Multispectral 3D Tissue Imaging for Depth-Resolved Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic systems lack reliable consumer or clinical level early problem diagnostic systems that provide quantitative, depth-resolved indicators of tissue health, particularly for conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, which are crucial for understanding disease progression and response to therapy.
Innovation Solution
A multispectral imaging system using a ring array of LEDs, a time-of-flight module, and a multispectral camera to generate a depth- and spectra-encoded data matrix, enabling 3D imaging and spectroscopic diagnostics of tissues, combined with a processor for real-time analysis and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and depth-resolved diagnostic capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the diagnostic function into multiple independent modules: a ring array illumination source for multi-angle lighting, a time-of-flight module for depth mapping, and a multispectral camera for tissue characterization. Each module performs a specific function, and their combined data is processed to achieve depth-resolved diagnostics without requiring a single complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from 2D surface imaging to 3D depth-resolved imaging by integrating time-of-flight depth mapping with multispectral imaging. This adds the depth dimension to the diagnostic capability, enabling visualization and analysis of tissue structures at different depths below the surface
2Loss of information
If multiple imaging modalities are integrated, then the diagnostic information completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges three distinct imaging modalities (illumination mapping, time-of-flight depth imaging, and multispectral imaging) into a single integrated diagnostic system. The ring array illumination, ToF module, and multispectral camera are co-located and synchronized to capture complementary information simultaneously, reducing information loss while managing complexity through unified system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system serves multiple diagnostic functions simultaneously: structural imaging, depth mapping, spectral analysis, and 3D visualization. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate diagnostic tools, improving information completeness without proportionally increasing operational complexity
3Productivity
If real-time processing is implemented, then the productivity and diagnostic speed are improved, but the computational requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of the raw data from each module (illumination, ToF, multispectral) before full integration. Depth maps are generated from ToF data, spectral signatures are extracted from multispectral images, and these pre-processed results are then combined and analyzed together, reducing the computational burden of real-time processing
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, real-time 3D imaging and spectroscopic diagnostics of tissues, providing quantitative indicators of tissue health, aiding in early detection and prevention of chronic conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Implementation Method 1
a time-of-flight module including a time-of-flight sensor and an illuminator, wherein the illuminator is configured to project a modulated light along the optical path upon the tissue and the time-of-flight sensor is configured to receive a reflected portion of the modulated light projected upon the tissue and generate a three-dimensional time-of-flight image based on the received reflected or emitted portion of the modulated light
Implementation Method 2
A multispectral camera may be configured to receive a reflected portion of the light projected in the plurality of wavelengths and generate a multispectral image based on the received reflected portion of the light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system, device, and method for diagnosing tissue is provided. The system may include one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs) configured to project light in a plurality of wavelengths. A time-of-flight module may be configured to project a modulated light, receive a reflected portion of the modulated light, and/or generate a three-dimensional time-of-flight image based on the received reflected portion of the modulated light. A multispectral camera may be configured to receive a reflected portion of the light and generate a multispectral image based on the received reflected portion of the light. A processor may be configured to identify the time-of-flight image and the multispectral image; generate a data matrix based on combining one or more portions of the time-of-flight image and the multispectral image; and cause the data matrix to be displayed as a three-dimensional image.