X-ray Diffraction Diagnostic System for In Vitro Tissue Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic methods for malignancies are often invasive, costly, and time-consuming, relying on subjective visual assessment of tissue samples, which can lead to erroneous results and delayed patient presentation for effective treatment.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing X-ray fiber diffraction techniques to analyze hair, skin, and nail samples, providing an objective digital measurement of structural properties indicative of physiological and pathological status, integrated with a computer-aided diagnostic system for accurate and fast in vitro analysis, including a sample-analyzer subsystem and a communication subsystem for data processing and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual assessment of tissue samples is used for diagnosis, then diagnostic capability is provided, but the process is subjective, time-consuming, and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual assessment system with an automated image processing and analysis system. The system captures images of tissue samples, applies digital processing algorithms, and generates objective diagnostic indicators, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection by pathologists.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies (images) of the tissue samples and analyzes these copies through computer processing. This allows multiple analyses to be performed on the same sample without additional time loss, and enables objective measurement of sample characteristics that may not be visible to the human eye.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If visual assessment of tissue samples is used for diagnosis, then diagnostic capability is provided, but the process is labor-intensive and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex human expert system with an automated computational system. The image processing algorithms and automated analysis reduce dependency on highly trained professionals, thereby reducing labor costs while maintaining or improving diagnostic consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If sample preparation for visual assessment is performed, then analysis is enabled, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample preparation easeVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates digital images of the samples that can be processed without physical manipulation. This eliminates much of the manual sample preparation required for visual assessment, as the digital copies can be enhanced, measured, and analyzed directly from the captured images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Loss of information

If subjective visual assessment is used, then diagnostic interpretation is provided, but erroneous results may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic information accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective human judgment with objective computational analysis. The system measures specific characteristics of the tissue samples quantitatively and applies consistent algorithms to interpret the data, eliminating variability between different pathologists and reducing diagnostic errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides objective feedback through standardized diagnostic indicators and measurements. The automated analysis generates consistent results based on measurable parameters, reducing the influence of individual pathologist bias and improving overall diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 fast, accurate, and objective diagnosis of malignancies and other diseases through non-invasive means, reducing the reliance on subjective assessments and improving early detection capabilities, potentially leading to more effective treatment outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

the oriented fibers are placed in a collimated X-ray beam, so that the parallel fibers are at right angles to the beam and the pattern of the X-rays diffracted at very low angles is recorded and analyzed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS20230113064A1Diagnostic system using diffraction analysis of in vitro samples

Publication Date: 2023.04.13 AURA DIAGNOSTICS INC

AI summary

Diffractometer-based global in vitro diagnostic systems or methods may use one or more diffraction apparatuses for the structural analysis of α-keratin and collagen in samples of hair, nails, skin, internal organs, or other tissue of a human or non-human animal. The diffraction apparatuses operatively couple to a computer database and provide sample data including diffraction pattern data for in vitro samples or data derived therefrom. One or more computer systems receive or transmit the sample data or data derived therefrom and process the sample data or data derived therefrom to provide a computer-aided diagnostic indicators.