Abstract:
A method, apparatus and program product provide analysis and data resources by allowing a user to manipulate and track a scanned and/or displayed body image, providing an online self help interface that includes answers to anticipated questions, as well as a back-end statistical database useful in scientific analysis.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/567,875, filed on May 4, 2004 by Traci L. Metzger, which is incorporated herein in its entirety and is entitled “BODY IMAGE ANALYSIS SYSTEM.” 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to computer operations, and more particularly, to a computer implemented system for assessing and treating patient disorders.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Timely body image assessment and treatment can improve and even save the lives of those that suffer from low self esteem, eating disorders and other image related issues. While the response to such treatment has been tremendous, many persons in need of treatment go without it, in part due to a reluctance to seek out professional help in person. Such may be the case where a person is too self conscious, nervous, or busy to arrange for a visit.  
         [0004]     Professionals trained in assessing and treating body image issues can be consequently handicapped in reaching people in need of their services. In addition to accessibility, these professionals conventionally face other obstacles, largely attributable to the cumbersome, overwhelming and growing volume of statistics, books and other studies that must be considered when manually assessing and/or treating a patient. Moreover, the clinical/scientific studies relied upon by professionals are often based on small pools of participants from a discrete geographic location(s), limiting the applicability of a study.  
         [0005]     Consequently, and for in part the above delineated reasons, there exists a need for an improved manner of conducting body image analysis.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention provides an improved apparatus, method and program product for providing body image analysis. Such analysis may include assessment and treatment features that, for instance, allow a user to manipulate and a displayed body image. The body image may include a computer scanned or computer generated image of the user or another, and may be compared and tracked over time to reflect changes in a user&#39;s actual, perceived and/or desired appearance. Another feature of the invention may provide online answers and interactive tools configured to help a patient, health professional or other user in body image assessment. The display of such answers and tools may be prompted by the user answering a set of preliminary questions, the answer(s) to which the system may use to tailor the display. For instance, answers to anticipated questions may be automatically determined by the virtue of the system matching user input to an appropriate, stored set of answers.  
         [0007]     In another respect, a feature of the analysis system may automatically and/or transparently compile statistical data based upon the interaction of the user. Such statistical data may have application in furthering research and treatment.  
         [0008]     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawing and the description thereof.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0009]     According to an image warping aspect of the invention, a user may manipulate the front, back and side view of either a silhouette image that is based on in individual&#39;s actual body measurements, or an uploaded digital image of an individual. Before the individual makes any changes to an image, the warping engine may automatically alter the image slightly in order to provide a “neutral” image for the individual to begin manipulating into the following states: (a) how the individual thinks s/he looks (perceived) (b) how s/he wants to look (ideal) and (c) what is a realistic way s/he should look (realistic). This image manipulation may occur by the user taking a mouse to the edge of a specific area of the body silhouette or digital image and dragging the section of the image to the shape s/he feels is what is perceived, ideal or realistic. The individual will have the opportunity to compare the images s/he has manipulated to see the discrepancy between their perceived, ideal, realistic and actual image. With permission from the individual, data will be captured on the discrepancies between the images for analysis and reporting.  
         [0010]     Another embodiment consistent with the invention processes interactive user input to help prioritize the importance of different steps/phases of an assessment or treatment program. The steps/phases of the program may be prioritized based on how the multiple choice questions are answered. The customized program based on the individuals&#39; answers will have the opportunity to address their specific needs first and then work through less critical sections after the priority sections are complete. Some sections will have to occur in a specific order to make the individual program successful, and are dependant upon the self-improvement program tailored to individual. With permission from the individual, data will be captured and analyzed for report generation.  
         [0011]     According to another aspect of the invention, data is collected at a worldwide scale. Such data is generated from the use of Real-Time Body Warping Application and the Customized Self-Improvement Programs. Permission may be requested from individuals to collect data that is generated from the individual&#39;s session. Data will be stored in a secure database separate from identity-related information. A code will be assigned to the data as the only identifier to map data to the correct file if the individual returns multiple times to utilize their customized program or body-warping application. Identity-related information for billing reasons will be kept in a separate database. This will provide the opportunity to collect data worldwide to analyze and better understand trends of medical disorders of people that are not seeking medical assistance or are in need of additional support.  
