Modulated Imaging System Segmentation for Motion Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modulated imaging techniques face challenges in efficiently capturing spectral contrast measurements across various wavelengths, particularly in the near-infrared region, due to low light intensity and long integration times, which result in motion artifacts and reduced imaging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The system separates light sources into spatially structured and unstructured illumination, using a combination of planar and structured light sources to optimize sensitivity and reduce imaging time by interpolating or extrapolating scattering coefficients from high SNR wavelengths to low SNR wavelengths, thereby minimizing motion artifacts and improving system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If structured light illumination is used at low SNR wavelengths (e.g., near-infrared), then spectral contrast measurements can be obtained, but imaging time increases and motion artifacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into two distinct parts: (1) structured light illumination at high SNR wavelengths to capture spatially-resolved optical properties, and (2) unstructured light illumination at low SNR wavelengths to capture spectral information. This segmentation allows each illumination type to be optimized for its specific wavelength range, avoiding the need for long integration times at low SNR wavelengths while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the advantages of structured light illumination (spatially-resolved measurements) with unstructured light illumination (spectral information at low SNR wavelengths) into a single hybrid system. By combining these two illumination approaches, the system achieves both spatial resolution and spectral contrast measurements efficiently, eliminating the trade-off between measurement accuracy and imaging time.
2Measurement precision
If structured light illumination is used at low SNR wavelengths, then spectral information can be captured, but light intensity requirements increase causing thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wavelength range into high SNR and low SNR regions, applying different illumination strategies to each. Unstructured light illumination is used specifically for low SNR wavelengths where structured light would require excessive intensity, thereby avoiding thermal stress on the light sources while still capturing spectral information in these challenging wavelength regions.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple contact probes are used to synthesize low resolution images, then tissue coverage increases, but system complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single imaging probe that performs multiple functions: it captures both spatially-resolved optical properties through structured light illumination and spectral information through unstructured light illumination. This multi-functional probe eliminates the need for multiple contact probes or complex probe arrays, simplifying the system while maintaining comprehensive tissue coverage and measurement capability.
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 approach allows for accurate and efficient measurement of tissue optical properties across a wide field of view, reducing imaging time and minimizing motion artifacts while maintaining high accuracy in determining chromophore concentrations and distributions.
Implementation Method 1
Diffuse optical methods can be used to measure biological tissues or other turbid (i.e. light-scattering) samples
Implementation Method 2
Important tissue components (referred to as chromophores) such as oxy-hemoglobin, deoxy-hemoglobin and water can be detected optically
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(e)
Figure 2(a)~2(e)
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus for turbid sample measurement comprising a plurality of light sources for illuminating a turbid sample target area with non-spatial structured light, a projection system for illuminating the turbid sample target area with spatial structured light, a sensor for collecting light from the turbid sample target area, and a processor to analyze the data captured by the sensor to yield scattering and absorption coefficients of the turbid sample. A method comprises illuminating the sample with spatial structured light, collecting light reflected from the sample at a number of wavelengths, illuminating the sample with non-spatial structured light, collecting light reflected from the sample at a number of wavelengths, and combining the measurements of the collected light to obtain the optical properties of the sample and/or the concentration of absorbing or fluorescent molecules. The wavelengths of the spatial and non-spatial light sources are preferably different.