Pain Measuring Device Using Logarithmic VAS Scale
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pain measuring devices can only quantify and compare pain levels within an individual over time, and are not suitable for comparing pain levels between subjects or for disease diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A pain measuring device that uses an electrode and stimulation current generation to measure pain, displaying pain levels on a logarithmic scale equivalent to a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or face scale, allowing for comparison and classification of pain types such as nociceptive, psychogenic, and neuropathic pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pain measurement is performed using stimulation current and displayed as a unique pain index, then the pain degree can be quantified and compared chronologically for one subject, but the measurement cannot be used for comparison with another subject or for disease diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the pain measurement value through logarithmic conversion and establishing a standardized relationship with VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) values. This transformation changes the measurement parameter from a device-specific index to a standardized scale value that can be universally compared across different subjects and clinical contexts, thereby enabling both inter-subject comparison and disease diagnosis while maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized pain measurement system is implemented for inter-subject comparison and disease diagnosis, then the versatility and diagnostic utility are improved, but the measurement system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the standardized VAS scale relationship - that mediates between the raw stimulation current measurement and the clinical application requirements. This intermediary transformation layer converts device-specific measurements into universally comparable standardized values, enabling inter-subject comparison and disease diagnosis without requiring complex device modifications, thus managing system complexity while improving versatility.
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
Enables the use of measured pain levels for inter-subject comparison and disease diagnosis by providing a standardized pain measurement system.
Implementation Method 1
a stimulation current generation means generating a stimulation current to be supplied to the electrode and which measures pain felt by the subject based on the stimulation current applied from the electrode to the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A problem to be solved is to use a measured pain degree for comparison with a pain degree of another subject or for diagnosis of a disease. A pain measuring device has an electrode to be attached to a subject and a stimulation current generation means generating a stimulation current to be supplied to the electrode. Then, the pain measuring device measures pain felt by the subject based on the stimulation current applied from the electrode to the subject. The pain measuring device has a means to display a relation between a pain measurement value being a logarithmic value or a logarithmic-type value of a value founded on the stimulation current and a value of a VAS or a face scale which the subject selects.