         [0012]     While the present invention has been described in terms of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. For instance, additional disclosure is included in the appendix attached hereto, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.  
         [0013]     What is claimed is:  
         [0014]     Definitions  
         [0015]     The following definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations are found in tis document:  
                         TABLE 1                           Definitions            Term   Definition               Internet   Worldwide network of computer networks that use the           TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission           and exchange       Web   A software program which allows the viewing of data       browser   transmitted by the Internet. Examples are Internet Explorer           and Netscape.       Web-   A software application which is programmed to present data       based   by a Web browser that is transmitted by the Internet. The       applica-   application is hosted on a central server and not located on       tion   individual desktop computers.       Module   Individual programs within the application that operate           separately, collect different data sets and have separate           security measures.       Compo-   An element of a system/module       nent       Web   An individual accessing the public sections of the Web site       visitor   that does not require user authentication through username           and password.       Participant   An individual that has signed a release to use the application           and allow the capture of specific data sets.       User   An individual that is facilitating the use of the application           and its modules.       Profile   A file containing information of a patient/participant       Body   A discrepancy between a person&#39;s perceived image and their       Dis-   ideal image.       satisfac-       tion       Body   A discrepancy between a person&#39;s actual image and their       Distortion   perceived image.                  
 
         [0016]     Introduction  
         [0017]     Purpose  
         [0018]     This document identifies both the business and technical requirements and specifies the functionality to be included in the prototype f. The current business problem and the objectives of the project, as well as functional and technical requirements are documented. This document, once it is approved, serves as the basis for: 
        Creating the detailed design     Monitoring progress during system development     Providing a successful implementation     Creating the acceptance test plan of the completed system        
 
         [0023]     Scope  
         [0024]     The scope of this project is to architect, design and build a prototype that will be used in pilot research studies to prove the validity of the PTI concept and the benefits it offers both the medical and non-medical community. Once the studies have proven the validity of the concept that is represented in the prototype, it will be tested for market response through public relations efforts.  
         [0025]     Out of Scope  
         [0026]     While important, the following items are beyond the scope of this initial effort. 
        Database development will only be to the extent that it can support the prototype. Once the prototype is proven valid in the marketplace, the complete front-end and back end application will be developed.        
 
         [0028]     Assumptions 
        High priority requirements will be implemented in the prototype.     Medium priority requirements will be implemented in the prototype if time permits.     Low priority requirements will be implemented in the first full version release.        
 
         [0032]     User Roles and Responsibilities  
                             TABLE 2                           User roles and responsibilities            Market   User   Description               Clinical   Nurses, Medical Assistants,   Medical professionals           Lab Technicians,    such as a physician, psychologist,           Medical Interns   psychiatrist or therapist               will decide to have patient take               assessment(s). The users listed               to the left will administer the               assessment.       General   An individual with   Individual will pay a       Public   moderate Web skills   fee to access the online self-help               modules, enter measurements               to manipulate silhouettes               or to upload their actual               images to manipulate and               receive results.                  
 
         [0033]     Requirement Sources  
         [0034]     Requirement Gathering Methods  
         [0035]     These requirements have been gathered through consultations with medical experts, extensive secondary research and applying that knowledge to develop the concept which is the basis for the prototype and launch of PTI.  
