WO2020000055A1

WO2020000055A1 - A device and a method for imaging a tissue area

Info

Publication number: WO2020000055A1
Application number: PCT/AU2019/050687
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hanh Nguyen
Original assignee: Mole Patrol Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-28
Filing date: 2019-06-28
Publication date: 2020-01-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for imaging a tissue area. The device comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in a light configuration plane and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the tissue area, wherein a first wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a first light source is different to a second wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a second light source. The device further comprises a lens being arranged in the light configuration plane of the light source, a hood that is configured to provide a set distance between the lens and the tissue area, and a device mount for attaching the device to a mobile computing device. The device is configured such that when the device is attached to the mobile computing device, an image capturing component of the mobile computing device can capture an image of the tissue area through the lens of the device, and wherein the device is configured such that one or more of the plurality of light sources can be selectively activated and/or deactivated.

Description

Ά device and a method for imaging a tissue area'

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for imaging a tissue area, in particular a surface area of skin. The present invention also relates to a method of imaging a tissue area using the device.

Background

[0002] Devices for examining tissue such as skin are commonly referred to as dermatoscopes. A typical dermatoscope is a handheld device which includes a magnifier, a light source and a transparent contact plate. In order to inspect the skin with a typical dermatoscope without the obstruction of reflections of the light from the tissue, a liquid contact medium needs to be applied between the transparent contact plate and the skin.

[0003] However, this can be very cumbersome as the liquid contact medium needs to be re applied during the examination process. Moreover, most dermatoscopes are very expensive and can only be operated by a medical professional. It would therefore be advantageous if at least an embodiment of the present invention provides a device for imaging a tissue area that can be used by a user other than a medical professional, such as a patient.

[0004] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which have been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0005] Throughout the specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Summary

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for imaging a tissue area, the device comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged in a light configuration plane and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the tissue area, a first wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a first light source being different to a second wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a second light source; a lens being arranged in the light configuration plane of the light source; a hood that is configured to provide a set distance between the lens and the tissue area; and a device mount for attaching the device to a mobile computing device; wherein the device is configured such that when the device is attached to the mobile computing device, an image capturing component of the mobile computing device can capture an image of the tissue area through the lens of the device, and wherein the device is configured such that one or more of the plurality of light sources can be selectively activated and/or deactivated.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide significant advantages. For example, an embodiment of the present invention may allow a user, such as a patient, to attach the device to an existing mobile computing device, such as a smartphone to capture images of a tissue area. The patient may then use the smartphone to send the images to a medical professional, such as a dermatologist who can examine the tissue area based on the captured images. This may be particularly advantageous for users at remote locations. Furthermore, the construction of the device in accordance with an embodiment may be simplified compared to conventional dermatoscopes. This may make the device more cost effective and therefore more affordable for more users. Also, by providing a device that does not require a contact plate or contact medium in accordance with an embodiment, use of the device may be more hygienic compared to conventional dermatoscopes. Even more so, dermatoscopes having a contact plate require regular cleaning of the contact plate due to an accumulation of dirt, such as sweat and grease from the skin. This is not required for the device in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. [0008] Furthermore, by providing a plurality of light sources as stated above, the device may be used at different wavelength ranges without the need for exchanging the device or the light source.

[0009] In an embodiment, the device is configured such that one or more of the plurality of light sources is exchangeable. This has the advantage that the device may be used for different medical purposes, for example to image different skin conditions and skin diseases.

[0010] In an embodiment, at least one of the light sources may be configured to emit

electromagnetic radiation in the visible light range. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the plurality of light sources may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the invisible light range, including but not limited to ultra-violet (UV) wavelength range, or the infra-red, or near- infrared wavelength range.

[0011] In a specific embodiment, the plurality of light sources comprise respective light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0012] In an embodiment, the plurality of light sources may be arranged in a substantially circular configuration surrounding the lens. The plurality of light source may be arranged equidistant to one another.

[0013] In an embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of groups of light sources, each group comprising a plurality of light sources, wherein a first group of light sources emits electromagnetic radiation at a first wavelength range that is different to a second wavelength range of

electromagnetic radiation emitted by a second group of light sources. In this regard, light sources within one group are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at an identical or at least similar wavelength range. For example, a first group of light sources may emit electromagnetic radiation in a visible wavelength range and a second group of light sources may emit electromagnetic radiation in an invisible wavelength range, such as infra-red or near infra-red. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the device may comprise any suitable number of groups of light sources.

