Wireless Tomographic Imaging Without a Console for Luminal Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The large size of the console in existing image diagnosis apparatuses hinders procedural efficiency in minimally invasive treatments by occupying a significant area.
Innovation Solution
A tomographic image generation apparatus that includes an ultrasound signal transceiver, signal processing circuit, and wireless communication circuit to generate and transmit ultrasound tomographic image data without a console, integrated with an optical device for optical coherence tomographic imaging, and a compact design allowing detachable connection of a light source device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a console is used for image diagnosis, then image processing and display functions are provided, but the occupied area increases and hinders procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image diagnosis system into two independent parts: a compact drive device that performs ultrasound signal transmission, reception, and tomographic image generation, and a separate display device that receives and displays images wirelessly. This segmentation eliminates the need for a large console while maintaining full image processing and display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the display function from the drive device by implementing wireless transmission of tomographic images to an external display device. This extraction allows the drive device to be compact and mobile while the display can be positioned independently, eliminating the need for a large integrated console.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large console is used, then all processing functions are integrated, but procedural efficiency is reduced due to spatial occupation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the compact drive device, which can perform both ultrasound signal processing and wireless data transmission. The device can also interface with optional optical devices for OCT imaging, providing multiple diagnostic functions in a single compact unit, thereby maintaining versatility without requiring a large console.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial integration (all functions in one physical location) to wireless connectivity (functions distributed across space). The drive device generates images and wirelessly transmits them to display devices, utilizing the electromagnetic dimension for data transmission rather than requiring physical proximity or large integrated housing.
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
Enables the generation and wireless transmission of ultrasound and optical coherence tomographic images directly from a drive device, eliminating the need for a console and reducing procedural interference.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound signal transceiver that transmits an ultrasound signal to the sensor unit and receives a reflected signal reflected by the luminal organ and output from the sensor unit
Implementation Method 2
an optical device transmitting measurement light for obtaining an optical coherence tomographic image of the luminal organ and converting, into an electric signal, interference light based on reflected light reflected by the luminal organ and output from the sensor unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A tomographic image generation apparatus drives a sensor unit of a probe and generates a tomographic image of a luminal organ, and includes an ultrasound signal transceiver that transmits an ultrasound signal to the sensor unit and receives a reflected signal reflected by the luminal organ and output from the sensor unit, a signal processing circuit that generates ultrasound tomographic image data of the luminal organ based on the reflected signal received by the ultrasound signal transceiver, and a wireless communication circuit that transmits ultrasound tomographic image data generated by the signal processing circuit to a display apparatus.