WO2014029509A1 - Dispositif et procédé améliorés de diagnostic de la peau et du cuir chevelu - Google Patents

Dispositif et procédé améliorés de diagnostic de la peau et du cuir chevelu Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014029509A1
WO2014029509A1 PCT/EP2013/054184 EP2013054184W WO2014029509A1 WO 2014029509 A1 WO2014029509 A1 WO 2014029509A1 EP 2013054184 W EP2013054184 W EP 2013054184W WO 2014029509 A1 WO2014029509 A1 WO 2014029509A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
skin
test strip
light
probe
probe pin
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Application number
PCT/EP2013/054184
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Walter Arkesteijn
Original Assignee
Symae Technologies Holding B.V.
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Publication date
Application filed by Symae Technologies Holding B.V. filed Critical Symae Technologies Holding B.V.
Priority to EP13707376.3A priority Critical patent/EP2884882A1/fr
Publication of WO2014029509A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014029509A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0048—Detecting, measuring or recording by applying mechanical forces or stimuli
    • A61B5/0055—Detecting, measuring or recording by applying mechanical forces or stimuli by applying suction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/44—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the integumentary system, e.g. skin, hair or nails
    • A61B5/441—Skin evaluation, e.g. for skin disorder diagnosis
    • A61B5/442—Evaluating skin mechanical properties, e.g. elasticity, hardness, texture, wrinkle assessment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/44—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the integumentary system, e.g. skin, hair or nails
    • A61B5/441—Skin evaluation, e.g. for skin disorder diagnosis
    • A61B5/443—Evaluating skin constituents, e.g. elastin, melanin, water
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/44—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the integumentary system, e.g. skin, hair or nails
    • A61B5/441—Skin evaluation, e.g. for skin disorder diagnosis
    • A61B5/446—Scalp evaluation or scalp disorder diagnosis, e.g. dandruff

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to skin and scalp diagnosis tools, more in particular to a device for determining elastic and/visco-elastic properties of skin or scalp.
  • the disclosure also relates to a test strip reader for receiving a test strip in light path between at least one visible or invisible light source and at least one light sensor, the test strip being for collecting sample material from skin or scalp.
  • the disclosure relates to a number of test strips for collecting sample material from skin or scalp.
  • the objective assessment of the condition and type of someone's skin, either being facial, body or scalp skin is important in the fields of dermatology, pharmacy and cosmetics. Instruments which can measure or objectively rate parameters that are considered relevant in the definition of skin type and skin condition are a necessity in the objective determination of cosmetic safety and efficacy, the determination of a suitable care regiment, or the selection of cosmetical products for a particular condition or type.
  • a common method makes use of a questionnaire about life style, skin care and skin perception, with or without the rating of observations which in combination with a scoring system leads to a determination of a skin type and skin condition.
  • An example can be found in HO 2006/055902 (BADMANN LESLIE) 26-5-2006.
  • Skin type and skin condition assessment methods which are solely based on questionnaires and observations are criticized because of their sensitivity to errors of interpretation, perception and influences like lacking expertise, commercial interest or empathy.
  • tape stripping of the skin' s surface is a commonly used method to sample and study the condition of the stratum comeum desquamation and shedding process.
  • stripping materials are constructed as a clear transparent film which has an adhesive surface. When this material is applied to the skin's surface and peeled off, the corneocytes from the surface of the skin are collected on the adhesive surface.
  • Commonly used tape stripping materials are the D-Squame ® discs from the CUDERM Corporation from Dallas, Texas, USA and the Corneofix ⁇ tape from Courage hazaka, Cologne, Germany.
  • the tape strippings can be visually evaluated when held against a dark background, creating a contrast against the white corneocytes clumps on the tape' s surface or they can be quantified using various methods. Simple visual light or infrared absorbance methods are described in SBRUP, J. , et al. A simple method for the study of scale pattern and effects of a moisturizer-qualitative and quantitative evaluation by D-Squame ® tape compared with parameters of epidermal hydration. Clinical Experimetal Dermatology. 1989, vol.14, p.277-282; and in VOEGLE, R. , et al. Efficient and simple quantification of stratum corneum proteins on tape strippings by infrared densitometry; Skin Research and Technology. 2007, vol.13, p.242-251.
  • An alternative method to quantify the amount of collected corneocytes is via the colour measurement of stained samples as described in the article by PIERARD, G.E., et al. Squamometry: The assessment of xerosis by colorimetry of D-Squame adhesive discs. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. 1992, vol.43 , no.6, p.297-305.
  • a more advanced method is by means of image analysis SCHATZ, H., et al. Quantification of dry (xerotic) skin by image analysis of scales removed by adhesive discs (D-Squames) . Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. 1992, vol.47, p.297-305.
  • skin type are usually distinguished in in three to four classes; normal, combined, lipid dry and oily skin. These skin type definitions are commonly used by consumers to describe their skin when seeking proper skin care and cosmetic products. It is commonly known that the usage of cosmetics types which are intended for other skin types may create adverse effects.
  • the visualization and measurement concepts of these methods of can roughly be divided in four types:
  • the first is a method where the skin surface lipids are transferred to a flat, lens or prism shape optical element having a texture- less surface.
