Abstract: A system and method of performing a medical diagnosis in real time that can diagnose a health condition of a mobile terminal user in real time is disclosed. Various sensors provided in the mobile terminal sense a body condition, and a server diagnoses the health condition of the user from the sensed condition information, and informs the user of the corresponding health keeping plan and medical treatment as well. Thus, the user can conveniently check his/her health condition any time and anywhere.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting power employed by a light emitting device used for medical applications, such as measurement of patient parameter. A system or device includes a light emitting device, a power unit coupled to the light emitting device for powering the light emitting device and responsive to a control signal for adjusting power applied to the light emitting device, and a control unit for providing the control signal and coupled to the power unit, the control signal being determined in response to a characteristic of a signal associated with a physiological parameter measured using light produced by the light emitting device.

Abstract: The invention provides a system (2) for non-invasive detection of the state of hydration in a living specimen, the system including an RF generator/transmitter (416) for emitting RF radiation signals and for transmitting the radiation signals through a tissue of a living specimen; an RF receiver (8) for receiving RF signals transmitted through the tissue, and for feeding the signals to a processor (10) for comparison of relative attenuation of RF frequencies passing through the tissue with a reference attenuation ratio signal, and an indicator unit (12) for providing an output signal representative of the water content level of the tissue. A method for non-invasive detection of the state of hydration in a living specimen is also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of distributing a skin care product to a subject, the method including the steps of: (a) obtaining a sample of interstitial fluid from the skin of the subject; (b) measuring the amount of a skin analyte in the sample; and (c) distributing a skin care product to the subject to alter the amount of the skin analyte in the skin of the subject.

Abstract: A method for measuring the barrier properties of naturally occurring tissue, such as the skin. The method comprises the steps of providing a probe having a pair of spaced apart electrodes in electrical communication with each other, a voltage generator capable of supplying an increasing voltage between said electrodes, and a voltage meter capable of indicating the voltage between said electrodes. The electrodes are placed in contact with the target surface. An increasing voltage from is supplied from the voltage generator to the electrodes until current between said electrodes reaches a predetermined value. The voltage, which occurs when the current reaches the predetermined value, is noted. In another embodiment the invention comprises a device for measuring the barrier properties of the skin. The device comprises a probe. The probe has a pair of spaced apart electrodes in electrical communication with each other.

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: Methods for diagnosing skin lesions are disclosed. Generally, the method include topically administering an IRM compound to a treatment area for a period of time and in an amount effective to cause a visible change in the appearance of a skin lesion including, in some cases, causing subclinical lesions to become visible. Suitable IRM compounds include agonists of one or more TLRs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of examining skin health in a subject, the method including the steps of: accessing a sample of interstitial fluid from the skin of the subject; and measuring the amount of a skin analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A method for providing a preliminary diagnosis of skin cancer, more specifically a screening risk assessment of pigmented lesions receiving digital photographs of skin abnormalities from a plurality of consumers at a server, receiving medical information related to each of the plurality of consumers at the server, assigning an identification to at least one of the consumers and the digital photographs, reviewing the digital photographs and categorizing the digital photographs into at least three categories so as to define category information, the at least three categories including a first category of a first risk, a second category of risk lower than the first category and a third category of insufficient photograph quality, and providing the category information as a function of the identification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method comprising subjecting a test site of a responsive system to a primary challenge; subjecting the same test site to a secondary challenge, wherein the secondary challenge is designed to enhance and/or prolong a response of the responsive system to the primary challenge, without confounding the response nor altering the mechanism by which the primary challenge elicits a response from the responsive system; and assessing the response subsequent to the secondary challenge. The methods claimed herein also preferably comprise the additional step(s) of subjecting test site(s) to one or more pre-challenge intervention(s) and/or post-challenge intervention(s) and/or concurrent-challenge intervention(s).