[0014] In a specific embodiment, the device may comprise three groups of light sources that can be selectively activated and/or deactivated, wherein each group comprises a plurality of light sources that are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength range that is different to a wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by another group. [0015] The device may comprise a housing for housing the plurality of light sources. The housing may further comprise a receptacle for holding a power source, such as a battery, for powering the plurality of light sources. The housing may further be arranged to house the lens.

[0016] In an embodiment, the device comprises a diffuser that is arranged to diffuse the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the plurality of light sources. The diffuser may comprise a translucent material, such as ground glass, teflon, holographs, opal glass, and greyed glass.

Providing a diffuser has a particular advantage in particular if the device comprises a plurality of LEDs. Furthermore, the diffuser may be configured to absorb at least part of the emitted electromagnetic radiation. In one specific example, the diffuser is part of the housing for housing the plurality of light sources.

[0017] In an embodiment, the plurality of light sources are configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a direction that is substantially parallel to a viewing direction of the lens. The lens may be positioned in a centre and the plurality of light sources, such as a plurality of LEDs, may be positioned around the lens. In a specific embodiment, the lens is configured to provide 20x magnification. However, lenses with other magnifications are envisaged, such as 5x, lOx, 15x, 25x and 30x magnification.

[0018] In one embodiment, the device comprises a polariser. The polariser may be arranged such that at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the light source is polarised.

[0019] The hood may have a height that defines the set distance between the lens and the tissue area. In this way, it can be ensured that images of the tissue area are taken at substantially the same distance from the tissue area. This has the particular advantage that consistency between images for the same tissue area can be improved which may affect accuracy of a comparison of images, in particular if the comparison is performed in an automated manner by a computing device. The hood may have a substantially conical configuration. The hood may comprise a translucent material. For example, the hood may comprise the same material as the diffuser. In this way, external light such as natural light can be diffused. Alternatively, the hood may be made of an opaque material. In an embodiment, the hood may be configured such that reflection of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the light source on the hood is minimised.

[0020] In an embodiment, the hood of the device has an open viewing opening. As such, the device is configured such that when an image of the tissue area is captured, an outer rim of the hood is in direct contact with the tissue area. This has the particular advantage that no contact plate or contact medium is needed to image the tissue area. As a result, using the device to image a tissue area can further be simplified so that non-skilled users, such as patients, can use the device.

[0021] In an embodiment, the device mount is configured to clamp the device to a mobile computing device such that the lens of the device aligns with an image capturing component of the mobile computing device. For example, the device mount may comprise a pair of arms and a hinge connecting the pair of arms, wherein the lens and the light source are supported on one of the pair of arms. As such, the device may be configured as a clip-on for mobile computing devices.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the device mount may comprise a magnet for magnetically mounting the device to the mobile computing device such that the lens of the device aligns with an image capturing component of the mobile computing device. For example, the device mount may comprise a first component and a second component that magnetically attract each other, wherein the device mount is configured such that the first component is part of the device and the second component is attachable to the mobile computing device. Specifically, the second component may be attachable to a magnetic portion of the mobile computing device or positioned between the mobile computing device and a protective cover of the mobile computing device.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the device mount may be in the form of a housing for the mobile computing device. For example, the device mount may be in the form of a protective sleeve or a protective cover of the mobile computing device.

[0024] The mobile computing device may, for example, be a mobile communication device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, a laptop or any other mobile computing device having an image capturing component.

[0025] In an embodiment, the device is configured such that when the device is attached to the mobile computing device, the plurality of light source can be controlled by the mobile computing device. For example, the plurality of light sources may be connected to the mobile computing device by virtue of a wired connection or through a wireless network, including but not limited to WPAN (Bluetooth, infrared light or the like) and WLAN.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, the device may comprise a switch for activating and/or deactivating the plurality of light sources. For example, the device may comprise a switch for selectively activating and/or deactivating the at least one light source and/or the at least one other light source. For the example in which the device comprises a plurality of groups of light sources, the device may comprise a switch for selectively activating and/or deactivating each of the plurality of groups.

