Thermo-Optical Allergy Detection via Thermochromic Color Shift
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing allergic reactions through skin tests are subjective and lack objectivity, particularly in determining the size of erythema, which can vary significantly among individuals, and are prone to errors due to thermal background interference and variability in skin temperature.
Innovation Solution
A contact dual-range passive planar thermo-optical converter is used, comprising a thermo-optical detector with a digital camera, ambient and skin temperature measuring means, and a standardized light source, converting thermal signals into visible color images to accurately measure subcutaneous hyperthermia caused by histamine reactions, allowing for precise determination of allergic responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual evaluation of erythema diameter is used with a ruler, then the method is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and objectivity are low due to subjectivity and variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual measurement system (ruler and human eye) with a thermal imaging system that detects infrared radiation from the skin. This substitution eliminates subjective human judgment and provides objective, quantifiable thermal data, directly resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thermal imaging technology that visualizes temperature differences through color variations in the captured images. The erythema area appears as a distinct thermal pattern with characteristic color distribution, enabling precise and objective measurement of the reaction area without subjective visual assessment.
2Measurement precision
If remote thermography with cooled bolometer is used, then objective determination of hyperthermia extent is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable infrared thermal cameras that provide sufficient measurement precision without requiring expensive, complex cooled bolometer systems. These shorter-lived, more affordable devices achieve the necessary objective determination of hyperthermia extent while reducing device complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If standard visual assessment is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of allergy testing is reduced due to variability in reaction characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple but unreliable visual assessment system with a thermal imaging system that captures objective thermal data. This substitution maintains relative simplicity while dramatically improving reliability by eliminating variability in human visual assessment and providing consistent, quantifiable measurements across different testers and time points.
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 solution provides an objective and precise measurement of allergic reactions by converting infrared thermal signals into visible color images, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing variability, thus improving the reliability of allergy testing across different age groups and skin types.
Implementation Method 1
a contact dual-range passive planar thermo-optical converter is used, comprising a thermo-optical detector with a digital camera, converting thermal signals into visible color images
Implementation Method 2
thermo-optical detector... converting thermal signals into visible color images
Implementation Method 3
converting infrared thermal signals into visible color images... measurement of subcutaneous hyperthermia
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The object of the invention is a passive planar thermo-optical structure for detection of a region of changed temperature on patient's skin, comprising a thermoactive dye. The thermo-optical structure according to the invention has a layered structure comprising a transparent film layer (102), a thermochromic layer (103), a securing layer (105), an adhesive layer (106), and a protective layer (107). At least a portion of surface of the transparent layer (102) forms a screen (102a). At least one dye in the thermochromic layer is characterised in that above a temperature threshold having value within the range of 31 °C to 37 °C it adopts the first colour and keeps it in a temperature range greater than or equal to 0.6 °C, and the width of the temperature range, in which the colour is indefinite, is smaller than 0.3 °C. Further, the object of the invention is an application of the thermo-optical detector according to any of claims 1 to 20 for the evaluation of the extent of skin allergic reaction. Further, the object of the invention is a recording device comprising a central unit (211), a housing (203) adapted to separate a region of patient's skin from ambient light, a digital camera (218) for acquisition of colours displayed on a thermo-optical structure according to the invention adhered to patient's skin, characterised in that it is provided with ambient temperature measuring means (216) and with patient's skin temperature measuring means (207), connected to the central unit, and a standardized light source for illuminating a thermo-optical structure. A method of diagnosing allergy according to the invention comprises the steps of stimulation, measurement and comparison. The stimulation step includes at least exposition of a first region of patient's skin to a histamine solution, exposition of a second region of patient's skin to a neutral solution and exposition of a third region of patient's skin to a test substance. In the measurement step the evaluation of the extent of histamine reaction at least in the first, the second, and the third region is performed. In the comparison step the extent of histamine reaction in the third region is compared to the extents of histamine reaction in the first region and in the second region. According to the invention, in the measurement step at least one system according to the invention is used, which is applied on patient's skin in the first, the second and the third region. The evaluation of the extent of histamine reaction in the first, the second, and the third region is done based on the extent of the change in colour of the thermo-optical structure, corresponding to the first, the second, and the third region, respectively.