Automated Allergy Testing With Dual Skin Applicators and Image Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current allergy testing for IgE-mediated reactions is time-intensive, requires trained professionals, and lacks automated administration and interpretation, leading to accessibility issues and potential human errors.

Innovation Solution

An allergy testing device with a first and second applicator, a capture device, and a processor that applies allergens and antigen epitopes to the skin, captures images, and analyzes skin reactions using pattern projection and image analysis to determine allergic responses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional allergy testing is performed by trained professionals in a specialist's office, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of allergy test interpretationVSAvoidlengthy visit duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables automated administration and interpretation of allergy testing without requiring trained professionals to perform the test or interpret results. The system self-administers allergen applications, self-captures skin reactions, and self-interprets results through automated image analysis algorithms, eliminating the need for specialist office visits while maintaining diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual professional administration and interpretation with an automated device that uses image capture and computer vision algorithms. The processor automatically analyzes skin reaction images to determine positive or negative test results, substituting human professional judgment with automated image processing while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional allergy testing is performed manually by professionals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of test resultsVSAvoidcomplexity of testing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: allergen application mechanisms, antigen epitope application, skin reaction capture imaging, and automated image analysis are all combined in one device. This consolidation maintains measurement precision while reducing the complexity of having separate manual processes for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated interpretation system performs the complex analysis function that previously required trained professionals, eliminating the need for separate professional interpretation steps. The device self-analyzes captured images and self-determines test results, maintaining accuracy while simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional allergy testing is performed in specialist offices, then reliability is improved, but accessibility and loss of time worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of allergy testingVSAvoidaccessibility to testing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to be universally applicable in various settings beyond specialist offices, enabling allergy testing in primary care clinics, pharmacies, or even at-home use. The automated system maintains reliability while expanding accessibility to populations who previously could not access specialist care

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of time

If automated allergy testing is implemented, then loss of time and accessibility are improved, but measurement precision and reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting durationVSAvoidaccuracy of automated interpretation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system captures images of skin reactions and uses automated analysis to provide immediate feedback on test results. The processor compares captured images against established criteria to determine positive or negative reactions, providing rapid feedback without requiring professional interpretation while maintaining diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12357227B2Allergy testing device

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 EPISLS INC

AI summary

An allergy testing device is disclosed. The allergy testing device includes a first applicator, a second applicator, a capture device, and a processor. The first applicator is arranged to apply an allergen to a first predetermined area of a patient's skin. The second applicator is arranged to apply antigen epitopes within a second predetermined area of a patient's skin. The capture device has a projector and one or more cameras. The processor is in communication with the capture device and a drive device that is arranged to move the first applicator to apply the allergen to the patient's skin and to move the second applicator to apply antigen epitopes to the patient's skin.