Optical Pressure Sensing for High-Resolution Body Part Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure sensing systems for analyzing body parts, such as feet, lack the necessary resolution to accurately capture pressure distribution patterns, which are crucial for understanding musculoskeletal and nervous system behaviors, predicting orthopedic complexities, and assessing recovery from injuries or surgeries.
Innovation Solution
An optical pressure sensing system that uses a light source emitting multiple wavelengths to capture reflected light images, which are then processed to generate a pressure distribution map, incorporating machine learning algorithms and 3D analysis to account for spatial variations in material properties and blood circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical sensors are used to monitor pressure distribution, then pressure monitoring capability is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient due to limited resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensors with an optical measurement system. A transparent panel illuminated by light strips is used, and a camera captures images of the panel. The pressure distribution is determined by analyzing the light intensity patterns in the captured images, substituting mechanical/electrical sensing with optical detection to achieve higher measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the pressure distribution information. Instead of directly measuring pressure with sensors, the system captures an image (visual copy) of the light intensity pattern on the transparent panel, which corresponds to the pressure distribution. This optical copy is then processed to extract pressure information, enabling high-resolution measurement
2Measurement precision
If a simple light intensity equation is used, then calculation simplicity is achieved, but measurement precision is insufficient because spatial differences in material and optical properties are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dividing the contact area into multiple regions or pixels, and calculating pressure for each local region separately. The system accounts for spatial variations in material and optical properties by processing light intensity data on a pixel-by-pixel or region-by-region basis, allowing each local area to be analyzed with its specific properties rather than using a single global equation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a simple one-dimensional or zero-dimensional light intensity measurement to a two-dimensional spatial distribution analysis. By capturing images and analyzing light intensity across the entire contact area in multiple dimensions (x, y coordinates), the system extracts spatial information about pressure distribution, accounting for variations across different locations on the body part
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 system provides a high-resolution, real-time pressure distribution map, enabling accurate diagnoses and assessments of orthopedic conditions, recovery progress, and blood circulation, while accounting for the unique geometry and composition of body parts.
Implementation Method 1
A light source emits light having multiple wavelengths within the sensor interface to be reflected by the body part interacting with the surface
Implementation Method 2
A light source emits light having multiple wavelengths within the sensor interface to be reflected by the body part interacting with the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system for analyzing a body part of a subject includes a sensor interface having a surface for receiving the body part. A light source emits light having multiple wavelengths within the sensor interface to be reflected by the body part interacting with the surface. An imaging system captures images of the reflected light. A computing device generates a pressure distribution map of the body part on the surface based on the images.