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for helping determine a condition of selected tissue of a patient based on a set of thermal images of the selected tissue acquired over a time period. The image set has image regions with corresponding characteristics indicative of a temperature condition of an associated part of the selected tissue, which had been subjected to a thermal challenge during part of the image acquisition time period. Feature values are determined based on the characteristics of selected image regions. A classifier is applied to the features to provide an indication of the condition of the selected tissue, such as indicating a likelihood of malignancy.

Abstract: The method for the skin analysis is capable of deciding condition of the skin of the customer objectively and accurately. There are obtained analysis data of the skin of the customer based on a plurality of the skin analysis techniques such as the skin analysis according to diagnostic process with an interview, analysis of the skin according to replica of the skin using impression agent, information analysis within keratin by keratin checker, melanin information analysis by melanin checker, flesh color analysis based on flesh color sheet. There is classified conditions of the skin of the customer in every plural categories based on the analysis data of this skin, and then the condition of the skin of the customer is made to analyze in accordance with classification obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methodology for determining the variation in concentration of chromophores within an epithelial tissue. The devices comprise a means of illuminate the skin at one or more points and at wavelengths corresponding to specific chromophores. The device further comprises a detection means configured to detect the intensity of light remitted from the epithelial surface, a processing means configured to interpret image data sets obtained by the detection means and an output display to display the results or significance of the results. The invention further extends to a method of interpreting the distribution of chromophores within a lesion of an epithelial tissue. The method comprising the steps of illuminating an epithelial surface, determining the intensity of remitted light, analysing said intensity data to determine variation in the intensity across the lesion and providing an output corresponding to the extend of variation across the lesion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for noninvasive glucose measurement measures glucose indirectly from the natural response of tissue to variations in analyte concentration. The indirect measurement method utilizes factors affected by or correlated with the concentration of glucose, such as refractive index, electrolyte distribution or tissue scattering. Measurement reliability is greatly improved by stabilizing optical properties of the tissue at the measurement site, thus blood perfusion rates at the sample site are regulated. Perfusion is monitored and stabilized by spectroscopically measuring a control parameter, such as skin temperature, that directly affects perfusion. The control parameter is maintained in a range about a set point, thus stabilizing perfusion. Skin temperature is controlled using a variety of means, including the use of active heating and cooling elements, passive devices, such as thermal wraps, and through the use of a heated coupling medium having favorable heat transfer properties.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the level of an analyte in the blood of an individual by measuring the level of the analyte in an interstitial fluid or in any other non blood fluid which does not contain red blood cells and adjusting the measurement value by the concentration of at least one reference analyte.

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 sign area and responsive to light reflected therefrom to produce a first signal at the point in time the skin color turns 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: An apparatus and a method for extracting physiological data from the skin of a body, wherein the apparatus includes at least one fingerprint sensor for ascertaining a blackening profile and a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure profile for a pressure exerted on the fingerprint sensor.

Abstract: Novel methods for measuring the soothing attributes of personal care compositions are disclosed. The methods disclosed are particularly suitable for measuring and comparing the soothing attributes of facial tissue to determine which facial tissue is most soothing to damaged skin. The methods include damaging the skin of a test subject to a predetermined amount, contacting a test facial tissue with the damaged skin, and rating the soothing attributes of the facial tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of skin damage on the skin is determined by the test subject.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method for transdermal sampling, comprising: at least one sampler for retrieving and transferring at least one analyte obtained transdermally from the skin of a subject; at least one detector system for identifying and quantifying said at least one analyte; and at least one logic module for (i) receiving and storing input data from said at least one detector, (ii) relating the input data to other data obtained from the subject, (iii) displaying output information, (iv) transmitting the output information to another system, and (v) controlling the operation of said at least one sampler and at least one detector.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and methods for obtaining signals related to blood analytes and bone features by collecting spectra, such as fluorescence and Raman spectra, through the nail of a finger or toe. The invention additionally provides methods of modulating blood flow in a tissue of a subject.

