Abstract:
An imaging station/booth for automated total body imaging having a small footprint and capable of quickly, efficiently, effectively, and consistently capturing multiple body images of a user or patient over time with minimal assistance from medical staff.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to provisional patent application having Ser. No. 61/643,638, filed May 7, 2012, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a system and apparatus for automated total body imaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and apparatus for automated total body imaging which includes a streamlined imaging station/booth having a small footprint for use in medical offices which is capable of quickly, efficiently, effectively and consistently capturing multiple body images of a user or patient with minimal assistance from medical staff. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Skin related conditions and diseases, including skin cancer, must involve monitoring of the skin in order to diagnose and/or monitor the condition or disease as well as evaluate treatment for the condition or disease. In addition, skin must be monitored to identify skin related side effects and events related to evaluating experimental as well as well established treatments for various diseases. 
         [0004]    Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidences of breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer and, over the past 31 years, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined. Each year, more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. 
         [0005]    There are three main types of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and an estimated 2.8 million people are diagnosed annually with it in the U.S. Basal cell carcinomas are rarely fatal but can be highly disfiguring if allowed to grow. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. An estimated 700,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. and result in approximately 2,500 deaths. 
         [0006]    Melanoma is a third form of skin cancer and is the most common form of cancer for young adults ages 25 to 29 and the second most common form of cancer for young people aged 15 to 29. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer for males and the sixth most common cancer for females. The incidence of melanoma continues to rise and one in 55 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetime. The survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected early, before the tumor has penetrated the skin, is about 99 percent. However, the survival rate falls to 15 percent for those with advanced disease. 
         [0007]    The total direct cost associated with the treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancer in 2004 was 1.5 billion dollars. The number of nonmelanoma skin cancers in the Medicare population went up an average of 4.2 percent every year between 1992 and 2006. Melanoma treatment costs total about 249 million dollars annually for adults  65  and older. Although they only account for three percent of melanomas, about 40 percent of the annual cost for melanoma treatment goes to treating stage IV cancers. 
         [0008]    Although skin cancer cases are on the rise, early detection of skin cancer can play a significant role in its treatment and the costs associated with treatment. Self-exams coupled with yearly skin exams by physicians are the best way to achieve early detection. Accordingly, there is a need for quick, efficient, effective and consistent body imaging of individuals/patients so that a physician can easily examine the body images of the individual/patient for skin neoplasms and/or skin variations that require further examination. In addition, there is a need for an automated body imaging system to document and monitor the skin for a number of reasons in addition to skin cancer surveillance. These reasons include, but are not limited to, identification of skin related side effects/events in clinical trials, evaluation of clinical response to a variety of experimental and well established treatments for the management of psoriasis, cutaneous lymphoma, hypersensitivity reactions, etc., cosmetic procedures, and any other application where skin imaging may be useful. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is directed toward an automated system and apparatus for total body imaging which includes an imaging station/booth for automatically capturing body images of a user when the user is positioned in predetermined poses. The predetermined poses enable thorough and accurate viewing for detecting skin abnormalities on the user and the user is given an audio and/or visual step by step guide through the poses. The system determines if the user is correctly positioned for a predetermined pose and communicates successful positioning to the user before automatically capturing the body image of the user with one or more cameras. 
         [0010]    Key features of the imaging station/booth of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a compact and small footprint for the station/booth itself, patient privacy during imaging, display screens in the station/booth which guide users through the poses for total body imaging, and sensors in communication with positioning indicia and/or positioning members (such as handles, footprints, and/or handprints) to determine correct positioning for a pose and communicating successful positioning to the user. Key features of the automated system for full body imaging of the present invention include, but are not limited to, rapid/quick collection of precise total body imaging, automated imaging acquisition by guiding users through positions and determining and communicating correct positioning via sensors, patient privacy during imaging, and wireless access to images so that medical professionals can determine skin abnormalities and/or make diagnoses without the need to be present during imaging or at the site of imaging. Another key feature of the automated total body imaging system of the present invention is its ability to interface with electronic medical records (EMRs). An electronic medical record (EMR) is a computerized medical record created in an organization that delivers care such as a hospital or physician&#39;s office. 
         [0011]    In one exemplary embodiment, the system for total body imaging of the present invention includes i) an imaging station/booth having one or more body positioning indicia or body positioning members (such as a handle, footprint, and/or handprint), a sensor in communication with the body positioning indicia and/or body positioning members, one or more cameras, one or more lighting elements, and one or more display screens, ii) a program application in communication with the imaging station/booth for guiding a user through one or more predetermined poses via the display screen in the imaging station/booth, capturing the user&#39;s images in each predetermined pose via the one or more cameras, and documenting notes relating to the images, and iii) a computing device in communication with the program application for storing the images, accessing and viewing the images, and inputting information relating to the images. The computing device may be connected (i.e. wired) to another computing device to enable a medical professional/medical provider to access user images and data. In addition, the computing device may be connected (e.g. wired) to a visual display and/or computing device that enables a technician/medical assistant to control capture of the user images by use of a graphic user interface specifically designed for the technician/medical assistant. The system may also include a server in communication with a network so that user images can be wirelessly accessed by medical professionals through the wireless network and the medical professional can document notes and/or comments relating to the images. In addition, the server may access external databases to aid the medical professional in analyzing the user images. In particular, the system for total body imaging of the present invention may interface with electronic medical records (EMRs). The total body imaging system of the present invention may deliver imaging results in the form of EMRs to a physician, medical professional, and/or medical facility such as a hospital or clinic and/or the total body imaging system of the present invention may interface with existing EMR databases from other medical providers and/or facilities for individuals/patients that undergo the total body imaging of the present invention so that the total body imaging of the present invention can also be compared to the EMRs in those other databases. 
         [0012]    One exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth of the present invention includes one or more body positioning indicia or body positioning members (such as a handle, footprint, and/or handprint), a sensor in communication with each of the body positioning indicia and/or body positioning members, one or more cameras, one or more lighting elements, and one or more display screens. The imaging station/booth may also include a privacy screen that is formed by opening a portion of the housing which comprises the perimeter of the imaging station/booth. The imaging station/booth may also include a movable/retractable step for assisting in body positioning of the user where the movable/retractable step can be recessed into the floor of the imaging station/booth. 
         [0013]    A second exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth of the present invention includes an enclosed interior area, a door enabling a user to enter the enclosed interior area, and a plurality of cameras which together provide overlapping images of the user wherein the plurality of cameras exist in stationary positions and are not capable of repositioning. The total body imaging station/booth may also include one or more body positioning members located within the enclosed interior area which assist a user in accurately positioning his/her body for a series of one or more predetermined poses, at least one image display device located within the enclosed interior area that is viewable by a user, at least one light panel positioned near the cameras, at least one speaker component for enabling a user to hear voice instructions within the enclosed interior area, and a computer processing unit in communication with one or more program applications related to the use of the total body imaging station/booth. The one or more body positioning members may each include a light emitting component having capacitive touch sensors to enable the body positioning members to light up when properly engaged by a user during a series of predetermined poses. 
         [0014]    The enclosed inner area of the second exemplary embodiment may be defined by a front panel, two opposing side panels, a rear panel, and a top cover member. One or both of the opposing side panels may function as a door or a door may be located within one or both of the opposing side panels. Further, the front panel may be positioned in front of the plurality of cameras and include a plurality of openings so that a lens of each of the cameras can be seen through each of the openings, respectively. In addition, the front panel may also include at least two vertically oriented rectangular openings that are positioned such that at least two light panels can be inserted into each of the vertically oriented rectangular openings, respectively. 
