EVC Orthosis Color Selection via Digital Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting elastic venous compression orthoses are inefficient, as patients struggle to accurately simulate the appearance and fit of the orthosis by hand, leading to poor compliance and increased risk of treatment failure due to subjective color and tension variations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the acquisition of a photograph of the lower limb with a calibration map, followed by computer-calibrated color selection from a tone chart to determine an optimal orthosis color, allowing for objective and rapid selection without needing to slip on the orthosis, incorporating statistical analysis for preferred colors based on patient groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If patients use hand simulation to select orthosis color, then they can get an idea of appearance, but the color match is inaccurate due to hand color variation and tension variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital photography to create an accurate copy of the patient's lower limb skin color, replacing the inaccurate hand simulation method. The photograph is then calibrated using a color chart to ensure precise color representation, which is subsequently used for orthosis color selection. This copying approach eliminates the variability introduced by hand color and tension differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hand-stretching simulation method with a digital imaging and color calibration system. Instead of physically stretching the orthosis with hands to assess color and fit, the system uses photographs, color charts, and computer processing to objectively determine the optimal orthosis color based on the patient's actual skin tone.
2Measurement precision
If patients stretch orthosis by hand to assess appearance, then they can evaluate fit, but the tension applied varies greatly leading to inaccurate simulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the orthosis in its slipped-on state through photography, allowing assessment of appearance without physical manipulation. The calibration map with color charts provides a reference standard that eliminates the need for variable hand tension, as the color comparison is done on the captured image rather than through physical stretching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration of the photograph using a color chart before color selection. This preliminary action establishes a accurate color reference that accounts for lighting and camera characteristics, ensuring that subsequent color comparisons are precise without requiring repeated physical adjustments or tension variations.
3Reliability
If traditional hand simulation method is used, then selection can be done quickly, but patient disappointment occurs due to color mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital photography to create an accurate visual copy of the patient's limb, which can be immediately processed and compared with orthosis color options. This eliminates the need for time-consuming trial fittings while ensuring accurate color matching, thereby maintaining patient satisfaction without increasing selection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-fitting process with a digital image processing system. The computer-based color comparison and calibration eliminate the need for repeated physical adjustments and patient discomfort associated with trying on multiple orthoses, reducing time loss while improving reliability of the selection.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for selecting an elastic venous restraint orthosis intended to be slipped onto a lower limb of a patient. Acquisition of a photograph representing the skin of the limb and a calibration map including one or more calibration zones. The calibration map is placed on the limb in a position termed the “acquisition position.” Calibration of the photograph by the calibration zone or zones, in such a way that the representation of the skin on the photograph exhibits a calibrated colour. Selection, as a function of the calibrated colour, by computer and from a set of colours of a tone chart, of a tone chart colour, preferably of the tone chart colour closest to the calibrated colour, termed the “optimal colour,” and then determination, by computer, of an orthosis colour as a function of the tone chart colour selected. Selection of an orthosis exhibiting the orthosis colour.