SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE SURFACE AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FILAMENTARY STRUCTURES, IN PARTICULAR SKIN APPENDAGES, STRUCTURES ASSOCIATED THEREWITH, NATURAL OR SYNTHETIC FIBERS AND THEIR AGGREGATES

Abstract

A system for the characterization of vital or reconstituted tissues, in particular skin appendages, includes a plurality of sources of electromagnetic radiation to be spatially oriented and to irradiate according to a selected angle of incidence a sample of vital or reconstituted tissue having a series of filaments of a person that are homogenous in structural type, at least one image acquisition device for receiving a reflected and/or dispersed radiation from the sample, or a fluorescence radiation emitted by the sample, and an image processing unit configured to process reflection, and/or dispersion and/or fluorescence images, and to classify examined tissue to compare the value of at least one parameter selected from gloss, dimensions, colour intensity, contour of the filaments of the sample with a database of parameters of classes of predetermined vital or reconstituted tissues, and/or to compare the value of the at least one parameter with a database of historic values of parameters of the tissue.

Claims

1. A system for the characterization of vital or reconstituted tissues, in particular skin appendages the system comprising: a plurality of sources of analysis electromagnetic radiation with different wavelengths adapted to irradiate a sample of vital or reconstituted tissue, said plurality of sources including at least one from amongst sources of incoherent light, laser sources, sources of radiation which can generate fluorescence of the sample; at least one image acquisition device located in a region close to the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue so as to receive a reflected and/or dispersed radiation from the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue when irradiated by said analysis electromagnetic radiation and/or a fluorescence radiation emitted by the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue due to said analysis electromagnetic radiation; and an image processing unit configured to process reflection and/or dispersion images of said analysis electromagnetic radiation from the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue and/or fluorescence images emitted by the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue due to said analysis electromagnetic radiation, wherein said sample of vital or reconstituted tissue comprises a series of filaments of a person, which are homogenous in structural type; wherein said sources of analysis electromagnetic radiation are adapted to be oriented spatially relative to the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue so as to have a selected angle of incidence of radiation on the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue; and wherein said image processing unit is further configured to: determine at least one parameter selected from gloss, size, colour intensity, contour of the filaments of the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue starting from acquired images and classify the vital or reconstituted tissue under examination by comparing a value of said at least one parameter with a database of parameters of classes of predetermined vital or reconstituted tissues, and/or determine at least one parameter selected from gloss, size, colour intensity, contour of the filaments of the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue starting from acquired images and compare the value of said at least one parameter with a database of historic values of said at least one parameter for said vital or reconstituted tissue.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said sources of analysis electromagnetic radiation comprise at least one source of coherent light with planar geometry adapted to irradiate the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue along a linear section thereof.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a structure for delimiting an image acquisition area, comprising at least one support base having an opening in correspondence with a field of view of said at least one image acquisition device.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising sample positioning means adapted to arrange said sample of vital or reconstituted tissue within said image acquisition area.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said sample positioning means comprise a region for aligning the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said region for aligning the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue comprises a support adapted to receive the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue in an extended condition and a gripping frame, said region for aligning the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue being at least partly slidable along the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein said region for aligning the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue comprises a conduit adapted to support a gaseous flow for thrusting or suctioning the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a supporting element for supporting the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue, said supporting element being arranged facing said at least one image acquisition device.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said supporting element has a homogeneous flat or curved surface.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said supporting element comprises at least one roller or cylinder.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising blocking and anchoring means adapted to hold the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue in a predetermined position with respect to said plurality of sources of analysis electromagnetic radiation and to said at least one image acquisition device.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said blocking and anchoring means comprise at least one pair of opposing clamping elements adapted to clamp therebetween the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said at least one pair of opposing clamping elements is shaped so as to assist a transversely homogeneous distribution of the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue during clamping.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein said at least one pair of opposing clamping elements comprises a pair of lower rollers or cylinders and a pair of upper rollers or cylinders adapted to come into contact with each other in a clamping condition of the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein lateral surfaces of said at least one pair of opposing clamping elements have alternate grooves and reliefs that engage in a complementary way in the clamping condition of the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue.

16. The system claim 12, wherein said at least one pair of opposing clamping elements comprises contact surfaces with the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue, said contact surfaces having a coating of a material adapted to make friction against sliding of the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue.

