Tissue Oxygenation Measurement via Superimposed Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring tissue oxygenation, particularly in retinal tissue, are inaccurate and not well-suited for quick measurements due to tissue movement, making it difficult to detect early signs of diseases like diabetic retinopathy.
Innovation Solution
The method involves projecting a light pattern with superimposed patterns onto the tissue, using a detector to capture a single snapshot, and applying transform data to determine tissue oxygenation at multiple layers, eliminating the need for multiple frames and eye dilation, and utilizing ellipsometry to measure reflectance and polarization changes across different spatial frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior methods and apparatus are used to measure tissue oxygenation, then measurement can be performed, but measurement accuracy is reduced due to tissue movement and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple image frames and generating transform data before tissue movement significantly degrades the measurement. The method processes the data through a transform function to extract oxygenation information quickly, establishing the measurement result before degradation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or sequential measurement approaches with an optical transform-based system. By using transform functions on captured image frames, the system extracts oxygenation data without requiring physical contact or sequential scanning, thereby eliminating measurement degradation caused by tissue movement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image frames are captured to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but measurement time increases and tissue movement degrades the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The system rushes through the measurement process by capturing only a limited number of image frames (e.g., 1-5 frames) and immediately applying a transform function to extract oxygenation data. This approach skips the traditional requirement for extensive data collection and processing, achieving accurate results rapidly before tissue movement causes degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional time-consuming sequential measurement methods with a parallel transform-based processing system. By applying transform functions to multiple image frames simultaneously or in rapid succession, the system extracts oxygenation information quickly, reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If conventional ellipsometry with angle scanning is used, then polarization angle changes can be measured, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical angle-scanning system of conventional ellipsometers with a computational transform-based approach. By using transform functions on image frames captured at fixed angles, the system extracts polarization angle changes without requiring mechanical movement or complex scanning mechanisms, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
This approach provides accurate and rapid measurement of tissue oxygenation, capable of detecting small changes in oxygenation levels with high sensitivity, effectively diagnosing conditions like diabetic retinopathy before structural damage occurs.
Implementation Method 1
The projected light pattern can comprise modulated polarized light. The reflectance and polarization change through different retinal layers can be measured.
Implementation Method 2
a reflected light pattern can be imaged by a detector (e.g., a CCD). The light pattern imaged by the detector can be transformed with a transform function
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of measuring oxygenation of tissue in a non-invasive manner are provided. The apparatus comprises a light source configured to emit a light pattern to be projected onto the tissue, in which the light pattern comprises superimposed patterns having different patterns. A detector captures an image of a reflected light pattern which is reflected from the tissue as a result of the projected light pattern. A processor coupled to the detector can be configured to perform a transform on the image of the reflected light pattern and determine oxygenation of each of a plurality of layers of the tissue in response to the transform of the image. Polarimetry can be used in determining a change in polarization angle of light beam. Tissue oxygenation can be determined at a plurality of layers from one snapshot, for example oxygenation of retinal layers.