Thermal Path Calculation for 3D Thermospatial Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies for diagnosing inflammation and other tissue abnormalities rely heavily on experience and intuition, lacking a systematic method for analyzing thermographic images to accurately identify and quantify thermally distinguishable regions in the body.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for calculating thermal paths in the body by generating thermal data maps, identifying thermally distinguishable regions, and constructing three-dimensional thermospatial images to determine internal thermally distinguishable regions and objects, using thermal data correction for tissue emissivity and spatial gradient calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermal data maps and three-dimensional thermospatial images are generated to systematically analyze thermographic images, then diagnostic accuracy and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity and analysis time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex analysis process into distinct modules: thermal data map generation, three-dimensional thermospatial image construction, and automated analysis algorithms. Each module handles a specific aspect of the analysis, transforming a monolithic complex system into manageable components that can be processed systematically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional thermographic images to three-dimensional thermospatial images by adding the depth dimension through thermal path calculations. This dimensional transformation enables more comprehensive analysis of internal body structures and thermally distinguishable regions that cannot be adequately assessed in 2D alone
2Reliability
If automated algorithms are used to identify and quantify thermally distinguishable regions, then objectivity and reliability are improved, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of thermal data to generate standardized thermal data maps and three-dimensional thermospatial images before the actual diagnostic analysis. This pre-processing organizes the data in a format optimized for automated algorithmic analysis, reducing the computational burden during the diagnostic phase and enabling faster processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and subjective interpretation with automated computational algorithms that systematically analyze thermal patterns. This substitution of mechanical human analysis with computational systems eliminates subjectivity and improves reliability, while the algorithms are designed to process data efficiently
3Measurement precision
If thermal path calculations and spatial gradient analysis are performed to locate internal thermally distinguishable regions, then measurement precision is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates thermal paths that extend from the body surface into internal regions, adding the depth dimension to thermal analysis. By modeling heat conduction paths and performing spatial gradient analysis in three dimensions, the system achieves precise localization of internal thermally distinguishable regions such as tumors or inflammations that are not visible on surface thermography alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal data maps and three-dimensional thermospatial images as intermediary representations between raw thermographic data and final diagnostic conclusions. These intermediaries facilitate the complex calculations by providing structured data formats that simplify subsequent thermal path and gradient 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
Enables precise localization and quantification of thermally distinct areas, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing reliance on subjective interpretation, facilitating the detection of abnormalities like tumors and inflammations.
Implementation Method 1
receiving from the body of the subject radiation at any one of several infrared wavelength ranges
Implementation Method 2
an infrared detecting mechanism which performs a 360° data extraction from an object
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining an internal three-dimensional thermally distinguishable region in the living body is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a synthesized thermospatial image defined over a three-dimensional spatial representation of the living body and having thermal data arranged gridwise over a surface of the three-dimensional spatial representation in a plurality of picture-elements each represented by a intensity value over the grid. The method further comprises searching over the grid for at least one set of picture-elements represented by generally similar intensity values. For at least a few sets of picture-elements, the method defines a plurality of loci, each locus being associated with at least a pair of picture-elements of the set and defined such that each point of the locus is at equal thermal distances from individual picture-elements of the pair. The plurality of loci is used for determining the internal three-dimensional thermally distinguishable region.