Shortwave Infrared Tissue Imaging for Quantitative Lipid Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging techniques, such as MRI, are limited in providing quantitative measurements of water and lipid content in tissue due to high costs and semi-quantitative assessments, and conventional imaging devices lack spectral sensitivity to detect shortwave infrared wavelengths, where water and lipids have distinct optical absorption characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that uses a light source emitting sequential wavelengths within the shortwave infrared spectrum, combined with a spatial modulation device to generate specific patterns on a tissue sample, and a controller to process image data to determine optical properties, allowing for quantitative measurement of water and lipid content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI is used to assess water and lipid levels in tissue, then imaging capability is provided, but measurement precision remains semi-quantitative and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the MRI magnetic resonance system with an optical imaging system using light sources and detectors. This substitution enables quantitative measurement of water and lipid content through optical absorption spectroscopy in the shortwave infrared range, achieving both measurement precision and cost effectiveness by using simpler, more affordable optical components instead of expensive MRI equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from magnetic resonance signals to optical absorption characteristics. By measuring absorption of light at specific wavelengths in the shortwave infrared range (900-2500 nm), the system achieves quantitative assessment of water and lipid content, transforming the measurement approach from semi-quantitative MRI to precise optical spectroscopy
2Device complexity
If conventional imaging devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but spectral sensitivity to detect shortwave infrared wavelengths is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting specific wavelength ranges (900-2500 nm shortwave infrared) where water and lipids have distinct absorption characteristics. The optical system is designed with filters and detectors tuned to these specific spectral regions, enabling precise detection of water and lipid content while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system that can simultaneously assess water content, lipid content, and potentially other tissue properties by analyzing absorption across multiple wavelengths in the shortwave infrared range. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple diagnostic functions without requiring separate specialized equipment
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 accurate and non-invasive quantitative measurement of water and lipid content in tissue, improving upon the limitations of existing techniques by utilizing the distinct absorption characteristics of water and lipids in the shortwave infrared range, with enhanced penetration depth and reduced invasiveness.
Implementation Method 1
water and lipids have distinct optical absorption characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for measuring water and blood lipid content in a tissue sample includes a light source configured to emit a plurality of sequential wavelengths of light within a predetermined range of wavelengths, a spatial modulation device configured to direct each of the plurality of sequential wavelengths of light onto a tissue sample plane to generate a first plurality of patterns on the issue sample plane at a first spatial frequency and a second plurality of patterns on the tissue sample plane at a second spatial frequency, an imaging device configured to generate first image data reproducible as images the first plurality of patterns and second image data reproducible as images the second plurality of patterns, and a controller configured to determine a first optical property and a second optical property for each location on the sample plane.