Automated Motion Tracking for Handheld Diffuse Optical Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Diffuse Optical Spectroscopic Imaging (DOSI) techniques suffer from limited spatial resolution and long measurement times, making it difficult to efficiently monitor changes in tissue optical properties over large areas and requiring manual alignment with anatomical landmarks.

Innovation Solution

An automated tracking system integrated with a handheld imaging probe, utilizing motion tracking sensors and optical fibers, which captures 3D surface profiles and simultaneously acquires optical data, allowing for dynamic adjustment of spatial resolution and reduced measurement time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment with anatomical landmarks is used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement time increases and spatial resolution is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated optical tracking system that uses motion tracking sensors and 3D surface profiling to automatically determine probe position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual landmark alignment while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-alignment by automatically capturing 3D surface profiles and tracking probe motion through integrated sensors, allowing the system to autonomously determine spatial coordinates without requiring manual intervention or anatomical landmark identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Area of stationary object

If large areas are scanned, then coverage is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging areaVSAvoidmeasurement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous data acquisition by maintaining uninterrupted optical tracking and signal collection as the probe moves across the tissue surface, eliminating idle time between measurement points and enabling efficient coverage of large areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated tracking system replaces manual positioning with continuous automated probe movement and real-time 3D surface mapping, allowing rapid scanning of large areas while maintaining precise spatial resolution through sensor-based position tracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11160470B2Motion tracking apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

In accordance with various embodiments herein, disclosed herein is an apparatus comprising an imaging probe-based device operably linked to an automated tracking system. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the apparatus may be used to track the position and movement of a handheld imaging probe, including with respect to a subject's 3D surface profile. In one embodiment, a device may be used to track the position and movement of a handheld imaging probe with respect to a subject's 3D surface profile, while simultaneously acquiring optical data.