CA1118053A - Thermographic apparatus for physical examination of patients - Google Patents
Thermographic apparatus for physical examination of patientsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1118053A CA1118053A CA000320871A CA320871A CA1118053A CA 1118053 A CA1118053 A CA 1118053A CA 000320871 A CA000320871 A CA 000320871A CA 320871 A CA320871 A CA 320871A CA 1118053 A CA1118053 A CA 1118053A
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- sensor
- signals
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/01—Measuring temperature of body parts ; Diagnostic temperature sensing, e.g. for malignant or inflamed tissue
- A61B5/015—By temperature mapping of body part
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A passive thermographic analytical apparatus for deter-mining the presence of cancer includes a left and right breast scanner array, each of which includes a matrix of infrared energy sensors and reflectors mounted in a close spaced array for producing a pattern of temperature measurements The arrays are mounted within an adjustable support to permit special positioning and alignment of the arrays. Each sensor produces an analog voltage proportional to the body temperature. The sensor output voltages are sequentially read and converted into appropriate digital form for storage in a RAM memory of a microprocessor, which includes a pattern recognition program to directly create an automated diagnosis of the radiation pattern from which the normality or abnormality of the breasts can be diagnosed. The various parameters are reduced to a multiple digit number which is displayed. The number is encoded to a particular condition.
Description
Background of the Invention This invention relates to the thermographic apparatus for physical examination of a patient by directly measuring and analyzing the thermal radiation patterns of a patient's body.
Thermographic apparatus has been suggested for a number of years for analyzing the biological condition of human patients and the like. Such apparatus has recently more particularly been applied to the early detection of cancer and particularly breast cancer in female patients. Although there are variations in thermal radiation patterns of patients, recent devel-opments and application of computers have allowed statistical analysis which produces accurate separation between healthy and possibly cancerous patients. One satisfactory computer-based system is more fully disclosed in a paper presented in the May 1975 issue of RADIOLOGY, Vol. 115, No. 2, at pages 341-347, in an article entitled "Computer Diagnosis of Breast Thermograms" by Marvin C. Ziskin, M.D., et al. A thermographic technique is discussed employing the photographing of the breast area and then scanning the photograph to develop a di~itized image frame. A conventional close circuit television camera is used to produce a poin~ by point reading of the thermal conditions, with digitizing of each point. Generally each scan line includes 192 points and two hundred and fifty-six can lines are used to create a dimensional array in excess of four thousand points. These numbers are stored and subsequently processed by a general purpose computer. The decision algorithm employs a standard statistical technique of discrimination an-alysis in which a statistical standard is determined and various comparisons and thresholds are checked from which a determination of normality and abnormality is made. ~lthough such diagnos-tic apparatus has been developed to the point where practical ,~
results are ob-tained, an apparatus such as disclosed is relatively complex and costly, which would significantly limit the application and usage of such a computerized -thermographic system. Generally, only rela-tively large hospitals would have a sufficien-t usage factor to justify the cost. There therefore remains a need for a low cost computer-based thermographic screening apparatus.
Summary of the Present Invention The present invention is particularly directed to a passive thermographic analytical apparatus which is relatively inexpensive and provides a direct readout of the results o~ the analysis of the thermographic radiation pattern of the human body, Generally, in accordance with the present invention a multiplicity of energy sensors such infra-red radiation are mo~nted in a close spaced array for producing a plurality oE measurements of the aligned areas of the body. The sensor array is mounted within an adjus-table support to permit spatial positioning of the array in accordance with the individual patient. The m`ultiplicity of the sensors are simultaneously or sèquentialLy read to develop rela-ted analog signals which are converted into appropriate digi-tal form and stored in a memory means for processing. Although any suitable hardwired system could be employed, a microprocessor is preferably employed to process the multiplicity of signals in accordance with particular pattern recognition programs to directly provide an automated diagnosis of the human radiation pattern. In accordance with one aspect or the present invention, the instrument analysis is reduced to an encoded readout, such as a numeric readout which is suitably encoded to a particular condition. Thus, in operation, the patient merely steps in front of the scanning array apparatus, which rapidly and practically instantaneously scans the aligned breasts and de~elops digital numbers which are processed by statistical pat-tern recognition programs such as disclosed in the previously referenced article.
In a preferred and particularly novel arrangement a pair of separate scanning arrays are provided each consisting S of a matrix of thermal sensitive sensing elements such as ther-mopile devices which produce an output voltage proportional to the temperature of the thermopile junction, and associated optical devices for collecting of the infra-red radiation in the aligned area and concentrating such energy upon the sensor sensing elements. In addition, one or more sensor elements are located between the two arrays for developing a reference temper-ature against which to compare the output numbers of the array.
The two arrays are mounted for separate vertical positioning and for relative horizontal positioning for alignment with different patients.
Thermopile devices or the like are readily provided which have a very rapid response to the energy input, and the output numbers can be simultaneously or ~;equentially stored in a simple rapid manner for subsequent analysis in a resident hardwired or programmed instrumen~ such as a mlcro-processor.
Thus, the present invention provides a simple, reliable and relatively inexpensive thermographic system or instrument for directly producing an encoded output indicative o~ the conditions monitoredO The invention thus provides a low cost, 5 screening instrument for breast cancer, and the like.
Brief Description of the Drawings The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the above advantages ~8~3 and features are clearly disclosed as well as other which will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a front elevation view of the scanning apparatus and inter-relatea data processing control unit constructed in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical section through an array unit shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a rear view of the appratus shown in Fig. 1 and illustrating a suitable positioning apparatus;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 1 for clearly illustrating details of the thermal sensor assembly;
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section taken generally on line 5-5 of Elig. 4; and Fig. 6 and 7 are a schematic electronic circuit ! used to multiplex, ampli~y and process the output of the sensing arrays illustrated in Figs. 1-5.
Description of the Illustrated Embodiment . ~
Referring to the drawings and particularly to Figs. 1 thro~gh 3, a breast cancer thermographic diagnostic apparatus is shown including a breast scanning unit 1 adapted to be mounted in relatively fixed relationship with respect to a patient 2. The apparatus includes first and second similar tnermal measurement array units 3 and 4 which are adjustably mounted for selective -and precise alignment with the breast of the patient 2. Each array unit 3 and 4 consists of a selected matrix or arrangement of individual similar temperature sensitive assemblies 5 such as assemblies which are responsive to the infrared radiation from the body of the patient and particularly responsive ~ 5 3 to the aligned portion of the breasts as more fully develoyed hereinafter. A reference temperature assembly 5a is located between the array units 3 and ~. The output of the scanning unit 1 is coupled by a suitable power and signal cable 6 to an analyzing and display module 7. In a preferred embodiment, the module 7 is a microprocessor-based system such as disclosed more fully in Figs. 6 and 7 and hereinafter discussed. Generally, the module 7 includes means to convert the output o~ the individual sensing assembly 5 into an appropriate digital number which is subsequently processed by the module 7 through a series of pattern recognition programs in order to establish a positive or nega~ive cancer diagnosis. The output of the analysis is presented in a digital manner on a nurneric readout ~ on the front of tne module 7. A significant factor in the analysis is the patient's age.
A numeric input means shown as a pair of th~mbwheels 9 is pro-vided for the age entry. Other conventional controls such as a power switch buttom 10 and on-off lamp ll and the like may also be provided. A start-reset key 12 is provided for initiating a diagnostic cycle.
In operation of the apparatus, the patient 2 is lo-cated in front of the scanner apparatus 1. The scanning array units 3 and 4 are properly located with respect to the particular - patient. The start key 12 is actuated and the thermal radiation pattern of the right and left breasts as well as t'ne temperature of the sternal region 13 between the two breasts is read. The output of the array units 3 and ~ is a corresponding series of vol~age signals which are individually and directly related to the average temperature of the breast portions aligned with the ternperature sensitive assemblies 5. The temperature-related voltages are converted to a digital forrn and then processed by -the microprocessor through the pattern recognition program to produce the positive or negative breas-t cancer diagnos. The processor is programmed to directly indicate by a numeric read-ing on the display ~ of the computer module 7 an indication of normality or abnormality. Tnis reading may also indicate the degree of certainty of the diagnosis.
More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment of thepresent invention, the scannerapparatus 1 includes a rectan-gular frame 14 within which units 3 and 4 are mounted. Each of the array units 3 and 4 includes an 8 x 8 matrix of tempera-ture sensitive assemblies 5. The assemblies 5 are arranged in well known columns and rows to define a square matrix, although any other matrix arrangement can of course be employed. Each unit 3 and 4 is similarly constructed, and includes a su~port board 15 which is mounted for vertical and horizontal movement as most clearly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3. Referring to array unit 4, a vertically oriellted positioning bolt or shaEt 16 is rotatably supported within the top and bottom legs of the frame 14. A support plate 17 includes a threaded nut portion 18 threaded onto the threaded shaft 16. A hand wheel 19 is secured on the upper end of bolt 16 for vertical positoning of plate 17. T he board 15 is affixed to a sliding block 20 as by screws 21. The block 20 is located within a recess opening 22 in the support plate 17. The block 20 includes -25 a threaded opening, shown as a nut 23; for receiving a laterally positioned threaded shaft 24 which is rotatably journaled at the opposite ends in the plate 17. Rotation of the shaft 24 therefore provides lateral positioning of the block 20 and attached array unit 4 within the rectan-gular opening 22. A handwheel 25 permits convenient horizontal positioning of the unit 4. The array unit 3 is similarly supported for vertical and horizontal positioning, and corresponding elements are identified by corresponding primed numbers.
