Annular LiDAR System for Non-Invasive Tissue Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems face limitations in accurately determining properties and health conditions of subjects, particularly in non-invasive and radiation-free imaging, especially for human and animal subjects, due to limitations in spatial resolution and the inability to effectively differentiate between various tissues and conditions like rashes, carcinoma, and lymphedema.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system with an annular support structure and alternating light emitters and sensors configured to emit and detect photons across a range of wavelengths, allowing for continuous measurement of time-of-flight data to determine morphology and health conditions of subjects, including skin and tissue properties, without the need for ionizing radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional LiDAR systems are used for imaging subjects, then basic distance measurement is achieved, but spatial resolution and tissue differentiation capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging process by using multiple light emitters operating at different wavelengths and multiple light sensors positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to capture wavelength-specific interaction data from different tissue depths and angles, thereby improving spatial resolution and tissue differentiation capability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the wavelength dimension to traditional LiDAR by employing multi-wavelength light emitters. This dimensional expansion enables the system to differentiate tissues based on their wavelength-dependent optical properties, transforming a 3D spatial measurement into a 4D measurement that includes spectral information for enhanced tissue characterization
2Reliability
If ionizing radiation is used for imaging, then detailed internal structure visualization is achieved, but non-invasive and radiation-free imaging is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of light wavelength to optimize tissue penetration and interaction. By selecting specific wavelengths that interact differently with various tissue types (absorption, scattering coefficients), the system achieves reliable non-invasive imaging with sufficient measurement precision for detecting tissue properties and health conditions
3Device complexity
If single-wavelength light is used for measurement, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to differentiate between various tissues and conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the light source into multiple emitters operating at different wavelengths and positions. This segmentation enables the system to probe different tissue depths and properties simultaneously, achieving accurate tissue and condition differentiation while maintaining a modular, manageable system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multi-functionality by using the same basic LiDAR architecture (emitters, sensors, timing circuits) for multiple measurement purposes. Different wavelength combinations can detect various tissue properties (composition, moisture, oxygenation), making the system universally applicable for diverse medical imaging needs without requiring entirely separate systems
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 non-invasive, continuous, and radiation-free imaging of subjects, providing accurate three-dimensional models and real-time data on tissue structures and health conditions, effectively differentiating between various tissues and pathologies, suitable for clinical and procedural applications.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the time for reflected light to return to a light sensor
Implementation Method 2
measurement data regarding one or more of the photons reflecting and/or scattering from a subject
Implementation Method 3
measurement data regarding one or more of the photons reflecting and/or scattering from a subject
Data Source
AI summary
An example system includes an annular support structure defining an aperture, a plurality of light emitters secured to the annular support structure, a plurality of light sensors secured to the annular support structure, and a computer system communicatively coupled to the light emitters and the light sensors. The light emitters are configured to emit a plurality of photons into the aperture. The light sensors are configured to obtain measurement data regarding one or more of the photons reflecting and/or scattering from a subject disposed within the aperture. The computer system is configured to determine one or more properties of the subject based on the measurement data.