Foot Imaging System with Angled Mirrors for Ulcer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diabetic patients with neuropathy face a high risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers due to loss of nociception, making it difficult for them to detect pressure points or wounds, and existing foot imaging devices are not suitable for in-home monitoring or provide sufficient information for analyzing foot health.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a transmissive sheet and an image capture system that includes optical sensors and light sources to capture images of the feet, with features like diffuse optical sources, angled mirrors, and a processing unit to reconstruct images, allowing for in-home monitoring and analysis of foot health, including detection of potential ulcers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing foot imaging devices are used, then foot imaging capability is provided, but the devices are not suitable for in-home monitoring and do not provide sufficient information for analyzing foot health
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple optical imaging sensors, each capturing a specific portion of the foot. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the entire foot while maintaining a compact device structure suitable for home use. Each sensor captures detailed information about pressure distribution and foot health in its specific region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-view foot imaging to multi-dimensional imaging by using multiple sensors positioned at different locations and angles. This provides comprehensive three-dimensional information about foot pressure distribution, arch structure, and potential ulcers, enabling thorough foot health analysis in a home setting.
2Ease of operation
If a compact imaging device is designed for in-home use, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and field of view may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical imaging sensors are merged into a single integrated device, with each sensor capturing a specific portion of the foot. The processing unit combines these individual images into a comprehensive full-foot image, achieving both compact size for home use and comprehensive imaging capability with sufficient measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing pressure distribution, identifying ulcers, analyzing foot arch structure, and providing comprehensive foot health assessment. This multi-functionality is achieved through an array of sensors that can simultaneously gather various types of foot health data in a single home-use session.
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
Enables effective in-home monitoring of foot health, reducing the risk of diabetic foot ulcers by providing detailed images and alerts for potential injuries or ulcers, facilitating early intervention and improving patient morbidity outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an array of at least four optical imaging sensors with lenses configured to each focus a unique predetermined portion of the field of view onto the sensor to which it is coupled
Implementation Method 2
one or more diffuse optical sources and an array of at least four optical imaging sensors
Implementation Method 3
a lens configured to focus light of at least two unique wavelengths, of which one is between 390 nm and 710 nm and the other is between 750 nm and 900 nm, onto a single focal plane
Implementation Method 4
a lens configured to focus light of at least two unique wavelengths
Implementation Method 5
two angled outer mirrors each reflecting half of the field of view towards the center of the device
Implementation Method 6
a transmissive sheet configured to bear at least 90 kg supported at a height of no more than 23 cm
Data Source
AI summary
A device for monitoring human feet can include: a transmissive sheet configured to bear at least 90 kg supported at a height of no more than 23 cm, and a foot image capture system below the sheet. An optical image sensor can capture a field of view including at least 250 cm2 of the surface of the sheet. The device can have a central reflective element positioned below the sheet directly above the sensor and two outer mirrors such that two fields of view at least 250 cm2 each can be focused onto the sensor by a lens. Foot sole images can be automatically captured when a patient stands on the device. Images can be transmitted to a database and associated with the patient by analyzing the images for a unique predetermined metric.