Subdermal Imaging via Segmented Photoacoustic Depth Gating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photoacoustic imaging systems face limitations in effectively imaging subdermal features due to challenges in signal-to-noise ratio and depth resolution, particularly in distinguishing between various soft tissue types.
Innovation Solution
A subdermal imaging system comprising a two-dimensional ultrasonic receiver array, a light-energy emitter, and a control system that emits light at specific wavelengths and intensities to generate ultrasonic waves, allowing for precise depth gating and signal processing to enhance image quality and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional photoacoustic imaging systems use unfocused ultrasound detectors to acquire signals, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and depth resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by introducing a focused ultrasound detector that scans through different depth ranges (range gates). Instead of using a single unfocused detector, the system divides the imaging space into multiple depth zones and uses focused detection at each zone to achieve high depth resolution while maintaining manageable system complexity through sequential scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the depth dimension to the detection process by implementing focused ultrasound detection at multiple range gates. This transforms the detection from a single-plane measurement to a three-dimensional imaging approach, where focus is adjusted along the depth axis to achieve high resolution at different tissue depths.
2Measurement precision
If conventional photoacoustic imaging systems use focused ultrasound detectors that scan in a 2D matrix, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning process into multiple range gates along the depth axis. Instead of requiring a full 2D matrix scan, the system uses a focused detector that sequentially scans through different depth zones, reducing the complexity of simultaneous multi-element control while maintaining high depth resolution through focused detection at each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic scanning through different range gates at defined intervals. The focused detector systematically moves through different depth zones in a periodic manner, allowing high-resolution imaging to be achieved through time-sequential focused detection rather than requiring complex simultaneous multi-element operation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional photoacoustic imaging systems use focused ultrasound detectors that scan in a 2D matrix, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple range gates that can be scanned sequentially. By dividing the full imaging depth into manageable segments, the system achieves high depth resolution through focused detection at each segment while reducing the total scanning time compared to a complete 2D matrix scan, thereby improving imaging productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic scanning through different range gates to achieve efficient imaging. The focused detector systematically cycles through different depth zones, allowing high-resolution data to be collected at each periodic interval. This periodic approach enables high productivity by maintaining continuous scanning motion while achieving high depth resolution through focused detection at each period.
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 system achieves improved signal-to-noise ratio and detailed imaging of subdermal features, including blood vessels and other soft tissues, enabling more reliable biometric authentication and liveness determinations.
Implementation Method 1
Light pulses are delivered into biological tissues, where some of the energy is absorbed by the tissue and converted into heat. This causes a transient thermoelastic expansion and contraction, which in turn causes an ultrasonic emission which may be measured.
Implementation Method 2
This causes a transient thermoelastic expansion and contraction, which in turn causes an ultrasonic emission which may be measured.
Data Source
AI summary
A subdermal imaging system which may determine whether a person's body is in contact with a display, and perform a subdermal imaging process to determine subdermal characteristics by a photoacoustic imaging process. Ultrasonic emissions emitted from the photoacoustic process may be received with an ultrasonic receiver array. The subdermal imaging system may adjust the wavelength and/or intensity of the photoacoustic process in order to image desired subdermal features.