Automated Skin Test Reading Device Using SWIR Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual skin test reading is laborious, inaccurate, and prone to human error, particularly in diagnosing allergic reactions, as it is time-consuming and lacks standardization, leading to potential misinterpretation of wheal and flare responses, especially in dark-skinned individuals.
Innovation Solution
An automated skin test reading device equipped with short wave infrared (SWIR), near infrared (NIR), and thermal infrared detectors, along with a processing device, captures and analyzes images of skin test areas to accurately measure wheal and flare responses, using filters to enhance visibility and isolate specific wavelengths, and a graphical user interface for data display and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual reading of skin test results is performed, then the device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error and lack of standardization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement system with an automated optical detection system. The imaging device captures images of skin test reactions, and image processing algorithms automatically measure wheal and flare dimensions, eliminating human error and standardizing measurements across different readers and time points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the skin test reaction through imaging. Instead of direct manual measurement, the system captures visual information and processes it through algorithms to derive measurements, allowing for consistent, repeatable results that are not affected by reader variability.
2Device complexity
If manual measurement of wheal diameter is performed one-by-one with a ruler, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual ruler measurement process with automated image analysis. The imaging device captures the skin test reaction, and computational algorithms automatically measure wheal and flare dimensions across multiple test sites simultaneously, dramatically reducing measurement time while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous capture and measurement of skin test reactions. The imaging device can capture images at different time points to monitor reaction development, and the automated measurement system processes all images continuously without interruption, providing real-time data on reaction progression.
3Device complexity
If manual reading of skin test results is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of standardization and user variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces variable manual reading with standardized automated image analysis. The system uses consistent imaging parameters and fixed algorithms to measure wheal and flare dimensions, ensuring that measurements are identical regardless of which reader performs the analysis or when the measurement is taken.
Solution Approach 2:
The system standardizes measurement parameters by using fixed imaging conditions and predetermined measurement algorithms. Instead of relying on reader judgment and variable measurement techniques, the system applies consistent parameter settings that ensure reproducible results across different studies and time points.
4Device complexity
If visible light imaging is used to capture skin test reactions, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates in dark-skinned patients due to faint and unreadable erythema
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from visible light to infrared wavelength ranges. By using infrared imaging, the system can detect thermal and structural changes in the skin that are not visible to the human eye, enabling accurate detection of wheal and flare reactions in dark-skinned patients where visible light fails to provide sufficient contrast.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared radiation as an intermediary to detect skin reactions. Instead of relying on visible color changes that are difficult to perceive in dark skin, the system uses infrared imaging to detect thermal and structural changes that provide clear contrast regardless of skin pigmentation.
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 precise, efficient, and standardized measurement of skin test responses, reducing errors and improving reproducibility, enabling accurate diagnosis of allergic reactions regardless of skin pigmentation, and facilitating electronic data storage and retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
a short wave infrared (SWIR) detector configured to detect one or more wavelengths of infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
The SWIR detector can include a filter configured to isolate or remove predetermined wavelengths of light associated with the skin testing area
Implementation Method 3
a thermal infrared detector configured to detect and display a flare formed on the skin testing area
Data Source
AI summary
An intradermal allergy skin test reading device, comprising a short wave infrared (SWIR) camera including an indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) SWIR detector, a lens configured to enable the SWIR detector to capture a SWIR image of an allergy skin testing area of a patient; a 1400 nm bandpass filter configured to pass only wavelengths in the 1,350 nm and 1,450 nm range and/or a 1700 nm bandpass filter configured to pass only wavelengths in the 1,600 nm and 1,800 nm range to the SWIR detector, a processing device to analyze the SWIR image detected by the SWIR detector based on the wavelengths passed by the filter and identify a wheal formed on the allergy skin testing area of the patient by differences in spectral reflection from the skin of the wavelengths passed by the filter.