Wearable Visualization Assembly for Real-Time Multi-Light Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical viewing and image capture devices are large, stationary, and expensive, requiring skilled technical support, limiting their use for real-time image capture and presentation during dental or medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A user-wearable device with telescopic lenses and image capture devices that allows for magnified viewing and image capture under different lighting conditions, featuring a multi-light/recording system that includes a lighting system emitting light in various wavelength ranges and a display system for real-time image presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If stationary smart microscopes are used for real-time image capture during procedures, then image capture capability is improved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging function into separate wearable eyewear with telescopic lenses for viewing and a separate camera device for image capture, allowing each component to be optimized independently for portability and functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication link and digital processing system as intermediaries between the wearable viewing device and the camera device, enabling real-time image transfer and presentation without requiring a large stationary microscope system
2Productivity
If stationary smart microscopes are used for real-time image capture during procedures, then image capture capability is improved, but system cost and complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive stationary smart microscope systems with more affordable wearable eyewear components and standard digital cameras, reducing overall system cost while maintaining real-time imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the complex mechanical focusing and illumination systems of traditional microscopes with digital image processing and wireless transmission, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing maintenance requirements
3Measurement precision
If telescopic lenses are used for magnified viewing, then viewing detail is improved, but device weight and size deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable telescopic lens systems that can change magnification levels dynamically, allowing users to optimize between viewing detail and device weight based on specific procedural needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system compensates for reduced magnification power (due to weight constraints) by adding digital zoom capabilities and high-resolution sensors, transitioning from purely optical magnification to a combination of optical and digital magnification approaches
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting systems are used for different wavelength ranges, then imaging versatility under different lighting conditions is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sequential activation of different wavelength lighting sources (UV, visible, IR) rather than continuous operation, allowing the system to cycle through different lighting conditions only when needed for specific imaging tasks, thereby reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a single multi-functional lighting assembly that can operate across multiple wavelength ranges, replacing what would otherwise require separate dedicated lighting systems for each wavelength, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining imaging versatility
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 capturing and presentation of magnified images under different lighting conditions, overcoming the limitations of large and expensive stationary devices by providing a portable and user-friendly solution for dental or medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting system that emits light in at least one of a plurality ranges extending from ultra-violet to infra-red wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a magnification device to allow the magnified viewing of the object
Implementation Method 3
an image capture device for the concurrent capturing of a photo or video of the object being viewed under the different lighting conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A user-wearable visualization system comprising a carrier suitable for the retention of a lighting assembly and a viewing and collection system allows for the collection of images or video of objects under one or more lighting conditions, wherein the collected images may be enhanced or merged together to form a more detailed presentation of an object being viewed and presented to a user on a local display. Further disclosed are lighting assemblies that provide for the light necessary to collect images under different lighting conditions and optical filtering that allows for a limitation of the light viewable and collected.