Infrared Wound Imaging for Objective Status Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wound assessment methods rely on subjective eye observation and text recordings, leading to distorted assessments due to variations in nurse perception, which can result in inaccurate documentation and communication delays.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing infrared (IR) images to capture vascular distribution patterns, featuring an image obtaining device and an image analyzing device with modules for wound detection, calibration, and analysis, allowing for objective comparison of wound status over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If eye observation and text recording methods are used for wound assessment, then the assessment process is simple and quick, but the accuracy and objectivity of wound status documentation deteriorates due to subjective variations among nurses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual eye observation and text recording system with an automated image-based assessment system. Infrared imaging devices capture wound images objectively, eliminating subjective human perception variations. The system processes and analyzes wound images automatically, substituting the mechanical human assessment process with technological automation to improve documentation accuracy while managing system complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple nurses independently assess wound status, then more observations can be collected, but communication time and potential discrepancies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an objective digital copy of the wound status through infrared imaging. Instead of multiple nurses making independent subjective assessments that require communication and reconciliation, the system produces a single objective image record that all nurses can reference. This eliminates the need for repeated communication about wound status while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
3Reliability
If infrared imaging technology is implemented for wound assessment, then objective and accurate wound status analysis is achieved, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image analyzing device as an intermediary between the infrared imaging device and the nurses. This intermediary automatically processes the infrared images, performs wound detection and calibration, and presents standardized results to nurses. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by automating the technical processing while presenting simplified, reliable outputs to users.
4Ease of operation
If manual wound observation and recording is used, then the system is easy to operate, but the quality of nursing care documentation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the wound assessment system to perform much of the work automatically. The infrared imaging device automatically captures images, the image analyzing device automatically processes and analyzes the images to detect wound characteristics, and the system automatically generates documentation. This self-service automation maintains ease of operation for nurses while dramatically improving documentation quality through objective, consistent measurement.
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 system provides objective and accurate wound status analysis by aligning and comparing IR images, enabling automatic detection of wound variations and improving the quality of nursing care through precise documentation and reduced communication time.
Implementation Method 1
an image obtaining device configured to obtain a plurality of infrared (IR) images which are photographed from a wound of a user's body portion, wherein the plurality of IR images include a first IR image photographed at a first time and a second IR image photographed at a second time
Data Source
AI summary
A system for analyzing wound status is provided. The system includes an image obtaining device and an image analyzing device. The image obtaining device is configured to obtain a plurality of infrared (IR) images which are photographed from a wound of a user's body portion, wherein the plurality of IR images are photographed at different time. The image analyzing device is configured to align the plurality of IR images based on features of non-wound regions from the plurality of IR images, and then analyze wound image regions from the plurality of IR images for finding out variations of the wound.