Anatomical Imaging Device with Interchangeable Probes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional anatomical examination devices are bulky, lack the ability to document anatomical regions of interest, and have complex structures, making them difficult to use, maintain, and update patient electronic health records.

Innovation Solution

A portable anatomical-imaging communication device comprising a probe, a mobile device with a camera, and a cloud computing server that allows for image capture, processing, filtering, and transmission of images to a clinician application, enabling a single device to examine various anatomical regions and update records efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional diagnostic devices (dermoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, etc.) are used to examine anatomical regions, then examination capability is provided, but device size becomes large and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexamination capabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple diagnostic functions (dermoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, otolaryngoscope, dental scope) into a single handheld device with a common handle and interchangeable probes, enabling one device to perform examinations across multiple anatomical regions including skin, ear, eye, ENT, teeth, and mouth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of traditionally separate diagnostic devices into a unified system where a single handle integrates multiple imaging sensors, light sources, and probe interfaces, consolidating what were previously separate bulky devices into one compact unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional diagnostic devices are used, then examination function is provided, but documentation capability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexamination functionVSAvoiddocumentation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates imaging sensors (camera, microphone, accelerometer, gyroscope) that capture visual and audio copies of anatomical regions during examination, storing these digital records for later review and integration into patient electronic health records, eliminating the need for physical documentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a mobile device as an intermediary between the diagnostic probes and the examination records, where the mobile device processes images captured by sensors, applies filters through a patient application, and transmits processed images to a cloud server for clinician review and electronic health record updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional diagnostic devices are used, then examination capability is provided, but structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexamination capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the diagnostic system into modular components: a common handle containing control electronics and a battery, interchangeable probes for different anatomical regions, and a mobile device for image processing, allowing each component to be optimized independently and simplified in design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The common handle serves multiple functions across different probes, providing a standardized interface and control mechanism that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to perform diverse examinations through probe interchangeability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional diagnostic devices are used, then examination function is provided, but training and troubleshooting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexamination functionVSAvoidtraining and troubleshooting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a calibration application that automatically calibrates the device using images captured during initial use, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures and reducing training requirements for operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback from device sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) to automatically adjust imaging parameters and provide real-time guidance to users, reducing the need for extensive training and troubleshooting while maintaining examination quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11653881B2Anatomical-imaging communication device
Publication Date: 2023.05.23 THE AGA KHAN UNIV
  • US11653881B2 patent drawing
  • US11653881B2 patent drawing
  • US11653881B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device is described that can include a probe, a mobile device, and at least one processor. The probe can examine a corresponding anatomical part of a body. The mobile device can have a camera to take an image of the anatomical part of the body. The mobile device can execute a patient-application to process the image. The at least one processor can be configured to transmit the processed image to a server via a communication network. Related apparatuses, systems, methods, techniques and articles are also described.