3D Structured Light Scanner for Non-Contact Tumor Volume Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the size and volume of surface features such as tumors, lesions, and wounds in animals and humans are prone to operator errors, are time-consuming, and often require direct contact or the use of costly and invasive techniques like CT, MRI, and PET scans, which are not feasible for fast and accurate non-contact measurements.
Innovation Solution
A 3D structured light scanner system that projects patterns of light onto the surface features, computes a 3D point cloud using parallax between a camera and light source, and employs geometry-based recognition logic to separate feature points from healthy points, allowing for fast, non-contact, and automated volume calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual caliper measurements are used, then the measurement process is simple and inexpensive, but the measurements are prone to operator errors and subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical caliper measurements with an automated optical system using structured light projection and digital imaging. The system projects patterned light onto the tumor surface, captures images with a camera, and uses computer algorithms to calculate volume, eliminating operator subjectivity while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital 3D model (copy) of the tumor surface by projecting structured light patterns and capturing the deformed light patterns with a camera. This digital replica allows for precise volume calculation without physical contact, preserving measurement accuracy while simplifying the measurement process.
2Productivity
If automated mechanical volume measuring devices are used, then the measurement process is faster and more objective, but the devices require direct contact with the tumor which may cause deformation or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical measurement devices with a non-contact optical measurement system. Structured light patterns are projected onto the tumor surface and captured by a camera, allowing for rapid automated volume measurement without physical contact, thus avoiding tumor deformation and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses structured light patterns as an intermediary to transfer measurement information from the tumor surface to the camera sensor. The light patterns deform according to the tumor surface geometry, providing measurement data without requiring direct contact between the measuring device and the tumor.
3Measurement precision
If advanced imaging methods like CAT, MRI, PET, or SPECT are used, then accurate size and volume information is obtained, but the preparation time is long, costs are high, and invasive procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex medical imaging systems. Instead of using full CAT, MRI, PET, or SPECT systems with their lengthy preparation and scanning processes, the system uses simple structured light projection and 2D image capture to obtain accurate tumor volume measurements much more quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive, time-consuming advanced imaging equipment with inexpensive, rapidly executable measurements using standard cameras and light sources. The measurement process takes seconds rather than hours, making it suitable for frequent monitoring without the overhead of advanced imaging facilities.
4Measurement precision
If advanced imaging methods like CAT, MRI, PET, or SPECT are used, then accurate internal feature information is obtained, but the use of contrast agents and radioactive compounds causes unwanted effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement capability from invasive imaging methods that require contrast agents or radioactive compounds. By using non-contact optical measurement with structured light, the system obtains accurate tumor surface and volume information without introducing any harmful substances into the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the tumor's own surface geometry to generate measurement data. The structured light patterns reflect off the tumor surface and are captured by the camera, allowing the tumor itself to provide the measurement information without requiring external contrast agents or radioactive tracers.
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 accurate, fast, and stress-free measurements, reducing operator variability and the need for invasive procedures, while being significantly faster than traditional methods like CT scans and eliminating the need for direct contact or anesthetization, thus enabling efficient data transfer and handling of large animal studies.
Implementation Method 1
The parallax between a camera and a light source is used to compute a 3D point cloud of the feature's surface
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for measuring volume and size of features such as lesions, tumors, sores, and wounds external to animal, human and plant skin, using 3D structured light scanners are provided. These methods and systems obtain a point cloud of the scanned feature, and employ algorithms to adjust the suggested feature geometry parameters to minimize deviations of the point cloud from suggested feature geometry. Obtained geometry parameters permit the calculation of the features' sizes and volumes.