In addition, a reference cell unit 26, which may consist of a single assembly 5 is located between array units 3 and 4. The location of unit 26 is not critical and the unit 26 may conveniently be attached to either of the units 3 and ~
for relative movement therewith or the frame 14 and may provide for adjustment in the positioning relative to units 3 and/or 4.
The unit 26 is shown attached to unit 4 for purposes of illus-tration.
Any other adjustable positioning can be provided ~or the individual array units, which may of course include similar or other means for the individual vertical and horizontal movements of the left and right array~s.
As previously noted, each of the illustrated array units 3 and 4 is similarly constructed and each similarly sup-ports individual sensing assemblies Si, a preferred embodiment of which is more clearly shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5; and one unit 5 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 is particularly described.
The assembly 5 includes a thermal sensitive element or device 27 which is a relatively small, compact element having a dia-meter smaller than the area to be scanned by the measurement device. A particularly satisfactory device is a thermopile meas~rement device of type S15 manufactured and sold by Sensors, Inc. The S15 device is a multiple-junction thin-film thermo-pile construction having an exposed active area 28 on one end.
The device 27 generally includes a cylindrical housing 29 of approximately one-half inch or 10 millimeter diameter and hav-ing a pair of positive and negative connecting leads 30 and 31 ~ 3~
and a case support wire 32 secured to the outer or base of the housing. The active area 28 is exposed through an opening in the opposite end of the housing 29 and is on the order of 1.5 millimeters square. The active area of the sensor in such a unit is generally constructed as more fully disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,175,288.
As most clearly shown in Fig. 5, the sensor is mounted with the active area 28 facing the board 15, by bending of the three leads 30-32 back about the exterior of the casing 29. The leads 30-32 are suitably secured to pin elements 33 embedded in the array board 15. The positive and negative leads 30 and 31 are secured to terminal pins 33 which extend through the board 15 with the opposite ends interconnec~ed to circuit leads 34 for interconnecting of the thermopile 28 into the appropriate circuit as hereinafter described.
The active area 28 is aligned with the center of a small convex mirror 35 wnich is secured or firmly affixed to the board 15 by ~ suitable adhesive 36 or the like. The mirror 35 is sub-stantially larger than the sensing element 27 and collects the infrared radiation from the aligned breast portion and concen-trates such energy upon the active area 28 of the element 27.
The output voltage of the element 27 is a voltage proportional to the average termperature of the aligned port;on of the breast.
The mirror may be formed of suitable acrylic material having a highly polished mirror surface to collect and reflect the energy onto the active area 28. Such mirrored devices can be readily provided by those skilled in the art and no further description thereof is given.
The output of the several sensing assemblies S and 5a are individually interconnected to the module 7 through any suitable terminal means 37 and 38 sho~n provided on the lower end of ~ 3 circuit boards 15. Thus, in the illustrated embodime~t of the invention, a suitable multiple lead cable strip 39 interconnects the terminal means 38 to a coupling interface circuit means 40 at the lower end of the circuit board lS of the unit 4, with the terminal means 37 of unit 4 interconnecting to the means 40. The output is connected by cable 6, which is also a multiple lead connecting strip, to the computer module 7.
The computer module 7 may be of any suitable construction and a preferred structure is shown in Fig. 6, for purposes of clearly describing the invention.
Referring particularly to Fig. 6, the individual sensors are shown divided into groups of 16, each group being coupled to an individual 16 x 1 multiplexing circuit board 41. The sensing assemblies 5 t'nus produce eight different circuits 41, with the eight output lines 42 connected as the input to a 16 x l multi-plexer 43. Each multiplexer 41 is s:imilarly constructed with sultable address lines 44 for addressing a particular sensing assembly 5 and transmitting of the voltage signal through the multiplexer 41 to multiplexer 43, which similarly has input address lines 45 for coupling the lines 42 in sequence to an output line 46. The multiplexer 43 also includes inputs con-nected to the reference sensing unit 25, which reading is coupled to the output line 46 in each sequence. Thus, each of the voltages generated as a result of the infrared radiation is sequentially transmit~ed to the output line 46.
Each of the signals is suitably shaped and amplified in a suitable amplifier circuit or u~it 47, which is readily and commercially available. The illustrated circuit includes a pair of cascaded operation amplifiers, the first of which includes an offset network 47a. The amplified ~oltage signal is applied to an an~og to digital converter 48 which converts each analog 8 ~ 3 signal into a suitable multiple ~it binary number or word suitable for processing in a suitable microprocessor. The successive approximation type analog to digital converter 48 is of any suitable construction and is sho~.7n as a well knOwn chip having 1 5 feedback circuit 48a of a conventional construction. Suitable ¦ starting and clock input controls from the computer enable the ¦ analog and digital converter 48 and initiate-the reading and conversion cycle. Thus, each voltage signal is converted into an eight bit binary word which is coupled through an inter-facing circuit chip of unit 49 to a microprocessor system 50 Fig. 7.
The illustrated microprocessor 50 includes a central ¦ processing unit (CPU) 51 shown as the well-known MSC6502 chip ¦ manufactured and sold by MOS Techno~ogy, Inc. The microproces-sor system 50 includes a read only memory 52 in which the basic control as well as the thermal diagnostic programs are stored and a random access memory 53 for storing and processing the voltage signals in accordance with the programs. The il~ustrated processor system 50 thus includes a set of processor and system control lines for initiating and se~uencing the operation of the system and for synchronizing of the several functions and processing sequences. A bidirectional data bus 54 is coupled through data bus drivers 55 to the data inputs for transmitting and receiving of data to and from memories 52,53, and I/O com-ponents such as the AlD converter interface unit 49, the age entry dlal units 9 and the readout or display unit 8. Data bus 54 is an eight line bus for transmitting of eight bit data words.
In addition, the processor unit 51 includes a se~ of address lines, which in the illustrated embodiment includes 16 individual address lines. The address lines are interconnected through suitable bus drivers 56 to a -10- .
.
., .. .... . .. ,.. . ... .. :. . ..... . ...
~8~3 sixteen line address bus 57 coupled to the memories and the I/O components for appropriately addressing of the several devices during the processing cycle.
The processor uni* 51 also includes control lines 58 coupled through suitable logic circuits for se-~uencing of the several routines and particularly for reading of the sensors, processing said signals, storing of the processed signals and then calculating of various parameters from which the numeric display value is calcu-lated and displayed.
The start or reset key 12 controls 9 switch ~0connected in a pulse circuit 61 for signaling of the control lines 58 including a reset line S/a to reset the processor 51 for starting of a processing cycle from the first instruction in memory 52.
The read only memory (ROM) 52 is shown as an eraseable read only memory in which the program is stored for controlling o~ the system. The memory 52 includes a plurality of 2708 chips 62 which are connected to the common data bus 54 through suitable buf~er dr:ivers 63, shown as 8796 chips. The several chips 2708 are also coupled to the address lines 0 through 9 of the address bus 57 through suitable buffer driver 64 shown as 8795 buffer chips. A
chip selection decoder 65, shown as an 74LS138 chip, in-cludes eight output select lines 66, connected one each tothe 8 ROM 2708 chips. The decoder 65 includes 3 address inputs connected to address lines 10, 11 and 12 of the address bus 57 and a further input "coded" to the address lines 13, 14 and 15 through a NAND gate 67 such as a 74LS10 chip. The several inputs are decoded by the decoder 65 l~lB053 to selectively enable one of the 2708 CilipS of ROM 52.
The output of the NAND gate ~7 is also connected by a signal line 68 to enable the buffer drivers 63 and 64 interconnected between the ROM inputs and the ROM add-S ress and data buses 54 and 57 to enable the correspondingdrivers whenever the ROM memory has been selected for communication with the processor.
. The RAM memory 53 is shown including eight ~V~9140E
ehips 69 with address lines 70 coupled to the address bus 57 and particularly lines "0-11". A selection logic eircuit 71 includes a NAND gate 72 connected to three address lines and an OR gate 73 connected to the out-put of the NAND gate 72 and address line 13. The chips 69 inelude the usua:L eontrol inputs and input and output lines coupled to the data bus 54 by a pair of bidireetional buffer drivers 74, also shown as 8T28 chips.
Referring to Fig. 6, the data interfacing unit 49 is shown as a known MCS6520 c'nip which in~ludes a plurality of control lines.75-coupled:to t'ne corresponding lines-and sequence control of ~0 the mieroproeessor 51 as.subsequently described. The interfaeing unit 43 ineludes a plurality of interfacing line~, ineluding a group or set of 8 data input lines 76 and eontrol lines 77 conneeted to the A/D eonverter 48 for aetivating the latter and reading the converted bi-nary numbers. The interfacing unit 49 include group or set of multiplex.address lines 73 and 79 defining tile multiplex selec- ..
tion address lines a-nd connected to tne input lines 44 and 45 of the multiplexers 41 and 43. A driver 80, sho~n as an 8T95 ehip, is shown coupling multiplex address lines 78 to the multiplexer 41. Finally interfacing unit 49 al53 includes bidirec-tional input lines coupled to receive and transmit data and coupled to receive and transmit data coupled to the microprocessor system data bus 54 by suitable buffer drivers 81. The digitized sensor voltage signals are thus read by the processor unlt 51 and stored in the memory unit 53.
The processor unit 51 selectively enables the several components by addressing a selection decoder 81 shown as a 7442 chip, having three input lines 82 connected to the address lines 13, 14 and 15 of the address bus 57.
Decoder 82 has four output lines 83. The first output line is connected to enable the interfacing unit 49, and conjointly with the read/write control line of lines 75 is connected by a logic circuit 8~ to enable tlle drivers ~1.
T.he patients age is introduced using a pair of conventional series 300 digiswitches 85 settable by thumb-wheels 9, having 10 dial positior~s and providin~ an output numbers in BCD. The pair of swi.tches provided include a most significant digit and a least signi~icant digit. The binary output signals of these switches are connected by a pair of buffers 86 to the data bus 54.
