360 Imaging System Rotating Camera Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for documenting patient appearance before and after plastic surgery often rely on limited-angle photography, which fails to provide a comprehensive view of the patient's transformation.
Innovation Solution
A 360° imaging system comprising a rotating unit with an imaging camera and alignment camera, along with a method for capturing and merging video images to create a complete, high-definition, dynamic rendering of the patient's features, allowing for before-and-after analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If limited-angle photography is used to document patient appearance, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the completeness of the view and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple cameras positioned at different angles (front, side, back views) to capture comprehensive patient documentation. Each camera segment captures a specific angular portion, and together they provide complete 360° coverage without requiring a single complex rotating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple static camera views are merged into a single composite image that displays front, side, and back views simultaneously. This combining approach achieves complete patient documentation without the mechanical complexity of rotating cameras, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and view completeness.
2Loss of information
If multiple-angle photography is used to show patient transformation, then the completeness of documentation is improved, but the ease of operation and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions multiple cameras at optimal angles before the patient enters the imaging area. Alignment markings and automated guides prepare the imaging geometry in advance, so that when the patient positions themselves, all required views are captured simultaneously without requiring the operator to manually adjust multiple cameras or take multiple separate photographs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automated alignment features where the patient positions themselves using visual guides (alignment markings on the floor or screen), and the system automatically captures all angles without requiring operator intervention for positioning or timing. The composite image is automatically generated and displayed, eliminating manual assembly time.
3Loss of information
If a rotating camera system is used to capture 360° views, then the completeness of the patient view is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating a single camera to capture all angles (complex mechanical system), the invention inverts the approach by using multiple static cameras positioned around the patient. The patient remains stationary while the camera array provides 360° coverage, simplifying manufacturing by eliminating rotating mechanisms, motors, and complex mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple camera copies positioned at different locations to simultaneously capture different views. Rather than one camera moving to multiple positions, several identical cameras remain stationary at their respective positions, each capturing its designated angle. This copying approach simplifies the mechanical design while achieving complete coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system that includes a rotating unit that includes an imaging camera, an alignment camera and at least a first monitor. The rotating unit is rotatable between a home position and a finish position about a rotation axis such that the imaging camera can capture a first scan. The alignment camera is directed generally downwardly and is configured to capture a first alignment image of a subject positioned generally co-axially with the rotation axis. The first alignment image is displayed on the first monitor.