Abstract: Marker compounds indicative of variations in physiological conditions, genetic defects or disease states have been found to be present in apocrine sweat and, in many conditions, these markers are present in apocrine sweat in elevated levels when compared to blood. These markers are collected and/or detected in apocrine sweat and used as an indicator that a disease state or particular physiological condition exists. A skin patch, wipe or electronic detector for vapors released from apocrine sweat are used to indicate the existence of a disease state or changing physiological condition. The patch or wipe can include in monoclonal antibodies or other chemical compounds that can indicate the presence of specific markers. This may include indicators that render visible, the existence of a reaction between the monoclonal antibody or chemical compound and the marker compound to indicate the existence of the condition being tested for.

Abstract: A non-invasive system for characterizing and classifying the state and structure of a tissue sample operates on a near infrared absorbance spectrum of in vivo tissue. A method that uses near-infrared spectral measurements to characterize and classify the state and structure of tissue sampled based on absorbance features related to fat in adipose tissue is provided. Also provided is a method of estimating skin fold thickness. The approach provides information about sources of tissue variability and is therefore useful for establishing the general category of the tissue structure. Categorization of subjects on the basis of the determination is suitable for further spectral analysis and the measurement of biological and chemical compounds, such as blood analytes. The invention further provides a method of estimating percent body fat based on a skin fold thickness estimate.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a vigilance state of a subject such as a driver of a vehicle or the like. The apparatus includes means (1 to 11) for monitoring one or more physiological variables such as EEG, EMG and EOG signals associated with the subject. The apparatus also includes means (13 to 16) for deriving from the one or more variables data representing physiological states of the subject corresponding to the or each variable and means (17) for determining from the data with the vigilance state of the subject is below a predetermined threshold. The apparatus may include means for intervening with the control of the vehicle in the event that the vigilance state of the driver is below the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for monitoring the autonomous nervous system in an individual, especially for detecting pain, by utilizing spontaneous change in skin conductance. The apparatus comprises measuring equipment (3, 4) for measuring the skin's conductance, and storage and processing means (5) for deriving secondary characteristics of the conductance signal, thus enabling it by means of signal means (6) to indicate that the pain or other activity in the autonomous nervous system has reached a certain threshold. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a warning signal (7) in such an apparatus.

Abstract: Methods for assessing immunocompetence, cellular or humoral immunity, antigen exposure, or allergic conditions in an individual by accelerating diagnostic particles into a target skin site in the individual are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of examining skin health in a subject, the method including the steps of: accessing a sample of interstitial fluid from the skin of the subject; and measuring the amount of a skin analyte in the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to an array and a method for illuminating a skin surface of an examined person, especially the face, with the purpose of examining and determining the effect of color on the skin surface. Several light sources having different colors are provided for illumination. The intensity of said light sources can be adjusted individually.

Abstract: An article for measuring external drug transfer to skin surfaces includes a high molecular weight polyolefin substrate film and a skin-adhering element attached to the polyolefin substrate film. The substrate film has a texture that simulates skin roughness and topography on the surface facing a drug delivery medium. The substrate film, skin-adhering element, and all other components of, or in contact with, the sampling article provide minimum interference with chemical analysis of the active drug being measured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining caloric expenditure of a subject. The apparatus includes a heat flow sensor having an overlay and/or conductive layer for measuring the evaporative heat loss, in addition to substantially total heat loss, for the subject. The sensor also includes a structure to enhance the migration of perspiration from edges or a bottom of the sensor onto an active region of the sensor. One sensor includes electrodes to effectuate electroendosmosis such that positively biased electrodes are formed at an edge or bottom of the sensor and a negatively biased electrode is formed at a center or top of the sensor. Through electroendosmosis the perspiration is migrated from the positively biased electrodes at the edge or bottom of the sensor to the negatively biased electrode in the center or top of the sensor. Another sensor places thermocouples at edges of a sensing portion to reduce a distance that the perspiration has to migrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating water permeability of the stratum corneum epidermidis, including a feeding device for feeding a carrier gas to a skin surface to be measured, a measuring device for measuring humidity of the carrier gas discharged from the feeding device over the skin surface, and a calculating device for calculating a water transpiration amount and an overall mass transfer coefficient of water in the stratum corneum epidermidis based on properties of the carrier gas and the humidity.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-contact (non-invasive) method for measuring quantity of sebum oil on skin or other substrate. The method includes applying fluorescent lipophilic dye to the substrate site of interest, illuminating the site at the excitation wavelength of the dye, and collecting fluorescent emission of desired wavelength of the dye. Because the measurements are truly non-contact, they can be made in real time on the same sites for any desired length of time.

