Acoustic Time-of-Flight Diffusivity Constant Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calculating the diffusivity constant of materials, such as tissue samples, are limited by their sensitivity, cost, complexity, and inability to accurately quantify absolute values, particularly in monitoring non-water fluids, with MRI-based methods being restrictive in detecting diffusion beyond water.
Innovation Solution
The use of acoustic time-of-flight (TOF) based information correlated with a diffusion model to reconstruct a sample's diffusivity coefficient, enabling the monitoring of fluid diffusion into tissues and other materials by determining phase differentials and using post-processing algorithms to calculate the diffusivity constant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI-based methods are used to detect and quantify the diffusivity coefficient, then water diffusion can be detected and monitored, but the method has limited utility in monitoring the diffusion of other alternate fluids and involves high cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex MRI-based detection with a simpler acoustic time-of-flight measurement system. Instead of using magnetic resonance imaging to detect nuclear magnetization of water protons, the invention uses acoustic waves to measure the time of flight through tissue, which correlates with diffusivity. This substitution maintains measurement capability while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from magnetic resonance signal intensity to acoustic time of flight. By measuring how long acoustic waves take to travel through tissue and correlating this with diffusion models, the system can determine diffusivity constants without requiring complex MRI equipment. This parameter change enables monitoring of various fluids beyond water.
2Measurement precision
If optical techniques are used to detect diffusion, then a representation of the diffusion coefficient can be obtained, but the method mainly produces a relative representation that makes absolute quantification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the measured acoustic time of flight is compared against diffusion models to iteratively determine the diffusivity constant. The system uses the relationship between acoustic wave propagation and diffusion processes to refine the measurement, providing absolute quantification rather than just relative representation. This feedback loop ensures accurate determination of the true diffusivity constant.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrolyte monitoring-based methods are used to monitor diffusion, then electrically different materials can be monitored, but electrically-neutral materials cannot be monitored with this method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal monitoring system based on acoustic time of flight measurements that can detect diffusion of all materials regardless of their electrical properties. Unlike electrolyte monitoring that relies on electrical conductivity differences, the acoustic method measures the physical presence and concentration of diffusing substances through sound wave propagation, making it applicable to electrically-neutral materials, gases, liquids, and solids alike.
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 provides a more accurate and sensitive method for determining the diffusivity constant, capable of monitoring all fluids and tissues, offering improved characterization and optimization of tissue fixation processes.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic time-of-flight (TOF) based information
Implementation Method 2
monitoring the changes in the speed of sound caused by penetration of fixative such as formalin into several tissue samples
Implementation Method 3
detection of the nuclear magnetization of mobile water protons in the body... passive fluid exchange (i.e. diffusion)
Data Source
AI summary
The subject disclosure presents systems and computer-implemented methods for calculating the diffusivity constant of a sample using acoustic time-of-flight (TOF) based information correlated with a diffusion model to reconstruct a sample's diffusivity coefficient. Operations disclosed herein such as acoustically determining the phase differential accumulated through passive fluid exchange (i.e. diffusion) based on the geometry of the tissue sample, modeling the impact of the diffusion on the TOF, and using a post-processing algorithm to correlate the results to determine the diffusivity constant, are enabled by monitoring the changes in the speed of sound caused by penetration of fixative such as formalin into several tissue samples. A tissue preparation system may be adapted to monitor said diffusion of a tissue sample and determine an optimal processing workflow.