Automated Skin Allergy Testing With Image-Based Reaction Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current allergy testing for IgE-mediated reactions is time-intensive, requires trained professionals, and lacks automated administration and interpretation, leading to potential human errors and limited accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An allergy testing device with a first and second applicator, a capture device, and a processor that applies allergens and antigen epitopes to the skin, captures images, and analyzes skin reactions using pattern projection and image analysis to determine allergic responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional allergy testing is performed by trained professionals, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-testing where the device applies allergens, captures skin reactions, and automatically analyzes results without requiring trained professionals to perform the testing procedure. The processor autonomously determines allergic reactions by analyzing captured images, making the system self-sufficient for the core testing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of professional administration with an automated mechanical system. The applicator mechanism automatically applies allergens to the skin, and the capture device automatically records reactions, substituting human manual operations with automated mechanical and optical systems.
2Reliability
If traditional allergy testing is performed by trained professionals, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the applicator applies allergens, the capture device records skin reactions, and the processor analyzes results to determine allergic reactions. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for multiple separate devices and professional interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture device creates visual copies (images) of the skin reactions, which the processor then analyzes. This copying approach allows automated analysis of the reaction patterns without requiring direct human observation and interpretation, maintaining reliability while enabling automation.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional allergy testing is performed manually, then ease of manufacture is improved, but productivity and loss of time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic components including the movable applicator that can be positioned and actuated, and the capture device that can capture images at different time points. This dynamic capability allows the system to perform complete testing cycles automatically, increasing productivity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
An allergy testing device is disclosed. The allergy testing device includes a first applicator, a second applicator, a capture device, and a processor. The first applicator is arranged to apply an allergen to a first predetermined area of a patient's skin. The second applicator is arranged to apply antigen epitopes within a second predetermined area of a patient's skin. The capture device has a projector and one or more cameras. The processor is in communication with the capture device and a drive device that is arranged to move the first applicator to apply the allergen to the patient's skin and to move the second applicator to apply antigen epitopes to the patient's skin.