Otoscope Phase-Shifting Profilometry for Middle Ear Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional otoscopes face challenges in acquiring high-quality images of the middle ear due to direct light noise and 3D images of the eardrum due to diffuse scattering of global light, making it difficult to visualize internal structures effectively.
Innovation Solution
The separation of direct and global light components using computational methods allows for the calculation of images based on the global component for the middle ear and the direct component for the eardrum, enabling the visualization of middle ear structures and 3D mapping of the eardrum's surface by projecting phase-shifted fringe patterns and employing phase-shifting profilometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional otoscope imaging is used, then the eardrum can be visualized, but the direct light component creates noise that prevents high-quality imaging of the middle ear structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the returning light into two distinct components: direct component (light reflecting off the eardrum surface) and global component (light that has entered the middle ear and scattered). By computationally separating these components, the system can selectively use the global component for middle ear imaging, eliminating the direct light noise that would otherwise obscure deep structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful direct light component from the captured images through computational processing. By isolating and eliminating this noise source, the system recovers the underlying middle ear structures that were previously obscured, enabling clear visualization of the ossicles and other deep anatomical features.
2Measurement precision
If conventional otoscope imaging is used, then light can pass through the translucent eardrum to illuminate the middle ear, but the global light component undergoes diffuse scattering that prevents high-quality 3D imaging of the eardrum surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light components spatially and computationally, separating the direct component (which preserves surface geometry information) from the global component (which has been scattered by the eardrum). This segmentation allows the system to use only the direct component for 3D surface reconstruction, avoiding the blurring effect of diffuse scattering while still benefiting from the transmitted light illumination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the eardrum is made translucent to allow light transmission, then middle ear structures can be visualized, but the translucency causes both direct and global light components to create noise in their respective imaging applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates computational copies of the light components by separating and independently processing the direct and global components. This allows the system to generate two distinct image types (surface 3D map and middle ear view) from a single optical path, with each image optimized for its specific purpose by using only the appropriate light component.
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 approach enhances image quality by reducing noise and allows for accurate visualization of middle ear structures and 3D mapping of the eardrum, potentially reducing the need for x-ray CT scans and improving diagnostic and surgical planning.
Implementation Method 1
a camera that captures images of the eardrum. Light returning from an eardrum to an otoscope may comprise two components: (a) a direct component and (b) a global component. The direct component may comprise light that reflects from the eardrum and then travels directly to the otoscope.
Implementation Method 2
employing phase-shifting profilometry
Data Source
AI summary
An otoscope may project a temporal sequence of phase-shifted fringe patterns onto an eardrum, while a camera in the otoscope captures images. A computer may calculate a global component of these images. Based on this global component, the computer may output an image of the middle ear and eardrum. This image may show middle ear structures, such as the stapes and incus. Thus, the otoscope may “see through” the eardrum to visualize the middle ear. The otoscope may project another temporal sequence of phase-shifted fringe patterns onto the eardrum, while the camera captures additional images. The computer may subtract a fraction of the global component from each of these additional images. Based on the resulting direct-component images, the computer may calculate a 3D map of the eardrum.