An e-learning framework For wound image understanding

Abstract

This paper presents a Java based e-learning framework for analyzing, processing and understanding wound images, to be used in teaching, learning and research activities. We intend to promote e-learning technologies in medical, pharmaceutical and health care domains. Our approach to e-learning is so called blended learning, which combines traditional face-to-face and Web-based on-line learning, with focus on principles of active learning. Relying on a colour imaging system, we use statistical methods in assessment of potential methodologies for noninvasive wound evaluation. The colour image processing methods have many advantages over traditional human methods in assessment of wounds. Computer based methods are objective, repeatable and with a large potential of processing. We build in Java models for various categories of wounds, due to aetiologies such as pressure, burn, chilblain, vascular insufficiencies, diabetic foot ulcer, venous leg ulcer and other chronic disease states. Based on colour and texture analysis, we identify the main barriers to wound healing, such as tissue non-viable, infection, inflammation, moisture imbalance, or edge non-advancing. This framework provides the infrastructure for preparing e-learning scenarios based on practice and real world experiences. We make experiments for wound healing simulation based on various treatments and compare the results with experimental observations. Our experiments are supported by XML based databases containing knowledge extracted from previous wound healing experiences and from medical experts knowledge. Also, we rely on new paradigms of the Artificial Intelligence (Bayesian Inference, Case Based Reasoning and Intelligent Agents) for creating e-learning scenarios to be used in a context of active learning, for wound image understanding.. To implement the e-learning tools, we use Java technologies for dynamic processes and XML technologies for dynamic content (data and documents).