WO1992014402A1

WO1992014402A1 - Skin blemish measuring and recording system and method

Info

Publication number: WO1992014402A1
Application number: PCT/US1991/001086
Authority: WO
Inventors: William B. Hartman
Original assignee: Hartman William B
Priority date: 1991-02-19
Filing date: 1991-02-19
Publication date: 1992-09-03

Abstract

A system to record the color, size and location of skin blemishes on the skin using an objective standard is provided. The system includes a color scale (102) containing colors and shades of colors sufficient to portray a skin blemish; a distance scale (113) for measuring the distance of the blemish from reference points; and a body map (11) of the skin surface of the entire human body with reference points for recording the location of the blemish. Each color in the color scale and size in the size gauge is given an individual designation for easy reference. The color scale and the measuring devices may be combined in one multifunctional tool and with a folded chart (11) for easy storage in a folder (81) to protect the colors from changes due to exposure to light.

Description

SKIN BLEMISH MEASURING AND RECORDING SYSTEM AND METHOD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a skin blemis measuring and recording system, and more particularly to system and method of quantifying, comparing, measuring an recording a characterization of skin blemishes, including blemish-color reference scale, a blemish-size gauge and distance scale and a map of the surface of the human bod for recording the collected data. As used in this application, "skin" refers to th membrane tissue forming the external covering of the huma body, the subcutaneous tissue, the epidermis and dermis an other parts of layers referred to as skin. "Blemish" denotes a flaw, defect or disfigurement, not of norma appearance. For the purpose of this application, "blemish" includes a mole, discoloration, mark, abnormality or irregu larity of the skin. "Skin blemish" is the combination of the above, namely such a flaw, defect or disfigurement located on the epidermis or dermis. Skin diseases and abnormalities are increasingly common ailments. Currently, over a half million Americans each year develop some kind of skin cancer. Moreover, experts predict a fourfold increase in skin cancers by the end of the century due in large measure to increased leisure time which results in increased exposure to the sun, air pollutants and increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation due to ozone depletion. For successful treatment of cancer and other diseases, however, early detection of abnormal skin growths or changes in the appearance of skin blemishes i≤ crucial. Yet because some of those marks are small and grow slowly, it is almost impossible for a layman to know

_* when or if to seek medical attention. Even for doctors, it can be difficult to recognize and record using descriptive language the precise characterization of the blemishe necessary to detect any changes over time and determin their rate of growth or color change. Even photographs which are dependent on lighting conditions, may no accurately represent the color of the blemishes. Thus, slight change in size and/or color of a blemish may be significant and helpful observation and may lead to a opportunity for an early professional diagnosis of a infection, disease or cancer. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved system and method which establishes an objective standard for locating, measuring, distinguishing by color and recording skin blemishes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a system and method for measuring objectively the appearance of any blemish as defined above and any other indicia on the skin and accurately recording the data objectively is provided. The system includes a blemish- color scale for determining color of the blemish, a blemish-size gauge for measuring the location of the blemish from certain fixed body reference points. The collected data is recorded on a body map or chart.

The color scale includes between approximately 12 to 36 colors and shades of colors selected to identify the colors of a variety of skin blemishes. The blemish-size gauge used to measure the size of the blemish includes indicia sufficient to record sizes ranging from about one millimeter to twenty millimeters. The distance scale is approximately 30 centimeters long for measuring distance(s) from reference points. The map or chart of the body depicts the entire skin surface of the body with reference points to aid in accurate location. Each color and size appearing on the color scal and size gauge is given individual letter or number designa tions for easy reference. The blemish-color scale, blemish size gauge and the distance scale may be combined in on multifunctional tool. The body map may be folded and store with the multifunctional tool in a folder to protect th color scale from degradation due to exposure to light an for easy storage.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention t provide a system and method for recording the color, siz and location of a blemish on the skin to facilitate recogni tion of any subsequent change in color and size.

Another object of the invention is to provide a improved device for accurately identifying the color an measuring the size of a blemish on the skin.

A further object of the invention is to provide unique color scale including a plurality of colors fo identifying the color of skin blemishes.

