Photoacoustic Imaging Positioning via Camera Coordinate Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic-wave measuring apparatuses using photoacoustic tomography face challenges in accurately positioning the irradiation and detection units due to the need to prevent light exposure, making it difficult to visually align and move these units to precise measurement positions without compromising safety or accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic-wave measuring apparatus that includes a holding unit, an irradiation unit, an acoustic-wave detecting unit, an image pickup unit, a position designating unit, a coordinate transforming unit, and a position control unit, which allows for the acquisition of images, designation of measurement positions, transformation of coordinates, and precise movement of the irradiation and detection units to corresponding positions, ensuring accurate alignment and operation while preventing light exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a blackout curtain is used to separate the subject and observer, then light exposure to the observer is prevented, but visual observation of the subject and precise positioning of measurement units becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A camera is introduced as an intermediary device to capture images of the subject. The captured images are displayed on a display unit, allowing the observer to visually identify measurement positions without direct visual observation of the subject through the blackout curtain. This mediator enables precise positioning while maintaining light isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the subject through camera imaging. Instead of directly observing the actual subject (which would require opening the blackout curtain), the observer interacts with the copied visual representation displayed on the display unit, thereby achieving precise positioning without compromising safety.
2Measurement precision
If the blackout curtain is opened to visually align the irradiation unit with the subject, then positioning accuracy improves, but light exposure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves as a mediator that eliminates the need to open the blackout curtain for visual alignment. By capturing and displaying images, the system allows the observer to accurately position the irradiation unit while the blackout curtain remains closed, preventing light exposure risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through the display unit, showing the observer the subject's position and appearance. This feedback loop allows the observer to make precise positioning adjustments without direct visual exposure to the subject, maintaining safety while achieving accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If manual positioning is performed with blackout curtain operations, then visual alignment is possible, but operational complexity and potential for human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system enables the subject itself to provide positioning information. The subject's image is captured and displayed, allowing the observer to identify measurement positions directly from the subject's visual representation without complex manual procedures or blackout curtain operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the visual information function from the blackout curtain operation. Instead of using the blackout curtain for both light blocking and visual observation (which creates operational complexity), the visual observation function is extracted and performed through the camera and display unit, simplifying the overall 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
Enables high-accuracy positioning and detection of acoustic waves, improving the operational efficiency and safety by allowing visual designation of measurement positions and precise movement of units without light exposure, thereby enhancing the accuracy of photoacoustic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
the light propagated and spread in the subject is absorbed by a light absorbing substance to generate acoustic waves (typically, ultrasonic waves). The mechanism of the generation of acoustic waves is known as the photoacoustic-wave effect.
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic-wave measuring apparatus that receives acoustic waves generated from a subject irradiated with light
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic-wave measuring apparatus includes a holding unit configured to hold a subject and an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the subject with light. An acoustic-wave detecting unit detects acoustic waves generated in the subject due to irradiation with the light; an image pickup unit acquires an image of the subject; and a measurement position on the image acquired by the image pickup unit is designated. A coordinate transforming unit transforms the coordinates of the measurement position on the image to coordinates of a corresponding position on the holding unit; and a position control unit moves at least one of the irradiation unit and the acoustic-wave detecting unit to the corresponding position on the holding unit.