Cervical Screening Speculum with Integrated Imaging Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cervical cancer screening, such as Pap tests and visual inspections, are inefficient and require trained manpower, leading to delayed detection and high mortality rates in developing nations due to lack of infrastructure and awareness.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical device with an image capturing unit and a speculum-like structure that exposes the cervix region, allowing for the capture of images before and after applying a chemical substance, which analyzes temporary color and texture changes to determine abnormalities, providing immediate and accurate results without the need for trained personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Pap tests are performed for early detection of cervical cancer, then detection accuracy is improved, but time consumption and patient inconvenience increase due to tedious in-vitro examination and multiple hours required for tissue biopsy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tissue biopsy step from the conventional Pap test process by using image capturing units to capture in-vivo images of the cervix region. This allows detection without removing tissue samples, eliminating the time-consuming biopsy procedure while maintaining detection capability through chemical substance application and image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical in-vitro examination system with an in-vivo imaging system. Instead of physically extracting and examining tissue under a microscope, the system uses image capturing units with chemical substances to detect abnormalities directly in the cervix region, significantly reducing time consumption.
2Ease of operation
If visual inspection with acid application is used for cervical cancer screening, then simplicity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but accuracy deteriorates due to subjective examiner decisions and lack of skilled manpower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces objective feedback mechanisms through image capturing units that photograph the cervix region before and after chemical substance application. The system compares these images to determine color and texture changes, providing objective detection results that eliminate subjective examiner decisions and improve accuracy while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of the cervix region through captured images, which can be analyzed objectively without requiring skilled examiners to perform subjective visual inspections. This allows accurate detection through image comparison while maintaining the simplicity of the chemical substance application method.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional screening methods are used in developing nations, then infrastructure requirements are reduced, but detection coverage deteriorates due to lack of organized screening activities and trained manpower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the screening system to perform detection automatically through preprogrammed instructions in the image capturing units. The system captures images, applies chemical substances, compares results, and determines abnormalities without requiring trained manpower, allowing organized screening activities to be implemented even in developing nations with limited infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables instantaneous and accurate detection of cervical cancer, reducing the need for trained specialists and improving early detection rates, thereby potentially reducing mortality from cervical cancer.
Implementation Method 1
determines abnormalities based on temporary change in color and texture of the cervix region due to application of the chemical substance
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting cervical cancer comprising, a mechanical structure configured to expose cervical region comprising, a first duck-billed blade forming a hollow cylinder at one end and a second duck-billed blade coupled to the first blade to form part of a speculum, in that the cervical region is exposed through circular area of the hollow cylinder, a pair of “L” shaped rods attached to the hollow cylinder of the first blade such that they are diagonally opposite and symmetric on either side of the exposed cervical region, and a detachable holder with a housing to hold a secondary unit and at least a pair of hooks to mount on the “L” shaped rods, the secondary unit further comprising, a camera for capturing an image of the exposed cervical region, a processor and a visual indicator to determine and indicate presence or absence of the cervix cancer from the image.