Multispectral Bio Imaging for Depth-Resolved Tissue Views
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio imaging systems face challenges in obtaining clear images of internal tissues due to light scattering by the skin, limiting the ability to selectively image target tissues.
Innovation Solution
A bio imaging system with multiple light sources and sensors emitting and absorbing light of different spectra, arranged in a linear sequence, to mitigate light scattering and enhance image clarity by extracting images at varying depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single light source and camera are used to obtain images of internal tissues, then the system structure is simple, but light scattering by the skin prevents clear imaging of target tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple light sources emitting at different wavelengths and multiple sensors positioned at different locations. Each light-sensor pair captures images at specific depths, and the images are processed separately before being combined. This segmentation allows the system to overcome light scattering by capturing depth-resolved information from multiple wavelengths, thereby achieving clear imaging of target tissues while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength as an additional dimension for imaging by using light sources with different emission wavelengths. By capturing images at multiple wavelengths and processing them to extract depth information, the system transforms conventional two-dimensional spatial imaging into three-dimensional depth-resolved imaging. This dimensional expansion enables selective visualization of target tissues at specific depths while filtering out scattered light from other layers.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources with different spectra are used to achieve depth-resolved imaging, then image depth resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs light sources that can emit multiple wavelengths and sensors that can detect multiple wavelengths, making each component multi-functional. This universality allows a single light source to provide illumination at different depths and a single sensor to capture information from multiple wavelength bands. Consequently, the system achieves depth-resolved imaging with fewer physical components than would be required if each wavelength required separate dedicated hardware, thereby improving depth resolution while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple wavelength channels and multiple sensor positions into a unified imaging system where data from all channels are processed together. By merging the information from different wavelengths and sensor locations through image processing algorithms, the system achieves comprehensive depth-resolved imaging without requiring separate independent systems for each wavelength. This merging approach improves depth resolution while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate imaging systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light scattering by skin is not addressed, then the system operation is simple, but the ability to selectively image target internal tissues is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the optical hardware and the final images. These algorithms process the raw images captured by sensors, separating depth information by analyzing intensity variations across different wavelengths. The intermediary processing step removes the harmful effect of light scattering by mathematically extracting depth-resolved information, thereby enabling selective imaging of target tissues without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical depth-separation mechanisms with optical and computational methods. Instead of using mechanical means to physically separate light from different depths, the system uses wavelength-dependent optical properties and computational algorithms to achieve depth resolution. This substitution allows selective imaging of target tissues by processing image data rather than by complex mechanical manipulation of light paths, thereby improving adaptability while managing device complexity.
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 system achieves clearer and more detailed three-dimensional imaging of internal tissues by selectively capturing images at different depths, improving image quality and depth resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source configured to emit light of a first wavelength spectrum, a second light source configured to emit light of a second wavelength spectrum, and a third light source configured to emit light of a third wavelength spectrum
Implementation Method 2
a first sensor configured to absorb light of a first wavelength spectrum, a second sensor configured to absorb light of a second wavelength spectrum, and a third sensor configured to absorb light of a third wavelength spectrum
Implementation Method 3
Each of the first, second and third light sources may further include a separate color filter of a plurality of color filters
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A bio imaging system includes a substrate, a light source on the substrate, and a sensor on the substrate, wherein at least one of the light source or the sensor is configured to emit or absorb light of different wavelength spectrum. The bio imaging system is configured to combine a plurality of images obtained based on the light of different wavelength spectra to obtain a three-dimensional image of an internal tissue of a living body.