Contact-Based Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging Using Flexible Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) systems are complex and limited in their application due to the need for projection optics and are not well-suited for imaging curved or variable surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A contact-based SFDI system using a flexible sheet with integrated lighting and sensor elements, optionally with a collimating structure, that directly contacts the medium to generate and measure spatially modulated light patterns, allowing precise control and measurement of illumination and resulting light patterns without projection optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If projection-based SFDI systems are used, then imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to required projection optics and spatial modulators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the projection optics and spatial modulators from the SFDI system, replacing them with a flexible sheet containing integrated lighting elements and sensors that directly contact the medium. This extraction eliminates the complex optical projection path while maintaining the essential SFDI measurement capability through direct contact illumination and detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lighting elements, sensors, and collimating structure into a single integrated flexible sheet assembly that directly contacts the medium. This consolidation combines multiple previously separate components (light source, spatial modulator, projection optics, and camera) into one unified device, reducing overall system complexity while preserving imaging functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If projection-based SFDI systems are used, then imaging is performed, but adaptability to curved or variable surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sheet as the core component that can conform to curved or variable surfaces. This thin film structure allows the imaging device to adapt to different geometries (flat, curved, cylindrical, or irregular surfaces) while maintaining precise contact between the lighting elements, collimating structure, and sensors with the medium, thereby preserving imaging accuracy across diverse surface types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If contact-based imaging is used, then surface adaptability improves, but measurement precision may be affected by contact pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the flexible sheet with specific structural characteristics at different locations: the collimating structure provides localized optical directionality where needed, while the lighting elements and sensors are distributed to provide uniform local measurement capability. This localized optimization allows the system to conform to surfaces while maintaining measurement precision through controlled local interactions rather than uniform contact pressure.
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 simplified, precise imaging of curved or variable surfaces with improved resolution and the ability to use wavelengths that would be absorbed in air, facilitating continuous monitoring and enhanced measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The sheet comprise an array of lighting elements generating illumination light patterns illuminating the medium
Implementation Method 2
Multiple scattering and absorption in the medium will cause a decrease in the amplitude of the projected sinewave
Implementation Method 3
an array of sensor elements measuring spatially resolved images of resulting light patterns reflected back after interaction of the illumination light patterns with the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for contact-based spatial frequency domain imaging. A medium to be imaged is contacted by a sheet comprising an array of lighting elements generating illumination light patterns illuminating the medium, and comprising an array of sensor elements measuring spatially resolved images of resulting light patterns reflected back after interaction of the illumination light patterns with the medium. The lighting elements generate illumination light patterns that are spatially modulated in light intensity along a surface of the illuminated medium according to a respective different spatial frequency. A set of spatially modulated images is determined based on the measured resulting light patterns caused by the different illumination light patterns. An image of the medium can be generated based on a combination of the spatially modulated images.