[0027] The device may comprise a power source, such as a battery, to provide power to the plurality of light sources. The device may further comprise an interface for connecting the power source to the mobile computing device to charge the power source. The interface may for example be a mini USB port. However, other suitable interfaces are envisaged to enable powering the device. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of imaging a tissue area, the method comprising the steps of: providing a device for imaging a tissue area, the device comprising a plurality of light sources, a lens, a hood and a device mount; the light source and the lens being positioned in the same configuration plane, and a first wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a first light source being different to a second wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a second light source; attaching the device mount of the device to a mobile computing device such that an image capturing component of the mobile computing device aligns with the lens of the device; positioning an outer rim of the hood of the device directly on the tissue around the tissue area, a height of the hood defining a set distance between the lens and the tissue area; selectively activating the first light source; capturing a first image of the tissue area using the image capturing component of the mobile computing device when at least the first light source is activated; selectively activating the second light source of the device; and capturing a second image of the tissue area using the image capturing component of the mobile computing device when at least the second light source is activated.

[0028] The provided device may be the device as described above. [0029] The step of capturing the second image of the tissue area may be performed when the first light source and the second light source are activated.

[0030] The method may further comprise a step of deactivating the first light source before capturing the second image of the tissue area.

[0031] The method may further comprise a step of activating a third light source that is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at a third wavelength range that is different to the wavelength ranges emitted by the first and second light sources, and capturing a third image of the tissue area using the image capturing component of the mobile computing device when at least the third light source is activated. For example, a third image of the tissue area may be captured when the first and third light sources are activated. A person skilled in the art will appreciated that any combination of activated / deactivated light source to capture an image is envisaged.

[0032] The method may further comprise a step of connecting the device to the mobile computing device such that the plurality of light sources can be controlled using the mobile computing device. Alternatively, the device may comprise a switch for controlling the plurality of light sources and the method may comprise a step of operating the switch to selectively activate and/or deactivate one or more of the plurality of light sources. The device may comprise a battery such that the battery can be charged by a computing device.

[0033] The method may comprise storing at least one of the captured images of the tissue area on a memory. The memory may or may not be part of the mobile computing device. The captured images may be stored together with identification data. Suitable identification data may comprise a user name, a time stamp, a GPS location, and a location of the tissue area on a body of the user.

[0034] The method may be repeated in periodic time intervals to monitor changes of the tissue area over time. In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of processing a plurality of images captured at one location of the tissue area over time to identify a characteristic associated with the tissue area.

[0035] In an embodiment, the method comprises sending the captured images to a remote server.

Brief Description of Drawings [0036] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a photographic image of a device for imaging a tissue area in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the device of Figure 1 attached to a mobile computing device;

Figures 4 shows a side view of the device of Figure 1 illustrating an interface for inserting a cable to connect to a computing device, such as a mobile computing device;

Figure 5 shows front views of the device of Figure 1 when components of the device are taken apart;

Figures 6A and 6B shows front and rear views of the lens and the housing of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 7 shows a front view of the housing of Figure 6A without the diffuser;

Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 9 shows a flow chart illustrating a method of imaging a tissue area using the device of Figure 8.

Description of Embodiments

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a device for imaging a tissue area, such as a surface area of skin where a particular skin condition or disease is visible. One specific example relates to the imaging of moles. Other examples may include but are not limited to eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and contact dermatitis. The device for imaging a tissue area comprises a light source that is arranged in a light configuration plane and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the tissue area. The device further comprises a lens that is arranged in the same light configuration plane as the light source. The device further comprises a hood that is configured to provide a set distance between the lens and the tissue area. The device also comprises a device mount for attaching the device to a mobile computing device such as a smartphone, wherein the device is configured such that when the device is attached to the mobile computing device, an image capturing component of the mobile computing device can capture an image of the tissue area through the lens of the device.

[0038] In the following detailed description, a specific embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the mobile computing device is described as a smartphone. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that other mobile computing devices are envisaged that have an image capturing component such as a camera. Examples include but are not limited to a tablet, a PDA and a laptop.

