Non-Invasive Hemoglobin Measurement Using Hand Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining hemoglobin levels are invasive, making them inaccessible and inconvenient, especially for young children who are at high risk for iron deficiency and anemia.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive apparatus and method using a camera-equipped box with a color scale bar and image segmentation by a trained neural network to analyze nail images, allowing for accurate hemoglobin level determination with a smartphone, minimizing external light and optimizing hand positioning for precise measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive blood tests are used to determine hemoglobin levels, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive blood sampling system with an optical imaging system. A camera captures images of the subject's hand or finger, and image processing algorithms analyze the visual data to determine hemoglobin levels non-invasively, eliminating the need for physical blood extraction while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance or medium - in this case, the optical properties of skin, nail, or mucous membrane tissues serve as intermediaries to indirectly measure hemoglobin levels. The imaging system detects optical characteristics that correlate with hemoglobin concentration, providing a non-direct but accurate measurement approach
2Reliability
If invasive blood tests are used for hemoglobin diagnosis, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but device complexity and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical blood analysis equipment with a simple optical imaging system using a camera and image processing software. This substitution maintains diagnostic reliability while dramatically reducing system complexity and making the technology more accessible for widespread use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or image of the tissue sample (hand, finger, or mucous membrane) instead of physically extracting blood. The image serves as a surrogate that contains sufficient information for hemoglobin measurement, eliminating the need for complex laboratory equipment while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
3Ease of operation
If non-invasive imaging methods are used to measure hemoglobin, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the image processing system continuously analyzes optical characteristics from captured images and adjusts measurements based on observed variations in tissue optical properties. This feedback loop ensures that the non-invasive method achieves precision comparable to invasive blood tests by accounting for individual variations in tissue characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (reflectance, absorbance, scattering characteristics) of tissues to correlate with hemoglobin levels. By measuring these optical parameter changes in skin, nail, or mucous membrane tissues, the system achieves precise non-invasive hemoglobin determination without requiring blood extraction
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
The solution provides a rapid, accurate, and non-invasive means to measure hemoglobin levels with a mean absolute error of less than 0.95 g/dL, suitable for widespread use, improving accessibility and reducing the risk of iron deficiency and anemia diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
a camera placed on top of the box to capture images of a subject's hand placed inside the interior space
Implementation Method 2
a color scale bar, located at said bottom of the box, displaying at least 3 colors characterized by a reflection of wavelength in the range of (i) 670-700 nm; (ii) 520-560 nm; and (iii) 450-490 nm
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a kit and a method for non-invasively determining hemoglobin levels are provided. The apparatus comprising: a box defining an interior space comprising: (a) un upper opening adopted to allow a camera placed on top of the box, to capture images of a subject's hand placed inside the interior space; and (b) a side opening configured for an insertion of said subject's hand; an adaptor, attached to an upper face to the box, for holding the camera and ensuing a location of the camera lens above the upper opening; a placement pad located at a bottom of the box, having a texture configured to direct said subject to place a hand portion comprising a nail and skin in a direction facing a lens of said camera, such that, a field of view of said camera captures the nail and the skin.