         [0036]     Requirements  
         [0037]     Functional Requirements  
         [0038]     Prototype Functional Requirements  
                                 TABLE 3                           Prototype Functional Requirements            #   Requirement   Priority   Description               1.01   Choose Your Language - English or Japanese   High   Prototype will be test marketed in the                   U.S. and Japan.       1.02   I would like to:   High   Dropdown to access different modules                   of the application. Dropdown options                   may show all options or two to three                   based on audience of application. This                   could also be a nav bar.       1.03   Take a body image assessment   High   Up to five assessments that are 1-2                   pages each. Multiple choice answers.                   This module will need to be available                   independently for university and                   clinical studies. Scores will need to be                   tabulated on separate page that user                   cannot see. Score and answers will be                   saved in a database which only tracks                   the UserID of the user.       1.04   Create a customized self-guided improvement program   High   Link to self-guide module       1.05   COMPAIR my silhouettes   High   Link to silhouette module       1.06   COMPAIR my actual images   High   Link to image module       1.07   Enter User ID and Password   High   User ID automatically generated and                   user sets up password. Information                   kept in a separate database with                   contact/billing information. This may                   take them to where the page they were                   working in a customized self-                   improvement module. Images will not                   be saved in COMPAIR so people will                   have to be warned that they will lose                   images if they close out but statistics                   will be saved on variances between                   different images and comparisons.       1.08   Friends and Family Information   Medium   Link to 2-3 pages of sample                   information that will be included to                   offer support, information and                   resources for friends or family                   members where a loved one has a                   medical illness or issues where body                   image is a factor. Can be incorporated                   into main nav bar.       1.09   Hidden URL   High   The URL must not be visible in a                   clinical setting to prevent patients from                   surfing the Web.       1.10   Assessment Overview   High   For prototype, content will describe                   the purpose of the assessment and the                   results that will be generated. In a                   medical facility, results will be                   generated in a separate password                   protected area of the site for a medical                   professional to view the results and                   make decisions in treatment. For the                   public, results will be generated with                   general descriptions of meaning of                   results after individual clicks on                   submit.       1.11   Dropdown of different assessments to select from       Two-five assessments will be available                   for the prototype. During research                   studies, two will be pre-selected.       1.12   Assessment Results       Results will likely be in ranges that will                   have descriptions associated with each                   range. This page needs to be secure in                   a medical setting so the medical                   professional can review results without                   the patient seeing the results                   themselves. General public will be                   able to see results.       1.13   Legal Disclaimer/Privacy Statement       Legal description of what PTI will or                   will not do with information that is                   gathered.       1.14   Silhouette Overview - (This page is from the 1.05 link on the Home   High   Content to describe the purpose of the           Page)       silhouettes and what the user will do to                   create the silhouettes that reflects their                   current image.       1.15   Silhouette Demo   High   To provide a visual overview of what                   the user will experience by entering                   their measurements and manipulating                   the silhouettes. Flash will have the                   most impact obviously. Need to have                   another option for those that do not                   have flash in other countries.       1.16   Sign - up to create silhouettes   High   After seeing the demo, they will click                   on the register/sign up button to enter                   billing information and generate their                   automatic User ID and create their                   password. This info will be kept in                   Database #1.       1.17   Link to Registration Page   High   Links to page for public to sign up and                   enter billing and contact information.       1.18   Registration Form   Low   See fields in wireframe as a guide to                   types of fields that should be used.                   After username and password are                   issued and verified, the user will need                   to be directed to the module they                   purchased to start right away or                   directions to remind them how to log                   in.       1.19   UserID and Password Set up   Low   User registers information and then                   they are prompted with an                   automatically generated ID and enter                   their unique password.       1.20   Silhouette Measurements   High   Required measurements will be                   finalized once it is determined if a pre-                   existing software application will be                   used or if it will be a custom                   application. We would like the                   minimum number of required                   measurements to receive the most                   accurate silhouette image of the                   person.       1.21   Neutral Image   High   The actual image will appear “neutral”                   either slightly or significantly larger or                   smaller. The demo should indicate                   that the “neutral” image is random and                   will not always be slightly smaller for                   example. The computer program                   should randomly select how to                   manipulate the image.       1.22   Perceived Image - how the person “thinks” they look based on   High   The user will see “x”s or points on           manipulation of a “neutral” image.       sections of the neutral image and they                   can take their mouse and either drag                   the edge of the image to make it either                   narrower or wider to how they “think”                   or perceive they look. For example,                   they can modify the top area of their                   arm or the lower portion. Another                   example would be the waist being                   manipulated without affecting the hips.       1.23   Perceived Image Data Capture   High   The measurements of the Perceived                   image once complete will be compared                   against the Actual image that is based                   on real measurements. This data will                   be stored in Database #2.       