Device and method for finger sizing for selection of an appropriately sized finger-based capillary blood collection device

Abstract

A device for sizing a patient finger to a finger-based capillary blood collection system including a holder having a finger sleeve for receiving the patient finger is disclosed. The device includes a camera operable to capture images, a display having a user interface, and a processor configured to operate the camera to acquire an image including a hand of a patient and a reference object of known size, determine a minimum width of a target location on a target finger that is between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the target finger based on the image, determine an appropriate finger sleeve size of a plurality of finger sleeve sizes for the target finger based on the determined minimum width of the target finger and a width range associated with each of the plurality of finger sleeve sizes, and cause the display to output the appropriate finger sleeve size.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FINGER SIZING FOR SELECTION OF AN APPROPRIATELY SIZED FINGER-BASED CAPILLARY BLOOD COLLECTION DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 706,926 entitled “Device and Method for Finger Sizing for Selection of an Appropriately Sized Finger-Based Capillary Blood Collection Device” filed October 14, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a finger-based capillary blood collection device with the ability to lance and squeeze a finger, collect, stabilize, and dispense a blood sample in a controlled manner. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device and method for performing a finger sizing, to allow for selection of an appropriately sized fingerbased capillary blood collection device.Description of the Related Art

[0003] Devices for obtaining and collecting biological samples, such as blood samples, are commonly used in the medical industry. One type of blood collection that is commonly done in the medial field is capillary blood collection which is often done to collect blood samples for testing. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, require that the patient’s blood be tested on a regular basis to monitor, for example, the patient’s blood sugar levels. Additionally, test kits, such as cholesterol test kits, often require a blood sample for analysis. The blood collection procedure usually involves pricking a finger or other suitable body part in order to obtain the blood sample. Typically, the amount of blood needed for such tests is relatively small and a small puncture wound or incision normally provides a sufficient amount of blood for these tests.

[0004] One exemplary device used for the obtaining and collecting capillary blood samples from a finger is the MiniDraw™ capillary blood collection system from Becton, Dickinson and Company. The MiniDraw™ capillary blood collection system provides the ability to lance and squeeze the finger, collect the sample, stabilize the sample, and subsequently dispense the sample in a controlled manner. The system generally includes a holder that is positioned about67X9613.DOCX Page 1 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001) the finger, a lancet housing or lancet used to pierce the finger, and a collection container configured to collect a capillary blood sample from the finger after lancing. The holder includes a finger sleeve having a receiving portion and an end guard, an actuation portion, and a port having another opening. The receiving portion of the finger sleeve is configured for receiving a finger, while the actuation portion is transitionable between a first position and a second position in order to change the diameter of the receiving portion of the finger sleeve. In this manner, with the actuation portion in the second position and the receiving portion of the finger sleeve having a reduced diameter, a portion of the holder contacts the finger and the actuation portion of the holder is able to pump and / or extract blood from the finger, in order to obtain the capillary blood sample.

[0005] It is recognized that in order for the MiniDraw™ capillary blood collection system to effectively and efficiently collect capillary blood samples, the holder (i.e., the finger sleeve thereof) should be appropriately sized to receive the finger of a patient, to allow for effectively pumping and / or extracting blood via movement of the actuation portion. Typically, a patient’s finger is thus sized prior to selection of an appropriate holder, with a diameter size of the finger being determined by a sizing tool.

[0006] A common sizing tool used to determine finger size is a paper card 2 with die-cut holes 4 corresponding to pre-determined finger sleeve sizes, as shown in FIG. 1. A patient inserts their ring and / or middle finger into the holes 4 (sequentially, starting from smallest and working their way to largest) to find the corresponding hole size that accepts their first knuckle but does not pass their second knuckle. The appropriate hole size corresponds to one of a number of holder sizes available for the MiniDraw™ system, with an appropriately sized holder (e.g., small, medium, large, X-large, etc.) then being provided to the patient (e.g., mailed to the patient for at-home use) as determined by the sizing.

[0007] It is recognized that existing finger sizing tools such as the paper card 2 describe above exhibit limitations or short-comings when performing the finger sizing. As one example, there may be subjectivity involved when determining a finger size using the paper card sizing tool, which can lead to inaccurate sizing. As another example, there can be tolerance issues involved in manufacturing the paper cards (i.e., forming the holes therein), which again can lead to inaccurate sizing. As still another example, it is recognized that there may be instances where a finger is in-between holder sizes, and a healthcare worker may subjectively select a size up or down for the holder that is appropriate, leading to inconsistent sizing practices.

[0008] Accordingly, a need exists for a device and method for determining / measuring the finger size of a patient, in order to enable proper selection of a holder size for a finger-based67X9613.DOCX Page 2 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001) capillary blood collection system, such as the MiniDraw™ system. The device and method would provide a means for acquiring accurate and repeatable measurements of a finger size, be customizable to take multiple measurements of the finger to optimize fit, and provide for storage of acquired finger measurements to enable reordering of holders.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Provided herein is a device for sizing a patient finger to a finger-based capillary blood collection system including a holder having a finger sleeve for receiving the patient finger. The device includes a camera operable to capture images, a display having a user interface operable to control the camera, and a processor coupled to a memory and configured to operate the camera to acquire an image including a hand of a patient and a reference object of known size, determine a minimum width at a target location of a target finger of the patient based on the image, wherein the target location is between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the target finger, determine an appropriate finger sleeve size of a plurality of finger sleeve sizes for the target finger based on the determined minimum width of the target finger and a width range associated with each of the plurality of finger sleeve sizes, and cause the display to output the appropriate finger sleeve size.