Abstract: A method for removing hairs from living skin is provided which includes steps of measuring with a colorimeter the color of the area of the skin where the hair is to be removed to obtain a color value, employing the color value to select an optimum range of laser energy necessary to kill hair follicles in the area yet minimize inflammatory reaction, and directing the laser energy of the optimum range at the skin area.

Abstract: The invention provides non-contact (non-invasive) method for measuring quantity of sebum oil on skin as other substrate. Because the measurements are truly non-contact, they can be made in real time on the same sites for any desired length of time.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for determining perfusion capacity in a region of a patient's skin and underlying tissue utilizing a thermoelectric device to create a temperature differential, a sensor for measuring the temperature differential, a controller coupled to the sensor and the thermoelectric device for maintaining the temperature differential substantially constant by providing electrical energy to the thermoelectric device, and measuring the electrical energy provided to the thermoelectric device when the thermoelectric device is positioned adjacent the region of the patient's skin to indicate perfusion capacity.

Abstract: A method for the early detection of sunburn is provided in which the reflection spectrum of the irradiated skin is considered. A color change made perceptible to the human eye is obtained from the specific absorption and reflection behavior. The change is made to occur when a predetermined borderline spectrum is reached. A device is also provided that changes the reflection spectrum of the irradiated skin, which is determined by the specific absorption and reflection behavior, such that the changed reflection spectrum brings about a color change perceptible to the eye when a predetermined borderline spectrum is reached, whereas no color change perceptible to the eye is yet noticeable if the reflection spectrum is unchanged.

Abstract: A disposable article is provided that comprises a sensor adapted to detect one or more specific health and/or nutrition markers in the wearer's feces. The article may also signal the caretaker, the wearer, or an actuator of the occurrence.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-contact process for measuring amount of sebum or oil on skin or other substrate. Process is preferably done in vivo because of ability to measure formation of sebum/oil on skin in real time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the assessment of ultraviolet radiation UV effects on sunscreen-treated and non-treated human skin using a more sensitive technique.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring relative hydration of a substrate. Measurements of the electrical characteristics of the substrate and the force applied to and the temperature of the substrate during the measurement provide inputs for determining such relative hydration of the substrate.

Abstract: A biological data observation system makes it possible to accurately observing the anesthetic depth of a patient. The system measures a signal based on the pulse wave of the patient, and measures the sweat rate. During a surgery, these data and/or their composite data is monitored. The system displays transition of the sweat rate. Therefore, if during the surgery the patient's condition changes, an operating doctor (operator) will immediately notice a change in the sweat rate displayed by the system, so that the doctor or the like can promptly take an appropriate measure for the change in the patient's condition. By observing the transition of the patient's blood pressure displayed by the system, the doctor can also understand how the patient's condition changes as a result of the doctor's measure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device that comprises a sensor adapted to detect one or more specific health and/or nutrition markers in the subject's feces. The device may also signal the caretaker, the subject, or an actuator of the occurrence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating skin conditions, which comprises applying at least two chemical substances to the skin, measuring amounts of said at least two chemical substances penetrated into the skin and calculating out the ratio between the amounts penetrated into the skin; and a kit for evaluating skin conditions, comprising a reagent containing at least two chemical substances and a measuring device of amounts of the chemical substances penetrated into the skin, wherein said at least two chemical substances are applied to the skin, amounts of said at least two chemical substances penetrated into the skin are measured by means of the measuring device, and the ratio between the amounts penetrated into the skin is calculated out.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for using a metaphor elicitation technique in conjunction with physiological function monitoring to elicit, organize and analyze data pertaining to a research topic. The metaphor elicitation technique process and apparatus is improved with the acquisition of data related to a user's physiological functioning. This data provides further insight and understanding which can be used in creating an appropriate marketing campaign for a product, improving inter-office communications and determining the presence of pre-existing biases or beliefs.