1.24   Ideal Image   High   The images are randomly “neutralized”                   again and the user manipulates front,                   back and side images on how the want                   to look.       1.25   Ideal Image Data Capture   High   The measurements of the Ideal image                   will be compared against the Actual                   image that is based on real                   measurements. This data will be stored                   in Database #2.       1.26   Ideal vs. Perceived Image   High   Ideal vs. Perceived image demonstrates                   body image dissatisfaction. Data will be                   tracked to measure level of dissatisfaction                   in a standardized manner.       1.27   Front, Back and Side Buttons   High   Person can click on any three buttons                   to select the view the want to see.       1.28   Create customizable self-improvement program   High   Person will answer questions which                   will prioritize the modules that they                   will go through based on their                   individual needs. Data will be                   captured in database to analyze what                   people are seeking or feel they need to                   improve in their lives. Estimate is 5-10                   questions. Questions will be multiple                   choice.       1.29   Patent-Pending   High   Patent-pending should be discrete, yet                   visible on every page.       1.30   Self-improvement Recommendation   High   After the person has answered the                   questions, the recommended modules                   will be shown in order of importance.                   Each module will have a brief                   description. These results should be                   captured in a database not associated                   with the user&#39;s personal information -                   just ID number.       1.31   Register for program   High   If person wants to move forward they                   will click on the register button to                   provide user and payment information                   if they did not select to do this along                   with their silhouette or image module.       1.32   Not at this time   High   After reviewing the program the                   person decides they do not want to                   purchase the program. This will need                   to be collected in a database.       1.33   Selecting To (on registration form)   High   The person has the option to purchase                   one module or multiple modules. They                   can complete one module and choose                   to go back and purchase another. They                   will keep the same UserID and                   Password as they had before.       1.34   Sample Module   High   For the prototype, show one page of a                   sample module. Does not need to                   track info in the database for the                   prototype. It does need to track all                   information provided in Version 1.0.       1.35   Friends and Family Information   High   For the prototype, one page of sample                   information and resources for friends                   and family. Version 1.0 will require this                   area to be database driven to easily                   update physician contact information                   for example. Will contain white papers,                   links to research, medical resources etc.       1.36   I would like to PREPAIR:   High   Modules for prevention of body image                   disturbances and eating disorders.                   Either a drop down or part of the nav                   bar with sub-level choices.       1.37   Parental Consent Form   Med   Not essential for the prototype but                   need to show it in the dropdown and it                   will be critical for Version 1.0. Will                   need to submit to Database #1       1.38   PREPAIR: 9-11 years of age   Med   Show intro page in the prototype and                   complete modules developed with                   content and subject matter that is                   appropriate for 9-11 year old                   adolescents.       1.39   PREPAIR: 12-15 years of age   Med   Show intro page in the prototype and                   complete modules developed with                   content and subject matter that is                   appropriate for 12-15 year old                   adolescents.       1.40   PREPAIR: 16-18 years of age   Med   Show intro page in the prototype and                   complete modules developed with                   content and subject matter that is                   appropriate for 10-12th grade level.       1.41   End Assessment for both Silhouette, Digital Images and Customizable   High   User takes the same assessment they           Self-guided Improvement Program       did before they went through the                   silhouette or digital image module to                   see if they improved on their results.                   This is will guide the individual and                   provide data which will be captured in                   database #2. Some individuals my                   choose to take the beginning                   assessment and unless they decide to                   participate in the silhouette, digital                   image or customized self-guided                   improvement program, they will not                   be presented with the second                   assessment. (View 2.14 in Database                   specs)       1.42   Saving Digital Images   High   Images will only be saved under                   unique circumstances with an                   agreement with another                   facility/company requires that images                   are saved. A consent form for each                   person will need to be signed in order                   for this to occur and record that this                   consent form was complete must be                   filed with the user information in                   Database #1. Consider allowing user                   to save manipulated images to their                   desktop and then if they exit in the                   middle of the module, they can upload                   the images they manipulated so that                   effort is not lost and PTI does not save                   images.       1.43   Specs/Requirements for equipment to capture and upload digital   High   These specs will be determined upon           images - need to consider using cell phones that take digital pictures       either the pre-packaged software that is           for countries like Japan.       used or requirements of the custom                   application.       1.44   Consistency of Images   High   Evaluate the need for the angles of the                   arms and legs to be the same across all                   images to capture data that is                   consistent across different individuals.                   Prefer for it not to be.       1.45   Feedback/Questionnaire   Med   Please review the university study from                   Dr. Thomas Cash at Old Dominion                   University to identify the priority in the                   prototype. May want to consider                   getting feedback at the bottom of                   every page. Example of this is at the                   bottom of Microsoft help where they                   request feedback and it is automatically                   sent via Internet. Feedback is broken                   up throughout the site to avoid                   inconvenience of long form.                  
