Transducer Array Acoustic Focusing Through Bone Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining a predetermined soundwave field in a homogeneous medium masked by a bone barrier, such as the skull, lack accuracy in focusing soundwaves for medical imaging and treatment applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a training stage that includes creating a 3D image of the bone barrier, determining soundwave properties, simulating soundwave propagation, and calculating individual sound signals for transducers to achieve precise focusing, combined with a positioning stage using echography for accurate placement of transducers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sound signals are emitted through a bone barrier without prior modeling and simulation, then the method is simpler and faster, but the focusing accuracy of soundwaves deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a training stage before the actual soundwave emission. During this training stage, a 3D image of the bone barrier is created, three-dimensional maps of density and soundwave speed are determined, and simulations are conducted to calculate the optimal sound signals. This preliminary modeling and simulation enables accurate focusing of soundwaves during the actual treatment phase without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a virtual copy of the bone barrier represented by a three-dimensional image and mathematical models to simulate soundwave propagation. Instead of directly manipulating the physical bone barrier during treatment, the system creates a digital replica that can be extensively modeled and simulated to determine optimal sound signal parameters, thereby achieving accurate focusing without the complexity of real-time physical adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If transducers are positioned without precise localization, then the procedure is faster and less complex, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using echography during the positioning stage to locate the transducers relative to the bone barrier. The system emits sound signals and detects the reflected echoes to determine the actual position of the transducer array, comparing this with the planned position from the training stage. This feedback mechanism enables precise positioning adjustments to be made, ensuring accurate alignment without requiring overly complex pre-positioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and alignment procedures with acoustic echography for localization. Instead of relying on mechanical fixtures or visual alignment methods, the system uses soundwave reflection to detect and adjust the transducer position, simplifying the positioning process while achieving high precision through acoustic field interactions.
3Reliability
If soundwaves are emitted without accounting for bone barrier properties, then the system is simpler, but the treatment effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by determining specific characteristics of the bone barrier such as density maps and soundwave speed variations from the 3D imaging data. These parameters are then used to adjust and optimize the sound signal characteristics during emission. By modifying the sound signal parameters according to the measured bone properties, the system achieves reliable treatment effectiveness while managing complexity through systematic parameter determination and adjustment.
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 approach enables very accurate focusing of soundwaves for improved medical imaging and hyperthermia treatments by ensuring precise positioning and propagation of soundwaves through the bone barrier, enhancing both imaging precision and treatment effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
causing sound signals to be emitted through said bone barrier by at least one array of transducers
Implementation Method 2
using at least some of the transducers of the array of transducers to perform echography to locate the position of said array of transducers relative to the bone barrier
Implementation Method 3
determining three-dimensional maps of at least density, soundwave speed, and soundwave absorption in said bone barrier
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive method of obtaining a target soundwave field in the brain by means of an array of transducers positioned outside the skull, the method comprising a training stage during which, on the basis of a three-dimensional image giving the porosity of the skull at all points, digital simulation is used to determine individual sound signals to be emitted by the transducers in order to obtain the target soundwave field in the brain. After the training stage, the array of transducers is used to locate the position of the array of transducers relative to the skull by echography and to ensure that the array of transducers is accurately positioned.