Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
A. Title:
SKIN TORSIONOMETER
B. Cross-Reference to Related Applications:
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional No. 62/670,079
entitled "Skin
Torsionometer" filed on May 11, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
C. Government Interests: Not applicable
D. Parties to a Joint Research Agreement: Not applicable
E. Incorporation of Material on Compact Disc: Not applicable
F. Background: Not applicable and laptop
G. Summary of the Invention:
[0002] Various embodiments are directed to a device for determining the
elasticity and
tautness of skin including a housing, a torsionometer rotationally attached to
the housing having a
lower surface designed and configured to adhere to skin, a sensor configured
to monitor rotation
velocity of the torsionometer operably connected to the torsionometer and
contained within the
housing. In some embodiments, the sensor may be selected from optical sensors,
cameras, video
cameras, smart phones, optical encoders, and the like and combinations
thereof, and in certain
embodiments, the sensor may be an optical encoder. In some embodiments, the
device may further
include a processor operably connected to the sensor, a display, indicator
lights, buttons, hardware
for transmitting data, and the like and combinations thereof. In various
embodiments, the hardware
for transmitting data may be selected from cords, connectors, dongles, WiFi
hardware, Bluetooth
hardware, or other wireless network hardware, and combinations thereof.
[0003] In some embodiments, the device may further include a processor
operably
connected to the sensor, and the processor may be configured to determine the
Young's modulus of
the skin. In some embodiments, the torsionometer may be substantially
cylindrical in shape, and in
some embodiments, the torsionometer may include a rotatable shaft operably
connected to the
torsionometer and the sensor. In some embodiments, the device may include a
vacuum pump
operably connected to the torsionometer and configured to adhere the
torsionometer to the skin by
suction, and in some embodiments, a vacuum gauge operably connected to the
vacuum pump and
operably connected to the processor, and the processor may be configured to
calculate a density of
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-06
skin adhered to the torsionometer.
[0004] Other embodiments are directed to a method for measuring the elasticity
or tautness
of skin by measuring recoil speed associated with return of twisted skin to a
natural position. In
some embodiments, the method may include calculating a Young's modulus of the
skin based on
the recoil speed, and in some embodiments, the method may include measuring a
degree of rotation
of the twisted skin, measuring an angular velocity of the return of the
twisted skin to a natural
position, measuring an acceleration of the return of the twisted skin to a
natural position, and the
like and combinations thereof. In such embodiments, the method may be carried
out on facial skin,
arm skin, leg skin, and the like and combinations thereof.
H. Description of the Drawings:
[0005] Examples of the specific embodiments are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with these specific
embodiments, it will be
understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such specific
embodiments. On the
contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents
as may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention. In the following description,
numerous specific details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. The present
invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In
other instances, well
known process operations have not been described in details so as to not
unnecessarily obscure the
present invention.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating one example of a skin torsionometer
embodied by the
invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating one example of a skin torsionometer
embodied by the
invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating one example of a skin torsionometer
embodied by the
invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating one example of a system including a
skin
torionometer embodied by the invention and a computing device configured to
capture images.
[0010] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating one example of a device including a
torsionometer.
[0011] FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating one example of a device including a
torsionometer.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing methods encompassed by the invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing method encompassed by the invention.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-06
[0014] FIG. 8 is a bar and line graph illustrating example data collected
using the device of
embodiments.
I. Detailed Description
[0015] Various aspects now will be described more fully hereinafter. Such
aspects may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the
embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that
this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the
art.
[0016] Where a range of values is provided, it is intended that each
intervening value
between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or
intervening value in that
stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. For example, if a range of
1 lim to 8 lim is stated,
2 p.m, 3 p.m, 4 p.m, 5 p.m, 6 p.m, and 7 p.m are also intended to be
explicitly disclosed, as well as the
range of values greater than or equal to 1 lim and the range of values less
than or equal to 8 m.
[0017] All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight of
the topical
compositions and all measurements made are at about 25 C, unless otherwise
specified.
