Method of enabling an analysis of an external body portion

• US 20030099383A1
• Filed: 11/26/2001
• Published: 05/29/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: L'Oreal SA
• Original Assignee: L'Oreal SA
• Inventors: Lefebvre, Marc-Andre
• Granted Patent: US 7,317,818 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/128
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0062 Arrangements for scanning
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0068 Confocal scanning
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0071 by measuring fluorescence emission
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0077 Devices for viewing the surface of the body, e.g. camera, magnifying lens
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/441 Skin evaluation, e.g. for skin disorder diagnosis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/442 Evaluating skin mechanical properties, e.g. elasticity, hardness, texture, wrinkle assessment
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/445 Evaluating skin irritation or skin trauma, e.g. rash, eczema, wound, bed sore
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/446 Scalp evaluation or scalp disorder diagnosis, e.g. dandruff

Abstract

A method of enabling an analysis taking into account exposure of at least one external body portion to the environment comprises obtaining first information representative of at least one condition of a first external body portion of a subject and obtaining second information representative of at least one condition of a second external body portion of the subject. The method further comprises determining a difference between the first information and the second information so as to enable an analysis taking into account impact of at least one environmental factor. The second external body portion is normally less exposed to at least one environmental factor than the first external body portion.

Claims

1. A method of enabling an analysis taking into account exposure of at least one external body portion to the environment, the method comprising:

obtaining first information representative of at least one condition of a first external body portion of a subject;

obtaining second information representative of at least one condition of a second external body portion of the subject, wherein the second external body portion is normally less exposed to at least one environmental factor than the first external body portion; and

determining a difference between the first information and the second information so as to enable an analysis taking into account impact of the at least one environmental factor.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one condition comprises at least one of texture, elasticity, dryness, cellulitis, sweating, aging, wrinkles, exfoliation, desquamation, homogeneity of color, micro-circulation, shininess, softness, smoothness, hydration, sebum production, cleanliness, irritation, redness, vasomotion, vasodilation, vasoconstriction, pigmentation, and freckles.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising enabling the subject to receive an indication of the difference between the first information and the second information.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising sending the indication to the subject via at least one of a package delivery service and a computer network.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the indication comprises a graphic illustration.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first information is representative of the at least one condition of the first external body portion of the subject at approximately a first time, and wherein the second information is representative of the at least one condition of the second external body portion of the subject at approximately the first time, the method further comprising:

obtaining third information, wherein the third information is representative of the at least one condition of the first external body portion of the subject at approximately a second time, wherein the second time occurs at least a period of time after the first time; and

determining a difference between the third information and the second information.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising comparing the difference between the first information and the second information with the difference between the third information and the second information so as to enable an analysis taking into account impact of the at least one environmental factor over at least the period of time.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising enabling the subject to receive an indication of the impact of the at least one environmental factor over at least the period of time.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first information is representative of the at least one condition of the first external body portion of the subject at approximately a first time, and wherein the second information is representative of the at least one condition of the second external body portion of the subject at approximately the first time, the method further comprising:

obtaining third information, wherein the third information is representative of the at least one condition of the first external body portion of the subject at approximately a second time;

obtaining fourth information, wherein the fourth information is representative of the at least one condition of the second external body portion of the subject at approximately the second time, wherein the second time occurs at least a period of time after the first time; and

determining a difference between the third information and the fourth information.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising comparing the difference between the first information and the second information with the difference between the third information and the fourth information so as to enable an analysis taking into account impact of the at least one environmental factor over at least the period of time.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising enabling the subject to receive an indication of the impact of the at least one environmental factor over at least the period of time.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting a treatment for the first external body portion based on the difference between the first information and the second information.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the treatment comprises applying at least one of a cosmetic product and a care product to the first external body portion.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising enabling the subject to receive information regarding the treatment for the first external body portion.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

obtaining third information, wherein the third information is representative of the at least one condition of the first external body portion at least a period of time after a treatment of the first external body portion is initiated; and

determining a difference between the third information and the second information.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising comparing the difference between the first information and the second information with the difference between the third information and the second information so as to enable a determination of at least initial effectiveness of the treatment.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising enabling the subject to receive an indication of the at least initial effectiveness of the treatment.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the first information is representative of the at least one condition of the first external body portion of the subject at approximately a first time, and wherein the second information is representative of the at least one condition of the second external body portion of the subject at approximately the first time, the method further comprising:

obtaining third information, wherein the third information is representative of the at least one condition of the first external body portion of the subject at approximately a second time;

obtaining fourth information, wherein the fourth information is representative of the at least one condition of the second external body portion of the subject at approximately the second time, wherein the second time occurs at least a period of time after a treatment of the first external body portion is initiated; and

determining a difference between the third information and the fourth information.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising comparing the difference between the first information and the second information with the difference between the third information and the fourth information so as to enable a determination of at least initial effectiveness of the treatment.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising enabling the subject to receive an indication of the at least initial effectiveness of the treatment.

