Abstract: A standard used to test imaging systems is imaged by a digital camera which expresses the image of the standard as a plurality of pixels having associated intensities. A computer automatically finds the image of the standard in the image and quantitatively compares intensities of pixels of a subsequent image of the standard to the first image to discern changes indicative of malfunction. A set of images of the standard may be collected and compiled to develop standard data, such as average of median values, that can be used to test imaging apparatus. The standard may be provided with a plurality of types of imaging standards occupying sub-areas that produce a different photoresponse to a plurality of different light sources. A fluorescent standard may be included that has a plurality of different fluorescence levels.

Abstract: A fluorescence standard for identifying variations in illumination during imaging has a composite fluorescent laminar structure, which fluoresces in response to light in the approximate wavelength range of 375 nm to 430 nm. The fluorescent object has at least two areas with different fluorescent response, e.g., a first made from a strongly luminescing material, such as GG420 filter glass. A portion of the GG420 glass is covered by filter glass having an attenuating effect on the fluorescent response. In accordance with a method of the present invention, variations in illumination during imaging with a camera are detected by placing the standard before the camera during imaging. Each captured image may contain the image of the standard and the fluorescent response of the standard in different images can be compared to identify any response changes due to variations in illumination. The variations in illumination can then be remediated by adjusting the source of illumination, the camera or ambient lighting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying facial regions in an image includes a computer running a program that tests pixel values of an image to identify objects therein having attributes like pupils, such as shape, size, position and reflectivity. To reduce the time to identify pupils, the image is sub-rected, sub-sampled and only one color/brightness channel is tested.

Abstract: A skin testing and imaging station and corresponding method for capturing, displaying and analyzing images of a person and for testing the skin using a variety of probes includes a digital camera, a light source capable of providing at least two different wavelengths of light, a plurality of probes for conducting skin tests, a touch-screen display and a computer for controlling the components of the station. The apparatus selectively captures and displays a plurality of digital images using different wavelengths of illuminating light, e.g., using a plurality of flashes and filters, some of which may be adjustable to adjust the angle of incidence of the illuminating light on the subject. In video mode, the camera displays a real time image on the display facilitating a user to position a probe for testing any specific area of the skin. Preferably, the apparatus is self-serve, allowing any person to capture, review and analyze the images and skin data.

Abstract: An imaging station for taking a plurality of digital images of a subject under a plurality of illuminating conditions and storing and analyzing the digital images, includes a housing, containing the digital image capturing apparatus, like a camera or video recorder, a computer for processing the image data and one or more displays for displaying images of the person. The imaging station aids in controlling lighting during image capture and may be used to optimally position the subject for imaging. The computer may be programmed to conduct various image processing functions and may be networked to allow image sharing. A display which may be provided on the exterior of the housing allows an operator to visualize the subject and to control the imaging process. The imaging station may be used for teaching purposes.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable apparatus and corresponding method for capturing, displaying and analyzing images of a person includes a housing for containing a digital camera, a light source capable of providing at least two different wavelengths of light, a touch-screen display and a computer for controlling the camera, the light source and the display. The apparatus selectively captures and displays a plurality of digital images using different wavelengths of illuminating light. The light source may include a plurality of flashes and filters, some of which may be adjustable to adjust the angle of incidence of the illuminating light on the subject. Preferably, the apparatus is self-serve, allowing any person to capture, review and analyze the images. To that end, the apparatus may provide a moving image and verbal instructions to a user to aid in positioning themselves relative to the camera.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing photodamage has a digital imaging system for recording blue light imagining and in particular the green signal response intensity of the skin of a person, which is indicative of elastotic material and photodamage. Because the image data has a numerical intensity value, which may be expressed in RGB or L*a*b* colorspace, the image data taken from one image can be numerically compared to that of one or more other images and the image data is amenable to numerical and statistical analysis. Comparison to population profiles/image data permits an individual's image data to be characterized numerically, such as by a relative score or percentile rating. The image data can also be used to ascertain the degree of variation over a surface such as the face, with wider variation being indicative of greater photodamage.

Abstract: A standard used to test imaging systems is imaged by a digital camera which expresses the image of the standard as a plurality of pixels having associated intensities. A computer automatically finds the image of the standard in the image and quantitatively compares intensities of pixels of a subsequent image of the standard to the first image to discern changes indicative of malfunction. A set of images of the standard may be collected and compiled to develop standard data, such as average of median values, that can be used to test imaging apparatus. The standard may be provided with a plurality of types of imaging standards occupying sub-areas that produce a different photoresponse to a plurality of different light sources. A fluorescent standard may be included that has a plurality of different fluorescence levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assessing the efficacy of skin care products by comparing images of the skin prior to and after use of said skin care product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing photodamage has a digital imaging system for recording blue light imagining and in particular the green signal response intensity of the skin of a person, which is indicative of elastotic material and photodamage. Because the image data has a numerical intensity value, which may be expressed in RGB or L*a*b* colorspace, the image data taken from one image can be numerically compared to that of one or more other images and the image data is amenable to numerical and statistical analysis. Comparison to population profiles/image data permits an individual's image data to be characterized numerically, such as by a relative score or percentile rating. The image data can also be used to ascertain the degree of variation over a surface such as the face, with wider variation being indicative of greater photodamage.

