Planar Optical Emitter Detector Array for Tissue Inhomogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for optical in vivo measurement of analytes in human tissue face challenges due to tissue inhomogeneity, anisotropy, and the presence of multiple interfering substances, leading to measurement deviations and inability to compare concentration values accurately over time.
Innovation Solution
A device with a planar arrangement of at least three optical emitters and detectors, each with different wavelength characteristics, allows for multiple uses of components, achieving a large number of different distances and orientations, thereby enhancing spectral resolution and reducing the influence of interfering substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical measurement methods are used on human tissue, then measurement can be performed, but measurement precision deteriorates due to tissue inhomogeneity and anisotropy
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the measurement system into multiple independent emitter-detector pairs, each targeting specific tissue regions or depths. This segmentation allows the system to measure different optical path lengths and tissue layers separately, compensating for inhomogeneity and anisotropy effects that would otherwise contaminate a single measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-point measurements to a distributed spatial arrangement of multiple emitters and detectors in two or three dimensions. This dimensional expansion enables the system to probe tissue from multiple angles and depths simultaneously, creating a comprehensive optical measurement map that accounts for tissue inhomogeneity and anisotropy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple emitter-detector pairs at different distances are used, then spectral resolution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple emitter-detector pairs with different spacing configurations into a single integrated measurement device. By merging these pairs, the system achieves high spectral resolution through multiple optical path lengths while avoiding the complexity of operating separate devices, as all measurements are captured simultaneously in one application.
Solution Approach 2:
The emitter-detector array is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously - measuring different optical path lengths, detecting multiple wavelengths, and probing various tissue depths all through a single device configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high spectral resolution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If repeated measurements are performed on the same tissue region, then monitoring capability improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to position variations
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to automatically maintain consistent measurement positioning through its distributed emitter-detector array and signal processing algorithms. The system self-corrects for position variations by comparing measurements across multiple spatial points and using reference signals, enabling repeated monitoring without requiring manual repositioning or losing measurement precision.
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 solution enables precise and reproducible measurement of analyte concentrations in human tissue, even with repeated applications, by effectively addressing tissue inhomogeneity and anisotropy, and minimizing the impact of interfering substances.
Implementation Method 1
They are based on spectroscopic procedures in which light is radiated into the sample, passes through it and emerges from the sample at a different location. The attenuation of light resulting from absorption and dispersion is measured at the point of exit by a detector.
Implementation Method 2
They are based on spectroscopic procedures in which light is radiated into the sample, passes through it and emerges from the sample at a different location.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for optical detection of analytes in a sample includes at least two optoelectronic components. The optoelectronic components include at least one optical detector configured to receive a photon and at least one optical emitter configured to emit a photon. The at least one optical emitter includes at least three optical emitters disposed in a flat, non-linear arrangement, and the at least one optical detector includes at least three optical detectors disposed in a flat, non-linear arrangement. The at least three optical emitters and the at least three optical detectors include at least three different wavelength characteristics.