Depth-Surface Imaging Head With Transparent Acoustic Deflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies struggle to provide precise, low-distortion volumetric localization of surface and depth formations, particularly for surgical procedures, as existing solutions are invasive, complex, or require manual registration, and lack accurate registration methods for simultaneous optical and ultrasound images.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal imaging device with a transparent acoustic deflector and appropriate medium allows simultaneous capture of low-distortion optical and acoustic images by positioning the optical and acoustic beams perpendicularly, using a marker as a coordinate system for precise image alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent acoustic deflector is used to enable simultaneous optical and ultrasound imaging, then image capture capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical imaging and ultrasound imaging into a single integrated device head, allowing simultaneous capture of both image types. The transparent acoustic deflector enables the acoustic beam to be redirected while allowing optical beams to pass through, merging two imaging modalities into one cohesive system that captures surface and depth information simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent acoustic deflector acts as an intermediary element that redirects the acoustic beam while being transparent to optical beams. This mediator component enables the acoustic and optical paths to coexist without interfering with each other, allowing both imaging modalities to function simultaneously through the same device interface.
2Device complexity
If manual registration methods are used to align images, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing both optical and ultrasound images simultaneously at known positions, and pre-aligns them using the coordinate system information from the acoustic beam position. This preliminary alignment eliminates the need for manual registration later, achieving high precision automatically as part of the imaging process itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ultrasound transceiver head covers the inspected area, then imaging capability is improved, but information accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device head serves multiple functions: it acts as both the ultrasound transceiver and the optical imaging interface. The same physical component that transmits and receives acoustic beams also allows optical beams to pass through for surface imaging. This multi-functionality ensures that both imaging modalities share the same position and orientation, eliminating location information loss.
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 fast, high-precision diagnostics and 3D reconstruction of skin diseases, facilitating accurate surgical planning and minimally invasive procedures by aligning superficial and depth images with minimal distortion.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent acoustic deflector... which allows pulses to propagate between the depth imaging transducer unit and the tissue object to be inspected in both directions with minimal distortion
Implementation Method 2
a transparent acoustic deflector... allows propagation of the optical beams between the tissue object to be inspected and the camera
Implementation Method 3
an intermediary media that allows pulses to propagate between the depth imaging transducer unit and the tissue object to be inspected in both directions with minimal distortion
Implementation Method 4
an intermediary media that allows propagation of the optical beams between the tissue object to be inspected and the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A multimodal imaging unit for depth-surface imaging of a skin region of interest includes an ultrasound imaging transceiver, an optically transparent acoustic deflector, an optical module, and an optical camera sensor. An ultrasound beam emitted towards the acoustic deflector is deflected towards the skin region of interest, and an ultrasound beam reflected from the skin region of interest is returned to the ultrasound imaging transceiver. An optical beam from the optical module is passed through the acoustic deflector to a skin area of the skin region of interest and an optical beam reflected from the skin area is returned to an optical camera sensor through the acoustic deflector. The transceiver and the acoustic deflector are surrounded by an intermediary coupling medium and are hermetically enclosed by a cover provided with an acoustically and optically transparent access port for the ultrasound beams and the optical beams.