Skin Inspection Device With Distortion-Compensating TLC Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin inspection devices for diabetic foot ulcers suffer from image distortion when using wide angle lenses, making it difficult for patients to accurately monitor temperature differences and identify abnormalities due to poor vision and mobility issues, and requiring manual log maintenance which can lead to human error.
Innovation Solution
A skin inspection device with a transparent panel featuring an array of thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) formations arranged in a pattern where some have warped shapes and others are non-warped, designed to minimize image distortion when viewed through a wide angle lens, ensuring uniform appearance and size across the captured image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wide angle lens is used to capture the TLC formations, then the field of view is increased, but image distortion occurs making the TLC formations appear warped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the shape of individual TLC formations based on their position in the array. TLC formations at different locations have different geometric characteristics - those at the periphery have different shapes than those at the center - to compensate for the position-dependent distortion introduced by the wide angle lens, ensuring uniform appearance across the entire field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by deliberately introducing asymmetric shape variations in the TLC formations. Rather than using uniform symmetric shapes, the formations are designed with asymmetric modifications that counterbalance the asymmetric distortion pattern of the wide angle lens, achieving overall geometric uniformity in the captured image
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform TLC formations are used in the array, then manufacturing is simplified, but wide angle lens distortion causes non-uniform appearance in the captured image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing local quality - while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process for TLC formations, it introduces position-specific geometric modifications. The manufacturing system applies different shape parameters to TLC formations based on their location in the array, compensating for lens distortion effects while using the same basic fabrication process
3Measurement precision
If point probes are used for temperature measurement, then temperature monitoring capability is achieved, but patients must manually log readings which leads to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically capture, process, and analyze temperature data without requiring patient intervention for logging. The image capture device automatically records the TLC formations, and the system autonomously extracts temperature information and compares readings, eliminating human error in data recording while maintaining precise temperature monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of reading and logging temperatures with an automated optical and computational system. Instead of patients using point probes and manually recording data, the system uses image capture devices to photograph the TLC formations and automated image analysis to extract temperature information, substituting mechanical manual operations with automated technological processes
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 device provides accurate temperature monitoring and reduces human error by maintaining consistent image geometry, facilitating easy identification of skin abnormalities and alerting users to potential ulcers without the need for manual log maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an array of thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) formations provided on the transparent panel which are operable to change colour in response to a change of temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A skin inspection device for identifying abnormalities is described. The device comprises a transparent panel having an inspection area; an array of thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) formations provided on the transparent panel which are operable to change colour in response to a change of temperature; one or more image capture devices having a wide angle lens for capturing an image of the TLC formations and an area of skin of a target located in the inspection area; at least some of the TLC formations have a warped shape while other TLC formations have a non-warped shape; wherein the warped shaped TLC formations and the non-warped TLC formations define a pattern such that when viewed through the wide angle lens both the warped shaped TLC formations and the non-warped TLC formations appear non-warped.