WO2022075854A1

WO2022075854A1 - Personal skin inspection device

Info

Publication number: WO2022075854A1
Application number: PCT/NO2021/050203
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carl Christian Sole SEMB; Magnus Berg PETTERSEN; Bjørn BYE
Original assignee: Independence Gear As
Current assignee: Independence Gear As
Priority date: 2020-10-06
Filing date: 2021-10-05
Publication date: 2022-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 2023-04-06

Abstract

Present invention relates to a personal skin inspection device, more specifically a device for monitoring and observe the skin condition of a person. The device according to the invention comprises: - a sensor housing (1); - a bendable gooseneck (2); - a handle section (3); said sensor housing (1) comprising one or more cameras or other sensors (1,1), said sensor housing (1) is rotatably connected to the bendable gooseneck (2) and said gooseneck (2) is connected to the handle section (3); wherein the sensor housing (3) is rotatable between 0° and 320° to the centerline of the gooseneck (2).

Description

PERSONAL SKIN INSPECTION DEVICE

Technical Field

[0001] Present invention relates to a personal skin inspection device for use by persons with reduced motoric control and/or reduced physical maneuverability to inspect their skin condition in areas which are not easily observable for the person.

[0002] Personal skin care is important to maintain good health. People with reduced mobility, strength or other conditions will often find it challenging to make sure that their skin is healthy.

[0003] For instance, people with a spinal cord injury, diabetes and elderly often have reduced blood circulation. With localized increased pressure from sitting and lying down the prevalence of a wound type called pressure ulcer increases.

[0004] Left unnoticed and untreated, skin conditions can result in serious illness and/or death. Such illness often requires significant treatment and surveillance by health care professionals. This has both a financial cost for society and personal cost of life quality.

Background Art

[0005] GB2563073 relates to a personal care device for aiding a disabled user in carrying out personal care tasks in relation to the perineum, anal and/or vaginal regions, comprising an elongate body section for extending the reach of the user, a distal end for holding a tool, a proximal end that can be gripped by the user, the proximal end including a control apparatus for controlling the tool and a camera to enable the user to view the body and a part of the tool at the distal end and to thereby guide the interaction of the tool with the body.

However, this publication does not describe a device specifically designed to investigate the user’s skin condition.

[0006] US20090225159 relates to a visual inspection device including a body having a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion. The device further includes a flexible cable having a first end coupled to the body and a second end portion, and a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable. The camera assembly includes an image sensor and a light source. The image sensor is operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable. The device further comprises a display supported by the support portion of the body. The display is electrically coupled to the flexible cable to display images captured by the image sensor. This publication does not teach that the device can be used for medical purposes such as inspection of the skin condition of a person.

[0007] JP2017104506A relates to a bedsore diagnostic method. The method comprises use of a camera with a blue light source or blue light radiation to take a picture of a bedsore portion of a patient. The progress of the bedsore is determined on the basis of presence/absence of shading and difference in intensity of a reddened portion in the taken picture. This publication does not teach a device for performing the method.

[0008] CN110037660A relates to a pressure ulcer detecting system based on near infrared spectroscopy. The system uses visible light or near infrared light and a camera to detect pressure ulcers.

[0009] EP3344974 relates to a system and method for using a forensic alternative light source (ALS) to detect tissue damage related to ulcer/injury pathophysiology before visible manifestations of the tissue damage are evident with the naked eye. The system makes use infrared, near infrared and/or ultraviolet light.

[0010] EP2343893 describes a camera manipulating device and a video inspection system. The camera manipulating device for a camera attached to a cable includes a first member, a second member, and a connecting member disposed therebetween. The first member is attached to the camera moves with the first member. The second member is rotatably mounted over the cable. The camera is movable in a first plane when the connecting member defines an angle relative to the second member. The camera is movable in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane when the second member is rotated around the cable. This camera manipulating device is not suitable for investigating a patient’s skin condition.

[0011] US6847394B1 relates to an inspection apparatus adapted for use in motor vehicle maintenance and repair is disclosed. A sensor, such as a video camera, is coupled by an elongated, flexible shaft to a self-contained, handheld power source. A source of illumination is mounted near the sensor and directs light onto an object that is viewed by the sensor. Input power to the sensor and the illumination source, and an output signal from the sensor, are coupled through the shaft, which will maintain any desired flexed position. This inspection apparatus is however not handheld and is not suitable for investigating the skin condition of a patient.

[0012] US2011213224A1 relates to a tool for improved self-inspection of surface skin abnormalities of the human back. The Back-Aid device also enables the patients to treat complexion issues, precisely apply medicines or sunscreen, and monitor themselves. The device consists of a computer webcam strategically mounted to a handle of rigid material which provides for easy manipulation over desired areas of the back. The images captured by the webcam are displayed on a computer screen in which photos and videos of images can be e-mailed to a doctor of the operator’s choice. The back-Aid skin inspection device utilizes use of a computer webcam mounted on a handheld plastic handle operating in conjunction with a computer to see a real time visual display of selected skin surfaces. The operator sits or stands in front of his computer and moves the device over his chosen areas of skin which is imaged by webcam to his computer display. The webcam is pointed toward the skin from the outside curved end of a rigid handle which rests against the skin to enable smooth movement of the device over skin surface areas the patient wants to see. This device has a limited movability, since it does not include a flexible part between the handle and the camera. Additionall not include a display or a fixing device for a display.