17. The system of claim 1, further comprising tensioning means for tensioning the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said tensioning means comprise at least one roller adapted to rotate about its own axis, and having a lateral surface coated with a material adapted to make friction against sliding of the sample of vital or reconstituted tissue.

19. The system of claim 2, wherein said linear section is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the filaments of said sample of vital or reconstituted tissue.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0044] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be described in greater detail in the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0045] FIG. 1 shows schematically a characterization system according to the invention;

[0046] FIGS. 2a and 2b show schematically a characterization system according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 3 shows three acquired images relating to a sample S of hairs illuminated respectively with natural light (a), red laser light (b), green laser light (c);

[0048] FIGS. 4a and 4b show schematically a characterization system according to the invention in a second embodiment;

[0049] FIGS. 5a and 5b show an exemplary embodiment of an element for support of the sample;

[0050] FIGS. 6a and 6b show an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement of an element for support of the sample, means for blocking/anchoring the sample, and of an element for tensioning or alignment of the sample;

[0051] FIGS. 7a and 7b show an exemplary embodiment of means for blocking/anchoring the sample;

[0052] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of an element for tensioning or alignment of the sample;

[0053] FIGS. 9a-9f show the results of the processing of images relating to different types of samples subjected to different illuminations;

[0054] FIG. 10 shows images of reflection or dispersion from a sample irradiated with a source of green light; and

[0055] FIG. 11 shows two images of a model of reconstituted eyelashes, irradiated respectively by a green (A) and red (B) source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a characterization system, indicated as 10 as a whole, according to a first embodiment of the invention, in which the essential components are present.

[0057] The system comprises: [0058] at least one source of electromagnetic radiation 12, two thereof being shown in the figures; [0059] at least one image acquisition device 14; and [0060] means 18 for processing of the images.

[0061] The source of electromagnetic radiation (light and/or not light) 12 permits the generation of figures of reflection/dispersion/fluorescence by a sample S illuminated by an analysis radiation. This can include a source of incoherent light (for example, but not limited to, a white light LED source or any visible or non-visible wavelength) or a source of polarized light, or, in addition or alternatively, a source of coherent light (for example a laser), characterized by a given wavelength. These sources can optionally also have a frequency suitable for the generation of phenomena of fluorescence on the irradiated sample.

[0062] Different images of reflection/dispersion/fluorescence of the sample S can correspond to different sources of radiation.

[0063] Optionally, the intensity of the sources of radiation can be regulated, and in this case different images of reflection/dispersion/fluorescence of the sample S can correspond to different electromagnetic flows.

[0064] Different sources can also be present simultaneously, and can preferably be oriented as required relative to the sample S. Alternatively, they are present selectively, and it is possible to replace or exchange them as required for the purpose of being able to carry out the selection of the most appropriate source of radiation in the shortest possible time.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the sources can advantageously be directed, focused, and their intensity can be regulated independently, so as to adopt a predetermined angle of incidence of the radiation emitted on the sample. Different images of reflection/dispersion/fluorescence can correspond to different angles of incidence.

[0066] Advantageously, at least one source of coherent light (laser) is used, with planar geometry which can irradiate the sample along a linear section thereof, preferably perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the fibers which constitute it. A source of this type with planar geometry can irradiate the sample with a “blade” of light. When the “blade” of light meets the sample, it is partly reflected, partly passes through the sample, and is partly dispersed both on the surface and in the interior thereof The whole of these phenomena gives rise to an image of the sample.

[0067] The image acquisition device 14 is designed to capture images generated by the irradiation of the sample by the source(s), using for example, but not exclusively, a digital camera or a digital microscope depending on the necessary level of enlargement required by the analysis. The level of enlargement can be varied as required according to the type of analysis in progress, and different digital acquisition apparatuses, including of different types, can be present simultaneously. Advantageously, according to a preferred embodiment, it is also possible to vary the point of observation of the sample by varying the position of the acquisition device 14. It is possible to capture both individual images of the sample, and films. Advantageously, the images which are captured are saved and processed directly by the system by the processing means 18, or alternatively they can be sent to external processing means.

[0068] A structure 16 for delimiting the area of acquisition of the images can be present, and, according to a less complex embodiment, comprises a support base characterized by the presence of an opening, optionally with a variable size, corresponding to the field of view of the image acquisition device. This structure can also advantageously contribute to maintaining the position of the sample during the acquisition of the images.