Still another object of the invention is t provide a device for measuring the size of a blemish on th skin using a size gauge and/or a distance scale.

Still a further object of the invention is t provide a map for the human body with designated reference points to facilitate recording the location, color and siz of the skin blemish.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method for measuring size, color and location of skin blemishes and recording each observation for future reference and comparison to aid in the early detection of changes in the size or color of the recorded blemishes.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification. The invention accordingly comprises the severa steps and the relation of one or more of such steps wit respect to each of the others, and the article possessin the features, properties and the relation of elements, whic are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, an the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the invention reference is made to the following description taken in con nection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a map of the front o the female human body, along with left and right side view and detailed close-ups of the head, hands and feet, includ ing reference marks for recording the location of ski blemishes;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a map of the rear of the female human body, along with detailed close-ups of the top of the head, the hands and feet and the perineal area, buttocks and upper thighs, for recording the location of skin blemishes;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the map of Figures 1 and 2 folded in an open folder for storage of the body map and for convenient recording of examination dates and other information; Figure 4 is a detailed plan view of the back of a left hand showing reference points and a recorded blemish;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of a multifunctional measuring device showing a blemish-color scale and blemish- size gauge; Figure 6 is a rear plan view of the multifunc¬ tional measuring device of Figure 5 showing the distance scale and blemish-size gauge; and Figure 7 is a view of an electronic recordin device for use in practice of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 illustrates a flat map 11 comprising plurality of views of the female human body, including frontal view 12, a right lateral view 13 and a left latera view 14 suitable for use in the skin blemish measuring an recording system in accordance with the invention. Map 1 includes an outline of a frontal view of the female huma body 12, including a head 16 at the top, a left hand 17 an right hand 18 at the respective sides and a top view of left foot 19 and a right foot 21 at the bottom. A face 2 is depicted on head 16, including a left eye 23 and a righ eye 24, a nose 25 and a mouth 26. Reference points marke with "X"s are provided at folds of skin and other easil discernable locations. These include points at a righ wrist 27, a right elbow 28, a right breast 29, a right hi 31 and a right knee 32, with additional points on the corre sponding (left) side of the body. Additional points ar located between eyes 23 and 24 and at nose 25, sides o mouth 26, a neck 33, a navel 34 and other appropriate loca tions. A similar map depicting the male human body with it physical and anatomical differences, especially includin the genitalia, is also contemplated. Since certain areas of the body are more prone t skin blemishes due to increased exposure to the sun, it i desirable to provide magnified views of those areas. Th greater area provided makes the detailed location an recording of each skin blemish easier and more convenient. Consequently, head 16, hands 17 and 18 and feet 19 and 21 are shown detached from the rest of the front view 12 and enlarged in proportion to the rest of the body. Looking at map 11, right lateral view of th female human body 13 is depicted on the left, and lef lateral view of the female human body 14 is depicted on th right. These lateral views depict the same body as fronta view 12, similarly including enlarged head 16 shown detache at the top and feet 19 and 21 at the bottom. As in frontal view 12, right lateral view 13 and left lateral view 14 include reference points marked with "X"s at folds of skin and other easily discernable locations. For example, right lateral view 13 includes points at a left ankle 43 and a right ankle 44, a left knee 46 and right knee 32, right hip 31, navel 34, right breast 29, a right armpit 47, right eye 24, a right ear 48, a back of head 16 and other appropriate locations. Left lateral view 14 depicts reference points on the corresponding (left) side of the body, though similarly including points for both right and left ankles and knees. Moreover, in right lateral view 13 a left leg 51 is depicted extended away from the body so that it is not obscured by a right leg 52. Arms are not depicted in lateral views 13 and 14 so that the body is not obscured.

Figure 2 illustrates the opposite side of map 11 and shows a plurality of views, including similar outline of a rear view of the female human body 61 and other views and close-ups hereinafter discussed. Rear view 61 includes the back of head 16 at the top, an enlarged view of hands 17 and 18 at the respective sides with the backs showing and the bottom of enlarged feet 19 and 21 at the bottom. Hands 17 and 18 and feet 19 and 21 are shown detached from the body of rear view 61. As in Figure 1, reference points marked with "X"s are provided at folds of skin and other easily discernable areas, including points at right elbow 28, right armpit 47 and the back of right knee 32, with additional points on the corresponding (left) side of the body. Mor points are located at the top and bottom of the back.

