Computational optical palpation: a finite-element approach to micro-scale tactile imaging using a compliant sensor
Philip Wijesinghe1,2, David D Sampson3,4, Brendan F Kennedy5,2
1Optical+Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia philip.wijesinghe@gmail.com.
Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
|March 3, 2017
Summary
Computational optical palpation offers high-resolution tactile imaging for biomedical uses. This novel method uses optical coherence tomography and finite-element analysis for precise tissue analysis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Optical Imaging
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- High-resolution tactile imaging surpasses human touch, offering potential in biomedical fields like robotic surgery.
- Existing tactile imaging technologies face limitations in resolution and scope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel tactile imaging method called computational optical palpation.
- To demonstrate the efficacy of this method for high-resolution tissue analysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure thickness changes in a compliant layer.
- Employed finite-element analysis (FEA) to calculate tactile stress distribution.
- Validated the method on test targets and human breast fibroadenoma samples.
Main Results:
- Achieved tactile imaging resolution of 15-25 µm.
- Demonstrated a field of view up to 7 mm.
- Successfully imaged tissue characteristics of human breast fibroadenoma.
Conclusions:
- Computational optical palpation provides superior tactile imaging capabilities.
- The open-source method is adaptable to various imaging modalities like ultrasonography and confocal microscopy.
- This technique holds promise for advancing biomedical applications, including robotic surgery.