[0013] EP1161176 relates to an inspection instrument (10) for use in medical, dental, law enforcement, other inspection, examination and surveillance procedures. The device includes a body (12) having an integral speculum (14) with a video image capturing device or camera (16), a power supply and a video display (20). These components, in addition to user actuated controls, are disposed integrally with the body (12). The body is adapted for convenient engagement and manipulation by a user’s hand to provide a unitary, handheld device capable of illuminating, capturing an image of a subject, and displaying the image. The video display (20) is disposed on a display portion of the speculum, while components of the image capture device, such as a lens (30), and light emitter are disposed on a nose portion (15) of the speculum. The nose portion is modularly replaceable with alternate nose portions sized and shaped to facilitate various discrete inspection procedures.

[0014] US 2011/213224A1 teaches a device for us by a person to inspect the skin on his/her back. The device comprises a camera attached to a rod with a handle. The camera cannot be rotated and the device does not comprise a bendable gooseneck between the camera and the handle.

[0015] US 2006/167340 A1 teaches a endoscopic inspection camera with a sensor house with a camera, a gooseneck cable and a handle part. The sensor house is fixedly attached to the cable, but the cable is rotatably attached to the handle part.

[0016] The main differences between present invention and the prior art devices are as follows:

Sensor housing:

The sensor housing can be rotated 320 degrees.

The sensor housing can comprise different sensors for different detection og skin conditions, for example, smell of wounds, IR camera, 3D camera for measuring area and volume of wounds. The sensor housing for mounting of other functions on the end of the goose neck (modularity), for example a magnet device for picking up objects or application of wound ointment. Further, the sensor housing has a wireless connection to a display.

Goose neck:

The goose neck can have end pieces/attachments or mounting different sensors and handle (modularity).

Handle:

The handle can be detachable for mounting of other handle/functions on the end of the goose neck.

The handle is shaped to accommodate different hand sizes. Further, the handle is shaped to be held with different grips (pointer, force grip and finger-thumb apposition). The handle can have a bow making it possible for users with reduced vigour and strength to operate the device. Further, the handle can have a button provided as a ring around the handle. The button for operating camera/sensor will be triggered irrespective where the user push the ring. This makes it easy or users with reduced vigour and hand strength to operate the device himself. This will also reduce the vibrations in the image.

Software:

The device according to the invention can comprise software making it possible to monitor changes of wounds over time. The software can also include voice activating of the camera for users with reduced strength and vigour. Further, the software will ensure safe sharing of pictures/videos of the skin with health care personnel, for example through integration with Electronic Patient Journal (EPJ systems). The software can be compatible with encrypted video meeting rooms to obtain remote diagnose of the skin. Further, the software will reduce vibrations of the picture.

[0017]

Summary of invention

[0018] Present invention relates to a personal skin inspection device, comprising:

- a sensor housing ;

- a bendable gooseneck;

- a handle section ; said sensor housing comprising one or more cameras or other sensors, said sensor housing is rotatably connected to the bendable gooseneck and said gooseneck is connected to the handle section; wherein the sensor housing is rotatable between 0° and 320° to the centerline of the gooseneck.

[0019] Preferably, the sensor housing is releasably connected to the gooseneck.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, said sensor housing comprises one or more sensors, said sensor is an infrared camera and/or a 3D camera.

[0021] In one embodiment, said handle section comprises one or more of a gripping surface, a button, a hand bow, a contact board, a circuit board, a battery and a releasable connection.

[0022] Preferably, said personal skin inspection device having a modular design which make it possible to replace the sensor head with other tools. [0023] Preferably, the infrared camera and/or the 3D earner; inspect the condition of user’s skin.

Brief description of drawings

[0024] Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the device according to present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the device according to present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

[0026] As shown in Fig.1 , the main components of the handheld inspection device according the invention comprise a handle section (3), a sensor housing (1 ) and a bendable gooseneck (2). Figure 2 shows the device in Fig. 1 in an exploded view. The sensor housing (1 ) comprises a camera or other sensors

(1.1 ) that can document the condition of the user’s skin. The sensor housing (1 ) has a connection (1 .3) with the gooseneck (2) which is rotatable between 0° and 320° to the centerline of the gooseneck and allows manual or electronic adaption/regulation for as good positioning as possible to inspect the user’s skin. Further, the sensor housing (1 ) is watertight and conforms to the standard at least IP24. The sensor housing (1 ) further comprises a removable cover

(2.1 ) that can be cleaned and sterilized. Further, the surface of the sensor housing (1 ) has a smooth surface to prevent accumulation of bacteria and virus.