21. The method of claim 1, further comprising recommending at least one product based on the difference between the first information and the second information.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising enabling the subject to receive information regarding the at least one product.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the product information is communicated to the subject using at least one of a package delivery service and a computer network.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising at least one of offering the at least one product for sale to the subject and providing the subject with information enabling the subject to purchase the at least one product.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one environmental factor is chosen from ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperature, wind, pollution, and shaving.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one environmental factor comprises a plurality of environmental factors.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein the first external body portion comprises skin located on the face of the subject, and the second external body portion comprises one of skin located on the upper buttocks of the subject and skin located on an inner surface of an upper part of at least one of the subject'"'"'s arms.

28. The method of claim 1, wherein the first external body portion comprises at least one of hair and skin located on the scalp of the subject and the second external body portion comprises at least one of hair and skin located in the pubic area of the subject.

29. The method of claim 1, wherein the first external body portion comprises a fingernail and the second external body portion comprises a toenail.

30. The method of claim 1, wherein the first external body portion comprises a first portion of a hair on the subject'"'"'s scalp and the second external body portion comprises a second portion of the hair on the subject'"'"'s scalp.

31. The method of claim 1, wherein the first external body portion comprises a first portion of a fingernail and the second external body portion comprises a second portion of the fingernail.

32. The method of claim 1, wherein the first external body portion comprises a first portion of a toenail and the second external body portion comprises a second portion of the toenail.

33. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information and the obtaining of the second information comprises acquiring a quantitative measurement of the at least one condition.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the quantitative measurement is chosen from corneometry, dermal torque measurement, pH measurement, colorimetry, sebumetry, lipometry, confocal measurement, epidermal turnover measurement, skin layer thickness measurement, blood microcirculation measurement, desquamation rate measurement, water loss measurement, skin hydration measurement, scoring with a densiscore-type tool, and measurement of sudatory function.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the determining of the difference between the first information and the second information comprises determining at least one difference between the quantitative measurement of the at least one condition of the first external body portion and the quantitative measurement of the at least one condition of the second external body portion.

36. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information and the obtaining of the second information comprises acquiring at least one image of a respective external body portion of the subject.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one image is chosen from photographs, scanned images, ultrasonic images, magnified images, wrinkle projections, and imprints.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information and the obtaining of the second information further comprises analyzing the at least one image to ascertain at least one of a qualitative property and a quantitative property relating to the at least one condition.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the analyzing of the at least one image comprises at least one of counting sebaceous glands, counting sweat glands, and visualizing imprints in the at least one image.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the determining of the difference between the first information and the second information comprises determining at least one difference between at least one property ascertained from analyzing at least one image of the first external body portion and at least one property ascertained from analyzing at least one image of the second external body portion.

41. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information and the obtaining of the second information comprises acquiring at least one external body portion sample.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the at least one sample is chosen from skin cells, hair cells, fingernail cells, toenail cells, secretions, bioanalytical content, bacteriological content, and enzymatic content.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein the acquiring of the at least one sample is carried out using a technique chosen from adhesive collection, absorption, and abrasion.

44. The method of claim 41, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information and the obtaining of the second information further comprises analyzing the at least one sample to ascertain at least one of a qualitative property and a quantitative property relating to the at least one condition.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the qualitative property relates to one of presence and absence of at least one component, and the quantitative property relates to relative quantity of at least one component in the sample.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein the analyzing of the at least one sample is carried out using at least one of an optical, chemical, and biological analysis technique.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the analysis technique is chosen from gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry, ultraviolet observation, fluorescence observation, infrared observation, Raman spectrophotometric observation, and X-ray observation.

48. The method of claim 44, wherein the determining of the difference between the first information and the second information comprises determining at least one difference between at least one property ascertained from analyzing at least one sample of the first body portion and at least one property ascertained from analyzing at least one sample of the second body portion.

49. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information and the obtaining of the second information comprises receiving information chosen from a quantitative measurement of the at least one condition, at least one image of a respective external body portion of the subject, and at least one external body portion sample.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information and the obtaining of the second information further comprises at least one of analyzing the at least one image to ascertain at least one of a qualitative property and a quantitative property relating to the at least one condition and analyzing the at least one sample to ascertain at least one of a qualitative property and a quantitative property relating to the at least one condition.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein the information is received via at least one of a package delivery service and a computer network.

52. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

maintaining a database containing external body portion information for a plurality of subjects; and

conducting an analysis based on a comparison between information in the database and at least one of the first information, the second information, and the determined difference.

53. The method of claim 52, further comprising storing at least one of the first information, the second information, and the determined difference in the database.

54. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

maintaining a subject record; and

causing storage in the subject record of at least one of the first information, the second information, and the determined difference.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising causing storage in the subject record of subject information acquired subsequent to the first information and the second information.

56. The method of claim 54, further comprising enabling the subject to access at least a portion of information stored in the subject record.

57. The method of claim 56, further comprising enabling the subject to access the information via at least one of a package delivery service and a computer network.

58. The method of claim 56, further comprising enabling the subject to graphically display the information.

129. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a product to the first external body portion of the subject.

130. The method of claim 129, further comprising applying the product to the second external body portion of the subject.

131. The method of claim 1, wherein the first external body portion has had a product applied thereto, and wherein the determining of the difference between the first information and the second information provides information about the product.

132. The method of claim 1, wherein the first external body portion and the second external body portion have had a product applied thereto, and wherein the determining of the difference between the first information and the second information provides information about the product.

59. A method of determining at least initial effectiveness of a treatment, the method comprising:

obtaining first information representative of at least one condition of a first external body portion of a subject;

obtaining second information representative of at least one condition of a second external body portion of the subject;

determining a difference between the first information and the second information;

obtaining third information, wherein the third information is representative of the at least one condition of the first external body portion at least a period of time after a treatment of the first external body portion is initiated;

determining a difference between the third information and the second information; and

comparing the difference between the first information and the second information with the difference between the third information and the second information so as to enable a determination of at least the initial effectiveness of the treatment of the first external body portion.

60. The method of claim 59, further comprising enabling the subject to receive an indication of the at least initial effectiveness of the treatment.

61. The method of claim 59, further comprising enabling the subject to receive an indication of at least one of the difference between the first information and the second information and the difference between the third information and the second information.

62. The method of claim 61, further comprising sending the indication to the subject via at least one of a package delivery service and a computer network.

63. The method of claim 61, wherein the indication comprises a graphic illustration.

64. The method of claim 59, wherein the second external body portion is normally less exposed to at least one environmental factor than the first external body portion.

65. The method of claim 59, wherein the at least one condition comprises at least one of texture, elasticity, dryness, cellulitis, sweating, aging, wrinkles, exfoliation, desquamation, homogeneity of color, micro-circulation, shininess, softness, smoothness, hydration, sebum production, cleanliness, irritation, redness, vasomotion, vasodilation, vasoconstriction, pigmentation, and freckles.

66. The method of claim 59, wherein the treatment comprises applying at least one of a cosmetic product and a care product to the first external body portion.

67. The method of claim 66, further comprising enabling the subject to receive information regarding the at least one product.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein the product information is communicated to the subject using at least one of a package delivery service and a computer network.

69. The method of claim 67, further comprising at least one of offering the at least one product for sale to the subject and providing the subject with information enabling the subject to purchase the at least one product.

70. The method of claim 64, wherein the at least one environmental factor is chosen from ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperature, wind, pollution, and shaving.

71. The method of claim 64, further comprising enabling the subject to receive a notification about an impact of the at least one environmental factor.

72. The method of claim 64, wherein the first external body portion comprises skin located on the face of the subject, and the second external body portion comprises one of skin located on the upper buttocks of the subject and skin located on an inner surface of an upper part of at least one of the subject'"'"'s arms.

73. The method of claim 64, wherein the first external body portion comprises at least one of hair and skin located on the scalp of the subject and the second external body portion comprises at least one of hair and skin located in the pubic area of the subject.

74. The method of claim 64, wherein the first external body portion comprises a fingernail and the second external body portion comprises a toenail.

75. The method of claim 59, wherein the at least one condition represented by the first information is substantially absent from the second external body portion.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein the at least one condition represented by the first information comprises at least one of eczema, psoriasis, acne, and atopic dermatitis.

