TH15051B - Methods for measuring the overall quality of hair enhancement variables. - Google Patents

Abstract

DC60 (19/05/42) This method describes the preparation of the scalp and the process for measuring the density, root size, and length of each individual hair growing from that area. Various devices are used, including cameras, capacitive contact diaphragms (CCDs) with known magnification to capture images of hair from the scalp, video capture devices capable of capturing images transferred from the camera, and standard computer hardware and software capable of permanently storing images and measuring the root size and length of each hair in the images. Specialized software can be integrated to statistically analyze the collected data. Adding dyeing techniques and planned steps transforms this simple method into a novel invention capable of measuring almost every phase of the hair cycle when the full method is implemented. The final result is statistical data on the ratio between growing and non-growing hair, along with the average hair growth rate and other data such as maximum and minimum growth rates, standard error, variability, etc., allowing for the visualization and collection of the number of hairs entering and exiting the resting phase. The time it takes for hair to grow from an empty hair follicle, and the total time hair grows until it stops, can be used to draw conclusions about hair quality regarding hair density, follicle diameter, growth rate, overall growth cycle time, and the approximate total length of hair in the measured area. Comparing this data among areas or individuals subjected to known and unknown time-related conditioning factors is possible with this invention. Similar applications can be used to monitor the effects of various factors such as diet, medication, certain activities, habits, and products on the aforementioned hair quality to draw conclusions or claims about positive or negative effects on hair. The benefits of this method extend to its application in both humans and animals. The method for measuring hair quality in a predefined area of the scalp involves scalp preparation and the process for measuring density, follicle diameter, and the length of each individual hair growing from that area. Various devices are used, including cameras, capacitive contact diaphragms (CCDs) with known magnification to capture images of hair from the scalp, video capture devices capable of storing images transferred from the camera, and standard computer hardware and software capable of permanently storing images and measuring the size and length of each hair follicle in the images. By incorporating specialized software capable of statistically analyzing data collected using such methods, and by adding dyeing techniques and planned multi-step processes, this simple method can be transformed into a novel invention capable of measuring almost every phase of the hair cycle when the full method is applied. The final result will be statistical data on the ratio between growing and non-growing hairs, along with the average hair growth rate and other data such as maximum and minimum growth rates, standard error, variability, etc. Evidence can be gathered and collected on the number of hairs entering and exiting the resting phase, the time taken for hair to emerge from an empty hair follicle, and the total time hair growth until it stops. The resulting data can provide conclusions about hair quality in terms of hair density, follicle diameter, growth rate, overall growth cycle time, and estimated total hair length in the measured area. Comparing this data among areas or individuals under known and unknown time-dependent factors can be achieved with this invention. In similar applications, it can be used to monitor the effects of various factors such as diet, medication, certain activities, habits, and products on the aforementioned hair quality to draw conclusions or claims about positive or negative effects on hair. The benefits of using this method extend to both humans and animals.

Claims (23)

