Free Space Optical Tomography via Surface Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical tomography systems require direct contact with the object, limiting their versatility in imaging shapes, sizes, and geometries, and compromising patient comfort, especially when used for medical imaging.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for optical tomography that uses a surface capture system to generate a mathematical description of the object's surface, allowing light sources and sensors to be spaced apart, enabling the generation of tomographic images without direct contact, and employing optical models to account for light propagation and scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct contact between light sources/sensors and object is used, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited versatility in imaging shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces free space as an intermediary medium between the light sources/sensors and the object. Instead of requiring direct contact, the system uses optical models to mediate the light propagation through air space to the object surface and back, enabling non-contact imaging while maintaining measurement accuracy through computational correction of scattering effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mathematical copy or model of the object's surface geometry through optical modeling. This virtual representation allows the system to account for light propagation paths without physical contact, preserving measurement precision while adapting to various object shapes and sizes
2Measurement precision
If direct contact between light sources/sensors and object is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to compromised patient comfort
Solution Approach 1:
Free space serves as a comfortable intermediary that eliminates the need for direct contact between imaging devices and the patient's body. The optical models bridge the gap between non-contact measurement and precision requirements, allowing patients to remain comfortable while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If light sources and sensors are spaced apart, then adaptability is improved, but light intensity deteriorates due to increased attenuation and scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/optical coupling with computational modeling. Instead of relying on strong physical coupling to maintain light intensity, the system uses optical models to calculate and compensate for attenuation and scattering effects, allowing spaced-apart components while maintaining effective signal strength
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of light propagation by modeling them explicitly. By accounting for attenuation and scattering as variable parameters in the optical models, the system can compensate for intensity loss due to spacing, effectively maintaining measurement quality despite increased distance
4Measurement precision
If optical models are used to account for light propagation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal optical models that can handle multiple imaging scenarios, object geometries, and tissue types through a single computational framework. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining precision across diverse applications
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 the imaging of internal structures with greater versatility and comfort by allowing non-contact imaging of various shapes and sizes, improving the ability to image deeper tissues with higher sensitivity and specificity.
Implementation Method 1
light tends to be absorbed and to scatter when passing though an object
Implementation Method 2
light tends to be absorbed and to scatter when passing though an object
Implementation Method 3
a surface-capture system to receive surface light reflected from a surface of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for free space optical tomography provides one or more light source and one or more light sensors spaced, which in one embodiment are spaced apart from and object to be imaged. A surface capture system coupled to a variety of optical models provides the method and system with the ability to render accurate tomographic images though the light has propagated both through a diffuse medium and, in on embodiment, also through free space to the one or more light sensors.