Diffusion Optical Tomography Control System Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diffusion optical tomography systems are bulky, power-intensive, and complex, making them difficult to miniaturize and achieve real-time imaging due to large matrix operations required for high image resolution.
Innovation Solution
A control and sensing system with a control unit and a sensing circuit comprising arrays of light sources and sensors arranged with predetermined distances, using a multiplexer and demultiplexer to efficiently emit and receive near-infrared light, allowing for real-time data collection and processing on a flexible printed circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large-size machines with multiple light sources and sensors are used to achieve high detection precision, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task into multiple channels, each with dedicated light sources and sensors. The control unit segments the control signals to different channels via a multiplexer, and the demultiplexer segments the received signals to different sensors. This segmentation allows precise detection while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it generates control signals, multiplexes them to different light sources, processes returned signals through demultiplexing, and reconstructs images. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources and sensors are arranged to emit more light and sense more optical signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for multiple light sources and sensors into a single control unit that uses multiplexing and demultiplexing. Instead of having separate control circuits for each light source and sensor, the system combines them into unified control and signal processing pathways, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining the capability to control multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer and demultiplexer act as intermediary components between the control unit and the multiple light sources/sensors. These intermediaries manage the complex routing of signals, allowing the control unit to communicate with multiple components through standardized interfaces, thereby reducing the overall circuit complexity.
3Measurement precision
If large matrix operations are performed to achieve high image resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic scanning where light sources are activated in sequences through the multiplexer, and sensors receive signals in organized cycles via the demultiplexer. This periodic action allows the system to collect sufficient data for high-resolution imaging through multiple channels while maintaining real-time imaging capability through efficient time-multiplexed data collection.
4Measurement precision
If more light sources and sensors are used to improve detection capability, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having all light sources and sensors operate simultaneously, the system activates them periodically in sequences through time-multiplexed control. The multiplexer directs control signals to different light sources at different time intervals, and the demultiplexer processes returned signals in sequences. This periodic operation maintains detection precision through multiple measurements while significantly reducing instantaneous power consumption.
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
The system achieves miniaturization, reduces complexity and cost, enabling real-time imaging and efficient image processing for diffusion optical tomography, facilitating its application in medical diagnostics such as tumor detection and brain function monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
diffusion optical tomography utilizes the fact that body tissues or tumors exhibit different optical properties (e.g. absorption, reflection and deflection) to excitation light with specific wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of sensors for individually receiving the optical signals based on the control commands, and transmitting the optical signals to the control unit
Data Source
AI summary
A control and sensing system for diffusion optical tomography and a method for operating the same are disclosed. The control and sensing system includes a control unit and a sensing circuit with a plurality of light sources and sensors, each light source being surrounded by a corresponding predetermined number of the sensors. The control unit instructs the light sources to individually emit light to an object, so the object generates a plurality of optical signals, and instructs the predetermined number of the sensors corresponding to each light source to receive the optical signals and transmit them to the control unit, thereby reducing the complexity of the control and sensing system.