Depth-Resolved Skin Lesion Imaging via Optical Sectioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and characterizing skin lesions, such as dermoscopy, rely on visual assessment and require histological examination with tissue sampling, which is invasive and lacks detailed imaging of morphological structures without staining.
Innovation Solution
A device with high magnification optics (up to 400-fold) and a focusing unit that allows selective imaging of skin lesions at different depth levels, enabling detailed color imaging without tissue sampling, using LED lighting and advanced sensors for image processing and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional dermoscopy is used for detecting skin lesions, then the examination is non-invasive and easy to perform, but it lacks detailed imaging of morphological structures at different depths and requires invasive histological examination for definitive diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D surface imaging in dermoscopy to 3D depth-resolved imaging by implementing optical sectioning at multiple focal planes (e.g., 0 μm, 10 μm, 20 μm, 30 μm depths). This dimensional extension enables visualization of morphological structures at different tissue depths without invasive procedures, resolving the contradiction between detection precision and invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The examination process is segmented into multiple discrete focal planes or depth levels (e.g., 0 μm, 10 μm, 20 μm, 30 μm). Each focal plane captures morphological structures at a specific depth, and these segmented depth images are then integrated to form a comprehensive 3D representation. This segmentation enables detailed structural analysis while maintaining non-invasiveness.
2Reliability
If histological examination with tissue sampling is performed, then definitive diagnosis is achieved, but the procedure becomes invasive and requires surgical intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates optical copies or images of the tissue structures at multiple depth levels using non-invasive optical sectioning. These copied images represent the morphological structures faithfully without requiring physical tissue removal. The accumulated depth images provide diagnostic information comparable to histology while avoiding surgical intervention, thus maintaining diagnostic reliability while simplifying the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive procedure of tissue sampling and slide preparation with an optical imaging system that uses light to visualize and characterize skin lesions. This substitution eliminates the need for surgical intervention while providing detailed morphological information for reliable diagnosis.
3Measurement precision
If high magnification optics (at least 160x) are used to capture detailed morphological structures, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional optical system where a single imaging装置 performs multiple functions: it captures images at multiple focal planes, achieves high magnification (at least 160x), and provides depth-resolved visualization. By integrating these functions into one system rather than requiring separate devices for each function, the patent improves imaging resolution while controlling overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic focusing mechanism that can rapidly adjust between multiple focal planes (e.g., 0 μm, 10 μm, 20 μm, 30 μm depths) during image acquisition. This dynamic capability allows the system to capture detailed morphological structures at different depths sequentially, achieving high resolution imaging without requiring multiple static optical systems, thereby managing device complexity.
4Loss of information
If multiple focal planes at different depths are imaged, then comprehensive morphological information is obtained, but imaging time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic or sequential imaging at discrete focal planes (e.g., 0 μm, 10 μm, 20 μm, 30 μm depths) rather than continuous imaging through all depths. This periodic sampling of depth planes captures the essential morphological information efficiently, reducing imaging time while maintaining information completeness for diagnostic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of images from multiple focal planes by accumulating and integrating them into a composite depth-resolved image. This preliminary integration step organizes the multi-depth information efficiently, reducing the time required for subsequent analysis and interpretation while ensuring comprehensive morphological information is retained.
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 non-invasive, detailed visualization of morphological structures at various depths, providing immediate diagnostic options for skin lesions with enhanced detection of malignant and benign tissue, reducing the need for invasive procedures and staining methods.
Implementation Method 1
the detection unit has a magnifying lens which provides at least 160x, preferably at least 240x optical magnification of the skin region
Implementation Method 2
a focusing unit associated with the magnifying lens which is designed to place a focal plane of the magnifying lens starting from a skin surface of the skin region, preferably step by step, into a plurality of different depth levels below the skin surface
Implementation Method 3
a detection unit, in particular a video dermatoscope, for selectively illuminating and capturing images of a skin region having a skin lesion
Implementation Method 4
using LED lighting and advanced sensors for image processing and analysis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for producing a plurality of images for assistance in the characterization of skin lesions, comprising: a capturing unit (1), in particular a video dermatoscope, for selectively illuminating and capturing photographs of a skin region (11) having a skin lesion (12), the capturing unit (1) having a magnifying optical unit (2), which provides at least a 160x, preferably an at least 240x optical magnification of the skin region (11) in order to capture morphological structures of the skin lesion (12); a focusing unit (3), which is associated with the magnifying optical unit (2) and is designed to place a focal plane (F) of the magnifying optical unit (2), starting from a skin surface (t0) of the skin region (11), preferably incrementally at a plurality of different depth planes (t1...tn) below the skin surface; a control unit (4), which is designed to control the focusing unit (3) and/or the capturing unit (1) and preferably controls the same in such a way that a photograph is taken by the capturing unit (1) when the focal plane (F) is arranged at a depth plane (t1...tn) in question; and a processing and outputting unit (5) for image generation on the basis of the picture information provided by the capturing unit (1).