Computational optical palpation: a finite-element approach to micro-scale tactile imaging using a compliant sensor. Issue 128 (31st March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wijesinghe, Philip; Sampson, David D.; Kennedy, Brendan F.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Royal Society interface. Volume 14:Issue 128(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-03-31
• Subjects: tactile imaging -- optical coherence tomography -- finite-element analysis -- elastography; Physical sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Interdisciplinary research -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.0878
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-5689

Abstract

Abstract : High-resolution tactile imaging, superior to the sense of touch, has potential for future biomedical applications such as robotic surgery. In this paper, we propose a tactile imaging method, termed computational optical palpation, based on measuring the change in thickness of a thin, compliant layer with optical coherence tomography and calculating tactile stress using finite-element analysis. We demonstrate our method on test targets and on freshly excised human breast fibroadenoma, demonstrating a resolution of up to 15–25 µm and a field of view of up to 7 mm. Our method is open source and readily adaptable to other imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography and confocal microscopy.