  • the lipids adhering to this surface will distort the optical behaviour of the element.
  • the amount of this distortion is considered to be an indication of the amount of skin surface lipids.
  • Examples of inventions using such a technique are described in US 4494869 (NEUMANN HANS D) 22-1-1985. and JP 2004077332 (MORITEX CORP) 11-3-2004.
  • the construction from this Japanese patent is known from products like the Moritex Triple Sense.
  • An important disadvantage of this measurement method is the early saturation of the measurement system.
  • the second method relies on the change of transparency of a matted optical element.
  • skin lipids When skin lipids are transferred to a ground glass plate or a transparent foil with a matt surface, the skin lipids will fill the porous surface cavities of the optical element allowing more light to pass the optical element instead of scattering of the surface.
  • the third method relies on the principle that the optical transparency of a microporous, lipid absorbing material changes when skin surface lipids are absorbed into the microscopic pores of the material.
  • the transfer of lipids into these porous surface cavities causes a local change in transparency.
  • the extent and pattern of this transparency changes provides information about the amount of lipids present on the skin, information which is considered relevant for the determination of skin type.
  • a disclosure according to this principle is described in US 5935521 (COURAGE BREWING LTD) 10-8-1999 .
  • An example of a commercially available product according to his concept is the Courage Khazaka Sebufix* skin lipid absorption foil.
  • the main disadvantages of this method are the low sensitivity to low casual skin lipid levels, the long application time of the testers on the skin and its insensitivity to lipids having an epidermal origin.
  • the fourth method is similar to the previous method with the difference that the porous material is adhered or placed on a visually contrasting background.
  • the optical characteristics of such a porous material changes when lipids are absorbed into the cavities.
  • the absorbed lipids form an optical pathway from the surface of the porous material to the contrasting coloured background.
  • a pattern defining the areas which have absorbed skin amounts of lipids can easily be distinguished by eye, photometric measurement or analysed using an imaging system.
  • Products based on this principle are commercially available as Sebutape* by CUDERM, USA and Skin type test by USP from Austria.
  • Patent applications US 4532937 (CUDERM CORP) 6-8- 1985 and BP 0577799 (BREHM ROBERT) 12-1-1994 provide good background information regarding the applied method. It is known that both the CUDERM and USP products lack sensitivity in the low lipid ranges and are virtually insensitive to epidermal lipids. The USP product has an additional disadvantage; it is hygroscopic making it highly sensitive to moisture and sweat present on the skin.
  • DS 3832690 (COURAGE + KHAZA A ELECTRONIC GMBH) 12-4- 1990 describes the most popular method for assessing biomechanical properties like the elastic and visco-elastic indices of human skin.
  • a probe with an opening is placed on the skin.
  • the probe is equipped with an optical system constructed of glass mirror elements, a light transmitter and a light receiver. With this optical system, the extent of skin deformation is determined by measuring the amount of light beams that are blocked when the skin enters the opening of the probe under the force of the applied under-pressure .
  • the glass or glass-like construction of the optical system is very fragile and breaks easily when the probe falls on or bumps into hard surfaces.
  • Other known disadvantages of this construction are the influence of the force with which the probe is applied on the skin on the measured result and the fact that that any hairs or the squames or scaly skin sticking out of the skin's surface will disturb the optical measurement.
  • the optical characteristics in particular the light absorption characteristics of the skin and the scattered light that comes from light that has refracted in to the skin will influence the measurement result making the instrument potentially sensitive to the skin tone and surface condition.
  • One or combinations of these analyses are considered especially valuable in the determination of the skin type and skin, or scalp condition for the purpose of determining suitable cosmetics and care.
  • the object of this disclosure is to obtain a skin or scalp analysis system which integrates a desquamation or a skin lipid level or a biomechanical characteristics analysis system, or a combination of any of those analyses into one compact, light and portable and handheld housing.
  • a skin or scalp analysis system which integrates a desquamation or a skin lipid level or a biomechanical characteristics analysis system, or a combination of any of those analyses into one compact, light and portable and handheld housing.
  • the measuring accuracy, measurement reproducibility, simplicity of use, hygienic use and purchase and usage costs are improved.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure may provide a portable skin diagnosis device comprising: • A first measuring system, comprising:
  • a central processing and control system which processes sensor data, drives measurement I/O and calculates the relevant visco-elastic measurement parameters.
  • a system that is constructed to optically record the reactive response of an external test strips.
  • the present disclosure concerns a device for determining elastic and/or visco-elastic properties of skin or scalp, comprising a measuring probe 5 having a probe pin 8 and a measurement system for registering a displacement of the probe pin 8.
  • the probe pin 8 is provided in a probe chamber 13 having an opening of which preferred embodiments are detailed below.
  • the opening allows for contact of the probe pin 8 with skin or scalp.
  • the probe pin 8 is biased to be flush with the opening, or biased to protrude from the opening.
  • the form of being flush with opening is having the end of probe pin 8 flush with a surface of the measuring probe 5.
  • a surrounding of the opening and/or a part of the opening is provided with one or more recesses, of which examples are further detailed below.
  • the device further comprises a pump 24 connected to each of the one or more recesses for applying an under-pressure in each of the one or more recesses.
