Advanced Ultrasonography System with Enhanced Image Resolution and Signal Processing
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to an advanced ultrasonography system that improves image resolution and compensates for signal distortion caused by cable capacitance, providing enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an ultrasonography system with limitations in image resolution and signal processing. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating a high-frequency ultrasound transducer array and adaptive signal processing techniques, enabling more accurate diagnoses.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced ultrasonography system comprises a high-frequency ultrasound transducer array, a non-coaxial cable, and a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit corrects for signal distortion caused by cable capacitance and applies adaptive gain control to compensate for variations in ultrasound transducer sensitivity. The system can also be integrated with an ultrasound endoscope featuring an integrated water supply and suction system, optimizing water flow and suction pressure for improved image quality.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present inventive concept introduces a novel high-frequency ultrasound transducer array and adaptive signal processing techniques that significantly improve image resolution and signal quality. The integration of an ultrasound endoscope with an integrated water supply and suction system provides an additional inventive step, enhancing the overall diagnostic capabilities of the system.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different types of ultrasound transducer arrays, such as phased arrays or 2D arrays, or the integration of additional sensors, such as temperature or pressure sensors, to provide more comprehensive diagnostic information.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced ultrasonography system has significant commercial potential in the medical imaging industry, particularly in applications such as cancer diagnosis, cardiovascular imaging, and obstetric care. The system's enhanced image resolution and diagnostic capabilities could also expand its market reach into new areas, such as veterinary medicine and industrial non-destructive testing.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B8/445 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/12 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4488 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/56 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical ultrasound imaging systems, specifically high-frequency transducer arrays and signal processing techniques for diagnostic medical imaging
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An electrical engineer or biomedical engineer with expertise in ultrasound transducer design, signal processing, and medical imaging technologies, typically holding a master's or PhD degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience in medical imaging system development
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core ultrasound imaging technologies. The disclosed signal processing techniques for capacitance correction and adaptive gain control are logical refinements of existing ultrasound system design principles. The integration of endoscopic features and advanced signal processing would be considered routine optimization within the field of medical ultrasound imaging.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,366 |
|---|---|
| Title | Ultrasonography system |
| Assignee(s) | FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD. |