Optical Deep Tissue Injury Mapping Beyond Visible Bruising
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting physical injuries, particularly deep tissue injuries, are limited by the inability to visualize broken capillaries and soft tissue injuries that do not present as visible bruises or discolorations on the skin, especially in individuals with darker skin tones, obesity, or skin conditions, leading to inadequate evidence for abuse detection.
Innovation Solution
The use of near-infrared and infrared LEDs, lasers, and scanning systems combined with machine learning algorithms to generate three-dimensional injury maps by imaging subcutaneous blood coagulation, subtracting baseline data from undamaged circulatory networks, and projecting injury outlines using visible light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional visual inspection methods are used to detect injuries, then the detection process is simple and quick, but deep tissue injuries and broken capillaries cannot be detected when they are not visible as bruises or discolorations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging system that uses light absorption differences to detect subcutaneous blood coagulation. The system acts as a mediator between the invisible deep tissue injuries and the visible evidence needed for documentation, allowing detection without direct visual observation of the injury site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an optical imaging system. Instead of relying on human eyes and manual examination, the system uses light sources, photodetectors, and image processing algorithms to automatically detect and map deep tissue injuries through their optical signatures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional inspection methods are used, then the equipment required is simple, but injuries are not detected in individuals with darker skin tones, obesity, or skin conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light reflection (which varies with skin color) to light absorption by coagulated blood. By measuring the absorption of specific wavelengths of light by hemoglobin in coagulated blood, the system achieves consistent detection across all skin types, as the optical properties of coagulated blood remain relatively constant regardless of the person's skin tone.
3Measurement precision
If detailed imaging of subcutaneous blood coagulation is performed, then accurate injury detection is achieved, but the complexity of data processing and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing baseline images of the subject's circulatory network before injury occurs. These baseline images are stored and later used for comparison with post-injury images, allowing the system to automatically identify changes indicative of injury without requiring complex real-time analysis during the imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the captured images against stored baseline data and using image processing algorithms to automatically generate injury maps. The system provides feedback on the detected injuries, allowing for verification and adjustment, which simplifies the overall processing by automating the analysis rather than requiring manual interpretation of complex data.
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
Accurately detects and projects deep tissue injuries, providing objective evidence of abuse irrespective of skin type or condition, enhancing victim credibility and legal support.
Implementation Method 1
The system uses near-infrared and infrared wavelengths to image subcutaneous blood coagulation, relying on the differential absorption of light by coagulated blood versus undamaged circulatory networks
Implementation Method 2
one or more photodetectors configured to receive optical data associated with the imaging area
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for detecting and projecting regions of tissue injury are described. The system may acquire reflectance data via optical scanning methods or imaging using visible, near-infrared, and/or infrared wavelengths. The system may analyze the acquired reflectance data to generate three-dimensional tissue injury maps, and project the generated injury maps onto the areas being imaged. The system may implement machine learning methods to subtract out false positive contributions from deoxygenated blood flow in underlying veins to generate the three-dimensional injury maps.