Patent Publication Number: US-2020280709-A1

Title: Three Dimensional Rapid Imaging System and Method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to, and is a regular patent application of, Provisional U.S. Pat. No. 62/775,489, filed on Dec. 5, 2018, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a three dimensional rapid imaging system and method that captures multiple images from different image capturing devices while moving in a circular pathway. More so, an imaging system provides a rod that follows a circular pathway to rotate around a patient; whereby a plurality of infrared image capturing devices are disposed in a spaced-apart relationship along the length of the rod, and capturing thermal images while rotating, and from at least one position and at least one angle; whereby a plurality of optical image capturing devices are disposed in a spaced-apart relationship along the length of the rod, and capturing optical images while rotating, and from at least one position and at least one angle; whereby a first processor controls the angular velocity of the rod and the position an dangle of the image capturing devices; and whereby a second processor manipulates the images, such that the optical images overlay the thermal images to produce an enhanced three-dimensional image of the patient. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary three dimensional rapid imaging system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary rod carrying a plurality of thermal and optical image capturing devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of an exemplary cylindrical structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D  illustrate thermal images of a patient, where  FIG. 4A  is captured at the 0°,  FIG. 4B  is captured at 90°,  FIG. 4C  is captured at 180°, and  FIG. 4D  is captured at 270°, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for producing enhanced three dimensional thermal images, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. § 112. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention presented in  FIGS. 1-5 , a three dimensional rapid imaging system  100  and method  200  captures multiple thermal and optical images while rotating around a patient, and from different positions and angles. The system  100  and method  200  then overlays the thermal images over the optical images to produce an enhanced three dimensional image that shows both the temperature and the contour features of different regions of the patient&#39;s body. 
     The system  100  and method  200  provides a cylindrical structure  102  in which the patient enters. It is in the cylindrical structure  102  that the images are captured. The cylindrical structure  102  is defined by a perimeter region having a generally circular pathway  106 . A vertically disposed rod  104  is configured to follow the circular pathway  106 . A motor propels the rod  104  along the circular pathway  106 , which may include an upper and lower track followed by the rod  104 . The rod rotates at a predetermined angular velocity around the patient. 
     A plurality of infrared image capturing devices  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d  and a plurality of optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  are disposed in a spaced-apart relationship along the length of the rod  104 . The image capturing devices  108   a - d ,  112   a - d  may each be manipulated to at least one position along the length of the rod  104 , and at least one angle in relation to the rod  104 . 
     In one embodiment, a first position of the image capturing devices captures approximately the head of the patient. A second position captures approximately the breast of the patient. A third position captures approximately the abdomen of the patient. A fourth position captures the feet of the patient. The position of the image capturing devices can be manipulated to derive a desired enhanced thermal image. 
     The image capturing devices is also configured to orient at different angles along the length of the rod  104 . The angles of the image capturing devices can range from 0° to 360° angle of the image capturing device. The angles of the image capturing devices can be manipulated to derive a desired enhanced thermal image. 
     A first processor  114  controls the angular velocity of the rod  104  as it moves along the circular pathway  106 . The first processor  114  also controls the position, i.e., height of the image capturing devices  108   a - d ,  112   a - d . The first processor  114  also controls the angle for each image capturing device  108   a - d ,  112   a - d.    
     A second processor  116  manipulates the images, such that the optical images overlay the thermal images to produce an enhanced three dimensional image of the patient. The three dimensional image is an enhanced thermal image that shows both the temperature and the contours, smaller features of the patient. 