[0069] The processing means 18 are configured by means of a processor program which can execute a qualitative-quantitative analysis of the images and/or of the films captured. This analysis can be carried out directly, immediately after the acquisition of the images, or at any subsequent moment.

[0070] FIG. 3 shows as an example the acquisition of the images relating to a sample S of hairs illuminated respectively with natural light (a), red laser light (b), green laser light (c).

[0071] Specifically, the processor program which exists in the processing means 18 is designed to analyze digital images of filaments, for example, but not limited to, skin appendages, in particular hairs and eyelashes, irradiated with different types of optical radiation, such as, for example, but not limited to, laser radiation, and acquired by means of, for example, but not limited to, a microscope or another acquisition device.

[0072] The analysis is carried out by means of specific algorithms suitable for the qualitative-quantitative definition of parameters such as gloss, size, color, and indirectly the mechanical properties, in order to acquire information on the state of the sample, for example a lock of hair, and on the effect produced by any treatment carried out on the hair.

[0073] The analysis is carried out using known algorithms systems, such as Kayyali, Kirsch and Laplacian (3×3, 5×5 and Gaussian), examining a non-linear area created from amongst all the minimum and maximum image comparison peaks. A stage of presetting of the analysis procedure is dedicated to the acquisition of all the images, and the data acquired is used for construction of homogenous classes wherein each new sample can be classified; each of these classes can correspond to a series of parameters for the definition of analysis protocols. Thus, all the images acquired by means of the different forms of lighting, for a single type of sample, for example a lock of hair, form a preselection.

[0074] Advantageously, the processor program has a record section for storage of the record data of the people tested, so that in this section it is possible to consult and control all the analyses carried out and start a new analysis by acquiring the images necessary and selecting the preselection for the purpose of comparing the analyses.

[0075] By taking into consideration a historic development of the analysis results, it is possible to understand whether a treatment of the sample has produced an effect.

[0076] The archive of the tests carried out can be saved in order to have a historic development of the treatments and of their effects on the sample, for example hair, and to constitute a database.

[0077] The database can be supplied via the Internet to all the users so as to improve the statistical reliability of the results obtained.

[0078] The analysis of the sample, for example hairs, is carried out in an image analysis stage, by loading the images and comparing them with the corresponding reference classes previously defined, or with the images relating to the same person or sample, acquired at different times. During this stage of the program, it is possible to carry out the analysis without necessarily having to identify the person to whom the sample belongs.

[0079] Each analysis is carried out on the basis of the predefined parameters. For example, an analysis can be carried out on the basis of the percentage of similarity of the sample to the reference image, preferably using the following parameters: [0080] scale=brightness [0081] color=intensity and gloss of color [0082] contour=details of the filaments.

[0083] In its definitive version, the processor program can be integrated directly inside a portable device, and show only the result on a display unit which is connected directly. Alternatively, the device can send the data captured wirelessly to a PC which will carry out the analysis and upkeep of the data itself.

[0084] The analysis of the sample is not necessarily based on the separation, characterization and quantification of the various fractions of radiation after the interaction with the sample. Advantageously, it is not necessary, for example, to establish and quantify the fraction of radiation which is reflected by the surface of the sample, or the fraction which passes through it, but it is the image of the sample as a whole which is informative.

[0085] The real and extreme structural simplification of most of the embodiments of the present invention is associated with a real possibility of miniaturization, a fundamental aspect which permits simple and widespread use thereof, in particular for applications in vivo, as well as a restriction of the production costs.

[0086] In different embodiments, the system has additional elements which provide further characteristic functions.

[0087] According to a second embodiment, the system according to the invention also includes a region 20 for alignment and stretching of the sample, and a grasping system (not illustrated) which is equipped with devices for command and control of the system, as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b.

[0088] The region 20 for alignment and stretching comprises for example a support 20a and a gripping frame 20b. The sample S is extended or stretched on the support 20a which permits homogenous, flat and continuous distribution thereof. In order to assist this process, if the sample is constituted by fibers of a significant length, such as, for example, but not limited to, fibers or hairs, it can be advantageous to make the region 20 for alignment and stretching, or a part thereof, slide along the sample, thus assisting the distribution and stretching thereof, including optionally integrally with the region 20.