1. The method for measuring hair quality consists of the following steps: a. Identify the examination area of the skin from the body part for which hair quality is to be measured. b. Examine the examination area with an instrument to create a first set of images of the area, including the hair roots emerging from the area, and save this first set of images for later comparison. c. Stain the hair roots with a hair dye product. d. Examine the examination area with an instrument to create a second set of images, including the hair color change at each selected hair root emerging from the skin, as well as any new hair with tips, and save this second set of images. e. Re-examine the examination area 1 to 7 days after the staining step with an instrument to create a third set of images, which determines the changes in each hair root after staining and hair growth. f. Retrieve the first, second, and third sets of images and measure the size of each hair root emerging from the skin in the first set of images. Number each hair root in the examination area in the first set of images and count the total hair root density to be measured in the first set of images. g. Individually count the number of hair roots with their natural or dyed hair color at the point where the hair emerges from the skin in the third set of images. Z. Measure the portion of natural hair color at the hair roots in the third set of images to create hair growth data. J. Statistically analyze the hair growth data obtained from the previous steps to summarize hair growth information. K. Pull out non-growing hairs and examine the areas where non-growing hairs were pulled periodically to capture images of hair at the time of shedding and record the date of shedding. L. Examine the area weekly for 4 weeks to monitor the number of dyed hair roots in the third set of images. K. Repeat steps C through J to monitor monthly progress in hair quantity and quality. L. Examine the area to monitor any new hair growth in areas where non-growing hairs were pulled and record such hair growth data for further calculations. F. Repeat the dyeing process from steps C to F, using different colors in the planned sequence to create different color bands and generate sets of images one, two, and three, and use the sets of images to calculate the growth rate. D. Collect a number of hairs in step F with different color bands and measure and calculate to determine the growth rate and length of each band. 2. The method specified in Claim 1, in which a naturally stained mark is selected or a mark made for use on a designated area of the body is measured; such designated area is the examination area. 3. The methods specified in Claim 2 where markings are made mechanically or electronically to mark the area of inspection. 4. The method as specified in Claim 1, whereby the hair dye product can be any color that can be distinguished from the natural color of the hair. 5. The method specified in Claim 1, whereby the dyeing procedure uses luminescent dyes as the dyeing product. 6. The method specified in Claim 1, whereby the instrument, namely a camera, is capable of magnifying the observed hair to any range of magnification. 7. The method specified in claim paragraph 6, where the camera is of either traditional electronic or digital type. 8. The method described in Claim 1 continues to involve a device capable of automatically synchronized first, second, or third sets of images and storing them. 9. The methods specified in Claim 8, where images can be stored using any specific computer software program to store, archive, and retrieve all stored images for further statistical calculations. 10. The method specified in claim 9, in which the data is used to generate new figures which are then analyzed mathematically and statistically. 11. The method specified in claim 10, in which mathematical and statistical analysis of figures is applied to determine the resulting quality of the hair, is measured. 12. The procedure as specified in Claim 1, which includes repeating steps B through D on a monthly or yearly basis. 13. The method described in Claim 12, which includes the determination of the hair growth rate, including the duration and overall activity of the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases of the hair cycle. 14. The methods set forth in Claim 13, which include the use of conclusions to confirm the effects of any food, drug, product, device, activity and habit on hair quality and to identify new diseases and hair problems. 15. The method as specified in Claim 14, where the predetermined time is 1 to 7 days. 16. The procedure as described in Claim 14, which continues, involves repeating the staining procedure with different dye products and repeating the examination procedure to create a second and third set of images, and using the first, second, and third sets of images to calculate any changes in hair growth. 17. The method specified in Claim 16, where the initially chosen period is at least months or years. 18. The procedure as described in Claim 14, which includes the following, involves repeating the procedure to the examined area after the initially selected time period and using the data obtained from the procedure to draw conclusions about hair growth. 19. The method specified in claim 1, which includes measuring the length of the strip and the diameter of the hair shaft of the hair pulled with several strips of color. 20. The methods set forth in Claim 1, which include the determination of the rate of hair growth, including the timing and overall activity of the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases of the hair cycle. 21. The methods set forth in Claim 20 include the use of conclusions to confirm the effects of any food, drug, product, device, activity, and habit on hair quality, and to identify new diseases and hair problems. 22. The method specified in Claim 1 where a colored mark is one of at least one mole, varicose vein, sebaceous gland inflammation, or tattoo. 23. The method for measuring hair quality consists of the following steps: Identify the area of skin from the body where hair quality is to be measured. Examine the area using an instrument to create the first set of images of the measured area, which includes the hair roots protruding from the area. This first set of images is saved for later comparison. Stain the hair roots with a dye product. Examine the area using an instrument to create the second set of images, including the color change of the hair at the selected point of each hair root protruding from the skin, as well as any new hair with emerging tips. This second set of images is saved. Examine the area again after a predetermined time using an instrument to create the third set of images, which shows the changes in each hair root. Retrievate the first, second, and third sets of images, and use computer software to calculate the changes in hair growth.