Anatomical surface assessment methods, devices and systems
Inventors
DICKIE, Oliver John • Barclay, Philip John • Robinson, Brent Stephen • Watson, Russell William
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12268472-B2
Publication Date
2025-04-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method of assessing a feature on a patient's skin surface includes capturing (i) an image of the patient's skin surface with a camera of a portable capture device and (ii) range information with an auxiliary range measurement device that is attached to the portable capture device. Based on the range information, a single range value can be determined between the capture device and the patient's skin surface. In some embodiments, a scale can be associated with the image based on the single range value.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention assesses a feature on a patient's skin surface by guiding a user to position cameras relative to the skin surface and then automatically capturing image data. A first camera and a second camera are positioned such that the position of the second camera relative to the first camera is known, while at least one optical characteristic differs between the cameras. The method automatically detects acceptable positioning when the cameras are within a predefined level of alignment relative to the patient's skin surface, then captures a first image and a second image for the feature.
After acceptable positioning is detected, the invention determines at least one common point in the first image and the second image. Using the at least one common point and the known relative position of the cameras, the invention determines one or more dimensions of the feature on the patient's skin surface. In alternative forms, the method bases dimension determination on a common image region covered by both cameras, and uses known relative position together with first and second focal lengths to determine one or more dimensions.
The invention is implemented in connection with portable capture devices and systems that provide guidance to the user for camera alignment and measurement readiness. The method includes automatically detecting acceptable positioning and then performing image capture, common-point determination, and dimension determination based on known camera geometry. The predefined level of alignment can include predefined distance range, predefined camera positions, and predefined camera orientations relative to the patient's skin surface.
Claims Coverage
The document provides three independent methods for assessing a feature on a patient's skin surface using two cameras, or a portable capture device with two inbuilt cameras, with known relative position and differing optical characteristics. Across the independent claims, the inventive workflow is: guide positioning, automatically detect acceptable alignment, capture images, identify common points or a common image region, and determine one or more feature dimensions from the images and known camera relationships.
Two cameras with known relative position and different optical characteristics
A method that guides a user to position a first camera and a second camera relative to the patient's skin surface, where the position of the second camera relative to the first camera is known and at least one optical characteristic differs between the cameras.
Automatically detecting acceptable alignment and capturing image data
A method in which acceptable positioning of the first camera and the second camera is automatically detected when the cameras are positioned within a predefined level of alignment relative to the patient's skin surface, and when acceptable positioning is detected, automatically capturing image data including a first image and a second image.
Common points and known relative position determine feature dimensions
A method determining at least one common point in the first image and the second image, and determining one or more dimensions of the feature on the patient's skin surface based on the at least one common point and the known relative position of the first camera and the second camera.
Portable capture device with inbuilt first and second cameras
A method guiding a user to position a portable capture device relative to the patient's skin surface, where the portable capture device includes an inbuilt first camera and an inbuilt second camera, followed by automatic acceptable positioning detection, image capture, common point determination, and dimension determination based on known relative positions.
Different focal lengths and common image region determine feature dimensions
A method guiding a user to position a first camera and a second camera relative to the patient's skin surface with known second-camera relative position and different focal lengths; after capturing image data including at least a common image region covered by both cameras, determining one or more dimensions of the feature on the patient's skin surface based on the captured data including the common image region, the known relative position, and the first and second focal lengths.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage centers on assessing a skin-surface feature by guided placement of two cameras, or a portable capture device with two inbuilt cameras, having known relative position and differing optical characteristics, automatically detecting acceptable alignment within a predefined level, capturing images, identifying common points or a common image region, and determining one or more feature dimensions using those image correspondences together with known camera relative position, and in one form the focal lengths.
Stated Advantages
Allows determining one or more dimensions of a skin-surface feature based on image data from two cameras with known relative positioning.
Automatically detects acceptable positioning of the first camera and second camera when within a predefined level of alignment relative to the patient's skin surface.
Documented Applications
Assessing features on a patient's skin surface, including a skin surface feature such as a wound or lesion.
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