  • the measurement system comprises a visible or invisible light source and a light sensor for measuring the displacement of the probe pin passing through the light path.
  • a visible or invisible light source and a light sensor for measuring the displacement of the probe pin passing through the light path.
  • other measurement systems are possible, for instance based on principles of magnetism or electromagnetism.
  • Examples of a probe chamber will further below also be referred to as vacuum chamber or under-pressure chamber.
  • Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a means that is robust, reliable, compact and light and capable to analyse the properties of skin in a non- or low invasive manner.
  • the device 1 is autonomous, handheld and portable, may be equipped with an attachment 7 for a clip or carrying strap and can be hold in one hand while being operated by the other .
  • the device 1 is configured to function as an accessory of an external device 11 like a tablet, PDA, phone, computer or other digital device.
  • the device is equipped with a biomechanical measuring probe 5 having a measuring pin 8.
  • the device 1 may be equipped with a test strip reader 6, having an opening 9 for inserting the test strips .
  • a visual indication 10 may guide the use on how to properly insert the test strips into the device .
  • the device 1 is easy to handle, to hold in the hand or hang on clothing or around the neck or arm.
  • the device 1 has a power or user control button 4 and can carry a display screen 2 showing the measuring progress or results.
  • the device 1 is powered by disposable or rechargeable batteries 3 which are located in the housing of the device.
  • the device is directly connected to a digital device 11 like a phone, tablet or PDA.
  • inventions of this disclosure may provide a wireless means to communicate with an external device such as a computer, PDA, tablet or phone or other digital device.
  • means of wireless communication are for example via Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee® or infrared.
  • the device can be equipped with a connector or wire connection allowing the communication to other devices such as a computer, PDA, tablet or phone or other digital device.
  • a connector or wire connection allowing the communication to other devices such as a computer, PDA, tablet or phone or other digital device.
  • Examples of means of wired communication are for example via USB, coaxial, serial, UART, Ethernet, ETA or the 19 pin or 30 pin connections of the mobile devices made by Apple Inc.
  • FIG 5 a an exemplary diagrammatic view of the biomechanical measurement probe 5 is shown.
  • the surface of the probe 5 is shaped flat and round and is designed to allow easily rest on the skin which needs to be measured.
  • a probing pin 8 is located in the centre of the probe's 5 surface.
  • the probe pin is biased to protrude from the opening.
  • a spring element is provided for biasing the probe pin 8.
  • the biasing may also be to the extent that the probe pin is flush with the opening. In that case, the end of the probe pin is flush with the surface of an external part of the measuring probe, a part that will in use be placed against skin.
  • this probe pin is kept in the rest position by means of a light spring 12 which pushes on the foot 19 of the probe pin and pushes it to the bottom position 20 of the vacuum chamber 13.
  • the purpose of this pin is to measure the displacement of the skin under the forces induced by the under-pressure created in the vacuum chamber 13 when air is sucked out via port 14 by an air pump 24.
  • a connection between the vacuum chamber and the skin may be given by a recess surrounding the opening through which probe pin 8 extends for contact with the skin.
  • the recess may be a ring-shaped cavity formed around the probe pin 8. The cavity may be seen as a radial extension of the opening. However, the cavity may also be at a radial distance from the opening.
  • the cavity not necessarily needs to be ring-shaped.
  • a number of recesses are available for applying by means of the pump an under-pressure to the skin.
  • the recesses may be positioned around the opening through which the probe pin can extend.
  • the displacement of the probe pin 8 is monitored by an optical flag sensor construction; consisting out of a visible or invisible light source 18, a flag 16 which is part probe pin 8 and an optical sensor 18 which is sensitive to the light emitted from the light source 18.
  • Figure 5 b shows a blown-up cut-through diagrammatic drawing of a variation of the probe surface 5 construction.
  • a ring shaped cavity 33 is formed around the probe pin.
  • This cavity has a port opening 34 connecting the ring shape cavity to the under-pressure chamber 13 shown in of figure 5 a.
  • under-pressure in the chamber 13 will also induce a suction force on the skin in contact with the ring shape cavity 33 and in this way avoid that the skin slips into the opening of the probe pin instead of deforming under the forces.
  • the skin surrounding the opening for the probe pin 8 is "grabbed", so as to ensure that the skin cannot be sucked into opening when a vacuum is applied in the underpressure chamber 13.
  • This construction variation is especially valuable when measuring thin skin, like the skin around the eyes.
  • An alternative advantage of this embodiment variation is that the probe 5 is able to adhere itself to the skin during the measurement cycle as the contact area of the ring cavity and thereby the adhesion forces on the skin are higher than the forces induced on the surface area of the probe pin and by the spring 12. As a consequence the probe can be held gently held against the skin without the need that the user has to apply tension on the probe during the measurement. This has the positive effect that the measurement accuracy is less influenced by the user holding the device on the skin 21.
  • the device is preferably provided with a control system for controlling the pump in a predetermined way.
  • FIG. 6 A schematic representation of an example of the device according to the invention is pictured in Fig. 6.
  • the device may also be referred to as a bio-mechanical measurement system.
  • FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic overview of the most important elements being part of the biomechanical measurement system.
