A computer system for analyzing injuries to the skin

• Grant number: 97/07390-4
• Support type: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Duration: January 01, 1998 - January 31, 2001
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science
• Principal Investigator: Antônio Francisco Júnior
• Grantee: Antônio Francisco Júnior
• Company: Atonus Engenharia de Sistemas Ltda. - EPP
• City: São José dos Campos

Abstract

Brazil, with its people constantly exposed to sun rays, has witnessed increasing rises in the number of skin lesions. In order to help healthcare specialists to diagnose skin lesions, especially skin cancer, Atonus Engenharia de Sistemas Ltda. proposes developing a computer system for capturing, storing and analyzing images of human skin. With the local help of this system and remote transfer over the Internet of digital images obtained by specialists in the medical field, it is intended to reduce the degree of subjectivity in examining skin lesions. Thus, the present project aims not only to develop equipment, but also to publicize and institutionalize the approach to health problems through the remote exchange of texts and images, known as telemedicine. The first phase to be approached has to do with adequate lighting of the human epidermis, followed by capturing the digital images. To do this, Atonus is developing an optical fiber video-dermatoscope, using Brazilian technology, in order to light the human epidermis uniformly. After the digital image of the epidermis has been captured, specific software will be used for morphological and radiometric analysis of the skin lesions, especially with regard to the diagnosis of skin cancer. (AU)