         [0015]    The one or more program applications in communication with the computer processing unit may include a program application for taking, capturing, and storing the overlapping images obtained from the plurality of cameras. The program application(s) can also include an automatic focusing algorithm to automate the focusing of the plurality of cameras by determining an area of interest for each camera in each of the predetermined body poses that are undertaken by a user. The program application(s) may also include a program application that enables a medical professional and/or medical facility (such as hospitals, medical clinics, etc.) to obtain wireless access to the overlapping images in order to view the overlapping images, compare a plurality of the overlapping images of a same user taken at different times, document notes relating to the overlapping images, create electronic medical records that include the overlapping images, and/or send the overlapping images and related notes to another medical professional and/or medical facility. 
         [0016]    Still a third exemplary embodiment of the total body imaging station/booth of the present invention includes an enclosed interior area, a door enabling a user to enter the enclosed interior area, one or more body positioning members located within the enclosed interior area for assisting a user in accurately positioning his/her body in a series of one or more predetermined body poses, a plurality of cameras which together provide overlapping images of the user in the predetermined body pose(s) where the overlapping images have up to 15% overlap and cover an area up to at least 6 feet 5 inches in height and the cameras exist in a stationary position and are not capable of repositioning, at least one panel positioned near the cameras, and at least one image display device located within the enclosed interior area that is viewable by the user. The total body imaging station/booth may also include at least one speaker component to enable a user to hear voice instructions within the enclosed interior area. 
         [0017]    The one or more body positioning members may include one or more handles for the user&#39;s hands and a footplate for the user&#39;s foot or feet and the handles and/or foot plate may each include a light emitting component with capacitive touch sensor to enable the handles and/or footplate to light up when properly engaged by the user when performing the predetermined body pose(s). In addition, the footplate may be vertically moveable and retractable within the floor of the total body imaging station/booth. As seen in one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of cameras may include nine separate cameras that are each secured to a frame so that the cameras create an array of three horizontal rows of cameras with three cameras secured to each horizontal row. 
         [0018]    The third exemplary embodiment of the total body imaging station/booth may also include a panel positioned in front of the cameras having a plurality of circular openings so that a lens from each of the cameras can be seen through each of the circular openings, respectively. Further, the light panel in the total body imaging station/booth may include two light panels positioned on opposite sides of the cameras and the panel positioned in front of the cameras may also include at least two vertically oriented openings so that a front of each of the light panels can be inserted into each of the two vertically oriented openings, respectively. 
         [0019]    The total body imaging station/booth may also include a computer processing unit in communication with one or more program applications related to the use of the total body imaging station/booth. The program application(s) may include a program application for guiding a user through a series of one or more predetermined body poses by utilizing the imaging display device and/or the speaker component(s). The program application(s) may also include a program application for taking, capturing, and storing the overlapping images obtained from the plurality of cameras. The program application(s) can also include an automatic focusing algorithm to automate the focusing of the plurality of cameras by determining an area of interest for each camera in each of the predetermined body poses that are undertaken by a user. The program application(s) may also include a program application that enables a medical professional and/or medical facility (such as hospitals, medical clinics, etc.) to obtain wireless access to the overlapping images in order to view the overlapping images, compare a plurality of the overlapping images of a same user taken at different times, document notes relating to the overlapping images, create electronic medical records that include the overlapping images, and/or send the overlapping images and related notes to another medical professional and/or medical facility. Further, the program application(s) can include a program application that enables a medical professional and/or medical facility having access to the overlapping images of a user to interface with other existing electronic medical record databases from other medical professionals and/or medical facilities utilized by the user so that the overlapping images of the use can be compared to other existing electronic record databases. The total body imaging station/booth may also include a technician computer device located outside the enclosed interior area that enables a technician to control one or more of the program applications. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The figures illustrate various embodiments of the present invention by way of example, and not by way of limitation. Embodiments of the present invention may include part or all of the features shown in one of these figures, or may include features from two or more figures. Embodiments of the present invention may also include features described in the specification, or elements of features described in the specification. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may include features that would be familiar to a person of ordinary skill in the art having studied this document. Thus, a more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures where like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is an outer perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view showing the interior of the exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a top plan view showing the interior of another exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a front plan view of the interior front wall of the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the camera assembly contained within the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a front plan view and a side plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the light boxes contained within the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the light boxes shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the interior rear half and back wall of the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an interior handle (and its direction of movement) secured to the back wall of the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a moveable/retractable step contained within the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a partial rear interior of the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9  showing the movable/retractable step that is recessed into the floor of the imaging station/booth and an outline for exemplary placement of a user&#39;s feet. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the partial rear interior of the imaging station/booth shown in  FIG. 12 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a rear plan view (with the back wall removed) showing the interior of the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9  with a user exhibiting a predetermined pose in front of the cameras contained within the imaging station/booth. 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the imaging station/booth and the user shown in  FIG. 14 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a top plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth and user depicted in  FIG. 15 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  shows an exemplary predetermined set of body poses for complete body imaging in accordance with the system and apparatus for full body imaging of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  shows a schematic of an exemplary imaging station/booth architecture in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  shows a schematic of an exemplary electrical power architecture for the electrical components of the imaging station/booth in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  is a block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the system for full body imaging of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 21  is a flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method for automated total body imaging in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 22  is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for determining a user&#39;s correct position for predetermined poses in accordance with the method shown in  FIG. 21 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 23  is an exemplary software block diagram showing connections with the imaging station/booth computer in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 24  is an exemplary screen shot of the graphical user interface that can be seen by a technician when the technician is assisting in the automated full body imaging system and apparatus of the present invention: 
           [0045]      FIG. 25  is an outer perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 26  is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 25 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 27  is a top plan view showing the interior of the exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 28  is an outer perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 25  with a door of the imaging station/booth shown open. 
           [0049]      FIG. 29  is an outer perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 25  with outer front panels shown in an open position. 
           [0050]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the plurality of cameras and the frame which supports the plurality of cameras contained in the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 31  is a front perspective view of the front panel of the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26  having openings contained therein for the camera lenses and the light panels. 
           [0052]      FIG. 32  is a partial interior view of the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26  showing a rear perspective view of the front panel of the imaging station/booth having openings contained therein for the camera lenses and the light panels, the light panels contained within the imaging station/booth, and an image display device contained within the imaging station/booth interior. 
           [0053]      FIG. 33  is a partial interior view of the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26  showing the interior of the imaging station/booth with the side panel of the station/booth opposite the door removed. 
           [0054]      FIG. 34  is an example of the overlapping images of a user that are created with the plurality of cameras contained within the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 35  is front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the light panels contained within the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an interior upper handle that is secured to a rear of the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an interior middle handle that is secured to a rear of the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an interior lower handle that is secured to a rear of the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 39  is an exploded view of the interior upper handle shown in  FIG. 36 . 
           [0060]      FIG. 40  is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the interior upper handle shown in  FIG. 36 . 
           [0061]      FIG. 41  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the movable foot plate contained within the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 42  is a top plan view showing an outline for exemplary placement of a user&#39;s feet on a floor within the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 43  is a top plan view of the interior of the imaging station/booth depicted in  FIGS. 25 and 26  showing the placement and position of the foot plate and foot outlines shown in  FIGS. 41 and 42 , respectively. 
