Infrared Radial Artery Visualization for Remote TCM Palpation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tele-practice is hindered by the inability to perform palpation remotely due to the reliance on physical interaction, which is difficult via video conferencing.
Innovation Solution
An Infrared Radial Artery Visualization Device utilizing an infrared light source and sensor to capture and display the radial artery and acupoints, enabling remote palpation by Chinese Medicine Practitioners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional face-to-face consultation is used for TCM diagnosis, then palpation accuracy is improved, but accessibility and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the radial artery structure by transmitting infrared light through the wrist tissue to a sensor. This copies the anatomical information remotely, allowing practitioners to diagnose without physical contact while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through the captured light transmission patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical finger-based palpation system with an optical system. Instead of using fingers to feel pulse conditions, the system uses infrared light transmission through the wrist to capture and transmit diagnostic information electronically, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining diagnostic capability.
2Ease of operation
If video conferencing technology is used for tele-practice, then accessibility is improved, but diagnostic capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces infrared light as an intermediary carrier that transmits diagnostic information through the wrist tissue. The light acts as a mediator between the practitioner and patient, carrying pulse and acupoint information without requiring direct physical contact or complex video conferencing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/video-based communication system with an optical sensing system that directly captures physiological information. This substitution enables tele-diagnosis by converting physical palpation data into optical signals that can be transmitted and analyzed remotely.
3Adaptability or versatility
If infrared light transmission through wrist is used, then remote palpation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional modules: an infrared light source for illumination, a sensor for light capture, and a processing unit for analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling remote palpation capability.
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 remote palpation of the radial artery and acupoints, facilitating TCM diagnosis and reducing the need for in-person consultations, thereby enhancing telemedicine capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared light source; an infrared light sensor positioned opposite the infrared light source; and a wrist support adapted to hold a wrist between the infrared light source and the sensor wherein the sensor is adapted to capture infrared light emitted from the infrared light source and penetrated through the wrist
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared radial artery visualization device includes an infrared light source; an infrared light sensor positioned opposite the infrared light source; and a wrist support adapted to hold a wrist between the infrared light source and the sensor wherein the sensor is adapted to capture infrared light emitted from the infrared light source and penetrated through the wrist