Foot Ulcer Detection via Thermal Imaging and Pattern Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring foot ulcers are often inconvenient, unreliable, and inaccurate, leading to reduced compliance and delayed detection, which can result in serious health complications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that form a thermogram of the foot using temperature sensors, comparing it to prior data to detect deviations indicative of ulcer emergence, with an open platform that can be in the form of a floor mat or wearable device, providing output information on ulcer detection without the need for visual display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ulcer monitoring methods are used, then detection capability is limited, but patient compliance and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and physical examination methods with thermal imaging technology. The system uses infrared sensors to detect temperature variations on the foot surface, automatically identifying ulcer locations and characteristics without requiring patient manual reporting or complex clinical procedures, thereby improving both detection accuracy and patient convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal imaging system as an intermediary between the patient and the ulcer detection process. The thermal camera captures temperature distributions and uses image processing algorithms to identify ulcer patterns, serving as a non-invasive mediator that provides accurate detection while maintaining patient comfort and compliance
2Reliability
If manual monitoring methods are used, then detection reliability is poor, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable manual monitoring with automated thermal imaging systems that objectively measure temperature distributions. The system uses computer algorithms to analyze thermal patterns and identify ulcers, eliminating human error and subjectivity while maintaining relatively simple hardware consisting primarily of thermal cameras and processing software
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates thermal copies or maps of the foot surface temperature distribution. By capturing and analyzing these thermal images, the system reliably detects ulcers through temperature anomalies without requiring direct physical contact or complex diagnostic procedures, thus improving reliability while keeping the system straightforward
3Loss of time
If frequent monitoring is implemented, then early detection improves, but patient burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform self-monitoring using portable thermal imaging devices or home-based systems. Patients can independently capture thermal images of their feet and receive automated analysis results, eliminating the need for frequent clinic visits or assistance from healthcare providers, thus reducing detection delays without increasing patient burden
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic monitoring through scheduled thermal imaging captures at home or during routine activities. The system allows patients to take thermal images periodically and automatically compares them over time to detect ulcer development or changes, enabling early detection while maintaining a convenient, low-burden monitoring schedule
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 early detection of ulcers, improving patient compliance and reducing the risk of severe complications by providing accurate and convenient monitoring of foot health.
Implementation Method 1
a thermogram generator configured to form a thermogram of the sole of at least one foot of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A method of monitoring a patient's foot forms a thermogram of the sole of at least one foot of the patient, and determines whether the thermogram presents at least one of a plurality of prescribed patterns. The method also compares the thermogram against a prior thermogram of the same foot, and produces output information indicating the emergence of an ulcer on a given portion on the at least one foot as a function of 1) whether the thermogram is determined to present the at least one pattern, and 2) the comparison with the prior thermogram, which shows non-ulcerated tissue at the given location.