Tomographic Imaging Probe with Separated Acousto-Optic Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The acousto-optic effect, caused by ultrasonic waves, deteriorates the image quality of optical interference tomographic images by modulating the refractive index and altering the optical path, making it challenging to align the observation directions of ultrasonic and optical imaging systems for effective tomographic imaging.
Innovation Solution
The proposed tomographic image generation device separates the ultrasonic wave and optical transmitting and receiving units along the axis of the probe, with the ultrasonic unit positioned distally and the optical unit proximally, and employs a timing control unit to synchronize data acquisition, avoiding the acousto-optic effect by ensuring non-overlapping transmission and reception periods for ultrasonic and optical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the observation directions of both IVUS and OCT are aligned to observe tomographic images from the same direction, then the effectiveness of observing plaque state is improved, but the image quality of OCT deteriorates due to the acousto-optic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternately performing ultrasonic scanning and optical scanning in separate time periods. The control unit coordinates the ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving unit and optical transmitting/receiving unit to operate at different times, thereby eliminating the acousto-optic effect while maintaining the ability to observe tomographic images from the same direction.
2Productivity
If ultrasonic wave and light are radiated simultaneously to the same medium, then the acquisition time is reduced, but the light is modulated by the ultrasonic wave causing deterioration in optical interference tomographic image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by dividing the scanning process into separate time periods for ultrasonic and optical scanning. The control unit manages the timing so that ultrasonic wave transmission/reception and optical transmission/reception do not overlap, thereby preventing light modulation by ultrasonic waves while maintaining efficient sequential acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the scanning process into distinct ultrasonic scanning periods and optical scanning periods. By separating the acquisition processes in time, the system avoids the harmful interaction between ultrasonic waves and light while still achieving comprehensive tomographic imaging through coordinated operation of both scanning units.
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 effectively reduces or eliminates the acousto-optic effect, allowing for high-quality simultaneous acquisition of ultrasonic and optical tomographic images without compromising either modality's performance.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 2
an optical transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting and receiving light; generates an optical tomographic image by interfering with the reflected light
Implementation Method 3
the light is modulated, and a negative influence is caused in the optical interference tomographic image generated by the OCT. This is because a refractive index of a structure becomes sparse or dense, an original optical path changes, or a frequency is modulated, due to the ultrasonic wave (acousto-optic effect)
Data Source
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AI summary
A tomographic image generation device that generates a tomographic image by using a transmitting and receiving unit in which an ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving unit that performs ultrasonic wave transmission and reception and an optical transmitting and receiving unit that performs light transmission and reception are disposed acquires ultrasonic wave data and interference light data to be used for generating a tomographic image for one line in respective rotation positions of the transmitting and receiving unit by performing sampling respectively on an ultrasonic wave echo signal and an interference light signal obtained by driving the ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving unit and the optical transmitting and receiving unit while rotating the transmitting and receiving unit. Then, the tomographic image generation device controls operation timing of the acquisition means so that a sampling period for performing sampling on the interference light signal for 1 line and a predetermined period from driving of the ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving unit for ultrasonic wave oscillation are not overlapped.