Bladder Wall Mapping via Optical Video Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrode-based methods for identifying bladder contractions are costly, time-consuming, and prone to false readings due to artificial muscle contractions caused by electrode contact, making it difficult to accurately locate and diagnose bladder disorders.
Innovation Solution
A method using an imaging element to generate a video feed of the bladder wall, establishing markers on natural features, tracking relative movements, and identifying contraction locations based on movement vectors, while distinguishing between natural and artificial contractions using a processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrode-based methods are used to identify bladder contractions, then electrical activity can be measured, but the location identification becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrode-based measurement system with an optical imaging system. The imaging element captures video feeds of the bladder wall, and a processor analyzes the visual data to identify contraction locations, eliminating the need for physical electrode placement and electrical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (video feed) of the bladder wall surface, allowing contraction locations to be identified through image analysis rather than direct physical measurement. The processor generates a representation of the bladder wall from video frames, enabling non-contact identification of contraction sites.
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed in physical contact with the bladder wall, then electrical activity can be measured, but artificial muscle contractions are induced causing false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact method (electrodes touching the bladder wall) with a non-contact optical method. The imaging element captures images of the bladder wall from a distance, and the processor analyzes these images to detect contractions, eliminating the artificial contractions caused by electrode contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the measurement system and the bladder wall. Instead of direct physical contact, the imaging element uses light to capture visual information about the bladder wall surface, allowing indirect observation of contractions without mechanical interference.
3Measurement precision
If additional operating time is spent for electrode configuration and artifact determination, then contraction location can be identified, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming manual electrode configuration process with automated optical imaging. The imaging element automatically captures video feeds, and the processor automatically analyzes the images to identify contraction locations, eliminating the need for manual electrode placement and artifact determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated image analysis. The processor automatically processes the video feeds, identifies natural features, establishes markers, tracks movements, and determines contraction locations without requiring manual intervention for configuration or artifact determination, significantly improving diagnosis efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of bladder mapping are described herein. According to one aspect, an exemplary method comprises: generating, with an imaging element, a video feed depicting a bladder wall; establishing, with a processor, markers on the bladder wall in the video feed; tracking, with the processor, relative movements between the markers; and/or identifying, with the processor, a location of a contraction of the bladder wall based on the relative movements. Associated devices and systems also are described.