Multi-Domain Signal Generator for Medical Modality Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical data acquisition systems in multi-modality arrangements face challenges in synchronizing different data modalities, requiring cumbersome control interfaces and lacking flexibility, especially in complex procedures where multiple modalities are used.
Innovation Solution
A multi-domain signal generator that includes an activation interface, control circuit, and timestamping provider to generate a timestamp pulse for modulating physical parameters of different medical data acquisition modalities, facilitating synchronization and integration of data from various sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If control interfaces of different modalities are used for synchronization, then temporal alignment of medical data can be achieved, but the system complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized synchronization signal generator acts as an intermediary device that produces unified timing signals. This generator distributes synchronized timestamps to multiple modalities through a single control interface, eliminating the need for each modality to have its own independent synchronization interface. The intermediary consolidates control complexity while maintaining precise temporal alignment across all data acquisition modalities.
2Reliability
If multiple control interfaces are implemented for each modality, then synchronization capability is provided, but flexibility within the operation room is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization signal generator is designed as a universal device that can interface with multiple different data acquisition modalities through a single standardized control interface. This multi-functional generator can adapt to various modalities (e.g., MRI, CT, ultrasound) by providing appropriate timing signals without requiring modality-specific control interfaces, thereby maintaining synchronization reliability while enhancing operational flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If temporal registration is implemented for anatomy changes during acquisition, then data synchronization is improved, but the difficulty of achieving accurate registration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by establishing a common timing reference before and during the data acquisition process. The synchronization signal generator continuously provides timestamped signals that pre-align the temporal frameworks of different modalities. This preliminary action ensures that when anatomy changes occur during acquisition, the data remains temporally registered without requiring complex real-time registration algorithms, thereby reducing the difficulty of accurate registration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to data acquisition in a multi-modality arrangement. In order to provide a facilitated way of combining different data sources, a multi-domain signal generator (10) for temporal alignment of medical data acquisition in a multi-modality arrangement is provided. The generator comprises an activation interface (12), a control circuit (14) and a timestamping provider (16). The activation interface is configured to receive an input signal (18) for a temporal alignment of the multi-modality arrangement and to transmit the input signal to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to provide a trigger signal (20) for an activation of the timestamping provider upon receiving the input signal. The timestamping provider is configured, upon receiving the trigger signal, to activate a generation of a predetermined multi-modality timestamp pulse (22); wherein the timestamp pulse causes a modulation of at least one physical parameter of a first measuring signal (24) receivable by a first medical data acquisition modality (26) and a modulation of at least one physical parameter of a second measuring signal (28) receivable by a second medical data acquisition modality (30), the first measuring signal and the second measuring signal being from different medical data acquisition modalities.