Automatic pressure ulcer measurement

Abstract

Methods and systems for imaging and analysis are described. Accurate pressure ulcer measurement is critical in assessing the effectiveness of treatment. However, the traditional measuring process is subjective. Each health care provider may measure the same wound differently, especially related to the depth of the wound. Even the same health care provider may obtain inconsistent measurements when measuring the same wound at different times. Also, the measuring process requires frequent contact with the wound, which increases risk of contamination or infection and can be uncomfortable for the patient. The present application describes a new automatic pressure ulcer monitoring system (PrUMS), which uses a tablet connected to a 3D scanner, to provide an objective, consistent, non-contact measurement method. The present disclosure combines color segmentation on 2D images and 3D surface gradients to automatically segment the wound region for advanced wound measurements.