Stereographic Camera 3D Surgical Model Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical models for anatomical reconstruction, particularly for external ears, are inadequate in capturing the complex geometry of ears, leading to incomplete data capture and unreliable results, and existing methods like CT and MRI scanning are costly and require sedation.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a stereographic digital image camera to capture three-dimensional digital image pairs from multiple vantage points, processing these images to create a detailed three-dimensional surface image, and using a 3D printer to manufacture custom surgical models from autoclavable materials, allowing for positive or negative models and modifications such as scaling and mirroring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If CT or MRI scanning is used to capture anatomical features, then comprehensive three-dimensional data can be obtained, but the cost increases and sedation is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive three-dimensional data captureVSAvoidcost and sedation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a stereographic camera system to create optical copies (photographs) of the anatomical surface from multiple angles, replacing the need for expensive CT or MRI scanning. The system captures comprehensive three-dimensional data through multiple two-dimensional images that are then processed to reconstruct the surface geometry, achieving the same measurement precision without the harmful factors of radiation, high cost, or sedation requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical and radiological systems (CT/MRI scanners) with an optical system (stereographic camera). Instead of using X-rays or magnetic fields to capture internal structures, the system uses light to capture surface geometry from multiple vantage points, substituting a simpler optical mechanism for complex medical imaging equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional velum models are used for surgical guidance, then a simple tracing method is available, but the model cannot accurately capture complex ear geometry including concavities and convexities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimple tracing methodVSAvoidaccuracy of complex geometry capture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional velum tracing to three-dimensional digital modeling. By capturing images from multiple vantage points and processing them through stereo photogrammetry, the system creates accurate three-dimensional surface models that preserve complex geometric features like concavities and convexities, while maintaining ease of manufacture through digital processing and 3D printing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates accurate digital copies of the anatomical surface through photogrammetry, replacing the simple but inaccurate velum tracing copy. The multi-angle photograph collection and processing generates a precise three-dimensional digital replica that can be manipulated and printed, combining the simplicity of tracing with the accuracy of three-dimensional capture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If a stereographic digital camera system is used to capture multiple three-dimensional image pairs, then accurate three-dimensional surface images can be produced, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of three-dimensional surface imageVSAvoidcamera system and processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complex task of three-dimensional capture into manageable segments: multiple photographs are taken from different vantage points, each capturing a portion of the surface. These segmented images are then processed individually and combined through registration and fusion algorithms, breaking down the complex problem into simpler, more manageable steps that reduce overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides accurate, comprehensive, and customizable surgical models that capture all ear concavities and convexities, improving surgical reconstruction outcomes by enabling precise anatomical feature replication, including growth accommodation and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a stereographic digital image camera at a plurality of different vantage points relative to a reference anatomical feature to capture a plurality of three dimensional digital image pairs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStereographic imaging: Photogrammetry

Implementation Method 2

utilizing the three dimensional printer to manufacture the model

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effect3D printing: 3D Printing

Data Source

PatentUS9738036B2Method of manufacture of a surgical model for an anatomical feature
Publication Date: 2017.08.22 CRANIAL TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US9738036B2 patent drawing
  • US9738036B2 patent drawing
  • US9738036B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a model of an anatomical feature comprises utilizing a stereographic digital image camera at a plurality of different vantage points relative to a reference anatomical feature to capture a plurality of three dimensional digital image pairs of a corresponding plurality of external surface portions of the reference anatomical feature including concavities and convexities of complex anatomical surfaces, and processing the plurality of three dimensional digital image pairs to produce a three dimensional digital surface image of the reference anatomical feature and a corresponding data file. A modified three dimensional digital surface image and corresponding modified data file may be produced by utilizing one or more of selecting a portions of said three dimensional digital surface image, scaling the three dimensional digital surfaced image, and generating a mirror image of the three dimensional digital surface image.