Remote Acupuncture Point Determination via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals unable to move freely face inconvenience in determining acupuncture points on their bodies, requiring professional medical intervention, which is not feasible for remote or home-based treatments.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and system for remotely determining acupuncture points, comprising a controller, image acquisition and transport modules, and a positioning mark generation module, allowing nursing personnel to accurately identify and mark acupuncture points on a target person's body using three-dimensional coordinate conversion and a light pointer for precise marking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a professional doctor determines the acupuncture point in person, then the accuracy of acupuncture point determination is improved, but the convenience for the target person is worsened due to the need to visit the hospital
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image acquisition module, image transport module, and positioning mark generation module as intermediaries between the professional doctor and the target person. The system captures images of the target person's body, transmits them to the doctor for remote analysis, and automatically generates positioning marks at the determined acupuncture points, eliminating the need for in-person visits while maintaining determination accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical examination and manual marking with an automated image processing and positioning system. The system uses image acquisition modules to capture body images, processes them through image transport modules, and employs positioning mark generation modules to automatically mark acupuncture points, substituting manual professional examination with an automated technological system
2Ease of operation
If ordinary nursing personnel determine the acupuncture point without professional training, then the convenience for the target person is improved, but the accuracy of acupuncture point determination is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables ordinary nursing personnel to perform acupuncture point determination by providing them with an automated tool that requires no specialized training. The positioning mark generation module automatically identifies and marks the acupuncture points based on processed images, allowing untrained personnel to perform the task with the same accuracy as professionals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing and automated positioning system as an intermediary between ordinary nursing personnel and accurate acupuncture point determination. This intermediary tool bridges the gap between lack of professional training and accurate point identification, enabling untrained personnel to achieve professional-level results
3Manufacturing precision
If the target image is transformed from two-dimensional to three-dimensional coordinate system, then the positioning precision of acupuncture point is improved, but the device complexity is worsened due to coordinate conversion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional coordinate conversion unit as an intermediary component that automatically handles the complex coordinate transformation process. This unit receives two-dimensional image coordinates, converts them to three-dimensional body surface coordinates using stored transformation relationships, and outputs precise positioning information, managing the complexity internally while providing simple interfaces to users
4Reliability
If the system verifies consistency between reference image and target image before conversion, then the reliability of acupuncture point determination is improved, but the time consumption is worsened due to additional verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing the relationship between two-dimensional image coordinates and three-dimensional body surface coordinates during a calibration phase. This pre-established transformation relationship allows the system to quickly verify image consistency and perform coordinate conversion without time-consuming calculations during actual acupuncture point determination, reducing operational time while maintaining reliability
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 accurate determination of acupuncture points by non-professional personnel at home, eliminating the need for hospital visits and facilitating convenient treatment for individuals with mobility issues.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring a target image of a part of the body of a target person
Implementation Method 2
generating a second mark at the position coordinate of the acupuncture point
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The disclosure provides an apparatus for remotely determining acupuncture point, comprising a first controller, an image acquisition module, a first image transport module and a positioning mark generation module, the image acquisition module used for acquiring a target image of a part of the body of a target person on which the acupuncture point is required to be determined; the first image transport module used for transmitting the target image to a remote device; the first image transport module further used for transmitting the received target image marked with a first mark to the first controller; the first controller used for determining a position coordinate of the acupuncture point according to the target image marked with the first mark and controlling the positioning mark generation module to generate a second mark at the position coordinate of the acupuncture point according to the position coordinate. The nursing personnel unable to determine the position of acupuncture point can also accurately determine the acupuncture point of the target person by utilizing the apparatus provided by the disclosure, therefore the target person does not have to leave their lodgings and go to hospital.