77. The method of claim 59, wherein the treatment comprises administering at least one pharmaceutical compound to the first external body portion.

78. The method of claim 77, further comprising enabling the subject to receive information regarding the at least one compound.

79. The method of claim 59, further comprising determining a subsequent treatment for the first external body portion, wherein the determining of the subsequent treatment is based on the comparison between the differences.

80. The method of claim 79, further comprising enabling the subject to receive information regarding at least the subsequent treatment.

81. A method of determining at least initial effectiveness of a treatment, the method comprising:

obtaining first information, wherein the first information is representative of at least one condition of a first external body portion of a subject at approximately a first time;

obtaining second information, wherein the second information is representative of at least one condition of a second external body portion of the subject at approximately the first time;

determining a difference between the first information and the second information;

obtaining third information, wherein the third information is representative of the at least one condition of the first external body portion at approximately a second time;

obtaining fourth information, wherein the fourth information is representative of the at least one condition of the second external body portion at approximately the second time, wherein the second time occurs at least a period of time after a treatment of the first external body portion is initiated;

determining a difference between the third information and the fourth information; and

comparing the difference between the first information and the second information with the difference between the third information and the fourth information so as to enable a determination of at least initial effectiveness of the treatment of the first external body portion.

82. The method of claim 81, further comprising enabling the subject to receive an indication of the at least initial effectiveness of the treatment.

83. The method of claim 81, further comprising enabling the subject to receive an indication of at least one of the difference between the first information and the second information and the difference between the third information and the fourth information.

84. The method of claim 83, further comprising sending the indication to the subject via at least one of a package delivery service and a computer network.

85. The method of claim 83, wherein the indication comprises a graphic illustration.

86. The method of claim 81, wherein the second external body portion is normally less exposed to at least one environmental factor than the first external body portion.

87. The method of claim 81, wherein the at least one condition comprises at least one of texture, elasticity, dryness, cellulitis, sweating, aging, wrinkles, exfoliation, desquamation, homogeneity of color, micro-circulation, shininess, softness, smoothness, hydration, sebum production, cleanliness, irritation, redness, vasomotion, vasodilation, vasoconstriction, pigmentation, and freckles.

88. The method of claim 81, wherein the treatment comprises applying at least one of a cosmetic product and a care product to the first external body portion.

89. The method of claim 88, further comprising enabling the subject to receive information regarding the at least one product.

90. The method of claim 89, wherein the product information is communicated to the subject using at least one of a package delivery service and a computer network.

91. The method of claim 89, further comprising at least one of offering the at least one product for sale to the subject and providing the subject with information enabling the subject to purchase the at least one product.

92. The method of claim 86, wherein the at least one environmental factor is chosen from ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperature, wind, pollution, and shaving.

93. The method of claim 86, further comprising enabling the subject to receive a notification about an impact of the at least one environmental factor.

94. The method of claim 86, wherein the first external body portion comprises skin located on the face of the subject, and the second external body portion comprises one of skin located on the upper buttocks of the subject and skin located on an inner surface of an upper part of at least one of the subject'"'"'s arms.

95. The method of claim 86, wherein the first external body portion comprises at least one of hair and skin located on the scalp of the subject and the second external body portion comprises at least one of hair and skin located in the pubic area of the subject.

96. The method of claim 86, wherein the first external body portion comprises a fingernail and the second external body portion comprises a toenail.

97. The method of claim 81, wherein the at least one condition represented by the first information is substantially absent from the second external body portion.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein the at least one condition represented by the first information comprises at least one of eczema, psoriasis, acne, and atopic dermatitis.

99. The method of claim 81, wherein the treatment comprises administering at least one pharmaceutical compound to the first external body portion.

100. The method of claim 99, further comprising enabling the subject to receive information regarding the at least one compound.

101. The method of claim 81, further comprising determining a subsequent treatment for the first external body portion, wherein the determining of the subsequent treatment is based on the comparison between the differences.

102. The method of claim 101, further comprising enabling the subject to receive information regarding at least the subsequent treatment.

103. The method of claim 81, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information, the obtaining of the second information, the obtaining of the third information, and the obtaining of the fourth information comprises acquiring a quantitative measurement of at least one condition.