  • the underpressure port 14 is parallel connected to a pressure sensor
  • the leak valve is an example of a leak to atmospheric pressure between the above-described one or more recesses 33, 34 and the pump
  • the leak valve may be permanently opened, and not closeable .
  • the control system may be arranged to control the pump so as to establish, despite the leak, a relatively strong constant pressure in each of the one or more recesses. This applies, as will be explained, in general in a situation when the probe pin no longer protrudes from the opening.
  • the air pump 24 has a suction capacity which is a multiple of the capacity that the leak valve can bleed to the atmospheric pressure 26.
  • the pneumatic system is closed with the exception of the opening the leak valve 25.
  • the air pump suction air flow is increased, for example by increasing the power applied to the motor of the air pump, the under-pressure within the system increases rapidly accordingly.
  • the power to the air pump 24 is completely stopped, atmospheric air 26 enters the bleed valve 25 and since the total volume within the system 13 is low, the under-pressure drops rapidly till the system pressure 13 is equal to the atmospheric pressure 26.
  • the control system may comprise a microcontroller 28.
  • this system allows the on-demand creation of accurately controlled under-pressures in the system 13 without the need of large components like purge valves, solenoid controlled regulator valves, high displacement air pumps or reservoirs; components which are crucial in concepts known from prior art.
  • a small air pump 24 with a capacity much smaller than the pumps known from prior art can be used without affecting the responsiveness of under-pressure control loop.
  • the same microcontroller 28 can calculate bio-mechanical parameters like for example but not limited to the skin's elasticity, visco-elasticity or resilience parameters and display the calculated results on a display screen 30 or communicate this data to an external device via the external interface 31.
  • a device 1 built according to the present disclosure can be constructed more compactly. Also the device 1 is more easy to use since it can sense skin contact via monitoring the displacement of the pin 8, is insensitive to hairs present on the skin' s surface and is insensitive to the colour and texture of the skin. Thereby it does not require the frequent calibration checking as skin contaminations entering the probe will not reach the measuring optics. Also the here presented invention is not as fragile as the technology used in prior art as no glass components are needed.
  • the control system is arranged to start the pump 24 or a measurement cycle, for instance governed by a control loop algorithm inside the microcontroller 28, on the basis of a registered displacement which corresponds to a placement of the probe pin against skin or scalp.
  • Figure 7 a,b,c and d are exemplary diagrammatic views of the biomechanical measuring probe 5 during the different states of the measurement.
  • Figure 8 shows an exemplary view of the regulated system pressure 13 and a typical displacement curve of the probe pin 8 when human skin is exposed to pressure transitions when passing the different states of the measurement sequence.
  • Figure 7 a shows the probe 5 in its rest position; a light spring 12 pushes the probe pin foot 19 to the bottom 20 of the probe housing 5.
  • the corresponding position of the probe pin 7 is shown in figure 8 as a corresponding negative value 36 since the probe pin sticks out the surface of the probe 5.
  • Figure 7 b illustrates the situation when the probe 5 is placed on the skin 21.
  • the probe pin 8 is slightly pushed in by the contacting skin and the forces induced by the spring 12 causes a small bulging 22 of the soft skin 21.
  • control system is arranged to determine a level of under-pressure in each of the one or more recesses for neutralizing a force exerted on skin or scalp by the biased pin 8, so that for measuring the elastic and visco-elastic properties, the effect of the biasing of the probe pin 8 on the skin is suppressed.
  • the above-mentioned measurement system comprises a visible or invisible light source and a light sensor for measuring the displacement of the probe pin 8 passing through the light path between the light source and the light sensor.
  • a visible or invisible light source and a light sensor for measuring the displacement of the probe pin 8 passing through the light path between the light source and the light sensor.
  • the displacement of probe pin 8 is monitored by the optical flag sensor construction; the flag 16 moves into the light path 17, blocking off a small part of the light coming from the light source 15. This reduction in passing light 17 is detected by the optical sensor 18, which in turn is interpreted by the microcontroller 28 as a displacement of the probe pin 37 as shown in the corresponding graphs of Figure 8 and a close-up 47 of part this graph in Figure 9.
  • This change 37 in pin position is used as a start signal for the measurement sequence.
  • the pump 24 is started by the control loop in the microcontroller 28.
  • An underpressure is quickly build up in the system 13, initially the air 22 captured between the probe and bulged skin 21 is evacuated. Consequently the probe pin is further lifted 38 by the pushing of skin 21 which is exposed to the under-pressure present in the chamber 13.
  • the under-pressure rises 35 quickly till the control loop throttles back the air pump power to maintain a steady 41 air pressure level.
  • Figure 7 c shows the point where the under-pressure 13 applied on the skin at the probe area 8 equals the force induced by the spring 12 and the skin is flush 21 with the probe's front surface 5.
  • the pin probe position is exactly at the zero 39 line.
  • This point is an important element of the invention, as the purpose of detecting this equilibrium is to determine the counter pressure 40 forces required to neutralise 39 the force of the spring 12 which caused the skin to bulge 22.
  • Figure 9 shows a blow up 47 of the transition point shown in figure 8.
  • the device is provided with a leak to atmospheric pressure.
  • the leak is for instance formed by a leak valve 14, and is preferably situated between the one or more recesses and the pump 24.
