Handheld Tissue Diagnosis Using Optical Spectroscopy and Indentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current skin cancer screening methods face limitations such as limited accessibility and frequency, subjective assessments leading to inconsistent diagnoses, technological shortcomings reducing sensitivity and specificity, and bias against darker skin tones, resulting in delayed diagnoses and reduced effectiveness of early interventions.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device combining optical spectroscopy and indentation methods for in vivo tissue diagnosis, capable of characterizing morphological and compositional characteristics, and measuring mechanical properties to detect disease and injury development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional skin cancer screening methods are used, then accessibility and frequency of screenings are limited, but diagnostic accuracy and early detection capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical biopsy methods with optical spectroscopy and indentation techniques. The optical spectroscopy system uses light interaction with tissue to obtain diagnostic information without physical extraction, while the indentation method uses controlled mechanical pressure with force sensors to assess tissue properties non-invasively, thereby maintaining diagnostic accuracy while improving accessibility and reducing patient trauma
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers and light as intermediaries to transmit diagnostic information from tissue to sensors without direct mechanical intervention. The optical fibers deliver light to the tissue and collect reflected/scattered light, serving as a mediator that enables remote, non-contact diagnosis and improves accessibility while maintaining measurement precision
2Reliability
If subjective assessment methods are used, then screening process is simple, but diagnostic consistency and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where optical sensors continuously monitor tissue optical properties and mechanical sensors provide real-time force-displacement data during indentation. This feedback loop enables objective, quantifiable measurements that are processed through algorithms to produce consistent diagnostic results, reducing subjectivity while the integrated sensor system manages complexity through automated data processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with objective optical spectroscopy and mechanical indentation measurements. The optical system uses light absorption and scattering properties to objectively characterize tissue composition, while the indentation system uses force sensors to objectively measure tissue mechanical properties, eliminating human subjectivity and improving diagnostic consistency
3Measurement precision
If invasive biopsy methods are used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but physiological trauma and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical biopsy with optical spectroscopy and gentle indentation methods. The optical spectroscopy uses non-ionizing light to probe tissue composition without physical extraction, and the indentation method applies controlled, minimal mechanical pressure to assess tissue properties, thereby maintaining diagnostic accuracy while eliminating the physiological trauma associated with traditional biopsies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fibers and light as intermediaries to obtain diagnostic information without direct mechanical contact or tissue extraction. The optical system penetrates tissue with light waves rather than physical instruments, serving as a non-invasive mediator that provides accurate disease detection while avoiding the harmful effects of invasive procedures
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
Provides affordable, user-friendly, and non-invasive real-time tissue diagnosis, reducing physiological trauma and enhancing diagnostic accuracy across various skin tones, particularly in resource-limited settings, and facilitating at-home and telehealth integration.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to provide light; at least one optical fiber disposed on the cantilever beam, the light provided by the light source traveling through the at least one optical fiber; and a light sensor configured to sense the light provided by the light source
Implementation Method 2
The cantilever beam can comprise an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for in vivo tissue diagnosis are provided. Optical spectroscopy can be utilized to characterize the morphological and/or compositional characteristics of in vivo tissue, and an indentation method can be used to measure the mechanical characteristics of the tissue. These intrinsic properties can then be used to detect disease and/or injury development in the in vivo tissue. A portable, handheld device can be used to perform the optical spectroscopy and/or the indentation method.