IVUS-OCT Imaging Core Trigger Synchronization by Pulse Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging apparatuses for diagnosis, particularly those combining intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) functions, face challenges in synchronizing the triggers for IVUS and OCT signals, making it difficult to generate synchronized ultrasound and optical tomographic images effectively.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a motor drive unit that rotates an imaging core with both ultrasound and optical transceivers, utilizing a conversion mechanism to adjust the pulse signal repetition frequency for IVUS and a logic device to determine valid pulses for generating synchronized ultrasound and optical tomographic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the imaging apparatus combines IVUS and OCT functions with a single imaging core, then both ultrasound and optical tomographic images can be acquired with one scan, but the triggers of IVUS and OCT signals cannot be synchronized due to different signal generation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trigger signal conversion mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the IVUS trigger (based on encoder signals from scanner motor) and the OCT trigger (based on wavelength sweeping). This conversion mechanism translates the IVUS trigger signal into a corresponding OCT trigger signal, enabling synchronized operation of both imaging modalities while maintaining their respective signal generation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of trigger signal timing by converting the IVUS trigger signal frequency and phase characteristics to match the OCT signal requirements. This parameter transformation allows the two differently-generated signals to be synchronized in time, resolving the contradiction between maintaining independent signal generation and achieving signal synchronization.
2Measurement precision
If the IVUS trigger is synchronized with the scanner motor, then the ultrasound signal timing is accurate, but it is difficult to synchronize the OCT trigger which is based on wavelength sweeping
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger signal conversion mechanism serves as an intermediary that receives the accurately-timed IVUS trigger signal and transforms it into the appropriate OCT trigger signal. This intermediary approach preserves the timing accuracy of the IVUS signal while making the OCT signal generation equally precise, without requiring complex manual synchronization procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate trigger mechanisms are used for IVUS and OCT, then each signal source operates independently, but synchronized image generation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the trigger control of IVUS and OCT into a unified trigger system. By using the IVUS trigger signal as the master trigger and converting it to generate the OCT trigger signal, the system achieves synchronized image generation while maintaining the independence of the underlying signal sources. This unified approach ensures that both imaging modalities are coordinated without compromising their individual operational characteristics.
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
Enables the acquisition of synchronized ultrasound and optical tomographic images, improving diagnostic imaging capabilities by ensuring proper synchronization of IVUS and OCT signals, thereby enhancing image quality and depth resolution.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound transceiver that transmits and receives an ultrasound wave
Implementation Method 2
an optical transceiver that transmits and receives light
Implementation Method 3
a catheter which rotatably accommodates an imaging core
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse signal corresponding to rotation of an imaging core is input, and a repetition frequency of the input pulse signal is converted in accordance with the number of radially-aligned lines of an ultrasound tomographic image. Based on the pulse signal of which the repetition frequency has been converted, a drive signal for an ultrasound transceiver is generated to obtain an ultrasound tomographic image with the number of lines. A valid pulse is determined in accordance with the number of lines from the pulse signal of which the repetition frequency has been converted. A signal having a pulse train selected, based on the valid pulse from a pulse signal representing a cycle of a light source of light for interfering with the light from an optical transceiver is generated as a pulse signal representing a timing of sampling of an optical coherence signal for generating an optical tomographic image.