Skin Imaging With Electric Field Depth Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for examining visible skin conditions face challenges in reliability and repeatability, particularly when using electric fields generated by electrodes in contact with the skin, and visual examination methods lack depth penetration assessment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a camera and a dielectric substrate with a hole, generating electric fields that penetrate the skin, allowing for simultaneous image and electric field signal capture, with a processor to assess depth of skin penetration by combining image data and electric field signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are used to generate electric fields in contact with skin, then electric field signals can be obtained, but reliability and repeatability deteriorate due to direct contact with skin condition
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric substrate is introduced as an intermediary between the electrode and the skin condition. The substrate has a hole that allows the camera to view the skin condition directly while the electrode generates electric fields through the dielectric material, preventing direct contact between the electrode and the skin condition itself.
2Ease of operation
If visual examination methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but depth penetration assessment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges visual examination capabilities (camera through the hole in the dielectric substrate) with electric field-based depth assessment capabilities (electrode generating electric fields through the same substrate). This combination allows both easy visual inspection and accurate depth penetration assessment to be performed simultaneously using a single integrated device.
3Productivity
If a single device performs both imaging and electric field generation, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric substrate with a hole serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an insulating barrier for the electrode, provides a viewing aperture for the camera, and maintains structural integrity of the device. This multi-functionality allows the device to perform both imaging and electric field generation without requiring separate complex subsystems.
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
Provides reliable and repeatable assessments of skin conditions by determining the depth of skin penetration, distinguishing between benign and malignant conditions, and guiding further medical intervention when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
an electric field generating device configured to generate electric fields that penetrate the skin over said region
Implementation Method 2
a camera for capturing image data of the skin over said region
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for examining visible skin conditions is shown. A housing (101) is located at a region of a visible skin condition and image data of the skin over this region is captured. Electric fields (2001, 2002) are generated that penetrate the skin over the region, such that an application of the apparatus produces both image-related signals and electric field related signals for the same skin condition. Depth of skin penetration of the visible skin condition may be assessed by calculating the surface area of the visible skin condition from the image data and determining the volume of the visible skin condition from the electric field related signals and processing the calculated surface area in combination with the determined indication of volume to assess the depth of skin penetration. The electric field generating device may comprise a first dielectric substrate (301) having a hole (302) and the capturing step may be performed by a camera (501) viewing the visible skin condition through this hole.