Cutaneous Lesion Mapping With Privacy-Preserving Body Map Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping cutaneous conditions, such as lesions, are subjective, prone to human error, lack precision, and compromise patient privacy, leading to inconsistent and inaccurate diagnosis and treatment, especially in conditions like Hidradenitis Suppurativa, and introduce uncertainty in research studies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a processor, display, camera, and memory to identify and map cutaneous conditions by placing measurement markers, capturing representations, and defining icons on a body map, with features like blurring sensitive areas to protect patient privacy and allowing for precise, objective assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual assessment methods are used to map cutaneous conditions, then the assessment can be performed, but the results are subjective and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the cutaneous surface using photography or other imaging techniques. This digital representation serves as an objective record that can be consistently measured and compared over time, eliminating the subjectivity of manual visual assessment while preserving all diagnostic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual visual assessment process with an automated image processing system. The system uses computational algorithms to objectively measure lesion characteristics such as area, shape, and location, substituting human judgment with consistent, repeatable mechanical measurement processes.
2Loss of information
If manual note-taking is used to record assessment data, then the process is simple, but the notes lack detail and nuance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a comprehensive digital copy of the cutaneous surface that captures all visual information with high fidelity. This digital record preserves every detail and nuance of the lesion characteristics, including color, texture, shape, and location, without the limitations of manual writing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms qualitative visual information into quantitative parameters through automated image analysis. The system measures and records specific parameters such as lesion area in square millimeters, color values, and spatial coordinates, converting subjective observations into objective, measurable data that cannot be lost.
3Measurement precision
If images of sensitive regions are used for assessment, then the mapping is accurate, but patient privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary diagnostic information from the cutaneous surface images while removing or blurring identifying characteristics. The system separates the medical data needed for assessment from the personal identification data, allowing accurate mapping without compromising patient privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of processing to different parts of the image. Sensitive regions containing identifying information are blurred or anonymized, while the lesion areas requiring diagnostic accuracy remain clear and measurable. This localized quality adjustment preserves both privacy and diagnostic utility.
4Productivity
If subjective estimation of disease percentage is used, then the assessment can be performed quickly, but the results introduce high subjectivity and uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual estimation with automated image analysis algorithms that objectively measure the percentage of affected area. The system uses computational geometry to calculate precise measurements based on the digital images, eliminating the variability and subjectivity inherent in manual estimation while maintaining rapid assessment capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mapping one or more cutaneous conditions of a cutaneous surface may include: identifying a body map; identifying one or more body regions corresponding to the body map; identifying at least one representation corresponding to the one or more body regions; identifying one or more icons corresponding to the at least one representation;and defining the one or more icons on the at least one representation.