In addition to the enlarged views of hands 17 an

18 and feet 19 and 21, detailed close-ups of other parts o the female body are provided. These include a view 66 whic depicts the perineal area 67, upper portions of the thigh

68 and portions of the buttocks 69 and a top view 71 of th head 16 (cephalic area). Top view 71 includes a left ear 7 and right ear 48 and nose 25 to indicate the front of th head. These detailed close-ups inclμde reference points a appropriate locations similar to the other views of th body. Other close-ups, including the back and inside of th ears, the breasts and the top of the shoulders, are als contemplated, though this invention is not limited t illustrations of those areas and envisions detailed drawing of any part of the human body.

A space 76 is provided to record the subject' name, the doctor's name, the name of the person who per formed the examination, and the date when the measurement were taken. This is shown at a corner on the back side o map 11, but could be provided on the front of map 11 or a any convenient location.

In Figure 3, map 11 is shown in a folded conditio and stored within a storage folder 81. Map 11 is conveni ently made larger than folder 81 to facilitate recording o data and is designed to be folded up for easy storage Figure 3 shows map 11 folded along four fold lines into a area one-ninth the original size. Map 11 need not be fixe to folder 81 and can be made in any convenient size or b multiple sheets or pages with maps of various parts of th body.

An illustration of the use of the map of the bac of left hand 17 is shown in Figure 4. Hand 17 include several reference points marked with "X"s at the knuckles o the fingers and between each finger, along with othe reference points at appropriate locations. A blemish 86 i shown at a measured distance from a reference point 87 Along a line 88 drawn from blemish 86 to reference point 8 is the distance 89 between the two points, with an individu al letter and number designations 91 signifying the colo and size of blemish 86 recorded near the blemish. Thi designation is determined utilizing a color scale 102, blemish-size 103 and a distance scale 113 provided on multifunctional device 101 shown in Figures 5 and 6 i accordance with this invention as will be described in mor detail below.

The skin blemish measuring and recording system i accordance with the invention further includes a measuring device for determining the color of the blemish, measuring the size of the blemish and measuring the location on the body from one of the reference points on one of the maps of the body. As shown in Figure 5, multifunctional measuring device 101 including three independent scales may be used. Measuring device 101 includes on a first side blemish-color scale 102 for determining the color of the blemish and blemish-size gauge 103 for determining the size of the blemish. Color scale 102 is shown with 18 color regions in shades sufficient to portray a skin blemish, including shades of blues, blacks, browns, reds and other colors. It is contemplated that the color scale can include a lesser or greater number of colors, such as between 12 to 36, in order to depict a progression of typical observed colors of skin blemishes. Colors are adhered to measuring device 101 adjacent to a first edge 104 to facilitate direct comparison to a skin blemish. The colors of color scale 102 are further arranged in spectrum-like progressions, with indi vidual letter designations 106 for each region locate adjacent to each other. This is intended to be standardized color and identification scale with individua designations 106 to regularize recording of colors an enable persons reviewing the findings to communicate result accurately. In a preferred embodiment, color scale 102 i made from ink or dye colors that are able to withstan exposure to heat, light and humidity without deterioratio or change over an appropriate period of time. Further pre ferred embodiments contemplate color scale 102 disposed on durable plastic material and if greater stability i desired, colors formed of azeotropic dyes.

Along an opposite edge 107 of measuring device 10 is size gauge 103 including a series of semicircular cut-outs 108 or other shapes of increasing diameter (ranging from one millimeter to approximately twenty millimeters) cut out from measuring device 101. Each semicircle 108 is located along edge 107 for easy sizing of the blemishes. Each semicircle 108 has an individual number designation 109 for easy reference. In a preferred embodiment, corner 111 formed at edge 107 and a semicircle is rounded to avoid dis comfort when placing size gauge 103 against a skin blemish for measurement. Opposite side 112 of multifunctional measuring device 101 shown in Figure 6 includes distance scale 113 along first edge 104. Size gauge 103 also appears on side 112 of measuring device 101 since it is cut out along oppo¬ site edge 107. Distance scale 113 is a metric scale from approximately 1 to 30 centimeters and is used to measure linear distance of a skin blemish from a reference point on one of the body maps. Distance scale 113 can also be used to measure blemishes which exceed the size of gauge 103. A multifunctional measuring device, in accordance with th invention, can also be provided with only two scales for us in the system, namely a color scale and a distance scale. In this case the distance scale can be used to measure th size of the blemish. However, the semicircular cut-outs 10 of size gauge 103 are more effective for accurately measur ing size up to the size provided on the gauge.

