Multimodal Lesion Imaging With 3D Registration for Accurate Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for dermal and mucosal lesions, such as oral soft tissue diagnostics, suffer from inconsistencies in image quality and variability due to different imaging conditions, leading to low sensitivity and specificity, especially when using auto-fluorescence alone, and lack of effective integration of 3D imaging with other diagnostic modalities.
Innovation Solution
A device that combines precise 3D surface representation using confocal, chromatic confocal, time of flight, or OCT technology with spectrally resolved 2D imaging to create a precise 3D texture, allowing for accurate registration and overlay of 2D and 3D data, and integrates fluorescence imaging to enhance diagnostic capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auto-fluorescence imaging is used alone for oral soft tissue diagnostics, then the diagnostic process is simple and quick, but the sensitivity and specificity are low due to image quality inconsistencies and variability from different imaging conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (auto-fluorescence imaging, reflectance imaging, and 3D surface imaging) into a single integrated apparatus. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of multiple image types under consistent imaging conditions, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy while managing system complexity through unified hardware design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces 3D surface imaging capability to complement traditional 2D auto-fluorescence imaging. By adding the third dimension (surface topography), the system provides more comprehensive lesion characterization, improving diagnostic reliability through enhanced structural information.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging modalities are integrated into a single apparatus, then diagnostic accuracy improves through consistent imaging conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging modalities (confocal chromatic 3D imaging, OCT subsurface imaging, and fluorescence imaging) into a single integrated apparatus with shared optical paths and synchronized operation. This approach achieves precise multi-modal image registration while managing complexity through unified hardware architecture and coordinated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs 3D surface images as an intermediary reference framework to register and correlate 2D fluorescence images and subsurface OCT images. This intermediary 3D structure serves as a common coordinate system that facilitates accurate spatial alignment across different imaging modalities.
3Manufacturing precision
If 3D surface imaging with confocal or OCT technology is used, then crisp surface texture and subsurface structure are obtained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines confocal chromatic 3D imaging and OCT subsurface imaging into a single integrated scanning device. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of both surface texture and subsurface structural information with high resolution while sharing common optical components and control systems, thereby managing complexity through unified 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
This combination provides crisp 3D surface texture and subsurface structure imaging, improving diagnostic accuracy by enabling precise registration of images taken under consistent conditions, facilitating better lesion detection and monitoring over time, and supporting AI classification with a multimodal image database.
Implementation Method 1
a light source is used to excite endogenous fluorophores such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). For excitation wavelength in the UV/Blue range are used (375 and 440 nm). Emission is observed in the green wavelength range.
Implementation Method 2
at least two imaging modalities from which the first imaging modality generates 3D data for a 3D image (7-3;7-4) in a 3D scan of the lesion, wherein the processing means is adapted to additionally provide 3D information on the distance and angulation between scanning device (8-1) and the dermis or mucosa through the use of an illumination pattern, or stereogrammetry, or time of flight
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for multimodal imaging of dermal and mucosal lesions. The method includes using at least two imaging modalities from which one is a 3D scan of the lesion, and, additionally providing information on the distance and angulation between scanning device and the dermis or mucosa and mapping at least the second modality over the 3D data.