[0010] In some embodiments, the processor determines the minimum width at the target location by comparing a pixel size of the reference object to a pixel size of the target finger.

[0011] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to determine knuckle points of the hand using the image, identify the target finger in the image based at least in part on the knuckle points, and determine the target location of the target finger between the first knuckle and the second knuckle using the knuckle points.

[0012] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to set a line at the target location that is perpendicular to an axis extending between the first knuckle and the second knuckle.

[0013] In some embodiments, the minimum width is determinized by mapping an outline of the hand using an edge-detection algorithm, mapping edge points that intersect the outline and the line, and determining a pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location based on a distance between the edge points.

[0014] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to oscillate the line about its midpoint to find the intersects between the outline and the line if the outline is a discontinuous outline.67X9613.DOCX Page 3 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)

[0015] In some embodiments, the image comprises a red-green-blue (RGB) image, and the processor is further configured to convert the RGB image to a greyscale image, perform a color contrast image process on the greyscale image to provide a contrasted greyscale image, and identify the reference object in the image using the contrasted greyscale image.

[0016] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to crop the contrasted greyscale image.

[0017] In some embodiments, the reference object comprises a coin, and wherein the processor is configured to identify the coin in the image using a circle detection algorithm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to determine a pixel- measured minimum width of the reference object, determine a pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location, and convert the pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger to the minimum width of the target finger based on the pixel-measured minimum width of the reference object, the pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location, and a known width of the reference object.

[0019] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to receive a selection of the reference object.

[0020] In some embodiments, in selecting the appropriate finger sleeve size, the processor is configured to select one of a Small, Medium, Large, or X-Large finger sleeve size.

[0021] Also provided herein is an application-based method for sizing a patient finger to a finger-based capillary blood collection system including a holder having a finger sleeve for receiving the patient finger. The method includes acquiring via a camera an image of the hand of a patient and a reference object that is positioned on or adjacent the hand, the reference object having a known size and dimensions. The method also includes determining, via a processor of the device, a minimum width at a target location of a target finger of the patient based on the image, wherein the target location is between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the target finger. The method further includes selecting, via the processor, an appropriate finger sleeve size of a plurality of finger sleeve sizes for the target finger based on the determined minimum width of the target finger and a width range associated with each of the plurality of finger sleeve sizes. The method still further includes displaying the appropriate finger sleeve size on a display of the device.

[0022] In some embodiments, determining the minimum width at the target location comprises comparing a pixel size of the reference object to a pixel size of the target finger.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method includes determining knuckle points of the hand using the image, identifying the target finger in the image based at least in part on the knuckle67X9613.DOCX Page 4 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001) points, and determining the target location of the target finger between the first knuckle and the second knuckle using the knuckle points.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method includes setting a line at the target location that is perpendicular to an axis extending between the first knuckle and the second knuckle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method includes mapping an outline of the hand using an edge-detection algorithm, mapping edge points that intersect the outline and the line, and determining a pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location based on a distance between the edge points.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method includes oscillating the line about its midpoint to find the intersects between the outline and the line if the outline is a discontinuous outline.

[0027] In some embodiments, the image comprises a red- green-blue (RGB) image, and the method includes converting the RGB image to a greyscale image, performing a color contrast image process on the greyscale image to provide a contrasted greyscale image, and identifying the reference object in the image using the contrasted greyscale image.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method includes cropping the contrasted greyscale image.

[0029] In some embodiments, the reference object comprises a coin, and the method includes identifying the coin in the image using a circle detection algorithm.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method includes determining a pixel-measured minimum width of the reference object, determining a pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location, and converting the pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger to the minimum width of the target finger based on the pixel-measured minimum width of the reference object, the pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location, and a known width of the reference object.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a selection of the reference object via a user interface of the display.

[0032] In some embodiments, the holder comprises the finger sleeve and an actuation portion including a contact member and a pair of opposed tabs, wherein a pinching of the pair of opposed tabs actuates the actuation portion from a first position in which the contact member is in a disengaged position to a second position in which the contact member is in an engaged position, with the contact member exerting a pressure on the sample source when in the engaged position.67X9613.DOCX Page 5 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)

[0033] In some embodiments, in selecting the appropriate finger sleeve size for the target finger, the method includes selecting a finger sleeve size that provides for the contact member to exert pressure on the sample source when in the engaged position.

[0034] In some embodiments, the target finger is a ring finger and / or a middle finger.

[0035] In some embodiments, selecting the appropriate finger sleeve size comprises selecting one of a Small, Medium, Large, or X-Large finger sleeve size.

[0036] Also provided herein is a computer program product comprising at least one non- transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to receive an image of the hand of a patient and a reference object that is positioned on or adjacent the hand, the reference object having a known size and dimensions, determine a minimum width at a target location of a target finger of the patient based on the image, wherein the target location is between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the target finger, select an appropriate finger sleeve size of a plurality of finger sleeve sizes for the target finger based on the determined minimum width of the target finger and a width range associated with each of the plurality of finger sleeve sizes, and output the appropriate finger sleeve size for display.

[0037] In some embodiments, in determining the minimum width at the target location, the program instructions further cause the at least one processor to compare a pixel size of the reference object to a pixel size of the target finger.

[0038] In some embodiments, the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to determine knuckle points of the hand using the image, identify the target finger in the image based at least in part on the knuckle points, and determine the target location of the target finger between the first knuckle and the second knuckle using the knuckle points.

[0039] In some embodiments, the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to set a line at the target location that is perpendicular to an axis extending between the first knuckle and the second knuckle.