The buffers 86 are shown as 8T09 chips having the enabling inputs connected to the second output of lines 83 of the decoder 82.
The display unit 8 includes four 7 segment ~ED
units 87. Latch units 88 connect segment input lines to the data bus 54. The latch units 88 have selection in-puts connected to the third and fourth output lines of the address decoder 82.
In use, the patient is located in front of the i~ 8 ~3 array units 3 and 4, w'nich are then vertically and horizontally properly aligned with the patient. The system operation is initiated by activation of the start or reset switch 60.
The processor 51 resets to the initial or starting program address of the programmed ROM memory 52 which provides the usual housekeeping routine to initialize all of the necessary elements. The program then proceeds to sequentially read the total of the 129 sensor assemblies 5 and 51, 64 se~sors for each of the breast scanning units and the reference sensor assembly 5a for determining the reference temperature in the sternal area. Each sensor voltage, which is directly proportional to the average temperature of the breast portion aligned with the mirror 35, is sequentially read through the multiplexing system and digitized by the. A/D converter 48.
The numbers are converted by the processor 51 into a BCD
number which is stored in the R~ memory 53. The numbers are preferably stored in two floating point arrays, identified as the left and right arrays. In accordance with known conventions, the floating point number may consist of the five binary bytes in which the first byte identifies ~he most significant bit while the second, third and fourth bytes include the mantissa digits of the BCD numbers and the fifth byte includes the exponent. Each point number and reference temperature number ~s adjusted by the processor 51 such that the range of input values lies between O and 511, and then the 511th complement of all numbers is taken.
A value of "O" defines a point that is hot ~hile a value of "511" defines a point that is cold. Each temperature poin~ in each array is considered cold if its temperature number is greater than the reference temperature and hot , i~ its' temperature number is smaller than the reference temperature number. The total temperature pattern is rapidly determined and stored as a pattern of digital numbers in the memory 53 in relatively short period of .ime an~ parti-cularly with a relatively inexpensive and reliable scanning apparatus.
After storage of all of the data, the micropro-cessor executes a series of pattern recognition programs to develop an automatic diagnosis, and finally to display in numeric form the result of such diagnosis in encoded numeric form upon the display.
Generally the invention may employ the several individual parameters more fully developed in the previously referenced Ziskin Article, a table of which is reproduced below:
TABLE I: ELEMENTAL FEATURES
.
! Parameter l~ame Number Hottest gridel on left P8 Hottest gridel on right P9 Horizontal "shift" between left - and right hottest gridel P10 Vertical "shift" between left and right hottest gridel Pll Hottest region on left P12 ~ottest region on right P13 - Areolar temp. on left P20 Areolar temp. on right P21 ~eference temperature P5 Average temperature of left breast P26 Average temperature of right breast P27 Average temperature of all hot regions on left P18 Average temperature of all hot regions on right Plg Total hot area on left P16 Total hot area on right P17 ,3 TABLE I (cont'd) Parameter Name Number Highest P2/A value on either side P24 Lowest P /A value on either side- P25 Number of hot regions on left P22 Number of hot regions on right P2 3 The above parameters are elemental parameters based on the previously identified articles from which various analyses and comparisons are developed, as more fully developed herein-after`, to produce a suitable indication o the probable pres~
ence of breast cancer.
The elemental features or parameters of the above table are calculated by suitable processing algorithms for each of tnese parameters, such as the following which parameters are similar to those described by Ziskin and a suitable program for processing of each is shown in Appendix "A" attac'ned as a part of this application. The program employs the -~IM ~TH
package provided with the 6502 microprocessor.
Hottest G_idel on Left (P8) This parameter indicates tne temperature of the hottest-single gridel on the left side. The processor is programmed to search the left array memory for the minimum value. The address of the left side array is set in the appropriate registers using SADLST and SADLSY routines.
` ~18S~3 The first number of the array is moved into RY register by using the KIMATH routine PLOADY and the second number is loaded into RX register by using the KIMATH routine PLOA~X.
The ADD routine is called to compare the two members and the smallest absolute value on return is place in RY register. The rest of the numbers in the array are compared with the running minimum numher. When all the 6~ numbers are compared, the RY register has the smallest number in the array, which is copied into the RZ register. The KIMATH
routine PST~ES is used to store the number from RZ register into the P~ register. This routine also converts fro1n the computational format of RZ (18 bytes) into the packed format of P8 (5 bytes). The algorithim for the le~t side is P8 = ~in. LST(i), i = 0 to 63 Hottest Gridel on Right (P9) This parameter is similarly found by searching the right side ~RST) array.
Symmetry Parameters (Pl0, Pll~ These two .
parameters measure the symmetry in the rela-tive anatomic placement of the hottest gridels on the two breasts. Pl0 is the horizontal shift while Pll is the vertical shift between these two hottest gridels. The location in the matrix of the hottest gridel in each side is found. LHGL(l? is the location of the hottest gridel on the left and LHGR(l) is -17~
the location of -the hottest gridel on the right. Also the following variables of in-terest are calculated:
CL is the column number of the hottest gridel on the left and the value in the right most 3 bits of LHGL(l) RL is the row number of the hottest gridel on the right and is found by shifting LHGL(l) right by 3 bits.
CR is the column number of the hottest gridel on the right and the value in the right-most 3 bits of LHOR(l) RR is the row number of the hottest gridel on the ri.ght and is found by shiftin~ LHRG(l) right by 3 bits.
These four variables for the 8 x 8 matrix have a range of 0 to 7 and P10 and Pll are calculated therefrom by the following al~orithm:
P10 = ~(7 - CL) + CR¦
Pll = ¦RL - RR¦
The parameter P10 has a range of 0 to 14 while parameter Pll has a range of 0 to 7.
Areolar Temperature on left and right sides identified as para_et_r P20 and P21 are determined by similar algorithms, which stated for the left side is P20 = LST(27)+LST(28)+LST(35)~LST(36) The Average Temperature of the left and right .... .. . .
are similar by calculated, as parameters (P26) and tP27). This average temperature is that .
. .
~ ~ 8 ~S 3 of all 64 gridels on the respective side.
The algorithm for the left side is P26 = ~ LST(i) /64 Ho ~est Region on Left and _ight (P12, P13) P12 is given by the hottest set of connected gridels or ~he left. It is calculated by finding the minimum ratio (max temperatures) of the sum of all connected gridels in a region divided by the number of hot points in the region. After the Connection Algorithm, given below, is run for the left side, it is given by MTEMP~5). MT~n is copied to P12. The parameter (P13) for the right side is then determined in a similar manner and stored in P13.
Connection Algorithm: The connection algorithm is used to find various hot regions in the respective sides. A hot region is defined as a collection of connected hot gridels. Two hot gridels are 2d said to be connected if a continuous line can be enscribed between them which traverses only over hot gridels.
First of all, a dummy array is generated in the routine GDARR. The dummy array identi-fied as SDA(i), i=O to 99 consists of hot and cold points. For each point in the LST or the RST arrays, the gridel temperature is subtracted from the reference temperature. If tne result - is negative, the point is considered cold and '00' is stored in the corresponding SDA location.
-lg-~ 53 Otherwise x'80' is stored indicating that the point is hot. There are only ~4 valid points in the SDA array which correspond to the LST
or the RST arrays i.e. 11-19, 20-2~, 31-39, 41-49, 51-59, 61-69, 71-79, 81-89. All other points from O to 99 are only dun~Qy points and are considered cold.
Connection Algorithm Flowchart: The flowchart for the connection Algorithm is given in Figure 1, (attached as a part of the Appendix). The SDA array is searched/scanned from O to 99 for a hot point. The perimeter of the first hot point is calculated in the routine CALPER. If SDA(i) is the point being assigned in the following array:
i - 11 8 - 10 i - 9 i - 1 SDA(i) i -~ 1 i + 9 i + 10 i + 11 the perimeter P is given by:
P = 2 ~SDA(i-l)~SDA(i+l)+SDA(i-10 +SDA(i+ld)}
+ {SDA(i-ll)+SDA(i+ll)+SDA(i-9_+SDA(i+9)}
where SDA i - O if it is hot, and =l if it is cold.
All other points in the SDA array are scanned and perimeters of otner hot points which are immediately adjacent to the first point axe calculated. Since the SDA array was scanned in sequence O to 99, there may be additional - neighbors to newly assigned points in the region, hence a number of passes through the SDA array are made until no more meighbors are located 8~53 for that region. All points which are assigned are masked uniquely by storing the perimeter or'ed with the number x '40' in order to make sure that there is no conflict with assignable points (s'80'~.
The higher P2/Q ratio and the lowest P2/Q ratio is maintained by comparing new values for each region with the previous maximum and minimum vlaues (P24 and P25). When the connection algorithm is run for both the left and the right sides, P24 and P25 have the maximum and the minimum P2/A
ratio respectively.
Total Hot Area_on Left and Right (Pl6, Pl7) This parameter is equal to the number of hot gridels on the respective sides, The-number of hot gridels on each side is calculated by counting the number of hot points in the SDA array. All points in the SDA array which have x'80' are hot points.
Besides the parameter P16 in the floating point format, a binary count of the number of hot points is accumulated in HGRC(i), for use in the connection algorithm. Also the sum of all hot point temperature is accumulated in STEMP(5).
Avera~e Temperature of the hot regions of left and right sides ar _ Pl8, Pl9): P18 is the average temperature of the entire hot region on the left side. It is calculated by dividing STEMP(5) by parameter P16 and stores as parameter P18. The parameter Pl9 is similarly calculated and stored using parameter Pl7.
