Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
  • A61B5/0077—Devices for viewing the surface of the body, e.g. camera, magnifying lens
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/44—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the integumentary system, e.g. skin, hair or nails
  • A61B5/441—Skin evaluation, e.g. for skin disorder diagnosis
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/44—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the integumentary system, e.g. skin, hair or nails
  • A61B5/441—Skin evaluation, e.g. for skin disorder diagnosis
  • A61B5/445—Evaluating skin irritation or skin trauma, e.g. rash, eczema, wound, bed sore
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
  • A61B5/6846—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive
  • A61B5/6886—Monitoring or controlling distance between sensor and tissue
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/48—Other medical applications
  • A61B5/4842—Monitoring progression or stage of a disease

Definitions

• the invention relates to a camera for forming a recording of an image of at least a part of an object, comprising:
• EP- A-1 094 349 in which a camera is shown with four light sources that emit respective light beams, the camera being located at an exact distance and under an exact angle relative to the object when the four light beams cross each other at the height of the object.
• a disadvantage of the camera from EP- A-1 094 349 is, that the camera cannot be positioned correctly if the object is not flat.
• the positioning means comprise three light sources for emitting respective calibration light beams to the object, the light sources being adapted for arrangement in a fixable and/or reproducible position relative to the recording element and/or the optical element, wherein calibration light beams reflected by the object can be received by the recording element via the optical element, and wherein three locations are defined in the recording element such that received reflected
• the positioning means comprise three light sources, by which three calibration light beams are emitted that will coincide with three locations defined in the recording-element if the camera has a correct positioning relative to the object, the camera depends on three
• the diameter of the calibration light beams is small relative to the size of at least a part of the object, in such a way, that the camera can be positioned accurately relative to the object.
• the diameter of the calibration light beams is that small that they can be referred to as calibration light rays.
• calibration light beams also include negative calibration light beams.
• a negative light beams is hereby defined in such a way that the three light sources emit a light beam with an interruption in this, in which the interruption can coincide with the three locations in order to obtain a correct positioning.
• a light source is understood to mean a source emitting a light beam. For instance this could be one lamp emitting three beams of light, in which case the lamp comprises of three light sources. It is also possible that a lamp could emit one positive light beam in which three interruptions occur with the result that three negative light beams are emitted. This case is also referred to as three light sources for the three negative light beams.
• the coinciding of the received reflected calibration light beams with the three locations in the recording- element could, for instance, be determined automatically.
• the camera is adjusted preceding to first use in such a way, that with help from a known spatial geometry of the camera and possibly a fictitious reference plane, which lies an angle relative to an optical axis of the optical element, for instance perpendicular and which is located a predetermined distance from the optical center of the optical element, is determined, that the possibly fictitious emitted calibration light beams coincide with the three locations in the recording-element upon reflection of this reference plane.
• the camera can be adjusted without the presence of the object of which a recording will be formed. Whenever it is needed the camera can be adjusted in the manner described above, for instance when one of the light sources has been moved from a known position relative to the optical element.
• the camera includes optical display means for displaying the recording, the display means being adapted to display the three locations and the received reflected calibration light beams .
• the display means are chosen from the group comprising: a sight, a camera display and a computer screen.
• the camera consists of means to link the camera with a computer for the purpose of feeding the recording to the computer.
• the computer can be located in the vicinity of the camera in such a way that camera and computer can be linked with each other.
• the computer can be located at a larger distance such that the recording can be processed at a large distance from the camera.
• the computer can be equipped such that it automatically makes a report of the supplied
• the camera also comprises a fourth light source for emitting a recording light beam to the object.
• Recording light beam also includes recording light rays.
• a fourth light source is that another type of light source can be used than the ones used for the calibration light beams. Such a fourth light source can be especially suited to illuminate a certain part of the object for forming a recording.
• the fourth light source emits a fan-shaped beam or a parallel beam.
• a parallel beam or a fan-shaped beam is especially suited as incidence of light, since a 2D-depth profile can be determined well using such a beam.