[0018] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless
the context
clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "polymer"
includes a single polymer
as well as two or more of the same or different polymers; reference to an
"excipient" includes a
single excipient as well as two or more of the same or different excipients,
and the like.
[0019] The word "about" when immediately preceding a numerical value means a
range of
plus or minus 10% of that value, e.g, "about 50" means 45 to 55, "about
25,000" means 22,500 to
27,500, etc., unless the context of the disclosure indicates otherwise, or is
inconsistent with such an
interpretation. For example, in a list of numerical values such as "about 49,
about 50, about 55,
"about 50" means a range extending to less than half the interval(s) between
the preceding and
subsequent values, e.g, more than 49.5 to less than 52.5. Furthermore, the
phrases "less than about"
a value or "greater than about" a value should be understood in view of the
definition of the term
"about" provided herein.
[0020] The term "patient" and "subject" are interchangeable and may be taken
to mean any
living organism which may be treated with compounds of the present invention.
As such, the terms
"patient" and "subject" may include, but is not limited to, any non-human
mammal, primate or
human. In some embodiments, the "patient" or "subject" is a mammal, such as
mice, rats, other
rodents, rabbits, dogs, cats, swine, cattle, sheep, horses, primates, or
humans. In some embodiments,
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the patient or subject is an adult, child or infant. In some embodiments, the
patient or subject is a
human.
[0021] By hereby reserving the right to proviso out or exclude any individual
members of
any such group, including any sub-ranges or combinations of sub-ranges within
the group, that can
be claimed according to a range or in any similar manner, less than the full
measure of this disclosure
can be claimed for any reason. Further, by hereby reserving the right to
proviso out or exclude any
individual substituents, analogs, compounds, ligands, structures, or groups
thereof, or any members
of a claimed group, less than the full measure of this disclosure can be
claimed for any reason.
Throughout this disclosure, various patents, patent applications and
publications are referenced.
The disclosures of these patents, patent applications and publications in
their entireties are
incorporated into this disclosure by reference in order to more fully describe
the state of the art as
known to those skilled therein as of the date of this disclosure. This
disclosure will govern in the
instance that there is any inconsistency between the patents, patent
applications and publications
cited and this disclosure.
[0022] For convenience, certain terms employed in the specification, examples
and claims
are collected here. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific
terms used in this disclosure
have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art to which this
disclosure belongs.
[0023] Embodiments of the invention are directed to a devices, systems, and
methods for
measuring the tautness and elasticity of skin. The torsionometer includes a
rigid disk having an
upper and a lower surface. The lower surface includes an adhesive and the
upper surface includes
one or more marking. The torsionometer is used by adhering the torsionometer
to the skin of a
subject and twisting the torsionometer. The degree of movement provides a
measurement of the
taughtness and elasticity of the skin of the patient. In some embodiments, the
torsionometer may
be part of a system that includes an optical sensor operably associated with
processor. The optical
sensor may monitor movement of the markings on the upper surface of the
torsionometer and the
processor may use this information to measure the tautness of skin based on
the amount of rotation,
torque, rotational force, acceleration, and the like during return after the
torsionometer is released,
or other measurement that can provide a measurement of and elasticity. In
further embodiments,
the torsionometer may be part of a device that measures rotation of the
torsionometer using a sensor,
such as a optical encoder, torque meter, or other sensor capable of measuring
rotation, torque,
rotational force, acceleration, and the like.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-06
[0024] Figures 1-3 show various examples of the skin torsionometer. FIG. 1
shows a skin
torsionometer 1, having an upper surface 10 and a lower surface 11, and a
marking 12 on the upper
surface 10. Similarly, FIG. 2 shows a skin torsionometer 2, having an upper
surface 20 and a lower
surface 21, and markings 22 is on the upper surface 20. FIG. 3 shows a skin
torsionometer 3, having
an upper surface 30 and a lower surface 31, and various markings 32 on the
upper surface. The
markings 12, 22, 32 provide a means for observing the torsion of the skin when
the skin
torsionometers 1, 2, 3 are rotated on the skin. For example, rotation of the
skin torsionometer 1 of
FIG.1 can be observed and measured based on the change in angle of the marking
12 at the center
13 of the torsionometer 1 as the torsionometer 1 is rotated. In various
embodiments, the change in
angle may be observed as the torsionometer 1 is rotated, and in some
embodiments, the skin may
be marked at the location of the marking 12 at a first position before the
torsionometer is rotated.