           [0064]      FIG. 44  shows a schematic of an exemplary electrical layout for the electrical components of the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 45  is an exemplary software block diagram showing connections with the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
           [0066]      FIGS. 46 through 53  show exemplary frames/screen shots of the graphic user interface for technicians or medical assistants used with the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26  to ensure that the automated imaging is correctly carried out and completed wherein each frame/screen shot corresponds to main windows and subsequent pop up windows in the graphical user interface. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0067]    The present invention is directed to a system and apparatus for total body imaging where the system includes an imaging station/booth, a program application in communication with the imaging station/booth, and a computing device in communication with the program application. The total body imaging system and apparatus of the present invention may be used for a large number of applications including, but not limited to, skin cancer surveillance, identification of skin related side effects/events in clinical trials, evaluation of clinical response to a variety of experimental and well established treatments for the management of psoriasis, cutaneous lymphoma, hypersensitivity reactions, etc., cosmetic procedures, and any other application where skin imaging may be useful. 
         [0068]    An outer perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth  10  in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 . Imaging station/booth  10  includes a housing  12  having two front walls  14 ,  16 , a first side wall  18  having an opening therein for user entry into the imaging station/booth  10 , a second side wall  20 , a back wall  22 , a door  24  which covers the opening in side wall  18 , and a top member  26 . Door  24  may act as a privacy screen when opened for accessing the interior of the imaging station/booth  10 . Top member  26  may be sloped and front walls  14 ,  16  may be semi-oval in shape so that they form an oval shaped interior space when their open ends are joined together. In one another exemplary embodiment, the top member  26  and the front walls  14 ,  16  may be comprised of a frosted polypropylene that is approximately 3/16 of an inch to ¼ of an inch thick. The high chemical resistance of the frosted polypropylene makes it ideal for wiping it down. A computer  28  for use by a technician or medical assistant may be positioned on the exterior surface of front wall  14  so that the technician can input information into the program application and make selections in accordance with the program application. 
         [0069]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth  10  of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . Imaging station/booth  10  includes housing having two front walls  14 ,  16 , a first side wall  18  having an opening therein for user entry into the imaging station/booth  10 , a second side wall  20 , a back wall  22 , a door  24  which covers the opening in side wall  18 , and a top member  26 . In addition, a frame  30  is located within the housing for mounting cameras  32 , video displays  34 , handle members  36 , and a movable step  38 . The housing may further include additional panel members such as front panel  40 , corner panels  42  for enclosing light boxes, back panel  44 , and side panel  46 —all of which also function to add additional durability, strength, and support to the imaging station/booth  10 . In one exemplary embodiment, the frame  30  may be aluminum and the walls and panels of the housing may be comprised of a plastic. 
         [0070]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view showing the interior of the exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth  10  of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2 . Computer hardware and software  50  are contained between front walls  14 ,  16  and technician computer  28  is mounted on front wall  14 . Light boxes  52  containing strobes are positioned between front wall  16  and front panel  40  and cameras  32  mounted on an actuator member  54  are also positioned between front wall  16  and front panel  40  such that cameras  32  can extend through front panel  40  and into the interior of imaging station/booth  10 . Door  24  of side panel  18  functions as a privacy screen for patient disrobing before imaging. Video displays  34 , lateral and anterior/posterior handles  56 , and upper handle  58  are mounted to frame  30 . 
         [0071]    A top plan view showing the interior of another exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth  10  in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIG. 4 . The exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  is the same as the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  with the exception of additional cameras. A first set of additional cameras  60  may be mounted to the frame such that they extend through first side wall  18  and/or side panel  46  and a second set of additional cameras  62  may be mounted to the frame such that they extend through second side wall  20 . Further, additional cameras may be added to, and vertically mounted on, the actuator member  54  of the original cameras  32  which extend through front panel  40 . The more cameras that are used, the shorter the acquisition time for total body imaging. In still another exemplary embodiment, the number of cameras positioned within the imaging station/booth may be in the range of 3 to 12 cameras to further reduce the acquisition time for total body imaging. Moreover, it should be noted that any of the cameras may be moved vertically up and down and that additional actuators may also be included as part of the camera assembly later described with reference to  FIG. 6  to enable any of the cameras to also move horizontally back and forth. 
         [0072]      FIG. 5  is a front plan view of the interior front wall of the imaging station/booth  10  of the present invention shown in  FIG. 3 . Interior front wall or front panel  40  includes a plurality of vertical oblong openings  70  through which cameras  32  mounted on the actuator member extend. The cameras  32  can move up and down through the vertical oblong openings  70  when they are moved by the actuator member. Video display  34  is mounted such that it is located outside of the front panel  40  and within the interior of the imaging station/booth  10  so that a patient within the imaging station/booth  10  can easily view the video display  34 . In addition, hidden light boxes  52  (see  FIG. 3 ) containing strobes are located behind the front panel  40 .  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the camera assembly  72  contained within the imaging station/booth  10  of the present invention shown in  FIG. 3 . Camera assembly  72  includes one or more cameras  32  mounted on a horizontal support member  74  which is in turn mounted on a vertical support member  76  that includes an activator  78  such that the horizontal support member  74  can move up and down (arrow  79 ) relative to the vertical support member  76 . The cameras utilized in he automated total body imaging system of the present invention may function to produce two dimensional (2D) imaging and/or three dimensional (3D) imaging. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the openings in the front panel  40 , for both the cameras and the lighting elements/boxes, as well as the camera assembly (including number of cameras, support for the cameras and multi-directional movement of the cameras) can be made to the imaging station/booth  10  for other exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
         [0073]      FIG. 7  is a front plan view and a side plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the light boxes  52  contained within the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 3 . Light boxes  52  each include a light box housing  80  which has two opposing sides  82 ,  84  with a back side  86  located between the two opposing sides  82 ,  84 . Light box housing  80  also includes a top member  88  and a bottom member ( 89  in  FIG. 8 ) that are each connected to the two opposing sides  82 ,  84  and the back side  86  to form a housing having an open front side. One or more strobe lights  90  are mounted within the back side  86  such they can extend through the back side  86  and into the light box housing  80 . In other exemplary embodiments, the strobe lights may be positioned anywhere within the light box housing  80  and/or within the side, top, bottom, and back panels that make up the light box housing  80 .  FIG. 8  is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the light boxes  52  shown in  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , each light box housing  80  may further include a top light focusing and/or filtering panel  92 , a bottom light focusing and/or filtering panel  94 , and a back light focusing and/or filtering panel  96 . In one exemplary embodiment, there are two light boxes  52  that are the full height of the imaging station/booth  10  and each light box  52  holds two strobe lights  90 . The top light focusing and/or filtering panel  92 , the bottom light focusing and/or filtering panel  94 , and the back light focusing and/or filtering panel  96  may help further spread the light. The configuration of the two opposing side panels, back panel, top and bottom panels, and the overall curved configuration of the interior of the light boxes  52  further act as diffusing surfaces. The panels which make up the light box housing  80  may be made of polypropylene with reflective lined interiors. 
