Structured Light Depth Detection for Anatomical Scope Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical scopes, such as endoscopes and laparoscopes, lack effective 3-dimensional visual cues, making it difficult to accurately position the distal end and instruments within a patient's body, thereby prolonging procedures and increasing mental fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A pattern illumination system projects a spatial light pattern onto the anatomical target, which is analyzed to enhance a 2-dimensional image with 3-dimensional cues, allowing for better positioning and instrument placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a medical scope uses a standard 2-dimensional camera system, then the device complexity is low and the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision of depth and contour information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects a structured light pattern (grating) onto the anatomical target and captures the deformed pattern with a 2D camera. By analyzing the distortion of the projected pattern, the system extracts 3D contour and depth information, effectively converting a 2D imaging problem into a 3D measurement solution without requiring a complex 3D camera system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light grating pattern as an intermediary element between the light source and the anatomical target. This projected pattern serves as a mediator that, when deformed by the target's surface topology, provides encoded depth and contour information that can be decoded by image processing algorithms
2Productivity
If the medical scope lacks 3-dimensional visual cues, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of the medical procedure decreases due to prolonged positioning time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-projecting a structured light pattern onto the anatomical target before the physician needs to position instruments. The depth and contour information is extracted and integrated into the displayed image in advance, providing immediate 3D visual cues that accelerate positioning decisions and reduce procedural time
3Loss of information
If the medical scope provides only 2-dimensional images, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the loss of information regarding depth and spatial relationships increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a 2D camera to capture a 3D measurement by projecting and analyzing a structured light pattern. The system recovers depth information (z-axis) from the deformation of the projected grating pattern, effectively adding the missing dimension to the 2D image data through mathematical reconstruction
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
Enhanced 2-dimensional images with 3-dimensional cues facilitate precise positioning of the medical scope and instruments, reducing procedural time and mental fatigue, and improving the effectiveness of treatments like laser therapy.
Implementation Method 1
an image of the light pattern upon the anatomical target can be captured
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for detecting depth contours of an anatomical target and for enhancing imaging of the anatomical target are provided. In an example, a reference pattern of light can be projected across an anatomical target and an image of the reflected light pattern upon the anatomical target can be captured. The captured light pattern can be analyzed to determine contour information, which can then be used to provide 3D cues to enhance a 2-dimensional image of the anatomical target.