The markings 22 on torsionometer 2 of FIG. 2 can be used in the same way to
observe the change
in angle of the torsionometer 2 at the center 23 of the torsionometer.
[0025] In certain embodiments, the torsionometer may include markings that
allow for
multiple, simultaneous calculation of the degree of rotation, the recoil
speed, return velocity,
acceleration, angular velocity, and the like or combinations thereof. For
example, FIG. 3 illustrates
a torsionometer 3 having a series of markings 32 on an upper surface 30 that
are located at various
distances from a center marking 33. The lower surface 31 can be designed as
discussed above to
adhere to the skin of the subject. In use, the computing device configured for
image capture may
align images based on the center marking 33 and identify a resting position
and a rotated position
of the torsionometer for each of the series of markings 32. The degree of
rotation, the recoil speed,
return velocity, acceleration, angular velocity, and the like or combinations
thereof can be
determined for each marking of the series of markings independently, and the
final calculation can
be an average of these measured values.
[0026] The torsionometers 1,2 of various embodiments may be of any diameter
sufficient to
allow the user to hold the torsionometer 1,2 against the skin and rotate it
against the resistance of
the skins inherent elestasticity. For example, in some embodiments, the
torsionometer 1,2 may have
a diameter of about 1 inch (about 2.5 centimeters (cm)) to about 4 inches
(about 10.2 cm) or about
1.5 inches (about 3.8 cm) to about 3 inches (about 7.6 cm) or any individual
diameter or range
encompassed by these example ranges, and in certain embodiments, the
torionsometer 1,2 may have
a diameter of about 2.2 inches (about 55 cm).
[0027] The lower surface 11,21 of the torionsometer 1,2 may include an
adhesive to hold
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-06
the torionometer 1,2 on the skin of the patient during testing. Embodiments
encompass nearly any
adhesive. For example, the adhesive may be an adhesive compound, such as
silicone adhesives,
rubber adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, or hydrocolloid blended with
adhesives such as
polyisobutylenes or styrene-soprene-styrenes. The adhesive may generally be
designed to balance
internal cohesion or shear as well as tack and peel strength to provide
sufficient adhesive strength
to enable it to stick to objects, including human skin and allow for rotation
of the trosionometer 1,2
without releasing during use, but that can be released from the skin following
use without causing
discomfort to the patient after use. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be
reusable. In other
embodiments, the adhesive may be applied in layers, for example, the adhesive
may be layers of
double-sided medical tape so that after each use the user may remove a layer
of the tape exposing a
fresh layer of adhesive.
[0028] In some embodiments, the lower surface 11,21 of the torisonometer 1,2
may be
textured to increase the surface area of the lower surface 11,21. For example,
in some embodiments,
dimples or bumps can be provided on the lower surface 11,21 of the
torsionometer 1,2,and in other
embodiments, the lower surface 11,21 may include a series of ridges, waves, or
paddles extending
radially from the center of the torsionometer 1,2. The ridges, waves, or
paddles may be sufficiently
large to hold the torsionometer 1,2 to the skin of the subject without
breaching the skin of the subject.
[0029] FIG. 4A-B illustrates the change in angle observed during use of the
torsionometer.
Panel A of FIG. 4 shows the torsionometer 4 of FIG. 1 in a first position. The
position of the
marking 42 is illustrated by the dashed line 44. The torsionometer 4 is
rotated about a center axis
45 as indicated by the arrow R. Panel B shows the torsionometer 4 in the
second position after
rotation as indicated by the change in position of the marking 42. The
torsionometer is rotated
against the tautness and elasticity of the skin. Therefore, the change in
angle A at the center of the
torsionometer 4 provides a measure of the tautness and elasticity of the skin.
For example, a change
in angle A of 1 degrees or less, a change in angle A of 15 degrees, a change
in angle A of 30 degrees,
and a change in angle A of less than 45 degree may indicate different
tightness in the skin.