 
         [0039]     Prototype Database #1 and #2 Requirements  
                                 TABLE 4                           Prototype Database Requirements            #   Requirement   Priority   Description               2.01   Database #1 will contain contact information and billing information of   High   Medical facilities will contact PTI to           either an individual user or medical facility.       set up an account or work with a PTI                   sales representative. Individuals will                   enter their information via the online                   application.       2.02   Database #1 will have user ID number associated individual&#39;s file or   High   Someone may register and then want           group of ID numbers associated to a medical facility.       to come back at another time to start                   the module. When they log in with                   their username and password, the                   system will need to identify what they                   purchased so they do not have access                   to other modules and just the one they                   purchased.       2.03   Database #1 will store password generated by the individual or medical   High           facility.       2.04   Web application will have a “Forgot My Username/Password” function   Medium   Medical facilities will require some           which will email this information to the individual or medical facility.       additional level of authentication when                   requesting this information to prevent                   patients or other individuals accessing                   this information.       2.05   Database #1 will record use of application and track modules used for   Low           billing purposes for medical facilities.       2.06   Database #1 will provide activity reports containing data such as: activity   Low           per module, estimated time of use for each session etc.       2.07   Databases for prototype should be able to store 150-200 records.   High       2.08   Databases for V 1.0 should store 125,000 records for Year 1; 175,000   Low           records for Year 2; 225,000 records for Year 3.       2.09   Database #2 will not contain individual or patient information. It will   High   Only build for the 150 to 200 records           contain the UserID and Password which will be the map to the other       that will be developed for the           database for billing information.       prototype.       2.10   Database #2 will store measurement information based on UserID and   High   For example, measurements to           session number.       develop the silhouette images and the                   difference between Actual and Ideal,                   Actual and Perceived, Actual and                   Realistic and Perceived and Ideal.                   Metric measurements will need to have                   the option to convert to English                   measurement in inches for example.       2.11   Parental Consent Form   High   Track parents that have given or not                   given consent for them to have their                   children use the PREPAIR or                   COMPAIR modules. This will be                   important to show in the prototype.       2.12   Exiting the module mid-stream   Low   If someone ends midstream, images                   will not be stored but the statistics will.                   If the user can pick up where they left                   off that will be beneficial. Not a                   priority for the prototype but will be                   for Version 1.0.       2.13   Database #2 - Measurement/Findings Reports   Med   Will need to develop sample report(s)                   for the prototype but not the complete                   reporting system. Reports will need to                   be convertible between English and                   Metric measurements. In Japanese and                   English.       2.14   Beginning and end assessment data captured per UserID Number   Med   Please review proposed university                   study to identify the level of                   importance in the prototype phase.                   User takes the same assessment they                   did before they went through the                   silhouette or digital image module to                   see if they improved on their results.                   This is will guide the individual and                   provide data which will be captured in                   database #2. Some individuals my                   choose to take the beginning                   assessment and unless they decide to                   participate in the silhouette, digital                   image or customized self-guided                   improvement program, they will not                   be presented with the second                   assessment.       2.15   Consent form to save images   High   Database #1 - important to keep                   record of these consent forms and                   images will only be saved in a detailed                   agreement with a medical facilitate or                   business that required this function.                  
