Mobile Autoscope with Multi-Spectral Light Sources for Ear Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autoscopes are less portable and struggle to effectively observe the chemical state and 3D structure inside the ear, limiting their diagnostic capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A mobile autoscope system detachably mounted on a user terminal device, equipped with a camera, spectral light, UV light, and white light sources, and optical filters, allowing for the capture of spectral, UV excitation fluorescence, and 3D shape images, enabling more accurate diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional autoscope is used, then basic ear inspection is possible, but portability is reduced and diagnostic capability for chemical state and 3D structure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two main segments: a portable mobile autoscope unit for ear inspection and a user terminal device (smartphone/tablet) for image processing and display. This segmentation allows the autoscope to be lightweight and portable while still providing advanced diagnostic capabilities through the terminal device's processing power.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile autoscope incorporates multiple light sources (spectral light source, UV light source, white light source) that can be selectively activated to perform different diagnostic functions. The same device can capture spectral images, UV fluorescence images, and 3D shape images, making it a multi-functional diagnostic tool rather than a single-purpose instrument.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources and optical filters are added to improve imaging capability, then chemical and structural information can be captured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources (spectral, UV, and white light LEDs) are integrated into a single lighting module that can be controlled to emit different types of light sequentially or selectively. This allows one device to perform multiple imaging functions (spectral imaging, UV fluorescence imaging, and 3D shape imaging) without requiring separate specialized devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple optical filters (first optical filter, second optical filter, third optical filter) that are positioned to continuously process light from different sources. Each filter is optimized for its specific function (spectral filtering, UV blocking, fluorescence transmission) and works in conjunction with the light sources to ensure continuous, high-quality image capture across different imaging modes without interruption or loss of diagnostic information.
3Measurement precision
If spectral light, UV light, and white light sources are integrated, then comprehensive image capture is enabled, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting module is designed to automatically control the emission of spectral light, UV light, and white light based on the imaging mode being used. The system self-regulates which light sources are activated and when, eliminating the need for the operator to manually switch between different light sources. This automated control maintains comprehensive imaging capability while simplifying the user interface and ease of operation.
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
The mobile autoscope system provides highly portable and accurate imaging capabilities for diagnosing ear conditions by capturing chemical and structural information, facilitating more precise diagnoses, especially in areas with limited medical resources.
Implementation Method 1
a second optical filter configured to filter fluorescence light generated by the UV LED and transmit filtered fluorescence light to the camera
Implementation Method 2
an optical fiber configured to transmit light emitted from the spectral light source or the UV light source to the tip of the probe
Implementation Method 3
a first optical filter configured to bandpass filter light emitted from the UV LED, and provide filtered light to the optical fiber
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of lenses disposed between a tip of the probe and the user terminal device, and configured to concentrate light outside the probe on the camera
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a mobile autoscope system including: a user terminal device including a camera configured to capture an image of a capture target; and a mobile autoscope detachably mounted on the user terminal device, and configured to emit each of spectral light, ultraviolet (UV) light, or white light to the capture target, wherein the user terminal device is configured to capture the capture target during the emission of spectral light, UV light, or white light to generate a spectral image, a UV excitation fluorescence image, or a three-dimensional (3D) shape image.