Photoacoustic Probe Artifact Reduction via Segmented Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photoacoustic measurement techniques require multiple light sources and longer repetition periods to reduce artifacts, increasing cost and measurement time due to the need for dual-wavelength light emission and detection.
Innovation Solution
A photoacoustic measurement apparatus with a probe that includes a measurement light emitting unit, an acoustic wave detector, a correction light source, and a light intensity detector, where the correction light source and light intensity detector are positioned between the measurement light emitting unit and the acoustic wave detector, allowing for single-light-source operation and artifact reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If dual-wavelength light sources are used to reduce surface artifacts, then artifact reduction is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into distinct functional units: a measurement light emitting unit for photoacoustic imaging, a correction light source for surface reflection measurement, and a light intensity detector for capturing reflection signals. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need for complex dual-wavelength light sources while effectively reducing surface artifacts through separate correction measurements
Solution Approach 2:
A correction light source and light intensity detector are introduced as intermediary components between the measurement light emitting unit and the acoustic wave detector. These intermediaries enable indirect measurement of surface reflection characteristics, which are then used to correct the photoacoustic images and eliminate surface artifacts without requiring the measurement light itself to have multiple wavelengths
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dual-wavelength light sources are used to reduce surface artifacts, then artifact reduction is achieved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by sequentially emitting correction light and measurement light in alternating cycles. The correction light source emits correction light periodically to measure surface reflection, and the measurement light emitting unit emits measurement light periodically for photoacoustic imaging. This periodic alternation allows both correction and measurement functions to be performed efficiently without requiring simultaneous dual-wavelength operation, thereby reducing the repetition period compared to dual-wavelength approaches
Solution Approach 2:
Surface reflection characteristics are measured in advance using the correction light source and light intensity detector before photoacoustic image acquisition. The measured surface reflection data is stored and used to correct subsequent photoacoustic images. This preliminary measurement approach eliminates the need for real-time dual-wavelength switching during image acquisition, significantly reducing the measurement time and repetition period
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used for artifact reduction, then photoacoustic image quality is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The correction light source is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a surface reflection measurement source and as a reference for correcting photoacoustic images. The light intensity detector also performs multiple functions: measuring surface reflection during correction light emission and potentially serving as a reference detector. This multi-functionality allows high-quality artifact-reduced imaging without requiring multiple specialized light sources, thereby reducing cost while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive dual-wavelength measurement light sources, the system uses a simpler correction light source that copies or mimics the surface interaction characteristics. The correction light source emits light that interacts with the surface similarly to how measurement light would, allowing the system to measure and correct surface artifacts using a less expensive, single-wavelength correction source rather than requiring expensive multi-wavelength measurement sources
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
Enables efficient reduction of artifacts from surface-generated photoacoustic waves using single measurement light, reducing the need for multiple light sources and shortening the repetition period in photoacoustic imaging, while maintaining effective melanin estimation and image correction.
Implementation Method 1
photoacoustic imaging for imaging the inside of the living body using the photoacoustic effect is known. Generally, in photoacoustic imaging, pulsed laser light is emitted into the living body that is a subject. In the living body, a living tissue absorbs the energy of the pulsed laser light, and ultrasound waves (photoacoustic waves) are generated due to adiabatic expansion due to the energy.
Implementation Method 2
a light intensity detector that detects reflected light generated by reflection of the correction light, which is emitted toward the subject, from the subject
Data Source
AI summary
In a photoacoustic measurement apparatus and a probe, artifacts due to photoacoustic waves generated in a surface portion of a subject are reduced without increasing the repetition period of photoacoustic measurement. A measurement light emitting unit emits measurement light toward a subject. An acoustic wave detector detects photoacoustic waves generated within the subject due to the measurement light. A correction light source emits correction light toward the subject. A light intensity detector detects reflected light generated by reflection of the correction light, which is emitted toward the subject, from the subject. In a probe, the correction light source and the light intensity detector are disposed between the measurement light emitting unit and the acoustic wave detector.