Predictive Frequency Control for Multi-Frequency IVUS Imaging

Solution Overview

Problem

Current intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) systems face a trade-off between imaging properties such as image resolution, penetration depth, and noise characteristics, which are dependent on the used transducer frequency, making it challenging to achieve optimal performance for different imaging tasks.

Innovation Solution

An imaging system that includes an image acquisition unit adjustable to different acquisition parameters, a predictor component to predict object properties, and an acquisition parameter adjuster to dynamically adjust parameters based on these predictions, enabling real-time optimization of imaging settings for improved image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If higher transducer frequency is used, then image resolution increases, but field-of-view decreases and noise characteristics worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidfield-of-view

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the transducer frequency based on the detected imaging task. The acquisition parameter adjuster changes the operating frequency in real-time according to what is being imaged, transitioning from static single-frequency operation to dynamic multi-frequency operation, thereby optimizing both resolution and field-of-view for different clinical scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameter of transducer frequency to adapt to different imaging requirements. By adjusting the frequency parameter dynamically, the system can achieve high resolution when needed while maintaining adequate field-of-view, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If lower transducer frequency is used, then field-of-view increases and noise characteristics improve, but image resolution decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield-of-viewVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the transducer frequency based on the detected imaging task. The acquisition parameter adjuster changes the operating frequency in real-time according to what is being imaged, transitioning from static single-frequency operation to dynamic multi-frequency operation, thereby optimizing both resolution and field-of-view for different clinical scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameter of transducer frequency to adapt to different imaging requirements. By adjusting the frequency parameter dynamically, the system can achieve high resolution when needed while maintaining adequate field-of-view, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If single frequency setting is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different imaging tasks decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidimaging task optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-optimization by automatically detecting the imaging task and adjusting its own frequency parameter without external intervention. The predictor component identifies what is being imaged and the acquisition parameter adjuster automatically selects the appropriate frequency, enabling the system to adapt to different clinical tasks while maintaining simple operation for the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the predictor component continuously analyzes the imaging task and provides feedback to the acquisition parameter adjuster, which then modifies the frequency setting. This closed-loop control enables automatic adaptation to different imaging scenarios without increasing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250248693A1Focus optimization for prediction in multi-frequency ultrasound imaging

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

An imaging system (IS), comprising an image acquisition unit (AQ) for acquisition of image data (I1) of an object (OB). The image acquisition is based on an imaging signal imitable by the unit (AQ) to interact with the object. The image acquisition unit (AQ) is adjustable to operate at different acquisition parameters that determine a property of the imaging signal. A predictor component (PC) predicts, based at least on the acquired image data (I1), one or more properties of the object. An acquisition parameter adjuster (PA) adjusts, based on the predicted object properties, the acquisition parameter at which the image acquisition unit (AQ) is to acquire follow-up image data (I2).