Abstract: A spot or rash tester for meningitis (10) comprises a first transparent testing region (12) having a first profile and a second transparent testing region (14) having a second profile. The first profile is different to the second profile.

Abstract: A method of treating a wound using a customized dressing. In the method, at least one wound characteristic is evaluated. A treatment need as a function of the at least one wound characteristic is determined. A dressing having a dressing characteristic responsive to the treatment need is fabricated and applied to the wound. A dressing for use therewith and an apparatus and system for fabricating the dressing are provided.

Abstract: A system for measuring 3D deformation and strain on the skin of a living person. A non contact optical 3D deformation measuring system is provided having a plurality of high resolution digital cameras for measuring 3D coordinates and 3D deformations operatively connected to a computer. A removable tattoo is also provided including a substrate and a pattern having a plurality of indicia distributed to form a pattern density of between about 40% and about 60%. The removable tattoo provides a reference marking for the non contact optical 3D deformation measuring system.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing the onset of necrosis, decubiti, and/or decubitus ulcers in the skin of a patient. Included is a topical product accessed in liquid form and applied to the skin. The product displays thermochromic temperature change when the product comes into contact with human skin tissue to identify body parts at risk for tissue necrosis by the color differences.

Abstract: Use of Confocal Raman Spectroscopy (CRS) for dermatological studies, including a method for determining the thickness of the Stratum Corneum (SC) on a test area of the skin, and to a method for quantifying the effectiveness of a skin care composition. The methods of the invention can be carried in vitro (either artificial skin or a sample of skin) or in vivo (directly on the human skin of a person).

Abstract: A method of product recommendation includes receiving an image taken of a tool, disposed against a target substrate and including a frame with an aperture in which the substrate is visible and a color correction scale disposed proximate to the aperture, the scale having at least a first color correction region and a second color correction region, the color of the first region being different than the color of the second region. The method also includes locating a color correction scale region of the image corresponding to the scale and a target substrate region of the image corresponding to the substrate visible in the aperture, analyzing the scale region to determine a color correction, correcting the image according to the color correction, extracting a set of substrate region values from the substrate region of the image, and generating a product recommendation according to the set of substrate region values.

Abstract: A skin laxity measurement system which provides a skin laxity measurement tool and methods of measuring skin laxity.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a person's skin imperfections uses a digital color image-taking device to take at least one digital image of an area of skin including at least one imperfection to be characterized. An apparatus for characterizing the imperfections of the skin and a method for measuring the effectiveness of a treatment for skin imperfections use an active cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical agent and further measure the effectiveness of a staining method aiming to attenuate or mask skin imperfections.

Abstract: Methods of determining at least one of the degree of skin damage caused by UV light and the degree of physiologically aging of the skin, and methods of estimating at least one of an epidermal skin thickness and a dermal skin thickness by analysis of the near infrared absorption spectrum of skin are disclosed. The near infrared absorption spectrum of skin are analyzed and the obtained analysis result is used for monitoring skin conditions and evaluating cosmetics.

Abstract: A physiology sensing apparatus with navigation capability is disclosed, which integrates therein a GPS module, a magnetic sensor, an inertial sensing module, and a bio sensing module so as to acquire signals relating to a user's coordinate position, physical condition, body movement, and so on, and then the acquired signals can be purified by filter devices so as to reduce the interference of noise, thereafter, processes the filtered signal by a signal processor and an alarming device so as to simultaneously obtain the information of user's location, physical condition, and whether the user is in danger or having an accident.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining patient hydration levels is disclosed. The method includes measuring a skin turgor. Suction measurements are performed, wherein the distance between an ultrasound transducer and the skin surface is measured over time.

Abstract: A system for characterizing skin condition comprises a spreadable indicator and a reference. The indicator is suitable for application to human skin and visually changeable when in contact with the oil on human skin. The visual change of the indicator is representative of the amount of the oil in contact with the indicator. The reference relates a plurality of possible visual changes of the indicator to a plurality of skin conditions, whereby a user can compare the reference to the visual change of the indicator to characterize a skin condition of human skin due to the amount of the oil on the human skin in contact with the indicator.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing remote delivery and monitoring of health care are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for providing unmanned medical care in remote areas to a patient is provided. A container is adapted for transport using a standardized shipping mechanism. The container is adapted to provide remote delivery of health care. In an additional embodiment, a portable apparatus for dermatological monitoring is provided. An imaging device is integrated into a housing. The imaging device is adapted to obtain a digital, high-resolution image of a patient. In still another embodiment, a portable apparatus for orthopedic monitoring of a patient is provided. A housing is adapted for one of positioning adjacent to and positioning within an orthopedic cast. A diagnostic biomedical device integrated into the housing. The diagnostic biomedical device is adapted for obtaining an orthopedic image of a portion of the patient treated with the orthopedic cast.