[0040] In some embodiments, the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to map an outline of the hand using an edgedetection algorithm, map edge points that intersect the outline and the line, and determine a pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location based on a distance between the edge points.67X9613.DOCX Page 6 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)

[0041] In some embodiments, the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to oscillate the line about its midpoint to find the intersects between the outline and the line if the outline is a discontinuous outline.

[0042] In some embodiments, the image comprises a red-green-blue (RGB) image, and the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to convert the RGB image to a greyscale image, perform a color contrast image process on the greyscale image to provide a contrasted greyscale image, and identify the reference object in the image using the contrasted greyscale image.

[0043] In some embodiments, the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to crop the contrasted greyscale image.

[0044] In some embodiments, the reference object comprises a coin, and the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to identifying the coin in the image using a circle detection algorithm.

[0045] In some embodiments, the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to determine a pixel-measured minimum width of the reference object, determine a pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location, and convert the pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger to the minimum width of the target finger based on the pixel-measured minimum width of the reference object, the pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location, and a known width of the reference object.

[0046] In some embodiments, the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to receive a selection of the reference object.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a finger sizing tool as known in the prior art;

[0049] FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a finger-based capillary blood collection system having discrete components for obtaining a blood sample, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a holder and lancet housing of the system of FIG. 2, with the lancet secured to the holder;67X9613.DOCX Page 7 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)

[0051] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a holder and collection container of the system of FIG. 2, with the collection container secured to the holder;

[0052] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a holder of the system of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the holder of FIG. 5 in a first position;

[0054] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the holder of FIG. 5 in a second position;

[0055] FIG. 8A illustrates a device operable to run an application for sizing a user / patient finger to a holder of a finger-based capillary blood collection system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 8B is a block schematic diagram of the device of FIG. 8A;

[0057] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for sizing a user / patient finger to a holder of a finger-based capillary blood collection system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG. 10 is a graphical illustration of an image of a hand and reference object, as performed by the method of FIG. 9;

[0059] FIG. 11 is a graphical illustration of a knuckle mapping of a hand and target line generation, as performed by the method of FIG. 9;

[0060] FIGS. 12A-12D are graphical illustrations of hand images after application of an edge detection algorithm, as performed by the method of FIG. 9;

[0061] FIGS. 13A-13C are graphical illustrations of hand images including projection lines extending from the target finger and a target line defined for a target finger, as performed by the method of FIG. 9; and

[0062] FIG. 14 is a graphical illustration of an image of a hand after a conversion of the image from RGB color values to greyscale, as performed by the method of FIG. 9.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments contemplated for carrying out the invention. Various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0064] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be67X9613.DOCX Page 8 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001) understood that the invention may assume alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0065] The present disclosure is directed to an application-based device and method for determining finger size and for selecting an appropriately sized finger-based capillary blood collection device, which meets the needs set forth above. The device and method may be used by a user, such as a patient or healthcare worker, to provide accurate measurement of a finger size, so that a finger sleeve of appropriate size may be selected for use in the capillary blood collection.

[0066] Referring initially to FIGS. 2-4, a finger-based capillary blood collection system 10 is shown with which embodiments of the disclosure may be employed, to enable proper selection of such a device (i.e., size of the device, or a component thereof) for use on / by a user / patient. In the exemplary design of FIGS. 2-4, the system 10 can comprise discrete components such as a holder 12, a lancet housing or lancet 14, and a collection container 16. According to another design, the lancet 14 and collection container 16 can be integrated into one system 10 which is then used with the holder 12. According to yet another design, the holder 12, lancet 14, and collection container 16 can be integrated into a single system 10.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the system 10 for obtaining a blood sample includes discrete components, including a holder 12, a lancet housing or lancet 14, and a collection container 16. The lancet 14 and the collection container 16 may be selectively attached and detached from the holder to provide for the performing of various steps of a blood collection, with the lancet 14 being attached to holder 12 to enable lancing or puncturing of a finger and the collection container 16 being attached to holder 12 to enable collection of a capillary blood sample.

[0068] The holder 12 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 5-7. The holder 12 generally includes a finger sleeve 20 having a receiving portion 22, an actuation portion 24, a port 26 having an opening 28, and a finger end guard 30. In one embodiment, the finger end guard 30 provides a stop portion for properly aligning and securing a finger 18 within the receiving portion 22 of holder 12.

[0069] The receiving portion 22 of the finger sleeve 20 is configured for receiving a finger 18 for supplying a biological sample, such as a blood sample. The port 26 is in communication with the finger sleeve 20. For example, with a finger 18 received within the holder 12, the port67X9613.DOCX Page 9 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)26 is in communication with a portion of the finger 18. The opening 28 of the port 26 is configured for receiving a lancet housing 14 and a collection container 16, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. In one embodiment, the port 26 includes a locking portion 32 (see FIGS. 2-4) for securely receiving the lancet housing 14 and the collection container 16 within the port 26.

[0070] In one embodiment, the actuation portion 24 is transitionable between a first position (FIG. 6) in which the holder 12 defines a first diameter for receiving portion 22 and a second position (FIG. 7) in which the holder 12 defines a second diameter for receiving portion 22, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter. In one embodiment, the actuation portion 24 is transitionable between a first position (FIG. 6) in which the receiving portion 22 of holder 12 defines a first elliptical shape, and a second position (FIG. 7) in which the receiving portion 22 of holder 12 defines a second elliptical shape, wherein the first elliptical shape is different than the second elliptical shape. In this manner, with the holder 12 in the second position and with receiving portion 22 having a reduced diameter, a portion of the holder 12 contacts the finger and the actuation portion 24 of the holder 12 is able to pump and / or extract blood 18 as described in more detail below.