[0030] The change in angle A may provide evidence of the amount and health of
the elastin
and collagen in the skin. Healthy skin with abundant elastin and collagen may
exhibit a change in
angle A of about 1 degree to 5 degrees or less and return upon release of the
torsionometer of less
than about 1 second, less than about 0.5 seconds, or less than about 0.1
seconds. Aged or damaged
skin with lower concentrations of healthy elastin and collagen may exhibit a
change in angle A of
up to about 45 degrees and return upon release of the torsionometer of up to
about 20 seconds, about
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to about 20 seconds, about 8 to about 15 seconds, or any individual time or
range encompassed
by these example ranges. In some embodiments, the torsionometer may be used to
document the
effect of skin care products that are formulated to improve the tautness,
firmness, and elasticity of
skin. For example, a subject may use the torsionometer before administering a
skin care product to
provide a baseline tautness and elasticity. The subject may administer the
skin care product and use
the torsionometer to document any improvement is tautness, firmness, and
elasticity based on a
change in angle A from the baseline measurement. In some embodiments, the
subject mays use the
torsionometer to measure skin elasticity or tightening after exposure to, for
example, the Sun or
other environmental conditions, after treatment with medical devices, or to
monitor changes in skin
taughtness after surgery.
[0031] Other embodiments are directed to systems for measuring the tightness
of skin. Such
systems may generally include a torsionometer 1,2 such as those described
above and a device for
measuring the degree of rotation of the torsionometer 1,2, the acceleration or
rate of return of the
torsionometer 1,2 upon release, or any measure of movement of the device that
can be used to
determine the tightness of skin. Such measurements can be obtained using
various devices and by
various means. For example, such measurements can be obtained using
accelerometers associated
with the torsionometer 1,2, or in other embodiments, such measurements can be
obtained by
monitoring the movement of the torsionometer 1,2 with a secondary device such
as a smartphone
or tablet. Measurements can be obtained by monitoring, for example, change in
light wavelength,
magnetic response, phase retardation, ultrasound echo processes, optical
laser, or comparing video
or still images taken at various times during use of the torsionometer.
[0032] Data can be collected and aggregated using, for example, WiFi,
Bluetooth, or other
wireless network, and stored in a separate computing device to allow for
analysis of groups of
patients results. Various embodiments include of such systems are illustrated
in FIG. 4C. Such
systems may include a skin torsionometer 40 such as those discussed above have
one or more
markings 42, and a computing device 400 communicatively coupled to a camera,
video camera, or
other image data capturing means such as a smartphone or tablet having a
camera 420 and a display
410. In use, the skin torsionometer 40 may be adhered to the skin of a subject
and the handheld
device 400 may be used to capture an image of the skin torsionometer 40 in the
first position. The
torsionometer 40 may be rotated to a second position and the computing device
400 may be used to
capture a second image of the torsionometer 40 in the second position. A
processor associated with
the computing device 400 may compare the images and calculate the change in
angle at the center
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-06
of the torsionometer 40. The change in angle A at the center of the
torsionometer 4 provides a
measure of the tautness and elasticity of the skin.
[0033] In some embodiments, the system may include an app that can be
downloaded on the
handheld device and provides computer readable instructions for the processor
of the handheld
device to capture one or more still or video images using the computing device
400 camera 420,
identify the torsionometer 40 and/or the markings 42 on the torsionometer 40,
and calculate the
change in angle A at the center of the torsionometer, the acceleration and/or
rate of release of the
torsionometer 40, and the like and combinations thereof, and display the
change in angle A and/or
measurement of skin tightness on the display 410 of the computing device 400.
In some
embodiments, the computer readable instructions may further cause the
processor to display the still
or video images captured by the camera 420 on the display 410.
[0034] In some embodiments, the torsionometer may be associated with a device
specifically designed to measure the amount of rotation, rotational force,
acceleration during return
after the skin torsionometer is released or other measurement that can provide
a measurement of
and elasticity. For example, the torsionometer 5a may be operably attached to
an optical sensor
530.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the torsionometer 5 may have a substantially
cylindrical
shape with a lower surface 51 designed and configured to adhere to skin using
any of the means for
adherence described above. The torsionometer may be sized to accomodate
handling be a user,
allowing the user to rotate the torsionometer and release it without
interrupting the return rotation.