         [0074]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the interior rear half and back wall of the imaging station/booth  10  of the present invention shown in  FIG. 3 . The interior back wall of the imaging station/booth  10  has several functional components mounted thereon which assist in correctly positioning a patient in order to complete full body imaging of the patient. These include, but are not limited to, two opposing anterior/posterior hands down handles  102 , two opposing lateral and anterior/posterior hands up handles  104 , an upper handle  106 , and a movable and retractable step  108  that can retract into the floor or bottom of the imaging station/booth  10 . One or more of the handles or each of the handles may be movable in order to correctly position them to assist the size of a patient. Video displays  34  are also mounted within the imaging station/booth  10 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an interior handle  104  (and its direction of movement) secured to the back wall of the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , each of the handles  104  can assist in taking anterior and posterior imaging of a patient&#39;s hands and arms by placing the patient&#39;s elbows and wrists against the elbow rests  112  and wrist rests  114  of the handles  104 . Handles  104  can then assist in taking lateral images of the patient&#39;s arms by folding the handles  104  down to create grips for the patient&#39;s hands. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 11-13  are directed to the movable and retractable step ( 38 ,  108 ) shown in  FIGS. 2 and 9 .  FIG. 11  is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a moveable/retractable step  38 ,  108  contained within the imaging station/booth  10  of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a partial rear interior of the imaging station/booth  10  of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9  showing the movable/retractable step  38 ,  108  that is recessed into the floor of the imaging station/booth  10  and an outline  115  for exemplary placement of a user&#39;s or patient&#39;s feet.  FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the partial rear interior of the imaging station/booth shown in  FIG. 12 . The outlined areas  115  for placing a patient&#39;s feet have one or more sensors  116  (see  FIG. 11 ) for informing a user or patient that they have correctly or incorrectly positioned their feet. 
         [0077]    A rear plan view (with the back wall removed) showing the interior of the imaging station/booth of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9  with a user exhibiting a predetermined pose in front of the cameras contained within the imaging station/booth is shown in  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the imaging station/booth and the user shown in  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 16  is a top plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth and user depicted in  FIG. 15 . It can be seen that light boxes  52  are inserted through an outer wall of the imaging station/booth  10  in  FIG. 15  and that the light boxes  52  are contained within the imaging station/booth  10  in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 17  shows an exemplary predetermined set of body poses for complete body imaging in accordance with the system and apparatus for full body imaging of the present invention. One exemplary procedure for conducting the total body imaging process using the system and apparatus for automated total body imaging of the present invention may encompass the following exemplary protocol: 
         [0079]    The patient is asked to fill out a form before any examination takes place. A consent form explains the procedure and will include the option of leaving clothing on for privacy reasons if the patient so chooses as long as they are aware that documentation of the covered area will not occur. Also on the form, will be the option for either a regional or total body imaging procedure. At this point in time, the patient can be asked to pay up front and out of pocket. The Medical assistant (MA) will call the patient after they are checked in to start the procedure. The MA will get the vitals, body weight, and height. The patient will be given a chart of all the standard poses. While the patient is reviewing the poses, the MA will enter the station/booth and adjust the five handles to the correct positions based on the patient&#39;s weight and height, turn on the ambient lights, and start the program. The MA will leave and instruct the patient to undress and hang their clothes on the back of the privacy wall/door. Before entering the imaging station/booth the patient needs to remove all clothing, all jewelry and hair needs to be up and off the face and neck. Once ready, the MA will return, show the patient into the station/booth and start the procedure. 
       Entering the Imaging Station/Booth. 
       [0080]    All the equipment will be on (computer, programs, actuators, cameras, strobes, ambient light, pressure sensors, etc.). 
         [0081]    The handles will be in the correct positions and the cameras will be at the top of the actuator waiting for user input. 
         [0082]    Welcome to the imaging station/booth (screen talking to the patient). This screen will demonstrate what pose you will need to assume and it will talk you through the positioning required for the poses. 
         [0083]    Proper anterior footprints will light up red to highlight the correct position. 
         [0084]    Please assume Pose 1 by facing toward the cameras with your feet on the lighted footprints. Toes are pointed straight out front and heel against the back of the footprint. 
         [0085]    Once the feet are in the correct position, the lights will turn green via the pressure sensors. 
         [0086]    First we will photograph the front of your body. Please raise your hands up so that your elbows form 90-degree angles and the back of your hand is pressed against the pad. Keep your hands open with your palms facing the cameras. The first pose is like a stick up pose. Please stand up straight, remain still and keep your head straight and looking forward at the target. When the cameras take a picture, there will be a big flash. Please close your eyes when the time comes. The cameras will take pictures in 3, 2, 1. Please continue to stand still. The cameras will take pictures in 3,2,1 (This will be repeated for 4 more times). 
         [0087]    Once the patient is in the correct position, the sensors will relay information to the Medical Assistant and they will commence the sequence. The cameras will take pictures of the body moving from top to bottom. They will take pictures at 6 different vertical positions. 
         [0088]    Assume Pose 2. You will have to drop your arms and grab a hold of the lighted hand bars near your hips with both hands. Please stand up straight, remain still and keep your head straight looking forward. When the cameras take a picture, there will be a big flash. Please close your eyes when the time comes. The cameras will take pictures in 3, 2, 1. Please continue to stand still. The cameras will take pictures in 3,2,1 (This will be repeated for 4 more times). The handles will be illuminated red and then turn green when in the correct position. Once the patient is in the correct position, the sensors will relay information to the Medical Assistant and they will commence the sequence. The cameras will take pictures of the body moving from bottom to top. They will take pictures at 6 different vertical positions. 
         [0089]    Assume Pose 3. Continue to stand toward the camera with your feet in the illuminated positions. Please lean over and place your hands on your legs just above your knee. Stare at the ground. Once the patient is in the correct position, the sensors will relay information to the Medical Assistant and they will commence the sequence. The cameras will take pictures of the body moving from top to bottom. They will take pictures at 6 different vertical positions. 
         [0090]    Assume Pose 4. Turn around and face the back wall of the imaging station. Place your feet to the lighted footprints on the floor. Toes are pointed straight out front and heel against the back of the footprint. Please raise your hands up so that your elbows form 90-degree angles and the palm of your hand is pressed against the pad. Keep your hands open with the back of your hand facing the cameras. Stand up straight, remain still and keep your head straight looking forward. When the cameras take a picture, there will be a big flash. Please close your eyes when the time comes. The cameras will take pictures in 3, 2, 1. Please continue to stand still. The cameras will take pictures in 3,2,1 (This will be repeated for 4 more times). Once the patient is in the correct position, the sensors will relay information to the Medical Assistant and they will commence the sequence. The cameras will take pictures of the body moving from bottom to top. They will take pictures at 6 different vertical positions. 
         [0091]    Assume Pose 5. Lower your hands and grab the lower lighted hand bars near your hips. Please stand up straight, remain still and keep your head straight looking forward. The handles will be illuminated red and then turn green when in the correct position. Once the patient is in the correct position, the sensors will relay information to the Medical Assistant and they will commence the sequence. The cameras will take pictures of the body moving from top to bottom. They will take pictures at 6 different vertical positions. 
         [0092]    Please step away from the back wall and wait to be prompted. A step will be raised to aid you in the next pose. Once the patient is away from the step, the MA will hit a button to move the step to the correct position. Assume Pose 6. The next pose you will turn so that your right side faces the cameras. Grab the lighted hand bar in front of you with your right hand. This set of pictures will capture the right side. Please keep your right arm out straight to the bar, lock your elbow while holding on to the bar. Align your left arm along the left side of your body to hide it from the cameras. Next raise your left leg onto the platform so the camera can take pictures of your left inner leg. Keep the right leg in the designated footprint on the floor. The left knee needs to be at a 90-degree angle or like an L shape. Please stand up straight, remain still and keep your head straight looking forward and keep your shoulders straight. The handles and footprint will be illuminated red and then turn green when in the correct position. Once the patient is in the correct position, the sensors will relay information to the Medical Assistant and they will commence the sequence. The cameras will take pictures of the body moving from bottom to top. They will take pictures at 6 different vertical positions. 
