Optical Surface Profile Detection for Diagnostic Probe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic probes face challenges in accurately positioning and repositioning for repeated measurements, particularly in intraoral applications, due to the difficulty in aligning the probe with the same surface region, leading to potential errors in data collection.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an optical surface profile detection subsystem with a diagnostic subsystem in a probe, which directs optical energy onto a local surface region, detects scattered energy, and processes signals to generate a three-dimensional surface profile, providing feedback for precise alignment and re-alignment of the probe based on previously measured data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning methods are used for diagnostic probes, then operator flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision and repeatability deteriorate due to alignment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical surface profile detection subsystem as an intermediary between the operator and the diagnostic probe positioning. This subsystem captures surface profile images and provides feedback guidance to the operator, enabling precise probe alignment without requiring complex automated positioning mechanisms. The intermediary system bridges the gap between simple manual operation and high precision measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the optical surface profile detection subsystem continuously monitors the probe position relative to the target surface region and provides real-time guidance to the operator. This feedback loop enables the operator to adjust probe positioning based on visual feedback, significantly improving measurement precision and repeatability while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If automated probe positioning systems are implemented, then measurement repeatability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than implementing a fully automated positioning system with complex actuators and control mechanisms, the patent uses an optical surface profile detection subsystem as an intermediary that provides guidance information to the operator. This approach achieves high measurement repeatability through information-based guidance while avoiding the complexity of automated mechanical positioning systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If simple probe design is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to lack of alignment guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an optical feedback system that provides real-time visual guidance to the operator during probe positioning. The surface profile detection subsystem captures images and compares them with reference data, providing directional guidance to help the operator achieve accurate positioning. This feedback mechanism enhances positioning accuracy without significantly complicating the operational procedure.
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 and repeatable diagnostic measurements by ensuring the probe is positioned and oriented correctly, reducing operator error and facilitating the detection of subtle changes in surface and subsurface features over time.
Implementation Method 1
an optical surface profile detection subsystem configured to direct optical energy onto a local surface region of an object and to detect, from the local surface region, scattered optical energy suitable for generating a surface profile of the local surface region
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed in which a diagnostic probe is configured for performing diagnostic measurements and/or therapeutic interventions and for measuring the local surface profile of a local surface region an object. Various example embodiments are described in which the surface profile of the local surface region, when compared to the surface profile of an extended surface region, is employed to provide guidance for positioning and/or orienting the probe when performing a diagnostic measurement. The surface profile within the local surface region may be employed to generate feedback for repeating a previous diagnostic measurement, such that the repeat measurement is performed at the previous location on the object. In other embodiments, surface profile detection is employed to control the positional and/or orientational probe alignment during an iterative tissue removal method in which successive tissue layers are removed when the presence of a pathology is confirmed via a diagnostic measurement.