Optical Surface Tracking for Photobiomodulation Dosage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current photobiomodulation therapies face challenges in accurately measuring and controlling energy dosage, especially on irregular three-dimensional anatomical surfaces, leading to uncontrolled and ineffective treatments due to the lack of suitable measurement instruments and manual estimation difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A device with optical means for tracking surface axes and data communication to a processing unit, integrated with a photobiomodulation apparatus, allows for automatic estimation of treatment areas and adaptive energy distribution, enabling precise and ergonomic treatment planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual measurement methods (tape measures, rulers) are used to estimate treatment area, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of energy dosage control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement instrument structureVSAvoidtreatment area measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods (tape measures, rulers) with an optical measurement system that uses a camera to capture images of the treatment area. The system automatically calculates the surface area through image processing, eliminating the need for manual measurement and calculation by the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system performs automatic area calculation and treatment parameter adjustment without requiring operator intervention for manual measurements. The device autonomously processes the captured images, calculates the treatment area, and adjusts the energy dosage parameters automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If predefined templates are used for area measurement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different anatomical surfaces and irregular shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearea measurement processVSAvoidanatomical surface adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is designed to dynamically adapt to different anatomical surfaces and treatment areas. Instead of using fixed predefined templates, the optical system captures and processes images of the actual treatment area, automatically adjusting to irregular shapes and varying anatomical contours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its measurement parameters based on the captured image data. It automatically adjusts the treatment area boundaries, shape, and dimensions according to the actual anatomical surface being treated, rather than being constrained by fixed template parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If optical tracking means are integrated into the photobiomodulation apparatus, then the measurement precision and treatment control are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment area measurementVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the measurement function and treatment delivery function into a single integrated apparatus. The camera and optical tracking means are integrated with the light-emitting components, allowing simultaneous measurement and treatment without requiring separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated apparatus performs multiple functions: it captures images for area measurement, tracks the treatment beam position, delivers photobiomodulation therapy, and automatically adjusts treatment parameters. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If automatic area estimation is implemented, then the productivity and treatment efficiency are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoiddata processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual calculation and measurement processes with automated optical image processing. The system uses software algorithms to automatically calculate treatment area from captured images, eliminating the need for operator mathematical calculations and manual data entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system autonomously performs image processing, area calculation, and treatment parameter optimization without requiring operator intervention. It automatically adjusts treatment parameters based on the measured area, reducing the time and complexity of manual setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240285969A1Device for measuring surfaces to be treated by photobiomodulation and photobiomodulation apparatus with such a device

Publication Date: 2024.08.29 ASA

AI summary

A device for measuring surfaces to be treated by photobiomodulation. comprising:optical elements for tracking axes of a surface to be treated,data communication elements for communicating data to a data processing unit, the data communication elements being connected to the optical elements,a body for the containment of the optical elements and of the data communication elements, the body being ergonomic.