  • the control system is preferably arranged to control the pump 24 so as to establish, despite the leak, a relatively strong underpressure in each of the one or more recesses. This response of the control system preferably occurs when on the basis of the measurement system it has been detected that after first protruding, the probe pin at a later stage no longer protrudes from the opening.
  • the control system is arranged to control the pump 24 such that the under-pressure instantly changes from the relatively strong constant under-pressure to the level of under-pressure for suppressing the effect of the biasing of the probe pin 8.
  • the microcontroller 28 instantly stops the air pump 24 and as atmospheric air 26 quickly enters the system 13 via the leak valve 25 the underpressure quickly drops.
  • the control loop in the microcontroller quickly kicks in before the dropping pressure passes the earlier determined spring-load neutralising pressure point 40. Effectively, the control loop in the microcontroller 28 drives the pump in such a way that the forces induced by the spring 12 on the skin 21 are virtually neutralised and the elastic 44 and visco-elastic recovery 45 of the skin can be monitored by the probe pin 8 without the biasing influence of the spring 12 forces.
  • test strip reader for receiving a test strip in a light path between at least on visible or invisible light source and at least one light sensor.
  • This device may also be referred to as an optical readout system for external test strips.
  • the test strip reader may be a part of the above-described device for determining elastic and/or visco-elastic properties of skin or scalp.
  • the test strip reader may also be provided as a stand-alone, i.e. not incorporated in the device for determining elastic and/or visco-elastic properties of skin or scalp.
  • the test strip reader is arranged for assessing that a test strip has been fully inserted when at least one predetermined light sensor no longer receives light from at least one predetermined light source, receives less than a predetermined amount of light, or registers more than a predetermined reduction in light .
  • Figure 10 is an exemplary diagrammatic view of the invented optical readout system of external test strips 48.
  • a test strip 48 is inserted via a small opening 9 into the housing 6 in such a way that the reactive area 49 of the test patch 49 is correctly aligned with the optical readout system constructed out of optical sensing element 50 and a visible or invisible light source 51.
  • the angle 52 of incidence relative to the position of the optical sensing element is chosen in such a way that the specular reflection of the light 51 bouncing of the surface 49 of the active area does not reflect into the optical sensor 50.
  • Such condition can be obtained by a specific incidence angle 52 or by tilting the test strip 48 at a tilting angle 53 relative to the optical sensor 50 and light source 51.
  • the objective is to create an illumination and observation geometry in which the before and after response of an applied tester can be observed with the highest possible visual contrast. This is important as a higher observation contrast will improve the readout accuracy of the test strips 48.
  • a special construction of the test strips 48 has been invented which improves the measurement accuracy even further. This part of the invention is further described in the section which is explaining figure 15 b.
  • the optical sensing element 50 can be a simple photo sensitive sensor instead of a camera.
  • Such simple sensor could be, for instance but not limited to, a photodiode.
  • advanced image analysis techniques for instance the method described in the earlier cited SCHATZ,H. article, are applied to calculate the measurement results from the reaction observed on the test area 49.
  • the analysis of the test area 49 can be done by a simple photometric measurement. This has the advantage that a device constructed according to the invention can be made more compact then the devices based upon prior art.
  • the present disclosure concerns a number of test strips.
  • One of these test strips is provided with at least one optical absorbance or optical reflection area for identifying the test strip.
  • Figure 11 a,b and c are exemplary diagrammatic views of three types of test strips 48.
  • the embodiment in figure 11 a the active 49 is reactive to a one specific test parameter and the active area 49 in figure 11 b is sensitive to a second test parameter and the active area 49 in figure 11 c is sensitive to a third test parameter.
  • the device 1 has to be able to detect this.
  • barcodes or identification shapes are printed on the test strips 48 and a barcode reader or imaging system are used to identify these markings.
  • such systems are relatively large, complex and expensive.
  • test strips are equipped with one or multiple light absorbance areas.
  • two areas are assumed; light absorbing areas 56 and 57.
  • Such light absorbance can be obtained by for instance but not limited to applying graphical printing colours or shades on the areas 56 and 57 which are unique for the type of tester.
  • Figure 12 is an exemplary diagrammatic view of a test strip 48 identification system.
  • light 54 When light 54 is on and light 55 is switched off the light coming from light source 54 will partially be absorbed by area 56 and partially reflect 59 into the photo sensor 50.
  • the amount of reflected 59 light depends on the spectral absorbance characteristics of the pigments in the absorption area 56. Different colours or different tones of the areas 56 will render measurable different photometric responses 50.
  • By adding more areas and more sequentially switchable lights, for example by adding area 57 and light 55 the amount of identification dimensions and thereby the number of detectable individual types of test strips 48 can be increased.
  • This invention also allows detecting if test strips 48 are inserted in the right direction into the device. If the backside and opposite sides facing the areas 56 and 57 have distinctive light absorbance characteristics, it will be observed as such and the conclusion can be drawn that a test strip 48 is incorrectly inserted and the microcontroller 28 can alert the user by displaying a message to the display 30 or by reporting it over the external interface 30.
  • the test strip reader may comprise at least one light source for facilitating identifying the test strip.