[0071] In one embodiment, the actuation portion 24 includes a contact member 34 that may be selectively actuated to apply pressure to a finger positioned within finger sleeve 20. Referring to FIG. 6, with the actuation portion 24 in the first position, the contact member 34 is in a disengaged position, i.e., the contact member 34 is provided in a first position with respect to the finger 18, such that the contact member 34 may be in slight contact therewith. Referring to FIG. 7, with the actuation portion 24 in the second position, the contact member 34 is in an engaged position, i.e., the contact member 34 is provided in a second position with respect to the finger 18, such that the contact member 34 is in an applied pressure contact with the finer 19, and the actuation portion 24 of the holder 12 is able to pump and / or extract blood 18. For example, with the contact member 34 in the engaged position, the contact member 34 exerts a pressure on the sample source.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 5-7, in one embodiment, the actuation portion 24 includes a pumping member 36 for applying pressure to the sample source, e.g., the finger 18. In one embodiment, the pumping member 36 comprises a pair of opposed tabs or wings 38. In such an embodiment, each tab 38 may include a contact member 34. In one embodiment, the holder 12 includes a living hinge portion 42. The living hinge portion 42 allows a user / patient to squeeze the wings 38 between a first position (FIG. 6) and a second position (FIG. 7), with a user / patient able to repeatedly squeeze and release the wings 38 to pump and / or extract blood 18 from a finger 18 until a desired amount of blood 18 is filled in a collection container 16.67X9613.DOCX Page 10 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)

[0073] With the holder 12 and the lancet housing 14 being separate components as shown in FIGS. 2-4, the lancet housing 14 is removably connectable to the port 26 of the holder 12. In such an embodiment, the lancet housing 14 includes an engagement portion 50. Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the lancet housing 14 is pushed into the port 26 of the holder 12 such that the engagement portion 50 of the lancet housing 14 is locked within the locking portion 32 of the holder 12. In this manner, the lancet housing 14 is securely connected and locked to the holder 12 such that a puncturing element of the lancet housing 14 can be activated to lance or puncture a finger 18. In some embodiments, the port 26 of the holder 12 includes a plurality of ribs for securing and locking the lancet 14 or the collection container 16 in the port 26.

[0074] To activate the lancet 14, the lancet 14 is pushed against a finger 18 to activate a retractable mechanism of the lancet 14 to lance a finger 18. The lancet 14 of the present disclosure consistently delivers correct lancing depth and a pre-defined lancing location, thus ensuring a sufficient sample volume. In one embodiment, the lancet 14 includes a drive spring disposed within the interior of the lancet housing 14 for biasing the puncturing element toward the puncturing position. After puncturing, the puncturing element is immediately retracted and safely secured within the interior the lancet housing 14.

[0075] The lancet 14 of the present disclosure is used to lance the skin of a finger 18 and then a blood sample is squeezed into the collection container 16 as described. The collection container 16 defines a collection cavity 70 for receiving a blood sample, a container engagement portion 72, a blood collector portion 74, and a cap or septum 76. Once a desired amount of blood 18 is collected within the container 16, the blood collector portion 74 is detached from the collection system 10 in order to send a collected sample 18 to a diagnostic instrument and / or testing device. The blood collector portion 74 is sealed via the cap or septum 76 once removed from the collection system 10 to protectively seal the blood sample within the collection cavity 70.

[0076] With the holder 12 and the container 16 being separate components as shown in FIGS. 2-4, the container 16 is removably connectable to the port 26 of the holder 12. In such an embodiment, the container 16 includes the container engagement portion 72. The container 16 is pushed into the port 26 of the holder 12 such that the container engagement portion 72 of the container 16 is locked within the locking portion 32 of the holder 12. In this manner, the container 16 is securely connected and locked to the holder 12 such that a blood sample can safely flow from the finger 18 within the holder 12 to the collection cavity 70 of the container 16.67X9613. DOCX Page 11 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)

[0077] Following here below, use of the system 10 is described in further detail.

[0078] First a desired finger 18 is cleaned and a holder 12 having an appropriate size for the desired finger 18 is selected and placed onto the finger 18 securely. A lancet housing 14 is then connected to the port 26 of the holder 12. With the lancet 14 connected to the port 26 of the holder 12, the lancet is in communication with the finger 18. When it is desired to activate the lancet 14 to lance the skin of a finger 18, the lancet 14 is pushed against a finger 18 to activate a retractable mechanism 58 of the lancet 14 to lance a finger 18.

[0079] After the finger 18 is lanced to create blood 18 flow from the finger 18, the lancet 14 is removed from the holder 12 and the collection container 16 is pushed into the port 26 of the holder 12. With the container 16 properly secured to the holder 12 for collection of a blood sample, a user / patient is able to repeatedly squeeze and release the wings 38 of the holder 12 to pump and / or extract blood 18 from a finger 18 until a desired amount of blood 18 is filled in a collection container 16. That is, with the actuation portion 24 in the first position, the contact member 34 is in a disengaged position, i.e., the contact member 34 is in the first position with respect to the finger 18. With the actuation portion 24 in the second position, the contact member 34 is in an engaged position, i.e., the contact member 34 is in the second position and in applied pressure contact with the finger 18, and the actuation portion 24 of the holder 12 is able to pump and / or extract blood 18. For example, with the contact member 34 in the engaged position, the contact member 34 exerts a pressure on the finger 18.

