360 Imaging System Articulated Boom for Patient Documentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging systems for plastic surgery documentation often fail to provide a comprehensive 360° view of patients before and after surgery, relying on limited-angle photographs which do not adequately showcase transformations.

Innovation Solution

A 360° imaging system comprising an articulated swiveling horizontal boom with a camera and backdrop that rotates 360° around the subject, accompanied by adjustable lighting and motorized movement control, allowing for high-resolution video capture in both portrait and landscape orientations, and featuring an automated process for capturing, editing, and comparing before and after images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple angle photographs are taken to document patient appearance, then more views are captured, but the documentation still does not provide a complete 360° view of the transformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of patient appearance documentationVSAvoidimaging system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from capturing images at discrete angles to a continuous 360° orbital capture around the patient. The camera system rotates horizontally and vertically to capture images from all directions, creating a three-dimensional documentation of the patient's appearance that goes beyond traditional multi-angle photography.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging system employs dynamic movement with motorized horizontal and vertical rotation capabilities. The camera can orbit the patient horizontally and adjust vertical angles dynamically, allowing flexible capture of any desired viewpoint rather than being limited to fixed positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If a stationary camera setup is used for photography, then the equipment is simple, but it cannot capture comprehensive 360° views of the patient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of patient appearanceVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated motorized rotation mechanisms that enable the camera to orbit the patient and adjust angles automatically. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual repositioning and complex operator intervention, making the sophisticated 360° imaging system easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical camera repositioning with motorized automation. The horizontal and vertical rotation are controlled by motors, eliminating the need for operators to physically move the camera equipment and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If standard photography is used for before and after documentation, then the process is simple, but it fails to show true transformation effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of surgical transformation documentationVSAvoidimaging system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates reliable documentation by adding vertical angle capability to the horizontal orbit, forming a comprehensive spherical coverage around the patient. This two-dimensional rotation (horizontal + vertical) ensures that no anatomical region is missed and transformations are captured from multiple perspectives simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging system is designed to capture images in both portrait and landscape orientations, and can document various body parts by adjusting the vertical angle. This multi-functional capability makes the system universally applicable for different surgical procedures and patient positions, enhancing documentation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2820476B1360° imaging system
Publication Date: 2017.05.03 OVIO TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP2820476B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2820476B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2820476B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A 360 degree camera imaging system comprising a first horizontal boom having a first end, a second end, and a middle section; a second horizontal boom having a first end and a second end; a first vertical arm having a first end and a second end; a second vertical arm having a first end and a second end; and a mounting bracket. The first horizontal boom is connected to the first end of the second horizontal boom by a first rotatable pivot proximate the middle section of the first horizontal boom, and the second end of the second horizontal boom is connected to the mounting bracket. The first end of the first vertical arm is affixed to the first end of the first horizontal boom, and the first end of the second vertical arm is affixed to the second end of the first horizontal boom. A camera is mounted to the first vertical arm, and a backdrop is mounted to the second vertical arm.