  • the test strip reader may be arranged for assessing that a test strip has been fully inserted when the light sensor no longer receives light from the light source, receives less than a predetermined amount of light, or registers more than a predetermined reduction in light.
  • a device such as a test strip reader
  • a device may be a stand-alone, or incorporated in another device.
  • it is preferably arranged for assessing that a test strip reader has been fully inserted and it applies that a light sensor no longer receives light from the light source, when it receives less than a predetermined amount of light, or when it registers more than a predetermined reduction in light. This may be referred to as a test strip position detection system.
  • Figure 13 a and b are exemplary diagrammatic views of the test strip 48 position detection system.
  • Figure 13a illustrates the situation where a test strip 4 is not fully inserted into the test strip reader 6.
  • a light 60 emits visible or invisible light. To make the device more compact, this light is first reflected against a reflective surface 62.
  • a small amount of light can pass between the edge 63 of the test strip and the end-stop 66 in the device housing. This passing light is detected by an optical sensor 50 which is for example, but not limited to, a photodiode or imaging system.
  • test strip 48 When the test strip 48 is further moved 67 into the test strip reader 6 housing the situation occurs as illustrated in Figure 13 b.
  • the source light 61 is completely blocked as the gap between the edge 63 of test strip and the wall 66 is closed. As the sensor 50 then no longer receives the source light 61, a complete insertion of the test strip 63 can be concluded.
  • a test strip preferably comprises a recessed area for containing samples.
  • the test strip may comprise sampling carrier material covered by an open-windowed top layer. It is possible that the test strip further comprises a bottom layer. Such a test strip improves hygienic conditions of use.
  • Figure 14 a,b,c and e are exemplary diagrammatic views of an exemplary construction of a test strip 48 which improves the hygienic conditions of use over prior art.
  • Figure 14 b illustrates a blown-up cut-through diagrammatic area 70 near the testing area 49 of the test strip 48 as schematically indicated 70 in Figure 14 a.
  • the sampling material 49 of the test strip is sandwiched between a bottom carrier 73 and a windowed top carrier 72. In this way the sampling area 49 surface is located beneath the top surface of the top carrier 72.
  • Figure 14 c illustrates the situation when a skin test strip 48 has been applied to the skin's surface.
  • Substances 74 previously present on the skin like for instance skin cells, sguames, lipids and flora are transferred to the surface of the tester area 49.
  • Figure 14 d and e illustrate how the windowed top carrier 72 creates a protective recess 75 that prevents that sampled substances 74 can contaminate the opening 9 and the internal parts of the skin test strip reader 6.
  • a test strip may comprise a sampling carrier material having an adhesive surface so that skin squames will adhere to the surface.
  • the carrier is provided with a colour for contrasting between the skin squames and the carrier.
  • the carrier may be provided with a transparent foil between the adhesive surface and the carrier, so that on illumination with parallel light at an angle, light is reflected from the sampled material, and/or so than on illumination with parallel light at an angle, other light components are refracted and absorbed.
  • Light at an angle is understood to be light which does not perpendicularly incident on a surface .
  • Figure 15a schematically shows for such a test strip, by way of example, the area 76 in which the testing area 49 is of the skin stripping kind.
  • Figure 15 b illustrate a construction of a skin stripping tester which consists of a carrier 73, a dark coloured contrasting background 79, a transparent foil 84 and an adhesive surface 77.
  • the transparent foil is for instance a polyester film.
  • the purpose of this part of the invention is to improve the observation contrast between the samples skin squames and the background. This is obtained by reducing the amount of disturbing surface reflections caused by the shininess of the adhesive 77 surface.
  • This effect is obtained in two ways; first by illuminating the test area 49 with parallel light 80 at such an angle 81 that part of the light is specular reflected 82 outside the view of the photo sensor 50 and second by refracting 83 and absorbing 84 other light components by means of the transparent refraction layer 78.
  • This has the effect that the observation contrast of sampled sguames is significantly improved when compared to prior art as the backseattered light coming from the squames becomes more apparent while other reflections are suppressed.
  • Figure 15 c shows a typical prior art construction, in which the transparent refraction layer 78 is not present and samples squames 85 are adhered on the adhesive surface 87 of a dark 90 coloured carrying substrate 89. In this prior art construction the observed contrast is significantly lower.
  • Figure 15 d shows another typical prior art construction in which the tester consists of two parts; a transparent tape 91 with an adhesive surface 92 on which the loose squames 85 adhere after making skin contact and a dark 95 coloured carrier 94. To observe the sampled squames, the tape 91 is stuck 93 onto the carrier 9 . The squames can then be visually observed from above.
  • the amount of skin lipids present on a human skin varies on skins with varying skin conditions. This makes it difficult to accurately measure the skin lipid level over the whole range.
  • Some devices like the Courage Khazaka Sebumeter* is known to lack sensitivity in the medium to very oily measurement ranges. In particular in skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis the greasiness levels on the skin will saturate the sampling tape of the Sebumeter*; making it impossible to measure high skin oil levels.
  • the lipids present on the human skin are a mixture of sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands and lipids of epidermal origin.
  • the prior art methods presented above are not able to visualise or identify these lipids types separately.
  • the invented constructions of the skin lipids testers presented in this publication not only have an greatly improved measurement range but are also able to visually differentiate and quantify the amount of lipids coming from the two sources.
