Enhanced Multi-Frequency Harmonic Acoustography for Target Identification and Border Detection

Publication ID: 24-11857373_0006_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Multi-Frequency Harmonic Acoustography for Target Identification and Border Detection,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857373_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857373_0006_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. 11,857,373.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept improves the original multi-frequency harmonic acoustography method by introducing adaptive frequency modulation, pulse width modulation, and machine learning algorithms to enhance signal quality, accuracy, and speed.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for multi-frequency harmonic acoustography faces limitations in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, image resolution, and detection accuracy. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced modulation techniques, improved transducer design, and intelligent data analysis to provide more accurate and efficient target identification and border detection.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced multi-frequency harmonic acoustography system comprises a focused confocal transducer with an adaptive frequency modulation module that optimizes harmonic generation based on target tissue properties. The system also employs pulse width modulation to modulate the first and second ultrasonic waves, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, a compact hydrophone with a built-in amplifier and filter reduces noise and increases sensitivity. The system utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze acoustic responses and identify the boundary between different tissue types. Furthermore, a high-speed signal processor and a dedicated graphics processing unit enable fast image formation and display, facilitating real-time multi-frequency harmonic acoustography.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces novel improvements to the original patent, including adaptive frequency modulation, pulse width modulation, and machine learning algorithms, which provide a significant enhancement in signal quality, accuracy, and speed. These advancements are non-obvious and provide a distinct inventive step over the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different modulation techniques, such as amplitude modulation or frequency sweep modulation, or incorporating additional sensors to provide complementary data. Variations of the system could also be designed for specific applications, such as cancer detection or cardiovascular imaging.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced multi-frequency harmonic acoustography system has significant commercial potential in the medical imaging industry, particularly in cancer diagnosis, cardiovascular imaging, and tissue characterization. The system's improved accuracy, speed, and resolution make it an attractive solution for hospitals, research institutions, and medical device manufacturers.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B8/485
A A61 A61B8/085
A A61 A61B8/4494
B B06 B06B1/0622
G G01 G01S7/52038
G G01 G01S15/8913
G G01 G01S15/8922
G G01 G01S15/8952
A A61 A61B8/5207
G G01 G01S7/5203

Field of Art

Medical ultrasound imaging and diagnostic technologies, specifically multi-frequency harmonic acoustography for tissue characterization and border detection, requiring expertise in signal processing, transducer design, and medical imaging techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical imaging specialist with advanced degrees in electrical engineering or biomedical engineering, proficient in ultrasound signal processing, transducer design, machine learning, and signal enhancement techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's proposed enhancements represent predictable variations of the source patent's core multi-frequency harmonic acoustography method. The proposed adaptive frequency modulation, pulse width modulation, and machine learning algorithms are well-established techniques in signal processing that would naturally occur to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve the original imaging technique's performance and resolution.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Confocal transducer with piezoelectric elements for generating ultrasonic waves
PTD Variation
Adding adaptive frequency modulation module to optimize harmonic generation based on tissue properties
Obviousness Reasoning
Frequency modulation is a known signal processing technique that would be an obvious optimization strategy for improving ultrasound signal characteristics, representing a predictable engineering solution
Source Patent Element
Basic multi-frequency ultrasonic wave generation for tissue imaging
PTD Variation
Implementing pulse width modulation to enhance signal-to-noise ratio
Obviousness Reasoning
Pulse width modulation is a standard signal processing technique for improving signal quality, which would be a routine design choice for a skilled engineer seeking to enhance imaging performance
Source Patent Element
Hydrophone-based signal detection in confocal transducer
PTD Variation
Incorporating a compact hydrophone with built-in amplifier and filter to reduce noise and increase sensitivity
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating signal conditioning components directly into sensing elements is a common engineering approach for improving measurement precision, representing an obvious incremental improvement
Source Patent Element
Tissue border detection using ultrasonic wave interactions
PTD Variation
Applying machine learning algorithms to analyze acoustic responses and identify tissue boundaries
Obviousness Reasoning
Machine learning techniques for signal analysis are well-established in medical imaging, representing a predictable technological evolution for improving diagnostic accuracy
Source Patent Element
Basic multi-frequency harmonic acoustography imaging method
PTD Variation
Implementing high-speed signal processor and dedicated graphics processing unit for real-time image formation
Obviousness Reasoning
Utilizing specialized computational hardware for accelerating image processing is a standard engineering approach for improving medical imaging system performance
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857373 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed multi-frequency harmonic acoustography enhancements to be obvious extensions of the prior art, lacking the requisite non-obviousness for patent protection under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,373
TitleMulti-frequency harmonic acoustography for target identification and border detection
Assignee(s)The Regents of the University of California