Wearable Optical Exam Assembly for Real-Time Magnified Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical examination devices, such as smart microscopes, are large, stationary, and expensive, requiring skilled technical support, and are not suitable for real-time image capturing and displaying during dental or medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A user-wearable device with telescopic lenses and image capturing devices that allows for real-time viewing and capturing of magnified images under different lighting conditions, incorporating a lighting system that emits light in various wavelength ranges and a display system for immediate image representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If smart microscopes are used for real-time image capturing during procedures, then image capturing capability is improved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the examination device into separate functional components: a head-borne magnification device for viewing and a separate image capture device (smartphone or digital camera) for recording. This segmentation allows the magnification function to remain portable while the image capturing capability is provided by the separate device, resolving the contradiction between real-time capturing and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary connection (wireless or wired communication) between the head-borne magnification device and the separate image capture device. This intermediary allows the two devices to work together for real-time image capturing without requiring the image capture function to be integrated into the magnification device itself, thus avoiding size increase.
2Extent of automation
If smart microscopes are used for real-time image capturing during procedures, then image capturing capability is improved, but equipment cost and technical support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal image capture device (smartphone or digital camera) that can serve multiple purposes: capturing images through the magnification device, taking regular photographs, and providing wireless communication capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized expensive equipment, reducing costs while maintaining real-time image capturing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The head-borne magnification device is designed to be self-contained with its own power source and control mechanisms, requiring no external technical support during operation. The device can independently magnify, illuminate, and communicate with the image capture device, eliminating the need for skilled technical personnel to operate or maintain complex systems.
3Measurement precision
If telescopic lenses are used for magnified viewing, then viewing detail is improved, but device portability and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The head-borne magnification device is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the user to adjust magnification levels, focus, and illumination intensity during operation. The device can be easily donned and doffed, and the optical parameters can be changed on-the-fly, maintaining both high viewing detail and ease of operation.
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
Enables real-time, magnified viewing and capturing of images during procedures, providing enhanced image presentation and data to the user without the need for large, stationary equipment or skilled technical support.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting system that provides lighting to the object... a lighting system that provides light in different wavelength ranges toward an object
Implementation Method 2
user-wearable device with telescopic lenses that allows for real-time viewing of magnified images
Implementation Method 3
image capturing devices that allows for real-time viewing and capturing of magnified images
Data Source
AI summary
A user-wearable examination/visualization/collection system with light enhancement comprising a carrier suitable for the retention of a lighting assembly and a viewing and collection system is presented wherein images or video of objects may be collected under natural (e.g., white) light and/or non-visible light (e.g., IR, UV) conditions, processed and presented to a user on a local display. Further disclosed are lighting assemblies that provide for the light necessary to collect images different lighting conditions and optical filtering that allows for a limitation of the light viewable and collected.