~ ~ 8 ~ ~
Number o~ Hot Re~ions_on Left and Ri~ht (P22, P23) R(5) has the number of hot regions on left after the connection Algorithm is run for the left side.
After all of the elemental fea~ures set forth in the above table have been calculated and the results stored in memory, compound parameters calculation are developed in a straightforward manner. In the present embodiment of the invention, thirteen compound parameters corresponding to selected parameters set forth in the Ziskin article are 0 employed as follows:
Bl = patients age, same as P4 (age) B2 = ABS (P17 - P16) Diff. in no. of hot gridels B3 = ABS (P9 - P8) Diff. in hottest gridel Temp.
B4 = ABS (P21 - P20) Diff, in Average Aerolate Temp.
B5 = ABS (P27 - P26) Diff, in Average Temp.
B6 = ABS (P25 - P24) Diff. in P2/A ratio~
B7 = Min (P8! P9) Ratio of hottest gridel to P5 Reference B8 = Max (P16, Pl7) Largest hot areas B9 =` Min (P2-6, P27) Temp., normalized hot breast ` P5 B10 = SQRT (Pl0)2 + (P11)2 Symmetry shift Bll = ABS (ABS (P23-P22) - 1) Diff. in No.of Hot Regions B12 = (P12-256) P16 - (P13-256) P17 Diff. in Heat P22 ~ P23 Emission `
B13 = P8 - P9 Diff in Temp. Ratios As in the article, in addition to such compound parameters the patient's age is introduced as a parameter. As noted in the article other parame~ers could be developed and employed.
-22- ~
.
~ 53 Thus with all of the parameters available the combined effect of these parameters are summated in an appropriate program of pattern recognition to determine the positive or negative breast cancer diagnosis. The numerically related condition or state number (Z) is calculated based upon the combined effect of the 13 compound parameters. The algorithm is Z = ~ Ai Bi wherein Ai's are the weights assigned to each parameter.
The values of these weights which have been employed are:
Al = 1.0, A2 = .1, A3 = .4 A4 = .04, A5 = .1, A6 = .03 A7 = 10, A8 = .1, A9 = 10 A10 = 2, All = -2, A13 = -80 The above Z~value program is a direct routine program which can be readily provided by those skilled in the art. The Z-value or number is calculated relative to the number S00 in accordance with the previous number manipulation and as a result, only positive values are obtained. This value will be a n~ber ranging from 0 to 160. To display the A value the exponent Z + 4 is first checked to determine - if the value is 2. If yes, the two most significant digits are displayed from the Z + 1 and the two least significant digits are displayed from Z + 2. If the exponent Z + 4 is not 2, but is l or 0, the Z + l and the Z + 2 bytes are shifted to the right by either 4 or 8 bits respectively and ~hen displayed. The processor 51 is thus programmed to first determine the number to be displayed and then the Led - display 8 is addressed for displaying of the appropriate digital number. The display is a number which is directly related to the diagnostic result providing a reliable indication of the positive and negative cancer diagnosis. The multiple digit number is employed to indicate not only the positive or negative results but the degree of certainty of the diagnosis since many diagnosis are not a definite yes or no but may have various degrees of probability.
All of the components employed in the physiological diagnostic instrument of this invention as disclosed in the above embodiment are presently commercially available. The construction of the apparatus does not require any unusual or sophisticated arrangements. The illustrated embodiment of the invention thus provides a highly satisfactory apparatus based on proven programs of analysis providing a highly reliable screening result.
Although the illustrated ernbodiment oE the invention employs infrared radiation emitted by the surface of the patient, other forms of radiation could of course be employed.
Furthermore, although the illustrated embodiment shows the use of two arrays scanning different parts of the body, it is of course possible to employ a single array scanning the different parts of the body sequentially and operating in conjunction with the reference unit. In this case, the reference unit is aligned with the reference point and the scanning means is aligned on one part of the body while the measurements are taken and then the scanning means is aligned on the other part of the body while the second series of measurements are taken. Gauge means may be provided to allow proper alignment of the scanning array. ~
; ,;
. . . . .
Thermographic apparatus has been suggested for a number of years for analyzing the biological condition of human patients and the like. Such apparatus has recently more particularly been applied to the early detection of cancer and particularly breast cancer in female patients. Although there are variations in thermal radiation patterns of patients, recent devel-opments and application of computers have allowed statistical analysis which produces accurate separation between healthy and possibly cancerous patients. One satisfactory computer-based system is more fully disclosed in a paper presented in the May 1975 issue of RADIOLOGY, Vol. 115, No. 2, at pages 341-347, in an article entitled "Computer Diagnosis of Breast Thermograms" by Marvin C. Ziskin, M.D., et al. A thermographic technique is discussed employing the photographing of the breast area and then scanning the photograph to develop a di~itized image frame. A conventional close circuit television camera is used to produce a poin~ by point reading of the thermal conditions, with digitizing of each point. Generally each scan line includes 192 points and two hundred and fifty-six can lines are used to create a dimensional array in excess of four thousand points. These numbers are stored and subsequently processed by a general purpose computer. The decision algorithm employs a standard statistical technique of discrimination an-alysis in which a statistical standard is determined and various comparisons and thresholds are checked from which a determination of normality and abnormality is made. ~lthough such diagnos-tic apparatus has been developed to the point where practical ,~
results are ob-tained, an apparatus such as disclosed is relatively complex and costly, which would significantly limit the application and usage of such a computerized -thermographic system. Generally, only rela-tively large hospitals would have a sufficien-t usage factor to justify the cost. There therefore remains a need for a low cost computer-based thermographic screening apparatus.
Summary of the Present Invention The present invention is particularly directed to a passive thermographic analytical apparatus which is relatively inexpensive and provides a direct readout of the results o~ the analysis of the thermographic radiation pattern of the human body, Generally, in accordance with the present invention a multiplicity of energy sensors such infra-red radiation are mo~nted in a close spaced array for producing a plurality oE measurements of the aligned areas of the body. The sensor array is mounted within an adjus-table support to permit spatial positioning of the array in accordance with the individual patient. The m`ultiplicity of the sensors are simultaneously or sèquentialLy read to develop rela-ted analog signals which are converted into appropriate digi-tal form and stored in a memory means for processing. Although any suitable hardwired system could be employed, a microprocessor is preferably employed to process the multiplicity of signals in accordance with particular pattern recognition programs to directly provide an automated diagnosis of the human radiation pattern. In accordance with one aspect or the present invention, the instrument analysis is reduced to an encoded readout, such as a numeric readout which is suitably encoded to a particular condition. Thus, in operation, the patient merely steps in front of the scanning array apparatus, which rapidly and practically instantaneously scans the aligned breasts and de~elops digital numbers which are processed by statistical pat-tern recognition programs such as disclosed in the previously referenced article.
In a preferred and particularly novel arrangement a pair of separate scanning arrays are provided each consisting S of a matrix of thermal sensitive sensing elements such as ther-mopile devices which produce an output voltage proportional to the temperature of the thermopile junction, and associated optical devices for collecting of the infra-red radiation in the aligned area and concentrating such energy upon the sensor sensing elements. In addition, one or more sensor elements are located between the two arrays for developing a reference temper-ature against which to compare the output numbers of the array.
The two arrays are mounted for separate vertical positioning and for relative horizontal positioning for alignment with different patients.
Thermopile devices or the like are readily provided which have a very rapid response to the energy input, and the output numbers can be simultaneously or ~;equentially stored in a simple rapid manner for subsequent analysis in a resident hardwired or programmed instrumen~ such as a mlcro-processor.
Thus, the present invention provides a simple, reliable and relatively inexpensive thermographic system or instrument for directly producing an encoded output indicative o~ the conditions monitoredO The invention thus provides a low cost, 5 screening instrument for breast cancer, and the like.
Brief Description of the Drawings The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the above advantages ~8~3 and features are clearly disclosed as well as other which will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a front elevation view of the scanning apparatus and inter-relatea data processing control unit constructed in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical section through an array unit shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a rear view of the appratus shown in Fig. 1 and illustrating a suitable positioning apparatus;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 1 for clearly illustrating details of the thermal sensor assembly;
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section taken generally on line 5-5 of Elig. 4; and Fig. 6 and 7 are a schematic electronic circuit ! used to multiplex, ampli~y and process the output of the sensing arrays illustrated in Figs. 1-5.
Description of the Illustrated Embodiment . ~
Referring to the drawings and particularly to Figs. 1 thro~gh 3, a breast cancer thermographic diagnostic apparatus is shown including a breast scanning unit 1 adapted to be mounted in relatively fixed relationship with respect to a patient 2. The apparatus includes first and second similar tnermal measurement array units 3 and 4 which are adjustably mounted for selective -and precise alignment with the breast of the patient 2. Each array unit 3 and 4 consists of a selected matrix or arrangement of individual similar temperature sensitive assemblies 5 such as assemblies which are responsive to the infrared radiation from the body of the patient and particularly responsive ~ 5 3 to the aligned portion of the breasts as more fully develoyed hereinafter. A reference temperature assembly 5a is located between the array units 3 and ~. The output of the scanning unit 1 is coupled by a suitable power and signal cable 6 to an analyzing and display module 7. In a preferred embodiment, the module 7 is a microprocessor-based system such as disclosed more fully in Figs. 6 and 7 and hereinafter discussed. Generally, the module 7 includes means to convert the output o~ the individual sensing assembly 5 into an appropriate digital number which is subsequently processed by the module 7 through a series of pattern recognition programs in order to establish a positive or nega~ive cancer diagnosis. The output of the analysis is presented in a digital manner on a nurneric readout ~ on the front of tne module 7. A significant factor in the analysis is the patient's age.
