Multifunctional Thermal Imaging Complex for Medical Diagnostics

Introduction. Recent developments in the field of thermal imaging technology and the accumulated experience in instrumental analysis of thermal processes in the patient’s body indicate the prospects of developing new medical thermal imaging systems (thermal imagers).

Aim. Creation of a low-budget domestic thermal imaging system for medical diagnostics with expanded functionality.

Materials and methods. The distribution of temperature over the surface of the human body depends on its internal state and external environment. For each person, this distribution has its own physiological characteristics, the study and interpretation of which can be significant for diagnosing specific pathologies or assessing the general (psychophysical) state of the patient. Analysis of temperature fields on the surface of the human body makes it possible to diagnose various pathological processes manifested in the form of local temperature changes in individual areas. The proposed method for thermal diagnostics involves measuring the temperature at each point of such an area simultaneously (statically) or over a period of time (dynamically). In comparison with conventional approaches, two thermal imaging sensors are used for this purpose. These include a small-sized matrix (thus being low cost) and a point sensor. Such a combination of sensors provides for the necessary discretization of the temperature field image of sufficiently large areas of the surface of the human body, when shooting from a distance significantly reduced compared to the conventional approach.

Results. A conceptual electrical circuit and a layout of a modern thermal imaging system are developed. The advantages of the proposed thermal imager over similar devices are assessed. A method for recording and analyzing temperature in a certain point and temperature fields of both separate areas and large areas on the surface of the human body is proposed and tested.

Conclusion. The conducted testing of a material model of the proposed thermal imaging system using the facilities of large medical institutions in St. Petersburg showed its wide functionality along with simplicity and convenience.

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