Abstract: Method of assessing the adhesion of soils or exudates to the skin. The method may allow for an assessment of the amount of artificial bowel movement remaining on the skin following treatment with a lotion.

Abstract: In a system for measuring changes in skin parameters of living beings on a skin surface to be examined as a function of the residence time of a substance, comprising at least one measuring apparatus for measuring the skin parameters, it is provided that the measuring apparatus is coupled with at least one dispenser means which when operated dispenses a substance associated with this dispenser means and applicable on the skin surface to be examined, the measuring apparatus recording in a memory the time of actuation of the dispenser means and the time of the at least one measurement of the skin parameters for the detection of the residence time of the substance, as well as the skin parameters measured which are associated with the time of measurement.

Abstract: A portable measuring apparatus for detecting sunburn is provided. The portable measuring apparatus includes a display module and a processing device coupled to the display module. The display module includes a light-emitting device emitting red, green and blue light to illuminate skin of a user, and a sensing device receiving and measuring reflected red, green and blue light from the skin of the user in response to the emitted red, green and blue light, respectively. The processing device obtains red, green and blue reflectance according to the reflected red, green and blue light, generates a sunburn index according to the red, green and blue reflectance and displays the sunburn index on the display module, wherein the sunburn index indicates onset of sunburn for the user.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is disclosed a system and method for rapidly and passively identifying changes in the number of open pores in the skin of an individual in response to a stimulus without contacting the individual. This is accomplished by using a thermal camera that is sensitive in the mid-wave or long-wave infrared (3-5 or 8-14 ?meters) to observe and/or count the number of skin pores opening in response to questions being asked of the individual.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a skin care device comprising an electromagnetic radiation source capable of directing incident electromagnetic radiation to a location on the skin of a user, a radiation detector for measuring various parameters of radiation re-emitted from the location and a skin condition analysis module coupled to the detector, the analysis module capable of generating a skin condition assessment in real-time, based partly on at least one of RGB analysis and diffused reflectance analysis of the radiation parameters. In accordance with the described embodiments of the present technique, the device provides a mirror or a reflecting surface for capturing an image of desired body part and gets product recommendations. The recommended products are brought up on to the screen of the mirror to facilitate the consumer to choose there from. The device may be further connected to a computer and a database to get desired results for the consumer.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring skin moisture content, the apparatus including: an electrode unit comprising a reference (R) electrode, a current (C) electrode, and a measuring (M) electrode; an operational amplifier including an inverting input terminal that is supplied to a first voltage and connects with the R electrode, and an output terminal that connects with the C electrode; a switch controlling a connection between the output terminal and the C electrode; and a comparison control unit comparing the first voltage with a voltage at the output terminal, and controlling the switch to connect the output terminal and the C electrode when the voltage at the output terminal is less than or equal to a value that is acquired by multiplying the first voltage and a predetermined constant.

Abstract: Method of assessing the adhesion of soils or exudates to the skin. The method may allow for an assessment of the amount of artificial bowel movement remaining on the skin following treatment with a lotion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to measurements of material properties by determination of the response of a sample to incident radiation, and more specifically to the measurement of analytes such as glucose or alcohol in human tissue. The invention is particularly useful in connection with noncontact optical sampling of skin. Some example embodiments of the invention provide for selection of preferred sampling locations responsive to optically-determined characteristics of the tissue. Some example embodiments of the invention provide for precise and repeatable alignment of the tissue based on optically-determined characteristics of the tissue.

