Wound Diagnosis via Fluorescence Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wound care diagnosis methods are complex, costly, and require specialized equipment, making them challenging for effective monitoring and management of wound healing states, especially in distinguishing between wound repair, regeneration, and degeneration.
Innovation Solution
The use of fluorescence signatures captured using a broad-spectrum image sensor and optical excitation ultraviolet light wavelength bands to generate output signatures indicative of wound conditions, allowing for non-invasive, cost-effective monitoring and management of wound healing through the detection of biomarkers like NADH, flavins, and collagen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated testing procedures and advanced testing techniques are used to obtain detailed information about material composition, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of complex laboratory analysis by using fluorescence signature patterns that replicate the diagnostic information obtained from sophisticated testing procedures. Instead of requiring actual complex lab equipment, the system uses captured fluorescence images processed through pattern recognition to achieve similar diagnostic precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the analysis approach by changing from direct complex physical/chemical testing to optical fluorescence parameter measurement. By measuring fluorescence intensity, wavelength shifts, and temporal decay characteristics, the system obtains detailed compositional information through simpler optical parameters rather than complex laboratory procedures.
2Measurement precision
If complex laboratory equipment is used for material analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing fluorescence signatures and processing them through algorithmic pattern recognition. The device autonomously identifies chemical composition and material properties without requiring operator interpretation or advanced training, making complex analysis accessible to users with minimal technical background.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual laboratory procedures and expert analysis with automated optical measurement and computational processing. The mechanical and human expertise required for complex material analysis is substituted by an automated system that captures fluorescence and uses algorithms to identify composition, greatly simplifying operation.
3Measurement precision
If expensive specialized equipment is used for wound care diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available components such as standard digital cameras or smartphones equipped with basic filters to capture fluorescence signatures. Instead of requiring expensive specialized medical imaging equipment, the system uses affordable, easily replaceable components that can be integrated into portable devices for wound care applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single fluorescence capture device to differentiate between multiple wound healing states (repair, regeneration, degeneration). The same optical setup and processing algorithm can identify various chemical compositions and pathological conditions, making the device universally applicable for comprehensive wound assessment without requiring multiple specialized instruments.
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 accurate and efficient wound monitoring and management by providing a metric for wound healing trajectories, facilitating informed treatment plans without the need for expensive equipment or complex alignments.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of optical excitation ultraviolet light wavelength bands excites electrons in molecules of a wound sample and cause the electrons to emit light or fluoresce
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of optical excitation ultraviolet light wavelength bands is scanned on a wound sample. The material sample exhibits optical spectral characteristics along the light wavelength spectrum. Excitation response wavelengths emitted by the wound sample are captured in response to the plurality of optical excitation ultraviolet light wavelength bands. The capturing is accomplished using an image sensor. Output values of a plurality of pixels of an image from the image sensor are measured. The image represents excitation response wavelengths captured by the image sensor. The measuring detects optical spectral characteristics of the wound sample, and the optical spectral characteristics are in response to the plurality of optical excitation light wavelength bands. An output signature indicative of composition of a condition of the wound sample is provided, wherein the condition of the wound sample provides a metric of wound monitoring.