Bio Imaging System Using Multi-Wavelength Photo-Detecting Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bio imaging systems face limitations in selectively obtaining images of internal body tissues due to the inclusion of skin and blood vessels in the image, making it difficult to achieve high-resolution images of specific internal tissues like blood vessels at varying depths.
Innovation Solution
A bio imaging system with a light emitter-sensor array that uses multiple photo-detecting elements with different absorption peak wavelengths to selectively detect light scattered or reflected by internal tissues, allowing for the extraction of depth images and combination into three-dimensional images of internal tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light source and camera are used to obtain images of internal tissues, then the image acquisition process is simple and fast, but the image includes all structures (skin and blood vessels) at the light path and cannot selectively obtain images of specific target internal tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple photo-detecting elements, each tuned to detect light at different wavelengths. This segmentation allows selective imaging of specific tissue types based on their wavelength-dependent optical properties, resolving the contradiction between selectivity and system complexity by dividing the detection function into specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the detection system (photo-detecting elements) are assigned different wavelength sensitivities matched to the absorption characteristics of specific tissues. This local quality assignment enables each detector to specialize in detecting signals from particular tissue types, achieving selective imaging while maintaining a manageable system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photo-detecting elements with different absorption peak wavelengths are used, then depth-specific images of internal tissues can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds the wavelength dimension to the detection process, using multiple photo-detecting elements sensitive to different wavelengths. This dimensional expansion enables depth resolution by exploiting the wavelength-dependent penetration and scattering of light in tissue, transforming a two-dimensional spatial detection problem into a three-dimensional problem that includes spectral information.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system varies the wavelength parameter across multiple photo-detecting elements to achieve depth discrimination. By tuning detectors to different wavelengths that correspond to different tissue penetration depths, the system extracts depth information without requiring mechanical movement or complex post-processing, thus managing device complexity while achieving depth resolution.
3Measurement precision
If light of a single wavelength is used, then the detection system is simple, but it cannot distinguish between tissues at different depths
Solution Approach 1:
The light emission function is segmented across multiple light emitters, each producing light at a specific wavelength. This segmentation allows the system to target different tissue depths with appropriate wavelengths while maintaining efficient energy use, as each emitter operates at its optimal wavelength rather than requiring a single high-power broadband source.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-wavelength light emitter system serves multiple functions: it enables depth discrimination, provides selective tissue imaging, and maintains energy efficiency by using wavelength-specific emitters. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between spatial resolution and energy consumption by integrating several capabilities into a unified detection 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
Enables the acquisition of high-resolution, depth-specific images of internal tissues, effectively distinguishing and imaging blood vessels at various depths from the skin surface, improving spatial information retrieval and diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first photo-detecting element configured to detect light in a first absorption spectrum having a first absorption peak wavelength, a second photo-detecting element configured to detect light in a second absorption spectrum having a second absorption peak wavelength that is longer than the first absorption peak wavelength
Implementation Method 2
selectively sensing light scattered or reflected by the internal tissue of the living body through the skin
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A bio imaging system includes a plurality of light emitters configured to irradiate light, and a plurality of sensors configured to detect light reflected by an internal tissue of a living body. Each sensor includes a plurality of photo-detecting elements having different absorption peak wavelengths in relation to each other.