         [0093]    Assume Pose 7. The only part that changes from the previous pose is the location for your right arm. Raise your right hand to hold onto the bar above your head. This picture will take photos of your right armpit and right side and neck. Please stand up straight, remain still and keep your head straight looking forward. The handles and footprint will be illuminated red and then turn green when in the correct position. Once the patient is in the correct position, the sensors will relay information to the Medical Assistant and they will commence the sequence. The cameras will take pictures of the body moving from top to bottom. They will take pictures at 6 different vertical positions. 
         [0094]    You may drop your arm and relax. 
         [0095]    The next pose will be Pose 8. 
         [0096]    Please assume Pose 8. Turn to your body so that the left side is facing the cameras. Grab the lighted hand bar in front of you with your left hand. This set of pictures will capture your left side. Please keep your left arm out straight to the bar, lock your elbow while holding on to the bar. Align your right arm along the right side of your body to hide it from the cameras. Next raise your right leg onto the platform so the camera can take pictures of your right inner leg. Keep the left leg in the designated footprint on the floor. The right knee needs to be at a 90-degree angle or like an L shape. Please stand up straight, remain still and keep your head straight looking forward and keep your shoulders straight. The handles and footprint will be illuminated red and then turn green when in the correct position. Once the patient is in the correct position, the sensors will relay information to the Medical Assistant and they will commence the sequence. The cameras will take pictures of the body moving from bottom to top. They will take pictures at 6 different vertical positions. 
         [0097]    Assume Pose 9. The only part that changes from the previous pose is the location for your left arm. Raise your left hand to hold onto the bar above your head. This picture will take photos of your left armpit and left side and neck. Please stand up straight, remain still and keep your head straight looking forward. The handles and footprint will be illuminated red and then turn green when in the correct position. Once the patient is in the correct position, the sensors will relay information to the Medical Assistant and they will commence the sequence. The cameras will take pictures of the body moving from top to bottom. They will take pictures at 6 different vertical positions. 
         [0098]    Please step away from the back wall. The step will move back into the floor. The step is commanded to recess back into the floor. 
         [0099]    This completes your total body imaging session. Please watch for protruding handles and bars as you exit. You may change into your clothes and wait for the doctor. Thank you. 
         [0100]    The Medical assistant will wait for the patient to dress. Then they will wipe down the inside of the station/booth and ready for the next patient. 
         [0101]      FIG. 18  shows a schematic of an exemplary imaging station/booth architecture  150  in accordance with the present invention. Imaging station/booth architecture  150  shows the various exemplary connections between a computing device  152  and/or user interface for a technician or medical assistant and video displays  134  viewed by a user/patient, the cameras  132 , the actuators and drives  154  that move the cameras  132 , the sensors and indicators  155  that may be connected to the handle members and movable step which can in turn be connected to a flash box  156  that controls flash units  158  within the light boxes. Main lighting  160  (other than the lighting associated with the lighting boxes and/or lighting for cameras) within the station/booth may be connected to a switch  162 .  FIG. 19  shows a schematic of an exemplary electrical power architecture for the electrical components of the imaging station/booth in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0102]      FIG. 20  is a block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the system  300  for full body imaging of the present invention. System  300  may include a server  302  having a processor  304  which is in communication with a memory  306  having one or more program applications  308  stored therein such as, for example, a Body Imaging Program which controls the movement and function of the cameras in the imaging station/booth and the instructions to the user or patient and an Audio and Visual Program that provides verbal and video instructions and posing guides to the patient in order to demonstrate the correct poses to the patient. Memory  306  may also be in communication with internal databases  310  that can include, but are not limited to, parameters and standards for assessing skin neoplasms and/or skin variations and/or previous images taken of the patient for comparison to current images. The server  302  may also be in communication with the image/video displays  312  that are positioned and mounted within the interior of the imaging station/booth. Server  302  may also be in communication with a computer  314  that is for the technician or medical assistant so that the technician or medical assistant can intervene if necessary to control certain portions of the program applications or to make necessary selections required by the program applications. The server  302 , processor  304 , memory  306 , program applications  308 , internal databases  310 , and image/video displays or monitors  312  may all constitute hardware and/or software that is located within a portion of the imaging station/booth. The server  302  may further be in communication with a network  316  that can access external databases  318  which may also include, but are not limited to, parameters and standards for assessing skin neoplasms and/or skin variations and/or previous images taken of the patient for comparison to current images for any number of the previous described applications for the automated total body imaging system of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the total body imaging system of the present invention can easily interface with any type of electronic medical record (EMR) systems. Server  302  can also provide access to the program applications as well as information and data produced from the program applications to personal computers  320  and personal notebooks and/or tablets  322  of physicians or medical providers via network  316  so that physicians and/or medical providers who are responsible for viewing and assessing the total body images do not have to be present at the imaging station or imaging station/booth while imaging is taking place. 
         [0103]      FIG. 21  is a flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a method for automated total body imaging  200  in accordance with the present invention. The automated total body imaging system of the present invention may include two dimensional (2D) imaging and/or three dimensional (3D) imaging. In the exemplary method for total body imaging  200 , a user/patient&#39;s physical data is obtained and entered into a body imaging program (BIP) associated with the system  300  by a technician/medical assistant in step  202  and the BIP determines the correct positions for the handles and step contained within the imaging station/booth in step  204 . In optional step  201 , a user/patient may view a chart of standard poses that they will undertake in the imaging station/booth. In step  206 , the technician/medical assistant positions the handles in the imaging station/booth to the correct positions determined by the BIP. The user/patient then disrobes behind a privacy screen or door of the imaging station/booth and enters the imaging station/booth in step  208 . The audio and video program (AVP) shown and heard within the imaging station/booth then begins in step  210  and the AVP instructs and shows the first pose to the user/patient in step  212 . The user/patient then assumes the first pose in step  214  and the total body imaging system determines if the user/patient is in the correct position for the first pose in step  216 . If the user/patient has posed correctly, the cameras within the imaging station/booth take automated pictures of the user/patient in that position in step  218 . If the user/patient has not posed correctly, the AVP instructs and shows the user/patient the first pose again as in step  212 . Once the cameras take automated pictures in step  218 , the system queries whether this is the last pose for the user in step  220 . A technician/medical assistant may preprogram and/or pre select a program option wherein the user/patient is instructed to undertake all or some of the poses shown in  FIG. 17 . If this is the last pose for the user/patient, the AVP ends in step  222  and the user/patient is instructed that the session is over and that they can exit the station/booth and dress. If this is not the last pose for the user/patient, the AVP instructs and shows the next pose to the user/patient in step  224  and the user/patient assumes the next pose in step  226 . The total body imaging system then determines if the user/patient is in the correct position for the next pose in step  228 . If the user/patient has posed correctly, the cameras within the imaging station/booth take automated pictures of the user/patient in that position in step  218 . If the user/patient has not posed correctly, the AVP instructs and shows the user/patient the same pose again in step  230 . Once the cameras take the automated pictures in step  218 , the system queries whether this is the last pose for the user in step  220 . If this is the last pose for the user/patient, the AVP ends in step  222  and the user/patient is instructed that the session is over and that they can exit the station/booth and dress. If this is not the last pose for the user/patient, the AVP instructs and shows the next pose to the user/patient in step  224  and the user/patient assumes the next pose in step  226 . This process then repeats itself until all of the poses are correctly performed by the user/patient and pictures of all of those poses are obtained. 
