Near-Infrared Spectroscopy MRI Index Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI devices are costly and difficult to use for frequent measurements, making it challenging to repeatedly measure MRI indexes such as ADC and FA, especially for high-risk infants.
Innovation Solution
An MRI index estimation method and biometric device that uses near-infrared spectroscopy to estimate MRI indexes based on the scattering coefficient, allowing for non-invasive and cost-effective measurements by correlating the scattering coefficient with MRI indexes like ADC and FA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI device is used to measure MRI indexes, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified optical copy model that replicates the measurement functionality of MRI by using near-infrared light scattering properties. Instead of using the complex MRI device, the invention uses an optical system with light sources and detectors to measure scattering coefficients that correlate with MRI indexes, thereby achieving similar measurement objectives with a simpler device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical and electromagnetic system of MRI with an optical system. By substituting the complex MRI measurement mechanism with near-infrared spectroscopy that measures light scattering in tissue, the invention achieves MRI index estimation through optical properties rather than magnetic resonance, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
2Productivity
If MRI device is used for frequent measurement, then measurement frequency is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cost-effective optical measurement system that can be used repeatedly without the high costs associated with MRI. The near-infrared spectroscopy device uses inexpensive light sources and detectors that can perform frequent measurements on high-risk infants without incurring significant costs, making it suitable for repeated monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from magnetic resonance signals to optical scattering coefficients. By measuring near-infrared light scattering properties that correlate with tissue microstructure, the system achieves MRI index estimation through a different physical parameter that can be measured more economically and frequently
3Ease of operation
If simple measurement method is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light scattering coefficient as an intermediary parameter that bridges the simple optical measurement and the complex MRI index. By measuring the scattering of near-infrared light through tissue, the system obtains an intermediate optical property that correlates with MRI indexes, allowing simple measurement methodology to yield accurate clinical information through this intermediary relationship
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
Enables simple and frequent measurement of MRI indexes at a lower cost compared to traditional MRI devices, facilitating regular monitoring of high-risk infants.
Implementation Method 1
a scattering coefficient obtaining unit for obtaining a scattering coefficient of the measurement site or a parameter having a correlation with the scattering coefficient by a near-infrared spectroscopy based on a detection result in the light detection unit
Implementation Method 2
there exists a significant correlation between scattering coefficient of a measurement site obtained by near-infrared spectroscopy and MRI index
Data Source
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AI summary
In the estimation method, MRI indexes (such as ADC and FA) are estimated based on a scattering coefficient µs' of a measurement site B or a parameter having a correlation with the scattering coefficient µs', the scattering coefficient µs' being obtained by a near-infrared spectroscopy based on a detection result of near-infrared light made incident on the measurement site B and propagated inside the measurement site B. The method allows acquisition of MRI index of a measurement site more simply as compared with MRI.