Skin Test Imaging Apparatus with Controlled Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current skin test methods for allergic reactions are hampered by variability in lighting conditions, human subjectivity, irregular skin reactions, and differences in skin tone, leading to inaccurate and time-consuming measurements.
Innovation Solution
A digital imaging system with a housing, image sensing apparatus, illumination, and image processing controller that captures and analyzes images of skin test sites with controlled illumination, reducing human error and variability, and providing precise measurements of wheal dimensions and color changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual assessment methods are used for skin test analysis, then the procedure is simple and quick, but measurement accuracy is low and highly subjective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment with an automated digital imaging system that uses controlled illumination and image processing algorithms to objectively measure wheal dimensions and skin reactions, eliminating human subjectivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of skin test sites using standardized imaging protocols, allowing repeated measurements and analyses without repeatedly contacting the patient's skin, thereby improving measurement consistency while simplifying the overall process
2Area of stationary object
If conventional skin prick testing is performed with large spacing between test sites, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the skin area required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using digital imaging with controlled illumination and image processing algorithms that can accurately measure wheal dimensions even when test sites are closely spaced, thereby reducing the required skin area while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from physical spatial separation requirements to optical measurement capabilities, using digital imaging to capture and analyze skin reactions regardless of the physical distance between test sites, thereby enabling closer spacing and reducing overall skin area needed
3Reliability
If automated digital imaging is used for skin test analysis, then measurement consistency and accuracy improve, but the equipment complexity and initial setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration and setup during manufacturing, with the imaging device pre-configured with controlled illumination sources and processing algorithms, thereby ensuring reliable and consistent measurements while reducing the complexity of setup requirements for end users
4Productivity
If manual measurement methods are used, then the process is quick and simple, but time consumption increases due to repeated measurements and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The digital imaging system enables continuous and repeated measurements of the same skin test sites without requiring repeated patient contact or manual remeasurement, thereby accelerating evaluation speed while reducing time loss from human error and measurement variability
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 system achieves more accurate and consistent skin test results, reducing the impact of human subjectivity and skin color on measurement accuracy, allowing for faster evaluation and analysis of allergic reactions with a smaller skin area required for testing.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensing apparatus positioned with respect to the housing to capture one or more images in the field of view provided by the opening in the housing
Implementation Method 2
an illumination apparatus positioned within the housing to direct light towards at least a portion of the field of view provided by the opening in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for making an apparatus for skin testing includes a housing with an opening which defines a field of view of a skin testing region, an image sensing apparatus, an illumination apparatus, a binding apparatus, and an image processing controller. The image sensing apparatus is positioned with respect to the housing to capture images in the field of view provided by the opening. The illumination apparatus is positioned within the housing to direct light towards a portion of the field of view provided by the opening. The binding apparatus detachably secures the housing over the skin testing region and maintains a fixed distance between the image sensing apparatus and the skin testing region. The controller is configured to analyze test samples sites in each of the captured images from the image sensing apparatus and provide a skin test result for each of the test sample sites.