 
         [0040]     PTI Prototype Application System &amp; Security Requirements  
                                 TABLE 5                           Risk Consulting Home Page Requirements            #   Requirement   Priority   Description               3.01   No access to a Web browser in a medical environment   High   If possible, the application should not                   require opening a browser, typing in an                   address to access the Home page. If a                   browser is available on the Desktop, it                   allows the opportunity patients will                   access the browser and surf the Web.       3.02   Desktop Icon to Application   High   Medical facility will click on a desktop                   icon which will link them directly to                   the Web-based application. They will                   log into the application prior to use                   and enter in the patients UserID and                   Password. When patient enters the                   application will be ready for use.       3.03   Credit Card and Purchase Order Payment Abilities   Low   System will need to be able to accept                   major credit cards and take purchase                   order information from medical                   facilities.       3.04   Database and Application Security   High   Implementation of advanced database                   and application security is critical to                   protect data.       3.05   Measurement variances by country - metrics vs. inches/feet etc.   High   Japan will enter different                   measurements and we will need to                   convert the data to the same                   measurement standard to have                   consistency in data that is collected.       3.06   Measurement ranges   High   PTI will establish what measurements                   ranges are not within general ranges to                   avoid capturing grossly incorrect                   measurements entered by users.                  
 
         [0041]     Other Functional Requirements  
                                     TABLE 4                           Other Functional Requirements                #   Requirement   Priority   Description                       6.01   None at this time   n/a   n/a                      
 
         [0042]     Technical/Infrastructure Requirements  
                                 TABLE 5                           Technical/Infrastructure Requirements            #   Requirement   Priority   Description               6.01   All authenticated users can access modules   High               via the Internet       6.02   Acceptable performance via dialup   High           connection       6.03   Internet Explorer 6.0 and above is   High           standard browser                  
 
 
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
 
       Appendix B  
       [0043]     General information will be entered into the system such as sex, race, age, height, weight, current diet, exercise habits, health status, and emotional well-being to open a new file. This will provide identification when updating files of specific clients, as well as create the ability to gather statistical data for market and medical research.  
         [0044]     The software will begin with an option of three body-image questionnaires depending whether the client is a woman, man or adolescent. With permission, established questionnaires will be used in the software.  
         [0045]     The software will be based on four images: 
    1) Actual     2) Perceived     3) Ideal     4) Realistic    
 
         [0050]     The Actual, Perceived and Ideal Images will be utilized to determine a person&#39;s body dissatisfaction and distortion. These two terms are defined below:  
         [0051]     Body Dissatisfaction: a discrepancy between a person&#39;s perceived image and their ideal image.  
         [0052]     Body Distortion: a discrepancy between a person&#39;s actual image and their perceived image.  
         [0053]     The person will have their front, side and back image scanned in to the computer using a digital camera. Before viewing their actual image, they will manipulate their Perceived and Ideal Images. For the person to determine their body distortion and dissatisfaction, they need a “neutral” image of themselves to manipulate. Their neutral image is created by minor automatic changes on certain areas of the body by the computer. For example, their thighs will be slightly smaller and their arms slightly larger. These automatic changes will be minimal so the person is not shocked when they see this “neutral” image. The neutral image will initially be blurred on the screen. It will be brought into focus with the minor changes. The blurred image will create the effect of the image being altered as it comes into focus.  
         [0054]     The Perceived and Ideal Images will be manipulated individually with the front, side and back image appearing separately. The therapist/counselor and client will discuss their thoughts associated with each image by clicking the mouse and the image will alter in size a small increment. The image will be manipulated altering the circumference of specific body parts. For example, the upper part of the leg from the hip down to the knee would be one section. Then another section would be from the knee down to the foot. Often a participant has issues about certain body parts. This will allow the participant to discuss these areas separately.  
