3D Light Source Reconstruction in Turbid Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioluminescent imaging techniques primarily focus on surface emission, failing to provide accurate three-dimensional representations of light sources within turbid samples like mammalian tissue, which limits the quantification of source strength, position, and geometry.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system and method that utilizes photon diffusion models and computer-implemented algorithms to reconstruct three-dimensional light source distributions inside turbid samples by converting surface light image data into internal light data, employing a combination of imaging systems and computer program products to achieve this representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surface light image data is used for imaging analysis, then the imaging system is simple and the analysis methodology is easy to implement, but the source depth and attenuation through tissue are not accounted for, resulting in inaccurate quantification of light source parameters
Solution Approach 1:
A light transport model acts as an intermediary between the light source and the imaging system. The model includes a light source distribution function f(r,s) that describes the spatial distribution of light sources, and a light transport function T(r,s) that models the propagation of light through the turbid medium. This intermediary mathematical framework allows conversion of surface measurements into internal source parameters without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems with a computational approach. Instead of using multiple cameras or scanners to directly capture 3D information, the system uses a single surface image measurement combined with a computational light transport model to reconstruct internal source parameters. This substitution of mechanical complexity with computational algorithms achieves the desired measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If 2D surface imaging is used, then the imaging system complexity is low, but the three-dimensional distribution of photon emission cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the problem from a 2D surface measurement to a 3D internal source reconstruction by introducing a mathematical dimension through the light transport model. The model maps surface intensity measurements to internal source distribution through the relationship I(r) = ∫ T(r,s) f(s) ds, effectively adding a computational dimension that recovers depth information from surface data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational copy of the internal light source distribution through the light transport model. The model generates a virtual representation of the 3D source distribution that matches the 2D surface measurements, allowing analysis of internal parameters without direct physical access to the light sources within the turbid medium.
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 accurate determination of the three-dimensional location, size, and brightness of light sources within samples, overcoming the limitations of surface-based imaging by providing detailed internal light source information.
Implementation Method 1
Mammalian tissue is a turbid medium, meaning that photons are both absorbed and scattered as they propagate through tissue. In the case where scattering is large compared with absorption, such as red to near-infrared light passing through tissue
Implementation Method 2
Mammalian tissue is a turbid medium, meaning that photons are both absorbed and scattered as they propagate through tissue
Implementation Method 3
In the case where scattering is large compared with absorption, such as red to near-infrared light passing through tissue, the transport of light within the sample is described by diffusion theory
Implementation Method 4
Bioluminescent imaging is a non-invasive technique for performing in vivo diagnostic studies on animal subjects
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides systems and methods for obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) representation of one or more light sources inside a sample, such as a mammal. Mammalian tissue is a turbid medium, meaning that photons are both absorbed and scattered as they propagate through tissue. In the case where scattering is large compared with absorption, such as red to near-infrared light passing through tissue, the transport of light within the sample is described by diffusion theory. Using imaging data and computer-implemented photon diffusion models, embodiments of the present invention produce a 3D representation of the light sources inside a sample, such as a 3D location, size, and brightness of such light sources.