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FOITS:
Fast Optical in Vivo Topometry of Human Skin |
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The Fast Optical in vivo Topometry of Human
Skin (FOITS) technique is a method which provides a completely new approach
to measure the skin surface. With this touch-free technique three-dimensional
information may be gathered from the skin surface in an extremely short
time (approximately 260ms). Thus, it is no longer necessary to carry out
time-consuming analyses and replicas.
Due to the high depth of focus and the large
area that is measured it is possible to examine complicated test areas
such as the periorbital region or the nasolabial groove without loss of
lateral and horizonal resolution just as easily as areas on the insides
of the forearm.
The FOITS technique is very reproducible.
Comparative tests of skin replicas show the accuracy of FOITS in comparison
with laser profilometry. Comparisons of in vivo and in vitro skin surface
analyses give an indication of the effect of replica-taking in assessing
the topometry of the skin. Comparative analyses of laser profilometry
and FOITS to test the effectiveness of cosmetic formulations show a comparable
level for the two test techniques in rating product effects.
The new FOITS technique enables a traditional use involving
measurement before the first and after the last application of a product.
Furthermore, FOITS offers extensive new test designs, such as the measurement
of roughness kinetics. FOITS also enables video images to be linked directly
to the mathematical information on the surface structure. Thus, new visual
effects can be elaborated, documented and guaranteed on the basis of scientific
tests.
The FOITS technique consists of a projection unit and a CCD camera which
are fixed under the so-called triagulation angle. The measurement area has
the size of approximately 25 x 35 mm and a deep focus area of ± 10
mm.
Direct correlation of FOITS data of the periorbital area before and after
product treatment in comparison with the video images for three dimensional
analysis of the depth information obtained by the FOITS technique. The improvements
in the surface structure implied in the video image become clearer in the
perspective representation of the FOITS data through a change in the surface
structure.
Photographs: Institute Dr. Schrader, Holzminden
Reference
Rohr, M.; Schrader, K.; Fast Optical in vivo
Topometry of Human Skin (FOITS): Vergleichende Untersuchungen zur Laserprofilometrie,
SÖFW-Journal 124 (1998) 52-59
