Digital Image Analysis for Suspect Skin Area Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring changes in suspect skin areas, such as those indicative of melanoma, rely on subjective visual inspections and comparisons, which are inaccurate and prone to missed detections due to human error and variability.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based algorithm compares digital images taken at different times, overlaying and analyzing them for color, perimeter, and depth changes, using a device with a distance-measuring component and reference markers for optimal imaging and consistent lighting, to provide objective and detailed change detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection or visual comparison of photographs by a medical professional is used, then the monitoring process is simple and low-cost, but the accuracy and objectivity of detecting small or subtle changes in a suspect area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with a digital image processing system. A digital camera captures images of the suspect area, and a computer algorithm automatically analyzes changes in color, perimeter, and other characteristics. This substitution eliminates human subjectivity and dramatically improves detection accuracy while maintaining relative simplicity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer algorithm as an intermediary between image capture and analysis. The algorithm processes digital images, compares them over time, and objectively identifies changes that would be imperceptible to human visual inspection. This intermediary layer provides the precision needed while keeping the overall system manageable through software-based solutions.
2Reliability
If the blinking comparison method is used to detect changes, then the process requires minimal equipment, but the ability to detect subtle changes in color, perimeter, or depth deteriorates due to subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual blinking comparison method with automated digital image processing. A computer algorithm objectively analyzes sequential images, comparing color values, perimeter measurements, and other parameters without human intervention. This substitution ensures reliability and objectivity while managing complexity through algorithmic automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by automatically comparing new images with previous images and providing objective results about detected changes. The computer algorithm processes the images and generates feedback information about color changes, perimeter variations, and other parameters, eliminating the subjectivity of manual comparison while maintaining a manageable system through automated feedback loops.
3Measurement precision
If manual visual comparison is performed by medical professionals, then the equipment required is minimal, but the consistency and repeatability of measurements deteriorates due to human error and distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual comparison with automated computer-based image analysis. The system consistently processes images according to predetermined algorithms, eliminating human error, distraction, and variability. This substitution achieves high measurement precision and consistency while reducing the time required, as the computer can rapidly analyze multiple images without fatigue or attention lapses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing, processing, and comparing images without requiring continuous human intervention. The computer algorithm independently analyzes the images, compares them over time, and identifies changes, freeing the medical professional from time-consuming manual examination while maintaining high consistency and precision in the measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for acquiring first and subsequent images of a suspect area on a patient and methods for monitoring or detecting changes of the suspect area over time and providing notification when the changes exceed a threshold. The device may be an imaging device, such as a digital camera, possibly augmented with physical or optical devices for arranging the orientation and/or distance of the imaging device with respect to the suspect area. In addition, methods for identifying, relocating, acquiring a first and/or subsequent image of the suspect area, and performing a comparative analysis of respective images are also described. Results of the comparative analysis can be used to notify and/or assist a medical professional in treating or counseling the patient.