Structured Light Cervical Dilation Measurement for Accurate Labor Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring cervical dilation during pregnancy are inaccurate, invasive, and prone to human error, leading to discomfort, increased health risks, and unnecessary hospital visits, particularly for women in early or false labor.
Innovation Solution
A portable device using structured light sources to project patterns onto the cervical region, captured by a sensor and processed to accurately measure dilation, providing real-time graphical feedback on a display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital examination is used to measure cervical dilation, then the measurement can be obtained, but the accuracy is poor and it is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical digital examination method with an optical imaging system using a speculum equipped with a camera and light source. The system captures images of the cervix and uses image processing algorithms to automatically measure dilation, eliminating the need for manual digital assessment and improving both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the cervix through the imaging system, allowing for precise measurement and documentation without requiring repeated physical examinations. The captured images can be analyzed multiple times and stored for future reference, reducing time loss.
2Measurement precision
If digital examination is performed to determine cervical dilation, then the measurement is obtained, but patient discomfort and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive mechanical digital examination with a non-contact optical imaging system. The speculum with integrated camera and light source visualizes the cervix without requiring finger insertion, eliminating patient discomfort and the risk of introducing bacteria while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system (camera and light source within the speculum) that mediates between the clinician and the cervix. This intermediary allows visualization and measurement without direct physical contact, reducing harmful effects while preserving diagnostic information.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical cervimeter is used to measure cervical dilation, then the measurement can be obtained, but the device is invasive and inaccurate for dilation greater than 7 cm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cervimeter with an optical imaging system that captures images of the cervix through the speculum. The image processing algorithms automatically measure dilation across the full range (0-10 cm), eliminating the physical constraints and invasiveness of mechanical devices while improving accuracy for all dilation stages.
4Duration of action of moving object
If electromechanical cervimeter is used to measure cervical dilation, then continuous monitoring is possible, but the clips lack reliability and the device slips off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromechanical cervimeter with an optical imaging system integrated into the speculum. The system provides continuous monitoring through sequential imaging without requiring clips or attachments to the cervix, eliminating reliability issues while maintaining continuous assessment capability throughout the examination.
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 offers minimally invasive, accurate, and reproducible cervical dilation measurements, reducing false labor visits, conserving resources, and enhancing maternal and fetal health by enabling timely intervention in preterm labor.
Implementation Method 1
A portable device using structured light sources to project patterns onto the cervical region
Data Source
AI summary
A portable system to be inserted within the birth canal for measuring dilation of a cervical region is disclosed. The system comprises a housing having a first portion sized to conform to a user's hand thereby defining a handle and a second portion sized to be inserted into the birth canal. The system includes two structured light sources configured to project a pattern onto the cervical region, a sensor, a trigger interface, a power source, and the processor configured for capturing image sensor data. The processor is configured for receiving image data from the sensor, processing the image sensor data, calculating a measurement of the dilation of the cervical region, and transmitting the data. The processor will transmit the data onto the display, presenting the measurement of dilation as well as a visual representation of the measurement.