Optical Bioinstrumentation Probe Positioning via Anatomical Landmarks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical bioinstrumentation for living bodies faces challenges in ensuring high positional reproducibility and maximum sensitivity when remounting probes, particularly in detecting brain activity, due to difficulties in inferring internal brain structures from external markers and varying sensitivity distributions.
Innovation Solution
The bioinstrumentation includes a probe with an optical irradiator and detector, a computing unit for metabolite concentration calculation, and a display unit that superimposes probe positions on anatomical or brain functional images, using a position sensor to ensure the probe is mounted at maximum sensitivity and providing an alarm for optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external markers are used to determine probe position, then the operation is simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates because internal brain structures cannot be accurately inferred from external markers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anatomical landmarks (intermediary elements) that serve as connection points between external probe positioning and internal brain structures. These landmarks act as mediators that translate external marker positions into accurate internal measurement locations, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If the probe is remounted at the same external position, then the operation is convenient, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to varying sensitivity distributions in brain activity detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where measurement data from previous sessions is used to adjust and optimize probe positioning in subsequent sessions. This feedback loop ensures that the probe is consistently positioned at locations with maximum detection sensitivity, resolving the contradiction between operational convenience and measurement precision during remounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of brain activity patterns and sensitivity distributions before finalizing probe positions. By pre-determining optimal mounting locations based on anticipated sensitivity requirements, the system ensures both ease of remounting and maximum detection sensitivity without requiring complex adjustments during actual measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple probes are mounted to cover different brain regions, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the brain measurement task into multiple independent probe units, each responsible for specific regions or functions. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where probes can be independently positioned and optimized for different brain areas, achieving comprehensive coverage while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
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 solution ensures high positional reproducibility and maximum sensitivity during probe remounting, enhancing the accuracy of brain activity measurements by determining the correct probe position based on anatomical or functional images and providing real-time positioning feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a light incidence/light detection probe is mounted on a region to be measured in order to acquire intracorporeal information
Implementation Method 2
the near-infrared light incident on the scalp is detected at a distance of about 3 cm in order to measure a change in the concentration of hemoglobin
Data Source
AI summary
In a probe positioning technology, an optical bioinstrumentation includes a region selecting unit that is used to delineate a region of interest in an anatomical image of a subject, a computing unit that determines a recommended probe position according to the region of interest, a probe position sensor that detects a current probe position, a computing unit that calculates the distance between the recommended probe position and the current probe position, and an alarm device that generates an alarm sound or the like when the distance falls within a predetermined range. Moreover, the optical bioinstrumentation for living body further includes a memory unit in which the probe position is saved together with measurement data.