Photoacoustic Wave Synchronization Control for Ultrasonic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic imaging systems face challenges in precisely synchronizing the optical pulse period with the reception period, leading to suboptimal image quality and increased system complexity.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic imaging system that includes a light source for generating optical pulses, an insertion member with an optical absorption element, a probe with transducers to receive photoacoustic waves, and a controller to adjust the optical pulse or reception period based on calculated synchronization deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical synchronization with dedicated circuits is used, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical synchronization method with dedicated circuits with a signal processing-based approach. The analyzer detects photoacoustic wave signals and calculates timing information through signal analysis, eliminating the need for complex electrical synchronization circuits while achieving accurate synchronization between optical pulse generation and photoacoustic wave reception.
2Device complexity
If synchronization is not established, then system configuration is simplified, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-synchronization by using the photoacoustic wave signals themselves as the reference for timing adjustment. The analyzer detects the actual reception timing of photoacoustic waves and automatically calculates the required timing adjustment, enabling the system to synchronize itself without external intervention or complex control circuits while maintaining high image quality.
3Device complexity
If reception timing is outside the reception period, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timing adjustment where the reception period is adaptively shifted based on calculated synchronization deviations. The system continuously monitors the timing of photoacoustic wave arrivals and adjusts the reception window position to ensure optimal capture of signals regardless of variations in optical pulse timing or sound propagation conditions, thereby maintaining high position detection accuracy.
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 configuration allows for accurate synchronization of the optical pulse and reception periods, enhancing image quality and simplifying the system configuration by reducing the need for complex synchronization circuits.
Implementation Method 1
an optical absorption element which converts the optical pulse into a photoacoustic wave
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic imaging system is provided. An insertion member to be inserted into a living body includes an optical absorption element that absorbs an optical pulse to generate a photoacoustic wave. The analyzer calculates synchronization deviation based on a photoacoustic wave signal sequence included in a reception signal sequence before phase addition. The synchronization controller changes the optical pulse period or the reception period based on the synchronization deviation. The synchronization deviation may be calculated based on a pseudo-reception signal sequence corresponding to the reception signal sequence.