Four-Dimensional Tactile Sensor for Medical Imaging

The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (optical, capacitive, piezoresistive) into a single integrated tactile sensor system. This multi-modal approach allows the system to leverage the strengths of each sensing type while compensating for their individual weaknesses, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability in tactile sensing applications.

The patent employs composite material structures within the tactile sensor, integrating different materials with complementary properties (e.g., transparent conductive oxides, piezoelectric materials, elastomers) to create a sensor that simultaneously achieves high optical transparency, electrical conductivity, and mechanical sensitivity, resolving the contradiction between visual feedback quality and tactile measurement accuracy.

The tactile sensor device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the elastomer layer provides both mechanical deformation sensing and optical reflection for shape measurement, while integrated capacitive and piezoresistive elements add force and pressure sensing capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing components, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

The patent implements a nested structure where the camera, light sources, and multiple sensing elements (capacitive, piezoresistive, elastomer) are integrated within a compact housing. The elastomer layer is positioned between the light sources and camera, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes functional density while maintaining a compact form factor, thus achieving high-resolution classification with controlled complexity.

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously captures images of the elastomer surface deformation, and this visual feedback is processed to quantitatively measure the deformation of the gel layer. The system uses the reflected light patterns and surface geometry changes to calculate precise deformation metrics, providing both qualitative visual feedback and quantitative measurement data simultaneously.

The patent replaces traditional mechanical deformation measurement methods with an optical measurement system. Instead of using mechanical gauges or displacement sensors to measure gel layer deformation, the system uses optical imaging and image processing to non-contactively and precisely measure the deformation, thereby eliminating the limitations of mechanical measurement systems while providing accurate quantitative data.