In a preferred skin blemish measuring and recording kit prepared in accordance with the invention, folder 81 is used to store the components and to protect them from light, as shown in Figure 3. Folder 81 can be conveniently used to store maps and the multifunctional measuring device. Most importantly, folder 81 may include an extended calendar/chart 82 for easy recording of the dates of the examinations and a history of the procedures and medications, along with sufficient space for the subject's name, the name of the doctor or other professional making the readings and other important data. Finally, folder 81 may be closed for easy storage and identification in a filing cabinet with other similar folders.

When the skin blemish measuring and recording system is used, the size and color of the blemish will be determined using blemish-size gauge 103 and color-reference scale 102. The distance from a reference point on map 11 will be determined using distance scale 113. A line can be drawn on one of the maps from one of the selected reference point to the approximate location of the blemish. The distance from the reference point and the determined size and color from the gauges can be written along the drawn line. After the first complete examination, a suitable ini¬ tial record for all visible skin blemishes will be part of the subject's permanent health history. The skin blemish measuring and recording syste has been disclosed with respect to utilizing a flat map o chart of the human body for recording the findings. It i also contemplated that the system can record findings uti lizing a computer 131 including a video monitor 132 an outfitted with a light pen input device 133, as shown i Figure 7. The computer program would include the variou maps or charts of the human body to be depicted on vide screen 132. It is further contemplated that a voice record ing device and/or audio/video device with or without voic recording could be used to record the size, color and loca tion of skin blemishes when used in conjunction with th color, size and distance measuring devices.

Multifunctional measuring device 101 would b utilized as in the earlier embodiments to classify th blemish as to size and color and utilize distance scale 11 to locate the blemish with respect to a body referenc point. At the same time as showing the body map, displa screen 132 can include the objective size scales which ca be touched with light pen 133 to record the objective find ings with respect to the particular blemish bein recorded. Light pen 133 would then be used to touch vide screen 132 at the appropriate location to record the find ings. The information input into computer 131 via light pen 133 and video screen 132 can then be easily generated i a print-out. The print-out can include the simple objective findings utilizing the objective scales of color size and location or can include a graphic representation of the bod map showing the location of the letter and number indicating the color and size of the particular recorded blemish.

A significant feature of the skin blemish measuring and recording system in accordance with the invention is the establishment of a standardized blemish color and blemish-size scale. By doing so this allows for shorthand objective way to record and communicat findings. Use of a broad blemish-color scale formed o fade-resistant colors which will be shielded from light b the folder and an ultraviolet cover sheet disposed over th inks or dyes will permit the extended use of the multifunc tional measuring device. This is significant because th changes in skin blemishes are subtle and may take many year to develop.

In order for the skin blemish measuring an recording system to be most meaningful, during the initia use all skin blemishes would be recorded to provide the use or health care professional with a starting point. Thi starting point would include the color, size and location o all found blemishes. Repeated observations and classifica tion could take place during a regularly scheduled revie such as once every two or three months, or once a year by either the subject who has the blemishes or by a health care professional.

The skin blemish measuring and recording system in accordance with the invention is easy to use and can record significant health-related information. The system is relatively easy to use since it includes only a direct color comparison with the colors provided along and edge of the measuring device to facilitate this and a convenient cut-out size gauge to facilitate size determination. It is contemplated that this could facilitate the early recogni¬ tion of any changes in the size and/or color of blemishes, and the early recognition of new blemishes not previously recognized or recorded. The changes or recognition of new blemishes could facilitate the early diagnosis, by a pro¬ fessional health care provider, of disease, infection, cancer or any other ailment of the skin that display characteristics of size or color, distinct from that of ski with a normal, healthy appearance. The system permit recording a quantitative record of skin blemishes with th ability to quantify any change in color or size from th original record.