[0089] The selection of the sample is greatly simplified since it is not necessary to select one fiber at a time, or a few fibers which are well separated and aligned with one another. On the contrary, in the most demanding hypothesis, it is sufficient to select a sample which is quantitatively sufficient to cover a defined surface, in the most stringent cases operating on the basis of a criterion of “minimum quantity” necessary to guarantee the cover of a given surface (for example in the case of analysis of locks of hair both in vivo and ex vivo) whereas in fact in other cases (such as, for example as far as the study of eyelash samples is concerned) it is sufficient to include in the field of irradiation an arbitrary number of elements of the sample in relation to which the analysis is being carried out.

[0090] The grasping system comprises the devices necessary for the operation of the system according to the present invention, including control of the region of alignment and stretching, as well as the commands relating to, for example, but not limited to, switching on/switching off of the sources of light, capture of the images/films, etc. Optionally, there can also be a display unit for direct display of the region of alignment and of the images/films acquired.

[0091] According to a third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the system which is the subject of the invention also includes: [0092] an element 22 for support of the sample; and [0093] means for blocking/anchoring the sample (preferably for “ex vivo” evaluations).

[0094] The sample in question can optionally be distributed prevalently in a generally planar region, so as to avoid where possible the presence of different focal planes. This objective can be achieved in various ways, some of which are cited hereinafter.

[0095] The sample in question can advantageously be supported and/or distributed on a homogenous surface which can include a flat or curved surface.

[0096] The color as well as the roughness and/or gloss of the surface of the support element is of significant importance. A non-limiting example of a structure of this type is represented in FIG. 5a. According to a simplified embodiment, the distribution and alignment of the sample are implemented directly by a thrust or suction flow generated or conveyed in a stretching region of the element 22, and an at least partly exterior curved surface constitutes the analysis surface.

[0097] According to the present embodiment, a process of stretching and tensioning of the sample could be advantageous. In this case, this process is carried out by a vacuum source (not illustrated) which subjects the sample to tension by suctioning it, or alternatively blowing it, in the interior of a conduit 22a with an appropriate geometry, thus giving rise to the adhesion and distribution on the analysis surface 22b of the support element 22, as shown in FIG. 5b. More particularly, this support element 22 can be constituted by a structure 22a, which for example is cylindrical, and is preferably, but not necessarily, transparent, connected for example to a suction device, to a Venturi tube, etc., and by a curved surface 22b which provides the analysis surface.

[0098] The sample can be blocked by mechanical means, in particular, but not necessarily, during the “in vitro” analysis, which means secure it in an appropriate position and prevent undesirable movements thereof. These means can for example, but not necessarily, include a pair of jaws which block the sample, closing it in the form of a clamp. By way of non-limiting example, the jaws may comprise two parallelepipeds or two simple opposing rollers or cylinders. Optionally, the jaws can have a geometry which can also assist and guarantee homogenous distribution of the sample during the clamping and blocking stage.

[0099] According to a further embodiment, the system includes: [0100] an element for support of the sample comprising at least one roller or cylinder 22′; [0101] means for blocking/anchoring the sample comprising a pair of lower rollers or cylinders 24a and a pair of upper rollers or cylinders 24b; and [0102] an element 26 for tensioning/alignment of the sample, comprising a roller.

[0103] The roller or cylinder 22′ for support of the sample, together with the pair of lower rollers or cylinders 24a of the means for blocking/anchoring the sample, forms a first arrangement of elements 28a, whereas the roller 26 for tensioning or alignment of the sample, together with the pair of lower rollers or cylinders 24b, forms a second arrangement of elements 28b, which is at least partly interpenetrable with the first device 28a.

[0104] FIG. 6a shows the first and second arrangement of elements 28a, 28b, respectively in an “open” configuration and in a “closed” configuration, i.e. interpenetrated, which arrangement can be obtained further to a relative movement of the arrangements according to the arrow in the figure. Each arrangement of elements is preferably a rigid arrangement consisting of three elements, i.e. an arrangement wherein the three elements maintain a mutual spatial position which is unvaried in the translation from the “open” configuration to the “closed” configuration.

[0105] In FIG. 6b, the first and second arrangements of elements 28a, 28b are shown in respective “open” and “closed” conditions relative to a sample S.

[0106] An exemplary, but non-limiting embodiment of the means 24 for blocking/anchoring the sample is illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b. In this example, in the lateral surfaces of the rollers or cylinders 24a, 24b, there are provided grooves, which for example have a triangular cross-section, which, during the closure and blocking of the sample, engage in a complementary manner, thus both guaranteeing adequate securing, and contributing towards distribution of the sample along the clamping surface, thus acting as a type of comb.

