Transparent Skin Inspection Panel for Automated Ulcer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature monitoring devices for diabetic foot ulcers are difficult for patients to use due to the need for daily self-measurement and logging, which can lead to human error, and are not conducive to daily visual inspection, especially for those with reduced vision or mobility.
Innovation Solution
A skin inspection device with a transparent panel equipped with an array of temperature sensors and image capture devices, processed by a CPU to analyze temperature and image data for abnormality detection, including features like strain gauges for weight activation and optical pathways for improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature point probes are used to measure skin temperature at individual target spots, then temperature monitoring can detect DFU precursors, but the same spot requires measurement over multiple days which is difficult for patients to identify accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the foot into multiple measurement zones with dedicated temperature sensors positioned at specific locations. Each sensor corresponds to a specific anatomical region, allowing the system to automatically track temperature changes at predetermined spots without requiring the patient to manually locate and measure the same spot repeatedly.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically performs temperature measurements and comparisons without requiring patient intervention for each individual measurement. The system autonomously captures images, reads temperatures from sensors, compares data between feet and across time, and generates alerts when abnormalities are detected, eliminating the burden of manual logging and comparison.
2Reliability
If patients manually log temperature readings for comparison, then temperature changes can be tracked, but human error increases and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device continuously monitors temperature at multiple points and provides automatic feedback when abnormalities are detected. The system compares current temperature readings against baseline data and historical measurements, then automatically generates alerts to the patient and/or healthcare provider when temperature changes indicate potential ulceration, eliminating the need for manual logging and interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces manual mechanical logging processes with automated electronic data capture and processing. Temperature sensors electronically record data, the processor automatically compares measurements between feet and across time points, and digital alerts replace manual note-taking and visual comparison, thereby eliminating human error in the logging process.
3Reliability
If daily visual inspection of feet is recommended, then early DFU detection is improved, but reduced vision and mobility make this difficult for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the patient's visual inspection capability with automated optical and thermal sensing systems. Image capture devices take photographs of the foot, temperature sensors measure thermal patterns, and the processor analyzes both data streams to automatically detect abnormalities such as color changes, temperature differences, and other visual signs of ulceration, thereby compensating for reduced vision and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces intermediate sensing technologies as mediators between the patient's foot and the detection process. Optical sensors and thermal imaging devices serve as intermediaries that can detect skin abnormalities without requiring the patient to visually inspect their own feet, thereby enabling early detection despite vision or mobility limitations.
4Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed on the transparent panel, then temperature can be recorded at multiple locations, but the panel must be transparent enough for optical pathways while supporting weight
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a composite structure combining transparent materials with embedded temperature sensing capabilities. The transparent panel integrates temperature sensors, optical pathways, and structural support elements into a single multi-functional component that simultaneously achieves weight support, optical transmission, and temperature measurement at multiple discrete locations.
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
Facilitates accurate and automated detection of diabetic foot ulcers and other skin abnormalities, reducing the burden on patients and improving early identification through integrated image and temperature analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an array of temperature sensors provided on the transparent panel to record the temperature of an area of skin of a target
Implementation Method 2
one or more image capture devices for capturing an image of the area of skin of a target located in the inspection area
Implementation Method 3
a strain gauge is provided operable for detecting a weight bearing load on the transparent panel
Data Source
AI summary
A skin inspection device for identifying abnormalities. The device comprises a transparent panel having an inspection area. An array of temperature sensors are provided on the transparent panel to record the temperature of an area of skin of a target. One or more image capture devices are provided for capturing an image of the area of skin of a target located in the inspection area. The captured image and recorded temperature being analysed to identify abnormalities in the area of skin of the target. A processor is operably coupled to the one or more image capture devices and the array of temperature sensors for controlling operations thereof. The processor is operable to generate indicia indicative of the emergence of ulcers and/or other skin abnormalities.