Abstract: An imaging station for taking a plurality of digital images of a subject under a plurality of illuminating conditions and storing and analyzing the digital images, includes a housing, containing the digital image capturing apparatus, like a camera or video recorder, a computer for processing the image data and one or more displays for displaying images of the person. The imaging station aids in controlling lighting during image capture and may be used to optimally position the subject for imaging. The computer may be programmed to conduct various image processing functions and may be networked to allow image sharing. A display which may be provided on the exterior of the housing allows an operator to visualize the subject and to control the imaging process. The imaging station may be used for teaching purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying facial regions in an image includes a computer running a program that tests pixel values of an image to identify objects therein having attributes like pupils, such as shape, size, position and reflectivity. To reduce the time to identify pupils, the image is sub-rected, sub-sampled and only one color/brightness channel is tested.

Abstract: An imaging system and method has digital image capture and analysis capability. The digital images may be taken in a variety of illumination conditions, with the skin response indicating skin condition. The digital images may be converted from RGB format to L*a*b* format and analyzed quantitatively to assess color and brightness. The color/brightness information from the digital images may be used to assess skin condition and changes thereof, as well as selecting cosmetics provided in a range of colors. The color information gleaned from the digital images of a population may be utilized to identify a palette of colors for cosmetics or to aid in conducting clinical studies.

Abstract: A fluorescence standard for identifying variations in illumination during imaging has a composite fluorescent laminar structure, which fluoresces in response to light in the approximate wavelength range of 375 nm to 430 nm. The fluorescent object has at least two areas with different fluorescent response, e.g., a first made from a strongly luminescing material, such as GG420 filter glass. A portion of the GG420 glass is covered by filter glass having an attenuating effect on the fluorescent response. In accordance with a method of the present invention, variations in illumination during imaging with a camera are detected by placing the standard before the camera during imaging. Each captured image may contain the image of the standard and the fluorescent response of the standard in different images can be compared to identify any response changes due to variations in illumination. The variations in illumination can then be remediated by adjusting the source of illumination, the camera or ambient lighting.

Abstract: A system for conducting large scale clinical trials has a plurality of data collection nodes for collecting data from subjects participating in the clinical trial. A data analysis facility is located remotely from the data collection nodes and the data is communicated from the data collection nodes to the data analysis facility, where it is stored and analyzed. Each data collection node may include testing and data entry facilities, e.g., in the form of photographic equipment or various diagnostic and measuring probes, such as those used to measure skin color, elasticity and moisture content. The data nodes may be operated by the participant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of photographing the skin of a person comprising: (i) illuminating the skin with at least one light source, wherein the light source emits substantially only light having a wavelength from about 380 to about 430 nm or emits light through a filter that emits substantially only light having a wavelength from about 380 to about 430 nm; and (ii) capturing the image of the illuminated skin with a camera; wherein the light entering the camera is also filtered with a long pass filter, wherein the long pass filter substantially eliminates light having a wavelength below about 400 nm.

Abstract: A skin testing and imaging station and corresponding method for capturing, displaying and analyzing images of a person and for testing the skin using a variety of probes includes a digital camera, a light source capable of providing at least two different wavelengths of light, a plurality of probes for conducting skin tests, a touch-screen display and a computer for controlling the components of the station. The apparatus selectively captures and displays a plurality of digital images using different wavelengths of illuminating light, e.g., using a plurality of flashes and filters, some of which may be adjustable to adjust the angle of incidence of the illuminating light on the subject. In video mode, the camera displays a real time image on the display facilitating a user to position a probe for testing any specific area of the skin. Preferably, the apparatus is self-serve, allowing any person to capture, review and analyze the images and skin data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of promoting a skin care product comprising taking a standard photograph of the skin of a person; (ii) taking at least one additional photograph of the skin of the person, the additional photograph selected from the group consisting of an ultraviolet photograph, a blue fluorescence photograph, and a polarized photograph; (iii) presenting the standard photograph and the at least one additional photograph to the person; and (iv) suggesting skin care products based upon the person's review of the presented photographs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assessing the efficacy of skin care products by comparing images of the skin prior to and after use of said skin care product.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable apparatus and corresponding method for capturing, displaying and analyzing images of a person includes a housing for containing a digital camera, a light source capable of providing at least two different wavelengths of light, a touch-screen display and a computer for controlling the camera, the light source and the display. The apparatus selectively captures and displays a plurality of digital images using different wavelengths of illuminating light. The light source may include a plurality of flashes and filters, some of which may be adjustable to adjust the angle of incidence of the illuminating light on the subject. Preferably, the apparatus is self-serve, allowing any person to capture, review and analyze the images. To that end, the apparatus may provide a moving image and verbal instructions to a user to aid in positioning themselves relative to the camera.