[0080] Once a desired amount of blood 18 is collected within the container 16, the blood collector portion 74 is detached from the collection system 10 in order to send a collected sample 18 to a diagnostic instrument and / or testing device. The blood collector portion 74 is sealed via the cap or septum 76 once removed from the collection system 10 to protectively seal the blood sample within the collection cavity 70.

[0081] With regard to the use of system 10, it is recognized that the ease with which a capillary blood sample may be obtained via system 10 is improved when a holder 12 of appropriate size is provided. That is, when attempting to pump and / or extract blood 18 from a finger 18 via squeezing and releasing of the wings 38 of the holder 12, it is beneficial for the holder 12 (i.e., finger sleeve 20 thereof) to be appropriately sized relative to the finger 18 such that contact member 34 is properly engaged / disengaged with the finger 18 and can apply a sufficient pressure to the finger 18 that results in collection of a blood sample.

[0082] Therefore, according to aspects of the disclosure, it is desired to provide a device and method that allows for proper sizing of a finger and selection of an appropriately sized holder 12 for use in system 10. According to embodiments, a finger sizing application is67X9613.DOCX Page 12 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001) provided that may be run by a suitable computing device, including a computer (e.g., laptop or tablet computer) or a smartphone. As described hereafter, the finger sizing application is run by a smartphone, but it is recognized that the finger sizing application may be run by other computing devices, and that such embodiments are recognized as being covered by the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a device 100 (e.g., smartphone) is provided with which aspects of the disclosure may be incorporated. The device 100 includes one or more local processors 102, one or more memory systems 104, a user interface and display 106, and one or more sensors 108 that, in an exemplary embodiment, may comprise a camera (hereafter, “camera(s) 108”). According to embodiments of the disclosure, the user interface and display 106 may be separate elements, a combination display / interface, or a mix where there is a user interface, and the display allows for input, output or both. User interface and display 106 may be used to implement user interface tools, user interface elements, an output user interface, an input user interface, an input / output user interface, and / or graphical user interface tools.

[0084] In some embodiments, the device 100 may be communication with a remote system 110 to perform one or more tasks associated with sizing of a finger and / or selection of an appropriately sized holder 12. Such a remote system 110 may include a remote processor 112, one or more remote memory systems 114, one or more portals 116, communication engine 118, and one or more databases 120. The device 100 and remote system 110 may be connected to each other via any number of different communication mediums and methods. For example, device 100 may be a smartphone connected to the internet via a wi-fi connection, or via a network provider connection. In select embodiments, the internet typically forms part of the connection between the device 100 and remote system 110, which may be connected to the internet with a broadband internet or some other type of connection, e.g., a local or wide area network. In certain example embodiments, the communication between device 100 and remote system HOmay be via one or more APIs (provided at either or both device 100 and remote system 110) or one or more apps (provided at either), as non-limiting examples.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 8B, the memory system(s) 104 may include, for example, one or both of a combination of RAM, a cache, solid-state memory, or disk memory. The memory system(s) 104 may be a distributed type of memory system including memory components that are both local to device 100 and that are remote, connected via a local or wide area network. The memory system(s) 104 and processor 102 may further include systems that are provided in a remote server or back-end system, or be a distributed system with portions in the device67X9613.DOCX Page 13 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)100 and in the remote system 110. The memory system(s) 104 may be defined herein as a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) that includes memory space located inside of a single physical storage device or memory space spread across multiple physical storage devices.

[0086] The camera 108 may comprise a pixelized camera that may be a 2D camera, or a 3D camera. The pixelized camera 108 may be comprise multiple cameras, including two cameras, three cameras, or more. In some embodiments, the camera 108 may comprise a video camera that produces a sequence of images. The camera 108 may comprise plural front facing cameras and / or plural back facing cameras are provided.

[0087] The processing performed by device 100, as described herein, may be carried out by local processor 102, by remote processor 112, or any combination of the two and / or other processors. Those processing portions may be implemented with processing circuitry and / or code. In accordance with one embodiment, an application may be provided which is stored in memory system(s) 104 and run with local processor 102. In addition, an API (application programming interface) may be provided for allowing remote systems to access functionality provided by the app. The application may control certain aspects of device 100 by communicating with an operating system of a particular device. For example, if device 100 is a smartphone, it may be an iPhone, in which case the operating system on the device would be the iOS system.

[0088] User interface and display 106 is configured with local processor 102 to cause a user / patient to be prompted to put a reference object and a given hand to be sized into a field of view of the camera 108. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, a hand 80 may be placed within the field of view of camera 108 (along with a reference object 82, as explained in further detail below). In operation per one embodiment, once prompted by user interface and display 106, the user / patient places their hand 80 (and a reference object 82 placed thereon or held thereby) within the field of view of the camera, resulting in the capture of an image.

[0089] Referring now to FIG. 9, and with continued reference to FIGS. 2-8, a method 150 for sizing a user / patient finger to a holder of a finger-based capillary blood collection system is illustrated in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. FIGS. 10-14 provide graphic illustrations of individual steps performed in the method, in order to further describe the individual steps. The method 150 may be used to select an appropriately sized finger holder for the finger-based capillary blood collection system, such as the holder 12 (and finger sleeve 20) for the system 10 previously shown and described in FIGS. 2-7, as a non-limiting example.67X9613.DOCX Page 14 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)

[0090] The method 150 begins at step 151 with an input by a user of the reference object to be used as part of the finger sizing determination. For example, a user may input that a coin is to be used as the reference object, such as a US 25 cent piece (i.e., “quarter”). The input may be made via the user interface and display 106, and upon receipt of the type of reference object to be included in the image, the processor 102 and / or memory system(s) 104 may ascribe known size / dimensions to that reference object, as may be stored in memory system(s) 104.