         [0104]      FIG. 22  is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for determining a user&#39;s correct position for predetermined poses  250  in accordance with the method shown in  FIG. 21 . As previously explained with reference to  FIG. 21 , the BIP directs the AVP to proceed in step  252 . The AVP instructs and shows the proper pose to the user/patient in step  254  and the user/patient assumes the instructed pose in step  256 . Sensors, such as touch sensors, in handles and footprints and/or the footplate contained within the imaging station/booth determine when the correct pose is assumed in step  258 . The system then queries whether the user/patient&#39;s pose is correct in step  260  and if the pose is correct, the handles and/or footprints and/or footplate within the imaging station/booth light up indicating a successful pose in step  262 . If the pose is not correct, it goes back to step  254  and the AVP instructs and shows the proper pose to the user/patient again. When the pose is correct and the handles and/or footprints and/or foot plate light up in the imaging station/booth in step  262 , the sensors send a signal to the BIP in step  264  and the BIP directs the cameras to takes automated pictures in step  266 . It should be noted that a user/patient&#39;s correct position may also be determined by the technician/medical assistant viewing the user/patient&#39;s pose on an image display device located outside the imaging station/booth and the technician/medical assistant may indicate the correct pose by touching a button on the imaging display device which may also be a touch screen. 
         [0105]      FIG. 23  is an exemplary software block diagram showing connections between the computer processing unit for the imaging station/station/booth (or imaging station personal computer embedded within the imaging station/station/booth)  280  and the outside display/interface or technician/medical provider screen/computer  282 , the inside video screens/displays  284 , the sound system/audio/speaker components  286 , the controls  288  for motion, posing aids, light cues, contact sensors and lighting control, and the cameras  290  including cameras settings and images. The computer processing unit  280  for the imaging station/booth may also be connected to a notebook or tablet  292  of a medical provider or medical facility, such as an IPad for example, via a WiFi connection and/or a wired connection to show user/patient images and data obtained with the imaging station/booth. In addition, the computer processing unit  280  for the imaging station/booth may also be connected to a personal computer  294  of a medical provider or medical facility, such as a Mac for example, via an Ethernet connection to show user/patient images and data obtained with the imaging station/booth.  FIG. 24  is an exemplary screen shot of the graphical user interface that can be seen by a technician/medical assistant when the technician/medical assistant is assisting in the automated full body imaging system and apparatus of the present invention. 
         [0106]      FIG. 25  shows an outer perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth  400  in accordance with the present invention. Imaging station/booth  400  includes an enclosed interior area  402 , a door  404  enabling a user of the imaging station/booth to enter the enclosed interior area, and a plurality of cameras (see  FIG. 26 ) which together provide overlapping images of the user in one or more predetermined poses where the plurality of cameras exist in stationary positions and are not capable of repositioning. The imaging station/booth  400  also includes a technician computer device  408  that may be adjustably connected to an outer surface of the imaging station/booth  400  to enable a technician to control the program applications associated with the use of the imaging station/booth  400 . The imaging station/booth  400  has a curved roof to create an open feeling for those users having their images taken within the enclosed interior area  402 . It should be noted that the enclosed interior area  402  may be an area that is fully enclosed or an area that is mostly fully enclosed as exhibited in the imaging station/booth  400  shown in  FIG. 25 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 26  is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth  400  of the present invention shown in  FIG. 25 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , imaging station/booth  400  includes a front panel  406 , two opposing side panels  410 ,  412  a rear panel  414 , and a top cover member  416 . The door  404  may be located within side panel  412  or entire side panel  412  may function as door  404 . 
         [0108]    Furthermore, although not shown, both side panels  410 , 412  may function as doors or include doors. Imaging station/booth  400  also includes a plurality of cameras  418  that are secured to a frame  420 , a floor member  421 , one or more light panels  422 , one or more visual display devices  424 , one or more body positioning members  426 , 429 , and at least one speaker component  427 . The speaker component  427  enables a user to hear voice instructions within the enclosed interior area  402  and the visual display device(s)  424  are located within the enclosed interior area  402  such that they are viewable by a user. This enables a user to receive audio and visual instructions for undertaking a series of one or more predetermined body poses so that the cameras  418  can capture overlapping images of the user in the various body poses. 
         [0109]    Front panel  406  includes a plurality of circular openings  428  for the lenses of the cameras  418  to be positioned within, or seen therethrough, in order to provide camera access to the enclosed interior area  402  of the imaging station/booth  400 , and at least two vertically oriented rectangular openings  430  that enable each of the light panels  422  to be inserted therethrough so that light is provided to the enclosed interior area  402  of the imaging station/booth  400  so that cameras  418  can capture readable images of users in one or more series of predetermined poses. The light panels  422  are positioned on opposing sides of the cameras  418  so that the enclosed interior area  402  will be properly lit for taking images of users. 
         [0110]    The body positioning members  426 , 429  located within the enclosed interior area  402  enable a user to accurately position his/her body in a series of one or more predetermined body poses. The body positioning members  426 , 429  include one or more handles  426  for a user&#39;s hands and a footplate  429  for the user&#39;s foot or feet. One or more outlined areas for placement of the user&#39;s feet may also be included on the floor member  421  and/or footplate  429  of the imaging station/booth  400 . The handles  426  and/or footplate  429  may further include a light emitting component with capacitive touch sensors (see  FIGS. 39-40 ) which enable the handles  426  and/or footplate  429  to light up when properly engaged by a user in order to accurately pose in a series of one or more predetermined body poses. The handles  426  may be secured to the rear panel  414  of the imaging station/booth  400  and the footplate  429  may be movable and retractable within floor member  421  of the imaging station/booth  400 . Visual display device(s)  424  may be attached to and supported by bar members  425  which are connected to the imaging station/booth  400 . Imaging station/booth  400  may also include one or more moveable or removable outer front panels  432  which can be moved to access the cameras  418 , an outer rear panel  433 , a frame  420 , one or more speaker component(s)  427  and other components such as a computer processing unit  434  that is in communication with one or more program application(s) related to the use of the imaging station/booth  400 . 
         [0111]    Program application(s) may include one or more of: i) a program application for taking, capturing, and storing the overlapping images produced by cameras  418 , ii) an automatic focusing algorithm to automate focusing of cameras  418  by determining an area of interest for each camera  418  in each of the one or more predetermined poses undertaken by a user, iii) a program application that enables a medical professional and/or medical facility (such as hospitals, medical clinics, etc.) to obtain wireless access to the overlapping images in order to view the overlapping images, compare a plurality of the overlapping images of a same user taken at different times, document notes relating to the overlapping images, create electronic medical records that include the overlapping images, and/or send the overlapping images and related notes to another medical professional and/or medical facility, and iv) a program application that enables a medical professional and/or medical facility having access to the overlapping images of a user to interface with other existing electronic medical record databases from other medical professionals and/or medical facilities utilized by the user so that the overlapping images of the user can be compared to other existing electronic record databases. 
         [0112]      FIG. 27  is a top plan view showing the interior of the exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth  400  of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 .  FIG. 27  shows handles  426  secured to rear panel  414  of the imaging station/booth  400 , three visual display devices  425  contained within the enclosed interior area  402  of the imaging station/booth  400 , and one technician computer device  408  which can be moved, tilted, and rotated in a variety of directions as shown in phantom.  FIG. 28  is an outer perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth  400  of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 25  with the door  404  of the imaging station/booth  400  shown open. 
