and provides real-time feedback to users.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a serial architecture and energy-saving methods for ultrasound and thermoacoustic systems. However, these systems were limited by their fixed frequency operation, which resulted in suboptimal imaging resolution. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing real-time frequency adjustment and machine learning-based optimization.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The next-generation system comprises a wearable, portable device incorporating an ultrasound transducer array and a thermoacoustic data acquisition unit. The device wirelessly transmits thermoacoustic data to a remote processing unit for real-time image reconstruction and analysis. The system dynamically adjusts the frequency of ultrasound signals based on real-time feedback from the thermoacoustic data acquisition unit to optimize imaging resolution. Additionally, the system provides real-time feedback to users regarding the optimal frequency of ultrasound signals for a given sample based on machine learning algorithms and historical data.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift by enabling real-time frequency adjustment and machine learning-based optimization, which is not anticipated by the original patent. The wearable, portable, and real-time nature of the system, combined with the dynamic frequency adjustment and machine learning-based optimization, constitutes a novel and non-obvious inventive concept.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the wearable device's form factor, the type of machine learning algorithms used, and the integration of additional sensors or modalities. For example, the system could be integrated into a smartwatch or a handheld device, or it could incorporate additional sensors such as electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG) sensors.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The next-generation ultrasound and thermoacoustic system has significant commercial potential in the fields of biomedical imaging, sensing, and monitoring. The system's wearable, portable, and real-time nature makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including point-of-care diagnostics, remote patient monitoring, and medical research. The target industries include healthcare, medical devices, and biotechnology.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical imaging technologies, specifically ultrasound and thermoacoustic imaging systems, requiring advanced signal processing, transducer design, and data acquisition techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An electrical engineer or biomedical engineering professional with expertise in signal processing, transducer design, machine learning, and medical imaging technologies, holding a master's or PhD degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience in medical imaging instrumentation
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents a predictable extension of the source patent's core thermoacoustic imaging architecture by introducing dynamic frequency adjustment and machine learning optimization techniques that are well-established in signal processing domains. The fundamental system architecture remains consistent with the original patent, with incremental improvements that would be considered routine engineering modifications by a skilled practitioner. The wearable and portable implementation represents a natural progression of medical imaging technologies toward more compact and user-friendly designs.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,291 |
|---|---|
| Title | Serial architecture and energy saving methods for ultrasound and thermoacoustic systems |
| Assignee(s) | PhotoSound Technologies Inc. |