Jaundice Diagnosis Image Correction via Reference Object
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jaundice diagnosis methods are subjective, time-consuming, and prone to errors due to visual examination and require patients to visit medical institutions equipped with bilirubin measurement devices, while external factors like illumination and hand tremors can distort image data, making remote and accurate diagnosis challenging.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for jaundice diagnosis using an image, which involves receiving a jaundice diagnostic image, generating color distortion information, correcting the image using a reference object, and diagnosing jaundice symptoms, utilizing a patch with multiple color regions to correct color distortion and ensure accurate image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If visual examination is used for jaundice diagnosis, then diagnostic speed is improved, but diagnostic accuracy deteriorates due to subjective and objective diagnosis limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual examination system with an automated image processing system that uses color space conversion and quantitative analysis. The system converts images to LAB color space and calculates L*a*b* values to objectively determine jaundice presence, eliminating subjective human judgment while maintaining rapid diagnosis.
2Measurement precision
If blood bilirubin measurement is used for jaundice confirmation, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases due to blood collection and examination processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy (photograph) of the patient's sclera and skin regions instead of collecting blood samples. This image copy is then processed through color space conversion and quantitative analysis to determine bilirubin levels indirectly, providing rapid diagnosis without the time-consuming blood collection and laboratory processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the laboratory-based blood measurement system with an automated image processing system. By converting images to LAB color space and analyzing L*a*b* values, the system provides bilirubin level assessment as quickly as image acquisition, eliminating the delay inherent in blood sample processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If image acquisition is performed in various illumination environments, then accessibility is improved, but color distortion occurs making accurate diagnosis difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the color space parameter from RGB (illumination-dependent) to LAB (illumination-independent). The LAB color space separates luminance (L*) from color information (a*, b*), allowing the system to extract jaundice-related color data that is invariant to illumination conditions, thus maintaining accuracy across diverse environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LAB color space as an intermediary between the captured image and the diagnostic analysis. This intermediate color representation acts as a mediator that decouples the diagnostic information from illumination variations, preserving color accuracy regardless of the lighting conditions during image acquisition.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote diagnosis is implemented, then medical accessibility is improved, but diagnostic reliability deteriorates without professional medical institution equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service diagnostic system where patients can perform jaundice screening themselves using their smartphones. The automated image processing pipeline (color space conversion, L*a*b* calculation, threshold comparison) enables the device to autonomously provide reliable diagnostic results without requiring professional medical personnel or specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex medical institution equipment with a smartphone-based image processing system. By using color space conversion to LAB and quantitative L*a*b* analysis, the system achieves professional-grade diagnostic reliability using only a standard camera, enabling reliable remote diagnosis through accessible devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for jaundice diagnosis based on an image. The method for jaundice diagnosis based on an image includes: receiving a jaundice diagnostic image acquired by photographing both a specific body part of a user and a reference object at a place where the user is positioned at present; generating color distortion information indicating a color distortion degree of the reference object included in the jaundice diagnostic image; generating a jaundice diagnostic correction image by correcting color distortion of the jaundice diagnostic image based on the color distortion information; and diagnosing a jaundice symptom for the user by using the jaundice diagnostic correction image.