Correlating Raman Spectroscopy with Digital Images of Contrast Enhanced Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
The application of spectroscopic measurements to tissue analysis is limited by the inability to correlate spectroscopic data with histopathology evident in image data, due to interference from traditional contrasting agents.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves obtaining spectroscopic data sets for tissue samples before and after treatment with a contrast enhancing agent, storing positional information to reposition the sample, and linking digital images with spectroscopic data sets using a mathematical transformation to map spatial coordinates, enabling the classification of disease states by searching a database of known samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional contrasting agents are used to enhance histopathology visibility in tissue samples, then image data quality is improved, but the ability to correlate spectroscopic data with histopathology is lost due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis process into distinct phases: acquiring spectroscopic data from untreated tissue, then separately acquiring enhanced images after contrast agent application. By separating these measurements in time and using positional tracking, the patent allows each method to operate optimally without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between image enhancement and spectroscopic data integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces positional information and transformation algorithms as intermediaries that bridge the spectroscopic data and enhanced images. These intermediaries enable correlation between the two data types without requiring simultaneous presence of both spectroscopic measurements and contrast agents, thus maintaining both image quality and spectroscopic data validity
2Reliability
If spectroscopic measurements are taken before contrast enhancement, then spectroscopic data integrity is maintained, but correlation with histopathology is difficult due to positional differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary acquisition of spectroscopic data from untreated tissue before applying contrast agents. By capturing this data first, the patent ensures spectroscopic integrity is maintained. Subsequently, positional information is recorded and used to align with post-enhancement images, resolving the positional alignment challenge through advance preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where positional information from the spectroscopic measurement phase is used to guide the alignment process in the image analysis phase. Transformation algorithms use this feedback to correct positional discrepancies and accurately map spectroscopic data to corresponding regions in enhanced images
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of correlating Raman measurements with digital images of a sample so as to classify the sample's disease state. A spectroscopic data set is obtained for the sample positioned in the field of view of a spectroscopic device. With the sample removed from the field of view, the sample is treated with a contrast enhancing agent. The treated sample is repositioned in the spectroscopic device's field of view and a digital image of the treated sample is obtained. The spectroscopic data set is linked with the digital image by defining a transformation to map the image spatial coordinates of the digital image to the spectral spatial coordinates of the spectroscopic data. For the spectroscopic data set of the sample, the database is searched to identify a spectroscopic data set, of a known sample having well characterized pathology, which matches the sample's spectroscopic data set.