Pose-Conditioned Pain Detection for Patient Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to objectively measure and quantify pain experienced by patients in relation to their pose, leading to repeated exposure to pain and stress during patient positioning for medical imaging and diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a pose estimation unit, pain detection unit, and processing unit to determine and display the correlation between patient pain and pose, using camera and audio analysis with machine learning algorithms to objectively quantify pain and guide optimal patient positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pain-limited mobility is assessed during patient's first clinical assessment and then rediscovered during patient preparation for medical imaging, then pain and stress are exposed to the patient repeatedly, but manual assessment methods lack objective measurement capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepain measurement objectivityVSAvoidpatient pain and stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical assessment of pain-limited mobility with an automated vision-based system using pose estimation algorithms and machine learning models to objectively measure patient pose and correlate with pain signals, eliminating subjective manual evaluation and repeated patient handling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic pain detection and pose estimation without requiring repeated manual intervention by clinicians, using automated computer vision algorithms to continuously monitor and assess patient condition, reducing both patient exposure to stress and clinician workload

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If manual assessment of pain-limited mobility is performed repeatedly, then patient positioning can be adjusted, but the process is time-consuming and subjective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepain information accuracyVSAvoidassessment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous automated monitoring of patient pose and pain correlation throughout the assessment process, eliminating interruptions and repeated manual assessments, allowing continuous data collection and real-time feedback for optimal positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary automated vision system that mediates between patient and clinician, using pose estimation algorithms and machine learning models to translate complex pain-limited mobility assessment into objective, actionable data, improving both accuracy and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If automated pose estimation and pain detection systems are implemented, then objective pain measurement is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepain quantification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a multi-functional integrated approach where a single vision-based platform performs both pose estimation and pain detection through machine learning models, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses computer vision to create digital copies and representations of patient pose and pain signals, allowing objective measurement and analysis without physical contact or complex medical devices, simplifying the system while improving measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4468942B1Automatic pain sensing conditioned on a pose of a patient
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4468942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4468942B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system and a method for detecting pain experienced by a patient in relation to a pose of the patient. The system comprises a pose estimation unit configured to estimate the pose of the patient and a pain detection unit configured to detect pain experienced by the patient. The system further comprises a processing unit configured to determine a correlation between the detected pain experienced by the patient and the estimated pose of the patient. The determined correlation can be displayed on a display unit to a physician.