Skin Autofluorescence Measurement Apparatus with Reflection Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin autofluorescence measurement apparatuses face limitations in accuracy due to light scattering and absorption within the skin, leading to reduced fluorescence signal intensity and difficulty in diagnosing diseases like diabetic foot, which requires selective and precise measurement on specific body parts.
Innovation Solution
A reflection detection type measurement apparatus that corrects measurement errors by efficiently concentrating light from a light source on the skin tissue, minimizing specular reflection, and using a dual-wavelength approach to calculate corrected skin fluorescence values, enabling precise diagnosis of diseases like diabetes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light is irradiated on skin tissue, then skin fluorescence is generated and can be detected, but light scattering and absorption occur within the skin leading to reduced fluorescence signal intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflection detection mechanism as an intermediary to measure and correct for light scattering and absorption effects. By detecting the reflected light component and using it to calculate correction values, the system compensates for the energy loss due to scattering and absorption, thereby improving fluorescence measurement precision without requiring additional energy input to penetrate deeper skin layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the reflected light signal is continuously monitored and used to generate correction values that are applied to the fluorescence measurement. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically compensate for variations in light scattering and absorption, maintaining measurement precision despite energy losses in the skin tissue.
2Measurement precision
If dual-wavelength light sources are used, then measurement accuracy is improved by correcting for scattering and absorption, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the dual-wavelength light source system where each wavelength serves multiple functions: the first wavelength (e.g., 365 nm) excites fluorescence and the second wavelength (e.g., 440 nm) provides reference for correction. By making the light source system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate correction mechanisms and minimizes overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by switching between different wavelengths of light to achieve different measurement objectives. The control unit dynamically adjusts which wavelength is active based on whether fluorescence excitation or reference measurement is needed, allowing the system to maintain simplicity through parameter variation rather than requiring complex multi-component hardware.
3Use of energy by moving object
If light concentration on skin tissue is improved, then optical efficiency increases, but specular reflection from skin surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric detection geometry where the detection angle is specifically positioned to be different from the illumination angle. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with the reflection detection mechanism, allows the system to concentrate light energy on the skin tissue for improved optical efficiency while simultaneously detecting and correcting for specular reflection effects through the reflection measurement component.
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
The apparatus improves optical efficiency and accuracy in measuring skin fluorescence, allowing for early diagnosis of diabetic foot and other diseases by enhancing light irradiation and detection efficiency, reducing measurement errors, and enabling selective diagnosis on specific body parts.
Implementation Method 1
AGEs have the characteristics of irradiating autofluorescence (AF) at a range of blue spectrum (peak near about 440 nm) by excitation light irradiation of the UV range (peak near about 370 nm)
Implementation Method 2
detecting a reflected light and a skin fluorescence generated from the measurement target due to the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a reflection detection type measurement method for skin fluorescence. The method includes: irradiating excitation light on a measurement target; detecting a reflected light and a skin fluorescence generated from the measurement target due to the excitation light; irradiating light with a wavelength range of the skin fluorescence on the measurement target; detecting a reflected light generated from the measurement target due to the light with a wavelength range of the skin fluorescence; and calculating a skin fluorescence value of the measurement target by correcting a calculation based on the detected reflected light and skin fluorescence.