A numeric input means shown as a pair of th~mbwheels 9 is pro-vided for the age entry. Other conventional controls such as a power switch buttom 10 and on-off lamp ll and the like may also be provided. A start-reset key 12 is provided for initiating a diagnostic cycle.
In operation of the apparatus, the patient 2 is lo-cated in front of the scanner apparatus 1. The scanning array units 3 and 4 are properly located with respect to the particular - patient. The start key 12 is actuated and the thermal radiation pattern of the right and left breasts as well as t'ne temperature of the sternal region 13 between the two breasts is read. The output of the array units 3 and ~ is a corresponding series of vol~age signals which are individually and directly related to the average temperature of the breast portions aligned with the ternperature sensitive assemblies 5. The temperature-related voltages are converted to a digital forrn and then processed by -the microprocessor through the pattern recognition program to produce the positive or negative breas-t cancer diagnos. The processor is programmed to directly indicate by a numeric read-ing on the display ~ of the computer module 7 an indication of normality or abnormality. Tnis reading may also indicate the degree of certainty of the diagnosis.
More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment of thepresent invention, the scannerapparatus 1 includes a rectan-gular frame 14 within which units 3 and 4 are mounted. Each of the array units 3 and 4 includes an 8 x 8 matrix of tempera-ture sensitive assemblies 5. The assemblies 5 are arranged in well known columns and rows to define a square matrix, although any other matrix arrangement can of course be employed. Each unit 3 and 4 is similarly constructed, and includes a su~port board 15 which is mounted for vertical and horizontal movement as most clearly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3. Referring to array unit 4, a vertically oriellted positioning bolt or shaEt 16 is rotatably supported within the top and bottom legs of the frame 14. A support plate 17 includes a threaded nut portion 18 threaded onto the threaded shaft 16. A hand wheel 19 is secured on the upper end of bolt 16 for vertical positoning of plate 17. T he board 15 is affixed to a sliding block 20 as by screws 21. The block 20 is located within a recess opening 22 in the support plate 17. The block 20 includes -25 a threaded opening, shown as a nut 23; for receiving a laterally positioned threaded shaft 24 which is rotatably journaled at the opposite ends in the plate 17. Rotation of the shaft 24 therefore provides lateral positioning of the block 20 and attached array unit 4 within the rectan-gular opening 22. A handwheel 25 permits convenient horizontal positioning of the unit 4. The array unit 3 is similarly supported for vertical and horizontal positioning, and corresponding elements are identified by corresponding primed numbers.
In addition, a reference cell unit 26, which may consist of a single assembly 5 is located between array units 3 and 4. The location of unit 26 is not critical and the unit 26 may conveniently be attached to either of the units 3 and ~
for relative movement therewith or the frame 14 and may provide for adjustment in the positioning relative to units 3 and/or 4.
The unit 26 is shown attached to unit 4 for purposes of illus-tration.
Any other adjustable positioning can be provided ~or the individual array units, which may of course include similar or other means for the individual vertical and horizontal movements of the left and right array~s.
As previously noted, each of the illustrated array units 3 and 4 is similarly constructed and each similarly sup-ports individual sensing assemblies Si, a preferred embodiment of which is more clearly shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5; and one unit 5 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 is particularly described.
The assembly 5 includes a thermal sensitive element or device 27 which is a relatively small, compact element having a dia-meter smaller than the area to be scanned by the measurement device. A particularly satisfactory device is a thermopile meas~rement device of type S15 manufactured and sold by Sensors, Inc. The S15 device is a multiple-junction thin-film thermo-pile construction having an exposed active area 28 on one end.
The device 27 generally includes a cylindrical housing 29 of approximately one-half inch or 10 millimeter diameter and hav-ing a pair of positive and negative connecting leads 30 and 31 ~ 3~
and a case support wire 32 secured to the outer or base of the housing. The active area 28 is exposed through an opening in the opposite end of the housing 29 and is on the order of 1.5 millimeters square. The active area of the sensor in such a unit is generally constructed as more fully disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,175,288.
As most clearly shown in Fig. 5, the sensor is mounted with the active area 28 facing the board 15, by bending of the three leads 30-32 back about the exterior of the casing 29. The leads 30-32 are suitably secured to pin elements 33 embedded in the array board 15. The positive and negative leads 30 and 31 are secured to terminal pins 33 which extend through the board 15 with the opposite ends interconnec~ed to circuit leads 34 for interconnecting of the thermopile 28 into the appropriate circuit as hereinafter described.
The active area 28 is aligned with the center of a small convex mirror 35 wnich is secured or firmly affixed to the board 15 by ~ suitable adhesive 36 or the like. The mirror 35 is sub-stantially larger than the sensing element 27 and collects the infrared radiation from the aligned breast portion and concen-trates such energy upon the active area 28 of the element 27.
The output voltage of the element 27 is a voltage proportional to the average termperature of the aligned port;on of the breast.
The mirror may be formed of suitable acrylic material having a highly polished mirror surface to collect and reflect the energy onto the active area 28. Such mirrored devices can be readily provided by those skilled in the art and no further description thereof is given.
The output of the several sensing assemblies S and 5a are individually interconnected to the module 7 through any suitable terminal means 37 and 38 sho~n provided on the lower end of ~ 3 circuit boards 15. Thus, in the illustrated embodime~t of the invention, a suitable multiple lead cable strip 39 interconnects the terminal means 38 to a coupling interface circuit means 40 at the lower end of the circuit board lS of the unit 4, with the terminal means 37 of unit 4 interconnecting to the means 40. The output is connected by cable 6, which is also a multiple lead connecting strip, to the computer module 7.
The computer module 7 may be of any suitable construction and a preferred structure is shown in Fig. 6, for purposes of clearly describing the invention.
Referring particularly to Fig. 6, the individual sensors are shown divided into groups of 16, each group being coupled to an individual 16 x 1 multiplexing circuit board 41. The sensing assemblies 5 t'nus produce eight different circuits 41, with the eight output lines 42 connected as the input to a 16 x l multi-plexer 43. Each multiplexer 41 is s:imilarly constructed with sultable address lines 44 for addressing a particular sensing assembly 5 and transmitting of the voltage signal through the multiplexer 41 to multiplexer 43, which similarly has input address lines 45 for coupling the lines 42 in sequence to an output line 46. The multiplexer 43 also includes inputs con-nected to the reference sensing unit 25, which reading is coupled to the output line 46 in each sequence. Thus, each of the voltages generated as a result of the infrared radiation is sequentially transmit~ed to the output line 46.
Each of the signals is suitably shaped and amplified in a suitable amplifier circuit or u~it 47, which is readily and commercially available. The illustrated circuit includes a pair of cascaded operation amplifiers, the first of which includes an offset network 47a. The amplified ~oltage signal is applied to an an~og to digital converter 48 which converts each analog 8 ~ 3 signal into a suitable multiple ~it binary number or word suitable for processing in a suitable microprocessor. The successive approximation type analog to digital converter 48 is of any suitable construction and is sho~.7n as a well knOwn chip having 1 5 feedback circuit 48a of a conventional construction. Suitable ¦ starting and clock input controls from the computer enable the ¦ analog and digital converter 48 and initiate-the reading and conversion cycle. Thus, each voltage signal is converted into an eight bit binary word which is coupled through an inter-facing circuit chip of unit 49 to a microprocessor system 50 Fig. 7.
The illustrated microprocessor 50 includes a central ¦ processing unit (CPU) 51 shown as the well-known MSC6502 chip ¦ manufactured and sold by MOS Techno~ogy, Inc. The microproces-sor system 50 includes a read only memory 52 in which the basic control as well as the thermal diagnostic programs are stored and a random access memory 53 for storing and processing the voltage signals in accordance with the programs. The il~ustrated processor system 50 thus includes a set of processor and system control lines for initiating and se~uencing the operation of the system and for synchronizing of the several functions and processing sequences. A bidirectional data bus 54 is coupled through data bus drivers 55 to the data inputs for transmitting and receiving of data to and from memories 52,53, and I/O com-ponents such as the AlD converter interface unit 49, the age entry dlal units 9 and the readout or display unit 8. Data bus 54 is an eight line bus for transmitting of eight bit data words.
In addition, the processor unit 51 includes a se~ of address lines, which in the illustrated embodiment includes 16 individual address lines. The address lines are interconnected through suitable bus drivers 56 to a -10- .
.
., .. .... . .. ,.. . ... .. :. . ..... . ...
~8~3 sixteen line address bus 57 coupled to the memories and the I/O components for appropriately addressing of the several devices during the processing cycle.
The processor uni* 51 also includes control lines 58 coupled through suitable logic circuits for se-~uencing of the several routines and particularly for reading of the sensors, processing said signals, storing of the processed signals and then calculating of various parameters from which the numeric display value is calcu-lated and displayed.
The start or reset key 12 controls 9 switch ~0connected in a pulse circuit 61 for signaling of the control lines 58 including a reset line S/a to reset the processor 51 for starting of a processing cycle from the first instruction in memory 52.
The read only memory (ROM) 52 is shown as an eraseable read only memory in which the program is stored for controlling o~ the system. The memory 52 includes a plurality of 2708 chips 62 which are connected to the common data bus 54 through suitable buf~er dr:ivers 63, shown as 8796 chips. The several chips 2708 are also coupled to the address lines 0 through 9 of the address bus 57 through suitable buffer driver 64 shown as 8795 buffer chips. A
chip selection decoder 65, shown as an 74LS138 chip, in-cludes eight output select lines 66, connected one each tothe 8 ROM 2708 chips. The decoder 65 includes 3 address inputs connected to address lines 10, 11 and 12 of the address bus 57 and a further input "coded" to the address lines 13, 14 and 15 through a NAND gate 67 such as a 74LS10 chip. The several inputs are decoded by the decoder 65 l~lB053 to selectively enable one of the 2708 CilipS of ROM 52.
