Method and apparatus for characterization of chromophore content and distribution in skin using cross-polarized diffuse reflectance imaging

US7400754B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Byungjo Jung · Irvine, US
• Bernard Choi · Irvine, US
• Anthony J. Durkin · Irvine, US
• J. Stuart Nelson · Laguna Niguel, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 7, 2004
• Grant date: Jul 15, 2008
• Expiry date: Jun 5, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2560/0233
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A digital imaging system provides color information of an entire port wine stain or other skin condition with a single image in CIE L*a*b* color space (L*, a*) derived from RGB pixel data (R, G, B). Cross-polarization optics produce marked reduction in specularly reflected light in the images. A patient positioning device allows for repeatable positioning of the patient's head or body portion. The digital nature of the system provides a near real-time mapping of melanin and erythema or other skin chromophore metrics. The cross-polarized diffuse reflectance color digital imaging system obtains subsurface skin color information and acquisition of facial images in a reproducible fashion at a fixed distance from an illumination source at optimized angles of view depending on the region of interest being imaged.