Abstract: Data corresponding to biological tissue or lesions imaged in a remote location are communicated automatically to a central location, where the data are analyzed using data and algorithms stored securely at the central location. A result of the analysis is communicated from the central location to the remote location. Payment to an entity associated with the central location is made for each image or set of images.

Abstract: A light image is conveyed from a biological tissue through a flexible optical system to an image receiver, where it is converted to a form which may be entered into a computer. The computer segments the image by generating a segmentation mask defining the boundary of a region of interest in at least one spectral band, estimates at least one rotationally and translationally invariant statistical measure of coefficient distributions of the multiscale wavelet maxima representations of the digital images in at least one spectral band, characterizes the condition of the tissue based on the estimated values, and outputs the characterization of the condition of the tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the multispectral imaging of skin tissue enables automatic characterization of the condition of a region of interest of the skin, based on direct digital imaging of the region of interest or the digitization of color photographic slides of the region of interest, illuminated by appropriately filtered light. Preferably, a digital image at a low spectral band is automatically segmented and that segmented mask is used to segment the other images by a digital processor. Parameters related to the texture, asymmetry, blotchiness and border irregularities are also automatically estimated. The region of interest is automatically characterized by the digital processor, based on those parameters. The region of interest may include a skin lesion, in which case the present invention enables the characterization of the lesion as malignant or benign.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging teeth includes illuminating a surface of a tooth and electronically imaging the tooth from a non-illuminated surface of the tooth with an electronic camera. Automatic control of the intensity of illumination is preferably provided to avoid saturation of the camera. The camera may include a charge-coupled-device and the resulting digital images are preferably enhanced by wavelet analysis. If a video camera is used, the images may be digitized and then enhanced. Current images of the tooth may be compared to prior images of the same tooth to monitor changes in the tooth over time. The images can be used to detect dental caries and other dental conditions. A handpiece for illuminating the tooth and receiving the light passing through the tooth for reception by the camera in a reproducible manner, is also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the multispectral imaging of skin tissue enables automatic characterization of the condition of a region of interest of the skin, based on direct digital imaging of the region of interest or the digitization of color photographic slides of the region of interest, illuminated by appropriately filtered light. Preferably, a digital image at a low spectral band is automatically segmented and that segmented mask is used to segment the other images by a digital processor. Parameters are estimated through wavelet maxima representations. Parameters related to the texture, asymmetry, blotchiness and border irregularities are also automatically estimated. The region of interest is automatically characterized by the digital processor, based on those parameters. The region of interest may include a skin lesion, in which case the present invention enables the characterization of the lesion as malignant or benign. The region of interest may also include wounds or burns.

Abstract: A method for self-referencing holography makes use of multiple object illuminations with different and non-uniform intensity of radiation to produce multiple holograms from the scattered radiation. Analysis of the multiple holograms provides an unambiguous image of the object.

Abstract: Methods for improving the availability of information derived from signals received from an object irradiated with coherent pulses of any form of radiation that exhibits a wave nature are disclosed. A method for reducing speckle derives separate component noncoherent signals from the received signals, and combines these separate noncoherent signals to form improved composite noncoherent signals. Weighting and processing of component signals can be applied as a function of time, frequency, and signal amplitude to optimize speckle reduction in all or a critical part of the signal by compensating for the range and frequency dependence of attenuation and the frequency dependence of scattering phenomena. In a method for enhancing resolution, separate component coherent signals are derived from the received signals, weighted and processed, and combined to form improved composite coherent signals; then noncoherent signals are derived from the improved composite coherent signals.

Abstract: Methods for improving the availability of information derived from signals received from an object irradiated with coherent pulses of any form of radiation that exhibits a wave nature are disclosed. A method for reducing speckle derives separate component noncoherent signals from the received signals, and combines these separate noncoherent signals to form improved composite noncoherent signals. Weighting and processing of component signals can be applied as a function of time, frequency, and signal amplitude to optimize speckle reduction in all or a critical part of the signal by compensating for the range and frequency dependence of attenuation and the frequency dependence of scattering phenomena. In a method for enhancing resolution, separate component coherent signals are derived from the received signals, weighted and processed, and combined to form improved composite coherent signals; then noncoherent signals are derived from the improved composite coherent signals.