Wheal and Flare Analysis via Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current allergen testing systems are inadequate in providing timely and accurate data to medical professionals, often resulting in false negatives, requiring excessive allergen use, and causing discomfort to patients, while being incompatible with both puncture and scratch testing methods.
Innovation Solution
A wheal and flare analyzing system comprising a sensor array with multiple energy emitters and receivers, a microprocessor, and temperature sensors that measure reflected wavelengths and dermal temperature to assess allergic reactions, providing real-time data compatible with both puncture and scratch testing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual estimation or manual measurement of wheal and flare sizes is used, then medical professionals can diagnose allergic reactions, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and physical measurement tools with an automated optical sensing system. Sensors capture images of the wheal and flare reactions, and a processor automatically measures the dimensions, eliminating the need for manual measurement by medical professionals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-measurement through automated image capture and analysis. The sensors and processing unit work autonomously to detect, measure, and report wheal and flare dimensions without requiring human intervention in the measurement process.
2Reliability
If multiple allergens are applied to test for different allergies, then comprehensive allergy diagnosis is achieved, but the amount of allergen required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing process into multiple sequential or parallel measurement points. By capturing images at different time intervals (e.g., 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes), the system obtains comprehensive diagnostic data without requiring additional allergen applications, thus reducing total allergen consumption while maintaining diagnostic reliability.
3Reliability
If traditional skin testing methods are used, then allergic reactions can be detected, but patient discomfort and false negatives occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous monitoring with real-time feedback by capturing images at multiple time points. This allows the detection of reactions that may not be immediately visible, reducing false negatives. The automated measurement also provides objective feedback, eliminating subjective assessment errors and reducing patient discomfort through precise, minimal intervention.
4Loss of information
If manual observation and recording of reaction data is performed, then diagnostic information is obtained, but data accuracy and timeliness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual observation and recording with automated optical sensors and digital processing. The system automatically captures, stores, and analyzes reaction data, eliminating human error in data recording and providing immediate, accurate results that improve both data quality and diagnostic efficiency.
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 system reduces false negatives, minimizes allergen use, and decreases patient discomfort by providing immediate and accurate data on allergic reactions, enhancing the diagnostic process for medical professionals.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor array with multiple energy emitters and receivers, a microprocessor, and temperature sensors that measure reflected wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
temperature sensors that measure reflected wavelengths and dermal temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The wheal and flare analyzing system analyzes the mast cell reaction to an allergen being administered in a scratch or prick skin test. The system comprises a sensor array and a processing unit. The sensor array includes a plurality of emitters surrounding a receiver at the allergen test site. Energy of various wavelengths is emitted into the allergen test site. An energy receiver measures reflected various wavelengths from the plurality of emitters. A microprocessor is in digital communication with the plurality of emitters and the energy receiver. The reflected wavelengths have an energy return indicative of the intensity of the allergic reaction in the mast cells. The intensity of the allergic reaction is analyzable from the reflected wavelengths and other data over time. A plurality of temperature sensors measuring local dermal temperatures surrounding the sensor array, the local dermal temperature being indicative of the intensity of the allergic reaction.