Miniaturized Detector Module for High-Density Diffuse Optical Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diffuse optical neuroimaging systems have limitations in resolution and depth-sectioning capabilities due to sparse optode arrays and stringent requirements on dynamic range, crosstalk, and channel count, which are not adequately met by previous systems, particularly in wearable devices for clinical applications such as brain imaging in young children and infants.
Innovation Solution
A wearable high-density diffuse optical tomography (WHD-DOT) device with a flexible cap containing miniaturized source and detector modules, each with a transimpedance amplifier and analog-to-digital converter, configured to operate in a coordinated manner to acquire high-density diffuse optical tomography measurements, enabling improved lateral resolution and depth profiling through a dense grid of source-detector pairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high density optode arrays are used to improve resolution and depth-sectioning capabilities, then measurement precision and spatial sampling are improved, but device complexity and stringency of requirements on dynamic range, crosstalk, and channel count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is divided into multiple independent detector modules, each with its own transimpedance amplifier and analog-to-digital converter. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while collectively achieving high density sampling, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity by distributing the computational burden across modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sparse optode pairs to a high-density grid arrangement, adding spatial dimensionality to the measurement system. This dimensional expansion enables improved resolution and depth-sectioning capabilities while the modular architecture manages the resulting complexity through systematic organization of multiple detection channels.
2Measurement precision
If traditional functional brain scanners are used to achieve high resolution imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but weight and ease of operation worsen due to fixed head placement requirements and enclosed tube environments
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the subject to be fixed in a scanner, the patent inverts the approach by bringing the detection system to the subject through a wearable cap. This inversion maintains high measurement precision through dense optode arrays while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for fixed head placement and enclosed tube environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable detector cap is designed to be universally applicable across different subject populations, including young children and infants who cannot remain stationary. The system combines high-resolution imaging capabilities with the flexibility of wearable technology, allowing operation in diverse clinical settings without requiring subjects to conform to scanner constraints.
3Ease of manufacture
If sparse optode arrays are used to reduce device complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision and lateral resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter from sparse to high-density optode arrangement, fundamentally improving measurement precision and lateral resolution. The modular detector design with integrated electronics manages the manufacturing complexity introduced by high density through standardized module fabrication and systematic assembly, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and measurement precision.
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
The WHD-DOT device achieves higher spatial sampling and resolution, allowing for brain function mapping in clinical populations previously excluded due to movement or age-related constraints, with reduced noise, weight, and power requirements, while maintaining performance comparable to fiber-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
The detector module includes a photodiode, a transimpedance amplifier operatively coupled to the photodiode
Implementation Method 2
a transimpedance amplifier operatively coupled to the photodiode
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device for high-density-diffuse optical tomography includes a plurality of source modules that include source housings containing a light source. The device also includes a plurality of detector modules that include detector housings, a photodiodes, transimpedance amplifiers operatively coupled to the photodiodes, and analog to digital converters operatively coupled to the transimpedance amplifier. Each detector housing contains at least one of the photodiode, the analog to digital converter, and the transimpedance amplifier. Each source and detector housing is configurable to contact a subject's scalp and deliver or receive light from the scalp at one position. The wearable device also includes a control circuit operatively coupled to the plurality of source modules and to the plurality of detector modules to operate the source and detector modules in a coordinated manner to acquire a plurality of diffuse optical tomography measurements.