[0027] The sensor housing (1) is releasably connected to the gooseneck (2) via a connection (1 .3) which makes it possible to use different kinds of sensors for different types of skin diseases. Another advantage with the releasable sensor housing (1 ), is that it the whole device can be disassembled for storage or travelling. Further, the sensor housing (1 ) can comprise a sensor (1.1 ) and possibly a light source and lens advantageously mounted on a circuit board (1 -4).

[0028] The sensor house (1 ) can comprise one or more sensors (1.1 ) for inspecting different skin conditions and/or measuring different parameters. For example, the sensor can be an infrared camera, 3D camera for measuring the area and volume of a wound, a detector for smell detection.

[0029] The gooseneck (2) has sufficient bending stiffness to carry the sensor housing (1 ) and yet sufficiently flexible to allow the user to bend and position the gooseneck (2) to bring the sensor housing (1 ) in a correct position against the user’s skin and body part of interest.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the gooseneck is hollow to accommodate wires from the sensor housing (1 ) to the handle section (3). In one embodiment, the gooseneck (2) is hollow, in order to accommodate wires from the sensor housing (1 ) to the handle section (3). The gooseneck (3) is watertight and complies with at least IP24. Further, the gooseneck (2) has a removable cover to protect the gooseneck from bacteria and virus. The surface of the gooseneck is smooth to prevent contaminations from adhering to it. The gooseneck (2) is detachably mounted to the sensor housing (1 ) and handle section by means of releasable connections (1 .3 and 3.7, respectively).

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1 , the handle section (3) can comprise a gripping surface (3.1 ), a button (3.2), a hand bow (3.3.), a contact point (3.4), a circuit board (3.5), a battery (3.6) and a releasable connection (3.7) between the handle section (3) and the gooseneck (2).

[0032] The gripping surface (3.1 ) has a soft, comfortable cylindrical surface providing a firm grip. Also the handle section (3) has a releasable cover to prevent growth of bacteria and virus and can be removed for cleaning and sterilization of the handle section (3).

The handle section (3) can have a design that accommodates hands with varying sizes and can be held with differing hand grips. [0033] The button (3.2) is integrated in the gripping surface preferred embodiment the button (3.2) can comprise 3 switches as a ring surrounding the gripping surface (3.1). In this embodiment, the button for activating the sensor/sensor housing can be triggered independent of where the user pushes ion the ring. This button makes it possible for the user to activate the sensor/sensor housing (1 ) to inspect areas of interest.

[0034] The handle section (3) can also comprise a hand bow (3.3) which can push against the user’s hand in order to provide a firm grip. This will make it possible for user to operate the device with a minimum of effort.

[0035] The contact point (3,4) can be used a connection for charging the battery inside the handle section, and also to transmit/receive signals from the device (1 ) to an external source, for example a display or to a Wi-Fi network via the circuit board (3.5).

[0036] The handheld inspection device (1 ) can also comprise software for surveillance of changes of wounds during a certain time period. The software can also include features for voice activation of the sensor for user’s with reduced muscularity and health, features for safe sharing of pictures/videos of the skin with medical personnel for example integration with Electronic Patient Journal systems.

[0037] In one preferred embodiment, the inspection device can have a modular design, which for example makes it possible to replace the sensor head (1 ) with other tools, for example magnets for picking up objects or application of wound cream. List of reference numerals

1 sensor housing

1.1 sensor

1.2 joint

1 .3 connection between gooseneck and sensor housing

1 .4 circuit board

2 gooseneck

2.1 cover

3 handle

3.1 gripping surface

3.2 button

3.3 hand bow

3.4 point of contact

3.5 circuit board

3.6 battery

3.7 connection between gooseneck and handle

Claims

1 . Personal skin inspection device (1 ), comprising:

- a sensor housing (1 );

- a bendable gooseneck (2);

- a handle section (3); said sensor housing (1 ) comprising one or more cameras or other sensors (1 ,1 ), said sensor housing (1) is rotatably connected to the bendable gooseneck (2) and said gooseneck (2) is connected to the handle section (3); characterized in that the sensor housing (3) is rotatable between 0° and 320° to the centerline of the gooseneck (2).

2. Personal skin inspection device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor housing (3) is releasably connected to the gooseneck (2).

3. Personal skin inspection device (1 ) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the said sensor housing (1 ) comprises one or more sensors (1.1 ), said sensor (1 ,1 ) is an infrared camera and/or a 3D camera.

4. Personal skin inspection device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said handle section (3) comprises one or more of a gripping surface (3.1 ) a button (3.2), a hand bow (3.5), a contact board (3.4), a circuit board (3.5), a battery (3.6) and a releasable connection (3.7).

5. Personal skin inspection device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said device having a modular design which makes it possible to replace the sensor head (1 ) with other tools.

6. Personal skin inspection device (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the infrared camera and/or3D camera is suitable to inspect the condition of user’s skin.