• the fan-shaped beam can be either a diverging beam or a flat fan-shaped beam.
• the or every recording light source can project light with a known pattern, like for example in the form of lines, or a grid or net (built from for example lines or points) , or other different geometrical forms in an orderly or unorderly pattern.
• a known pattern like for example in the form of lines, or a grid or net (built from for example lines or points) , or other different geometrical forms in an orderly or unorderly pattern.
• multi-line-lasers or a mobile projection of laser lines also known as scanning.
• a camera which moves relative to the object, for example by linking the camera with a stand of which the spatial movement can be controlled, for example by electronic means.
• a moving object for example a
• the wavelengths of the three emitted calibration light beams and/or the recording light beams have a narrow bandwidth, also known as multi-spectral light.
• the wavelengths of the three emitted calibration light beams and/or the recording light beams are mutually differen .
• the light sources can possibly be switched on and off rapidly according to a certain order, to distinguish the emitted light of the light sources mutually.
• a reference plane has been defined which lies at an angle relative to an optical axis of the optical element and which is located a predetermined distance from the optical center of the optical element, wherein the camera or a computer coupled thereto is adapted to determine the perpendicular distance between the reference plane and a location at which the recording light beam is received and reflected by the object.
• a camera with such a defined reference plane has the advantage that adjusting the camera can take place without the presence of the object of which a recording will be formed.
• the reference plane can be determined accurately independent of the object, as a result of which the camera can be adjusted exactly.
• Another advantage of a camera with such a defined reference plane is, that this reference plane can be used for adjusting the camera prior to first use or whenever it is needed.
• a camera with such a defined reference plane can be applied advantageously for forming a number of recordings of the object at successive points in time, such that changes of the object as function of time can be determined. If the reference plane is defined in the same way at each
• the different recordings can be compared mutually for determining possible changes of the object.
• a depth profile of the object can be determined using such a camera.
• Such a depth profile can be applied in particular for checking objects on wear.
• a user can determine simply how the object wears at certain places since the depth of the object can be a measure for wear.
• the invention further relates to a method for forming a recording of an image of at least a part of an object with use of a camera as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, the method comprising the steps of:
• a) providing the camera which comprises: - a recording element for forming a recording of the image;
• positioning means comprising three light sources for emitting respective calibration light beams to the object, the light sources being adapted for arrangement in a fixable and/or reproducible position relative to the recording element and/or the optical element, wherein calibration light beams reflected by the object can be received by the recording element via the optical element, and wherein three locations are defined in the recording element such that received reflected calibration light beams can coincide with the three locations;
• the camera can be correctly positioned relative to an object in an efficient manner, because all degrees of freedom of the position of the camera relative to the object are overcome the moment each of the three received reflected calibration light beams coincide with a respective location in the recording element.
• An additional advantage of the method according to the invention is that forming the recording of the object can take place without the camera being in contact with the object.
• the method comprises the steps of: d ⁇ defining two object locations on the surface of the object;
• the method comprises the steps of:
• the method comprises the steps of:
• a depth profile of the object can be determined simply. Such a depth profile can be applied in particular for checking objects on wear. A user can determine simply how the object wears at certain places since the depth of the object can be a measure for wear.
• the reference plane can be used for adjusting the camera without the presence of the object of which a recording will be formed, like described before.
• the reference plane can be determined accurately independent of the object, as a result of which the camera can be adjusted exactly.
• Another advantage of defining a reference plane is, that this reference plane can be used for adjusting the camera prior to first use or whenever it is needed.
• this comprises the steps of:
• the invention can be used for forming a recording of an image of at least a part of an object, where the position of the camera relative to the object is correct and/or where each time the same part of an object can be registered.
• This principle can be applied advantageously for forming a number of recordings of the object at successive points in time, such that changes of the object in the time can be determined.
• the unit of time can be any suitable unit of time, which unit of time can be the same each time or different. Determining changes in the surface of the object can be applied for example advantageously for stipulating the wear of an object.
