Imaging Device Continuous Switching Light Sources Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dermoscopy imaging devices require multiple operations to capture images with different light sources and filter settings, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in image quality due to differences in exposure, white balance, and angle of view.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a camera body, a light unit featuring multiple light sources (e.g., polarized and unpolarized LEDs) and a filter unit that allows for continuous imaging by switching between light sources and filter positions using a single shutter operation, ensuring consistent image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging operations are performed with different light sources and filter settings, then comprehensive disease site observation is achieved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (polarized and unpolarized) and filter mechanisms into a single integrated imaging device. The filter unit can position different filters on the optical axis automatically, allowing comprehensive disease site observation through a single unified system rather than requiring separate operations with different equipment configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various imaging modes (polarized and unpolarized) using a single device. The light unit includes both polarized and unpolarized light sources, and the filter unit can switch between different filter configurations, enabling the device to universally handle multiple imaging requirements without needing separate specialized equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging operations are performed with different light sources and filter settings, then comprehensive disease site observation is achieved, but diagnostic time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous imaging operation where the camera body continuously captures images while the light unit and filter unit automatically switch between different lighting and filtering configurations. This continuous action eliminates the need to stop and reconfigure equipment between different imaging modes, significantly reducing diagnostic time while maintaining comprehensive imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device incorporates dynamic switching capabilities where the light source and filter configurations can change automatically during the imaging process. The filter unit can dynamically position different filters on the optical axis, and the light unit can switch between polarized and unpolarized sources, allowing the system to adapt configurations in real-time without manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate imaging operations are performed, then different light conditions are captured, but image quality consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into distinct controllable components: the light unit with separate polarized and unpolarized light sources, and the filter unit with switchable filters. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and controlled, ensuring that when images are captured under different light conditions, they maintain consistent quality standards through precise control of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device incorporates control mechanisms that monitor and adjust imaging parameters to maintain consistency across different lighting conditions. The system can detect variations in image quality and automatically adjust filter positioning or light source selection to ensure consistent diagnostic-quality images regardless of the imaging mode being used.
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 easy observation of disease sites with multiple images captured efficiently, reducing diagnostic time by eliminating the need for multiple operations and ensuring consistent image quality across different light settings.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source LED 11a which emits polarized light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device that images a disease site as a subject includes a camera body, a light unit that is provided in the camera body and includes a first light source and a second light source that have different characteristics, and a filter unit that includes at least one independent filter capable of being positioned on and retracted from an optical axis of the camera body. The imaging device performs continuous imaging by imaging in a state in which the subject is illuminated with light from the first light source and, via a first mode, the filter is positioned on or retracted from the optical axis and, thereafter, imaging in a state in which the subject is illuminated with light from the second light source and, via a second mode that differs from the first mode, the filter is positioned on or retracted from the optical axis.