     In one aspect, a three dimensional rapid imaging system  100 , comprising:
         a generally circular pathway  106 ;   a rod  104  configured to operatively attach to the circular pathway  106 , the rod  104  disposed in a generally vertical orientation;   a motor configured to propel the rod  104  along the circular pathway  106 ;   a plurality of infrared image capturing devices  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d  disposed along the rod  104 , the plurality of infrared image capturing devices  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d  arranged in a stacked, spaced-apart configuration along the length of the rod  104 , each infrared image capturing device  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d  configured to capture the thermal image from at least one position and at least one angle;   a plurality of optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  disposed along the rod  104 , the plurality of optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  arranged in a stacked, spaced-apart configuration along the length of the rod  104 , each optical image capturing device  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  configured to capture the optical image from the at least one position and the at least one angle;   a first processor  114  configured to control the angular velocity of the rod  104  along the circular pathway  106 , the first processor  114  further configured to control the at least one position and the at least one angle of the plurality of infrared image capturing devices  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d , the first processor  114  further configured to control the at least one position and the at least one angle of the plurality of optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d ; and   a second processor  116  configured to manipulate the captured thermal image and the captured optical image, whereby the thermal image at least partially overlays the optical image to form an enhanced thermal image.       

     In another aspect, the system  100  comprises a cylindrical structure  102 . 
     In another aspect, the circular pathway  106  is disposed inside the cylindrical structure  102 . 
     In another aspect, the cylindrical structure  102  has a height of about 2.5 meters. 
     In another aspect, the cylindrical structure  102  has a door  110 . 
     In another aspect, the circular pathway  106  has a radius between 1 to 2 meters. 
     In another aspect, the circular pathway  106  is a lower track and an upper track. 
     In another aspect, the extremes of the rod  104  join with the lower and upper tracks. 
     In another aspect, the plurality of infrared image capturing devices  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d  comprises four infrared image capturing devices  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d.    
     In another aspect, the plurality of optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  comprises four optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d.    
     In another aspect, the system  100  further comprises a plurality of optical stereo image capturing devices. 
     In another aspect, the at least one position includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a first position of the head, a second position of the breast, a third position of the abdomen, and a fourth position of the feet. 
     In another aspect, the at least one angle includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°, and 360°. 
     In another aspect, a method  200  for producing enhanced thermal images, comprises:
         entering a cylindrical structure  102  encompassed by a circular pathway  106 ;   providing a rod  104  configured to operatively attach to the circular pathway  106 , the rod  104  disposed in a generally vertical orientation;   propelling the rod  104  along the circular pathway  106 ;   capturing a thermal image with a plurality of infrared image capturing device, the plurality of infrared image capturing devices  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d  arranged in a stacked, spaced-apart configuration along the length of the rod  104 , each infrared image capturing device  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d  configured to capture the thermal image from at least one position and at least one angle;   capturing an optical image with a plurality of optical image capturing device, the plurality of optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  arranged in a stacked, spaced-apart configuration along the length of the rod  104 , each optical image capturing device  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  configured to capture the optical image from at least one position and at least one angle;   controlling the angular velocity of the rod  104  along the circular pathway  106  with a first processor  114 ;   controlling the at least one position and the at least one angle of the plurality of infrared image capturing devices  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d  and the plurality of optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  with a first processor  114 ; and   manipulating the captured thermal image and the captured optical image with a second processor  116 , whereby the thermal image at least partially overlays the optical image to form an enhanced thermal image.       

     One objective of the present invention is to provide an enhanced thermal image of a patient that shows the temperatures and the finer contours of the patient. 
     Another objective is to enable multiple infrared and optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  to work together. 
     Another objective is to adjust the position or the angle of the image capturing devices while they are rotating. 
     Another objective is to merge thermal images and optical images to produce an enhanced thermal image that shows the smaller features and contours of the human body with temperatures. 
     Another objective is to provide an easy to use three dimensional image capturing system  100  and method  200 . 
       FIG. 1  references three dimensional rapid imaging system  100  captures multiple thermal and optical images and then digitally merges the captured images to produce an enhanced thermal image that shows the smaller features and contours of the human body with temperatures. The three dimensional rapid imaging system  100 , hereafter “system  100 ”, comprises a cylindrical structure  102  where a patient enters and the images of regions of the patient&#39;s body are captured. In some embodiments, the cylindrical structure  102  may have radius between 1 to 2 meter and a height of about 2.5 meters. The cylindrical structure  102  is made of optical and infrared opaque material, which may be either aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic. 
