Layered Medium for 3D Imaging via Differential Light Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for thickness measurements, such as ERLIF, rely on multiple fluorescent dyes and are limited in adapting to various physical contexts, particularly for three-dimensional imaging of complex surfaces like ear canals and human dentition.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses differential attenuation of light at multiple wavelengths to calculate thickness, employing a medium with varying optical properties and a camera with sensors capable of capturing intensity measurements at specific wavelengths, allowing for three-dimensional imaging of both interior and exterior surfaces without the need for multiple dyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple fluorescent dyes are used for thickness measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thickness measurement function from complex multi-dye fluorescence systems and implements it using a single dye with differential absorption at two wavelengths. By removing the need for multiple dyes and complex ratiometric calculations, the system achieves comparable measurement precision with significantly reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from fluorescence intensity ratios (requiring multiple dyes) to absorption intensity ratios at two different wavelengths using a single dye. This parameter transformation allows thickness measurement while simplifying the system architecture and reducing the number of components required.
2Measurement precision
If existing ERLIF techniques are used, then thickness measurement capability is provided, but adaptability to various physical contexts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal thickness measurement system that can be applied across multiple physical contexts (transparent media, translucent media, reflective surfaces, three-dimensional imaging) using a single standardized approach. The differential absorption method at two wavelengths provides a platform technology that adapts to various measurement scenarios without requiring context-specific modifications.
3Device complexity
If a single wavelength measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-wavelength measurement to dual-wavelength measurement, adding a spectral dimension to the measurement process. By measuring absorption at two different wavelengths and calculating their ratio, the system obtains thickness information that is independent of absolute intensity variations, thereby improving precision while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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 accurate three-dimensional imaging of complex surfaces by calculating thickness based on intensity measurements at different wavelengths, facilitating the capture of detailed images in diverse physical contexts, including ear canals and human dentition.
Implementation Method 1
The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface
Implementation Method 2
an excitation light source for exciting a fluorescent substance within the medium
Data Source
AI summary
The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth.