Integrated Photodetector Wearable Module for Optical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical measurement systems for detecting neural activity in the brain face challenges due to long optical fibers, which cause discomfort, signal degradation, and temporal dispersion, as they apply torque and force to wearable modules, leading to movement and poor performance.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a time-resolved single photon photodetector and light guide into a wearable module eliminates the need for long optical fibers, reducing temporal dispersion and enhancing comfort by shortening the photon path length, thus stabilizing the signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If long optical fibers are used to transmit photons from the wearable module, then the detection distance is improved, but temporal dispersion increases and signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the long optical fiber from the system by integrating the photodetector directly into the wearable module, eliminating the transmission path that causes temporal dispersion while maintaining photon detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the photodetector with the wearable module housing, combining previously separate components (light guide and photodetector) into an integrated assembly that eliminates the need for external optical fiber connection
2Reliability
If long optical fibers are used to transmit photons, then the detection capability is maintained, but the wearable module experiences torque and force causing movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical fiber from the system entirely by integrating the photodetector into the wearable module, eliminating the mechanical connection that applies torque and force to the module
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the photodetector and light guide into an integrated assembly housed within the wearable module, creating a self-contained unit that eliminates external mechanical connections and improves module stability
3Reliability
If long optical fibers are used, then photon transmission is achieved, but user comfort decreases due to discomfort from the conventional system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the photodetector and light guide into a compact assembly housed within the wearable module, eliminating the need for external optical fiber connections and improving user comfort through a more streamlined design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the external optical fiber from the system by integrating detection capabilities directly into the wearable module, eliminating the source of user discomfort associated with conventional fiber-based systems
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 signal quality by minimizing temporal dispersion and user discomfort, providing a more stable and accurate detection of neural activity without the drawbacks of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
A photodetector capable of detecting a single photon (i.e., a single particle of optical energy) is an example of a non-invasive detector that can be used in an optical measurement system to detect neural activity within the brain. An exemplary photodetector is implemented by a semiconductor-based single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD), which is capable of capturing individual photons with very high time-of-arrival resolution
Implementation Method 2
at least one light guide configured to receive the photons and guide the photons to the at least one photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
An optical measurement system includes a wearable module having at least one time-resolved single photon photodetector configured to detect photons from at least one light pulse after the at least one light pulse is scattered by a target within a body of a user; at least one light guide configured to receive the photons and guide the photons to the at least one photodetector; and a housing that houses both the at least one photodetector and at least a portion of the at least one light guide. The optical measurement system further includes a signal processing circuit configured to determine a temporal distribution of the photons detected by the at least one photodetector and generate a histogram based on the temporal distribution of the photons.