Multimodal Wearable Brain Imaging System with TCSPC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brain imaging modalities like fNIRS and EEG face challenges with slow temporal dynamics and non-unique inverse mapping, limiting their ability to accurately measure neural activity and requiring offline reconstruction with non-optimized solvers.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal wearable measurement system combining optical and electrical activity measurement components, using data fusion to generate real-time estimates of cortical source activity by integrating time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalogram (EEG) data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fNIRS and EEG are used for brain imaging, then neural activity can be detected, but temporal resolution is slow and inverse mapping is non-unique
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fNIRS optical measurement system with EEG electrical measurement system into a single integrated platform. The system simultaneously collects both optical signals (hemodynamic response) and electrical signals (neural activity) to complement each other's strengths and overcome individual limitations in temporal resolution and inverse mapping ambiguity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) to measure photon arrival times with picosecond precision, transforming the temporal measurement parameter to achieve ultra-high temporal resolution. This allows differentiation of fast neural events from slower hemodynamic responses
2Productivity
If offline reconstruction with standard solvers is used, then brain imaging can be performed, but computational efficiency is low and real-time processing is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores the inverse solution matrix during system setup, eliminating the need for repeated complex iterative solving during actual measurement. This preliminary computation enables rapid real-time reconstruction of cortical source activity from the collected multi-modal signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/iterative offline reconstruction methods with an optimized computational approach using pre-computed inverse solutions and efficient matrix operations, enabling real-time processing speeds comparable to direct measurement
3Measurement precision
If single-photon counting is used, then temporal resolution is improved, but measurement complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized photodetectors and time-correlation electronics as intermediary components between the light source and measurement system. These intermediaries handle the complex task of single-photon timing and correlation, enabling high temporal resolution measurement while keeping the overall system manageable through modular design
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 enables computationally efficient real-time brain imaging with improved temporal resolution and spatial accuracy, facilitating advanced neuroscientific research and brain-computer interface development.
Implementation Method 1
One technique to measure such responses is time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC). Time-correlated single-photon counting detects single photons and measures a time of arrival of the photons with respect to a reference signal (e.g., a light source).
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of detectors configured to detect arrival times for photons of the light after the light is scattered by the target
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative multimodal measurement system includes a wearable assembly configured to be worn by a user; and a module configured to be removably inserted into the wearable assembly and comprising: a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) and a light guide assembly configured to emit light directed at a target within the user. The light guide assembly comprises: a lower light guide portion housed within the housing and having a proximal end attached to the PCB, a conductive spring member housed within the housing and comprising a coil positioned around an external surface of the lower light guide portion, and a conductive upper light guide portion connected to the lower light guide portion and configured to protrude from an upper surface of the housing and be in contact with a surface of a body of the user.