In-Vivo Surface Mapping via Spot Projector and Best-Focus Algorithms
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vivo imaging systems face challenges in surface mapping of subjects without requiring costly or complicated optics, as existing methods often necessitate specialized illumination systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of best-focus algorithms combined with a simple projector that produces a grid of spot targets, allowing for contour mapping using existing imaging system components with minimal additional apparatus, such as a source of illumination and a selective reflector, to determine the best-focus plane for subject contour determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If structured light methods are used for surface mapping, then surface contour mapping capability is improved, but system cost and optical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of structured light surface mapping and implements it using only a simple projector and best-focus algorithms, separating the mapping function from complex specialized illumination optics. This allows surface contour mapping using minimal additional components beyond what is already present in the imaging system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple projector to create a grid of spot targets that replicate the function of complex structured light patterns. These spots serve as reference features for depth measurement, copying the essential information needed for surface mapping without requiring expensive specialized illumination optics.
2Measurement precision
If specialized illumination optics are used for surface mapping, then mapping accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive specialized illumination optics with inexpensive components - a simple projector and standard imaging system. The solution achieves mapping accuracy without requiring costly optical components, making the system more affordable while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing imaging system serve multiple functions - both imaging and surface mapping. By using the same camera and objective lens for both purposes, the system eliminates the need for separate specialized illumination optics, reducing cost while maintaining mapping capability.
3Device complexity
If best-focus algorithms are combined with simple projector, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical measurement systems with computational methods. Instead of relying on specialized optics to encode depth information, the system uses best-focus algorithms to computationally determine depth from image sharpness variations, substituting mechanical/optical complexity with computational processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs iterative best-focus algorithms that analyze image sharpness and adjust focus predictions based on feedback from the captured images. This feedback mechanism allows the system to achieve precise depth measurements by continuously refining focus estimates based on actual image quality metrics.
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 enables accurate and efficient surface contour mapping without special features on the subject surface, providing a contour map of (x, y, z) points with high precision and sensitivity, integrating well with existing in-vivo imaging systems, and improving instrumental sensitivity by maintaining registration of the best-focus plane regardless of refocusing or movement.
Implementation Method 1
a selective reflector that can be introduced into the system
Implementation Method 2
the rays reflect from a partially reflective mirror towards the subject; a portion of the light from the subject passes through the selective reflector to the imaging objective
Implementation Method 3
the imaging system detects spots with greatest acuity
Implementation Method 4
the best-focus plane for image forming at the detector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for surface mapping of in-vivo imaging subjects using a single camera and an illuminator that projects a plurality of targets such as spots on the subject. By limiting the depth-of-field of the camera lens, or of the illuminator optics, or both, a spatial plane is defined in which the spots are most sharply in focus. Controlled displacement of this plane relative to the subject is achieved through movement of the mechanical stage on which a subject is placed; or through movement of the best-focus plane by adjustment of the camera, lens, or illuminator optics. Images are taken at several relative positions of the best-focus plane and the subject, and the height of individual points on the subject is determined through analysis of focus, given the known displacements. A mesh or other surface can be constructed from individual point locations, to provide a surface map of the subject. Accuracy of 0.5 mm can be readily attained for mice and similarly sized subjects.