[0091] After entering of the reference object, the method 150 may continue with the user / patient placing their hand 80 and a reference object 82 positioned in the palm or on the back of their hand 80 into a field of view of the camera 108 of device 100 at step 152, such as responsive to a prompt generated by the user interface and display 106. The reference object 82 is an object having a known size - i.e., known dimensions, such as length and width or circular diameter). In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 10, the reference object 82 is a coin of known size / dimensions placed / centered on the hand 80.

[0092] With the hand 80 of the user / patient and the reference object 82 within the field of view of the camera 108, the method 150 continues with the acquiring of an image of the hand 80 and reference object 82 via the camera 108 at step 154. The image captured by the camera includes the hand 80 and the reference object 82 at a similar depth-of-field to the user / patient’ s outstretched fingers. In preferred embodiments, the image is captured as a red-green-blue (RGB) image, although it is recognized that images of a different type / format could be captured.

[0093] In some embodiments, the image capture of step 154 could be a semi-automated process. That is, the application run by the device 100 could automate the image-capture once the hand position, lighting and / or focus is optimal, thereby reducing the need for operator skill in capturing the image. This could be used for on-screen correction instructions to the user / patient to aid in capturing optimal images.

[0094] Upon acquisition of the image, the method 150 continues at step 156, where knuckle points 84 of the hand 80 are mapped, such as illustrated in FIG. 11. In embodiments, where the device 100 comprises an iPhone, Apple’s “Vision” framework could analyze the RGB image for hand-joint detection. In other embodiments, artificial intelligence or machine learning could be employed to map knuckle points 84 on the hand 80 via comparison of the captured image to a machine learning dataset that includes pictures of hands and reference objects with known finger- width measurements.

[0095] The method 150 continues at step 158 by interpreting the mapped knuckle points 84 into fingers and identifying a target point 86 on a target finger 87 of the hand 80 for which67X9613.DOCX Page 15 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001) a width measurement is to be performed, as shown in FIG. 11. In some embodiments, the target finger 87 may be one (or both) of the middle finger and / or the ring finger. For a specified target finger 87, a target point 86 may then be determined for that target finger 87. In some embodiments, the target point 86 may comprise a mid-point between a first knuckle 88 and second knuckle 90 on the target finger 87. In other embodiments, the target location 86 may comprise a point that is biased forward (towards the first knuckle) or backwards (towards the second knuckle) from the mid-point.

[0096] Referring still to step 158, upon identifying a target location 86 on the target finger 87, a target line 92 may then be set that is perpendicular to an axis between the first and second knuckle points 88, 90 - with the target line 92 being subsequently used to measure the width of the finger at the target location 86.

[0097] In order to determine the width of the target line 92 (and finger) at the target location 88, an edge-detection algorithm is applied to the acquired image at step 160 - with the edge-detection algorithm aiding in defining an outline of the hand 80 in the image. Applying of an edge-detection algorithm to the image to provide improved contrast in the image is illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12D, with the contrast-enhanced image better defining the outline 94 of the hand 80. In some embodiments, the edge-detection algorithm employed at step 160 may comprise a Canny edge detection algorithm (FIG. 12A). In other embodiments, the edgedetection algorithm employed at step 160 may comprise a Sobel XY detection algorithm (FIG. 12B), Sobel X detection algorithm (FIG. 12C), or Sobel Y detection algorithm (FIG. 12D).

[0098] In some embodiments, subsequent to obtaining a contrasted image (via application of an edge detection algorithm) at step 160 and identifying a target location 86 (and target line 92) on a target finger 87 at step 158, intersections between the target line 92 and the edges / outline 94 of the target finger 87 may be identified and a (minimum) width of the line determined at step 162. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, projection lines 96 may be extended / projected left and right from the target finger 87 at the target location 86 to determine the intersections between the target line 92 and the edges / outline 94 of the target finger 87. Upon identifying of the intersections between the target line 92 and the edges / outline 94 of the target finger 87, the target line 92 may be defined, as shown in FIG. 13C, and a width of the target line 92 between the edge-detected points may be considered to represent the finger- width (in pixels) at the target location 86.

[0099] In some cases, it is recognized that an outline 94 of the target finger 87 derived from the edge detection algorithm may be of a less than optimal quality - such as there not being a continuous outline 94 for the target finger 87. With only a discontinuous outline 94 being67X9613.DOCX Page 16 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001) obtained for the target finger 87, it may be making it difficult to find intersections between the target line 92 and the edges / outline 94 of the target finger 87. In such cases, step 162 of the method 150 may include performing an optional step of oscillating the target line 92 about its midpoint, until points of the line intersect with the outline 94 of the target finger 87. When the target line 92 is oscillated in this manner, a smallest / minimum width of a target line 92 that intersects with the outline 94 of the target finger 87 may be recorded, with this width set as the finger-width (in pixels) at the target location.

[0100] Referring still to FIG. 9, the method 150 further includes a step 164 of locating and identifying the reference object 82 (e.g., coin) in the acquired image. In order to provide for such location / identification of the reference object 82, the image may be converted from RGB color values to greyscale, as shown in FIG. 14. This greyscale image is put through a color contrast image process to differentiate the reference object 82 from the hand 80.

[0101] In some embodiments, location / identification of the reference object 82 at step 164 further includes cropping the augmented / contrasted image to reduce the “search area” for the reference object 82.

