Optical Tomography System for Hemoglobin Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical tomography systems face challenges in accurately determining absolute values of biological properties like oxygenated and de-oxygenated hemoglobin levels in the brain due to variations in scattering and optical coupling, which affect the precision of measurements and introduce noise.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple optical sources and detectors arranged at different distances to emit and detect optical signals, using spatial differential techniques and a reference wavelength to normalize scattering biases and improve accuracy, allowing for the determination of absolute values of biological properties by combining intensity measurements from various detector combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical signals are used to measure biological properties in the brain, then non-invasive monitoring is achieved, but scattering and optical coupling variations reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple wavelengths of optical signals to probe the brain tissue. By measuring optical properties at different wavelengths and using spectral unmixing algorithms, the system can distinguish between scattering effects and actual biological property variations, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving non-invasive monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple optical sources and detectors at different positions as intermediaries to indirectly measure brain properties. By using the spatial distribution of optical signals from multiple source-detector pairs, the system can separate scattering effects from absorption effects, improving measurement precision without compromising non-invasive operation
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical sources and detectors are used to improve measurement accuracy, then absolute values of biological properties can be determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into multiple segments by using several optical sources and detectors positioned at different locations. Each source-detector pair provides independent measurements, and the combined data from these segmented measurements enables accurate determination of absolute biological property values while distributing the complexity across multiple simpler components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality by arranging optical sources and detectors at different positions and distances from the brain surface. This multi-dimensional arrangement creates multiple measurement paths that can be mathematically combined to eliminate scattering effects, improving accuracy without requiring each individual component to be overly complex
3Measurement precision
If detectors are positioned at different distances from optical sources, then scattering biases can be normalized, but device complexity and positioning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system varies the distance parameter between optical sources and detectors to create measurements at different penetration depths. By using detectors at multiple predetermined distances, the system can normalize scattering biases through comparative analysis, while the distances are fixed during manufacturing to reduce positioning complexity during operation
4Measurement precision
If spatial differential techniques are used to reduce noise, then measurement precision improves, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses spatial differential techniques where measurements from multiple source-detector pairs are compared and processed together. The feedback loop involves iteratively solving the inverse problem to separate scattering from absorption effects, reducing noise while the processing complexity is managed through efficient algorithms and predetermined geometric configurations
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 enhances the precision of biological property measurements, reduces noise, and provides accurate absolute values of oxygenated and de-oxygenated hemoglobin levels, enabling detailed imaging of the brain with improved resolution and reduced need for modeling optical sources and detector variability.
Implementation Method 1
optical signals emitted by the optical source to pass through a portion of the subject's head to the two optical detectors
Implementation Method 2
variations in scattering and optical coupling, which affect the precision of measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Optical source and detector arrangements, systems, and methods are described, which may be used to provide or analyze information about a subject, including hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations. Multiple optical detectors can be positioned at different distances from an optical source. The optical sources may irradiate the subject with optical signals and the optical detectors can detect the optical signals from the optical sources after passing through the subject. Analysis of the detected signals source can yield information about the subject.