The output of the NAND gate ~7 is also connected by a signal line 68 to enable the buffer drivers 63 and 64 interconnected between the ROM inputs and the ROM add-S ress and data buses 54 and 57 to enable the correspondingdrivers whenever the ROM memory has been selected for communication with the processor.
. The RAM memory 53 is shown including eight ~V~9140E
ehips 69 with address lines 70 coupled to the address bus 57 and particularly lines "0-11". A selection logic eircuit 71 includes a NAND gate 72 connected to three address lines and an OR gate 73 connected to the out-put of the NAND gate 72 and address line 13. The chips 69 inelude the usua:L eontrol inputs and input and output lines coupled to the data bus 54 by a pair of bidireetional buffer drivers 74, also shown as 8T28 chips.
Referring to Fig. 6, the data interfacing unit 49 is shown as a known MCS6520 c'nip which in~ludes a plurality of control lines.75-coupled:to t'ne corresponding lines-and sequence control of ~0 the mieroproeessor 51 as.subsequently described. The interfaeing unit 43 ineludes a plurality of interfacing line~, ineluding a group or set of 8 data input lines 76 and eontrol lines 77 conneeted to the A/D eonverter 48 for aetivating the latter and reading the converted bi-nary numbers. The interfacing unit 49 include group or set of multiplex.address lines 73 and 79 defining tile multiplex selec- ..
tion address lines a-nd connected to tne input lines 44 and 45 of the multiplexers 41 and 43. A driver 80, sho~n as an 8T95 ehip, is shown coupling multiplex address lines 78 to the multiplexer 41. Finally interfacing unit 49 al53 includes bidirec-tional input lines coupled to receive and transmit data and coupled to receive and transmit data coupled to the microprocessor system data bus 54 by suitable buffer drivers 81. The digitized sensor voltage signals are thus read by the processor unlt 51 and stored in the memory unit 53.
The processor unit 51 selectively enables the several components by addressing a selection decoder 81 shown as a 7442 chip, having three input lines 82 connected to the address lines 13, 14 and 15 of the address bus 57.
Decoder 82 has four output lines 83. The first output line is connected to enable the interfacing unit 49, and conjointly with the read/write control line of lines 75 is connected by a logic circuit 8~ to enable tlle drivers ~1.
T.he patients age is introduced using a pair of conventional series 300 digiswitches 85 settable by thumb-wheels 9, having 10 dial positior~s and providin~ an output numbers in BCD. The pair of swi.tches provided include a most significant digit and a least signi~icant digit. The binary output signals of these switches are connected by a pair of buffers 86 to the data bus 54.
The buffers 86 are shown as 8T09 chips having the enabling inputs connected to the second output of lines 83 of the decoder 82.
The display unit 8 includes four 7 segment ~ED
units 87. Latch units 88 connect segment input lines to the data bus 54. The latch units 88 have selection in-puts connected to the third and fourth output lines of the address decoder 82.
In use, the patient is located in front of the i~ 8 ~3 array units 3 and 4, w'nich are then vertically and horizontally properly aligned with the patient. The system operation is initiated by activation of the start or reset switch 60.
The processor 51 resets to the initial or starting program address of the programmed ROM memory 52 which provides the usual housekeeping routine to initialize all of the necessary elements. The program then proceeds to sequentially read the total of the 129 sensor assemblies 5 and 51, 64 se~sors for each of the breast scanning units and the reference sensor assembly 5a for determining the reference temperature in the sternal area. Each sensor voltage, which is directly proportional to the average temperature of the breast portion aligned with the mirror 35, is sequentially read through the multiplexing system and digitized by the. A/D converter 48.
The numbers are converted by the processor 51 into a BCD
number which is stored in the R~ memory 53. The numbers are preferably stored in two floating point arrays, identified as the left and right arrays. In accordance with known conventions, the floating point number may consist of the five binary bytes in which the first byte identifies ~he most significant bit while the second, third and fourth bytes include the mantissa digits of the BCD numbers and the fifth byte includes the exponent. Each point number and reference temperature number ~s adjusted by the processor 51 such that the range of input values lies between O and 511, and then the 511th complement of all numbers is taken.
A value of "O" defines a point that is hot ~hile a value of "511" defines a point that is cold. Each temperature poin~ in each array is considered cold if its temperature number is greater than the reference temperature and hot , i~ its' temperature number is smaller than the reference temperature number. The total temperature pattern is rapidly determined and stored as a pattern of digital numbers in the memory 53 in relatively short period of .ime an~ parti-cularly with a relatively inexpensive and reliable scanning apparatus.
After storage of all of the data, the micropro-cessor executes a series of pattern recognition programs to develop an automatic diagnosis, and finally to display in numeric form the result of such diagnosis in encoded numeric form upon the display.
Generally the invention may employ the several individual parameters more fully developed in the previously referenced Ziskin Article, a table of which is reproduced below:
TABLE I: ELEMENTAL FEATURES
.
! Parameter l~ame Number Hottest gridel on left P8 Hottest gridel on right P9 Horizontal "shift" between left - and right hottest gridel P10 Vertical "shift" between left and right hottest gridel Pll Hottest region on left P12 ~ottest region on right P13 - Areolar temp. on left P20 Areolar temp. on right P21 ~eference temperature P5 Average temperature of left breast P26 Average temperature of right breast P27 Average temperature of all hot regions on left P18 Average temperature of all hot regions on right Plg Total hot area on left P16 Total hot area on right P17 ,3 TABLE I (cont'd) Parameter Name Number Highest P2/A value on either side P24 Lowest P /A value on either side- P25 Number of hot regions on left P22 Number of hot regions on right P2 3 The above parameters are elemental parameters based on the previously identified articles from which various analyses and comparisons are developed, as more fully developed herein-after`, to produce a suitable indication o the probable pres~
ence of breast cancer.
The elemental features or parameters of the above table are calculated by suitable processing algorithms for each of tnese parameters, such as the following which parameters are similar to those described by Ziskin and a suitable program for processing of each is shown in Appendix "A" attac'ned as a part of this application. The program employs the -~IM ~TH
package provided with the 6502 microprocessor.
Hottest G_idel on Left (P8) This parameter indicates tne temperature of the hottest-single gridel on the left side. The processor is programmed to search the left array memory for the minimum value. The address of the left side array is set in the appropriate registers using SADLST and SADLSY routines.
` ~18S~3 The first number of the array is moved into RY register by using the KIMATH routine PLOADY and the second number is loaded into RX register by using the KIMATH routine PLOA~X.
The ADD routine is called to compare the two members and the smallest absolute value on return is place in RY register. The rest of the numbers in the array are compared with the running minimum numher. When all the 6~ numbers are compared, the RY register has the smallest number in the array, which is copied into the RZ register. The KIMATH
routine PST~ES is used to store the number from RZ register into the P~ register. This routine also converts fro1n the computational format of RZ (18 bytes) into the packed format of P8 (5 bytes). The algorithim for the le~t side is P8 = ~in. LST(i), i = 0 to 63 Hottest Gridel on Right (P9) This parameter is similarly found by searching the right side ~RST) array.
Symmetry Parameters (Pl0, Pll~ These two .
parameters measure the symmetry in the rela-tive anatomic placement of the hottest gridels on the two breasts. Pl0 is the horizontal shift while Pll is the vertical shift between these two hottest gridels. The location in the matrix of the hottest gridel in each side is found. LHGL(l? is the location of the hottest gridel on the left and LHGR(l) is -17~
the location of -the hottest gridel on the right. Also the following variables of in-terest are calculated:
CL is the column number of the hottest gridel on the left and the value in the right most 3 bits of LHGL(l) RL is the row number of the hottest gridel on the right and is found by shifting LHGL(l) right by 3 bits.
CR is the column number of the hottest gridel on the right and the value in the right-most 3 bits of LHOR(l) RR is the row number of the hottest gridel on the ri.ght and is found by shiftin~ LHRG(l) right by 3 bits.
These four variables for the 8 x 8 matrix have a range of 0 to 7 and P10 and Pll are calculated therefrom by the following al~orithm:
P10 = ~(7 - CL) + CR¦
Pll = ¦RL - RR¦
The parameter P10 has a range of 0 to 14 while parameter Pll has a range of 0 to 7.
Areolar Temperature on left and right sides identified as para_et_r P20 and P21 are determined by similar algorithms, which stated for the left side is P20 = LST(27)+LST(28)+LST(35)~LST(36) The Average Temperature of the left and right .... .. . .
are similar by calculated, as parameters (P26) and tP27). This average temperature is that .
. .
~ ~ 8 ~S 3 of all 64 gridels on the respective side.
The algorithm for the left side is P26 = ~ LST(i) /64 Ho ~est Region on Left and _ight (P12, P13) P12 is given by the hottest set of connected gridels or ~he left. It is calculated by finding the minimum ratio (max temperatures) of the sum of all connected gridels in a region divided by the number of hot points in the region. After the Connection Algorithm, given below, is run for the left side, it is given by MTEMP~5). MT~n is copied to P12. The parameter (P13) for the right side is then determined in a similar manner and stored in P13.
Connection Algorithm: The connection algorithm is used to find various hot regions in the respective sides. A hot region is defined as a collection of connected hot gridels. Two hot gridels are 2d said to be connected if a continuous line can be enscribed between them which traverses only over hot gridels.
First of all, a dummy array is generated in the routine GDARR. The dummy array identi-fied as SDA(i), i=O to 99 consists of hot and cold points. For each point in the LST or the RST arrays, the gridel temperature is subtracted from the reference temperature. If tne result - is negative, the point is considered cold and '00' is stored in the corresponding SDA location.
