Absorbent Article Analysis for Menstrual Blood Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing menstrual blood loss (MBL) in clinical trials are unreliable and impractical, relying on subjective estimates or expensive chemical analyses, which are burdensome for participants and lack accuracy due to variability in blood fraction and require handling biohazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for analyzing absorbent articles using image processing to compute the surface area of stains caused by bodily fluids, with reference marks for accurate volume determination, allowing for non-invasive and precise quantification of MBL through image analysis on personal devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If weight change measurement is used to assess MBL, then the assessment can be performed at home, but the measurement precision is poor due to variable blood fraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical measurement systems (weight change, chemical analysis) with an optical imaging system. The MBL volume is determined by capturing images of the absorbent article, processing the images to measure stain area, and calculating volume based on area-volume relationships. This substitution enables precise MBL assessment at home without relying on weight measurements affected by variable blood fractions.
2Measurement precision
If chemical analysis of blood content is used, then accurate MBL quantification can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the stain on the absorbent article and processes this copy to determine MBL volume. Instead of performing complex chemical analysis on the actual blood sample, the system captures an image, measures the stain area in the image, and calculates volume based on established area-volume relationships. This copying approach achieves accurate quantification using simple imaging equipment rather than complex laboratory chemical analysis systems.
3Ease of operation
If Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart is used, then the assessment can be performed without specialized equipment, but the reliability is low due to subjective estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective visual estimation process of PBAC with an automated optical imaging and image processing system. Instead of relying on raters to subjectively compare stains with pictograms, the system captures images, automatically measures stain area using image processing algorithms, and calculates MBL volume objectively. This substitution eliminates rater subjectivity while maintaining ease of use at home.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If used sanitary items are disposed of immediately, then biohazard risk is reduced, but the opportunity for analysis is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the image capture and analysis action before the sanitary item is disposed of. The system captures images of the absorbent article while it still contains the stain, processes the images to determine MBL volume, and generates results. Only after analysis is complete is the item disposed of as biohazard waste. This preliminary action sequence preserves the analytical opportunity while still managing biohazard risk through proper eventual disposal.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, device and computer program product for analyzing absorbent articles (300) are provided. The method includes receiving an image or data representing an image of an absorbent region (302) of an absorbent article. The absorbent region comprises at least one stain (350) caused by a bodily fluid discharge of a person using the absorbent article. The absorbent region includes at least one reference mark (304). A surface area of the stain (350) is computed using the at least one reference mark (304). The computed surface area of the stain (350) is used to determine a volume of bodily fluid contained in the absorbent article (300). The volume of the bodily fluid is analyzed to assess a measure of the bodily fluid discharge of the person.