         [0113]      FIG. 29  is an outer perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth  400  of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 25  with outer front panels  432  shown in an open position. As shown, the outer front panels  432  can be moved and/or removed to provide access to the plurality of cameras  418  secured to the frame  420 , one or more speaker components  427 , light panels  422 , a computer processing unit  434  in communication with one or more program applications relating to the use of the imaging station/booth  400 , and other electronic components  438  and connections relating to the operation of the imaging station/booth  400 . 
         [0114]    A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the plurality of cameras  418  and the frame  420  which supports the plurality of cameras  418  contained in the imaging station/booth  400  is shown in  FIG. 30 . In this exemplary embodiment, there are nine cameras  418  each secured to frame  420  such that the cameras  418  create an array of three horizontal rows of cameras  418  with three cameras  418  secured to each horizontal row. In one exemplary embodiment utilizing this array of cameras, the cameras may be horizontally spaced along each horizontal row such that they are approximately 14 inches apart from one another and vertically spaced such that the first row of three cameras is approximately 12 inches from the bottom of the imaging station/booth  400 , the second row of three cameras is approximately 26.5 inches from the first row of cameras and the third row of three cameras is approximately 26.5 inches form the second row of cameras. The frame may also be positioned such that each of the cameras are at a distance of approximately 0.73 meters to the user of the imaging station/booth  400 . Each of the cameras  418  may be secured to the frame  420  by way of quick release level mounts. 
         [0115]      FIG. 31  is a front perspective view of the front panel  406  of the imaging station/booth  400  having openings contained therein for the camera lenses and the light panels. A plurality of circular openings  428  are positioned within and through the front panel  406  such that they coincide directly with each of the plurality of cameras  418 , respectively, that are secured to the frame  420  so that the lenses of the cameras  418  can be seen from the enclosed interior area  402  of the imaging station/booth. At least two vertically oriented rectangular openings  430  are positioned on opposing sides of the cameras  418  so that a light panel  422  can be inserted into each vertically oriented rectangular opening  430 . The light panels  422  can be seen from the enclosed interior area  402  of the imaging station/booth  400  and function to provide adequate lighting for the cameras  418  in order for the cameras  418  to produce readable images. The readable images produced from the cameras are overlapping images of the user who is posing in a series of one or more predetermined body poses. An example of such overlapping images of the user produced by the cameras  418  is shown in  FIG. 34 . Front panel  406 , as well as opposing side panels  410 , 412 , rear panel  414 , top cover member  416 , and any other panels such as outer front panels  432  and outer rear panel  433 , may, in one exemplary embodiment, comprise a sandwich fiberglass structure with embedded inserts  435  in the fiberglass that function as connection points to hold the panel structures together.  FIG. 32  shows an interior view of the front panel  406  and other interior station/booth components as seen from the enclosed interior area  402  of the imaging station/booth  400  and  FIG. 33  is a partial interior view of the imaging station/booth  400  showing the interior of the imaging station/booth  400  with the side panel  410  of the imaging station/booth opposite the door  404  removed. 
         [0116]    A front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the light panels  422  contained within the imaging station/booth  400  shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26  is depicted in  FIG. 35 . Light panels  422  each include one or more lighting components  436  and one or more filtering/reflecting panels  438 . The one or more lighting components may comprise light emitting diode(s) (LEDs) or LED panel(s) that provide a constant light source thereby providing a minimal sync with the shutters of the cameras  418 . The brightness of the light panels  422  may be controlled through a computer program application run by the computer processing unit  434  and the light panels  422  can also serve to provide ambient lighting within the enclosed interior area  402  of the imaging station/booth  400 . 
         [0117]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an interior upper handle  440  (see  FIG. 9  for placement/position of this handle on rear panel  414 ) that is secured to a rear of the imaging station/booth shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . Interior upper handle  440  includes a slide and lock mechanism  442  and a handle bar  444  connected to the slide and lock mechanism  442 . A portion of handle bar  444  includes high power LED capacitive touch sensors  446  which are capable of lighting up when a user properly engages interior upper handle  440  with the user&#39;s hand and/or fingers for certain predetermined poses. The slide and lock mechanism  442  contains discreet locking positions in which the position of handle bar  444  can be easily moved and locked with the movement of one hand by pressing lever/button  448  and then sliding the handle bar  444  up or down. In addition, handle bar  444  may be extended up to approximately twenty two inches for broad shouldered users. Interior upper handle  440  is used for pose numbers 7 and 8 shown in  FIG. 17  which depicts an exemplary predetermined set of body poses for complete body imaging in accordance with the system and apparatus for full body imaging of the present invention. 
         [0118]    A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an interior middle handle  450  (see  FIG. 9  for placement/position of this handle on rear panel  414 ) that is secured to a rear of the imaging station/booth  400  shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26  is depicted in  FIG. 37 . Interior middle handle  450  includes a slide and lock mechanism  452 , a handle bar  454  connected to the slide and lock mechanism  452 , and an elbow support  456  and a wrist support  458  each connected to the handle bar  454 . The wrist support  458  can be folded down against the elbow support  456  to improve accessibility. In addition, a portion of handle bar  454  includes high power LED capacitive touch sensors  460  which are capable of lighting up when a user properly engages interior middle handle  450 , elbow support  456 , and/or wrist support  458  with the user&#39;s hand, elbow, wrist, and/or fingers for certain predetermined poses. The slide and lock mechanism  452  contains discreet locking positions in which the position of handle bar  454  can be easily moved and locked with the movement of one hand by pressing lever/button  462  and then sliding the handle bar  454 . In addition, handle bar  454  may be extended up to approximately twenty inches for broad shouldered users. Interior middle handle  450  is used for pose numbers 1, 4, 6 and 9 shown in  FIG. 17  which depicts an exemplary predetermined set of body poses for complete body imaging in accordance with the system and apparatus for full body imaging of the present invention. 
         [0119]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an interior lower handle  470  (see  FIG. 9  for placement/position of this handle on rear panel  414 ) that is secured to a rear of the imaging station/booth  400  shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . Interior lower handle  470  is very similar to interior upper handle  440 . Interior lower handle  470  includes a slide and lock mechanism  472  and a handle bar  474  connected to the slide and lock mechanism  472 . A portion of handle bar  474  includes high power LED capacitive touch sensors  476  which are capable of lighting up when a user properly engages interior lower handle  470  with the user&#39;s hand and/or fingers for certain predetermined poses. The slide and lock mechanism  472  contains discreet locking positions in which the position of handle bar  474  can be easily moved and locked with the movement of one hand by pressing lever/button  478  and then sliding the handle bar  474  up or down. Interior lower handle  470  is used for pose numbers 2 and 5 shown in  FIG. 17  which depicts an exemplary predetermined set of body poses for complete body imaging in accordance with the system and apparatus for full body imaging of the present invention. 
         [0120]      FIG. 39  is an exploded view of the interior upper handle  440  shown in  FIG. 36  and  FIG. 40  is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the interior upper handle  440  shown in  FIG. 36 .  FIGS. 39 and 40  clearly show the electronics integration of the capacitive touch sensors  446  into the handle design, the connector for simple disassembly, and the removable plastic grip  480 . 
