Wound Imaging Moisture Detection via Multi-Intensity Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for wound assessment struggle to accurately capture images and measure moisture levels, especially when wounds have high moisture due to blood or pus, leading to unstable 2D and 3D imaging.
Innovation Solution
A system using an image capture device with 2D and 3D cameras that captures images under different light intensities to estimate moisture levels and assess wound dimensions, texture, and color, employing structured-light 3D scanning and high dynamic range imaging to improve image quality and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard imaging is used on wet wound surfaces, then image capture is attempted, but the measurements become unstable and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination intensity parameter by capturing images at multiple light intensities (first intensity for standard imaging, second higher intensity for moisture detection). This parameter change enables the system to differentiate between wet and dry wound surfaces by analyzing reflectivity differences at varying light levels, thereby improving measurement accuracy and image stability on wet surfaces
2Measurement precision
If additional measuring devices are used for moisture detection, then moisture level can be measured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image capture device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both standard wound imaging and moisture level detection using the same camera hardware. By analyzing image data captured at different illumination intensities, the system extracts moisture information without requiring separate moisture-sensing devices, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical copy (image data) from the same camera to infer moisture levels rather than requiring direct physical contact sensors. By capturing reflected light patterns at different intensities and analyzing them algorithmically, the device derives moisture information from visual data alone, eliminating the need for additional measuring devices
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 capture and assessment of wound images, including moisture levels, even on wet surfaces, by adjusting light intensities and using connected component analysis to determine moisture levels, thereby enhancing wound measurement and treatment tracking.
Implementation Method 1
capturing a first image of a part of the patient's body which contains the wound, the part of the patient's body being illuminated by a light of a first intensity during the capture; capturing a second image of the part of the patient's body, the part of the patient's body being illuminated by a light of a second intensity during the capture
Implementation Method 2
estimating a moisture level of the wound by analyzing the second image
Data Source
AI summary
A wound assessment method which can estimate a moisture level of the wound, and related image capture device. The wound area is imaged at least twice where the wound is illuminated under different illumination light intensities. The first image captured using a relatively low illumination light intensity is analyzed to assess the wound, for example measuring its size, color and texture. The second image captures using a relatively high illumination light intensity (e.g. using a flash) is analyzed to estimate the moisture level of the wound. The moisture level estimation method extracts white connected components from the second image, and estimates the moisture level based on the number, sizes, and centroid distribution of the white connected components. A 3D image of the wound may also be captured, e.g. using a structured-light 3D scanner of the image capture device.