Optical Path Differences for Depth-Resolved Measurement Sensitivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hemodynamic measurement techniques using near-infrared spectroscopy face challenges in accurately determining measurement sensitivity per depth due to errors and the inability to obtain true measurement sensitivity, particularly in spatial resolution techniques where the measurement depth is approximated as half the distance between the light transmitter and receiver.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for calculating measurement sensitivity per depth by using optical path length differences between multiple light receivers, integrating sensitivity values per voxel, and selecting optimal light receiver combinations to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If measurement depth is approximated as half the distance between light transmitter and receiver in spatial resolution technique, then calculation is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates due to large errors and inability to obtain true measurement sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the calculation parameter from a simplified distance-based approximation to an optical path length-based calculation. By using the difference in optical path lengths between two measurement paths (with different receiver distances), the system obtains accurate measurement sensitivity values that reflect the true light propagation characteristics in tissue, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical path length as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the simple geometric distance and the complex light-tissue interaction. This intermediary allows the system to maintain calculation feasibility while achieving accurate measurement sensitivity values by accounting for the actual light propagation path through the tissue.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light receiver groups are used to calculate measurement sensitivity for different depths, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by using multiple light receiver groups, each optimized for specific depth ranges. By dividing the measurement task across different receiver configurations, the system achieves comprehensive depth-resolved measurement sensitivity while managing complexity through modular organization of the light receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of light receiver groups based on the target measurement depth. The system can adaptively choose which receiver groups to use depending on the specific measurement requirements, allowing flexibility in managing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for different depth targets.
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 calculation of measurement sensitivity per depth, improving calculation efficiency and allowing for precise selection of suitable light receiver groups for specific measurement applications.
Implementation Method 1
calculating measurement sensitivity per depth of the object of measurement by using, as the measurement sensitivity, an optical path length difference between a first optical path length expressing a length of a first optical path that is up to where light, which is emitted from a light emitter onto the object of measurement, is received at a first light receiver that is apart from the light emitter by a first distance, and a second optical path length expressing a length of a second optical path that is up to where light, which is emitted from the light emitter, is received at a second light receiver that is apart from the light emitter by a second distance
Data Source
AI summary
In a measurement target model representing a measurement target, this measurement sensitivity calculation device uses, as measurement sensitivity, an optical path length difference between a first optical path length indicating the length of an optical path through which light emitted from a light emitter to the measurement target travels before being received by a first light receiver spaced apart by a first distance from the light emitter and a second optical path length indicating the length of an optical path through which light emitted from the light emitter travels before being received by a second light receiver spaced apart by a second distance from the light emitter, calculates the measurement sensitivity for each depth of the measurement target, and outputs the measurement sensitivity calculated for each depth of the measurement target.