High-Speed Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging for Vascular Pulse Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) and Multiple Exposure Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (MESI) techniques are limited by their temporal resolution, making them inadequate for precise characterization of pulse wave velocity and vascular conducted response in microcirculatory vessels, which are fast-changing responses typically occurring at velocities of 5 m/s to 14 m/s and over short distances.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed laser speckle contrast imaging system utilizing a high-speed camera capable of capturing at least 1000 frames per second, preferably 5000 fps or more, to characterize pressure wave propagation and vascular conducted response in biological vessels, incorporating an optical system for guiding laser radiation and back-scattered light, and a processing unit for calculating relevant features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional LSCI or MESI techniques are used, then the system is simple and cost efficient, but the temporal resolution is limited to ~200 fps or ~10 fps respectively, which is insufficient for measuring fast pulse wave velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frame rate parameter from conventional values (~200 fps for LSCI, ~10 fps for MESI) to high-speed values (≥1000 fps, preferably ≥5000 fps). This parameter change enables capture of fast pulse wave velocity (5-14 m/s) while maintaining the fundamental LSCI/MESI measurement principle, thus improving temporal resolution without fundamentally redesigning the system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If conventional LSCI or MESI techniques are used, then the measurement setup is straightforward, but the techniques cannot capture fast-changing responses like pulse wave velocity in microcirculatory vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static or slow-dynamic imaging to high-speed dynamic imaging by implementing a camera system capable of ≥1000 fps (preferably ≥5000 fps). This dynamic capability allows the system to track fast-changing pulse wave velocity (5-14 m/s) in real-time, achieving both high measurement precision and high productivity simultaneously.
3Reliability
If conventional LSCI techniques are used, then cost efficiency is maintained, but the techniques are unsuitable for precise characterization of pulse wave velocity and vascular conducted response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a frame rate parameter change from conventional values to high-speed values (≥1000 fps, preferably ≥5000 fps), which directly improves temporal resolution and enables reliable characterization of pulse wave velocity (5-14 m/s) and vascular conducted response. This parameter optimization maintains cost efficiency while achieving the required measurement reliability.
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 characterization of small vessels and high pulse wave velocities, allowing for accurate measurement of pulse wave velocity and vascular conducted response in microcirculatory vessels, with improved sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional LSCI and MESI.
Implementation Method 1
a light source is employed to illuminate a target, which could be a part of a human or animal body, and a camera is used to take images from the back-scattered light from the target
Implementation Method 2
an optical system configured for 1) guiding the laser radiation from the laser source to the target 2) and for collecting and guiding a back-scattered light from the target to the camera
Implementation Method 3
Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a known technique that provides images with spatial resolution and temporal resolution
Data Source
AI summary
A high-speed laser speckle contrast imaging system is for characterizing pressure wave or pulse wave propagation or vascular conducted response in at least one vessel of a biological target. The apparatus includes: a laser source generating a laser radiation; a high-speed camera configured for capturing at least 1000 frames per second (fps), preferably at least 5000 fps, more preferably 6000 fps of the target; an optical sub-system configured for 1) guiding the laser radiation from the laser source to the target 2) and for collecting and guiding a back-scattered light from the target to the camera; and a processing unit configured for receiving and processing raw image data from the camera for calculating at least one feature related to the pressure wave propagation or vascular conducted response.