Gestational Age Estimation via Skin Reflectance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining gestational age at birth lack effectiveness in providing a non-invasive, cost-effective, and accurate estimation using photobiological properties of the skin and clinical parameters, which is crucial for newborn care and public health policies.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing photobiological properties such as reflectance and erythema index, combined with clinical parameters like gender, phototherapy use, birth weight, and incubator stay, to estimate gestational age by emitting light at specific wavelengths and measuring scattered light intensities using LEDs and photodiodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods for determining gestational age are used, then accuracy may be maintained through invasive procedures, but non-invasiveness and cost-effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical procedures (physical examinations, surgical interventions) with an optical measurement system that uses light sources and photodetectors to non-invasively measure skin reflectance properties, thereby maintaining accuracy while eliminating invasiveness and reducing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from invasive physical indicators to optical properties of skin (reflectance, scattering coefficients) that can be measured non-invasively, enabling accurate gestational age determination through photobiological properties without compromising reliability
2Ease of operation
If photobiological properties of skin are measured to estimate gestational age, then non-invasiveness and cost-effectiveness are improved, but measurement precision and accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-parameter measurement system that simultaneously evaluates multiple photobiological parameters (reflectance at different wavelengths, scattering coefficients, erythema index) and integrates them with clinical parameters, allowing the system to maintain high measurement precision while remaining non-invasive and cost-effective
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the measured optical parameters are processed through algorithms that continuously refine the gestational age estimation, improving measurement precision by iteratively adjusting calculations based on the relationship between skin optical properties and gestational age
3Measurement precision
If multiple parameters are measured to improve accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated device that simultaneously measures various optical parameters (reflectance, scattering, erythema) using combined light sources and photodetector arrays, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing device complexity through functional integration
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 accurate and non-invasive estimation of gestational age, improving newborn care and public health assessments, with high correlation to gold standard obstetric ultrasound methods, facilitating better clinical follow-up and vital statistics.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light emitting element (2)
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor element (3) capturing a considerable part of the light signal coming from (2)
Implementation Method 3
measuring the diffused or scattered portions of the light beam incident on the skin
Implementation Method 4
reflectance or reflectivity by measuring the diffused or scattered portions of the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a device for determining gestational age and methods for determining gestational age at birth by measuring parameters associated with photobiological properties of the skin such as reflectance or reflectivity by measuring diffused or scattered portions of the light beam incident on the skin, as well as the erythema index, along with clinical parameters of the newborn such as gender, the use of phototherapy, birth weight and time spent in incubator. The ability to obtain a realistic estimate of the age of the conceptus quickly, non-invasively and at low cost makes it possible to provide care suited to the needs of the newborn, to assess the chances of survival and to affect the short- and long-term prognosis of the newborn. The correct determination of gestational age at birth also influences clinical follow-up protocols in infancy and vital statistics.