Optical Tissue Characterization via Electromechanical Wave Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for classifying spine damage are obtrusive and have limited applicability, necessitating a less invasive approach that can also be applied to broader tissue characterization.
Innovation Solution
A device and system utilizing an electromechanical transducer to transfer mechanical waves and an electromagnetic radiation emitter to emit light towards the tissue, with a processor determining tissue characteristics from the frequency response of reflected radiation, enabling non-obtrusive tissue characterization without the need for fiducial markers or direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical means with accelerometers are used to measure spine vibration frequency response, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and obtrusiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical accelerometer-based measurement system with an optical measurement system using electromagnetic radiation (light) and radiation detectors. The electromechanical transducer generates mechanical waves, and the radiation detector measures the frequency response optically, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact with accelerometers while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary between the mechanical vibration source and the measurement system. The radiation acts as a mediator that transfers information about the tissue's frequency response without requiring direct mechanical coupling, thereby reducing device obtrusiveness while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If fiducial markers are placed on the subject for optical elastography, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fiducial markers step from the optical elastography process. By using model-based segmentation to identify tissue profiles directly from images and optical flow algorithms to compute surface motion, the system achieves accurate measurement without requiring preliminary placement of external markers on the subject.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the tissue itself to provide the necessary reference information through model-based segmentation that automatically identifies tissue boundaries and profiles from the captured images. The optical flow algorithm then uses these automatically identified features to compute surface motion, making the system self-sufficient without external marker assistance.
3Measurement precision
If contact-based mechanical measurement is used, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can determine tissue characteristics across multiple applications including spine health assessment, breast tissue analysis, and other soft tissue evaluations. The combination of electromechanical transducer, optical measurement, and model-based analysis provides a versatile platform that adapts to different tissue types and clinical questions without requiring contact-based measurement methods.
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 approach allows for non-invasive, broad applicability in tissue characterization, including spine health assessment, skin elasticity, subcutaneous fat quantification, and hydration levels, using a camera to replace accelerometers and provide unobtrusive measurement with improved sensitivity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first control unit configured to control an electromechanical transducer by a first control signal to transfer mechanical waves varying in a frequency range or with varying frequency content to an exposed tissue area of the subject
Implementation Method 2
a second control unit configured to control an electromagnetic radiation emitter by a second control signal to emit electromagnetic radiation towards the exposed tissue area of the subject
Implementation Method 3
a radiation signal input configured to obtain a radiation signal indicative of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the exposed tissue area of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device, system and method for less obtrusively determining a tissue characteristic of a subject, the device comprises a first control unit (11) configured to control an electromechanical transducer (31) by a first control signal (21) to transfer mechanical waves varying in a frequency range or with varying frequency content to an exposed tissue area of the subject; a second control unit (12) configured to control an electromagnetic radiation emitter (32) by a second control signal (22) to emit electromagnetic radiation towards the exposed tissue area of the subject; a radiation signal input (13) configured to obtain a radiation signal (23) indicative of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the exposed tissue area of the subject; and a processor (14) configured to determine a tissue characteristic signal (24) indicative of a tissue characteristic of the exposed tissue area of the subject derived from a frequency response or a frequency transfer function obtained from the obtained radiation signal in said frequency range or for said varying frequency content.