Rigid 3D Head Imaging Support Structure for Consistent Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional imaging systems for capturing the entirety of a subject's head, particularly in clinical settings, require frequent adjustments and lack consistency across installations, making them cumbersome and prone to errors in data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with image capturing device groups arranged in predetermined geometric relationships, including a rigid framework with arcuate and vertical supports, allows for consistent and standardized imaging setups, enabling accurate 360° surface capture without the need for extensive setup or periodic adjustments, and includes features like low-reflectivity surfaces and automated positioning for improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple image capturing devices are arranged in groups to capture different surface portions, then complete 360° surface coverage is achieved, but device complexity and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple device groups, where each group captures a specific surface portion. This segmentation allows comprehensive 360° coverage while maintaining manageable complexity within each group, resolving the contradiction between complete surface capture and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image capture to three-dimensional surface mapping by arranging device groups in spatial configurations that capture depth and surface topology information, enabling complete surface coverage while organizing complexity in three-dimensional space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image capturing devices are positioned on adjustable tripods to accommodate different installations, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but consistency and reliability of imaging across installations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standardized support structures that serve as replicable templates for different installations. By copying the same geometric arrangement and support configuration across sites, imaging consistency is maintained while adapting to various environments through the universality of the standardized design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows parameter adjustments within standardized ranges to accommodate different installation environments while maintaining the core geometric relationships that ensure imaging consistency. This resolves the contradiction by permitting environmental adaptation without sacrificing reliability.
3Measurement precision
If periodic physical adjustment of imaging devices is performed to maintain placement, then imaging accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures are pre-configured with precise geometric relationships and physical constraints that lock devices in correct positions during installation. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for periodic adjustments, maintaining imaging accuracy while reducing maintenance time and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-aligning and self-locking features in the support structures that automatically maintain device placement without requiring external intervention or periodic adjustment, thereby preserving imaging accuracy while minimizing maintenance requirements.
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
The solution ensures consistent and accurate three-dimensional imaging across installations, reduces setup time, minimizes errors, and enhances image quality by reducing optical noise and providing a more open and accessible environment for both subjects and operators.
Implementation Method 1
The Cranial Technologies, Inc. system utilizes a plurality of image capturing device groups. Each group comprises a plurality of image capturing devices arranged as a module. The image capturing devices define a space wherein an object may be disposed.
Implementation Method 2
The support structure comprises low-reflectivity surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus to capture three-dimensional images of a head comprises a plurality of image capturing device modules, each module comprises a plurality of image-capturing devices; and a rigid support structure supporting the plurality of image capturing device modules to define a space wherein an image of the head may be disposed. The rigid support structure supports all of the modules in predetermined relationship to each other and to the space. The rigid support structure further supports the modules in positions such that each module is positioned to capture a group of first images of a corresponding surface portion of a head disposed within the space such that each group of first images captured by the corresponding module captures a substantially different surface portion of the head disposed within the space.