Concentric Arc Ruler for Tumor Volume Doubling Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating tumor stability lack precision in rapidly determining volume and area doubling times, which are crucial for categorizing tumor response to treatment and progression, especially in single-plane images like chest radiographs.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a planar surface with concentrically arranged arcs and size markers to identify size doubling numbers, including volume, area, and radius doubling numbers, allowing for rapid estimation of tumor growth parameters from single radii or diameters, facilitating precise categorization of tumor stability and response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to evaluate tumor stability, then the evaluation process is simple, but the precision in determining volume and area doubling times is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the measurement scale into multiple concentric arc zones, each representing different tumor size ranges. Each arc is segmented to allow precise alignment with tumor measurements, enabling accurate determination of volume and area doubling times through systematic division of the measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from linear measurement scales to concentric circular arcs, adding a radial dimension to the measurement approach. This dimensional change allows simultaneous representation of multiple measurement parameters (volume, area, radius doubling) on a single planar surface, improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If detailed measurement scales are provided for accurate tumor evaluation, then measurement precision improves, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The concentric arc device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures tumor radius, calculates volume doubling time, determines area doubling time, and assesses tumor stability all through a single unified structure. This multi-functionality provides detailed measurement capabilities without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges multiple measurement scales and calculation functions into a single integrated ruler structure. By combining volume, area, and radius measurements on one device with unified concentric arcs, it achieves detailed measurement precision while maintaining structural simplicity compared to multiple separate measurement tools.
3Productivity
If rapid estimation of tumor growth parameters is achieved, then productivity improves, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-calculates and marks all necessary doubling time values on the concentric arcs before use. The arcs are预先 configured with volume, area, and radius doubling relationships, allowing rapid reading of accurate results without requiring complex calculations during the evaluation process, thus achieving both speed and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for identifying a size doubling number of a lesion, having: a ruler with a planar surface defining a data portion that includes data zones, including: a first zone defining first zone arcs distributed in a concentric configuration, the first zone arcs defining first mutually unique radii, ranging from a first minimum radius to a first maximum radius; the first zone includes first zone size markers, positioned adjacent ones of the first zone arcs, and the first zone size markers identify the size doubling number of the clinical lesion having a size corresponding to a respective one of the first zone arcs, the size doubling number representing one or more of volume, area and radius doubling of the lesion; a slider sliding along the ruler, a caliper that moves with the slider, and a smart device receiving data, from the caliper, indicative of a size of the clinical lesion.