  • a test strip for absorbing skin lipids may have a sampling carrier material which comprises a layer of microporous material for absorbing the skin lipids.
  • the voids of the microporous material may partly, be filled with a filler material so as to reduce the total volume of the voids.
  • the voids may also be partly filled with a filler material so as to ensure that the absorbance of even small volumes of the skin lipids result in visible change in the surface of the material, even when the lipids are not absorbed throughout to the other side of the material. An example of this is now discussed.
  • Figure 16 a is cut-through microscopic enlargement of a skin lipid tester in which the reactive tester area 49 is a microporous membrane polymer 101 which is mounted on a carrier 99 having a contrasting surface 100.
  • the tester has been applied on the skin, skin surface oils are transferred to the surface of the membrane 100 and absorbed. If the sebum volume which is present in the duct of the sebaceous gland and the immediate surroundings is sufficient to fill the capacity of the pores in such a way that it reaches the other side 102 of the membrane; it becomes visual 102 as the membrane locally changes in transparency.
  • Figure 16 b shows a further microscopic enlargement 98 of the membrane and cavities.
  • the membrane structure 140 and pore cavities 105 are symbolically shown.
  • the purpose of this part of the here presented invention is to improve the reaction sensitivity of the tester material to low sebum levels and low volumes of epidermal skin lipids.
  • a layer of microporous material may be of polyethylene or polypropylene, preferably in the shape of a membrane film.
  • the filler material also referred to as filling material, may be a mineral oil, petroleum jelly, low molecular weight polyethylene, polyethylene glycols (PEGs) , talc, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, barium sulphate or a mixture thereof .
  • FIG 17 a and b are exemplary diagrammatic views of an alternative construction of an improved skin lipid tester 107.
  • the improved sensitivity is obtained by mounting a microporous membrane or a thin layer of absorbing crystals 109 and a transparent film 110 with a matt top surface on the same carrier 111.
  • the matt film 110 is sensitive to the low and medium skin lipid levels and the membrane is sensitive to the medium to high sebum levels.
  • test strips as referred to above might be combined in a single test strip.
  • Figure 2 is another, perspective side view of the exemplary Figure 1 device.
  • Figure 3 is another, perspective side view of the exemplary Figure 1 device.
  • Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view from of the device according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 5 a,b are diagrammatic view of a bio- mechanical measuring probe according to some embodiments .
  • Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of an example configuration of a bio-mechanical measuring system according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 7 a,b,c,d are diagrammatic views showing exemplary steps during the bio-mechanical measuring of skin according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 8 show the probe pin displacement and underpressure transitions when going to the different steps of the bio-mechanical measurement.
  • Figure 9 shows a blow-up of a part of the graph of Figure 8.
  • Figure 10 is a diagrammatic exemplary view of illumination and photometric or imaging geometries according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 11 a,b,c show diagrammatic views of different example embodiments of external tester of different types having areas which can partially reflect or absorb visible or non-visible light according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 12 is an diagrammatic view of an exemplary external testing device showing how the areas of Figure 11 a,b,c are used to identify the type and correct insertion of the external testing device.
  • Figure 13 a,b are diagrammatic views of the exemplary configuration of the external testing device position detection system.
  • Figure 14 a,b,c f d are diagrammatic views of the exemplary external testing device showing the recess area.
  • Figure 15 a,b are diagrammatic view of the exemplary external testing device showing the improved construction of a skin stripping tester relative to prior art
  • Figure 15 b,d are diagrammatic views of the exemplary external testing device showing the construction of an improved skin lipid tester relative to prior art
  • Figure 16 d are diagrammatic views of the exemplary external testing device showing the construction of an improved skin lipid tester relative to prior art
  • Figure 17 a,b shows diagrammatic views of the exemplary external testing device showing the construction of an improved skin lipid tester according to an alternative construction.
  • Device for determining skin, scalp or hair properties comprising a measuring probe for determining the biomechanical skin properties and an optical measurement unit with an opening for reading associated strip-shaped media which are provided with a test zone 49 of one or more different diagnostic arts.
  • biomechanical measurement probe 5 is provided with a contact pin 8 and a compression spring 12.
  • a device wherein a controller 28 determines the under-pressure at which the force 12 which is via contact pin 8 exerted on skin 21, can be neutralized.
  • a device 1 according to paragraph 1, wherein the art of strip-shaped media 48 can be identified photometrically by the availability of one 56 or more identification zones 57.
  • measurement unit is provided on one 54 or more 55 light sources which can shine light on the identification zones 56 and 57 and wherein the reflected light 59 can be measured by a light-sensitive element 50.
  • strip- shaped media 48 are constructed of a carrier 73 which is provided with a contrasting colour or tint 79 on which subsequently a transparent film layer 78 is which is provided with an adhesive layer 77.
  • the strip- shaped media are constructed of a carrier 99 which is optionally provided with a contrasting colour or tint 100 on which a microporous material is provided 101, wherein in the pores 105 of the microporous material 101 a filling material is provided which changes in its visual appearance after skin fats have been absorbed 103 even before the fats have formed an optical path 103 to the other side of the porous layer 101.
