Lingual Fur Thickness Measurement via Interfering Light
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lingual fur observation apparatuses cannot measure the thickness of lingual fur or provide vertical section images, limiting the accuracy of health condition assessments based solely on color observations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing interfering light to measure the thickness of lingual fur and generate a vertical section image, comprising a light source, optical probe, optical device, and image generating unit, which divides and interferes light to create partial images corresponding to relative intensities, allowing for precise examination of lingual fur thickness and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lingual fur observation apparatus is used, then color information of lingual fur can be obtained, but thickness measurement and vertical section imaging are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the light path into multiple components: a light source unit, a reflecting unit, an optical probe, and an optical device. Each component handles a specific function (light generation, reflection, delivery, and interference), allowing the system to achieve thickness measurement capability while maintaining manageable complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces interfering light as an intermediary mechanism between the light source and the tongue tissue. By using interfering light patterns, the system can measure thickness without direct mechanical contact or complex imaging systems, thus improving measurement precision while avoiding excessive device complexity.
2Loss of information
If conventional top view imaging is used, then lingual fur color can be observed, but vertical section image and thickness information are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional top view imaging to three-dimensional vertical section imaging by utilizing interfering light patterns. The interference fringes provide depth information that allows reconstruction of the vertical cross-section of lingual fur, recovering lost dimensional information without requiring complex surgical sectioning or multiple imaging angles.
3Reliability
If only color observation is performed, then simple imaging is sufficient, but health diagnosis accuracy is reduced due to lack of thickness data
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the optical parameter from simple color detection to interfering light intensity measurement. By analyzing the intensity variations of interfering light patterns, the system can precisely measure thickness parameter, which is critical for accurate health diagnosis. This parameter transformation enables reliable thickness measurement while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 precise measurement of lingual fur thickness and acquisition of vertical section images, enhancing the accuracy of health condition assessments and enabling the provision of targeted prescriptions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device to generate interfering light from the light irradiated from the light irradiating unit and the light reflected from the tongue tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A method of acquiring a vertical section image of lingual fur, and an apparatus to perform the method, the method including generating interfering light from irradiated light and light reflected from a tongue tissue, and generating a partial image corresponding to a relative intensity of the generated interfering light.