Abstract: The system assesses the endothelial function of a subject. Particularly, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject are compared to reference perfusion data and the comparison yields the assessment of endothelial function. The reference may be data indicative of peripheral tissue perfusion in a healthy person. Also, peripheral tissue perfusion measurements taken in a subject when perfusion is in an unperturbed state (the reference) can be compared to perfusion measurements taken promptly after a challenge to normal or unperturbed tissue perfusion of the subject.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for assisting in choosing a suitable site for a skin invasive action, such as drug injection, e.g. insulin for persons with diabetes, or collecting blood or tissue samples. Measures and processes parameters relating to a specific area part of the skin or subcutis and determines whether the area part is suitable for the skin invasive action based on the processed parameters. Suitable for assisting a person in choosing a site during an injection/sampling procedure, ensuring that skin invasive actions are performed at suitable sites only. Very useful for repetitive skin invasive actions, such as BG measurements and insulin injections. Helps in varying sites for the skin invasive action without the need for keeping a record of used sites manually. Helps in avoiding tissue infiltrations and lipodystrophy.

Abstract: A workability evaluating apparatus comprises a myoelectric potential detecting unit, a signal processing unit, an arithmetic operation unit, and an output unit. The myoelectric potential detecting unit detects time-series fluctuations in myoelectric potentials of at least one pair of muscles, which show antagonistic activities while operating equipment among muscles of an operator used to operate the equipment, as myoelectric potential signals. The signal processing unit processes the detected myoelectric potentials. The arithmetic operation unit calculates time-series data of a first correlation coefficient in a specified sampling time between signals obtained by processing the myoelectric potential signals from the pair of antagonistic muscles, and performs evaluation of workability in operating the equipment by using the calculated time-series data. The output unit outputs a result of the performed evaluation.

Abstract: A device for acquiring first and subsequent images of a suspect area on a patient and methods for monitoring or detecting changes of the suspect area over time and providing notification when the changes exceed a threshold. The device may be an imaging device, such as a digital camera, possibly augmented with physical or optical devices for arranging the orientation and/or distance of the imaging device with respect to the suspect area. In addition, methods for identifying, relocating, acquiring a first and/or subsequent image of the suspect area, and performing a comparative analysis of respective images are also described. Results of the comparative analysis can be used to notify and/or assist a medical professional in treating or counseling the patient.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage is provided. The adhesive bandage includes: (a) an absorbent pad having an absorbent surface; (b) an adhesive tape attached to the absorbent pad, the adhesive tape being configured for attaching to a skin region so as to position the absorbent surface against a portion of the skin region; (c) a display being positioned on an outer surface of the adhesive bandage the display being configured and positioned so as to be viewable by an individual when the adhesive tape is attached to the skin region; and (d) a power source attached to or integrated with the adhesive tape, the power source being for powering the display, the display being for increasing an acceptability of use of the adhesive bandage by the individual when powered. Furthermore, the present invention provides an adhesive bandage with a display, the display being for displaying a skin condition value and for increasing an acceptability of use of the adhesive bandage by the individual when powered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hand-held, noninvasive diagnostic device for measuring the electric fields in mammalian skin and other epithelial structures. The device includes an outer housing that contacts the skin, providing stability and allowing the device to move along with minor movement of the skin. Recessed within the outer housing is a probe that acts as a sensor to measure the electric field in the skin through an aperture in the bottom surface of the outer housing. By applying a series of known voltages while the probe is vibrating, the skin's local surface potential can be measured and the lateral electric field can be calculated from the spatial distribution of surface potential measurements. Active feedback is used to maintain a constant distance between the probe and the skin surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating the transparency and/or water holding capacity of a stratum corneum by using oxidized protein in the stratum corneum as an indicator.

Abstract: A system for detecting skin and sub-surface malignancies, the system comprising: an infra-red sensor positionable adjacent the skin, at a given distance above the skin, to detect infra-red radiation emanating from the skin and a suspect lesion therein, means for traversing the sensor in a measurable manner to scan along a line across the skin and the lesion therein, means that gauges the distance from where the scan starts to the lesion, means for sequentially recording the output of the sensor, and thus infra-red radiation incident on the sensor, at a series of points along the line, and means for displaying a profile of the temperature along the sensed line over the lesion, from which profile there can be drawn a conclusion about the presence or absence of a malignancy.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the analysis of skin surfaces to determine the presence of neoplastic tissue. In the methods of the invention, a composition comprising a florescent probe that binds to a specific neoplasia associated marker is applied topically to the area of interest. After topical administration, the probe preferentially binds to markers associated in neoplastic lesions in situ, which binding is detected with a compact illumination unit that provides illumination at a wavelength appropriate for image acquisition. The illumination unit comprises a light source and fiber optic bundle to direct the light towards the area of examination. A detection unit is used to capture and record an image of the area of investigation. The detection unit may be a digital camera, film camera, etc. A mapping module may also be provided to catalogue the site of examination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting anomalies in images according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with an optical How system. The optical flow system may receive image data for a first image and a second image and generate How vectors corresponding to differences between the first image and the second image. An analyzer may be coupled to the optical flow system and analyze the flow vectors to identify anomalies in the second image.

