Compact Optical Fiber Molecular Imaging Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current molecular imaging devices are large, expensive, and limited in their ability to be commercialized and used for early disease diagnosis, as they require complex systems like positron emission tomography (PET).
Innovation Solution
A compact measurement apparatus using a light source unit, sensor unit, and optical fiber unit to measure physiological changes in objects using transmitted light, allowing for molecular imaging diagnosis, with a controller to analyze image data and determine object conditions, and an object information sensor to detect geometric information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large and complex systems like PET are used for molecular imaging diagnosis, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core functional components (light source, optical fibers, sensor) from the complex PET system to create a simplified molecular imaging device that maintains diagnostic capability while reducing size and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fiber bundles to create an optical copy/transmission path that replaces the complex radiation detection system of PET, enabling molecular imaging through light transmission while significantly simplifying the overall system
2Measurement precision
If large and complex systems like PET are used for molecular imaging diagnosis, then diagnostic capability is improved, but commercialization and accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs relatively simple and inexpensive components such as standard optical fibers and conventional light sources/sensors, replacing the expensive and complex PET infrastructure, thereby enabling broader commercialization and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional platform that can perform molecular imaging diagnosis using accessible components, making the technology universally applicable and commercially viable across different settings
3Use of energy by moving object
If optical fiber unit is disposed at upper portion of sensor unit, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical fiber unit with the sensor unit structure, integrating the light transmission function directly into the sensing assembly, which maintains transmission efficiency while avoiding the need for separate complex positioning mechanisms
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 widespread, low-cost, portable, and accurate molecular imaging for early disease detection and prevention, applicable to human and non-human anatomy, facilitating home or community health management and treatment monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber unit disposed at an upper portion of the sensor unit and comprising a plurality of optical fibers configured to transfer the transmitted light to the sensor unit
Implementation Method 2
a sensor unit configured to sense the light transmitted through the object and received on a second side of the object opposite the first side
Implementation Method 3
The light source unit may include a laser diode configured to output a near-infrared laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a measurement apparatus including a light source configured to output light toward a first side of an object, a sensor positioned relative to the light source to permit the object to be positioned between the light source and the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to sense the light transmitted through the object, and an optical transmitter disposed at an upper portion of the sensor and comprising a plurality of optical fibers configured to transfer the transmitted light to the sensor.