• the method according to the invention can be applied at examinations into the skin of a patient.
• a recording each time after a certain time interval of for example a skin wound it can be determined easily if the wound heals or that the wound worsens.
• this method can be applied very usefully in this application.
• this method is very advantageous with examinations into the skin, because in the method according to the invention the camera is not put in contact with the skin. Because of this the chances on contamination can be reduced.
• this comprises the steps of: n) forming a number of recordings of images of in each case at least the part of a number of objects;
• these recordings can be compared with each other for determining agreements and differences between similar objects. This can be applied advantageously in particular for determining wear, where it can be
• the recording can be formed with respect to at least one of the following aspects of at least part of the object: a depth of the surface; a certain shape; a size; a boundary; and an edge. If appropriate a number of partial recordings can be taken together for forming an entire recording.
• the aforementioned method for forming a recording of at least a part of an object makes use of a method for correction of the ambient light, also known as light correction.
• the invention can be particularly interesting in a method for forming a recording of an image of at least a part of a biological and/or living surface, in particular the skin of an individual.
• a recording can be formed of a skin defect.
• the invention is also related to a method for analyzing one or more recordings of an image of at least a part of one or more objects, where the or each recording has been formed using a camera like described before, and by means of a method like described before.
• the recording can be added for example to other information on the object.
• the analysis can take place for example on distance of the camera, with which is meant that forming the recording and analyzing the recording can take place apart from each other. It is also possible that the analysis takes place after a certain unit of time after forming the recording, which certain unit of time can be any suitable unit of time. In this way forming the recording and
• analyzing the recording can take place apart from each other.
• two or more recordings of an image of at least a part of one or more objects are formed, where the method for analyzing the recordings comprises the steps of: p) mutually comparing two or more recordings; and q) determining the differences between two or more recordings .
• FIG. 1A-1C show a camera according to the
• FIG. 3A-3C show the recording-element of a camera according to a second embodiment
• - figures 4A-4C show the recording-element of a camera according to a third embodiment
• - figures 5A, 5B show a schematic side-view of the camera from figures 1A-1C;
• FIG. 6 shows a schematic reproduction of a
• FIG. 7 shows a camera according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in perspective.
• Figures 1A-1C show a camera 1 for forming a recording of an image of at least a part of an object 2.
• Camera 1 includes a recording-element 3 for forming a recording of an image, an optical element 4 for projecting the image on the recording-element 3 and three light sources 5-7, which light sources 5-7 are connected to camera 1 using respective connectors 8-10, in such a way that light sources 5-7 are fixed relative to optical element 4.
• light sources 5-7 are not connected to the camera and can be positioned relative to the camera, where the position of light sources 5-7 relative to the optical element 4 is reproducible.
• FIG 1A three locations 11-13 in the recording- element 3 are defined.
• Camera 1 is correctly positioned relative to object 2 if the, emitted by light source 5-7 and reflected by object 2, calibration light beams, presented in the figures as calibration light rays, coincide with the three respective locations 11-13.
• the camera Prior to first use or whenever it is needed the camera can be adjusted by reflecting these fictitious calibration light rays 14-16 relative to a fictitious reference plane ⁇ not shown) , located
• Figure IB and 1C show camera 1 in an incorrect, respectively correct, position relative to object 2.
• the emitted calibration light rays 20,22,24 are reflected by object 2 and received as reflected calibration light rays
• Figure 2 shows schematically the situation in which locations 11-13 are defined in recording-element 3 (A) , the situation in which receipt-locations 26-28 do not coincide with defined locations 11-13, or incorrect positioning of the camera relative to the object (B) , and the situation in which receipt-locations 26-28 coincide with defined
• object locations 30-32 are shown.
• Object locations 30-32 can be marked for instance on the surface of object 2 or these can be natural markers. For instance if object 2 is the skin of a person, a marker can be present in the form of a birthmark, or a location on a birthmark.
