Measuring and monitoring skin feature colors, form and size
Inventors
ADIRI, Yonatan • Omer, Ido • MENDELOWITZ, Shachar • SALOMON, Roee
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11672469-B2
Publication Date
2023-06-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
Kits, diagnostic systems and methods are provided, which measure the distribution of colors of skin features by comparison to calibrated colors which are co-imaged with the skin feature. The colors on the calibration template (calibrator) are selected to represent the expected range of feature colors under various illumination and capturing conditions. The calibrator may also comprise features with different forms and size for calibrating geometric parameters of the skin features in the captured images. Measurements may be enhanced by monitoring over time changes in the distribution of colors, by measuring two and three dimensional geometrical parameters of the skin feature and by associating the data with medical diagnostic parameters. Thus, simple means for skin diagnosis and monitoring are provided which simplify and improve current dermatologic diagnostic procedures.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to image skin diagnosis using a calibrator co-imaged with a skin feature. A group of images is received in which the skin feature is captured next to a calibrator having a plurality of colored areas, and the skin feature has multiple segments of differing colors.
Differing colors of the multiple segments of the skin feature are identified by comparison to the plurality of colored areas of the calibrator commonly captured on at least one image. The identification includes determining actual colors of the multiple segments of the skin feature based on the comparison, and based on the differing colors, an indication of a medical condition associated with the skin feature is determined.
The calibrator and captured data also support image normalization based on captured calibrator colors compared to known selected calibrator colors representing expected skin color ranges under varying illumination and capture conditions. The calibrator and captured data can also support geometric and size normalization of the skin feature, including positioning marks and geometric parameter designations for 2D and 3D characterization.
Measurements can be tracked over time to monitor changes such as healing progress, and diagnostic indications can be computed, including an alert when capture conditions are inappropriate.
Claims Coverage
Independent claims include 1, 10, and 20, each sharing three inventive feature groups: calibrator co-imaging, color determination by comparison to calibrator colored areas, and medical-condition indication based on the differing colors. Additional claim themes further refine the approach with 3D structure, expected color ranges under varying illumination and capture conditions, geometric/size normalization, temporal monitoring, and alerting when capture conditions are inappropriate.
Calibrator co-imaging with segmented skin feature
Receiving a group of images of a skin feature next to a calibrator having a plurality of colored areas thereon, wherein the skin feature has multiple segments of differing colors.
Actual color identification by calibrator comparison
Identifying, using the plurality of colored areas of the calibrator, the differing colors of the multiple segments of the skin feature, wherein the identification includes determining actual colors of the multiple segments of the skin feature by comparison of the colors of the multiple segments of the skin feature to the plurality of colored areas of the calibrator commonly captured on at least one image.
Medical condition indication from differing segment colors
Based on the differing colors of the multiple segments of the skin feature, determining an indication of a medical condition associated with the skin feature.
Three-dimensional structure identification and diagnosis support
Identifying a three-dimensional structure of a skin feature and determining an indication of a medical condition associated with that skin feature using the identified three-dimensional structure and the differing colors of multiple skin-feature segments.
Expected color ranges tied to illumination and capture conditions
Linking the plurality of colored areas to an expected range of colors of the skin feature across different illumination and capturing conditions.
Geometric and size normalization with positioning marks
Normalizing and measuring 2D/3D geometry of the skin feature using positioning marks and geometric parameter designations for form and size normalization.
Temporal tracking for healing progress
Monitoring temporal changes in skin feature parameters to track healing progress by tracking rate of change and/or temporal changes in color distribution, 3D geometry, and dimensions of a skin-feature segment.
Alerting for inappropriate capture conditions
Generating an alert when a capturing condition is inappropriate for accurate color detection, including suggesting modification of that capturing condition.
Across the independent claims, the core inventive concept is image-based skin diagnosis using a calibrator with a plurality of colored areas co-imaged with a segmented skin feature, where actual colors are determined by comparison to commonly captured calibrator colors and a medical condition indication is determined from those differing segment colors. Additional claim themes add 3D structure identification, normalization to expected color ranges under illumination and capture conditions, geometric and size normalization, temporal tracking, and alerting when capture conditions are inappropriate.
Stated Advantages
Determining an indication of a medical condition associated with the skin feature based on differing colors of multiple segments.
Reducing effects of varying illumination and capture conditions through image normalization derived from calibrator colors compared to selected or expected calibrator colors.
Supporting 2D/3D characterization and normalization of the skin feature geometry using positioning marks and geometric parameter designations.
Monitoring changes over time, including computing diagnostic indications and tracking healing progress.
Providing an alert when capture conditions are inappropriate for accurate color detection.
Documented Applications
Image-based skin diagnosis of a skin feature using a diagnostic system or kit that co-images the skin feature with a calibrator containing selected color areas representing expected skin color ranges under varying illumination and capture conditions.
Diagnostic use that associates normalized color distributions and optionally geometric and temporal measurements with dermatologic medical diagnostic parameters and computes diagnostic indications, including alerts when capture conditions are inappropriate.
Longitudinal monitoring use to track measurements over time for monitoring changes such as healing progress.
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