Tactile-Optical Fusion Probe for Breast Tumor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast cancer detection methods, such as conventional ultrasound and infrared imaging, face limitations in reproducibility, spatial resolution, and the inability to provide comprehensive three-dimensional imaging, making it difficult to accurately diagnose tumors, especially in dense breast tissue.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode imaging device that combines tactile sensing with optical tomography, using a handheld probe equipped with a tactile sensor and photoelectric sensor module, allowing for simultaneous acquisition and fusion of pressure distribution and light scattering images to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used for breast examination, then the imaging is suitable for different occasions and has cost advantages, but the imaging lacks reproducibility and requires high image recognition skills of doctors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines tactile sensing technology with optical tomography imaging technology to create a dual-mode imaging system. The tactile sensor array detects tissue mechanical properties while the optical system captures functional information, and both datasets are fused to produce comprehensive three-dimensional images that improve reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld probe integrates multiple detection functions including tactile sensing, optical detection, and three-dimensional imaging capabilities into a single device, making it adaptable for different examination occasions while maintaining consistent and reproducible results through automated multi-parameter measurement
2Loss of information
If infrared breast imager or thermal imager is used for optical imaging, then the functional information such as haemoglobin and blood oxygen can be detected, but the spatial resolution is low due to scattering effect of tissue on light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tactile sensing that detects tissue hardness and structural properties with optical tomography that detects functional information. By combining these complementary measurement modalities, the system recovers spatial resolution information lost in pure optical imaging while maintaining functional detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional optical imaging to three-dimensional tomographic imaging by incorporating tactile sensor data that provides depth and structural information. This dimensional enhancement allows reconstruction of internal tissue structures with improved spatial resolution while maintaining functional information detection
3Device complexity
If simple CCD camera is used for infrared imaging, then the device is simple, but it does not have the function of tomography or volume imaging and cannot obtain information inside the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (tactile sensors, optical fibers, photodetectors) and multiple imaging modalities (tactile imaging, optical tomography) into an integrated handheld probe system, achieving both structural and functional three-dimensional imaging of internal tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld probe is designed as a multi-functional device that performs tactile sensing, optical detection, signal processing, and three-dimensional image reconstruction all in one unit, providing comprehensive diagnostic information while maintaining portability and ease of use
4Ease of operation
If molybdenum target X-ray imaging is used for breast cancer examination, then the detection has wide range and easy imaging, but there is X-ray radiation requiring special protective use environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation-based X-ray imaging with non-ionizing tactile and optical sensing methods. The tactile sensors mechanically detect tissue properties while optical fibers use light to probe tissue function, eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters used for tissue characterization from X-ray attenuation to tactile mechanical properties and optical absorption/scattering properties. This parameter transformation enables radiation-free imaging while providing complementary diagnostic information about tissue structure and function
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 device provides non-invasive, non-destructive, and cost-effective three-dimensional imaging, improving the detection and diagnosis of breast tumors by correlating tactile and optical images, enabling better assessment of tissue hardness and blood distribution, thereby aiding in the differentiation between benign and malignant tumors.
Implementation Method 1
Based on a distributed pressure sensor technology, stress changes of the tissue are detected instead of the manual palpation
Implementation Method 2
The optical imaging is based on the fact that tissue has different absorption and scattering effects on light of different wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
a photoelectric sensor module disposed in sequence... an optical fiber connected to the photoelectric sensor module
Implementation Method 4
an optical fiber connected to the photoelectric sensor module is interposed between the first probe side cover and the second probe side cover
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device for fusion of tactile sensing and optical tomography includes a handheld probe, a controller for performing signal control and data acquisition on the handheld probe and communicating with a computer, and the computer for performing data analysis and image reconstruction and display on controller information. The handheld probe includes a probe front cover. A tactile sensor, a probe base, and a photoelectric sensor module disposed in sequence are sandwiched between a first probe side cover and a second probe side cover matching the probe front cover. An optical fiber connected to the photoelectric sensor module is interposed between the first probe side cover and the second probe side cover. A detection method based on the detection device comprises detecting tumors inside biological tissue, and detecting physical changes (i.e. local hardness) of the tissue and functional changes (i.e. blood supply distribution) of the tissue.