Skin Autofluorescence Measurement Apparatus with Reflection Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin autofluorescence measurement apparatuses face limitations in accuracy and reliability due to light scattering and absorption within the skin, particularly in heterogeneous skin areas like moles, vessels, and wounds, and are inadequate for diagnosing conditions such as diabetic foot, which requires selective and precise measurement.
Innovation Solution
A reflection detection type measurement apparatus that corrects skin fluorescence measurements by using a system with two light sources and optical detectors to detect different wavelengths, an optical prism for improved light concentration, and an optical connector to minimize specular reflection, allowing for precise and uniform light irradiation and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light is irradiated on the skin to measure autofluorescence, then disease diagnosis capability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to light scattering and absorption within the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflection light detection mechanism as an intermediary to measure and correct for light scattering and absorption effects. By detecting the reflection light component and using it to correct the autofluorescence measurement, the system compensates for the inaccuracies caused by light interaction with skin tissue, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining disease diagnosis capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where the reflection light signal is continuously monitored and used to correct the autofluorescence measurement in real-time. The correction is applied based on the measured reflection characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to varying skin properties and improve measurement accuracy dynamically
2Adaptability or versatility
If measurement is performed on heterogeneous skin areas like moles, vessels, and wounds, then diagnostic coverage is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to varying optical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement approach by separately characterizing the reflection light component, which varies with skin heterogeneity. By measuring the reflection characteristics and using them for correction, the system adapts to the optical properties of different skin areas (moles, vessels, wounds) and maintains reliable measurements across heterogeneous tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection light detection serves as an intermediary that provides information about the optical properties of heterogeneous skin areas. This intermediary measurement allows the system to compensate for variations in skin composition and maintain reliable autofluorescence measurements across different tissue types
3Device complexity
If conventional optical systems are used for skin fluorescence measurement, then device simplicity is maintained, but optical efficiency deteriorates due to insufficient light concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to light concentration by utilizing the depth component of light penetration into the skin. The system measures autofluorescence at different depths and uses reflection light correction to account for optical losses, effectively adding a dimensional approach to improve optical efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of skin autofluorescence measurement by correcting for light scattering and absorption, enabling more reliable diagnosis of diseases like diabetes and specifically addressing the challenge of diabetic foot diagnosis with improved optical efficiency and miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
an optical prism for improved light concentration
Implementation Method 2
an optical connector to minimize specular reflection
Implementation Method 3
Light irradiation and light detection are performed on a measurement target... a first light source that emits light in a first wavelength range corresponding to a wavelength range of excitation light
Implementation Method 4
an optical detector that detects fluorescence caused by the excitation light irradiated from the light source... a second light source that emits light in a second wavelength range corresponding to a wavelength range of fluorescence
Implementation Method 5
a second light source that emits light in a second wavelength range corresponding to a wavelength range of fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a reflection detection type measurement apparatus for skin fluorescence, which is configured to perform light irradiation and light detection on a reference sample and a measurement target.