Multimodal Imaging Apparatus for Objective Allergy Test Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reading skin allergy tests, such as Prick and Patch tests, rely on visual assessment which lacks standardization and repeatability, leading to potential false positives and false negatives due to the subjective nature of human observation.
Innovation Solution
The development of a hybrid, multimodal imaging apparatus that combines thermal imaging, laser Doppler flowmetry, and optical reflectometry to objectively assess allergic reactions by analyzing thermal anomalies, skin surface changes, and vascular responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual assessment by physician is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual assessment system with an optical imaging system. A camera captures images of the skin test area, and image processing algorithms automatically measure the size of allergic reactions (weals and erythema). This substitution eliminates human subjectivity while maintaining operational simplicity, as the system requires minimal user input beyond initiating the imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the physician and the measurement process. The system uses captured images as intermediaries to objectively quantify allergic reactions. The processing unit analyzes image features such as area, perimeter, and intensity to generate precise measurements, serving as a mediator that translates visual information into quantifiable data without human intervention.
2Measurement precision
If automated image processing is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional integrated system where a single apparatus performs multiple functions: capturing visible light images, capturing thermal images, processing images to measure allergic reactions, and providing automated evaluation. This universal device replaces multiple separate tools (visual inspection, manual measurement, thermal imaging) with one cohesive system, managing complexity through integration while enhancing precision through multimodal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service capabilities through automated image processing and evaluation algorithms. The processing unit automatically analyzes captured images, identifies allergic reaction areas, calculates measurements, and generates results without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains high measurement precision while reducing the operational burden on users, effectively managing system complexity through automation.
3Reliability
If single-mode thermal imaging is used, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges thermal imaging with visible light imaging to create a hybrid multimodal system. The visible light camera captures detailed surface features and color information, while the thermal camera detects temperature variations. By combining these complementary modalities, the system achieves both high reliability (through thermal detection of inflammatory responses) and high measurement precision (through visible light imaging of reaction morphology and size).
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a composite approach by integrating two different imaging technologies (thermal and visible light) into a unified diagnostic tool. Each modality contributes its unique strengths: thermal imaging provides reliable detection of physiological changes, while visible light imaging provides precise measurement of reaction characteristics. The composite system leverages both to achieve superior overall performance in both reliability and precision.
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
This approach significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of allergy test readings by providing a comprehensive, objective evaluation of both type I and type IV allergic reactions, enabling precise identification of allergic responses and reducing the risk of erroneous results.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared thermal imaging camera operating in a wavelength range from 7.5 μm to 14 μm
Implementation Method 2
a Doppler sensor for laser Doppler flowmetry in a wavelength range from 560 nm to 780 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A multimodal apparatus for analysis of allergic reactions during skin tests and a method of multispectral imaging of allergic reactions in case of the type I and the type IV allergic reactions induced by performing skin allergy Prick and Patch tests combine thermal imaging with Laser Doppler flowmetry or 3D scanning to confirm the results of epidermal hyperthermia tests.