Fluorophore Localization in Scattering Media via Surface Intersection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diffuse optical imaging methods for localizing fluorophores or absorbers in biological tissues are invasive, time-consuming, and require multiple measurements, making them unsuitable for real-time or limited accessibility applications such as cancer tumor detection.
Innovation Solution
A method using a radiation source and detection means to emit and measure fluorescence signals from fluorophores or absorbers in a scattering medium, with calculations to estimate their location by intersecting surfaces defined by multiple measurement pairs, allowing for rapid and approximate localization with a small number of measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are performed to accurately locate fluorophores or absorbers, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a limited number of measurement pairs (at least 3) rather than comprehensive multi-point measurements. This allows sufficient localization accuracy to be achieved with reduced measurement time, balancing precision requirements with productivity constraints in clinical settings
2Measurement precision
If traditional biopsy techniques are used to locate diseased cells, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical biopsy techniques with optical measurement methods. By using radiation sources and detectors to measure fluorescence or absorption signals, the system achieves accurate localization of diseased cells without physical tissue sampling, thereby eliminating invasiveness while maintaining measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive temporal data analysis is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the most informative temporal characteristics from the measured signals. By focusing on specific temporal features rather than performing comprehensive temporal data analysis, the system achieves sufficient localization accuracy while significantly reducing computational complexity and ease of operation requirements
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 fast and non-invasive localization of fluorophores or absorbers in biological tissues, facilitating real-time detection and guiding biopsies or non-invasive examinations with high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source capable of emitting excitation radiation from this fluorophore
Implementation Method 2
a signal re-emitted at the same wavelength as that of excitation (from the radiation source) by the absorbing element which absorbs and diffuses the absorbed radiation
Implementation Method 3
in a scattering medium
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for locating a fluorophore (22) in a scattering medium (20), using a radiation source (8, 10) capable of emitting excitation radiation from this fluorophore and detection means (4, 12) capable of measuring a fluorescence signal (Φfluo) emitted by this fluorophore (22) comprising: a) for at least 3 different pairs of positions of the radiation source and the detection means, excitation by radiation from the radiation source (8), and detection by the detection means (4) of the fluorescence signal emitted by this fluorophore after this excitation, b) for each of these pairs, the identification of a surface on which the fluorophore is located, or of a volume comprising this surface and in which the fluorophore is located, c) an estimation of the location of the fluorophore in its surrounding medium, by calculating the intersection of the three surfaces,or possibly a volume around this intersection.