3D Structured Light Scanner for Real-Time Dynamic Surface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D surface imaging technologies face limitations in rendering quality, speed, and cost, particularly in applications like skin cancer detection and stereotactic body radiation therapy, where real-time dynamic 3D surface capture is essential but hindered by the use of 2D cameras that fail to accurately capture depth and texture information.
Innovation Solution
A 3D scanner system using structured light that projects fringe patterns onto a 3D object, capturing both gray-scale and color images to process phase maps and texture images, enabling high-speed, high-resolution 3D surface reconstruction with geometric processing tools for accurate alignment and registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 2D cameras are used to capture skin surface images, then the system cost is reduced, but the depth information and rendering quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D camera imaging to 3D structured light imaging by projecting fringe patterns onto the skin surface and capturing the deformed patterns with a camera. This dimensional change enables depth information acquisition through phase calculation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projector as an intermediary device that projects structured light patterns onto the skin surface. This intermediary enables the camera to capture depth information indirectly through the deformation of projected patterns, achieving 3D measurement without requiring complex direct 3D sensing hardware.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution 3D imaging is achieved using structured light, then the rendering quality is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by establishing a mapping relationship between camera coordinates and 3D space coordinates before actual imaging. This pre-established mapping enables real-time 3D reconstruction without iterative computation during imaging, reducing processing time while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex iterative mathematical optimization methods with a pre-established coordinate mapping system. This substitution transforms the time-consuming iterative solving process into a direct coordinate transformation, significantly reducing processing time while preserving measurement precision.
3Reliability
If sequential full-body scanning is performed for skin cancer detection, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic real-time 3D imaging that can capture skin surface changes during movement. This dynamic capability allows for more efficient scanning protocols where patients can be imaged in natural positions without requiring prolonged static positioning, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while reducing examination time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled imaging environment with structured lighting that eliminates the need for complex positioning fixtures and adjustment tools. This inert imaging environment allows rapid sequential scanning without requiring time-consuming setup and adjustment between scans, improving examination throughput while maintaining reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If optical surface imaging is used for patient positioning monitoring, then the radiation exposure is reduced, but the ability to detect small movements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 3D structured light imaging to capture surface geometry in three dimensions, enabling detection of subtle movements and deformations that 2D optical imaging cannot detect. The phase-based depth measurement provides millimeter-level precision for monitoring patient positioning without radiation exposure.
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
The system provides real-time, accurate 3D surface imaging capable of capturing dynamic expressions and changes, enhancing early detection of skin cancer and improving patient positioning during radiation therapy, while reducing radiation exposure and increasing efficiency in medical and security applications.
Implementation Method 1
a projector configured to project structured light onto a three-dimensional object
Implementation Method 2
a gray-scale camera configured to capture fringe image of the object
Implementation Method 3
a color camera configured to capture color image of the object
Implementation Method 4
a processor configured to process the fringe image to extract a phase map and a texture image, to calculate depth information from the phase map
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for 3D image scanner for real-time, dynamic 3D surface imaging are disclosed. Embodiments of the present system and methods describe a system and method including a first and/or second, camera, and projector projecting structured light with fringe patterns onto a 3D object, and a processor configured to extract a phase map and a texture image from the image, and to calculate depth information from the phase map by the processor. Embodiments further describe methods and systems for determining an wrapped phase from the images using the Hilbert transformation, generating an absolute phase from the wrapped phase using the combination of a quality-guidance path following algorithm, a double wavelength phase unwrap algorithm, or a Markov Random field method, and generating a phase map from the absolute phase to determine depth information of the 3D object. The captured 3D geometric surfaces are registered, tracked using algorithms of conformal map, optimal transportation map and a Teichmuller map.