Thermal Energy Storage Surface for Mammal Body Section Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal imaging methods for detecting tumorous regions in the body are inadequate due to low sensitivity and specificity, requiring skilled personnel for interpretation and being insensitive to deep-seated tumors and vascularity, with prior art methods relying on thermo-optical foils that are not suitable for all body types and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a thermal energy storage surface structure and a control circuit that monitors and controls thermal energy transfer to maintain a reference temperature, using a thermal sensor to capture images of thermal energy storage, enhancing sensitivity and specificity by directly sensing local temperature changes without cooling or heating the body section during imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art methods use thermo-optical foils for thermal imaging, then thermal patterns can be visualized, but the sensitivity and specificity for detecting tumorous regions are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of thermo-optical foils with a direct thermal sensing system using thermal sensors that measure temperature differences electronically, eliminating the need for optical interpretation and significantly improving measurement precision and detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal energy storage surface structure as an intermediary between the body and the thermal sensor. This mediator enhances the detection of thermal energy storage differences caused by tumorous regions, improving both sensitivity and specificity while enabling automated assessment
2Stability of the object's composition
If prior art methods cool or heat the body section before imaging, then standardized recording conditions are achieved, but the body section temperature changes which may affect detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by cooling or heating the thermal energy storage surface structure before contact with the body, rather than altering the body temperature itself. This standardizes the initial thermal state of the sensing surface while preserving the natural temperature distribution of the body, thereby improving detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal energy storage surface structure serves as an intermediary that undergoes temperature standardization, isolating the body from direct thermal manipulation. This mediator absorbs or releases thermal energy to achieve standardized conditions without affecting the body's natural temperature profile
3Ease of operation
If skilled personnel interpret thermal images manually, then detection can be performed, but the process requires specialized expertise and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual interpretation with automated electronic processing of thermal sensor data. The system automatically analyzes temperature differences and generates diagnostic information, eliminating the need for skilled personnel and significantly reducing assessment time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-assessment by automatically processing thermal energy storage data and generating diagnostic results without human intervention. The automated analysis capability enables the device to serve itself in the interpretation process, making operation accessible to anyone while dramatically reducing time loss
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 improved sensitivity and specificity for detecting tumorous regions without the need for skilled personnel, allowing for automated assessment and reliable detection of temperature differences and vascularity, reducing false positives and negatives.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal sensor for obtaining thermal images reflecting thermal energy storage over at least a portion of the thermal energy storage surface structure
Implementation Method 2
a thermal energy transfer module for transferring thermal energy to the thermal energy storage surface structure for bringing same at a reference temperature
Implementation Method 3
a thermal energy storage surface structure for contacting the body section... In the registration mode of operation thereof, for imaging purposes, thermal energy of the body section is transferred to and stored or retained by the thermal energy storage surface structure
Data Source
AI summary
A device of and a method for obtaining thermal images of a living mammal body section. The device comprises a thermal energy storage surface structure for contacting the body section. In a calibration mode of operation, the thermal energy storage surface structure is brought at a reference temperature by transferring thermal energy to the thermal energy storage surface structure from a thermal energy transfer module that is controlled by a control circuit for restraining thermal energy transfer by the thermal energy transfer module in the presence of the body section at the thermal energy storage surface structure. In a registration mode of operation, by a thermal sensor, thermal images reflecting thermal energy storage over at least a portion of the thermal energy storage surface structure are obtained, with the body section contacting the thermal energy storage surface structure. From a series of time consecutive thermal images obtained, a region of interest is determined, based on storage of thermal energy by the thermal energy storage surface structure.