Image Processing Device for Deep Tissue Imaging via Scattering Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in capturing clear images of internal body structures that exhibit light scattering properties, such as living tissues, as light scatters and becomes blurred, making it difficult to obtain information from depths greater than a certain level, which limits the accuracy of biometric authentication and other applications.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that uses a spot light source to illuminate the subject from different positions, capturing images at each position and combining them to create a composite image, then applies image reconstruction processing using a point spread function to reduce the influence of scattering and enhance depth penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If light is used to illuminate and capture images of internal body structures, then information about internal structures can be obtained, but light scattering causes blurring and loss of spatial information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful light scattering effect into a beneficial tool by using the scattering pattern itself as information. Instead of trying to eliminate scattering, the system captures and analyzes the scattered light distribution to reconstruct images of internal structures, thereby converting the previously harmful scattering into a useful signal for deep tissue imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D surface imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by capturing light scattering patterns from multiple angles and depths. This dimensional expansion allows the system to recover spatial information that would otherwise be lost due to scattering, enabling reconstruction of internal structures at different depths within the tissue
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods are used to capture light reflected from the subject, then surface information can be obtained, but depth information beyond a certain level is lost due to scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces computational algorithms as an intermediary between light capture and image formation. These algorithms process the scattered light patterns and reconstruct depth information that cannot be directly observed, acting as a mediator that translates scattered light signals into meaningful depth measurements of internal structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary capture of scattered light patterns from multiple positions and angles before attempting image reconstruction. By collecting this comprehensive light distribution data in advance, the system prepares the necessary information foundation for subsequent computational reconstruction of deep tissue structures
3Measurement precision
If multiple captured images are combined to improve depth information, then deeper structures may be visualized, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies illumination parameters such as light source position, angle, and wavelength to capture diverse light scattering patterns from different depths. By changing these parameters in a controlled manner, the system accumulates complementary information that enhances depth visualization while maintaining manageable processing requirements through structured data collection
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
This approach allows for clearer visualization of internal structures at greater depths, improving the accuracy of biometric authentication and enabling applications like injection assistance and foreign substance detection in food, by effectively reducing the blurring caused by light scattering.
Implementation Method 1
an image obtained by illuminating the photographic subject with the light from a light source and capturing the light reflected from the photographic subject
Implementation Method 2
Inside a photographic subject exhibiting a light scattering property (a body exhibiting a light scattering property is hereinafter also referred to as a 'scatterer'), light is not able to travel linearly, and travels while continuously changing travelling direction
Implementation Method 3
Some of the light applied to a photographic subject is reflected by the surface of the photographic subject in accordance with Fresnel's formula. Fresnel reflection is reflection that occurs because of the difference in the refractive index between the photographic subject and the medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to: acquire, for each of different entrance positions, each of captured images generated by changing the luminance of pixels within a given distance from an entrance position indicating a location at which light is incident to a photographic subject, the pixels being in an image obtained by illuminating the photographic subject with the light from a light source and capturing the light reflected from the photographic subject, generate a composite image by adding together each of the captured images, and generate an output image by performing image restoration on the composite image by using a model having the shape of the reflected light.