Variable Focus Lens Optical Coherence Microscopy for Skin Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing skin cancer, such as surgical biopsy, are invasive and prone to inaccuracies and complications, while existing non-invasive optical imaging techniques lack the necessary resolution and depth to accurately differentiate cancerous cells without removing tissue samples.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical coherence microscopy system that uses a variable focus lens and scanning elements to achieve high-resolution imaging of skin tissue in vivo and in situ, enabling lateral and axial scanning to visualize cancerous cells below the skin surface with minimal distortion from patient movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgical biopsy is used to diagnose skin cancer, then a sample of skin can be excised and dissected for diagnosis, but the method is invasive and prone to inaccuracies and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical biopsy system with an optical imaging system. The optical coherence microscopy system uses light to image skin tissue in vivo, eliminating the need for physical tissue excision and dissection while providing high-resolution cross-sectional images for accurate cancer diagnosis without invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or image of the skin tissue structure through optical coherence microscopy. The system reconstructs three-dimensional images of skin cross-sections by processing reflected light, allowing physicians to examine tissue architecture and diagnose cancer without physically removing or damaging the tissue
2Measurement precision
If optical coherence microscopy is used to image skin tissue, then non-invasive high-resolution imaging can be achieved, but the imaging speed must be sufficient to minimize distortion from patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous rapid scanning of the tissue sample through automated lateral and axial movement of the objective lens or sample stage. The system continuously acquires multiple cross-sectional images at different depths and positions, processing them in real-time to reconstruct three-dimensional tissue architecture without interruption, thereby achieving high resolution while minimizing the total imaging time to reduce motion artifacts
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
Facilitates accurate and rapid diagnosis of skin cancer by providing high-resolution images of skin tissue at various depths, reducing the need for surgical biopsies and minimizing distortion from patient movement, thus improving diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
OCM reconstructs an image of a cross-section of tissue from light that is reflected off of points located on or in the tissue
Implementation Method 2
The optical imaging technique focuses light that is reflected off of the material
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system suitable for use in an optical instrument such as a handheld optical probe, the optical system including a scanning element and an objective, the objective including a variable focus lens that can be electronically controlled to change the focal length of the optical system. In some embodiments, the optical system can axially and laterally scan a subject material by sequentially focusing at an axial depth using the variable focus lens and laterally scanning the material at that depth using the scanning element.