It will thus be seen that the object set fort above, among those made apparent from the preceding descrip tion, are efficiently attained and, since certain change may be made in carrying out the above method and in th article set forth without departing from the spirit an scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters con tained in the above description and shown in the accompany ing drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not i a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall between.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A skin blemish measuring and recording system, comprising: a body map depicting the human body with reference points for identifying locations on the body; and a measuring device including a blemish-color reference scale for determining color of a skin blemish and a distance measure for measuring blemish-size and location from skin folds and joints corresponding to reference points denoted on the body map. 2. The skin blemish measuring and recording system of Claim 1, wherein the color-reference scale includes a plurality of color regions suitable for compari- son to the actual color of a skin blemish. 3. The skin blemish measuring and recording system of Claim 1, wherein the distance measure on the measuring device includes a blemish-size measuring gauge for determining the size of a skin blemish and a distance scale for measuring the distance of a skin blemish from a reference point on the body. 4. The skin blemish measuring and recording system of Claim 3, wherein the measuring device is an elongated ruler and the color regions are disposed adjacent to one long edge of the ruler and the blemish-size measuring gauge is disposed on the opposed edge of that side of the ruler. 5. The skin blemish measuring and recording system of Claim 4, wherein the blemish-size measuring gauge is a series of cut-outs along the edge of the ruler, the cut-outs progressively increasing in size. 6. The skin blemish measuring and recording system of Claim 5, wherein the blemish-size cut-out regions range in size from about 1 millimeter to 20 millimeters. 7. The skin blemish measuring and recording system of Claim 1, wherein the body map includes an outline of the front of a human body and an outline of the rear of the human body. 8. The skin blemish measuring and recording system of Claim 1, wherein the outline of the front of the human body is on one surface of a map sheet and the outline of the rear surface of the human body on another map sheet. 9. The skin blemish measuring and recording system of Claim 1, wherein the outlines are on opposite sides of the same sheet. 10. The skin blemish measuring and recording system of Claim 7, wherein said map further includes views sufficient to show all surfaces of the skin. 11. The skin blemish measuring and recording system of Claim 5, wherein the distance scale is located on the opposite side of the ruler from the blemish-color scale. 12. The skin blemish measuring and recording system of Claim 2, wherein the plurality of color regions of the color scale are denoted by standard reference indicia. 13. The skin blemish measuring and recording system of Claim 2, wherein the plurality of color regions of the color scale are formed in a manner to be appropriately free from deterioration and change in color. 14. A skin blemish measuring and recording kit, comprising: a body map depicting virtually all skin sur¬ faces of the human body, including front and rear views, with reference points identifying distinguishable points of reference; and a measuring device including a blemish-color reference scale, a blemish-size measuring gauge and a distance scale. 15. A method for measuring and recording skin blemishes comprising: determining the color of a skin blemish by comparison to a standard scale of skin blemish colors; determining the size of a skin blemish by corn- parision to a blemish-size gauge; determining the location of a skin blemish by measuring the distance from a body reference point; and recording the blemish color, blemish size and location from a reference point on a body map having reference points corresponding to skin folds and joints and other appropriate points of reference. 16. The method for measuring and recording skin blemishes of Claim 15, wherein the blemish color, blemish size and location are recorded on a body map. 17. The method for measuring and recording skin blemishes of Claim 15, wherein the blemish color and blemish size are determined by utilizing a measuring device including a blemish color scale and a distance scale. 18. A measuring device for determining the color and size of a skin blemish, comprising: an elongated ruler including a skin blemish color reference scale having a plurality of skin blemish colors in adjacent regions along one edge of the ruler and a skin blemish sizing scale including a plurality of progres- sively sized openings in the ruler. 19. The skin blemish measuring device of Claim 18, further including a distance scale on the ruler. 20. The skin blemish measuring device of Claim 18, wherein the skin blemish-size scale includes a plurality of progressively sized opening cut into the edge of the ruler opposite the color reference scale.