[0102] With an augmented and cropped image being obtained, step 164 continues by locating the reference object 82 in the image. In embodiments where the reference object 82 is a coin (or other circular object), such locating of the reference object 82 may include use of a circle-detection algorithm (e.g., a Hough Circles algorithm) to locate the coin.

[0103] Upon locating and identifying the reference object 82 at step 164, the method 150 may continue at step 166 by determining pixel- and physical dimension- widths of the reference object 82. Thus, for a reference object 82 that is a coin of known dimensions, the coin is first converted to a pixel-width value using the image acquired at step 154. Because the coin has a known diameter, the pixel-width can then be converted to a physical dimension, such as the diameter of the coin in millimeters or inches, with a ratio between the pixel- width of the coin and the diameter of the coin (in millimeters / inches) thus being obtained.

[0104] With the pixel-width to millimeters / inches ratio / conversion for the coin being obtained at step 166, the method 150 may then continue at step 168 with the determining of the minimum finger-width of the target finger 87 at the target location 86 (i.e., the width of the target line 92). That is, knowing the width of the target line 92 in pixels at the target location 86 (as derived from step 162) and the pixel- width to millimeters / inches ratio / conversion for the coin, the minimum finger-width of the target finger 87 at the target location 86 may be determined in millimeters / inches at step 168.67X9613.DOCX Page 17 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)

[0105] Subsequent to determining of the physical width of the of the target finger 87 at the target location 86, the method may continue at step 170, where the width of the finger is compared to a plurality of pre-defined finger sleeve sizes, so as to provide for proper selection of a holder 12 that may be used by the user / patient during collection of a capillary blood sample. That is, finger sleeves 20 may be available in a plurality of sizes - i.e., Small, Medium, Large, or X-Large - with each finger sleeve size having a pre-determined range of finger widths accommodated thereby. In some embodiments, a pre-determined binning criteria may be programmed into processor 102 (or processor 112) in order to determine which finger sleeve size is appropriate for the determined finger width, as measured at the target location 86. As a non-limiting example, a Small finger sleeve size could be defined to accommodate finger widths of 0.59 inches or less, a Medium finger sleeve size could be defined to accommodate finger widths from 0.59 inches to 0.64 inches, a Large finger sleeve size could be defined to accommodate finger widths from 0.64 inches to 0.69 inches, and a X-Large finger sleeve size could be defined to accommodate finger widths from 0.69 inches to 0.80 inches.

[0106] Using the comparison performed at step 170, the method may continue at steps 172 and 174 with the selection of an appropriate finger sleeve size for the target finger 87 (step 172) and providing an output to the user / patient indicating the appropriate finger sleeve size (step 174). As indicated above, selection of an appropriate finger sleeve size may comprise selection of a Small, Medium, Large, or X-Large holder 12 and associated finger sleeve 20, according to a non-limiting embodiment. The selected size may be output to the user / patient in any of a number of suitable output formats, including by a display of the determined size on the user interface and display 106 and / or by an audible output of the determined size by the device 100.

[0107] Beneficially, embodiments of the disclosure thus provide a device and method for determining or measuring the finger size of a patient, in order to enable proper size selection of a holder and associated finger sleeve used in a finger-based capillary blood collection system. The device and method operate to acquire an image of the hand of a user / patient and a reference object of known size that is positioned on or adjacent the hand, determine a minimum width of a target finger at a target location based on the image, compare the determined minimum width of the target finger to a plurality of finger sleeve sizes forming part of the holder, and select an appropriate finger sleeve size for the target finger based on the comparison of the determined minimum width of the target finger and the plurality of finger sleeve sizes, with an output then provided to the user / patient indicating the appropriate finger sleeve size.67X9613.DOCX Page 18 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)

[0108] While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary designs, the present disclosure can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.67X9613.DOCX Page 19 of 27

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A device for sizing a patient finger to a finger-based capillary blood collection system including a holder having a finger sleeve for receiving the patient finger, the device comprising: a camera operable to capture images; a display having a user interface operable to control the camera; and a processor coupled to a memory and configured to: operate the camera to acquire an image including a hand of a patient and a reference object of known size; determine a minimum width at a target location of a target finger of the patient based on the image, wherein the target location is between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the target finger; determine an appropriate finger sleeve size of a plurality of finger sleeve sizes for the target finger based on the determined minimum width of the target finger and a width range associated with each of the plurality of finger sleeve sizes; and cause the display to output the appropriate finger sleeve size.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor determines the minimum width at the target location by comparing a pixel size of the reference object to a pixel size of the target finger.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine knuckle points of the hand using the image; identify the target finger in the image based at least in part on the knuckle points; and determine the target location of the target finger between the first knuckle and the second knuckle using the knuckle points.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to set a line at the target location that is perpendicular to an axis extending between the first knuckle and the second knuckle.67X9613.DOCX Page 20 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)5. The device of claim 4, wherein the minimum width is determinized by: mapping an outline of the hand using an edge-detection algorithm; mapping edge points that intersect the outline and the line; and determining a pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location based on a distance between the edge points.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the processor is configured to oscillate the line about its midpoint to find the intersects between the outline and the line if the outline is a discontinuous outline.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the image comprises a red-green-blue (RGB) image, and wherein the processor is further configured to: convert the RGB image to a greyscale image; perform a color contrast image process on the greyscale image to provide a contrasted greyscale image; and identify the reference object in the image using the contrasted greyscale image.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to crop the contrasted greyscale image.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the reference object comprises a coin, and wherein the processor is configured to identify the coin in the image using a circle detection algorithm.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine a pixel-measured minimum width of the reference object; determine a pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location; and convert the pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger to the minimum width of the target finger based on the pixel-measured minimum width of the reference object, the pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location, and a known width of the reference object.67X9613.DOCX Page 21 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)11. The device of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured to receive a selection of the reference object.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein in selecting the appropriate finger sleeve size, the processor is configured to select one of a Small, Medium, Large, or X-Large finger sleeve size.

