Light-Based Distance Sensor for Bladder Volume Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional urodynamic tests for diagnosing bladder dysfunction are limited by their artificial and non-physiological nature, leading to inaccurate and expensive ambulatory urodynamic tests that fail to reproduce symptoms effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method employing light-based distance sensing, using a conical beam of light to measure the distance to an interior wall of a hollow organ, such as the urinary bladder, to estimate its volume and track pressure, facilitating more accurate ambulatory urodynamics and diagnosis of bladder dysfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional urodynamic tests are used to diagnose bladder dysfunction, then diagnosis can be obtained, but the tests provide only a snapshot in artificial, non-physiological environments leading to inaccurate results and inability to reproduce symptoms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical pressure sensors and artificial filling systems with a light-based measurement system. A distance sensor emits light and measures the time of flight or phase shift of reflected light to calculate bladder volume, which is then converted to pressure using known relationships. This optical substitution enables continuous measurement in natural physiological conditions without artificial constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static snapshot measurements in conventional tests to continuous dynamic monitoring in ambulatory settings. The distance sensor continuously tracks bladder volume changes over time as the patient goes about normal activities, capturing the dynamic behavior of the bladder under physiological conditions rather than frozen moments in artificial environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ambulatory urodynamic tests are conducted under normal physiologic conditions, then symptom reproduction improves, but the tests become expensive and accuracy becomes questionable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex mechanical pressure sensing systems with a simpler optical distance measurement system. By measuring distance to the bladder wall and calculating volume, then using known volume-pressure relationships, the system achieves accurate pressure tracking without requiring direct mechanical pressure sensors, thereby reducing cost while maintaining or improving accuracy in ambulatory settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces light as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure bladder parameters. Rather than directly measuring pressure or volume with complex sensors, the system uses light travel time or phase shift as an intermediary to determine distance, which is then converted to volume and pressure through mathematical relationships, simplifying the measurement chain while improving reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional pressure sensors are used to measure bladder pressure, then pressure data can be obtained, but the sensors require artificial environments and cannot provide continuous monitoring in natural conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical pressure sensors with an optical distance measurement system. The distance sensor measures the distance to the bladder wall, from which volume is calculated using geometric relationships. Pressure is then derived from volume using known bladder pressure-volume relationships. This substitution enables continuous monitoring in natural environments without the constraints of mechanical sensor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates an indirect copy of pressure information through optical measurement. Rather than directly sensing pressure with mechanical sensors, the system measures distance optically, calculates volume, and derives pressure as a copy of the pressure information. This indirect copying approach allows measurement in environments where direct pressure sensing would be impractical or impossible.
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
The light-based system enhances the accuracy of bladder volume estimation and pressure tracking, improving the diagnosis of bladder dysfunction and providing a more physiological assessment of bladder function, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional tests.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter, which can transmit a conical beam of light to an inner surface of a hollow organ, and a detector, which can receive a portion of the light back-reflected from the inner surface of the hollow organ
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to estimating an interior diameter of a hollow organ. As such, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can include a light-based distance sensor and a device housing the light-based distance sensor located within the hollow organ. The light-based distance sensor can include an emitter and a detector. The emitter can transmit a conical beam of light to an inner surface of a hollow organ. The detector can receive a portion of the light back-reflected from the inner surface of the hollow organ. The device can determine a volume of the hollow organ based on a signal related to the back-reflected portion of the light, which can be based on a distance between the light-based distance sensor and the inner surface of the hollow organ.