The torsionometer 5 may be rotationally attached to a housing 530 by, for
example, a rotatable shaft
531 that is operable connected to a sensor 532. Such devices may further
include a processor 533,
and various displays 534, indicator lights 535, and buttons 536. The device
may further include a
means for transmitting data acquired to a larger processor or computer, such
as a cord, connector,
or dongle 537.
[0036] FIG. 5B is another torsionometer containing device. In FIG. 5A, the
torsionometer
may have a substantially cylindrical shape with a lower surface 51 designed
and configured to
adhere to skin using any of the means for adherence described above. The
torsionometer 5 may be
rotationally attached to a housing 530 by, for example, a rotatable shaft 531
that is operable
connected to a sensor 532. In such embodiments, the sensor 532 may include an
optical encoder
532a. In some embodiments, the optical encoder 532a may be, for example, a
slotted photo
interrupter or opto-interrupter. Such optical encoders 532a may include
markings as described
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above and an optical sensor 532b may measure, for example, recoil speed,
return velocity,
acceleration, angular velocity, and the like, by monitoring the position of
the marks over time. In
certain embodiments, the optical encoder 532a may include alternating slots.
When an optical
sensor 532b passes a beam of light through the optical encoder creating
changes in conduction of
the photo transistor/diode as the optical encoder 532a rotates, breaking the
beam. In other
embodiments, the optical sensor 532b may emit light onto one side of the
optical encoder 532a and
detect the reflected light. In various embodiments, the optical sensor may be
an Arduino optical
sensor or other commercially available optical sensor, a camera, video camera,
smart phone, and the
like, and combinations thereof.
[0037] As in FIG. 5A, such devices may further include a processor 533, and
various
displays 534, indicator lights 535, and buttons 536. The device may further
include a means for
transmitting data acquired to a larger processor or computer, such as a cord,
connector, or dongle.
However, in some embodiments, the device may include hardware 538 for
transmitting data by, for
example, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless network.
[0038] In use, the lower surface 51 of the torsionometer 5 may be adhered to
the skin of a
patient. The torsionometer 5 may be rotated, as indicated by arrow 540,
rotating the rotatable shaft
531 while the sensor housing 530 and associated optical sensor 532 remains
static. When maximum
rotation has been achieved, the torsionometer 5 may be released allowing the
torsionometer 5,
underlying skin, and rotatable shaft 531 to rotate in the opposite direction,
as indicated by arrow
541, returning to its original position. The optical sensor 532 capture data
relating to the amount of
rotation, torsion, rotational force, acceleration, and the like. The processor
533 may calculate the
amount of rotation, torsion, rotational force, acceleration and the like and
display data relating to
these calculations on the display 534 and/or transmit this data to another
processing device by a
cord 537 or wireless hardware 538. In some embodiments, an indicator light 535
may turn on
indicating that sufficient force has been applied by rotation of the skin in
direction 540 to produce
reproducible results. Various buttons 536 may control any aspect of the use of
the device, such as
rotation of the torsionometer 5, release of the torsionometer 5, display of
results, adherence of the
torsionometer 5 to skin, suction which allows the torsionometer 5 to adhere to
skin, or any other
function of the device.
[0039] In some embodiments, the device may further include a vacuum pump
operably
connected to the torsionometer. The vacuum pump may be configured to adhere
the torsionometer
by applying suction to the skin. In some embodiments, the vacuum pump may be
operably
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connected to a vacuum gauge that measure suction applied to skin when the
torsionometer is adhered
to the skin. The vacuum gauge may be operably connected to the processor and
may transmit
suction data to the processor where it can be used to calculate the density of
skin adhered to the
torsionometer.