[0039] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a photographic image of a device 100 for imaging a tissue area in accordance with a first specific embodiment of the present invention. An isometric representation of this device 100 is shown in Figure 2. The device 100 comprises a housing 102 that houses a lens 104 and a light source 106 for emitting electromagnetic radiation. Both the lens 104 and the lights source 106 are positioned in the same light configuration plane. The housing 102 further comprises a diffuser 108 that is positioned to cover at least part of the light source 106 such that electromagnetic radiation emitted by the light source 106 is diffused. The device 100 further comprises a hood 110 that is attachable to the housing 102.

[0040] The hood 110 provides a set distance from the tissue area that is to be imaged. In this example, the hood 110 has a height defining the set distance. This ensures consistency between images taken of the same tissue area and may allow for a comparison of multiple images to be performed in an automated manner, for example by a computing device. The height of the hood 110 may be in a range of 1 to 10 cm, in particular between 2 and 6 cm, or between 3 and 5 cm or approximately 2 cm.

[0041] The hood 110 has a substantially conical configuration and has viewing openings on opposite ends wherein a radius of the hood increases with increasing distance from the lens 104.

The viewing opening of the hood 110 that is configured to contact the tissue around the tissue area may have a diameter in a range of 1 to 10 cm, in particular between 3 and 7 cm, or between 4 and 6 cm or approximately 5 cm. Having a relatively large viewing opening for contacting the tissue has the advantage that a range of skin diseases can be imaged. This is different to conventional dermatoscopes that are typically only configured to image moles. The hood 110 is made of a matte translucent material. In this way, light from an external source, such as natural light can be diffused. Furthermore, the translucent material of the hood 110 reduces or even minimises any reflection of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the light source. Alternatively, the hood 110 may be made of an opaque material.

[0042] The hood 110 has an open viewing opening and the device 100 is configured such that no transparent contact plate or liquid contact medium is needed to take images of the tissue area. The inventors believe that this is due to the configuration of the device 100, in particular the configuration and the material of the diffuser 108 and the hood 110. Thus, when an image of the tissue area is captured, an outer rim of the hood 100 is brought in direct contact with the tissue surrounding the tissue area. This has the particular advantage that construction of the device can further be simplified to reduce manufacturing costs of the device. Furthermore, no liquid contact medium may be needed to image a tissue area. This may make use of the device 100 more hygienic for the user. Moreover, this may even reduce the risk of infection of the tissue area in particular if the tissue area contains an open wound.

[0043] The device 100 further comprises a device mount 112 for attaching the device 100 to a mobile computing device such that an image capturing component of the mobile computing device can be used to capture an image of the tissue area. Figure 3 shows the device 100 being attached to a smartphone 118 using the device mount 112 and Figure 4 shows the device mount 112 in more detail.

[0044] The device mount 112 is configured such that the device 100 can be attached to a range of suitable mobile computing devices having different sizes, shapes and thicknesses. This provides a great degree of flexibility to accommodate any suitable mobile computing device that the user may have. In this example, the device mount 112 comprises a pair of arms 114, 115 that are connected via a hinge 116 so that the device 100 can be clamped onto an edge portion of a mobile computing device which in this case is a smartphone 118. When the device 100 is attached to the smartphone 118, it is important that the lens 104 aligns with the image capturing component 120 of the smartphone 118.

[0045] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other device mounts for mounting the device to a mobile computing device are envisaged. For example, the device mount may be in the form of a protective sleeve or cover for the mobile computing device such as the smartphone 118. Another example of a suitable device mount will be described further below with reference to Figure 8. [0046] The described embodiment allows a non-skilled user, such as a patient, to use the device 100 to image and monitor one or more tissue areas. For example, a patient may use the device 100 to image a tissue area showing a mole. The device 100 allows the patient to take multiple images of the same tissue area over time such that any changes of the tissue area can be monitored. The images can then be sent to a medical professional, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who may use the images to perform further examinations or make a diagnosis. In a specific example, multiple images may be sent to a remote server where they can be analysed in an automated manner.

