Volume and texture analysis

Citation

Hollingum, J. (2000), "Volume and texture analysis", Sensor Review, Vol. 20 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2000.08720dad.014

Volume and texture analysis

Volume and texture analysis

Keyword Surface measurement

Applicant: Univ. Akron (US)Patent number: US5588428Publication date: 31 December 1996Title: Method and apparatus for non-invasive volume and texture analysis

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 the laser source, and can therefore be used to monitor changes in surface depth. Further, a sound source is provided for generating a coherent beam of sound waves which are reflected off the surface also. A sound detector positioned relative to the sound source receives reflected sound waves to generate at least a second signal corresponding to the amount of sound waves reflected off the surface, wherein the reflected sound waves are a measure of the surface texture. A control system selectively operates the laser source and sound source for generating the signals at a plurality of locations on the surface for analysis. The apparatus may be portable, and provides a quick and accurate quantitative measurement of a surface, and can be used in association with both hard and soft surfaces.