Method and apparatus for non-invasive volume and texture analysis
US5588428A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/4218
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention is directed to non-invasive methods and apparatus for three-dimensional measurement of surface profile and/or volume, and analysis of surface texture for evaluation of wound repair, assessment of surgical reconstructions or treatment of hypertrophic scarring, evaluation of polymerization reactions for polymer and elastomeric curing processes, or in any industrial process requiring quantitative monitoring of surface texture and profile. Both volume and surface texture are quantitatively measured very accurately, and the apparatus and method can be used on both soft and hard surfaces according to the above objectives. The invention generally comprises an apparatus and method to image a three-dimensional surface for volumetric analysis and/or surface texture. The apparatus includes a laser source for emitting a predetermined wavelength beam which is reflected off the surface being imaged, and a laser detector or sensor positioned relative to the laser source for receiving the reflected beam to generate a first signal corresponding to the amount of laser energy reflected off the surface. The reflected beam is indicative of changes in the depth of the surface relative to t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.