Optical Fiber Bundle for In Vivo Corneocyte Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for observing corneocytes, such as using a confocal microscope, are costly, complex, and require multiple observations to determine mean size accurately, limiting their practicality for in vivo skin analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a bundle of optical fibers to collect and illuminate light from the skin's surface, allowing for high-resolution imaging of corneocytes without the need for complex equipment, using an optical system with lenses to enhance spatial resolution and minimize pixelization effects, and potentially incorporating a fluorescent marker for improved contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a confocal microscope is used to observe corneocytes in vivo, then the observation can be performed on living tissue, but the equipment is costly and complex and the number of corneocytes observed in each field is small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the observation task into multiple discrete steps: applying a fluorescent marker to the skin, using a simple optical device to capture images, and then processing multiple images to calculate mean corneocyte size. This segmentation replaces the need for a single complex confocal microscope with multiple simple optical components and computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies of corneocytes through fluorescent labeling and multiple image captures. By taking numerous photographs of the same tissue area and processing them computationally, the system effectively copies the observation process many times to gather sufficient statistical data, replacing the need for a complex single-observation instrument.
2Measurement precision
If at least one thousand corneocytes are used to determine mean size with accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but numerous regions must be observed which increases the complexity and time required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous image capture and processing, where multiple images are taken sequentially of the same or adjacent skin regions. The computational system continuously processes these images to accumulate data on corneocyte sizes, maintaining the useful action of data collection without requiring manual intervention or complex instrument reconfiguration between observations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the observation parameters by using fluorescent markers that bind to corneocytes, allowing them to be visualized under simple optical equipment. This parameter change (from direct microscopy to fluorescent labeling) enables accurate measurement of thousands of corneocytes using basic optical components rather than complex confocal microscopy.
3Manufacturing precision
If the size of optical fibers is reduced to improve spatial resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the number of fibers required increases which may increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical observation function into many individual thin optical fibers arranged in a bundle. Each fiber acts as an independent pixel sensor, and collectively they create a high-resolution image. This segmentation allows the use of simple, thin fibers rather than requiring a single complex high-resolution optical component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges thousands of individual optical fiber signals into a single coherent image through the fiber bundle arrangement and subsequent digital processing. By combining the outputs of many simple fiber elements, the system achieves high spatial resolution that would be difficult to obtain with a single optical component of comparable simplicity.
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, non-invasive, and cost-effective in vivo observation of corneocytes, providing reliable information on their size and number, which can be used for skin aging assessment, treatment evaluation, and predictive analysis.
Implementation Method 1
collecting through a first end of a bundle of optical fibers light from a surface of the tissue
Implementation Method 2
Light may be collected by the first end of the bundle through an optical system comprising at least one lens
Implementation Method 3
Prior to making the observation, a fluorescent marker may be put into contact with the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of observing biological tissue, the method comprising: collecting through a first end of a bundle of optical fibers light from a surface of the tissue; observing at least one image of the tissue at a second end of the bundle, while injecting light into the second end of the bundle to illuminate the surface of the tissue.