Template Chart Detection for Stoma Telediagnosis

Abstract

The paper presents the concept of using color template charts for the needs of telemedicine, particularly telediagnosis of the stoma. Although the concept is not new, the current popularity and level of development of digital cameras, especially those embedded in smartphones, allow common and reliable remote advice on various medical problems, which can be very important in the case of limitations in a physical contact with a doctor. The article focuses on the initial stages of photo processing for the needs of telemedicine, i.e., on the assumptions and the process of designing the appropriate template and detecting it in photos for stoma telediagnosis. Research on the developed algorithms for the location of fiducial markers and reference color fields, carried out on the basis of over 2,000 photos, showed a very high tolerance to scene exposure, lighting conditions and the camera used. The obtained results allowed the initial image intensity normalization of the stoma area as well as correct localization and measurement of changes detected on the skin and the mucosa, which, in the opinion of doctors, significantly increased the diagnostic value of the photographs.