Tissue Indentation Measurement for Reliable Lesion Rigidity Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing biological tissues, particularly skin lesions, are limited by the need for practitioner expertise and are not effective for inexperienced users, and existing technologies struggle with sensitivity and specificity due to variations in tissue biomechanics and lesion size/location.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a support surface, indenter, strain gauge, and position sensor that measures tissue deformation resistance and indentation depth to characterize tissue rigidity, potentially identifying lesions, and a method for analyzing tissue data using a processor to determine target values and images for user terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual analysis by practitioner using ABCDE rule is used, then analysis can be performed with simple equipment, but sensitivity and specificity are highly dependent on practitioner experience and training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with an automated optical imaging and analysis system. The device uses contactless optical scanners to capture high-resolution images of skin lesions and automatically analyzes them using computer algorithms, eliminating the need for practitioner visual assessment while maintaining or improving diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the skin lesion through high-resolution optical imaging. Instead of relying on direct visual observation, the system captures detailed images that can be analyzed objectively, preserving all visual information while enabling automated processing and eliminating variability in human assessment.
2Measurement precision
If advanced technologies using optical scanners or impedance measurement are used, then measurement precision is improved, but sensitivity and specificity are limited by lesion size and location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal optical imaging system that can accurately measure and analyze skin lesions of various sizes and locations. The contactless optical scanners are designed to accommodate different lesion dimensions and anatomical positions, providing consistent high-precision measurements regardless of the specific clinical scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual assessment to three-dimensional optical imaging and analysis. The system captures depth information and creates volumetric representations of lesions, enabling more comprehensive characterization that overcomes limitations related to lesion size and location while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If digital dermoscopy with smartphone application is used, then ease of operation is improved for patient self-monitoring, but analysis function is limited to detecting only advanced melanomas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces consumer-grade smartphone camera systems with medical-grade contactless optical scanning equipment. This substitution enables superior image quality, controlled lighting conditions, and standardized capture parameters that significantly improve detection capability while maintaining ease of use through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated real-time analysis with feedback mechanisms that guide the imaging process. The system provides immediate feedback on image quality and lesion characteristics, enabling early detection of melanomas at various stages while maintaining simple operation for users through automated quality control and interpretation.
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 reliable and reproducible analysis of tissue lesions by mimicking expert palpation and observation, overcoming variability in tissue biomechanics and improving sensitivity and specificity without requiring extensive user training.
Implementation Method 1
a strain gauge configured to measure a force of resistance of the tissue to the deformation caused by the indenter
Implementation Method 2
an indenter configured to cause a deformation of the tissue, the indenter being configured to be displaceable relative to the support surface between an original position and an indentation position in which the tissue is deformed by the indenter
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device intended for being placed in contact with a tissue and a method for analysing the measured tissue data. A measuring device intended for being placed in contact with a tissue, and including an indenter configured to cause a deformation of the tissue, a strain gauge configured to measure a force of resistance of the tissue to the deformation caused by the indenter; and a position sensor configured to measure an indentation depth representative of a movement of the indenter. A method for analysing tissue data relating to a tissue, the method being implemented by computer and including a step of associating a measurement of the indentation depth and a measurement of the force of resistance to the deformation corresponding to the indentation depth.