System and Method for Remotely Monitoring Pathological Functions and Conditions with Multi-Spectral, Chip-Based Lidar

Smart overview of the Invention

The invention describes a silicon-embedded multi-spectral lidar system designed for non-invasive, remote monitoring of an individual's pathological conditions. It integrates multiple laser sources, photodetectors, and a processing module onto a silicon chip. This setup captures and analyzes spatial, spectral, scattering, and temporal data from a target subject, facilitating the detection of three-dimensional surface and subsurface features like micro-movements, vascular patterns, pigmentation changes, and tissue irregularities.

Technological Background

Traditional monitoring technologies for physiological functions often require close physical proximity or direct contact with the subject. These methods can be intrusive and uncomfortable, limiting their usability in certain contexts. In contrast, advancements in technology now allow for non-invasive monitoring of neurological and mental health functions through eye movement tracking. However, conventional methods still rely on physical interaction or specialized equipment.

Innovation Highlights

This lidar system leverages machine learning algorithms to process information from lidar signals at various wavelengths. It identifies and classifies abnormalities for applications such as heart rate and respiration monitoring, eye movement tracking for neurological assessments, and detecting pathological skin conditions like cancer. The system operates in real-time, adapts to environmental conditions, and supports dynamic monitoring over time.

Technical Specifications

• A silicon chip includes multiple laser sources emitting signals at different wavelengths.
• An optical signal processor differentiates received signals based on wavelength to generate comprehensive data.
• A machine learning engine identifies conditions from data such as spectral reflectance and surface profiling.
• The system is portable and can be configured as handheld or wearable.
• It supports integration with telemedicine platforms for remote diagnostics.

Advantages

Multi-spectral lidar offers significant benefits over single-wavelength systems by providing enhanced accuracy and depth penetration. It allows precise measurement of physiological processes by utilizing multiple wavelengths in different spectral regions. This capability enables comprehensive imaging of both surface and deeper biological structures, improving real-time sensing accuracy and resilience to environmental interference.