         [0121]    A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the movable foot plate  429  contained within the imaging station/booth  400  shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26  is depicted in  FIG. 41  in an elevated position. The movable foot plate  429  may be attached to a rod-less linear actuator in order to elevate the step upward and then retract it into the floor member  421 . In addition, there may be a slight cut out area  490  in the moveable foot plate  429  to help signify a user&#39;s foot placement on the foot plate  429 . A scale  492  may also be included as part of the foot plate  429  for repeatability between users.  FIG. 42  is a top plan view showing outlined areas  496  for exemplary placement of a user&#39;s feet on floor member  421  within the imaging station/booth  400  shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . There are two sets of anterior/posterior foot placement areas. The outlined areas  496  may include one or more sensors for informing a user that they have correctly or incorrectly positioned their feet for the predetermined pose(s). 
         [0122]      FIG. 43  is a top plan view of the interior of the imaging station/booth  400  depicted in  FIGS. 25 and 26  showing the placement and position of the foot plate  429  and outlined areas  496  shown in  FIGS. 41 and 42 , respectively, as well as a set of exemplary measurements for one exemplary embodiment of the imaging station/booth  400  of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 43 , in one exemplary embodiment, the width of the imaging station/booth  400  at its widest point may be 66 inches and the depth of the imaging station/booth  400  at its longest point may be 67 inches thereby resulting in a generally square shaped enclosed interior area  402  having somewhat rounded edges. The distance between the front panel  406  and a user positioned within the enclosed interior area  402  is approximately 24 inches wherein the distance between the front panel  406  and the rear panel  414  is approximately 44 inches. 
         [0123]    A schematic of an exemplary electrical layout for the electrical components of the imaging station/booth  400  shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26  is depicted in  FIG. 44 . The electrical layout includes a Main PC  500  which is in turn connected to i) an actuator driver  502  that is in turn connected to a step actuator  504  for the moveable step/foot plate  429 , ii) a sensor controller  506  that is in turn connected to feedback sensor  508  for the LEDs contained within the body positioning members  426 , 429 , iii) a converter  510  which is in turn connected to the light panels  422 , and iv) a flash sync  512  that is in turn connected to cameras  418  which are in turn each connected to a controller  514  which are all in turn connected to an Ethernet switch  516  which itself enables connectivity to the Main PC  500  and tablet devices such as an IPAD  518 . The Main PC  500  is also connected to the main station/booth monitor (or tech computer and monitor  408 ) as well as a 3 way splitter  520  which is in turn connected to each of the visual display devices  424 . 
         [0124]      FIG. 45  is an exemplary software block diagram showing connections with the imaging station/booth  400  shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . Software block diagram  600  includes a main application having a session manager  602  in communication with DICOM server  604  through a DICOM processing interface  606 . The session manager  602  and DICOMserver  604  are also in communication with an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) interface  608  that is in turn in communication with EMR software  605  being used by medical practitioners and/or medical facilities. Session manager  602  is also in communication with image acquisition program  610  which includes a camera interface to cameras  418  and image processing abilities, Session manager  602  is also in communication with a device driver  612  for the light panels  422 , a device driver  614  for the touch sensors on the body positioning members  426 , 429 , a device driver  616  for the LED feedback sensors associated with the body positioning members  426 , 429 , and a device driver  618  for the step actuator associated with the moveable foot plate  429 . The session manager  602  is also in communication with a web based service that presents a web based graphical user interface (GUI)  620  to a user. 
         [0125]      FIGS. 46 through 53  show exemplary frames/screen shots of the graphic user interface (GUI) for technicians/medical assistants used with the imaging station/booth  400  shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26  with each frame/screen shot corresponding to main windows and subsequent pop up windows in the graphical user interface.  FIG. 46  shows an exemplary Patient Information Entry Form having text boxes  700  represented by solid lines that show where information must be filled in and buttons  702  represented by dashed lines which may be pressed to launch a demonstration or to launch the imaging program that walks users/patients through the actual poses and takes actual pictures.  FIG. 47  shows an exemplary Pose Selection Form which enables a technician/medical assistant to select one or more of the 9 poses shown in  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 48  shows an exemplary Main Menu page/screen which enables a technician/medical assistant to manually conduct the imaging session by selecting the images to be taken, adjusting the retractable step when necessary for a posing position, and taking the pictures, etc. Boxes containing text  700  are shown with solid lines, buttons  702  that can be selected and activated are shown with dashed lines, and boxes  704  that show images are shown with cross-hatching.  FIG. 49  shows an exemplary Image Review page/screen where boxes  704  that include thumbnails of acquired images are shown with hatched lines, boxes  700  with text are shown with solid lines and buttons  702  that can be selected and activated are shown with dashed lines.  FIG. 50  shows an exemplary Manual Focus page/screen where boxes  704  that include live images of views seen with cameras are shown with hatched lines, boxes  700  with text are shown with solid lines, and buttons  702  that can be selected and activated are shown with dashed lines.  FIG. 51  shows an exemplary Zoom Window page/screen where interactive controls  706  (for zooming in and out of images, for example) are shown with stepped hatch marks, boxes  704  that show thumbnails of acquired images are shown with hatched lines, boxes  700  with text are shown with solid lines and buttons  702  that can be selected and activated are shown with dashed lines. 
         [0126]      FIG. 52  shows an exemplary Warn Step Moving page/screen where the notice that the step is moving is emphasized in such a way that it stands out from all other parts of the page/screen. Finally,  FIG. 53  shows an exemplary Progress Bar page/screen where the box  704  showing an image that shows progress of the imaging session is represented by hash marks, boxes  700  showing text are represented by solid lines, and buttons  702  that can be selected and activated are shown with dashed lines. 
         [0127]    The system and apparatus of the present invention for total body imaging enables rapid, efficient, accurate, reliable and consistent capture of multiple body images of a user/patient to create a total body image of the user/patient. The processing time to capture the user/patient images can be 15 minutes or less thereby providing minimal time commitment for the patient and rapid capture of image data for the medical professional/provider. In addition, the process for capturing the user/patient images may be automated with minimal input from a technician/medical assistant via a technician/medical assistant graphic user interface. Video displays and/or audio components included within the station/booth provide a user/patient with instructions for undertaking accurate body positions for imaging. The cameras used to capture user/patient body images may be controlled by an auto focus algorithm that automatically adjusts the focus of one or more cameras for different user poses based on a desired body focus feature. In addition, the user/patient images (including a total user/patient body image created by stitching together a plurality of user/patient body images) as well as patient information and data (and recording of patient information and data) can be accessed by a medical professional/provider via a wired and/or wireless connection to the system of the present invention. 
         [0128]    The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein shows various exemplary embodiments and the best modes, known to the inventor at this time, of the invention. These exemplary embodiments and modes are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following disclosure is intended to teach both the implementation of the exemplary embodiments and modes and any equivalent modes or embodiments that are known or obvious to those reasonably skilled in the art. Additionally, all included figures are non-limiting illustrations of the exemplary embodiments and modes, which similarly avail themselves to any equivalent modes or embodiments that are known or obvious to those reasonably skilled in the art. 
         [0129]    Unless specifically noted, it is the Applicant&#39;s intent that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given the commonly accepted generic meaning or an ordinary and accustomed meaning used by those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. In the instance where these meanings differ, the words and phrases in the specification and the claims should be given the broadest possible, generic meaning. If any other special meaning is intended for any word or phrase, the specification will clearly state and define the special meaning. It should be noted that “imaging booth” and “imaging station” are used interchangeably throughout and both terms are not meant to be limiting.