Abstract: An image of an individual (2) is obtained using a digital camera (1). The image data is then processed by ratio determination module (10) and an image conversion module (12) to analyze the image and determine data representative of the distribution of blood and melanin in the skin of the imaged individual. This chromophore distribution data is then processed by an image generation module (18) which generates an image representative of the expected appearance of epithelial tissue having the determined distribution of chromophores where the epithelial tissue is under fixed illumination and has a flat spatial geometry and where all the identified melanin is present solely in the epidermis.

Abstract: Method of analysing at least one parameter of a body component is provided. The method includes illuminating the component or body with light of at least a first and second waveband, receiving light of at least said first and second wavebands remitted by the component at a photoreceptor or photoreceptors, and analysing the light received at the photoreceptor(s) to provide a ratio between the amount of light remitted at the first waveband and the amount of light remitted of the second waveband, and from this calculating the component parameter.