-lg-~ 53 Otherwise x'80' is stored indicating that the point is hot. There are only ~4 valid points in the SDA array which correspond to the LST
or the RST arrays i.e. 11-19, 20-2~, 31-39, 41-49, 51-59, 61-69, 71-79, 81-89. All other points from O to 99 are only dun~Qy points and are considered cold.
Connection Algorithm Flowchart: The flowchart for the connection Algorithm is given in Figure 1, (attached as a part of the Appendix). The SDA array is searched/scanned from O to 99 for a hot point. The perimeter of the first hot point is calculated in the routine CALPER. If SDA(i) is the point being assigned in the following array:
i - 11 8 - 10 i - 9 i - 1 SDA(i) i -~ 1 i + 9 i + 10 i + 11 the perimeter P is given by:
P = 2 ~SDA(i-l)~SDA(i+l)+SDA(i-10 +SDA(i+ld)}
+ {SDA(i-ll)+SDA(i+ll)+SDA(i-9_+SDA(i+9)}
where SDA i - O if it is hot, and =l if it is cold.
All other points in the SDA array are scanned and perimeters of otner hot points which are immediately adjacent to the first point axe calculated. Since the SDA array was scanned in sequence O to 99, there may be additional - neighbors to newly assigned points in the region, hence a number of passes through the SDA array are made until no more meighbors are located 8~53 for that region. All points which are assigned are masked uniquely by storing the perimeter or'ed with the number x '40' in order to make sure that there is no conflict with assignable points (s'80'~.
The higher P2/Q ratio and the lowest P2/Q ratio is maintained by comparing new values for each region with the previous maximum and minimum vlaues (P24 and P25). When the connection algorithm is run for both the left and the right sides, P24 and P25 have the maximum and the minimum P2/A
ratio respectively.
Total Hot Area_on Left and Right (Pl6, Pl7) This parameter is equal to the number of hot gridels on the respective sides, The-number of hot gridels on each side is calculated by counting the number of hot points in the SDA array. All points in the SDA array which have x'80' are hot points.
Besides the parameter P16 in the floating point format, a binary count of the number of hot points is accumulated in HGRC(i), for use in the connection algorithm. Also the sum of all hot point temperature is accumulated in STEMP(5).
Avera~e Temperature of the hot regions of left and right sides ar _ Pl8, Pl9): P18 is the average temperature of the entire hot region on the left side. It is calculated by dividing STEMP(5) by parameter P16 and stores as parameter P18. The parameter Pl9 is similarly calculated and stored using parameter Pl7.
~ ~ 8 ~ ~
Number o~ Hot Re~ions_on Left and Ri~ht (P22, P23) R(5) has the number of hot regions on left after the connection Algorithm is run for the left side.
After all of the elemental fea~ures set forth in the above table have been calculated and the results stored in memory, compound parameters calculation are developed in a straightforward manner. In the present embodiment of the invention, thirteen compound parameters corresponding to selected parameters set forth in the Ziskin article are 0 employed as follows:
Bl = patients age, same as P4 (age) B2 = ABS (P17 - P16) Diff. in no. of hot gridels B3 = ABS (P9 - P8) Diff. in hottest gridel Temp.
B4 = ABS (P21 - P20) Diff, in Average Aerolate Temp.
B5 = ABS (P27 - P26) Diff, in Average Temp.
B6 = ABS (P25 - P24) Diff. in P2/A ratio~
B7 = Min (P8! P9) Ratio of hottest gridel to P5 Reference B8 = Max (P16, Pl7) Largest hot areas B9 =` Min (P2-6, P27) Temp., normalized hot breast ` P5 B10 = SQRT (Pl0)2 + (P11)2 Symmetry shift Bll = ABS (ABS (P23-P22) - 1) Diff. in No.of Hot Regions B12 = (P12-256) P16 - (P13-256) P17 Diff. in Heat P22 ~ P23 Emission `
B13 = P8 - P9 Diff in Temp. Ratios As in the article, in addition to such compound parameters the patient's age is introduced as a parameter. As noted in the article other parame~ers could be developed and employed.
-22- ~
.
~ 53 Thus with all of the parameters available the combined effect of these parameters are summated in an appropriate program of pattern recognition to determine the positive or negative breast cancer diagnosis. The numerically related condition or state number (Z) is calculated based upon the combined effect of the 13 compound parameters. The algorithm is Z = ~ Ai Bi wherein Ai's are the weights assigned to each parameter.
The values of these weights which have been employed are:
Al = 1.0, A2 = .1, A3 = .4 A4 = .04, A5 = .1, A6 = .03 A7 = 10, A8 = .1, A9 = 10 A10 = 2, All = -2, A13 = -80 The above Z~value program is a direct routine program which can be readily provided by those skilled in the art. The Z-value or number is calculated relative to the number S00 in accordance with the previous number manipulation and as a result, only positive values are obtained. This value will be a n~ber ranging from 0 to 160. To display the A value the exponent Z + 4 is first checked to determine - if the value is 2. If yes, the two most significant digits are displayed from the Z + 1 and the two least significant digits are displayed from Z + 2. If the exponent Z + 4 is not 2, but is l or 0, the Z + l and the Z + 2 bytes are shifted to the right by either 4 or 8 bits respectively and ~hen displayed. The processor 51 is thus programmed to first determine the number to be displayed and then the Led - display 8 is addressed for displaying of the appropriate digital number. The display is a number which is directly related to the diagnostic result providing a reliable indication of the positive and negative cancer diagnosis. The multiple digit number is employed to indicate not only the positive or negative results but the degree of certainty of the diagnosis since many diagnosis are not a definite yes or no but may have various degrees of probability.
All of the components employed in the physiological diagnostic instrument of this invention as disclosed in the above embodiment are presently commercially available. The construction of the apparatus does not require any unusual or sophisticated arrangements. The illustrated embodiment of the invention thus provides a highly satisfactory apparatus based on proven programs of analysis providing a highly reliable screening result.
Although the illustrated ernbodiment oE the invention employs infrared radiation emitted by the surface of the patient, other forms of radiation could of course be employed.
Furthermore, although the illustrated embodiment shows the use of two arrays scanning different parts of the body, it is of course possible to employ a single array scanning the different parts of the body sequentially and operating in conjunction with the reference unit. In this case, the reference unit is aligned with the reference point and the scanning means is aligned on one part of the body while the measurements are taken and then the scanning means is aligned on the other part of the body while the second series of measurements are taken. Gauge means may be provided to allow proper alignment of the scanning array. ~
; ,;
. . . . .
Claims (16)
1. A physiological thermographic detection apparatus comprising a multiple sensor array means defining a sensing area, said array including a plurality of indivi-dual thermally responsive units located in a selected pattern and developing individual signals related to the thermal state of the body of an aligned patient, a digital memory means, reading means for recording of the individual signals in said memory means, means for processing of said signals in accordance with a spatial pattern recognition program to produce an automatic determination of the signi-ficance of said signals, and means for displaying of an encoded signal indicative of the diagnostic result of the pattern recognition process.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein each of said thermally responsive units includes a thermal sensor, and energy collection means associated with each sensor for collecting of the energy over the aligned portion of the patient's body and concentrating of such energy upon the sensor.
3. In the apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said array means includes first and second matrix of a thermally re-sponsive units, each of said units including a sensor and an optical means located in aligned spaced relation to the sensors and mounted in spaced alignment therewith, support means for
3. In the apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said array means includes first and second matrix of a thermally re-sponsive units, each of said units including a sensor and an optical means located in aligned spaced relation to the sensors and mounted in spaced alignment therewith, support means for
Claim 3, continued....
said array means for locating of the first and second matrix in a corresponding vertical position, means for relative horizontal positioning of the first and second matrix relative to each other and into alignment with se-lected body portions of a patient, and circuit means connec-ted to said first and second matrix for selected connection of said sensors to said memory means.
said array means for locating of the first and second matrix in a corresponding vertical position, means for relative horizontal positioning of the first and second matrix relative to each other and into alignment with se-lected body portions of a patient, and circuit means connec-ted to said first and second matrix for selected connection of said sensors to said memory means.
4. The detection apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said means for processing of said signals includes a micro-processor having a program means for sequentially actuating said reading means to read the signals of said thermally responsive units, storing said signals in said memory means and for locating selected maximum and minimum stored signals and calculating biologically related parameter numbers based upon said maximum and minimum stored signals and summated the biologically related parameter numbers and generating a related number as said encoded signal.
5. The apparatus of Claim 4 wherein said array means includes at least two scanners each including a similar matrix of thermal energy sensitive units, each of said sensi-tive units including a sensor and an associated individual optical member for collection of energy and concentration of such energy upon the associated sensor for individual separate measurement of the thermal characteristic aligned with the optical member, and mounting means for said scanners and including means for relative spacial movement of the scanners relative to each other for locating of said arrays with respect to the individual patient.
6. The apparatus of Claim 5 including a separate sensor for alignment with the region between the two scanners for establishing a reference temperature number, means for storing said reference temperature member in said memory means.
7. The apparatus of Claim 6 wherein each of said scanners includes at least 64 individual sensors and asso-ciated optical members arranged in an 8 x 8 inch grid, each of said sensors developing an analog signal porportional to the thermal energy, said reading means including means for converting of said analog signal into digital signals for storage in said digital memory, and a microprocessor con-nected to said memory means for processing of the stored signals in accordance with said pattern recognition programs to produce an automatic diagnostic result based on mathematical computations employing the stored signals.
