Acousto-optic Imaging with Scattering Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging technologies, such as time-of-flight (TOF) imaging, face challenges with high cost, bulkiness, and limited resolution due to the need for specialty hardware and high light intensity, especially when imaging human tissue with diffuse optical tomography using infrared light.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an imaging system that emits laser light into a light scattering layer and an ultrasound signal into a sample, generating signals with light detectors to create a composite image, which includes both optical and mechanical contrast values, using continuous wave lasers and a light scattering layer that facilitates both light scattering and ultrasound transmission, reducing the need for high-power pulsed lasers and improving sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If time-of-flight imaging is used to image diffuse media, then imaging capability is achieved, but cost increases and device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines optical imaging and ultrasound imaging into a single integrated system. The ultrasound transducer array and optical detectors work together to overcome the limitations of pure optical imaging in diffuse media, achieving reliable imaging without requiring expensive and bulky time-of-flight hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces ultrasound waves as an intermediary to enhance optical imaging. Ultrasound waves are emitted into the sample and interact with optical photons, creating acousto-optic interactions that provide contrast information about the diffuse media without requiring complex time-of-flight measurement hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If time-of-flight imaging is used to image diffuse media, then imaging capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs conventional, inexpensive components such as standard ultrasound transducers and basic optical detectors rather than expensive specialty hardware. The system uses readily available continuous wave lasers and standard imaging sensors, making the system much more cost-effective to manufacture while achieving reliable imaging through the innovative combination of modalities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging system performs multiple functions using a single integrated platform: optical imaging, ultrasound imaging, and acousto-optic interaction-based imaging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized hardware systems, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining imaging capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If high light intensity is used in optical imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but signal loss due to sample motion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses continuous wave lasers that emit light continuously rather than in high-intensity pulses. This continuous illumination approach, combined with ultrasound modulation, allows for imaging without the signal loss problems associated with high-intensity pulsed lighting and sample motion during the pulse duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely optical measurement with a combined acousto-optic approach. Ultrasound waves modulate the optical signal, and this mechanical/acoustic modulation provides motion robustness because the ultrasound frequency is much higher than typical sample motion frequencies, effectively filtering out motion artifacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for higher sensitivity and reduced cost, enabling the generation of high-resolution images of diffuse media like human tissue without suffering from signal loss due to sample motion, and is applicable with continuous wave lasers, offering a more efficient and cost-effective imaging method compared to traditional TOF imaging.

Implementation Method 1

a light scattering layer configured to scatter light and facilitate transmission of an ultrasound signal through the light scattering layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

At least a portion of the measurement beam formed between the laser and the light detector is wavelength-shifted by the ultrasound signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcousto-optic effect: Acousto-optic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11559208B2Imaging with scattering layer

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 OPEN WATER INTERNET INC

AI summary

Laser light is emitted from a laser into a scattering layer. An ultrasound signal is emitted into a sample. A signal is generated with a light detector in response to a measurement beam of laser light exiting the light scattering layer into the light detector. At least a portion of the measurement beam formed between the laser and the light detector is wavelength-shifted by the ultrasound signal subsequent to the ultrasound signal propagating through the sample.