Optical Brain Tissue Motion Sensing via LED Photodetection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive brain monitoring techniques, such as transcranial ultrasound devices, are limited by high uncertainty, questionable accuracy, and high costs, and require specialized training to operate effectively, making them inefficient for measuring brain tissue motion and pulsatility.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with transducers to transmit and receive acoustic signals, processed using spatiotemporal filtering and signal decomposition techniques to determine brain tissue motion, allowing for accurate and efficient measurement of brain tissue motion and pulsatility without the need for invasive methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transcranial ultrasound devices are used for non-invasive brain monitoring, then brain tissue motion can be measured, but the measurement accuracy and reliability are poor with high uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical transcranial ultrasound measurement systems with an optical-based system using LED lights and photodetectors to measure brain tissue motion through light absorption changes, achieving higher measurement accuracy and reliability without the limitations of acoustic wave propagation through the skull
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure brain tissue motion by detecting changes in light absorption caused by tissue displacement, avoiding direct mechanical contact and the associated measurement uncertainties of ultrasound through bone
2Reliability
If transcranial ultrasound devices are used, then brain monitoring is achieved, but the devices are bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive LED lights and photodetectors as disposable or reusable components, replacing expensive ultrasound transducers and imaging systems, significantly reducing device cost while maintaining monitoring functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical ultrasound generation and detection hardware with simpler optical components, eliminating the need for bulky piezoelectric transducers and associated signal processing equipment
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If transcranial ultrasound devices are used, then brain tissue motion can be detected, but specialized training is required to operate them effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically identify optimal measurement locations and extract brain tissue motion signals without requiring operator expertise in anatomical landmarks or ultrasound technique, making the device self-configuring and easy to use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex skill-based ultrasound probe placement and angle adjustment with automated optical sensor positioning that requires no specialized training, as the optical system naturally follows tissue contours and requires precise manual positioning
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 accurate and efficient non-invasive monitoring of brain tissue motion and pulsatility, providing reliable data for assessing brain health and detecting conditions like seizures and strokes, while being more user-friendly and cost-effective than existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transducer configured to transmit an acoustic signal to at least one region of the brain and receive a subsequent acoustic signal from the at least one region of the brain
Data Source
AI summary
According to some aspects, there is provided a device configured to determine a measure of brain tissue motion in a brain, comprising: at least one transducer configured to transmit an acoustic signal to at least one region of the brain and receive a subsequent acoustic signal from the at least one region of the brain; and at least one processor configured to: determine the measure of brain tissue motion in the at least one region of the brain by processing the subsequent acoustic signal, wherein processing the subsequent acoustic signal comprises filtering the subsequent acoustic signal. Filtering the subsequent acoustic signal may comprise one of spatiotemporal filtering, signal decomposition, tissue tracking, and/or spectral clustering.