Image processing systems and methods for altering a medical treatment

Abstract

Systems and methods for conducting image processing of wound images may include receiving from at least one image sensor associated with a mobile communications device a first and a second images of a wound. The first image is captured at an outset of a medical treatment and the second image is captured at least a day after applying the medical treatment to the wound. The method may further include analyzing data associated with the first and second images to determine a condition of the skin feature. The method may also include determining an action to alter the medical treatment based on the condition of the wound. Then, the method may include initiating a remedial measure associated with the determined action to increase effectiveness of the medical treatment.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 933,686, filed on Nov. 11, 2019 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUNDI. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to the field of image processing for medical purposes. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices for using image analysis for medical examination of skin features.II. Background Information[0003]Computer vision may be used in medical testing to determine quantitative and qualitative clinical data. Traditionally, regulatory-approved clinical devices use dedicated hardware such as pre-calibrated scanners that operate in well-known and monitored capturing and illumination conditions, together with classifiers that operate based on the calibrated images derived by the scanners.[0004]In recent years, smartphones have become personal mobile computer...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a computer software program that can analyze images of wounds and suggest actions to improve the treatment. The program receives images of the wound at different stages of treatment and uses data from the previous image to suggest modifications to the treatment plan. This allows for a more efficient and effective treatment plan for wound care.

Problems solved by technology

However, turning a smartphone into a regulatory-approved clinical device is challenging for at least three main reasons.

First, there may be a lack of quality uniformity of the smartphones' cameras.

Second, when using smartphones across a host of non-uniformly lit environments, local illumination conditions can lead to varying results.

Third, the smartphones are typically operated by unqualified users that may have difficulties following strict medical operation procedures.

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