Tissue Roughness Characterization via Laser Depolarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the morphological characteristics of biological tissues, such as biopsies, are time-consuming, require specialized training, and result in lengthy waiting times for diagnostic results.
Innovation Solution
A device attachable to a microscope that uses laser light scattering to automatically characterize tissue samples through depolarization correlation, speckle interferometry correlation, and temporal correlation measurements, providing parameters for roughness frequency, degree of depolarization, and average speed of dispersive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual biopsy analysis by pathologists is used, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical analysis system (pathologist visually examining tissue samples under microscopes) with an automated optical measurement system. The device uses laser illumination, photodetectors, and computer processing to automatically characterize tissue samples through light scattering measurements, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual examination while maintaining diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies and measurements of tissue sample characteristics through light scattering patterns. Instead of directly examining the physical tissue sample, the system captures light scattering signatures that represent the tissue's morphological properties, enabling rapid automated analysis without handling or extensively processing the original sample.
2Ease of operation
If manual biopsy analysis is performed, then comprehensive tissue characterization is achieved, but the complexity and specialization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual expertise requirements with an automated optical measurement system. The device performs sophisticated tissue characterization through laser light scattering measurements and computer processing, eliminating the need for highly trained pathologists to manually examine samples, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining comprehensive analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms tissue characterization from a complex visual assessment requiring specialized training into quantitative optical parameter measurements. By measuring light scattering properties (intensity, polarization, temporal correlations) and processing these parameters computationally, the system achieves comprehensive tissue characterization through standardized physical measurements rather than subjective expert evaluation.
3Productivity
If automated optical measurement is used, then speed and simplicity are improved, but measurement precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through computer processing of photodetector signals. The system measures light scattering patterns, processes these signals computationally to extract tissue characteristics, and uses correlation analysis to ensure measurement consistency. This feedback-driven computational approach maintains measurement precision while enabling rapid automated analysis of multiple samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement judgment with automated optical detection and computational analysis. The photodetector system objectively measures light scattering properties, and computer algorithms precisely process these measurements to determine tissue characteristics, ensuring consistent and accurate results without the variability inherent in manual examination.
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 faster, simpler, and more cost-effective characterization of tissue samples, reducing the need for extensive manual analysis and minimizing waiting times for diagnostic results.
Implementation Method 1
the light scattered in reflection, or light backscattered, by the tissue in response to its illumination by a laser source
Implementation Method 2
A first position wherein a rotating ground glass plate is arranged within the path of the laser beam towards the surface
Implementation Method 3
A second position wherein a rotating half wave blade is arranged within the path of the laser beam towards the surface... the polarization of the laser beam that illuminates the sample rotates depending on the angle of rotation of the half wave blade
Implementation Method 4
The function of the photodetector is to receiving the light scattered in reflection by the surface of the tissue illuminated by the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a device (1) for characterizing the rough profile of a tissue sample comprising: a laser source (2) that illuminates the surface (100) of the tissue; a photodetector (3) that receives the light backscattered by the surface (100) of the tissue; and further a displacement means (4) configured to alternate between a first position wherein a rotating ground glass (5) is disposed within the path of the laser beam towards the surface (100), a second position wherein a rotating half wave blade (6) is disposed within the path of the laser beam towards the surface (100); and a third position wherein within the path of the laser beam towards the surface (100) neither the ground glass plate (5) nor the half wave blade (6) are arranged, or the half wave blade (6) is arranged in a fixed non-rotating position.