Near-Infrared Imaging Constraints for Optode Contact Variability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near-infrared imaging systems face accuracy issues due to variations in head shape and hair interference, leading to inconsistent contact between optodes and the subject's head, which affects the estimation of internal features and pathologies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating non-optical signals such as ultrasound and electrical signals to determine contact points, distances, and material composition, allowing for the generation of constraints that adapt the near-infrared imaging model to improve accuracy by accounting for variations in optode placement and spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mathematical models assume ideal optode contact with the subject's head, then the imaging model can be simplified and processed more easily, but the accuracy of estimating internal features and detecting pathologies is reduced due to variations in head shape and hair interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by measuring actual optode contact characteristics (spacing, coupling quality) before conducting the NIR imaging measurement. These preliminary measurements inform the selection and adaptation of the imaging model, ensuring the model accounts for real-world contact variations before the actual pathology detection begins
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging model is made dynamic by allowing it to adapt based on measured contact characteristics. The system selects from multiple models with different assumptions (e.g., constant spacing vs. variable spacing) and adjusts model parameters based on actual optode-to-head contact conditions, enabling the model to respond to varying contact qualities rather than assuming ideal conditions
2Measurement precision
If multiple non-optical signals (ultrasound, electrical) are incorporated to determine contact points and material composition, then the accuracy and resolution of the imaging model is improved, but the device complexity and measurement process is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The optode array is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an optical sensor for NIR detection and as a platform for delivering and receiving ultrasound and electrical signals. This universal design allows a single device structure to perform multiple measurement functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated sensors for each modality
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple signal modalities (optical, acoustic, electrical) into a unified imaging approach. By combining information from NIR signals with ultrasound-derived contact point data and electrical impedance-derived tissue composition data, the system creates a more accurate constraint model that leverages the complementary strengths of each signal type
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
Enhances the resolution and accuracy of near-infrared imaging by leveraging multiple material properties (optical, acoustic, electrical) to create a higher fidelity model, distinguishing between different tissue layers and improving the detection of pathologies like intracranial hematomas.
Implementation Method 1
a near-infrared transmitter receiver array for transmitting near-infrared radiation into the object and receiving corresponding near-infrared radiation emitted from the object
Implementation Method 2
signal transmitting means arranged to transmit one or more further signals into the object via one or more optodes of the optode array, wherein the one or more further signals comprise ultrasound signals
Implementation Method 3
the one or more further signals comprise ultrasound signals and/or electrical signals
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a near-infrared imaging system for identifying a target feature in an object. The system comprises a near-infrared transmitter receiver array for transmitting near-infrared radiation into the object and receiving corresponding near-infrared radiation emitted from the object and a data processing system (215) configured to process near-infrared radiation received via the near-infrared transmitter receiver array in accordance with a near- infrared imaging model (216). The system further comprises signal transmitting means (205) arranged to transmit one or more further signals into the object; and signal receiving means (206) arranged to receive the one or more further signals from the object. The data processing system (215) is further configured to process one or more characteristics of the one or more further signals received by the signal receiving means (206) to generate one or more constraints (218) to apply to the near-infrared imaging model (216).