Optical Waveguide Tactile Sensor for Subsurface Stiffness Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and diagnosing subsurface inclusions, such as tumors, face challenges with low sensitivity and specificity, and struggle to accurately determine the stiffness of tissues, which is a critical indicator of cancerous tissues, due to limitations in imaging technologies like MRI, CT, and ultrasound.
Innovation Solution
A tactile sensor utilizing a flexible optical waveguide that scatters light to determine the properties of surface materials and subsurface inclusions, including a planar optical waveguide with multiple layers and a controller to generate images and calculate elasticity, Young's modulus, and shear modulus, allowing for more accurate diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging devices (MRI, CT, ultrasound) are used to detect subsurface inclusions, then imaging capability is provided, but sensitivity and specificity remain low and stiffness determination is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical palpation and imaging-based stiffness estimation with an optical measurement system. The optical waveguide sensor uses light scattering properties to directly measure tissue mechanical properties (stiffness, elasticity) with high precision, eliminating the need for invasive biopsy and improving both measurement accuracy and diagnostic reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention measures multiple optical parameters (light scattering intensity, waveguide deformation) that correlate with tissue mechanical properties. By changing the measurement parameter from direct mechanical force to optical properties, the system achieves higher sensitivity and specificity in detecting subsurface inclusions and determining tissue stiffness.
2Ease of operation
If human finger probing is used to assess tumor stiffness, then tactile feedback is obtained, but accuracy is limited particularly for deep tumors
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide acts as an intermediary between the examiner and the tissue. Instead of direct finger contact, the waveguide transmits optical signals through the tissue, enabling indirect measurement of mechanical properties with higher precision while maintaining ease of operation. The waveguide deformation correlates with tissue stiffness, providing accurate measurements even for deep tumors.
3Reliability
If invasive biopsy is performed to determine malignancy, then definitive diagnosis is obtained, but patient trauma and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical biopsy with non-invasive optical measurement. By measuring tissue optical properties and mechanical characteristics through the waveguide sensor, the system can differentiate malignant from benign tumors with high reliability, eliminating the need for traumatic invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide creates an optical copy or representation of the tissue's mechanical properties through light scattering patterns. This optical information serves as a non-invasive surrogate for direct tissue sampling, providing sufficient diagnostic information without physical invasion.
4Reliability
If multiple imaging modalities are used to improve detection accuracy, then sensitivity increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide sensor performs multiple diagnostic functions simultaneously: detecting subsurface inclusions, determining tissue stiffness, assessing elasticity, and differentiating malignant from benign tumors. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple separate imaging modalities, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection sensitivity.
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 tactile sensor provides enhanced accuracy in detecting and diagnosing subsurface inclusions by generating detailed images and calculating tissue stiffness, improving sensitivity and specificity beyond existing imaging technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A tactile sensor utilizing a flexible optical waveguide that scatters light to determine the properties of surface materials and subsurface inclusions
Data Source
AI summary
A tactile sensor, computer readable medium, methods of using and manufacturing the tactile sensor, and methods and apparatuses for processing the information generated by the tactile sensor. The tactile sensor includes a planar optical waveguide comprised of a flexible and transparent layer; a light configured to direct light into the optical waveguide; a light sensor or an imager facing the optical waveguide and configured to generate signals from light scattered out of the optical waveguide; and a controller which may be configured to generate an image of the object and characteristics of the object. The waveguide may be configured so that some of the light directed into the optical waveguide is scattered out of the waveguide if the waveguide is deformed by being pressed against the object. A finite element and a neural network are used to estimate mechanical characteristics of the objects.