Skin Lesion 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 with electrodes in contact with the skin, and there is a need for improved assessment of skin condition depth.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that combines image data capture with electric field penetration to generate both image-related and electric field-related signals, allowing for the calculation of skin condition surface area and volume, and assessment of depth using a dielectric substrate and camera system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes generating electric fields are in contact with skin condition, then electric field examination can be performed, but reliability and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric substrate is introduced as an intermediary between the electric field generating device and the skin condition. The substrate has a hole through which the skin condition is viewed by the camera, while the electric field generating device is positioned on the opposite side. This intermediary structure allows electric field penetration without direct electrode contact with the skin condition, thereby maintaining examination reliability and repeatability while enabling electric field-based depth assessment.
2Measurement precision
If visual examination only is used, then simplicity is maintained, but depth assessment capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges visual examination (camera through hole) and electric field examination (electric field generating device) into a single integrated apparatus. The camera and electric field generating device are positioned on opposite sides of the dielectric substrate with the hole, allowing simultaneous capture of image data and electric field data. This combination enables depth assessment by integrating both visual and electrical property information, improving measurement precision while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If surface area calculation from image data alone is used, then simplicity is maintained, but volume and depth determination is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
Electric field data serves as an intermediary measurement that enables volume determination without requiring additional physical probes or invasive procedures. The electric field penetration characteristics provide information about the subsurface extent of the skin condition, which when combined with the surface area calculated from image data, allows accurate volume and depth determination. This approach avoids the need for complex additional measurement systems while improving volumetric assessment accuracy.
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 analysis of skin conditions by enhancing image data with electric field data, enabling accurate determination of skin condition depth and differentiation between benign and malignant conditions.
Implementation Method 1
generating electric fields that penetrate the skin over said region
Implementation Method 2
these electrical properties may comprise electrical conductivity, permittivity or a combination of these properties
Implementation Method 3
a first dielectric substrate having a hole having a first radius; the capturing step is performed by a camera; and the visible skin condition is viewed through this hole
Data Source
AI summary
A method for examining visible skin conditions is shown. A housing is located at a region of a skin condition and image data of the skin over this region is captured. Electric fields are generated that penetrate the skin over the region, such that an application of the apparatus produces image-related signals and electric field related signals for the same skin condition. Depth of skin penetration of the skin condition may be assessed by calculating surface area of the skin condition from the image data and determining volume of the 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 having a hole and the capturing step may be performed by a camera viewing the skin condition through this hole.