104. The method of claim 103, wherein the quantitative measurement is chosen from corneometry, dermal torque measurement, pH measurement, colorimetry, sebumetry, lipometry, confocal measurement, epidermal turnover measurement, skin layer thickness measurement, blood microcirculation measurement, desquamation rate measurement, water loss measurement, skin hydration measurement, scoring with a densiscore-type tool, and measurement of sudatory function.

105. The method of claim 103, wherein each of the determining of the difference between the first information and the second information and the determining of the difference between the third information and the fourth information comprises determining at least one difference between quantitative measurements.

106. The method of claim 81, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information, the obtaining of the second information, the obtaining of the third information, and the obtaining of the fourth information comprises acquiring at least one image of a respective external body portion of the subject.

107. The method of claim 106, wherein the at least one image is chosen from photographs, scanned images, ultrasonic images, magnified images, wrinkle projections, and imprints.

108. The method of claim 106, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information, the obtaining of the second information, the obtaining of the third information, and the obtaining of the fourth information further comprises analyzing the at least one image to ascertain at least one of a qualitative property and a quantitative property relating to the at least one condition.

109. The method of claim 108, wherein the analyzing of the at least one image comprises at least one of counting sebaceous glands, counting sweat glands, and visualizing imprints in the at least one image.

110. The method of claim 108, wherein each of the determining of the difference between the first information and the second information and the determining of the difference between the third information and the fourth information comprises determining at least one difference between properties ascertained from analyzing the images.

111. The method of claim 81, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information, the obtaining of the second information, the obtaining of the third information, and the obtaining of the fourth information comprises acquiring at least one external body portion sample.

112. The method of claim 111, wherein the at least one sample is chosen from skin cells, hair cells, fingernail cells, toenail cells, secretions, bioanalytical content, bacteriological content, and enzymatic content.

113. The method of claim 111, wherein the acquiring of the at least one sample is carried out using a technique chosen from adhesive collection, absorption, and abrasion.

114. The method of claim 111, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information, the obtaining of the second information, the obtaining of the third information, and the obtaining of the fourth information further comprises analyzing the at least one sample to ascertain at least one of a qualitative property and a quantitative property relating to the at least one condition.

115. The method of claim 114, wherein the qualitative property relates to one of presence and absence of at least one component, and the quantitative property relates to relative quantity of at least one component in the sample.

116. The method of claim 114, wherein the analyzing of the at least one sample is carried out using at least one of an optical, chemical, and biological analysis technique.

117. The method of claim 116, wherein the analysis technique is chosen from gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry, ultraviolet observation, fluorescence observation, infrared observation, Raman spectrophotometric observation, and X-ray observation.

118. The method of claim 114, wherein each of the determining of the difference between the first information and the second information and the determining of the difference between the third information and the fourth information comprises determining at least one difference between properties ascertained from analyzing the samples.

119. The method of claim 81, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information, the obtaining of the second information, the obtaining of the third information, and the obtaining of the fourth information comprises receiving information chosen from a quantitative measurement of the at least one condition, at least one external body portion image, and at least one external body portion sample.

120. The method of claim 119, wherein each of the obtaining of the first information, the obtaining of the second information, the obtaining of the third information, and the obtaining of the fourth information further comprises at least one of analyzing the at least one image to ascertain at least one of a qualitative property and a quantitative property relating to the at least one condition and analyzing the at least one sample to ascertain at least one of a qualitative property and a quantitative property relating to the at least one condition.

121. The method of claim 119, wherein the information is received via at least one of a package delivery service and a computer network.

122. The method of claim 81, further comprising:

maintaining a database containing external body portion information for a plurality of subjects; and

conducting an analysis based on a comparison between information in the database and at least one of the first information, the second information, the determined difference between the first information and the second information, the third information, the fourth information, and the difference between the third information and the fourth information.

123. The method of claim 122, further comprising storing at least one of the first information, the second information, the determined difference between the first information and the second information, the third information, the fourth information, and the difference between the third information and the fourth information in the database.

124. The method of claim 81, further comprising:

maintaining a subject record; and

causing storage in the subject record of at least one of the first information, the second information, the determined difference between the first information and the second information, the third information, the fourth information, and the difference between the third information and the fourth information.

125. The method of claim 124, comprising causing storage in the subject record of subject information acquired subsequent to the third information and the fourth information.

126. The method of claim 124, further comprising enabling the subject to access at least a portion of information stored in the subject record.

127. The method of claim 126, further comprising enabling the subject to access the information via at least one of a package delivery service and a computer network.

128. The method of claim 126, further comprising enabling the subject to graphically display the information.