Showing papers by "Sandro Barone published in 2006"

A Biomedical Application Combining Visible and Thermal 3D Imaging

Abstract: This paper describes a non-invasive technology to allow early, accurate and quantitative detection of inflammation on the basis of the combination of visible 3D imaging technique and thermal imaging technique. In particular, the system is aimed at supporting the diagnosis and prognosis on pathologies producing ulceration and laceration, for example those caused by an advanced diabetes condition like the Diabetic Foot Disease (DFD). The analysis of absolute and relative temperature values can be a valuable support for an early diagnosis and the followup monitoring of diabetic patients. It is relevant that, when diabetes is well controlled it should be possible to avoid these foot problems, which can otherwise bring to the lower extremity amputation. The proposed system involves the integration of a 3D scanner to acquire geometrical data with an acquisition tool for thermal images. In particular, a 3D thermal image, which contains both the surface structure data and surface temperature distribution, is obtained by mapping the 2D thermography images on to 3D anatomical model. Both these characteristics support the evaluation of the ulceration, and the identification of anomalies or pathologic conditions. The technology has been experienced in medical environment on diabetic patients. The physicians confirmed that this prototype tool can be a valuable support in their work improving the quality of disease diagnosis and follow-up.