         [0055]     When the Perceived and Ideal images have been created, they will be compared individually to the client&#39;s Actual Image. During comparison, there will be six images on the screen. The front, back and side view will be displayed for the Perceived or Ideal Image and their Actual Image. As a comprehensive view, the Perceived, Ideal and Actual Images of either the front, back or side view can be displayed showing the differences between the three images.  
         [0056]     The measurements of distortion will not be in “inches” because the patient may focus about reaching a certain measurement instead of what is realistic for that individual. Statistics are not needed for these images because it is visual. The distance between a person&#39;s Actual Image and maximum point of distortion from the revised image will be preconfigured; for example, 1 through 5. There will be a separate table for level of distortion and dissatisfaction.  
         [0057]     Showing the tables may disturb some people to see their level of distortion and dissatisfaction. The numbers and table will not appear with the images so the patient will not see the number and the corresponding explanation.  
         [0058]     The therapist/counselor will have the option of creating a Realistic Goal Image with the patient. They can discuss issues while the patient and therapist/counselor create the Realistic Goal Image together. By clicking the mouse, they can manipulate various body parts for an overall Realistic Goal. It will be important to emphasize this Realistic Goal Image is not based on an individual&#39;s statistics. Its purpose will be for the therapist/counselor and client to have a “tool” to discuss and determine what is realistic and not what will actually occur over time.  
         [0059]     For motivational purposes, the Realistic Goal Image will be created for a result that the client can obtain in a short period of time. By providing an intermediate goal instead of the final Realistic Image initially, it will greatly increase the chances of the client being successful creating positive motivation. For example, if a client needs to convert to a healthy lifestyle and a factor in that is losing inches, an intermediate goal will be more attainable that giving the client the total inches.  
         [0060]     These images can be saved for tracking progress throughout treatment. A file will be created for each client if the client signs a release. The therapist/counselor will be able to make notes on each session along with the images.  
         [0061]     By using a projector, an option is for the therapist/counselor can project the client&#39;s image on to the wall. This will create an image for the patient that is “life-like” making the images even more realistic. This can be a tremendous advantage for the person to be looking at themselves instead of a blank silhouette without their features and personality.  
         [0062]     A database will be created to gather data captured from of this module. Companies, universities and medical centers will download profiles of clients and their statistics to the database. Most studies are based at a university or medical center and have a limited participant population. This will provide the opportunity to gather data on a large cross-section of the population through leveraging the Internet and the World Wide Web.  
         [0063]     Optional Component(s): Dietary and exercise modules can be developed and customized for weight loss centers and fitness centers by PTI to serve the needs of individual clients.  
         [0064]     Listed below are examples of data that can be extrapolated from the profiles and the benefits it offers. These examples are not scientific-based or supported by a specific university or medical research facility.  
         [0065]     Determination: Pinpoint when peer pressure, media and society begin to affect an adolescent and their self-esteem and self-perception.  
         [0066]     Data: Utilize the gender, age range and adolescent body-image questionnaire  
         [0067]     Benefits: School programs can be developed to address these issues with adolescents at the correct age before they typically develop.  
         [0068]     Determination: Whether African-American women/men accept their bodies more than Caucasian women/men.  
         [0069]     Data: Utilize race, gender and body-image questionnaire results.  
         [0070]     Benefits: Gain a further understanding on different cultures and the effects it has on self-perception.  
         [0071]     Determination: Whether women become more comfortable with their bodies as they get older and how media and society affects their self-perception.  
         [0072]     Data: Utilize age, gender and answers from certain questions in the body-image questionnaire.  
         [0073]     Benefit: Further understand reasons why women&#39;s perceptions change at a certain age and focus on developing programs to support women in age ranges that are still highly impacted by media and society.  
         [0074]     Determination: An individual&#39;s self-perception and the stage of an eating disorder.  
         [0075]     Data: Utilize body-image questionnaire, gender, age, body images and notes from specific time frames of treatment.  
         [0076]     Benefit: Gain a deeper understanding how body-image and eating disorders relate with one another. With a better understanding medical facilities will be able to more effectively treat these disorders.