Dermoscopy and Voice Recording for Melanoma Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for diagnosing melanoma and other skin conditions often require invasive biopsies and rely heavily on visual inspection by trained physicians, which can be ineffective and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A diagnosis assistance device equipped with a dermoscope, microphone, and processor that captures images and collects voice data, allowing for non-invasive visualization of skin conditions and storing voice recordings when a malignant area is detected, facilitating more accurate and efficient diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a partial biopsy is performed to observe melanoma, then the invasiveness is reduced, but the diagnostic accuracy deteriorates and tumor dissemination may be induced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinvasivenessVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical biopsy system with an optical observation system (dermoscopy). The dermoscope uses light to visualize skin structures non-invasively, eliminating the need for physical tissue removal while providing detailed images of melanoma characteristics for accurate diagnosis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dermoscope as an intermediary tool between the physician and the skin lesion. This device acts as a mediator that magnifies and enhances the visual observation of skin structures, allowing trained physicians to obtain diagnostic information without direct tissue contact or removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If high-intensity light rays are used to detect diffuse reflection from the dermis, then the observation depth is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation depthVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic light intensity adjustment in the dermoscope system. The light source intensity is optimized to provide sufficient illumination for deep skin observation while avoiding excessive energy consumption. The system dynamically adapts light levels based on observation requirements and skin characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter optimization by adjusting light intensity, wavelength, and polarization state to achieve effective dermal observation with minimal energy expenditure. By changing these optical parameters, the system maintains observation depth while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuously using high-intensity light.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12125592B2Diagnosis assistance device, diagnosis assistance method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

A diagnosis assistance device includes at least one microphone that collects voice around an affected area, and at least one processor. The at least one processor determines, based on image data that is data of a captured image of the affected area, whether the affected area is malignant, and stores in a memory the voice collected by the microphone when determination is made that the affected area is malignant.