8. A physiological thermographic detection apparatus comprising first and second multiple sensor array means, each array means defining a sensing area and including a plurality of individual sensor units located in a selected pattern and developing individual analog voltage signals related to the infrared radiation of the body of an aligned patient, a multiplexing means connected to sensor units and having an output means, a digital memory means, an analog-to-digital converter connected to said output means, means for actuating said multiplexing means to sequentially read said analog voltage signals and means for recording of the indi-vidual signals in said memory means, a microprocessor means for processing of said stored signals to determine the loca-tion and various temperature characteristics of various areas aim 8 continued....
in accordance with a spacial pattern recognition program of normal temperatures, means to assign different numerical significance to the determined parameters and to summate the individual determinated parameters for the various areas and thereby produce an automatic diagnostic result of the significance of said signals, and a readout means for dis-playing of an encoded alphanumeric display of the diagnostic result of the pattern recognition process.
in accordance with a spacial pattern recognition program of normal temperatures, means to assign different numerical significance to the determined parameters and to summate the individual determinated parameters for the various areas and thereby produce an automatic diagnostic result of the significance of said signals, and a readout means for dis-playing of an encoded alphanumeric display of the diagnostic result of the pattern recognition process.
9. The apparatus of Claim 8 wherein each of said thermally responsive units senses the radiation over the aligned portion of the patient's body and produces an analog signal proportional to the total radiation over such area.
10. The apparatus of Claim 9 wherein each of said array means includes a rectangular matrix of said sensor units, each of said sensor units including a radiation sensor and an optical means located in aligned spaced relation to the sen-sors and mounted in spaced alignment therewith for collecting and concentrating said radiation on the sensor.
11. The apparatus of Claim 10 including a separate support for each array means for locating of the first and second matrix in a corresponding vertical position, and means for relative horizontal positioning of the first and second matrix relative to each other and into alignment with selected body portions of a patient.
12. Apparatus for physiological thermographic detection of the physiological disorder in an in vivo body by alignment of sensing array means including a reference cell means and a multiple sensor means defining a sensing area and wherein said sensor means includes a plurality of individual thermally responsive units located in a selected pattern and developing individual signals related to the thermal state of the body of an aligned patient, comprising means to align said sensor means with respect to first and second portions of the body and said reference cell means with respect to a common portion of the body, means for separately transmitting said individual signals from said reference cell means and said sensor means to analog-to-digital processing means for storage in a digital memory means as stored signals, a processor having means to process said first and second stored signals in accordance with a spatial pattern recognition program within each sensed body portion and in one sensed body portion relative to the other and in the first and second portions relative to said reference portion to produce an automatic determination of the significance of said stored signals, and display means connected to said processor and presenting an encoded signal indicative of the result of the pattern recognition process.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of said thermally responsive units includes a collector member adapted to collect energy over a selected body portion, said adjacent collector members being located to collect energy from common peripheral portions.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said sensor means are located in a common plane for spaced relation with respect to the body.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said reference cell means is secured to said array means to be located between the first and second selected body portions.
16. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said sensor array means comprises a single sensor array and means are provided for enabling sequential alignment of said single sensor array with respect to said first and second portions of the body to enable readings to be taken therefrom.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/875,527 US4186748A (en) | 1978-02-06 | 1978-02-06 | Thermographic apparatus for physical examination of patients |
| US875,527 | 1978-02-06 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1118053A true CA1118053A (en) | 1982-02-09 |
Family
ID=25365959
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000320871A Expired CA1118053A (en) | 1978-02-06 | 1979-02-05 | Thermographic apparatus for physical examination of patients |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4186748A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0009048A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS55500073A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1118053A (en) |
| ES (1) | ES477550A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2036399B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT7947915A0 (en) |
| SE (1) | SE7908256L (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1979000594A1 (en) |
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| US4412288A (en) * | 1980-04-01 | 1983-10-25 | Michael Herman | Experiment-machine |
| DE3020359A1 (en) * | 1980-05-29 | 1981-12-03 | Hermann Prof. Dr. 6301 Fernwald Wollnik | METHOD FOR DETECTING AND DISPLAYING THERMOGRAPHIC IMAGES |
| US4445516A (en) * | 1980-05-29 | 1984-05-01 | Carl Zeiss-Stiftung | Process for the digitization and display of thermographic records |
| US4428382A (en) | 1980-09-03 | 1984-01-31 | Gst Laboratories, Inc. | Method for identifying the presence of abnormal tissue |
| US4849885A (en) * | 1984-02-16 | 1989-07-18 | Stillwagon W Glenn | Thermograph with computer display |
| US4720788A (en) * | 1984-06-20 | 1988-01-19 | Helena Laboratories Corporation | Diagnostic densitometer |
| US4753248A (en) * | 1987-06-24 | 1988-06-28 | Duke University | Probe translation system for use in hyperthermia treatment |
| US5253647A (en) * | 1990-04-13 | 1993-10-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Insertion position and orientation state pickup for endoscope |
| US5941832A (en) * | 1991-09-27 | 1999-08-24 | Tumey; David M. | Method and apparatus for detection of cancerous and precancerous conditions in a breast |
| US5301681A (en) * | 1991-09-27 | 1994-04-12 | Deban Abdou F | Device for detecting cancerous and precancerous conditions in a breast |
| WO1993011704A1 (en) * | 1991-12-17 | 1993-06-24 | Eduard Emmanuilovich Godik | Method and device for diagnosis of living organism |
| US5699797A (en) * | 1992-10-05 | 1997-12-23 | Dynamics Imaging, Inc. | Method of investigation of microcirculation functional dynamics of physiological liquids in skin and apparatus for its realization |
| US6002958A (en) * | 1992-12-24 | 1999-12-14 | Dynamics Imaging, Inc. | Method and apparatus for diagnostics of internal organs |
| US5747789A (en) * | 1993-12-01 | 1998-05-05 | Dynamics Imaging, Inc. | Method for investigation of distribution of physiological components in human body tissues and apparatus for its realization |
| US5865743A (en) * | 1994-02-23 | 1999-02-02 | Dynamics Imaging, Inc. | Method of living organism multimodal functional mapping |
| US6192262B1 (en) | 1994-02-23 | 2001-02-20 | Dobi Medical Systems, Llc | Method of living organism multimodal functional mapping |
| US5730133A (en) * | 1994-05-20 | 1998-03-24 | Dynamics Imaging, Inc. | Optical functional mamoscope |
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| US6200134B1 (en) | 1998-01-20 | 2001-03-13 | Kerr Corporation | Apparatus and method for curing materials with radiation |
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| JP4480902B2 (en) * | 1999-04-22 | 2010-06-16 | ヴェーベルク，ハインリッヒ | Device for recording thermo-optic images of female breasts |
| US7320593B2 (en) | 2000-03-08 | 2008-01-22 | Tir Systems Ltd. | Light emitting diode light source for curing dental composites |
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| US6503206B1 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2003-01-07 | Vsm Medtech Ltd | Apparatus having redundant sensors for continuous monitoring of vital signs and related methods |
| KR101047246B1 (en) | 2002-07-25 | 2011-07-06 | 조나단 에스. 담 | Method and apparatus for using curing LED |
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| US2804069A (en) * | 1953-07-03 | 1957-08-27 | Schwamm Ernst | Apparatus for medical diagnoses |
| US3459925A (en) * | 1965-10-21 | 1969-08-05 | Atomic Energy Commission | High speed temperature monitor |
| US3581570A (en) * | 1967-09-05 | 1971-06-01 | Garrett Corp | Thermal radiation sensor |
| US3622784A (en) * | 1969-10-29 | 1971-11-23 | Louis R M Del Guercio | Sensor-analyzer system with means for selecting output signals corresponding to accurately positioned sensors |
| US3699813A (en) * | 1970-05-25 | 1972-10-24 | Anthony H Lamb | Medical thermographic diagnostic means |
| US3854336A (en) * | 1972-01-26 | 1974-12-17 | Monsanto Co | Method for detecting thermal changes on a surface |
| US3970074A (en) * | 1974-08-22 | 1976-07-20 | Spitalul Clinic Filantropia Bucuresti | Method of and apparatus for making medical thermographs |
| US4055166A (en) * | 1975-07-09 | 1977-10-25 | Hugh Walter Simpson | Apparatus for making surface temperature measurements on the human body |
| US4114442A (en) * | 1976-09-03 | 1978-09-19 | Avicon Development Group | Temperature monitoring system |
| US4122720A (en) * | 1977-04-07 | 1978-10-31 | Alnor Instrument Company | Diesel engine exhaust temperature monitor |
-
1978
- 1978-02-06 US US05/875,527 patent/US4186748A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1979
- 1979-02-05 CA CA000320871A patent/CA1118053A/en not_active Expired
- 1979-02-06 ES ES477550A patent/ES477550A1/en not_active Expired
- 1979-02-06 WO PCT/US1979/000061 patent/WO1979000594A1/en unknown
- 1979-02-06 IT IT7947915A patent/IT7947915A0/en unknown
- 1979-02-06 GB GB7934369A patent/GB2036399B/en not_active Expired
- 1979-02-06 JP JP50047079A patent/JPS55500073A/ja active Pending
- 1979-08-28 EP EP79900254A patent/EP0009048A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1979-10-05 SE SE7908256A patent/SE7908256L/en unknown
Also Published As
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| ES477550A1 (en) | 1979-07-16 |
| JPS55500073A (en) | 1980-02-07 |
| GB2036399B (en) | 1982-08-18 |
| GB2036399A (en) | 1980-06-25 |
| WO1979000594A1 (en) | 1979-08-23 |
| IT7947915A0 (en) | 1979-02-06 |
| US4186748A (en) | 1980-02-05 |
| SE7908256L (en) | 1979-10-05 |
| EP0009048A1 (en) | 1980-04-02 |
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