Abstract: A camera (1) is provided which is operable to obtain a RGB and infra-red image of an area of illuminated skin (2). The obtained image is then passed to a computer (8) which determines the manner in which light returned by points on the surface of the illuminated area of skin (2) appearing in the obtained image varies due to variations in lighting intensity and surface geometry. The infra-red channel of the obtained image is then normalized on the basis of the determined variations and a measurement of collagen thickness can then be determined utilizing the processed infra-red channel of the obtained image. The determination of variations in intensities of light returned by points on the surface of the illuminated area of skin (2) can be achieved by processing an obtained image to generate a 3-D model of the surface being imaged and using the 3-D model to select and process pre-stored lighting level data.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a measurement of the extent of telangectasia in an area of skin is disclosed. Initially (S3-1) an image of an area of skin (2) to be analyzed is obtained. The obtained image is then processed (S3-2-S3-3) to determine blood distribution data indicative of the distribution of blood in an imaged area of skin. This blood distribution data is then converted (S3-5) using a Discrete Fourier Transform and the converted blood distribution data is then processed to obtain a measurement of the extent features in a determined distribution of blood correspond to structures of a predetermined size. The obtained measurement of the extent of telangectasia can then be combined (s3-6) with other measurements of the effects of photo-damage such as measurements of melanin disorder and collagen degradation to obtain a measurement of the extent of photo-damage.

Abstract: Among various methods, apparatuses, and media, recording media having executable instructions are provided for measuring skin surface texture. One such execution of instructions can process an obtained first measurement of light utilising a model of the interactions of light with chromophores present in skin to determine variations in returned light levels arising due to variations in levels of illumination. Execution of such instructions can utilise a difference between the obtained first, and an obtained second measurement of light returned by an illuminated area of the skin and determined variations in returned light levels arising due to variations in levels of illumination, to obtain a measurement of the surface texture of the illuminated area of the skin.

Abstract: Among various methods, apparatuses, and media, a number of methods are provided for measuring skin surface texture. One such method includes illuminating an area of skin with polarized light, and obtaining a measurement of light returned by the illuminated area of skin in a first and a second waveband. The method includes processing the measurement of light in the first waveband to determine an estimated expected level of light in the second waveband returned by the illuminated area of skin utilising a model of the interaction of light with at least one chromophore in the skin. A measurement of the surface texture of the imaged illuminated area of skin can be determined on the basis of a difference between the estimated and actual levels of light in said second waveband returned by the illuminated area of skin.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the presence of one or more chromophores in a tissue sample, comprises a light source for projecting light to illuminate an area of such tissue sample, a photo-receptor for receiving light remitted by the illuminated area of tissue, and spectroscopic analyser means for monitoring the remitted light, a comparator having means for comparing variations in the intensity and spectral characteristics of the remitted light with respect to the intensity and spectral characteristics of the projected light at different wavelengths and with a record of the intensity and spectral characteristics of light remitted by a reference sample of such tissue and means for emitting a control signal in response to any such variations. Methods of analyzing tissue histology, especially skin histology, are discussed, and a mathematical model is proposed for the analysis and comparison of the remitted light with a reference sample.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the presence of selected chromophores in a sample of epithelial tissue, independent of the amount of a predetermined chromophore, the method comprising: illuminating an area of tissue by projecting light from a light source of at least two different wavelengths ?1, ?2; receiving light remitted by the illuminated area of tissue at a photoreceptor; analysing the received light to identify and measure the proportion of light of each wavelength remitted from the tissue Ir (?); calculating the ratio of light at each wavelength returned from the tissue Rt, (?), and then calculating Z=Formula (I); where 1 is chosen such that Z is independent of the amount of predetermined chromophore. Typically 1 is calculated such that Z=Formula (II); where j and k are such that 2j ?(?1)=2kj ?(?2)=1 where ?(?1) and ?(?2) are the absorbtion coefficients for the predetermined chromophore at each wavelength.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the presence of one or more chromophores in a tissue sample, comprises a light source for projecting light to illuminate an area of such tissue sample, a photo-receptor for receiving light remitted by the illuminated area of tissue, and spectroscopic analyser means for monitoring the remitted light, a comparator having means for comparing variations in the intensity and spectral characteristics of the remitted light with respect to the intensity and spectral characteristics of the projected light at different wavelengths and with a record of the intensity and spectral characteristics of light remitted by a reference sample of such tissue and means for emitting a control signal in response to any such variations. Methods of analyzing tissue histology, especially skin histology, are discussed, and a mathematical model is proposed for the analysis and comparison of the remitted light with a reference sample.