Abstract: A method and tool for treating heel pain of a patient. The method includes determining a medical procedure to be performed on the patient based on the number of etiologies, the time span, and the severity of the patient's heel pain. The medical procedure performed may include collecting and processing a sample of the patient's blood to retrieve growth factors therefrom, excising degenerative tissue of the patient's plantar fascia, injecting the patient's growth factors into the patient's plantar fascia, and applying an electrical acoustic shockwave treatment to the patient's plantar fascia. The tool includes a trocar and a rasp configured to be received in the trocar. The rasp includes a file defined at a distal end and configured to extend through an opening of the trocar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for analysing the physico-chemical properties of a cutaneous surface comprising: a group of sensors which are assembled at an acquisition zone (4), opposite which the cutaneous surface to be analysed is positioned; and a processing unit (1) which is interfaced with the group of sensors, said unit being equipped with analysis means that can be used to determine certain physico-chemical properties of the cutaneous surface to be analysed using signals produced by said group of sensors.

Abstract: An indicator for characterizing human skin condition includes a flowable carrier, suitable for application to human skin, and at least one dye soluble with oil found on human skin and visually changeable when in solution with oil on human skin. A visual change in the at least one dye is proportional to the amount of the oil present in solution, whereby when the indicator is applied to an area of human skin, and the at least one dye contacts and reacts with the oil in the area, the indicator will display a visual indication of the skin condition in the area based on the amount of the oil in the area.

Abstract: Thus, systems and methods providing sub-dressing wound analysis and therapy are provided. One embodiment of the invention may include a treatment system including a wound dressing comprising perforations. The system may also include a light receptor and an excitation light source. When the wound dressing is deployed on a wound, the light source may provide light that propagates through the wound and is detectable via the perforations. Furthermore, the light receptor may be configured to receive the transmitted light. The transmitted light may include information relating to the viability of tissue within the wound.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed may include a sensor which may be adapted to provide information related to its position on a patient's tissue. A sensor may be provided with tissue contact sensors which may relay a signal related to the sensor's proper placement adjacent a patient's tissue. Such a sensor may be useful for providing information to a clinician about the status of a sensor, such as if a sensor may be located more closely to the tissue in order to provide improved measurements.

Abstract: An instrument and method for determining the current blood glucose level of an individual by noninvasive measurement of the current electrical capacitance of the outer surface of the skin of such individual and comparing that current capacitance level to stored data of previously determined capacitance levels of the skin and their associated blood glucose levels of that individual for determining the blood glucose level associated with the currently determined capacitance level.

Abstract: A chip card for analyzing physicochemical properties of a cutaneous surface includes at least one body sensor which can deliver a signal representing a measurement of a physicochemical property of the cutaneous surface, and a processing unit used to treat signals delivered by the body sensor and an optional environment sensor and to then store signals in a storage unit on the card. An electrical energy source on the card provides electrical power to the body sensor and the processing unit.

Abstract: A system and method for documentation and analysis of dermatological aspects of a human body. The system has a predetermined arrangement of at least three image sensors selected from visible light sensors, ultraviolet (UV) light sensors, infrared (IR) sensors. Each of the image sensors has an effective normalized focal length of from about 8 to about 28 millimeters, an aperture stepped-down to at least f/4 or higher F-stop, and a shutter exposure length of no longer than about 125 milliseconds. Output from the image sensors provide a single relatively high resolution image of a skin surface of the human body obtained from a distance of at least about 0.1 meters. A data collection and processing system is integrated with the image sensors to provide storage, analysis, and output of in-situ dermatological information to a system operator.

Abstract: Method and instrument for characterizing a material using a test probe constructed for insertion into the material, optionally with a reference probe constructed either for insertion into the material or to contact another material without insertion. The test probe is inserted at least a microdistance into the material (i) together with insertion of the reference probe into the material, (ii) with the reference probe contacting another material, or (iii) without a reference probe, and then withdrawn. The material property is determined by measuring an interaction of the test probe with the material, which may be related to the insertion of the test probe into the material, the movement of the test probe in the material, and/or the withdrawal of the test probe from the material.

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: The present invention relates to a method and system for providing cosmetics customized for an individual customer, and more particularly, to a method and system for providing cosmetics customized for an individual customer, wherein customized cosmetics appropriate for skin condition or scalp and hair condition of the customer are produced using diagnostic data on the skin condition or scalp and hair condition of the customer and provided to the customer to thereby enhance customer's feeling of satisfaction. According to the present invention, there is provided a method for providing customized cosmetics appropriate for an individual customer using a microprocessor having information on standard cosmetic material mixing ratios in accordance with age groups and skin conditions of consumers as a database.

Abstract: A method of measuring the instantaneous arterial blood pressure and compliance and the device thereof are disclosed. The method identifies a critical depth under the skin. At this critical position, the arterial mean blood pressure is equivalent to the mean blood pressure obtained on the skin. The variation in the arterial mean blood pressure is tracked and controlled to maintain the equivalence between the mean blood pressure measured on the skin and the arterial mean blood pressure. In this case, the compliance of the muscle tissues remains invariant. Therefore, the variation measured on the skin is simply the behavior of the blood vessel. Using the skin-artery correlation, the invention can obtain the instantaneous blood pressure after some computation and the dynamic compliance at the critical position.

Abstract: A skin state analyzing method for analyzing the skin state of an examinee using an image of the skin of the examinee includes an analyzing step of analyzing at least one of texture/pores, spots, skin tone, and sebum of the skin from the image, a storing step of storing the image and an analysis result obtained from the analyzing step in association with skin examination date/time information and examinee information, a display screen generating step of generating a screen displaying the image and the analysis result of the examinee stored in the storing step, and an output step of outputting the information generated in the display screen generating step.

Abstract: A diagnostic medical instrument adapted to determine whether a patient is suffering from a pre-shock, shock, or shock-related condition. The instrument is used in a capillary filling time CFT test procedure in which a skin area in the patient which overlies blood-filled capillaries which normally display a pink color is depressed to expel blood from the capillaries and impart white color to the skin at which point the pressure is released to permit blood to flow back into the capillaries and cause the skin to regain its pink color. The instrument includes a color sensor trained on the skin area and responsive to light reflected therefrom to produce a first signal at the point in time the skin color tuns from pink to white and to later produce a second signal at the point in time at which the skin color has turned from white to pink. The time elapsing between the first and second signals is measured to provide a CFT index indicative of the patient's condition.

Abstract: A stimulus compression device determines neuro-feedback significance corresponding to stimulus material and modifies the stimulus material using neuro-feedback significance measures. For example, the stimulus compression device determines portions of a media stream corresponding to low neuro-feedback significance and removes them from the media stream. Compression of stimulus material may involve removal, modification, repetition, bit rate adjustment, resolution adjustment, etc. Transitions can be smoothed or lengthened to further improve processed stimulus material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing skin conditions using digital images. The method comprises acquiring a white-light image and an ultraviolet (“UV”) image of at least a portion of a body surface, such as a person's face, each of the white-light and UV images including a plurality of pixels and each pixel in the UV image corresponding to a respective pixel in the white-light image. The method further comprises identifying skin-pixels in the white-light and UV images, and obtaining results associated with at least one skin condition using information in the skin pixels in the first white light and UV images.

Abstract: According to certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provided an apparatus for treatment of a patient with both sleep-disordered breathing and diabetes. A PAP device may be configured to provide a supply of pressurized breathable gas. At least one glycemia sensor also may be provided. A controller may be operable to receive a signal from the at least one glycemia detector and may be further operable to analyze the signal for an indication of a glycemia abnormality (e.g., hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic coma, etc.). Optionally, when the signal indicates that the patient is experiencing a diabetic event, an alert may be generated and/or a drug delivery unit may administer an appropriate treatment to the patient.

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: An optical screening device for detecting abnormal skin tissue indicative of disease including a handle having an elongated stem adapted for holding the optical screening device in one hand and a head for housing an array of light emitting diodes with each diode in the array being spaced apart to form a given geometry with each diode selected to emit light in a wavelength range between 340 nm to 470 nm; a high pass filter supported by said handle in close proximity to said array of light emitting diodes with the filter being of a size to provide a defined viewable area for visibly detecting irradiated light reflected from skin tissue under observation and adapted to block light at least below 380 nm; and a source of electrical power for energizing said array of light emitting diodes.