Imaging Device Adaptor for Repeatable Skin Surface Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies struggle to provide consistent and high-quality images of skin surfaces across clinical and preclinical settings, making it difficult to correlate images of human skin with cultured skin tissue, and there is a lack of tools for direct comparison between laboratory and real-world skin surface analysis.
Innovation Solution
An adaptor for imaging devices that includes an elongate housing with a light source and diffuser to provide diffuse light, maintaining a fixed distance for 1:1 magnification, and features like a reflective inner surface and interface cuff to ensure consistent lighting and focus, allowing imaging of both in vivo and in vitro skin samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional microscopy or destructive imaging techniques are used for preclinical skin tissue, then imaging capability is provided, but image quality and repeatability deteriorate due to inability to maintain skin barrier properties
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor acts as an intermediary device between the imaging device and the skin surface, providing controlled diffuse lighting that enables non-destructive imaging while maintaining skin barrier properties. The diffuser component specifically mediates light distribution to avoid focal points that could damage the skin surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the lighting parameters by using diffuse light sources instead of direct illumination, and maintains consistent imaging parameters across different settings. The adaptor standardizes lighting conditions (diffuse, even illumination) and geometric parameters (fixed distance for 1:1 magnification) to enable reliable comparison between preclinical and clinical images.
2Measurement precision
If dermatoscopes are used for clinical skin imaging, then high-quality skin surface images are obtained, but correlation with preclinical laboratory images becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is designed to be universally applicable across different imaging settings (preclinical laboratory and clinical environments) while maintaining consistent imaging characteristics. It enables the same imaging device to produce comparable images in both settings, creating a universal imaging solution that bridges the gap between laboratory and clinical practice.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor standardizes imaging parameters including diffuse lighting conditions, fixed object distance for 1:1 magnification, and controlled illumination geometry. These standardized parameters enable direct correlation and comparison between preclinical and clinical images, making the imaging system adaptable across different environments.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed distance imaging is implemented for 1:1 magnification, then imaging precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to housing and positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is segmented into functional components: housing, diffuser, light source, and mounting elements. Each component serves a specific function and can be manufactured separately, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the fixed distance geometry required for 1:1 magnification. The modular design allows for easier assembly and adjustment.
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 high-quality, repeatable imaging of skin surfaces in both clinical and laboratory settings, facilitating direct comparison and enabling quantitative assessment of skin properties, aiding in product development and safety tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser positioned within the housing between the light source and the second opening to provide diffuse light to the second opening
Implementation Method 2
imaging device adaptor with reflective inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to an adaptor for use with an imaging device comprising: an elongate housing configured to be mountable over a lens of the imaging device, wherein the elongate housing comprises a first end having a first opening and a second end having a second opening; a light source positioned within the housing towards the first end; and a diffuser positioned within the housing between the light source and the second opening to provide diffuse light to the second opening. The adaptor is particularly specialised for enabling capture of high quality, repeatable, focused images of a surface of a subject.