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Publication Number
US-11896343-B2
Publication Date
2024-02-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention provides a removable optical imaging device cap for use with a near infrared (NIR) light optical imaging device for detecting intracranial hematoma.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a near infrared (NIR) light optical imaging device for imaging an object. The device includes a body and at least three optical transceivers located within the body. The device further includes a device cap that includes a bellow support plate with a support plate face configured to face a surface of the object to be imaged.
A deformable bellow is sealingly engaged to the bellow support plate, where the deformable bellow has a cross-sectional profile defining a first perimeter rim and a second perimeter rim, and the first perimeter rim sealingly engages the bellow support plate. The deformable bellow includes at least three deformable housings, where each deformable housing is adapted to receive a light pipe and has a tip adapted to contact the surface of the object to be imaged. Each light pipe corresponds to one of the at least three optical transceivers.
The removable cap is configured to exclude ambient light while conforming to uneven skull surfaces, using a deformable bellows structure that seals against ambient light and maintains contact via tips on the light pipes. The at least three deformable housings and corresponding light pipes are arranged in an equilateral triangular configuration, and additional edge detectors may be used.
The document further describes signal processing that determines a presence of intracranial hematoma using processed NIR detector data, together with indicator lights for scanning, errors, and detection. Multiple embodiments are described, including configurations where the cap is mounted directly to the device body, where the cap is mounted via a fixed base plate, and a hybrid military flashlight form factor.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim coverage includes four inventive features.
Near infrared optical imaging device with body and at least three optical transceivers
A near infrared (NIR) light optical imaging device comprising a body and at least three optical transceivers located within the body.
Device cap with bellow support plate facing the object surface
A device cap comprising a bellow support plate having a support plate face configured to face a surface of the object to be imaged.
Sealing deformable bellow engaged to the bellow support plate
A deformable bellow sealingly engaged to the bellow support plate, with a cross-sectional profile defining a first perimeter rim and a second perimeter rim, and the first perimeter rim sealingly engaging the bellow support plate.
At least three deformable housings receiving light pipes contacting the object surface
At least three deformable housings, each adapted to receive a light pipe and having a tip adapted to contact the surface of the object to be imaged, each light pipe corresponding to one of the at least three optical transceivers.
The independent claim coverage centers on a NIR optical imaging device architecture combining a body with at least three optical transceivers and a removable device cap with a bellow support plate, a sealing deformable bellow with perimeter rims, and at least three deformable housings that receive light pipes whose tips contact the object surface and correspond to the optical transceivers.
Stated Advantages
The removable cap is configured to exclude ambient light.
The deformable bellows structure conforms to uneven skull surfaces and maintains contact via tips on the light pipes.
Indicator lights are provided for scanning, errors, and detection.
Documented Applications
Detection of intracranial hematoma using processed NIR detector data in a handheld NIR optical imaging system.
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