Optical Fiber Prostate Volume Measurement via Inflatable Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring prostate volume are inaccurate and lack repeatability, with digital rectal examinations being subjective and ultrasound systems being expensive and difficult to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a glove with an inflatable membrane and optical fibers that reflect light from a reference pattern to estimate prostate volume by correlating the movement of the fibers with the palpable surface width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If digital rectal examination is used to measure prostate volume, then the method is simple and inexpensive, but the measurement accuracy and repeatability are poor due to subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical palpation method with an optical measurement system. Optical fibers transmit light to and from the reference pattern on the membrane, enabling objective quantification of membrane displacement and prostate surface width measurements, thereby eliminating subjectivity while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference pattern on the membrane that mediates between the physical membrane displacement and the optical measurement. This reference pattern with known geometric features allows the optical system to accurately calculate membrane displacement and prostate dimensions, bridging the gap between simple mechanical expansion and precise measurement
2Measurement precision
If ultrasound systems are used to measure prostate volume, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex ultrasound systems by using a simple optical fiber-based system. Instead of employing sophisticated imaging technology, it isolates the core need for accurate dimension measurement and achieves it through basic optical principles and geometric calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive optical fibers and a simple reference pattern on a disposable membrane rather than expensive, complex ultrasound equipment. The system uses affordable components that can be easily replaced, achieving medical-grade measurement accuracy without the high cost and complexity of traditional ultrasound systems
3Reliability
If a reference pattern on an inflatable membrane is used, then objective and repeatable measurements are achieved, but the device complexity increases compared to manual palpation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the membrane serve multiple functions: it acts as the expanding element to contact the prostate, the structural support for the reference pattern, and the measurement interface for the optical system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable measurements
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
Provides a more accurate and repeatable measurement of prostate volume, reducing the subjectivity of digital rectal examinations and the complexity of ultrasound systems.
Implementation Method 1
light reflected from the reference pattern is measured or interpreted to estimate various attributes of the object
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical fiber extending into the closed volume and in optical communication with the reference pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided herein that generally involve measuring a prostate or other object. In some embodiments, a membrane can be sealed over a digit extension to form a closed volume. The closed volume can be inflated via an inflation tube, and a reference pattern can be disposed within the closed volume along with a measurement assembly. In use, a user can put on the glove, position the membrane in proximity to a rectal wall overlying a prostate, and inflate the membrane. As the user slides their finger across the rectal wall, optical fibers in the measurement assembly can move relative to a reference pattern, and a controller can sense light reflected through the fibers from the reference pattern. The controller can calculate or estimate various attributes of the prostate based on the reflected light, such as the palpable surface width or volume.