Optical Analysis Apparatus for Tissue Fluorescence Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for optical analysis of tissue samples face challenges in accurately determining intrinsic fluorescence spectra due to distortions caused by scattering and absorption, which affect the reliability and precision of fluorescence measurements.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that utilize light emitters and collectors spaced apart with different distances and geometries to optimize measurements, allowing for the correction of distortions and determination of intrinsic fluorescence spectra using a database of correction factors, enabling more precise and reliable analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If fluorescence spectroscopy is used to measure tissue, then crucial information about tissue state can be obtained, but scattering and absorption cause severe distortion of the intrinsic fluorescence spectra

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintrinsic fluorescence spectrumVSAvoidfluorescence measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces reflectance measurements as an intermediary to characterize the scattering and absorption properties of tissue. By using reflectance data as a mediator, the system can correct the distorted fluorescence spectra to recover the intrinsic fluorescence information. The reflectance measurements serve as a bridge between the measured fluorescence and the true intrinsic fluorescence properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters by performing fluorescence and reflectance measurements at multiple source-detector distances. By varying the distance parameter and using different measurement geometries, the system optimizes each measurement type and enables correction of distortion effects to determine the intrinsic fluorescence spectrum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If single distance geometry is used for measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and optimization are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluorescence and reflectance dataVSAvoidlight emitter and collector arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement system into multiple light emitter-collector pairs with different source-detector distances. This segmentation allows each measurement channel to be optimized for its specific function (fluorescence vs. reflectance) while using the same detector, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring completely separate measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the detector system universal by using the same detector for both fluorescence and reflectance measurements. The detector performs multiple functions by detecting different types of light signals from different emitter-collector pairs, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through multi-functional measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 improves the accuracy and reliability of fluorescence spectra analysis by effectively correcting for scattering and absorption distortions, allowing for better tissue characterization and discrimination, and can be applied in various medical and healthcare applications.

Implementation Method 1

the interplay of scattering and absorption usually results in severe distortion of the intrinsic fluorescence spectra

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

the interplay of scattering and absorption usually results in severe distortion of the intrinsic fluorescence spectra

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

Fluorescence spectroscopy can give crucial information about the state of biological tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP2725967B1An apparatus for optical analysis of an associated tissue sample
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2725967B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2725967B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2725967B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

In order to improve fluorescence measurements, there is provided an apparatus and, a method and a computer program for optical analysis of an associated tissue sample, the apparatus comprising a spectrometer comprising an optical detector, a light source, a first light emitter 219 arranged for emitting photons into the associated tissue sample, a first light collector 221 arranged for receiving photons from the associated tissue sample, a second light emitter 223, a second light collector 225, wherein a reflectance spectrum is obtained via the first light emitter 219 and collector 221 and a fluorescence spectrum is obtained via the second light emitter 223 and collector 225, and where a first distance d1 between the first light emitter and collector is larger than a second distance d2 between the second light emitter and collector. By combining the data thus obtained, an intrinsic fluorescence spectrum may be obtained.