Devices and methods for identifying and monitoring changes of a suspect area of a patient

Abstract

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.

1 . A method of acquiring an image of a suspect area, the method comprising:
 identifying the suspect area;   positioning a patient with the suspect area in approximately a first position;   aligning an imaging device to acquire an image of the suspect area; and   acquiring the image after aligning the image device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein positioning a patient with the suspect area in a first position includes placing the patient in a predetermined and repeatable position. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein aligning an imaging device to acquire the image includes placing the imaging device in a desired spatial orientation with respect to the suspect area. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein aligning an imaging device to acquire the image includes positioning the imaging device at a desired distance from the suspect area. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein aligning an imaging device to acquire the image includes aligning the image device based at least in part on information from a sensor coupled with the imaging device. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adjusting an aspect affecting the imaging device to enhance a quality of the image. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein adjusting the aspect affecting the imaging device includes attaching a filter to the imaging device. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein adjusting the aspect affecting the imaging device includes adjusting an amount of light in a vicinity of the imaging device. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein acquiring the image is done automatically when the imaging device achieves a desired position. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising archiving the first image in an electronic format. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising pre-processing the first image.