  • strip- shaped media 48 are constructed of a carrier 107 on which both a microporous skin fat absorbing layer 109 is provided and a non-porous material 101 with a matt surface.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif permettant de déterminer des propriétés élastiques et/ou viscoélastiques de la peau ou du cuir chevelu, qui comprend une sonde de mesure comportant une tige de sonde et un système de mesure pour enregistrer un déplacement de la tige de sonde. La tige de sonde est prévue dans une chambre de sonde comportant une ouverture permettant à la sonde d'entrer en contact avec la peau ou le cuir chevelu, la tige de sonde étant sollicitée pour être au même niveau que l'ouverture, ou pour dépasser de celle-ci. Une partie entourant l'ouverture et/ou une partie de l'ouverture comporte(nt) un ou plusieurs renfoncements. Le dispositif comprend en outre une pompe, reliée à chaque renfoncement pour appliquer une pression négative dans chacun des renfoncements.
PCT/EP2013/054184 2012-08-20 2013-03-01 Dispositif et procédé améliorés de diagnostic de la peau et du cuir chevelu WO2014029509A1 (fr)

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3141180A1 (fr) 2015-09-10 2017-03-15 ETH Zurich Dispositif de diagnostic permettant de déterminer les propriétés élastiques d'un tissu mou
WO2018029286A1 (fr) 2016-08-09 2018-02-15 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Dispositif et procédé de mesure de l'hémoglobine.
EP3536223A1 (fr) * 2018-03-07 2019-09-11 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Dispositif, système et procédé de mesure d'un paramètre de la peau
EP3564892A4 (fr) * 2016-12-01 2020-12-09 LG Household & Health Care Ltd. Système de fourniture de produits cosmétiques personnalisés et procédé de fonctionnement associé

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US4738537A (en) * 1985-04-29 1988-04-19 L'oreal Method and apparatus for measuring a quantity of a greasy product on a surface to be investigated, and a take upstrip for the greasy product
US5094248A (en) * 1987-06-10 1992-03-10 The Gillette Company Device and method for simple visual measurement of the amount of sebum present on human skin
CH686221A5 (de) * 1994-06-08 1996-02-15 Ruetschi Prozisions Technologi Vorrichtung zum Ermitteln von mechanischen Hauteigenschaften.
AT6368U2 (de) * 2003-05-22 2003-09-25 Posch Michael Verfahren und gerät zur bestimmung der hautelastizität
EP2301436A1 (fr) * 2009-09-23 2011-03-30 Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH Dispositif et procédé de mesure de la déformation élastique et viscoélastique de la peau

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4738537A (en) * 1985-04-29 1988-04-19 L'oreal Method and apparatus for measuring a quantity of a greasy product on a surface to be investigated, and a take upstrip for the greasy product
US5094248A (en) * 1987-06-10 1992-03-10 The Gillette Company Device and method for simple visual measurement of the amount of sebum present on human skin
CH686221A5 (de) * 1994-06-08 1996-02-15 Ruetschi Prozisions Technologi Vorrichtung zum Ermitteln von mechanischen Hauteigenschaften.
AT6368U2 (de) * 2003-05-22 2003-09-25 Posch Michael Verfahren und gerät zur bestimmung der hautelastizität
EP2301436A1 (fr) * 2009-09-23 2011-03-30 Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH Dispositif et procédé de mesure de la déformation élastique et viscoélastique de la peau

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3141180A1 (fr) 2015-09-10 2017-03-15 ETH Zurich Dispositif de diagnostic permettant de déterminer les propriétés élastiques d'un tissu mou
WO2018029286A1 (fr) 2016-08-09 2018-02-15 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Dispositif et procédé de mesure de l'hémoglobine.
JP2019527574A (ja) * 2016-08-09 2019-10-03 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エヌ ヴェＫｏｎｉｎｋｌｉｊｋｅ Ｐｈｉｌｉｐｓ Ｎ．Ｖ． 皮膚の弾力性を測定するための装置及び方法
RU2760377C2 (ru) * 2016-08-09 2021-11-24 Конинклейке Филипс Н.В. Устройство и способ измерения эластичности кожи
JP7146731B2 (ja) 2016-08-09 2022-10-04 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エヌ ヴェ 皮膚の弾力性を測定するための装置及び方法
US11553873B2 (en) 2016-08-09 2023-01-17 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Device and method for measuring skin elasticity
EP3564892A4 (fr) * 2016-12-01 2020-12-09 LG Household & Health Care Ltd. Système de fourniture de produits cosmétiques personnalisés et procédé de fonctionnement associé
US11742089B2 (en) 2016-12-01 2023-08-29 Lg Household & Health Care Ltd. Customized cosmetics provision system and operating method thereof
EP3536223A1 (fr) * 2018-03-07 2019-09-11 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Dispositif, système et procédé de mesure d'un paramètre de la peau
WO2019170497A1 (fr) * 2018-03-07 2019-09-12 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Dispositif, système et méthode de mesure d'un paramètre cutané
JP2021509070A (ja) * 2018-03-07 2021-03-18 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エヌ ヴェＫｏｎｉｎｋｌｉｊｋｅ Ｐｈｉｌｉｐｓ Ｎ．Ｖ． 皮膚パラメータの測定のための装置、システム及び方法

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