Fourier Camera Variable Aperture Curved Surface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras face challenges in detecting subtle changes in moles due to variations in distance and orientation, leading to poor image quality and difficulty in distinguishing mole growth from image distortion, especially when imaging on curved skin surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A Fourier camera system comprising a first optical system, a second optical system, a variable aperture filter, and a light detector, which captures a series of images with the aperture filter moving to different positions in the Fourier plane, allowing for iterative updating of raw intensity images in overlapping regions to generate a focused, uniformly resolved image of curved surfaces, and a processor to combine these images for accurate mole tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cameras are used to image moles on curved skin surfaces, then the imaging process is simple, but image quality deteriorates due to variations in distance and orientation, making it difficult to distinguish mole growth from image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-plane focus capability where the camera can adjust focus across multiple depth planes. This dynamic focusing mechanism allows the system to capture sharp images of moles on curved skin surfaces by selectively focusing on different depth levels, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring extremely complex specialized hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the focus parameter across multiple planes to capture images at different depths. By varying the focal plane parameter, the camera can accommodate the curvature of skin surfaces and maintain accurate mole measurements across uneven terrain, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Measurement precision
If a single adjustable plane of focus is used, then the device complexity is low, but image quality deteriorates on curved surfaces where uniform focus across the entire mole cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic multi-plane focus mechanism that can selectively adjust focus across multiple depth planes. This allows the system to achieve uniform focus across the entire mole on curved surfaces by capturing images at different focal depths and synthesizing them, thereby improving image quality without requiring overly complex mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-plane to multi-plane focusing by adding the depth dimension to the focus mechanism. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous or sequential focusing on multiple depth levels, achieving uniform image quality across curved surfaces while maintaining reasonable device complexity through computational synthesis
3Ease of operation
If the camera distance and orientation are not maintained between clinic visits, then the ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in magnification and focus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic focus adjustment mechanism that automatically adapts to different camera distances and orientations. By detecting the current focal plane and adjusting focus accordingly, the system maintains measurement precision even when operating conditions vary between clinic visits, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes focus and magnification parameters based on detected camera position and orientation. This parameter adaptation allows the camera to maintain accurate mole measurements even when distance or angle varies, resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and measurement precision
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
The Fourier camera system provides robust, high-resolution imaging that accounts for position and orientation changes, enabling effective tracking of mole growth and changes, even on curved surfaces, with improved image quality and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
moving, with a variable aperture filter, an aperture to a plurality of aperture locations at a Fourier plane, wherein the aperture filters illumination from the first optical system to the second optical system
Implementation Method 2
a first optical system configured to receive illumination reflected from a curved sample surface... a second optical system configured to receive light from the first optical system
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects pertain to Fourier camera systems and methods. In one aspect, a Fourier camera comprises a first optical system, a second optical system, a variable aperture filter, and a light detector. The first optical system configured to receive illumination reflected from a curved sample surface. The variable aperture filter configured to move an aperture to a plurality of aperture locations in a Fourier plane, wherein the aperture filters light from the first optical system to the second optical system. The light detector configured to receive light from the second optical system, and configured to acquire a plurality of raw intensity images of the curved sample surface corresponding to the plurality of aperture locations, wherein the raw images are iteratively updated in overlapping regions in Fourier space to generate a focused, substantially uniform resolution image of the curved sample surface, and wherein the overlapping regions correspond to the plurality of aperture locations.