Optical Measurement Probe Axial Fiber Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological optical measurement systems face challenges in accurately measuring optical characteristics of body tissue due to issues with light detection and calibration, particularly in ensuring that detection areas align with illumination areas during both calibration and measurement processes.
Innovation Solution
The measurement probe is designed with a configuration that includes an illumination fiber and multiple detection fibers, where the detection areas of the fibers are positioned within or encompass the illumination area, utilizing a rod lens and stop to ensure accurate light detection and prevent stray light, allowing for precise calibration and measurement by matching light beam angles during both processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detection area is made larger to improve measurement coverage, then the detection capability is improved, but misalignment between detection and illumination areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a lateral alignment approach to an axial alignment approach. The detection area is positioned axially adjacent to the illumination area along the optical axis, rather than attempting lateral alignment. This dimensional change eliminates the misalignment problem while maintaining large detection area for comprehensive measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
A lens is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the detection fibers and the tissue interface. The lens focuses and directs light from the large detection area onto the illumination area, mediating the relationship between the two areas and enabling accurate detection despite their different sizes and positions.
2Ease of operation
If calibration and measurement use different detection areas, then the system is easier to operate, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to gaps between calibration and measurement areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection area that serves both calibration and measurement functions. By positioning the detection area axially adjacent to the illumination area and using a lens to direct light, the same detection area is used for both calibration and measurement processes, eliminating gaps and ensuring measurement accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple detection fibers are used to increase detection coverage, then the detection area increases, but alignment with illumination area becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging multiple detection fibers laterally to increase detection area, the patent positions them axially adjacent to the illumination area. This axial arrangement in a different dimension simplifies alignment while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage through the use of a lens to collect and focus light from the tissue.
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
This configuration enables accurate detection of optical characteristics by ensuring that detection areas align with illumination areas, improving measurement precision and efficiency by preventing gaps between calibration and measurement detection areas, thus enhancing the overall detection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
detection fibers configured to detect return light of at least one of the illumination light reflected from the body tissue
Implementation Method 2
detection fibers configured to detect return light of at least one of the illumination light reflected from the body tissue and the illumination light scattered from the body tissue
Implementation Method 3
connecting a rod lens to a distal end of the holding member
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement probe is configured to be detachably connected to a biological optical measurement apparatus that performs an optical measurement on body tissue. The measurement probe includes an illumination fiber configured to irradiate the body tissue with illumination light, and a plurality of detection fibers configured to detect return light of at least one of the illumination light reflected from the body tissue and the illumination light scattered from the body tissue. On a plane which is away from distal ends of the illumination fiber and the plurality of detection fibers and through which the illumination light and the return light can pass, a detection area of the return light in each of the plurality of detection fibers is included in all of an illumination area of the illumination fiber or inside of the illumination area.