Optical Filtering Attachment for Oral Cancer Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oral cancer screening methods are limited by inadequate image libraries and the difficulty of using Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras, which require photography skills and are not comprehensive for assessing abnormal tissue, and existing image libraries are not accessible for making clinical decisions.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus with a light source emitting blue or violet light, an optical filtering component, and eyewear devices with complementary filters to enhance visualization of oral mucosal abnormalities, combined with a mobile communications device for image capture and data transmission to a database for pathology information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras are used for oral cancer screening, then image quality may be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring photography skills and being limited to specific personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex DSLR cameras with inexpensive mobile communication devices that are already widely available. This substitution maintains adequate imaging capability while eliminating the need for specialized photography skills and extensive training, thereby resolving the contradiction between image quality and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality of mobile communication devices, which already possess camera capabilities for general use. By adapting this existing universal device for oral cancer screening, the system achieves both adequate image quality and ease of operation since users are already familiar with operating their own mobile devices
2Measurement precision
If DSLR cameras are used for oral cancer screening, then image capture capability may be improved, but device complexity increases requiring specialized equipment and training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex, specialized DSLR equipment with simple, inexpensive mobile communication devices. This replacement dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining sufficient image capture capability for oral cancer screening through the device's built-in camera
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service imaging where patients or caregivers can perform screenings using their own mobile devices without requiring specialized equipment or training. This eliminates the complexity burden of DSLR cameras while preserving adequate imaging functionality
3Quantity of substance
If online image libraries are used for oral cancer screening, then image availability may be improved, but clinical decision-making capability deteriorates due to lack of accessible information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local database as an intermediary between image libraries and clinicians. This database stores images and associated pathology information locally, enabling quick access to both visual references and diagnostic data without requiring internet connectivity, thereby preserving clinical decision-making capability while maintaining image availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing both images and their corresponding pathology information in a local database before clinical use. This ensures that all necessary information for clinical decision-making is readily available offline, eliminating the loss of information that would occur with online-only libraries
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
Facilitates accurate and comprehensive oral cancer screening by non-technical personnel, providing enhanced visualization of mucosal abnormalities and enabling the creation of a comprehensive image library for clinical decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
an optical filtering component, and eyewear devices with complementary filters to enhance visualization of oral mucosal abnormalities
Implementation Method 2
a light source emitting blue or violet light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure introduces an optical component attachable to a mobile communications device and operable to spectrally filter images taken by a camera of the mobile device. Systems introduced herein include the optical component, the mobile device, and an illumination source for directing light at a specific wavelength/intensity into a human mouth, such that images taken by the camera record human mouth tissue responses to the light for cancer screening purposes. Such cancer screening may also utilize a database of other response images from other patients, which may be transmitted to the database by the mobile device and/or other mobile devices.