     The cylinder has a door  110  for the patient to enter and leave. In one embodiment, the patient disrobes before entering the cylindrical structure  102  through the door  110 . The patient stands in the middle of the cylindrical structure  102 . The door  110  automatically shut after the patient enters. After the door  110  is shut, there is total darkness inside the cylindrical structure  102 . This darkness improves the quality of the images. 
     A generally circular pathway  106  extends along the inner perimeter of the cylindrical structure  102 . The circular pathway  106  may include an upper track  118  and a lower track. A rod  104  that is disposed in a generally vertical orientation is connected at each end at the tracks  118 . The rod  104  is configured to follow the circular pathway  106  that rotates around the patient. An electric motor propels the rod  104  along the circular pathway  106 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a plurality of infrared image capturing devices  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d  and optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  are disposed in a spaced-apart relationship along the length of the rod  104 . The image capturing devices  108   a - d ,  112   a - d  can each have different positions and angles along the rod  104 . The infrared and optical image capturing devices  108   a - d ,  112   a - d  may be positioned adjacent to each other. In one embodiment, four image capturing devices of each type are used. In yet another embodiment, the system  100  further comprises a plurality of optical stereo image capturing devices (not shown) in place of the optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d.    
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a first position of the image capturing devices captures approximately the head of the patient. A second position captures approximately the breast of the patient. A third position captures approximately the abdomen of the patient. A fourth position captures the feet of the patient. Though in other embodiments, the image capturing devices  108   a - d,    112   a - d  may be adjusted along the rod  104  to capture different regions of the body. Or additional image capturing devices may be added to the rod  104 . For example, an image of the knee or the top of the skull may be captured. 
     The image capturing devices  108   a - d ,  112   a - d  are also configured to orient at different angles along the length of the rod  104 . The angles of the image capturing devices  108   a - d ,  112   a - d  can range from 0° to 360°. In some embodiments, the at least one angle includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°, and 360°. Thus, each camera can capture an image at a different positon, or a different angle, or both. This creates a flexible situation where eclectic images can be captured to produce unique thermal/optical images. 
     In one embodiment, a first processor  114  controls the angular velocity rod  104  following the circular pathway  106 . The first processor  114  also controls the height of each position of the image capturing devices  108   a - d ,  112   a - d . The first processor  114  also controls the angle of each image capturing device  108   a - d ,  112   a - d . In one embodiment, a second processor  116  manipulates the images, such that the optical images overlay the thermal images to produce a three dimensional image of the subject. In one embodiment, a program is written in the second processor  116  to overlay the temperature profile of the body surface on top of either a two dimensional optical picture or a three dimensional optical picture. As a result the image is an enhanced thermal image that shows both the temperature and the contours and smaller features of the patient as a three dimensional image. 
     In one alternative embodiment, the rod  104  disposed in a generally vertical orientation. One infrared image capturing device  108   a  is attached to the rod  104 , moving vertically along the rod  104  to any position as required by the linear motor to capture the thermal image from at least one position and at least one angle. A linear motor propels the one infrared image capturing device vertically along the rod  104 . A first processor  114  is configured to control the velocity of the vertical linear movement of the one infrared image capturing device. The first processor  114  is also configured to control the at least one position and the at least one angle of the one infrared image capturing device  108   a.    
     In one embodiment, wires extend along the rod  104  to connect each to the thermal and optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  to the first processor  114 . In one embodiment, preliminary analysis of the captured images is analyzed in the first processor  114 , and then the result of the preliminary analysis is transmitted by Wi-Fi to the second processor  116  in the main room for further analysis, storage, and print out for the physicians, or other health personals. 
     It is significant to note that the system  100  and method is also operable without use of an optical image capturing device  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  to capture optical images. In this embodiment, only an infrared image capturing device  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d  is used, and the optical image capturing device  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  is absent from the system  100 . The second processor  116  is also not necessary, since the process of overlaying the thermal image over an optical image is not utilized. In essence, optical images, whether stereo or not, are not a necessary component at the beginning It is important to realize the variety of rapid imaging without the optical images. 
