Time-lapse Image Sequencing for Remote Patient Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the capability to effectively present historical patient images in a time-lapse context to medical experts, particularly in remote or mobile settings, limiting the ability to monitor changes in patient conditions over time.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an image storage device, an image playback device, and an image sequencing engine that stores and presents historical images in a time-lapse format, allowing medical experts to view changes in patient conditions, such as skin lesions, over time, using a mirror-based interface and wireless connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If historical patient images are stored and presented in a time-lapse context, then diagnostic accuracy and ability to monitor changes over time is improved, but device complexity and system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the historical image data into discrete time-lapse frames that can be individually processed and presented. The image sequencing engine divides the chronological sequence into manageable segments, allowing the system to handle large datasets through incremental processing rather than attempting to process all images at once, thus reducing immediate system complexity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and indexing historical images before they are needed for diagnostic review. The image sequencing engine pre-organizes images chronologically and prepares them for efficient retrieval, so that when a diagnostic task arises, the system can quickly access relevant time-lapse data without requiring complex real-time processing capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If remote or mobile settings are supported for viewing historical images, then accessibility and ease of operation is improved, but reliability of image presentation and data security may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary approach by implementing a secure communication layer between remote/mobile devices and the central image storage system. The image playback device acts as an intermediary that can access historical images through encrypted connections, allowing remote access while maintaining data security through intermediate authentication and encryption protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of historical images for viewing on remote devices without transferring the original data to insecure locations. The image sequencing engine generates viewing copies that can be displayed locally on mobile devices while the original secure data remains in the centralized storage system, maintaining security while enabling accessibility.
3Measurement precision
If multiple historical images are presented in time-lapse sequence, then ability to detect changes in patient condition is improved, but loss of time in reviewing comprehensive history increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and highlights only the most relevant time-lapse frames that show significant changes in patient conditions. The image sequencing engine analyzes the chronological sequence and extracts key moments where changes occur, presenting only these critical frames rather than every possible frame, thereby reducing review time while maintaining change detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by presenting historical images at strategically spaced time intervals rather than continuously. The image playback device displays images at periodic intervals that allow the diagnostician to review changes over time without being overwhelmed by continuous image streams, enabling efficient change detection through rhythmic presentation.
Data Source
AI summary
Time-lapsing mirror methods and related systems.