[0040] FIG. 6 shows an example method 6 for determining the rotation, the
recoil speed,
return velocity, acceleration, angular velocity, and the like or combinations
thereof of the
torsionometer. In some embodiments, a computing device may be configured to
operate as an image
processing engine, on which each of the following steps can be executed. In
other embodiments, an
optical sensor may be used to capture image data relating to the rotation,
torque recoil speed, return
velocity, acceleration, angular velocity, and the like or combinations thereof
of the torsionometer.
[0041] All commercially suitable computing devices are contemplated for use
with the
inventive subject matter, including for example, a mobile phone, a tablet
computer, a laptop
computer, an electronic book reader, a camera, a video camera, a smart phone,
a kiosk, or any other
device having a sensor and a user interface.
[0042] Step 600 includes capturing first image data of the scene containing
the
torionsometer. This image data is received by the computing device or a
different device
communicatively coupled to the computing device such as a camera, video
camera, or other image
data capturing means. The term "image data" is used broadly to include, among
other things, a still
image, a video frame, a video frame delta, a video, a computer rendered image,
a computer-
generated image or graphic, a projection, printed matter, an on-screen image,
medical images, or
other types of images.
[0043] Step 610 includes compiling a first object-specific metric map of the
torsionometer
from the image data. The metric map may include at least a portion of the
image data representing
the torsionometer and may include mapping of color values, metric values
(e.g., scalars, vectors,
etc.), spacing, and the like and combinations thereof. The initial object-
specific metric map can be
generated in an empirical, data-driven fashion. In some embodiments, the
object-specific metric
map should be lighting invariant, such that the torsionsometer may be
recognized regardless of the
lighting conditions under which the image data is generated. For example, as
lighting conditions
are varied, the imaging processing engine can execute a desired image
processing algorithm on the
image data to derive descriptors. The engine can further compile which RBG
values remain
invariant as the lighting is changed and yield the best results for high
quality descriptors. The engine
can further construct (e.g., automatically, manually, semi-automatically,
etc.) the object-specific
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-06
metric map (step 611) that indicates how the RGB should be mapped to metric
values and how to
generate best results under all lighting conditions.
[0044] The first object-specific metric map of the first image data may
include, for example,
a circumference of the torsionsometer, the location of the center of the
torsionometer, and the
location of any markings on the torsionometer.
[0045] In step 620, the user rotates the torsionometer against the elasticity
of the skin to
which the torsionometer is attached. Rotating is continued until the rotation
meets sufficient
resistance to stop rotation without injuring the subject.
[0046] Step 630 includes capturing a second image data of the scene containing
the
torsionometer in fully rotated position, and step 640 includes compiling a
second object-specific
metric map of the torsionometer from the image data. Compiling of the second
object-specific
metric map can be carried out in the same manner as compiling the first object-
specific metric map,
and can include constructing the object-specific metric map (step 641) that
indicates the best results
under all lighting conditions. The second object-specific metric map of the
second image data may
include, for example, a circumference of the torsionsometer, the location of
the center of the
torsionometer, and the location of any markings on the torsionometer.
[0047] Step 650 includes comparing the first object-specific metric map and
the second
object-specific metric map. In step 650, the image processing engine can
compare or contrast each
individual object's specific map. Each map can be treated has having a
functional complexity with
respect to the computation steps necessary to convert RGB values to individual
metrics. Complexity
might be measured by size of look up table, number of calculations, or other
factors. A form of
principle component analysis could operate on the various dimensions (e.g.
constants, scales,
operations, etc.) of the map's functions across the class of objects to reduce
the features of the
collective map's complexity. Step 650 (and any other step of the inventive
subject matter) can be
carried out via the image processing engine, or another engine, server or
platform, distal or local.
[0048] The first or second object-specific metric map compiled in steps 610
and 640 can be
adjusted to generate a new object-specific metric map in accordance with step
651. For example,
the initial map can be adjusted by tuning the function in a manner effective
to enhance differentiation
of descriptors generated by the implementation of the feature identification
algorithm (e.g. SIFT,
FAST, etc.) as executed on the portion of the image. This can be accomplished,
for example, via
acceptance of user input that alters at least some of the metric values within
the initial object-specific
metric map, via an image processing engine recommendation of modifying one or
more of the metric
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values to increase a confidence of a descriptor, via an image processing
engine's automatic
adjustment of one or more of the metric values of an initial object-specific
metric map, or any other
commercially suitable process. For example, the first or second object-
specific image maps may be
manipulated to align the orientation of the first and second object-specific
image maps. Aligning
the orientation of the first and second image maps may include, for example,
aligning centers of the
image maps, enlarging or reducing the size of the torsionometers in the image
map to make the
image maps equally sized and dimensioned, and the like and combinations
thereof.
