Patent ID: 9730587
Date: 2017-08-15
CPC Classifications: A61B,G01N

Claim:
1. A hardware system comprising: an optoacoustic device comprising: i. light source configured to create pulses of light, at least one light pulse having a first predominant wavelength and at least one other light pulse having a second predominant wavelength, each pulse of light being sufficient to generate an optoacoustic response in a subject, ii. light output port configured to output at least a portion of the light pulses, configured to operatively connect with a light path capable of directing the light pulses to a subject, iii. transducer array configured to receive an optoacoustic response from the subject; iv. multi-pin connector configured to receive a plurality of electrical signals produced by the transducer array and reflective of the optoacoustic response, and v. image processing unit configured to produce an image based upon electrical signals produced by the transducer array, and a testing apparatus comprising: a. light pulse sensor configured to sense a light pulse output from the light output port of the optoacoustic device, the light pulse sensor being configured to sense a pulse of light capable of generating an optoacoustic response in a subject and to distinguish between the at least one light pulse and the at least one other light pulse on the basis of the predominant wavelength, the light pulse sensor being further configured to output a trigger signal associated with the distinguished light pulse when such light pulse is sensed; b. signal output unit configured to output a first plurality of electrical signals simulating those produced by the transducer array of the optoacoustic device and reflective of an optoacoustic response in a subject to a light pulse at a first predominant wavelength in response to a trigger signal from the light pulse sensor associated with a light pulse having a first predominant wavelength, and to output a second plurality of electrical signals simulating those produced by a transducer array and reflective of an optoacoustic response in a subject to a light pulse at a second predominant wavelength in response to a trigger signal from the light pulse sensor associated with a light pulse having a second predominant wavelength; and c. plurality of conductors configured for carrying the plurality of electrical signals output by the signal output unit to the pins of the multi-pin connector of the optoacoustic device.