Wound Analysis Device Using Eulerian Video Magnification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound treatment methods lack automated visualization and sensor data collection, particularly in early stages of wound formation, relying heavily on visual inspection and providing inadequate information about tissue condition, which can lead to undetected underlying damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of sensor-enabled substrates, including visualization sensors and controllers, to collect video data, amplify it using Eulerian video magnification, and provide alerts when treatment parameters deviate from thresholds, facilitating improved tissue monitoring and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual inspection by caregiver is used for wound monitoring, then the monitoring process is simple and requires no additional equipment, but the information obtained is inadequate and cannot detect underlying tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging system (ultrasound, MRI, or optical coherence tomography) that acts as a mediator between the wound and the caregiver. This intermediary device captures detailed tissue information that cannot be obtained through direct visual inspection, thereby resolving the contradiction by providing comprehensive information while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical process of visual inspection with advanced imaging technologies. Instead of relying on human eyes and manual examination, the system uses automated imaging devices to capture, process, and analyze tissue data, thereby obtaining comprehensive information without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If bandages or visual impediments are used in wound treatment, then the wound is protected and treated, but the underlying wounded tissue becomes obscured and cannot be monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses imaging technologies as intermediaries that can penetrate or see through bandages and visual impediments. These imaging systems capture tissue information beneath the dressings without requiring removal of the protective coverings, thereby maintaining both wound protection and tissue detectability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of observation from visible light (which is blocked by bandages) to other imaging modalities (ultrasound, MRI, OCT) that can penetrate through dressings. This parameter change allows monitoring of underlying tissue while maintaining the protective function of bandages.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard videography techniques are used for wound evaluation, then the equipment is simple and widely available, but the detection capability is limited by human eye limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces standard videography limited by human visual capabilities with advanced imaging systems (ultrasound, MRI, optical coherence tomography). These systems provide superior measurement precision for detecting tissue changes while maintaining ease of use through automated analysis and integration into existing wound care workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from visible spectrum imaging to other physical modalities (acoustic waves for ultrasound, magnetic fields for MRI, light interference for OCT). These parameter changes enable detection of tissue changes at levels of precision beyond human visual limitations while keeping the systems accessible and manufacturable.
4Loss of information
If no sensor data collection is performed during treatment, then the treatment process is simple and follows routine procedures, but quantitative information about tissue state is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automated monitoring where the imaging system automatically captures, processes, and analyzes tissue data without requiring manual intervention. The system performs measurements and generates reports autonomously, providing quantitative sensor data while maintaining simple routine treatment procedures. This resolves the contradiction by enabling comprehensive data collection without increasing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of tissue monitoring and therapy systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a monitoring and therapy system comprises collecting video images of a tissue site, amplifying said video images via Eulerian Video Magnification, and determining a treatment parameter from the amplified video images detectable by Eulerian Video Magnification. If the treatment parameter differs from a threshold, an alert may be generated.