[0049] In some embodiments, the method may include Step 652 in which one or
more
characteristics can be removed from image data at the pixel-level to allow for
increased and more
consistent differentiation of the values in the image data. For example, image
data may comprise
various characteristics that hinder a differentiation of colors on a pixel-
level basis (e.g., illumination
color, illumination geometry, surface reflectance, surface geometry and view-
point, diffuse
reflection, specular reflection, etc.). Removal of, or zeroing out, one or
more of the characteristics
can improve the effectiveness of image analysis or feature identification
algorithms on an image as
many algorithms assume perfect diffuse reflections and consider locations of
specular reflection to
be outliers. Such assumption reduces the robustness of these algorithms since
the presence of
specular reflection is inevitable in most real-world environments.
[0050] Step 660 includes calculating the degree of rotation of the
torsionometer on the
aligned first and second image maps. Calculating can be carried out by any
means that results in a
degree of rotation of the torsionometer.
[0051] In some embodiments Step 661, calculating the recoil speed, return
velocity,
acceleration, angular velocity, and the like or combinations thereof of the
torsionometer from the
rotated position to the first position. Calculating the recoil speed, return
velocity, acceleration,
angular velocity, and the like or combinations thereof can be carried out
using various means and,
in particular embodiments, the calculating the recoil speed, return velocity,
acceleration, angular
velocity, and the like or combinations thereof can be carried out by capturing
video image,
identifying a first, resting position, identifying a rotated position, and
determining the amount of
time required for the torsionometer to return to a second, resting position
from the rotated position.
In some embodiments, the second, resting position may be the same position as
the first resting
position, and in some embodiments, the second, resting position may be a
position in which the
torsionometer has stopped rotating away from the rotated position that is not
the same as the first,
resting position. Thus, the computing device configured for image capture may
identify a final
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-06
resting position on skin that has lost elasticity.
[0052] Such methods may include the step of displaying the degree of rotation,
the recoil
speed, return velocity, acceleration, angular velocity, and the like and
combinations thereof. The
degree of rotation can be displayed as a number such as, for example, 1
degree, 15 degrees, 30
degrees, or 45 degrees, and the recoil speed, return velocity, acceleration,
angular velocity, and the
like or combinations thereof, can be displayed as a numerical value such as,
less than about 0.1
second, less than about 0.5 seconds and up to about 20 seconds, less than
about 0.2 seconds to about
15 seconds, about 1 to about 15 seconds, about 1.5 to about 10 seconds, or any
individual time or
range encompassed by these example ranges. In other embodiments, the display
may provide an
independent measurement providing the user with an indication of the
elasticity, firmness,
taughtness, and/or overall health of the skin. For example, the calculations
obtained from methods
described above can be combined and weighted, and the skin can overall
elasticity, firmness, or
taughtness can be measured on a 1-10 or 1-5 scale. The app may contain
instructions for
understanding the measured number and display examples of skin falling within
the applicable
measurement.
[0053] Additional embodiments include methods for measuring the elasticity of
skin using
the device illustrated in FIG. 5 and described above. As illustrated in flow
diagram 7 in FIG. 7, the
user rotates the torsionometer against the elasticity of the skin to which the
torsionometer is attached
in step 720. Rotating is continued until the rotation meets sufficient
resistance to stop rotation
without injuring the subject. The rotating the torsionometer causes an optical
senosr associated with
the torsionometer to rotate to a first position.