Abstract: An apparatus having at least one template opening for causing a substantially reproducible injury to a cell, organ or tissue layer. The apparatus is useful in determining the effects of cell growth and migration agents in model wounds produced in the cell, organ or tissue layer. Also provided are methods of using the apparatus including juxtapositioning the apparatus to cells on a cell growth substrate and disrupting cells thereon.

Abstract: A method for the non-surgical treatment of soft tissue lesions includes placing a contact point near the lesion and causing the patient to move in a manner that produces a longitudinal sliding motion of soft tissues, e.g., nerves, ligaments, and muscles, beneath the contact point. Treatments are continued at sequential time intervals until the symptoms produced by the lesions are alleviated.

Abstract: A deepithelialized skin cell diffusion system which can be used to select topical gel and cream formulations containing human other wound healing promoters such as plasma fibronectin. The formulations provide slow release and increased contact time of fibronectin or other wound healing promoters to the wound site leading to its effective absorption.

Abstract: A device for measuring parameters of the skin of living beings on the surface of the skin to be examined, comprising a housing with a light source, an optical recording means, and an image processing means, wherein the housing consists of an applicator, in which an optical recording means formed by a video camera and a light emitting means connected to a light source are integrated, the applicator, which is adapted to be placed on the skin surface, holding the video camera and the light emitting means at a predetermined distance from the skin surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating perfusion adjacent a skin surface includes a housing having first an second interior regions. The housing is configured to engage the skin surface. The apparatus also includes a plunger located in the first region of the housing for applying pressure to a first zone of the skin surface, a vacuum connection coupled to the second region of the housing to permit suction to be applied to the second region of the housing and to a second zone of the skin surface, a first temperature sensor for generating an output signal related to the temperature of the first zone of the skin surface, a second temperature sensor for generating an output signal related to the temperature of the second zone of the skin surface, and a processor circuit coupled to the first and second temperature sensors for determining a differential temperature between the first and second zones of the skin surface to provide an indication of perfusion adjacent the skin surface.

Abstract: A method for objectively assessing the severity of scars, which method comprises: (i) classifying cell nuclei in scar tissue into different types of nuclei such that one of the types is elongated nuclei which is different from other nuclei in that the elongated nuclei has a ratio of length to breadth which exceeds a predetermined number; (ii) measuring the angle that the longest axis of the elongated nuclei makes with the surface of tissue surrounding the scar; and (iii) ranking the severity of the scar on the basis of the degree of alignment of the elongated nuclei with the surface of the tissue surrounding the scar.

Abstract: A combined infection shield and calibration or reference target for use with a measuring instrument includes a removable calibration/reference layer. The removable calibration/reference layer has predetermined optical characteristics that can be utilized to calibrate or reference the instrument. When the calibration/reference layer is removed from the remaining portions of the device, the portion of the calibration/reference layer having the predetermined optical characteristics is irrevocably altered such that the calibration/reference layer cannot be reused. The combined infection shield and target may be attached to a shield holder, which in turn is attached to an instrument. Alternatively, the infection shield and target may be attached directly to an instrument. The target may include a calibration/reference layer having a reduced strength portion which causes the target to tear or separate in a predetermined manner.