Light Path Model Voting for Safe Internal Object Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the inside of an object, such as X-ray computed tomography, face challenges with mechanical complexity and safety concerns, particularly with X-ray exposure, and struggle with accuracy due to scattering issues when using near-infrared light.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that estimates the inside of an object using light path models and intensity distributions to calculate voting values indicating the probability of a second object's presence, allowing for accurate estimation without the need for multiple wavelengths or linear operations, and generates three-dimensional volume data by combining two-dimensional tomographic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray computed tomography is used to estimate the inside of an object, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to medical radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray imaging system with a near-infrared light-based imaging system. Instead of using ionizing radiation (X-rays), the invention uses non-ionizing near-infrared light to illuminate the object and capture images, thereby eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining estimation capability through light absorption and scattering measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the imaging radiation from X-ray frequencies to near-infrared frequencies. This parameter change allows the system to operate in a safe wavelength range for human exposure while still enabling internal structure estimation through optical property measurements of the object
2Object-affected harmful factors
If near-infrared light is used to estimate the inside of an object, then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing light path models that represent various light propagation paths through the object before actual measurement. These pre-computed models account for scattering effects, enabling the system to compensate for scattering during image analysis and maintain measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light path models as an intermediary between the near-infrared light measurements and the final internal structure estimation. These models act as a computational mediator that translates scattered light intensity measurements into accurate spatial information about internal structures, bridging the gap caused by scattering
3Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths and linear operations are used to analyze light scattering, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and uses only the near-infrared wavelength range for imaging, eliminating the need for multiple wavelength sources and filters. By focusing on a single wavelength band and using light path models to account for scattering, the system achieves sufficient precision without the complex multi-wavelength apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light path models as computational copies of actual light propagation paths. Instead of physically implementing multiple wavelengths to probe different scattering regimes, the system creates virtual models of light paths that replicate the effects of complex illumination schemes, achieving similar analytical power with simpler hardware
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 increases the accuracy of estimating the inside of an object using safe light sources like near-infrared, reduces erroneous estimations, and generates precise three-dimensional data without the complexity of multiple wavelengths or linear operations.
Implementation Method 1
the near-infrared light is scattered within an object; and thus, analysis of the outgoing near-infrared light is more difficult than X-rays
Implementation Method 2
light path models representing a plurality of paths taken by light after entering the first object and before exiting the first object
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus which estimates an inside of an object, includes: a first obtaining unit which obtains light path models and a first light intensity distribution, based on an assumption that a first object includes no second object, distribution; a second obtaining unit which obtains a second light intensity distribution which is an intensity distribution of observed light; a voting value calculating unit which calculates a voting value for each of positions on a predetermined plane, based on a result of comparison in light intensity between the first and second light intensity distributions; a voting unit which votes the voting value to voting regions on a light path model along which light reaches each position; and an estimating unit which estimates whether the second object exists in each voting region, based on a result of the voting.