Multimodal Imaging Registration for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel approach to registering ultrasound and X-ray images for various industries, enabling accurate monitoring, tracking, and inspection in marine life, migratory birds, industrial pipelines, agricultural crops, and building structural integrity.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on registering X-ray and ultrasound images for medical devices, but its core technology has untapped potential in other fields. The new inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by applying its image registration system to diverse industries, overcoming challenges in monitoring and inspection.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises an ultrasound probe and a processor configured to register live stream ultrasound images with corresponding X-ray images. This multimodal imaging approach enables accurate monitoring of marine life, tracking of migratory birds, inspection of industrial pipelines, monitoring of agricultural crops, and analysis of building structural integrity. The system can be adapted to various industries by modifying the ultrasound probe and processor configurations.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a novel application of the original patent's image registration technology, extending its use to non-medical fields. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the technology to address specific challenges in each industry, such as capturing live stream ultrasound images of marine animals or tracking the movement of migratory birds.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments include using different types of ultrasound probes, such as phased array or linear probes, or integrating additional sensors, like GPS or cameras, to enhance the system's capabilities. Variations of the inventive concept could also involve modifying the processor's algorithms to accommodate different image processing requirements.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including environmental monitoring, wildlife conservation, industrial inspection, agriculture, and construction. The market demand for accurate monitoring and inspection solutions is growing, and this technology can provide a competitive edge in these industries.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B8/5207 |
| A | A61 | A61B6/4417 |
| A | A61 | A61B6/5247 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/0883 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/12 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4254 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4416 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/5261 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and industrial imaging technologies, specifically multimodal image registration systems involving ultrasound and X-ray imaging, with expertise in signal processing, medical device design, and cross-modal image alignment techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced degrees in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or medical imaging, possessing knowledge of signal processing algorithms, medical device design, and cross-modal image registration techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the core image registration technology disclosed in the source patent can be readily adapted to alternative domains by modifying the probe and processing algorithms. The fundamental technical approach of registering ultrasound and X-ray images remains consistent across different applications, with the primary variation being the specific context of image acquisition.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,374 |
|---|---|
| Title | Registration of x-ray and ultrasound images |
| Assignee(s) | Koninklijke Philips N.V. |