[0047] Figure 4 shows that the device 100 comprises an interface 112 for connecting the device 100 to the smartphone 118 via a wired connection, such as a mini USB charging cable 124. In this particular example, the device 100 comprises a battery 128 that is housed in a receptacle 126 of the housing 102 which is configured to power the light source 106. By connecting the device 100 to a computer or the smartphone 118, the battery 128 can be charged. The device comprises a switch on the device housing 102 that can be operated to activate and deactivate the light source 106. In an alternative example (not shown), the device 100 may be configured to be controlled by the smartphone 118 when the smartphone 118 is connected to the device 100. In particular, the light source 106 may be activated or deactivated by using the smartphone 118. Other features of the device may also be controllable by the smartphone 118. Furthermore, the device 100 may be connected to the smartphone 118 by virtue of a wireless network. For example, the device 100 may comprise an interface for connecting to the smartphone 118 via Bluetooth.

[0048] Referring now to Figures 5 to 7, there is shown front and rear views of components of the device 100. Figure 5 shows front views of the device mount 112, the housing 102 and the hood 110. The three components of the device 100 can be dismantled and assembled again in a relatively simple manner to allow for the device 100 to be packaged in a compact manner. Figure 6A shows a front view of the housing 102 and Figure 6B shows a rear view of the housing 102. The housing 102 comprises the diffuser 108 that is configured to cover the light source 106 positioned in the housing 102. In Figure 7, the housing 102 is shown without the diffuser 108 to illustrate some of the components located within the housing 102.

[0049] In this particular example, the device 100 comprises a plurality of light sources in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 106. The plurality of LEDs 106 are positioned on a circuit board 130 that is located within the housing 102. The plurality of LEDs 106 are arranged in a substantially circular configuration around the lens 104 that is positioned in the centre. Each LED 106 is positioned equidistant to an adjacent LED 106. In this example, the plurality of LEDs 106 and the lens 104 are positioned in the same configuration plan. A direction of the emitted electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to a viewing opening of the lens. In this way, the tissue area is being illuminated directly from above which reduces reflections from the hood 108.

[0050] As shown in the drawings, the housing 102 is substantially ring-shaped for housing the circuit board 130 and the plurality of LEDs 106. In addition, the housing 102 comprises a receptacle 128 for housing a battery 126. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable shape of the housing 102 and configuration of the light source(s) are envisaged. The battery 128 is connected to the LEDs 106 to provide power and can be charged via an interface, such as charging port 122 by the a computing device, such as the smartphone 118.

[0051] In this example, the LEDs 106 emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible wavelength range. However, it is envisaged that the light source such as the LEDs 106 may alternatively emit electromagnetic radiation in other wavelength ranges, including but not limited to ultra-violet, near- infrared and infrared. In a specific example, the LEDs 106 may be exchangeable. This may be achieved by configuring the device 100 such that at least a part of the housing 102 is exchangeable. For example, the complete housing 102 including the lens 104 and the battery 128 may be exchangeable. In an alternative example (not shown), the light source may comprise a wood lamp.

[0052] As shown in particular in Figures 5 and 6A, the device 100 further comprises a diffuser 108 which is part of the housing 102. Specifically, the diffuser 108 has a similar shape as the housing 102 and is configured to cover the plurality of LEDs 106 and the battery 128. In this example, the diffuser 108 has the function of diffusing the emitted electromagnetic radiation to create soft light. By diffusing the electromagnetic radiation, a uniform illumination of the tissue area can be achieved. Furthermore, the diffuser 108 may also function as a protective cover to protect components within the housing 102.

[0053] The diffuser 108 is made of a matte translucent material, such as ground glass, teflon, holographs, opal glass, greyed glass, acrylic or polycarbonate material. Providing a diffuser 108 is particularly advantageous if the device 100 comprises a plurality of distinct light sources, such as LEDs 106 as a more uniform distribution of the emitted light can be achieved. The diffuser 108 may be made of the same material as the hood 110 to further reduce any reflection of the

electromagnetic radiation and thereby improve a quality of the images taken of the tissue area. [0054] In this example, the lens 104 is a macro lens providing 20x magnification. This is particularly advantageous if the device 100 is used to take images of moles. However, lenses with other set magnifications are envisaged, such as 5x, lOx, 15x, 25x and 30x magnification.

[0055] In one embodiment (not shown), the device may comprise a polariser. The polariser may be arranged such that at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the light source is polarised.

[0056] Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a device 200 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the device 100 shown in Figure 7, a front view of the device 200 is illustrated without showing the diffuser or hood. It should be noted that like numerals indicate like components.