[0054] In Step 730, the optical sensor is activated by rotation of the
torsionometer. Step
740 includes releasing the torsionometer, causing the torsionometer in the
opposite direction of the
rotation in Step 720, and reversing twisting of the underlying skin. The
sensor may capture data,
Step 750 relating to the amount of rotation, rotational force, acceleration,
and the like, by monitoring
transmission of light through slits in the optical encoder. In Step 760,
recoil speed, return velocity,
acceleration, angular velocity, and the like may be calculated by a processor
associated with the
optical sensor. In some embodiments, the processor may be associated directly
with the optical
sensor and these data may be transmitted to a processor that can display,
save, and/or compile the
data. In other embodiments, the optical sensor may transmit raw data to a
processor that can use
the data to calculate recoil speed, return velocity, acceleration, angular
velocity, and the like,
display, save and/or compile these data.
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-06
[0055] As in FIG. 6, such methods may include the step of displaying the
degree of rotation,
the recoil speed, torsion, return velocity, acceleration, angular velocity,
and the like and
combinations thereof. The degree of rotation can be displayed as a number such
as, for example, 1
degree, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, or 45 degrees, and the recoil speed, return
velocity, acceleration,
angular velocity, and the like or combinations thereof, can be displayed as a
numerical value such
as, less than about 0.1 second, less than about 0.5 seconds and up to about 20
seconds, less than
about 0.2 seconds to about 15 seconds, about 1 to about 15 seconds, about 1.5
to about 10 seconds,
or any individual time or range encompassed by these example ranges. In other
embodiments, the
display may provide an independent measurement providing the user with an
indication of the
elasticity, firmness, taughtness, and/or overall health of the skin. For
example, the calculations
obtained from methods described above can be combined and weighted, and the
skin can overall
elasticity, firmness, or taughtness can be measured on a 1-10 or 1-5 scale.
The app may contain
instructions for understanding the measured number and display examples of
skin falling within the
applicable measurement.
[0056] In some embodiments, elasticity can be measured as a function of the
modulus of
elasticity, e.g. Young's modulus. Young's modulus can be calculated as
follows:
E =V2p (1 - F ,u) (1 ¨ 2 ,u)1
(1 ¨ ,u)
Wherein;
E = Modulus of Elasticity
V =Velocity
p= Density
,u= Poisson's Ratio
Density (p) can be calculated as follows:
/3= ¨
V
Wherein;
p= density
171=171GUS'
V = volume
Density can be constant based on the average density of skin in the region
tested, for example, the
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-06
density of skin on the forehead or the density of skin on the forearm. In
other embodiments, density
can be calculated by irradiating the skin and detecting, for example,
absorbance or scattering.
Similarly, Poisson's ratio (ft), which is calculated as follows:
(Al
_
w
Wherein:
ii= Poisson's Ratio
Al = Change in Length
1= Length
Aw = Change in Width
w =Width
can be a constant based on mechanical testing of skin. In some embodiments,
Poisson's ratio can
be calculated based on the change in length and width of the skin when twisted
under the
torsionometer.
[0057] In some embodiments, the app may store various measured values such as,
the degree
of rotation, recoil speed, acceleration, and the like and combinations
thereof, in a transitory storage
medium. In some embodiments, the app may display these measurements in, for
example,
graphically or on a spreadsheet. In particular embodiments, the app may
sequentially store and
transmit various measured values to a repository, where the data can be used
by formularies and
skin care professionals to monitor the effect of skin care products and
treatment regimens. For
example, the data may be used to compile patient reported outcomes for skin
care products and
treatment regimens under review by the FDA.
EXAMPLES
[0058] Although the present invention has been described in considerable
detail with
reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other versions are
possible. Therefore, the spirit
and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description and
the preferred versions
contained within this specification. Various aspects of the present invention
will be illustrated with
reference to the following non-limiting examples.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-06
EXAMPLE 1
[0059] The elasticity of forearm and forehead skin was determined using the
torsionometer
device described above for 26 people aged 20-74. Elasticity and tautness was
determined based on
maximum rotation in degrees, "displacement," the current standard for
determining skin elasticity,
and return velocity after the release of the torsionometer from maximum
rotation. These data are
plotted in FIG.8. The change in maximum rotation and return velocity
illustrated in FIG. 8 exhibit
similar changes in magnitude across age ranges.
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-06
