Automated process for controlling in vivo examination of the cervix and collecting image data related thereto

A method for carrying out a guided colposcopy procedure utilizing a combination of a digital camera and computer-controlled colposcopy instrument including a display screen, the method comprising:

• initiating the computer-controlled colposcopy instrument to display a plurality of selectable options associated with a set of defined steps in the guided colposcopy procedure including at least the sequential steps of:
• (1) saline swabbing of the cervix of a patient, and (2) performing an acetic acid uptake;
• selecting values for each option of the plurality of selectable options presented on the display;
• commanding the computer-controlled colposcopy instrument to activate the digital camera so as to present a digital image of a cervix region of interest (ROI) on the display;
• presenting a set of timeline milestones as an overlay on the digital image, each milestone associated with an individual step of the set of defined steps in the guided colposcopy procedure;
• prompting medical personnel performing the guided colposcopy procedure through each individual step, changing the visual display of each milestone as its associated step is completed;
• collecting digital images of the cervix ROI during the set of defined steps in the guided colposcopy procedure, as prompted by the computer-controlled colposcopy instrument, forming a plurality of digital images including sets of digital images associated with various steps;
• and
• creating a final report of the colposcopy procedure in tangible form, the final report including at least a listing of selected options and selected ones of the plurality of digital images of the cervix ROI captured during the procedure.