Dielectric Waveguide Data Link for High-Resolution Interventional Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interventional medical devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting high-resolution image data due to limitations in electrical conductors and the high cost of fiber optic systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dielectric waveguide integrated into the insertion tube of an interventional medical device to transmit radio frequency signals corresponding to image data from the distal end to the proximal end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical conductors are used to transmit image data, then the device structure remains simple and cost-effective, but data transmission rate is limited and cannot support high-resolution and high-frame-rate imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical conductor-based data transmission with a dielectric waveguide system that uses radio frequency electromagnetic waves for signal transmission. This substitution enables significantly higher data transmission rates suitable for high-resolution and high-frame-rate imaging while maintaining structural simplicity through the integration of the waveguide within the existing insertion tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium from electrical conductors to a dielectric waveguide, fundamentally altering the physical parameter of signal propagation. This parameter change allows the system to support much higher frequencies and data rates, enabling 4K or higher resolution imaging at high frame rates without increasing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If fiber optic systems are used to transmit image data, then data transmission rate is sufficient for high-resolution imaging, but the system becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dielectric waveguide constructed from cost-effective materials such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or other dielectric polymers, replacing expensive fiber optic systems. This approach achieves the required data transmission rates for high-resolution imaging while significantly reducing manufacturing costs and enabling easier integration into the medical device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes fiber optic transmission with a dielectric waveguide system that uses radio frequency electromagnetic waves. This substitution provides comparable or superior data transmission performance for medical imaging applications while using less expensive, more manufacturable materials and simpler integration processes.
3Measurement precision
If higher resolution cameras and higher frame rates are implemented, then image quality is improved, but the data transmission capacity of electrical conductors is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission medium to a dielectric waveguide that supports radio frequency electromagnetic wave propagation, fundamentally increasing the available bandwidth and data transmission capacity. This parameter change enables the system to handle the high data rates generated by 4K or higher resolution cameras operating at high frame rates, thereby supporting improved image quality without transmission bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical conductor transmission system with a dielectric waveguide system, enabling significantly higher data transmission rates that can accommodate high-resolution and high-frame-rate imaging requirements, thus resolving the bottleneck that limited image quality improvements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient and cost-effective data communication, overcoming the limitations of traditional electrical conductors and fiber optic systems, particularly for high-resolution and high-frame-rate image data.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter transmits a radio frequency signal along the dielectric waveguide from the distal end to the proximal end
Implementation Method 2
The insertion tube has a dielectric waveguide extending between the proximal end and the distal end
Data Source
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AI summary
An interventional medical device (100) includes an insertion tube (120) extending between a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104). The distal end (104) configured to be inserted into internal tissues of a patient during a medical procedure. The insertion tube (120) has a dielectric waveguide (150) extending between the proximal end (102) and the distal end (104). The interventional medical device (100) includes a transmitter (230) coupled to the dielectric waveguide (150) at the distal end (104). The transmitter (230) configured to transmit a radio frequency signal along the dielectric waveguide (150) from the distal end (104) to the proximal end (102).