     In one alternative embodiment, only one infrared image capturing device moves along the circular pathway as well as linearly. This multiple movement is more economically and saves money. This is because the one infrared image capturing device rotates four times to achieve the same result as four infrared image capturing devices rotating once. Furthermore in some application only a thermograph of the head is needed, so one infrared image capturing device may suffice. 
     As  FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D  illustrate, the enhanced thermal images provide a clearer picture of the status of the patient&#39;s health. For example, the normal internal temperature of a normal healthy person, as measured from oral insertion of thermometer, is well known to be 37° Celsius independent of outside environmental temperature due to the good insulation of the body. 
     However, the body skin temperature—as captured by the infrared image capturing devices  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d —for a healthy person is not a constant. If outside temperature is hot like in hot summer time, the skin temperature is hotter, and in cold weather it is cooler. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different people in different weather condition, the healthy skin is 32°+/−1° Celsius, where temperature is T 0 . Whether a particular point or region of body surface is hotter or cooler depends on the temperature difference: ΔT=T−T 0    
     Thus, if the temperature difference is greater than zero, then it is hotter. Such as if ΔT= or &gt;3.0° Celsius, then that part of body, which may be an acupoint, or a meridian, is very inflamed. It is equivalent to the internal oral temperature 40° Celsius. When a green color is used to denote 32° Celsius for normal healthy skin temperature, the part of the body, which may be an acupoint, or a meridian, would be in white color. It is easy, convenient to spot immediately. This is a more effective technique, as numerical number measurement in clinical setting are generally more time consuming. 
     Inflammation is also indicated in the enhanced thermal images. To make the inflammation area much more observable, a software program is written to show only that part of surface body area that is, ΔT= or &gt;3.0° C. 
     In term of color, only white body surface is shown. If a segment of meridian is inflamed, the white meridian will be shown vividly alone. The software may show only body surface that is hotter than 2.0° C., where ΔT&gt;2.0° C. 
     The opposite of the above discussed hot conditions can be observed by the enhanced thermal images as cold. A healthy person will have a warm foot. From infrared imaging, the feet will be shown as green in color. But when a person is sick, or old, or lack of exercise, the feet become cold. The temperature difference is negative, and it is shown in blue. In accordance with the enhanced thermal images, when the feet are colder than 32° Celsius and warmer than 29.5° Celsius, or ΔT&lt;2.5° Celsius, the color of the feet are shown in blue. 
     As  FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D  illustrate, the enhanced thermal images provide a clearer picture of the status of the patient&#39;s health. Looking at an example of such enhanced three dimensional images,  FIG. 4A  is captured at the 0° angle  118 ,  FIG. 4B  is captured at 90° angle  120 ,  FIG. 4C  is captured at 180° angle  122 , and  FIG. 4D  is captured at 270° angle  124 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method  200  for producing enhanced three dimensional thermal images. The method  200  may include an initial Step  202  of entering a cylindrical structure  102  encompassed by a circular pathway  106 . The method  200  may further comprise a Step  204  of providing a rod  104  configured to operatively attach to the circular pathway  106 , the rod  104  disposed in a generally vertical orientation. A Step  206  includes propelling the rod  104  along the circular pathway  106 . 
     In some embodiments, a Step  208  comprises capturing a thermal image with a plurality of infrared image capturing device, the plurality of infrared image capturing devices  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d  arranged in a stacked, spaced-apart configuration along the length of the rod  104 , each infrared image capturing device configured to capture the thermal image from at least one position and at least one angle. A Step  210  includes capturing an optical image with a plurality of optical image capturing device, the plurality of optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  arranged in a stacked, spaced-apart configuration along the length of the rod  104 , each optical image capturing device configured to capture the optical image from at least one position and at least one angle. 
     In some embodiments, a Step  212  may include controlling the angular velocity of the rod  104  along the circular pathway  106  with a first processor  114 . A Step  214  comprises controlling the at least one position and the at least one angle of the plurality of infrared image capturing devices  108   a ,  108   b ,  108   c ,  108   d  and the plurality of optical image capturing devices  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d  with the first processor  114 . A final Step  216  includes manipulating the captured thermal image and the captured optical image, whereby the thermal image at least partially overlays the optical image to form an enhanced thermal image. 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.