Optical Dynamic Imaging System Tumor Characterization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive tumor characterization methods are limited in effectively differentiating between malignant and benign tumors, particularly in veterinary medicine, and lack a practical, portable solution for real-time screening.
Innovation Solution
The Optical Dynamic Imaging (ODI) system combines tactile imaging with diffuse spectral imaging, using a flexible waveguide and dynamic positioning of light sources and detectors to estimate size, depth, and elastic modulus of tumors, providing spectral and mechanical properties for improved tumor characterization without ionizing radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If spectral imaging systems are designed with large fields of view for broad coverage, then screening capability is improved, but image acquisition time and analysis time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple camera units, each capturing a portion of the overall field of view. These segmented images are then processed and reconstructed to provide comprehensive coverage, reducing the time required for each individual image capture while maintaining broad screening capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic image processing techniques that adaptively prioritize regions of interest within the field of view. By dynamically adjusting processing resources to focus on areas with detected anomalies, the system reduces overall analysis time while maintaining comprehensive coverage
2Measurement precision
If tactile imaging uses multiple pressure sensors to accurately determine elasticity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines tactile imaging with spectral imaging into a single integrated system. By merging these modalities, the system achieves comprehensive tumor characterization without requiring separate complex sensor arrays for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions including spectral imaging, tactile imaging, and elasticity measurement using a unified platform. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized devices, reducing complexity while preserving measurement capabilities
3Measurement precision
If invasive examination methods are used to characterize tumors, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient risk and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical waveguides as intermediaries to non-invasively probe tissue properties. The waveguides interact with tissue through total internal reflection, allowing measurement of tumor characteristics without direct invasive contact, thereby maintaining diagnostic accuracy while eliminating patient risk associated with invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical invasive biopsy methods with optical-based tactile and spectral imaging. This substitution eliminates the need for physical tissue sampling while providing equivalent or superior diagnostic information through non-contact optical measurements
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
The ODI system enables non-invasive, real-time, and portable tumor characterization, increasing the detection rate of malignant tumors and reducing anxiety by providing near-real-time results, suitable for both veterinary and human medicine, and can be used in various clinical settings.
Implementation Method 1
Light is propagated through the waveguide by total internal reflection (TIR). Distortion of the waveguide by the inclusion breaks TIR, and the escaping light is imaged.
Implementation Method 2
a diffuse transmissive monitor, which may be an imager, measures the width of a target inclusion in a turbid medium
Data Source
AI summary
The dynamic positioning of sensors, which exploit the mechanical and physiological changes in tissues, can significantly increase the performance in characterization of tumors. Here, we disclose the Optical Dynamic Imaging (ODI) System for tumor characterization. ODI System estimates size, depth, elastic modulus and optical properties of embedded objects. The ODI System consists of a tactile imaging sensor (TIS), and a near infrared diffuse spectral imaging. To obtain mechanical properties of the target, we compress the region of interest with the probe, then the light from the probe is scattered and captured by the camera as a tactile image. On the other hand, using a light source and the camera as a detector, we obtain the diffuse spectral images. From these images, we compute the absorption coefficient of the embedded tumor phantom. We move the source-detector simultaneously and collect optical information. We termed this maneuver as dynamic positioning. Optical Dynamic Imaging System also provides position and orientation of the light source and the detectors. The combination of the absorption coefficient and tactile data along with location information improves the size, depth, and elastic modulus estimation.