Fluorescence scope system for dermatologic diagnosis
US6021344A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/502
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for the diagnosis of a skin disease site by visual fluorescence inspection comprising an excitation light source for illuminating the disease site, a light guide for transmitting the excitation light directly to the disease site to generate fluorescence light and viewing goggles for processing the excitation light reflected and the fluorescence light emitted from the disease site to provide a fluorescence image of the disease site to a user. The fluorescence image is used to aid the medical assessment of skin conditions and the diagnosis of cutaneous diseases by supplementing the visual assessment of skin lesions made by the naked eye. The apparatus can be used in several modes of operation that permit the viewing of full color fluorescence images and enhanced two color images. The apparatus can also use image intensifying equipment to amplify fluorescence light so that even very weak fluorescing objects can be seen. A method for acquiring and viewing the fluorescence images is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.