Next-Generation Ultrasonography System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A wearable, AI-powered ultrasonography system enabling real-time, high-resolution 3D imaging and automated diagnosis, revolutionizing healthcare diagnostics and treatment planning.
Background and Problem Solved
The original ultrasonography system patent (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-150289) has limitations in terms of image resolution, sensor sensitivity, and processing power. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing wearable, AI-driven ultrasonography technology that enables real-time, high-resolution 3D imaging and automated diagnosis.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a wearable ultrasonic sensor array, a neural network-based processor, and a cloud-based database. The wearable sensor array is configured to be worn on a subject's body, providing real-time sensor data to the neural network-based processor. The processor applies machine learning algorithms to generate high-resolution 3D images of internal organs and automate diagnosis and treatment planning. The cloud-based database stores a library of reference images for automated diagnosis and treatment planning.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the following novel and non-obvious features: wearable ultrasonic sensor arrays, neural network-based processing, and cloud-based databases for automated diagnosis and treatment planning. These features overcome the limitations of the original patent and provide a paradigm shift in ultrasonography technology.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include handheld ultrasonography probes with built-in AI processors, flexible ultrasonic sensor arrays for wearable devices, and low-power wireless transmitters for real-time sensor data transmission. Variations could also include different machine learning algorithms, sensor array configurations, and database structures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The next-generation ultrasonography system has significant commercial potential in the healthcare industry, particularly in fields such as cardiology, oncology, and obstetrics. The system could be marketed as a diagnostic tool for hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions, as well as for remote patient monitoring and telemedicine applications.
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 imaging technology, specifically ultrasound systems and diagnostic imaging techniques, requiring expertise in electrical engineering, signal processing, medical device design, and machine learning applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced degree in biomedical engineering or electrical engineering, experienced in ultrasound transducer design, signal processing algorithms, and emerging medical imaging technologies, familiar with AI and machine learning techniques applied to medical diagnostics
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's proposed variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's ultrasound system architecture, leveraging known machine learning and sensor array technologies to enhance diagnostic capabilities. The integration of AI processing, cloud databases, and wearable sensor configurations are logical evolutionary steps in medical imaging technology that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve ultrasound system performance and diagnostic accuracy.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,366 |
|---|---|
| Title | Ultrasonography system |
| Assignee(s) | FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD. |