Center-Blocked Absorption Spectrophotometry for Deep Tissue Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) methods struggle to accurately differentiate between the properties of shallow and deeper layers of a medium due to interference from shallower regions, leading to weaker signals and reduced sensitivity to deeper layer properties.
Innovation Solution
The use of a center-illuminated-center-blocked (CICB) configuration in absorption spectrophotometry, where a center blocking module blocks diffuse reflected light from shallower layers while allowing light from deeper layers to be measured, enhancing sensitivity to deeper layer properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional non-contact diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is used to measure light from deeper layers, then the measurement can be performed non-invasively, but the signal from deeper layers is weak and contaminated by light from shallower layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the field of view into multiple depth zones using a spatial mask with light-blocking portions. Each unblocked region of the detector corresponds to a specific depth range, allowing separate measurement of light from different layers. This segmentation enables isolation of deeper layer signals from shallower layer interference by assigning specific detector regions to specific depth zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful component (light from shallower layers) by using light-blocking portions in the spatial mask that prevent this light from reaching the detector. By taking out the interfering light paths through strategic placement of blocking elements, the measurement system isolates only the desired deeper layer light signals.
2Illumination intensity
If the field of view is increased to capture more light from deeper layers, then the signal intensity improves, but the interference from shallower layers also increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different measurement characteristics in different spatial regions of the detector. Each region has a specific light-blocking pattern optimized for its corresponding depth zone. This allows the system to simultaneously capture light from multiple depths with appropriate filtering applied locally to each region, maintaining high signal intensity while preventing cross-contamination between depth layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to depth discrimination by using a two-dimensional spatial mask pattern on the detector array. Instead of using a single measurement channel, the system uses multiple spatial channels with different blocking patterns, adding spatial information as a new dimension for depth-selective measurement. This allows simultaneous measurement of multiple depth zones without interference.
3Measurement precision
If a spatial mask with light-blocking portions is used to isolate deeper layer light, then sensitivity to deeper layer properties improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a detector array where multiple detector elements serve as copies of each other, each with a specific spatial masking pattern. Instead of using a single complex detector, the system employs multiple simpler detector elements that collectively provide depth-resolved measurement capability. Each detector element captures light from a specific angular range corresponding to a specific depth zone, and the array of copies provides comprehensive depth coverage.
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 configuration improves the signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity to deeper layer properties by isolating and measuring diffuse reflected light from specific depths, providing more accurate assessments of sub-surface tissue properties.
Implementation Method 1
the center blocking module being sized, shaped, and constructed of an opaque material so as to block first diffuse reflected light passing solely through the first layer
Implementation Method 2
a first pixelated sensor to measure intensity of the diffuse reflected beam of light; and a second pixelated sensor to measure intensity of the second diffuse reflected light
Implementation Method 3
a first spectrophotometer having an optical element operable to collect a diffuse reflected beam of light passing solely through the first layer of the medium and emitted from the surface of the medium adjacent to the POI
Data Source
AI summary
Absorption spectrophotometers are described herein. The absorption spectrophotometer comprises an illumination source and first and second spectrophotometers. The illumination source provides light to a point-of-illumination on a surface of a medium having a first layer and a second layer. The first spectrophotometer has an optical element and a first sensor. The optical element collects first reflected light passing through the first layer and emitted from the surface. The first sensor measures intensity of the first reflected light. The second spectrophotometer comprises a shroud, a center blocking module, and a second sensor. The center blocking module is supported within the shroud, forms a gap, and blocks first reflected light passing through the first layer emitted from the surface. The gap is sized and shaped to pass second reflected light passing through the deeper tissue and emitted from the surface. The second sensor measures intensity of the second reflected light.