• Camera 1 can now each time be aimed at a certain part of object 2 by letting the calibration light rays 20,22,24 to be received and reflected in the area of a respective object location 30-32 of object 2. It is apparent that two object locations are sufficient if a convention is used to define the position of the third calibration light ray.
• This convention might, for instance, consists of the fact that calibration light ray 23 is being received by the surface of object 2 right relative to object locations 30,32 and is reflected if camera 1 is in the position as shown, where light source 5 is the upper light source and object location 30 is the upper object location. In this way only two object locations have to be defined.
• object locations also shape-recognition of part of the surface of object 2 can be used, where camera 1 is forming a recording of object 2 if a certain shape is recognized. For instance, with the skin this can be the shape of a birthmark or the shape of the edge of a wound.
• Figure 3A shows schematically the situation in which locations 11-13 in recording-element 3 are defined for a second embodiment of the camera, in which the light sources emit fan-shaped beams.
• the fan-shaped beams are reflected by the object and presented as receiving lines 260, 270, 280 in recording-element 3.
• FIG 3B the situation is shown in which receiving lines 260, 270, 280 do not coincide with defined locations 11-13, or incorrect positioning of the camera relative to the object.
• figure 3C the situation is shown in which receiving lines 260, 270, 280 coincide with defined locations 11-13, or correct positioning of the camera relative to the object.
• Figure 4A shows schematically the situation in which locations 11-13 in recording-element 3 are defined for a third embodiment of the camera, in which the light sources emit fan-shaped beams with an interruption in this, or in which the light sources emit a parallel beam and at the same time a scanning motion with an interruption in this is carried out.
• the beams are being reflected by the object and are projected in recording-element 3 as receiving lines 2600, 2700, 2800 with respective interruptions 2610, 2710, 2810.
• FIG 4B the situation is presented in which interruptions 2610, 2710, 2810 do not coincide with defined locations 11-13, or incorrect positioning of the camera relative to the object.
• FIG 4C the situation is presented in which interruptions 2610, 2710, 2810 coincide with defined locations 11-13, or correct positioning of the camera relative to the object.
• Figures 5A and 5B show a reference plane 40, that is defined in such a way that reference plane 40 is located perpendicular to optical axis 41 of optical element 4 and on a predetermined distance 61 from optical center 42 of optical element 4.
• Figure 5B shows light source 50 for emitting a
• Recording light ray 51 is received and reflected by object 2 in location 52. In receipt-location 53 recording light ray 51 is received in recording-element 3.
• a perpendicular distance 60 between reference plane 40 an location 52, in which recording light ray 51 is received and reflected by object can be determined, because this distance 60 is equal to the perpendicular distance 62 from location 52 to the main optical plane 63, which main optical plane 63 is perpendicular to optical axis 41 and encloses optical center 42, minus the perpendicular distance 61 between optical center 42 and reference plane 40 (see figure 6) .
• the depth of each of the locations 52 relative to reference plane 40 can be determined. In this way a depth profile of the surface of object 2 can be formed.
• the spatial position of the reflection location relative to the camera can be determined using optical principles, like for instance:
• the reflection location is the intersection of the emitted recording light beam and the reflected light beam that goes as a straight line through the optical center and the location in the recording-element in which the recording light beam is projected;
• an alternative light source 500 for emitting a fan-shaped recording light beam that is represented as recording light rays 510 towards object 2.
• a fan-shaped recording light beam that is represented as recording light rays 510 towards object 2.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
• Medical Informatics (AREA)
• Biophysics (AREA)
• Pathology (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Molecular Biology (AREA)
• Surgery (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Dermatology (AREA)
• Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)

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• 2010
  • 2010-07-21 NL NL2005124A patent/NL2005124C2/nl not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2011
  • 2011-07-20 WO PCT/NL2011/050527 patent/WO2012011809A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2011-07-20 EP EP11738068.3A patent/EP2595533A1/de not_active Withdrawn

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