Method of assessing localized shape and temperature of the human body

US7734077B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education · US

Inventors

• Raphael Hirsch · Pittsburgh, US
• James Osborn · Wilmington, US
• Chian Kent Kwoh · Pittsburgh, US
• Louis J. Denes · Pittsburgh, US
• Daniel Huber · Reutlingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 2, 2009
• Grant date: Jun 8, 2010
• Expiry date: Mar 2, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06T2207/30004
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method of objectively quantifying assessments of joints having arthritis for purposes of assessment, diagnosis and treatment. The objective measurements utilize known imaging modalities including 3D scanning, thermal imaging, visible and near-infrared imaging and two-dimensional imaging to quantify swelling, heat distribution, erythema, and range or motion. The objective measurements can be combined in various ways to assess the extent of the disease and can be used to adjust treatment protocols.