How to Take 3D Pictures Inside Human Tissue Using Near-Infrared Light

A system that uses flexible fiber optic cables to map the inside of complex body parts by shining light through them and measuring how it scatters.

What it covers

This patent describes a way to create 3D images of internal body structures by shining near-infrared light into tissue and collecting the light that bounces back out. It uses an adjustable support structure, like a flexible frame, that holds a large array of fiber optic cables against the uneven surface of a body part. These fibers act as both the light source and the light collector, allowing the system to capture data from many different points simultaneously. A detector then measures this scattered light, and a computer uses that data to calculate what the internal tissue looks like in three dimensions.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover imaging techniques that rely on X-rays or ionizing radiation.
• —Does not cover systems that lack the specific adjustable fiber-holding assembly for irregular surfaces.
• —Does not cover ultrasound or MRI-based imaging methods.
• —Does not cover imaging that requires invasive surgical entry into the body.

The clever bit

The innovation lies in the adjustable fiber array that physically conforms to the non-uniform, curved surface of a body part, ensuring consistent contact and data collection across complex shapes.

Why it matters

This technology is significant because it provides a non-invasive way to look inside soft tissue, which is often difficult to image clearly with traditional methods. By using near-infrared light, it can detect differences in how light is absorbed or scattered by different types of tissue, potentially helping to identify tumors or other abnormalities without exposing the patient to harmful radiation.

Real-world examples

• 1.Optical breast imaging systems
• 2.Near-infrared diffuse optical tomography (DOT) scanners
• 3.Non-invasive tissue diagnostic devices