[0107] According to a simpler embodiment, these jaws can have a parallelepiped cross-section, including with beveled edges.

[0108] In all cases, these elements or the surfaces in direct contact with the sample are preferably constructed of, or covered with, appropriate friction material which can guarantee an excellent hold, without causing any damage to the sample itself.

[0109] Optionally, but not necessarily, in order to be able to be subjected to analysis, the sample must be characterized by a certain parallelism of the elements which constitute it along their major axis. Sometimes this situation is already intrinsic in the sample (for example if a portion of eyelashes is taken into consideration, these can be approximately parallel to one another).

[0110] This characteristic need not be intrinsic in the sample itself (if account is taken for example of a lock of hairs which are curly or tousled). For this reason, the support element can optionally, but not necessarily, be coupled to an element which assists the tensioning and alignment of the elements which constitute the sample. Typically, but not necessarily, this element can comprise a rotary structure, such as, for example, the cylinder 26, shown in detail according to a lateral view and a view in perspective in FIG. 8, or a prism which for example, but not necessarily, has a hexagonal base.

[0111] In order to generate a surface of the sample with characteristics suitable for the analysis, the surface of the tensioning/alignment element is characterized by a particular geometry (also determined by the cross-section of the prism), and can be constituted by, or coated with, a particular friction material which, by engaging on the sample, determines the stretching and optimum distribution thereof on the analysis surface. Typically, but not necessarily, the action of tensioning or alignment is carried out by means of the rotation of this element about its central axis (FIG. 8). This rotation can be implemented for example by means of a gearmotor, the actuation of which is at the discretion of the operator carrying out the analysis. Optionally, it is possible to measure the force exerted by the tensioning or alignment element for rotation, thus obtaining information concerning the friction of the sample being analyzed relative to this element.

[0112] By way of example, but not necessarily, this measurement can be made by means of measurement of the power absorbed by the gearmotor which actuates the tensioning/alignment element in order to start and keep it rotating.

[0113] If it is present, the tensioning/alignment element 26 is typically, but not necessarily, located on the side opposite the blocking/anchoring means 24, with the support element 22 interposed between the two. Its action contributes towards generating an appropriate analysis surface.

[0114] Alternative embodiments can be considered, which have the characteristics forming the subject of the present invention, for example for analysis of artificial samples (such as, for example, but not limited to, false eyelashes or synthetic fibers) or of samples obtained ex-vivo (such as, for example, but not limited to, eyelashes reconstituted using natural skin appendages such as animal hairs or other natural fibers, or locks of hair, etc.).

[0115] For use of this type, the system which is the subject of the invention need not necessarily be manageable manually, and optionally can thus be produced so as to be able to constitute a workbench apparatus which, although it is easy to transport, is used in a stationary manner.

[0116] In order to reduce the production costs and simplify the characteristics of use thereof, this embodiment can optionally be simplified. In particular, optionally, it would be possible to eliminate the tensioning or alignment element from the system. This simplified solution would be advantageous in the case of, for example, but not limited to, the study of samples of fibers (such as, for example, artificial or reconstituted eyelashes), the short length of which would make the tensioning/alignment element unnecessary.

EXAMPLE 1: CONSTITUTION OF REFERENCE CLASSES BY MEANS OF IMAGE ANALYSIS

[0117] In an example of application, the system according to the present invention was used to determine reference classes by means of image analysis, for example, but not necessarily, in order to classify samples of hairs on the basis of color. For this purpose, 4 groups were prepared constituted by 8 locks each, respectively of a light blonde color (BC), strawberry blonde (BR), light brown (CC) and medium brown (CM). By way of example, FIGS. 9a-9f contain the results of processing of some images relating to different types of locks, analyzed with different types of lighting, respectively: [0118] in FIG. 9a, lighting with red laser of two BC locks (curve A and curve B); [0119] in FIG. 9b, lighting with red laser of two CM locks (curve C and curve D); [0120] in FIG. 9c, lighting with red laser and comparison between a CM lock and a BC lock (curve C and curve B); [0121] in FIG. 9d, lighting with green laser of BC locks (curve E and curve F); [0122] in FIG. 9e, lighting with green laser of CM locks (curve G and curve H); [0123] in FIG. 9f, lighting with green laser and comparison between a CM lock and a BC lock (curve G and curve F).