[0057] In this particular embodiment, the device 200 comprises a plurality of light sources 206, 207, 208 wherein one or more light sources is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at a different wavelength range. In particular, a first group of four LEDs 206 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible wavelength range, a second group of four LEDs 207 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 360nm - 370nm and a third group of four LEDs 208 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 420nm - 425nm. The device 200 is configured such that each of the groups of LEDs 206, 207, 208 can be selectively activated and/or deactivated. For example, by using the smartphone 118 or a switch (not shown). A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable number of groups of LEDs and any suitable number of LEDs within a group is envisaged. Even more so, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that other wavelength ranges for the groups of LEDs 206, 207, 208. For example, the first group of LEDs 206 may emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible range, the second group of LEDs 207 may emit electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range and the third group of LEDs 208 may emit electromagnetic radiation in the near-infrared range. The wavelength range may depend on the particular application of the device 200.

[0058] If the device 200 comprises a switch for selectively activating and/or deactivating one or more groups of LEDs 206, 207, 208, the switch may comprise four positions: a first position for deactivating all LEDs 206, 207, 208, a second position for activating the first group of LEDs 206, a third position for additionally activating the second group of LEDs 207 and a fourth position for additionally activating the third group of LEDs 208. In other words, when the switch is arranged in the fourth position, all three groups of LEDs 206, 207, 208 are activated. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that this configuration relates to a specific example of the device and other configurations are envisaged. For example, each position of the switch may relate to the activation of one group of LEDs only.

[0059] The device 200 further comprises a device mount in the form of a magnet 210. The magnet 210 is configured to magnetically mount the device 200 to a mobile computing device, such as smartphone 118. In this regard, the magnet 210 may magnetically attach the device 200 to a magnetic component of the smartphone 118. Alternatively, the device mount may comprise a further component that is magnetically attachable to the magnet 210. The further component may be positioned between the smartphone 118 and a suitable protective cover or sleeve (not shown) of the smartphone 118.

[0060] Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown a flowchart illustrating a method 300 of imaging a tissue area using the device 200 as described above. The method comprises a first step 302 of providing the device 100 for imaging a tissue area. In a second step 304, the device 200 is attached to a mobile computing device using the magnetic mount 210 in a way so that an image capturing component of the mobile computing device aligns with the lens 104 of the device 200. For example, the device 200 may be attached to a top edge of a smartphone so that the lens 104 aligns with the viewing aperture of the camera of the smartphone. In a next step 306, an outer rim of a hood of the device 200 is positioned directly on the tissue around the tissue area that is to be imaged. The tissue area may, for example, show a mole or any other skin condition or skin disease. The method 300 then comprises a step of capturing 308 a first image of the tissue area using the image capturing component when the first group of LEDs 206 of the device 200 is activated. The second group of light sources 207 of the device 200 is then activated 310 and a second image of the tissue area is captured 312 when both the first and second groups of LEDs 206, 207 are activated. In a further step 314, the third group of light sources 208 of the device 200 is activated and the second group of light sources 207 is deactivated. A third image of the tissue area is then captured 316 when the first and third groups of LEDs 206, 208 are activated. Thus, three images of the tissue area are captured at different illumination conditions.

[0061] The method 300 may further comprise a step of connecting the device 200 to the mobile computing device such that the battery of the device can be charged. A software application executed on the mobile computing device may provide a user with directions for activating and deactivating the light source. Alternatively, the software application may be configured to automatically selectively activate and/or deactivate one or more of the groups of light sources 206, 207, 208.

[0062] The method 300 may further comprise storing the captured images of the tissue area in a memory. The memory may or may not be part of the mobile computing device. The first and second images may be stored together with identification data. Suitable identification data may include but is not limited to a name of the user, a time stamp, a GPS location, a location of the tissue area relative to a body of the user. The identification data may also comprise data indicative of a characteristic of the tissue area, such as a characteristic of a lesion or a mole that is visible in the tissue area. In this regard, the software application may facilitate the user to input information relating to this.

[0063] The method may be repeated in periodic time intervals to monitor changes of the tissue area over time. For example, multiple images of a mole may be captured over a period of time to monitor any changes to the mole. In this regard, the method may comprise a step of alerting the user to capture images of a tissue area after a predetermined time period.

