Near-Infrared Time-of-Flight Sensing for Non-Invasive Object Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive glucose monitoring methods are inadequate due to sensitivity and selectivity issues, and existing methods for dental caries detection are limited in early stage detection, while there is a need for effective detection of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and breast cancer using non-invasive techniques.
Innovation Solution
The use of near-infrared and short-wave infrared spectroscopy with super-continuum lasers and light-emitting diodes for non-invasive monitoring of glucose, ketones, and other blood constituents, as well as for detecting dental caries and counterfeit pharmaceuticals, leveraging the SWIR spectrum for reduced scattering and improved detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-invasive glucose monitoring methods are used, then patient comfort and convenience are improved, but sensitivity and selectivity of detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection process by using separate light sources for different wavelength ranges (visible/NIR for general imaging, SWIR for specific molecular detection) and separate detection pathways, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining non-invasive operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters by utilizing the short-wave infrared spectrum (1.4-2.5 microns) which has different tissue penetration and scattering characteristics compared to traditional NIR, enabling improved molecular specificity and detection sensitivity while maintaining non-invasive operation
2Device complexity
If traditional detection methods are used for dental caries, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy in early stages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds the SWIR spectral dimension to traditional visual and NIR detection methods, enabling detection of subtle molecular changes in tooth enamel that precede visible caries formation, while maintaining a relatively simple handheld device configuration
3Illumination intensity
If visible light sources are used for imaging, then image quality in visible spectrum is improved, but detection capability in SWIR spectrum deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by integrating both visible/NIR light sources and SWIR light sources in the same device, allowing it to perform both high-quality visible imaging and SWIR-specific molecular detection depending on the clinical requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses specialized SWIR photodetectors as intermediaries that are specifically sensitive to the 1.4-2.5 micron wavelength range, enabling the detection of SWIR light that passes through or reflects from tissue while being invisible to the human eye
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 accurate, non-invasive monitoring of glucose and other blood constituents, early detection of dental caries, and identification of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, offering improved sensitivity and specificity compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The remote sensing system including the processor is configured to perform a time-of-flight measurement based at least in part on a comparison of the sample detector signal and the reference detector signal
Implementation Method 2
a received portion of reflected sample arm light
Implementation Method 3
near-infrared and short-wave infrared spectroscopy with super-continuum lasers and light-emitting diodes for non-invasive monitoring of glucose, ketones, and other blood constituents
Implementation Method 4
leveraging the SWIR spectrum for reduced scattering and improved detection accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system includes laser diodes with Bragg reflectors generating light having an initial light intensity and one or more near-infrared optical wavelengths. The laser diodes are modulated with a pulsed output with 0.5 to 2 nanosecond pulse duration. A beam splitter receives light from the laser diodes, splits the light into a received sample arm light directed to an object and a received reference arm light. A detection system includes a second lens and spectral filters in front of a photodiode array. The photodiode array is coupled to CMOS transistors and receives at least a portion of the received reference arm light and generates a reference detector signal. The detection system is synchronized with the laser diodes. A time-of-flight measurement is based on a comparison of the sample detector signal and the reference detector signal and measures a temporal distribution of photons in the received reflected sample arm light.