EXAMPLE 2: EFFECT OF A TREATMENT WHICH WORSENS THE CHARCTERISTICS OF THE HAIR

[0124] In order to give an example of the effectiveness of application of the system which is the subject of the present invention in determining a modification of the optical response of a sample, for example for analysis of the effects of a treatment which worsens the characteristics of a hair, locks of hair as such (natural), and locks after reducing chemical treatment were analyzed. The results showed a radical change of the type of reflection/dispersion, as shown in FIG. 10, in which the sample is irradiated with a source of green light. The obvious qualitative differences which can already be ascertained visually were confirmed and quantified by means of the image analysis.

[0125] Analysis of the sample treated chemically and irradiated with various sources (green and red) gave results relating to the parameters, for example but not limited to, Scale, Chromatic and Contour, which can be summarized as a percentage of similarity (score) with respect to the reference (natural hair). Below, by way of example, the results are given of the aforementioned analysis, from which it is deduced that chemical treatment gives rise to variation of the score of more than 25%.

TABLE-US-00001 Damaged hair vs Damaged hair vs Parameters natural, red light natural, green light SCALE 70.27 75.45 CHROMATIC 77.27 72.59 CONTOUR 75 70.15 SCORE 74.18 72.73

[0126] This variation is comparable with respect to the two sources used. These results confirm the capacity of the system according to the invention to show structural variations of the surface of the sample.

EXAMPLE 3: EFFECT OF A CONDITIONING COSMETIC TREATMENT

[0127] In order to give an example of the effectiveness of application of the system according to the invention in determining the effect of a treatment, for example, but not necessarily, a cosmetic treatment, analysis was carried out of locks of damaged hair and locks after cosmetic treatment with a conditioner. The table is given below, with the corresponding reprocessing of the samples irradiated with a red and green source.

TABLE-US-00002 Conditioning treatment vs Conditioning treatment vs Parameters damaged hair, red light damaged hair, green light SCALE 173.33 120.22 CHROMATIC 173.33 121.57 CONTOUR 100 112.24 SCORE 148.89 118.01

[0128] The results show an improvement of the morphological characteristics of the sample which results in increase of the score of more than 15%. The results obtained on various locks, including those irradiated with various sources, were reproducible, and therefore confirm the reliability of the data produced by use of the invention.

EXAMPLE 4: EVALUATION OF EYELASHES

[0129] The analysis of short filaments, such as, for example, but not necessarily, eyelashes, can be carried out with the system according to the invention, both in vivo and on models constructed ad hoc in order to evaluate the surface characteristics thereof which can be attributed to the reflection/dispersion images, as well as some specific parameters such as, for example, the thickness, the definition, the curvature and the linear density.

[0130] FIG. 11 shows two images of a reconstituted eyelash model, irradiated respectively by a green (A) and red (B) source.

[0131] The image processing makes it possible to obtain a digital image profile, from which parameters of interest can be obtained, by applying appropriate algorithms.

EXAMPLE 5: COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE LEVELS OF TWO APPLICATORS FOR MASCARA

[0132] The system according to the present invention was used to evaluate the performance levels of two different applicators for mascara in terms of homogeneity of distribution of the product. For this purpose, samples of a reconstituted eyelash model were prepared and divided into two groups (A and B). The same make-up product (mascara) was applied to each group, using two different applicators (A and B). The analyses were carried out in triplicate.

[0133] The first analysis carried out in order to evaluate the homogeneity of the eyelash samples prepared, the results of which are given in the following table, indicates that the samples do not differ from one another, and have a score of approximately 100%.

TABLE-US-00003 Parameters Eyelash sample A vs B Applicator A vs B SCALE 104.41 85.96 CHROMATIC 102.44 86.36 CONTOUR 92.31 69.49 SCORE 98.72 80.61

[0134] This result is fundamental for evaluating subsequently the effect of the use of the different applicators on samples which are different, but homogenous relative to one another.

[0135] The table contains for example the results obtained for the artificial eyelash samples, with evaluation of the Scale, the Chromatic and the Contour. The results show a substantial difference between the two samples, emphasizing the different performance levels of the two applicators. The similarity index (score) is reduced by almost 20%.

[0136] It will be appreciated that, whilst retaining the principle of the invention, the embodiments and details of implementation can be widely varied compared with those described and illustrated purely by way of non-limiting example, without however departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.