System for screening skin condition for tissue damage
Inventors
Goldish, Gary D. • Hansen, Andrew • Nickel, Eric • Ferguson, John E.
Assignees
US Department of Veterans Affairs • Office of General Counsel of VA • University of Minnesota System
Publication Number
US-9788792-B2
Publication Date
2017-10-17
Expiration Date
2032-10-03
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a novel approach means of screening various skin surfaces, including hard to reach areas of the human body, as well as more commonly seen areas such as the foot. The present invention can help patients, especially those who are immobile or those with diabetes self-monitor and transmit the skin condition accurately, so that medical providers may assess the risk or presence of skin tissue breakdown. Thus, provision is made for a remote screening device that can be used in telemedicine or home self-monitoring approaches and offers high resolution image, without artifacts or other distortions that might arise from images taken of feet that have been compressed through standing and the like.
Core Innovation
The present invention relates to a novel approach to screening various skin surfaces, including hard to reach areas of the human body such as the posterior and the plantar surface of the feet, by providing a remote screening device usable in telemedicine and home self-monitoring approaches. This device offers high resolution images without artifacts or distortions that would arise from compression of the skin during imaging. The system comprises a support frame, a lower extremity support structure to stabilize the legs and feet, and an image acquisition device interface that holds a camera or similar device at a distance to avoid compression artifacts.
The background identifies problems with current technologies for monitoring skin conditions in diabetics and other patients at risk of tissue breakdown. Limitations include the inability of patients, often with limited vision or mobility, to adequately monitor hard-to-reach skin areas; existing systems requiring the feet to be compressed or standing on platforms causing image artifacts; and the lack of real-time image feedback and easy remote transmission to medical providers. Prior art fails to provide unobstructed, artifact-free imaging of the plantar and other skin surfaces without requiring physical contact or compression with support structures.
The invention solves these problems by offering a portable, affordable system that supports a user's legs and feet in a stable, elevated manner while an image acquisition device captures images from a distance free of compression-induced artifacts. The system includes features such as a retention framework for stable holding of imaging devices including cameras or camera-enabled smart devices, directed illumination, remote triggering, and optional interfaces for real-time image viewing by the user. This facilitates accurate self-monitoring, image optimization prior to transmission, and integration with telemedicine platforms, overcoming deficiencies in previous approaches.
Claims Coverage
The patent discloses two independent claims covering systems for screening skin for tissue damage, emphasizing image acquisition devices separated from other structures to avoid artifacts.
Non-contact image acquisition
A support frame with a retention framework holding at least one image acquisition device separated from other system structures to acquire images without artifacts or distortions.
Reflective-based multiple field imaging solution
Integration of a reflective-based multiple field imaging system affixed to the support frame to capture varied angles of skin surfaces.
Mobility track imaging solution
A mobility track imaging system with an image acquisition device mounted on a movable track affixed to the support frame, allowing multiple vantage points for imaging without contact-based artifacts.
Change documentation module
Inclusion of a change documentation module for systematic image tagging, timestamping, and archiving to monitor progression or healing over time.
Multi-modal imaging capabilities
Use of image acquisition devices selected from thermal imagers, IR imagers, photographic still cameras, or dual-use thermal/photographic cameras, producing single or composite overlay images for comprehensive screening.
3D rendering module
A 3-D rendering module to create three-dimensional visualizations from multiple angled images for enhanced assessment of tissue damage.
Software based image acquisition module with bimodal overlay
Software managing image acquisition, including bimodal overlays combining thermal and photographic images for improved diagnostic accuracy.
Extendable portable stabilizer pole
The support frame may include an extendable portable stabilizer pole for enhanced positioning and stabilization of imaging devices.
Flexible extending structure
The support frame may incorporate a flexible extending structure with a flexible member to position cameras for imaging hard-to-reach skin areas.
These inventive features collectively provide a portable, artifact-free imaging system capable of capturing high-resolution, multi-angle and multi-modal images of skin surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas, with real-time user feedback and integration for remote medical evaluation.
Stated Advantages
Provides unobstructed and artifact-free images of skin surfaces, improving early detection of tissue breakdown.
Enables portable home screening that integrates with telemedicine, reducing the need for clinical visits.
Offers real-time feedback to users during image capture to ensure quality images for medical review.
Supports multiple imaging modalities including thermal and photographic imaging for comprehensive assessment.
Facilitates documentation and tracking of changes over time in skin condition through a change documentation module.
Documented Applications
Home self-monitoring of skin condition in patients at risk of tissue breakdown, especially those with diabetes or limited mobility.
Remote screening and telemedicine applications to allow medical providers to evaluate skin conditions from transmitted images.
Screening of hard-to-reach skin areas such as the posterior body and plantar surfaces of the feet.
Use as a peripheral device in formalized telemedicine systems prescribed by health care providers for ongoing foot and skin monitoring.
Provision for sequential imaging and 3-D rendering of foot surfaces to assess and document tissue damage or healing.
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