Tomographic Image Synchronization in Radial Scanning Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image diagnostic systems face challenges in achieving synchronization between the rotation cycle of the probe and the signal transmission/reception cycle during radial scanning, leading to blurred or distorted tomographic images due to fluctuations in rotational speed caused by torque variations in catheter bending.
Innovation Solution
An image diagnostic system that includes a control unit generating synchronization signals at a higher frequency than the rotational angles, with a selection unit that outputs only the first synchronization signal received after each output signal, ensuring accurate data conversion and image construction even when synchronization is not achieved between the probe's rotation cycle and signal acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotational speed of the radial scan motor is controlled in synchronization with the transmission/reception cycle at a constant clock, then the tomographic image construction is simplified, but the rotational speed fluctuates due to torque variations from catheter bending, causing synchronization loss and image blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder detects the actual rotational position of the radial scan motor and generates pulse signals that are fed back to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to determine the timing of A/D conversion, ensuring synchronization with the actual probe position rather than relying on predetermined timing, thus resolving the synchronization accuracy issue while maintaining control simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, predetermined sampling timing approach to a dynamic approach where the A/D conversion timing is continuously adjusted based on the actual rotational position feedback from the encoder, allowing the system to adapt to rotational speed fluctuations caused by catheter bending
2Productivity
If the rotational speed is increased to improve imaging speed, then productivity increases, but the synchronization between rotation cycle and signal acquisition becomes more difficult to maintain, leading to image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder provides continuous feedback on the rotational position, allowing the control unit to dynamically adjust the A/D conversion timing even at high rotational speeds. This feedback mechanism ensures that each A/D conversion is precisely synchronized with the probe's angular position, maintaining measurement precision regardless of imaging speed
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder continuously monitors and provides information about the rotational position in advance, allowing the control unit to prepare and execute A/D conversion at the precise moment when the probe is at the correct angular position, ensuring synchronization precision is maintained even during high-speed imaging
Data Source
AI summary
An image diagnostic system controls a probe to perform radial scanning within a body cavity produces data based on signals received by the probe to construct and display a tomographic image of the body cavity and surrounding biotissue. The system includes a generation unit, a selection unit and a conversion unit. The generation unit generates and outputs synchronization signals in synchronization with a timing of acquisition cycles of line units of the signals and generated at a higher frequency than output signals outputted corresponding to rotational angles of the probe upon performing the scanning. The selection unit successively receives the output signals, and selects and outputs first ones of the synchronization signals as received subsequent to the receptions of the output signals. Responsive to successive inputs of the synchronization signals selected by the selection unit, the conversion unit converts the reflected signals into digital signals and outputs the digital signals.