13. An application-based method for sizing a patient finger to a finger-based capillary blood collection system including a holder having a finger sleeve for receiving the patient finger, the method comprising: acquiring, via a camera of a device, an image of the hand of a patient and a reference object that is positioned on or adjacent the hand, the reference object having a known size and dimensions; determining, via a processor of the device, a minimum width at a target location of a target finger of the patient based on the image, wherein the target location is between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the target finger; selecting, via the processor, an appropriate finger sleeve size of a plurality of finger sleeve sizes for the target finger based on the determined minimum width of the target finger and a width range associated with each of the plurality of finger sleeve sizes; and displaying the appropriate finger sleeve size on a display of the device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein determining the minimum width at the target location comprises comparing a pixel size of the reference object to a pixel size of the target finger.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: determining knuckle points of the hand using the image; identifying the target finger in the image based at least in part on the knuckle points; and determining the target location of the target finger between the first knuckle and the second knuckle using the knuckle points.67X9613.DOCX Page 22 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001)16. The method of claim 15, further comprising setting a line at the target location that is perpendicular to an axis extending between the first knuckle and the second knuckle.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: mapping an outline of the hand using an edge-detection algorithm; mapping edge points that intersect the outline and the line; and determining a pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location based on a distance between the edge points.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising oscillating the line about its midpoint to find the intersects between the outline and the line if the outline is a discontinuous outline.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the image comprises a red-green-blue (RGB) image, and wherein the method further comprises: converting the RGB image to a greyscale image; performing a color contrast image process on the greyscale image to provide a contrasted greyscale image; and identifying the reference object in the image using the contrasted greyscale image.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising cropping the contrasted greyscale image.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the reference object comprises a coin, and wherein the method further comprises identifying the coin in the image using a circle detection algorithm.

22. The method of claim 13, further comprising: determining a pixel-measured minimum width of the reference object; determining a pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location; and67X9613.DOCX Page 23 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001) converting the pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger to the minimum width of the target finger based on the pixel-measured minimum width of the reference object, the pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location, and a known width of the reference object.

23. The method of claim 13, further comprising receiving a selection of the reference object via a user interface of the display.

24. The method of claim 13, wherein the holder comprises the finger sleeve and an actuation portion including a contact member and a pair of opposed tabs, wherein a pinching of the pair of opposed tabs actuates the actuation portion from a first position in which the contact member is in a disengaged position to a second position in which the contact member is in an engaged position, with the contact member exerting a pressure on the sample source when in the engaged position.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein in selecting the appropriate finger sleeve size for the target finger, the method includes selecting a finger sleeve size that provides for the contact member to exert pressure on the sample source when in the engaged position.

26. The method of claim 13, wherein the target finger is a ring finger and / or a middle finger.

27. The method of claim 13, wherein selecting the appropriate finger sleeve size comprises selecting one of a Small, Medium, Large, or X-Large finger sleeve size.

28. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: receive an image of the hand of a patient and a reference object that is positioned on or adjacent the hand, the reference object having a known size and dimensions; determine a minimum width at a target location of a target finger of the patient based on the image, wherein the target location is between a first knuckle and a second knuckle of the target finger;67X9613.DOCX Page 24 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001) select an appropriate finger sleeve size of a plurality of finger sleeve sizes for the target finger based on the determined minimum width of the target finger and a width range associated with each of the plurality of finger sleeve sizes; and output the appropriate finger sleeve size for display.

29. The computer program product of claim 28, wherein in determining the minimum width at the target location, the program instructions further cause the at least one processor to compare a pixel size of the reference object to a pixel size of the target finger.

30. The computer program product of claim 28, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to: determine knuckle points of the hand using the image; identify the target finger in the image based at least in part on the knuckle points; and determine the target location of the target finger between the first knuckle and the second knuckle using the knuckle points.

31. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to set a line at the target location that is perpendicular to an axis extending between the first knuckle and the second knuckle.

32. The computer program product of claim 31, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to: map an outline of the hand using an edge-detection algorithm; map edge points that intersect the outline and the line; and determine a pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location based on a distance between the edge points.

33. The computer program product of claim 32, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one67X9613.DOCX Page 25 of 27Attorney Docket No. 03896-2505637 (P-30061.W001) processor to oscillate the line about its midpoint to find the intersects between the outline and the line if the outline is a discontinuous outline.

34. The computer program product of claim 28, wherein the image comprises a red-green-blue (RGB) image, and wherein the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to: convert the RGB image to a greyscale image; perform a color contrast image process on the greyscale image to provide a contrasted greyscale image; and identify the reference object in the image using the contrasted greyscale image.

35. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to crop the contrasted greyscale image.

36. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein the reference object comprises a coin, and wherein the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to identify the coin in the image using a circle detection algorithm.

37. The computer program product of claim 28, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to: determine a pixel-measured minimum width of the reference object; determine a pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location; and convert the pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger to the minimum width of the target finger based on the pixel-measured minimum width of the reference object, the pixel-measured minimum width of the target finger at the target location, and a known width of the reference object.

38. The computer program product of claim 28, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to receive a selection of the reference object.67X9613.DOCX Page 26 of 27

Images