A skin inspection device for identifying abnormalities; the device comprising: a transparent panel having an inspection area; an array of thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) formations provided on the transparent panel which are operable to change colour in response to a change of temperature; and one or more image capture devices for capturing a colour image of the TLC formations and an area of skin of a target located in the inspection area; the captured colour image being analysed to identify abnormalities in the area of skin.

Total Immersion Photography (TIP) is disclosed, preferably for the use of screening for various medical and cosmetic conditions. TIP, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an enclosed structure that may be sized in accordance with an entire person, or individual body parts. Disposed therein are a plurality of imaging means which may gather a variety of information, e.g., chemical, light, temperature, etc. In a preferred embodiment, a computer and plurality of USB hubs are used to remotely operate and control digital cameras. The photo information is then transferred via the USB to the computer for processing and aggregation. Subject information is gathered to configure the operation of the various parameters of the device.

A skin inspection device for identifying abnormalities. The device comprises a transparent panel having an inspection area. An array of temperature sensors are provided on the transparent panel to record the temperature of an area of skin of a target. One or more image capture devices are provided for capturing an image of the area of skin of a target located in the inspection area. The captured image and recorded temperature being analysed to identify abnormalities in the area of skin of the target. A processor is operably coupled to the one or more image capture devices and the array of temperature sensors for controlling operations thereof. The processor is operable to generate indicia indicative of the emergence of ulcers and/or other skin abnormalities.

An apparatus for manufacturing customized cosmetics according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may manufacture customized cosmetics in consideration of an individual skin characteristic and external environment information by combining a dosage form reference component corresponding to a skin state measured by subdividing a face of a user according to each predetermined region and an auxiliary dosage form reference component corresponding to the external environment information.

Provided are a physiological signal analysis device and method to detect and analyze physiological information of a subject. The physiological signal analysis device includes a memory device configure to store a wrinkle pattern at a measurement position of a subject as a reference position; a sensor configured to sense the reference position and a physiological signal of the subject at the reference position in response to the stored reference position being within a range of the sensor; and a signal processor configured to process the physiological signal sensed the sensor.

The dynamic positioning of sensors, which exploit the mechanical and physiological changes in tissues, can significantly increase the performance in characterization of tumors. Here, we disclose the Optical Dynamic Imaging (ODI) System for tumor characterization. ODI System estimates size, depth, elastic modulus and optical properties of embedded objects. The ODI System consists of a tactile imaging sensor (TIS), and a near infrared diffuse spectral imaging. To obtain mechanical properties of the target, we compress the region of interest with the probe, then the light from the probe is scattered and captured by the camera as a tactile image. On the other hand, using a light source and the camera as a detector, we obtain the diffuse spectral images. From these images, we compute the absorption coefficient of the embedded tumor phantom. We move the source-detector simultaneously and collect optical information. We termed this maneuver as dynamic positioning. Optical Dynamic Imaging System also provides position and orientation of the light source and the detectors. The combination of the absorption coefficient and tactile data along with location information improves the size, depth, and elastic modulus estimation.

The invention provides a surface analysis device for application to a receiving surface to enable analysis of at least one measure of an elasticity of said surface across multiple different linear stretches or sections of the surface. The device includes a two-dimensional arrangement of actuators and sensors, comprising at least one actuating element, at least one sensing element, and at least one further sensing or actuating element. Selected sets of two or more of these elements are activated together by a controller, each set including at least one actuator and one sensor, to thereby obtain a measure of elasticity between each actuator and sensor pair in the set. Elasticity measures are obtained based on stimulating a deformation in the receiving surface at the actuator site, and measuring a resultant pressure and/or force exerted by the receiving surface at a further displaced point. Sensors may monitor a change in the exerted pressure and/or force for example.

A device for providing tactile stimulation of a subject via a pulse of compressible fluid, typically for medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The device preferably includes a high pressure fluid source and a low pressure fluid source. A pressure valve selectively connects the pressure sources to an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit includes an applicator for directing pulses against the skin of a subject. The pulses may be applied via one applicator or a plurality of applicators, and may be applied in one pattern or several patterns at various application sites. A method of providing tactile stimulation is also disclosed.

A transepidermal water loss measurement device includes a cylindrical closed chamber having a closed end and an open end to come into contact with the skin at a position at which a rate of water loss is to be measured and a transepidermal water loss measurement unit that measures a rate of transepidermal water loss of the skin by detecting levels of humidity and changes in humidity level in the closed chamber.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides methods for identifying a disease in an epithelial tissue of a subject. Methods for identifying a disease in an epithelial tissue comprise the generation of a depth profile of the epithelial tissue using signals generated from the tissue by pulses of light directed towards a surface of the epithelial tissue. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides apparatuses consistent with the methods herein.