# 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.

- **Patent:** US RE38800
- **Original title:** USRE38800E1 - NIR clinical opti-scan system
- **Owner:** Research Foundation of the State University of New York
- **Granted:** 2005
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 25
- **Field:** biotech, medical_devices, consumer_electronics

## What it does

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 does NOT 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.

## Real-world examples

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

## 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How to Take 3D Pictures Inside Human Tissue Using Near-Infrared Light cover?

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.

### Who owns patent US RE38800?

Research Foundation of the State University of New York owns this patent, granted in 2005.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.

### What is patent US RE38800 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 25 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

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.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover imaging techniques that rely on X-rays or ionizing radiation.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/RE38800/digital-video-recorder-dvr

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/USRE38800

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._