Handheld NIRS Scanner Single Transmitter-Receiver Pair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) devices for tissue oxygenation are limited by their size, cost, and complexity, making them less portable and less efficient for scanning large areas manually.
Innovation Solution
A handheld NIRS scanner with a single transmitter-receiver pair, integrated inertial measurement sensor, motion tracker, and wireless communication, allowing for real-time scanning of large tissue areas with reduced cost and improved sensitivity through optional multiple transmitter/receiver configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transmitter/receiver pairs are used to improve measurement sensitivity and obtain absolute measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a single transmitter-receiver pair instead of multiple pairs, accepting that absolute measurements cannot be obtained while still achieving sufficient measurement sensitivity for relative changes. This partial implementation resolves the contradiction by providing adequate precision for the intended application without the complexity of multiple pairs.
2Device complexity
If a single transmitter-receiver pair is used to reduce device complexity and size, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement sensitivity and ability to obtain absolute measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by implementing a single transmitter-receiver pair that provides sufficient measurement capability for relative changes in tissue oxygenation, accepting the limitation in obtaining absolute measurements while achieving the goal of reduced device complexity and portable design.
3Ease of operation
If NIRS devices are made portable and handheld, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential NIRS measurement functionality into a portable handheld device, separating it from the need for multiple transmitter-receiver pairs and complex processing systems. This extraction achieves portability and ease of operation while controlling device complexity by implementing only the minimum necessary components.
4Ease of operation
If NIRS devices are made portable and handheld, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core NIRS functionality into a portable device with minimal components (single transmitter-receiver pair), reducing the overall system complexity and manufacturing cost compared to full-featured stationary systems, while still achieving portability and ease of operation.
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 efficient, cost-effective, and portable real-time tissue oxygenation scanning, providing continuous monitoring and absolute measurements, enhancing diagnostic capabilities in medical and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a technology to measure the changes in the oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin in both arterial and venous blood
Implementation Method 2
send near infrared and infrared (red) light into the tissue and detect any backscattered light
Data Source
AI summary
An improved near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) based handheld tissue oxygenation scanner employing a single transmitter-receiver pair, an integral inertial measurement sensor, an optional optical tracker, and wireless communications. Operational coordination among/between the elements are performed by a processor. The NIRS scanner device has a small foot print and permits the use of only a single transmitter/receiver pair to scan a large area of tissue manually, in real-time. Additional features and advantages of include battery power, hand held, may connect to a variety of computing devices via BlueTooth and/or WiFi, and may be modified to employ multiple transmitter/receivers to improve sensitivity and obtain absolute measurements.