Mobile 3D-Shape Estimation in Telemedical Dermatologic Diagnosis and Documentation

Abstract: Imaging techniques for dermatology have been explored from mobile two-dimensional (2D)
RGB images to professional clinical imaging systems measuring three-dimensional (3D) information,
even beyond the epidermis, using techniques like ‘optical coherence tomography’ or laser-based
scanners. Nevertheless, to accomplish structural topographic depth measurements, technologies
lack to provide a mobile and precise 3D imaging system using only the hardware of a smartphone
or tablet. Previously a lot of approaches using ‘structure from motion’ or ‘structured light’ have been
explored for mobile wound documentation and measurement. However, to perform more
comprehensive 3D scanning of not only large chronic wounds, I want to investigate the use of mobile
‘phase-measuring deflectometry’ for dermatologic evaluation of skin to find potential biomarkers to
accompany a treatment or diagnosis based on a mobile app for both medical personnel and
untrained patients. During my master thesis I want to work on potential hardware adjustments for
dermatologic use, perform experiments for data acquisition, and design algorithms to process and
possibly classify the obtained data. Finally, I want to develop a fully functional application to create
and process 3D images, build up a database and enable a communication platform between doctor
and patient. My master thesis will jointly be conducted by my home university, Friedrich-Alexander-
Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), and Northwestern University (NU).