[0064] In an embodiment, the method comprises sending the captured images to a remote server. This step may be performed manually, semi-automatically or automatically.

[0065] In a specific embodiment, the method 300 may comprise a step of processing a plurality of images of a specific tissue area relative to the body of the user taken over a time period to determine any changes. In this way, a characteristic associated with the tissue area may be identified. For example, a skin condition or disease may be diagnosed based on the comparison of the multiple images.

[0066] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments and/or aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. For example, it will be apparent that certain features of the invention can be combined to form further embodiments. The present embodiments and aspects are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Several embodiments are described above with reference to the drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of the present invention. Flowever, describing the invention with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the invention any limitations associated with features shown in the drawings.

List of numerals

100 device

102 housing

104 lens

106 light source

108 diffuser

110 hood

111 outer rim

112 device mount

114 first mount arm

115 second mount arm

116 hinge

118 mobile communication device

120 image capturing component

122 charging port

124 charging cable

126 receptacle

128 battery

130 circuit board

200 device

206 first light source

207 second light source

208 third light source

210 device mount

Claims

1. A device for imaging a tissue area, the device comprising: a plurality of light sources arranged in a light configuration plane and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the tissue area, a first wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a first light source being different to a second wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a second light source; a lens being arranged in the light configuration plane of the light source; a hood that is configured to provide a set distance between the lens and the tissue area; and a device mount for attaching the device to a mobile computing device; wherein the device is configured such that when the device is attached to the mobile computing device, an image capturing component of the mobile computing device can capture an image of the tissue area through the lens of the device, and wherein the device is configured such that one or more of the plurality of light sources can be selectively activated and/or deactivated.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of light sources is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible light range.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of light sources is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the invisible light range.

4. The device of claim 1 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of light source comprise respective light emitting diodes (LEDs).

5. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a plurality of groups of light sources, each group comprising a plurality of light sources, wherein a first group of light sources emits electromagnetic radiation at a first wavelength range that is different to a second wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a second group.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first group of light sources is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a visible light range and the second group of light sources is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in an invisible light range.

7. The device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a diffuser that is arranged to diffuse the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the plurality of light sources, wherein the diffuser comprises a translucent material.

8. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of light source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a direction that is substantially parallel to a viewing direction of the lens.

9. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lens provides 5x, lOx, 15x, 20x, or 25x magnification.

10. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the hood has a substantially conical configuration and comprises a translucent material.

11. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hood has an open viewing opening and the device is configured such that when an image of the tissue area is captured, an outer rim of the hood is in direct contact with the tissue area.

12. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device mount is configured to clamp the device to a mobile computing device such that the lens of the device aligns with an image capturing component of the mobile computing device.

13. The device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device mount is configured to magnetically attached the device to a mobile computing device such that the lens of the device aligns with an image capturing component of the mobile computing device.

14. The device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing for housing the light source, wherein the housing comprises a receptacle for holding a power source for providing power to the light source.

15. A method of imaging a tissue area, the method comprising the steps of: providing a device for imaging a tissue area, the device comprising a plurality of light sources, a lens, a hood and a device mount, the light source and the lens being positioned in the same configuration plane, and a first wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation of a first light source being different to a second wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a second light source; attaching the device mount of the device to a mobile computing device such that an image capturing component of the mobile computing device aligns with the lens of the device; positioning an outer rim of the hood of the device directly on the tissue around the tissue area, a height of the hood defining a set distance between the lens and the tissue area; selectively activating the first light source of the device; capturing a first image of the tissue area using the image capturing component of the mobile computing device when at least the first light source is activated; and selectively activating the second light source of the device; and capturing a second image of the tissue area using the image capturing component of the mobile computing device when at least the second light source is activated.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the device is the device of any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the second image of the tissue area is captured when the first light source and the second light source are activated.

18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17 comprising selectively activating a third light source of the device and deactivating the second light source, and capturing a third image of the tissue area using the image capturing component of the mobile computing device when the first and third light sources are activated.

19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, comprising storing the first and second images of the tissue area on a memory together with identification data, wherein the identification data includes at least one of: a name of the patient, a time stamp, a GPS location, and a location of the tissue area on a body of the patient.

20. The method of any one of claims 15 to 19, comprising repeating the method steps in periodic time intervals to monitor changes of the tissue area over time.