Thermal History Analysis for Thermally Distinguishable Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing thermal images to identify thermally distinguishable regions in the human body, such as tumors, rely heavily on experience and intuition, and lack precise techniques for determining the presence, location, and size of these regions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine transient thermal history from a series of thermospatial representations, estimating the location and size of thermally distinguishable regions by analyzing thermal variations and comparing them to reference data, using deformation functions and heat conduction calculations to refine the analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple infrared and visible light cameras are used to generate three-dimensional images, then the diagnostic information is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging task by using multiple specialized cameras (infrared and visible light) to capture different types of data, then processes each type separately before combining them. This allows each camera to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges data from multiple camera sources (infrared thermal data and visible light imagery) to create a comprehensive three-dimensional diagnostic model. By combining different types of imaging data, the system achieves enhanced diagnostic information that neither camera type could provide alone.
2Ease of operation
If physician diagnosis relies on experience and intuition, then the diagnostic process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides quantitative feedback through automated analysis of thermal and visual data, comparing measured parameters against established criteria. This objective feedback complements physician expertise by providing measurable data that reduces reliance on subjective intuition alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces purely human subjective judgment with automated computational analysis of imaging data. Algorithms process the thermal and visual information to generate objective diagnostic metrics, supplementing or enhancing physician decision-making with machine-based analysis.
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
This approach enables more accurate and objective identification and monitoring of thermally distinguishable regions, improving diagnostic capabilities and treatment planning for conditions like breast cancer.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared detecting mechanism which performs a 360° data extraction from an object
Implementation Method 2
a signal decoding mechanism, which receives electrical signal from the infrared detecting mechanism and integrates the signal into data of a three-dimensional profile curved surface and a corresponding temperature distribution of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying a thermally distinguishable region in a living body is disclosed. The method comprises determining transient thermal history of a surface of the living body, and estimating a location or presence of the thermally distinguishable region in the living body based on the transient thermal history.