Handheld Tissue Diagnosis Using 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, contributing to delayed diagnoses and reduced effectiveness of early interventions.
Innovation Solution
A portable, 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
1Productivity
If traditional skin cancer screening methods are used, then accessibility and frequency of screenings are limited, but the cost and complexity of the device remain low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical spectroscopy and mechanical indentation methods into a single integrated handheld device. This merging of two diagnostic modalities enables comprehensive tissue characterization (both compositional and mechanical properties) in one tool, thereby increasing screening frequency and accessibility without requiring multiple separate devices or procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device is designed to perform multiple functions: optical spectroscopy for compositional analysis, mechanical indentation for elasticity measurement, and potential imaging capabilities. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools, making screenings more accessible and frequent while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capability
2Measurement precision
If subjective visual assessments are used for diagnosis, then the assessment process is simple and quick, but diagnostic consistency and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with objective quantitative measurements. Optical spectroscopy provides spectral data for compositional analysis, while mechanical indentation provides numerical elasticity values. These objective measurements eliminate observer bias and improve diagnostic consistency, with the handheld device making these sophisticated measurements accessible without requiring complex laboratory infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device acts as an intermediary between the clinician and the tissue being examined. It translates complex biological properties into measurable signals (spectral profiles, mechanical responses) that can be objectively analyzed. This intermediary role enables accurate, consistent diagnostics while keeping the device itself relatively simple and portable
3Reliability
If existing technological methods are used, then the sensitivity and specificity are reduced, but the technology remains simple and affordable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical spectroscopy and mechanical indentation to achieve enhanced diagnostic reliability. Optical spectroscopy detects compositional changes in tissue (molecular signatures of disease), while mechanical indentation detects elasticity changes (physical alterations from disease). The combination of these two independent measurement modalities provides both sensitivity and specificity improvements, as they detect different aspects of tissue pathology
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic approach uses a composite methodology combining two different physical measurement techniques. Just as composite materials combine different materials to achieve superior properties, this composite diagnostic method combines optical and mechanical measurements to achieve superior sensitivity and specificity compared to either method alone, while keeping the overall device architecture relatively simple and portable
4Measurement precision
If invasive biopsy methods are used, then diagnostic accuracy is high, but physiological trauma and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical biopsy with non-invasive optical and mechanical measurements. Instead of physically removing tissue (which causes trauma), the device uses optical spectroscopy to probe tissue composition and mechanical indentation to assess tissue elasticity. These substitutions maintain diagnostic accuracy by measuring tissue properties in situ without causing physiological harm
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device serves as an intermediary that obtains diagnostic information without direct tissue contact or removal. The optical fibers and indentation mechanism interact with tissue surfaces to gather compositional and mechanical data, eliminating the need for invasive sampling while preserving tissue integrity and avoiding patient trauma
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 real-time, non-invasive, and affordable tissue diagnosis, reducing physiological trauma, mitigating skin tone biases, and facilitating routine screenings, particularly in resource-limited settings, with potential integration into telehealth networks for enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
a light sensor configured to sense the light provided by the light source
Implementation Method 3
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.