Single Integrated Illumination Unit for Shadowless Multi-Organ Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical imaging systems for ear, nose, and throat examinations are bulky, require manual focusing, suffer from inadequate lighting and resolution issues, and necessitate multiple devices for different procedures, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for illuminator replacement and poor image quality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-organ imaging system with a single, integrated multi-examination illumination unit that provides shadowless illumination, interchangeable scope devices, and enhanced pixel resolution, featuring a fixed focal length lens and interchangeable attachments for various examinations without requiring illuminator replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional scope devices are used for different medical examination procedures, then each procedure can be performed with a dedicated device, but the system becomes bulky and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal imaging system with a single camera body that can accommodate multiple scope devices (otoscope, rhinoscope, laryngoscope, etc.) through interchangeable attachments. This allows one device to perform multiple examination procedures that previously required separate dedicated devices, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple examination functions into a single integrated system by combining different scope devices with a common camera body and illumination unit. This consolidation reduces the total number of devices needed and decreases storage space requirements while maintaining the ability to perform all examined procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple scope devices and camera systems are maintained for different examinations, then each procedure has optimal dedicated equipment, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal platform where a single camera body can interface with multiple scope devices through standardized attachments. This universality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need to maintain and manage multiple separate camera systems while still providing comprehensive coverage of examination procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging system into two independent parts: a reusable camera body and interchangeable scope attachments. This segmentation allows the complex imaging functionality to be separated from the procedure-specific components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional illuminators are used for each organ examination, then specific lighting can be provided, but the illuminator must be replaced for each organ type increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal illumination unit that can serve multiple organs and examination types without replacement. This single illuminator is designed to provide appropriate lighting for various body cavities (ear, nose, throat, skin, eyes) eliminating the time loss associated with replacing illuminators while maintaining adequate illumination quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination unit is designed to remain continuously attached to the camera body throughout different examination procedures. This continuity eliminates interruption time for illuminator replacement and ensures consistent lighting availability across all examination types, directly addressing the time loss issue.
4Measurement precision
If conventional camera systems are used, then basic imaging can be achieved, but resolution and color reproduction are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies parameter changes in the camera system, including the use of industrial camera units with high pixel counts (e.g., 4MP to 20MP) and specific sensor characteristics. These parameter changes enable significantly improved resolution and color reproduction compared to conventional cameras, while the standardized interface keeps the overall system complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-organ imaging system including a camera lens, a stationary, multi-examination illumination unit (SMEIU), and an attachment holder is provided. An industrial camera unit (ICU) for imaging multiple organs, for example, ear, nose, throat, and skin, is housed in a camera body. The camera lens has a fixed focal length and an iris for optimizing examination and imaging of the organs. The SMEIU is integrated to the camera body and includes illuminators arranged in a geometrical configuration. The attachment holder accommodates an organ examination attachment selected for examining an organ. The illuminators, in optical communication with one or more reflective surfaces in the organ examination attachment, produce shadowless illumination during examination and imaging of each organ, without requiring replacement of the SMEIU for examining each organ. A display unit, accommodated in a display holder detachably attached to the camera body, assists in aiming the camera lens and visualizing each organ.