Handheld Optoacoustic Imager Curved Detector Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoacoustic imaging technologies face challenges in obtaining high-quality images with a high signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution, particularly from regions of interest within objects, due to limitations in the design and arrangement of irradiation and detection units.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a recess housing both an irradiation unit and a detector unit, featuring a curved array of detector elements with surface normals directed towards the region of interest, ensuring optimal alignment and coupling for improved image acquisition, and a liquid chamber for acoustic and optical coupling to minimize artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optoacoustic imaging systems are used, then imaging capability is provided, but image quality and signal-to-noise ratio are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing the surface normals of detector elements specifically towards the region of interest within the object. This localized optimization of detector orientation ensures that acoustic waves from the target region are captured with maximum sensitivity, thereby improving both image quality and signal-to-noise ratio in the specific area of interest without requiring global system changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a curved array of detector elements arranged in an arc, where each element's surface normal points toward the region of interest. This curved geometry optimizes the spatial distribution of detectors to capture acoustic waves propagating from the target region, enhancing measurement precision and signal detection reliability compared to flat array configurations.
2Measurement precision
If detector elements are arranged without specific orientation, then device complexity is reduced, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each detector element is oriented with its surface normal specifically directed towards the region of interest, creating local optimization of detection geometry. This targeted orientation arrangement improves spatial resolution by ensuring acoustic waves from the target region are detected with maximum sensitivity, while the systematic nature of the arrangement keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved array configuration provides an elegant geometric solution that inherently optimizes spatial resolution. By arranging detectors along an arc with surface normals pointing to the region of interest, the system achieves superior spatial resolution without requiring complex individual positioning mechanisms for each detector element.
3Productivity
If irradiation and detection units are separately arranged, then ease of manufacture is improved, but image acquisition efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the irradiation unit and detection units into a single integrated handheld device with a unified housing. The irradiation unit and curved detector array are positioned in close proximity within the same device structure, enabling simultaneous illumination and detection operations. This integration dramatically improves image acquisition efficiency by eliminating the need for separate device positioning and coordination, while the modular internal design maintains reasonable ease of manufacture.
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-quality optoacoustic images with enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution from various depths and regions of interest, facilitating efficient and reliable imaging.
Implementation Method 1
Optoacoustic imaging is based on the photoacoustic effect, according to which ultrasonic waves are generated due to an absorption of electromagnetic radiation by an object, e.g. a biological tissue, and a subsequent thermoelastic expansion of the object.
Implementation Method 2
a detector unit for detecting acoustic waves, for example ultrasonic waves, which are generated in the object upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
a liquid chamber for acoustic and optical coupling to minimize artifacts
Implementation Method 4
a liquid chamber for acoustic and optical coupling to minimize artifacts
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a handheld device and an according method for optoacoustic imaging of an object, comprising an irradiation unit for irradiating the object with electromagnetic radiation, for example, light, and a detector unit for detecting acoustic, for example, ultrasonic, waves generated in the object upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the detector unit comprises an array of detector elements.In order to facilitate an acquisition of high-quality tomographic optoacoustic images from different depths within the object at a simple overall design, the handheld device may be provided with a recess, in which the irradiation unit and the array of detector elements are provided, wherein the detector elements are arranged in the recess such that the surface normals of at least a part of the detector elements are directed to a region of interest on or within the object.