OKU : Personal Skin Coach : is it real?

OKU Claims to be the first iPhone enabled Personal Skin Coach, and is now taking pre-orders on line.

The idea of an iPhone connected imaging interface that addresses the major challenges of reproducible and quantified skin imaging is definitely attractive, and there is a market for that..

But OKU's technology platform remains a big mystery. For engineers, the "OKU Technology" tab on the company website is simply disappointing. Name dropping "dermoscopy", "nanotechnology" and "spectroscopy" just alone simply does not work for us. Indeed, the potential of such technologies can be fantastic.... please tell us more! Show us how it works ( a little movie maybe ?) ... this is how you will make a difference as skin imaging is not trivial.

Having said that, and despite the cute but disappointing "marketing packaging" of the entire website (and lack of real product pictures, images and data), there are several product features that are quite attractive, including the portable imaging device and its docking station (please convince me that this is not "just" a webcam) and the simple and effective design of the iPhone App.

So in short....taking pre-orders at $249.95 for a due-date of "late Spring 2015" is a very aggressive call, and will probably convince grand parents who want to make a graduation present to their high-school grand-daughter with chronic acne. 

Please let's be serious.... show us a real product, explain your technology, show us real data and pictures to be more convincing. there is a lot going on in this industry and we all expect more fro a incoming player.

Google alerts are active on "OKU". We shall see.

French Start up ANAPIX Tackles the Holy Grail

French Start-up ANAPIX is currently incubated by the Technology Accelerator and incubator or Mareilles and has ambitious plans to takle the Holi Grail: a iPhone enabled image capture system...coupled to cloud-based image analysis and calculators to offer Clinical Decision support to dermatologists for the Skin cancer.

This is a very ambitious project, will challenges all along the technology workflow... and the care and regulatory trajectories.  A dozen of dermatologists are piloting the system in France.

ANAPIX is current;y looking for partners to take the concept to the next steps. Please reach out to them via www.sattse.com

SCHOTT skin counseling system

(Launched Sept 9th 2013) 

SCHOTT skin counseling systems are used by international cosmetic manufacturers as marketing tools. The new i-Scope® Viewer for AndroidTM was developed to achieve a more handy counseling method using tablet computers. The product is now available on Google Play™ (!! Cool!)  in three languages: English, Japanese and Chinese.

i-Scope® Viewer for Android™ is the fitting software for i-Scope® USB 2.0. The program allows users to easily observe their skin conditions in detail: by moving the scope along their skin, shooting images and saving them, comparing two images in one screen or viewing multiple saved images simultaneously. i-Scope® USB 2.0 is a scope equipped with a 1.3 mega CMOS sensor that can be used to observe skin, scalp and hair conditions by connecting the USB cable to a computer. Five lens options are available. 

Features of i-Scope® USB 2.0 Android™ and specification of i-Scope® Viewer for Android™

•Connection: Wired (mini-USB cables sold separately)
•No additional setting necessary on tablet PC; easy connection 
•Stable view of moving pictures 
•Compatible devices: Versions after Android ver. 3.2 are USB host capable (except for some devices) 
•Can check skin conditions by shooting still images 
•Can display two images in one screen. Can check different parts of the skin 
•Can save displayed images 
•Can display multiple saved images 
•Available in English, Japanese and Chinese 

More on the Manufacturer's website here.

Magic Ring Skin Analysis Test Machine

We are pleased to quote the recent article from "Future Ready Singapore" that showcases four Skincare Innovations for Asian women, including one specific image-based Skin Analysis tool: 

" Asian women boast a wide range of complexions and skin textures. Premium skincare brand SK-II invented the Magic Ring Skin Analysis Test Machine to provide tailor-made skincare counselling, leveraging US consumer product giant P&G’s extensive research into skin science. 

Invented in Japan, the device takes a high-resolution picture of the skin and then analyses skin conditions in areas such as texture, firmness, wrinkles, radiance and spots. 

Based on the results, the beauty advisor then suggests a personalised skincare treatment regime."

April 16th , 2014: Nice review on INSTYLES. See here

January 2013 : First Bloggers Workshop in Singapore. See Here.

The Focus Camera from EXO Labs: Made for iPad

EXO Labs launches a ruggedized microscope Camera that leverages the iPad platform ( with a "free" App) as a control system and image management tool, targeting the K-12 & Higher Education and Lab needs. This $496 Digital Camera (and App)  is a plug and play accessory to any microscope and iPad device. We think this is highly priced (when compared to an iPad or School Microscope), but that is probably going to go down with adoption and volume.


There is a very little technology gap to bridge and expand to Skin or Wound Imaging, and that is why we wanted to quote this system on our Blog.

In any case.. very cool. Congrats to EXO Labs !!

Wide-field Fluorescent and Darkfield Imaging on a cell-phone

UCLA researchers have developed a matchbox-sized attachment that converts a cell phone's camera into a fluorescent microscope. The device utilizes an inexpensive lens and battery-powered, light-emitting diodes to create a field of view some two orders of magnitude larger than previous cell-phone fluorescent microscopy technology.

It is more than five times smaller than previous cell phone microscopes.

By using side-illumination geometry, the device is also capable of dark-field microscopy on both fluorescent and non-fluorescent specimens, an illumination technique in which only light shown on a biological sample is captured, making it appear as if the sample is on a black background and enhancing the image. The side-illumination technique negates the need for more expensive thin-film interference filters typically used in fluorescent microscopy; an inexpensive plastic color filter can be used for this purpose.

Full publication here, with possible applications in Skin Imaging

$15 micro lens turns your smartphone into a microscope

The Micro Phone Lens, measuring just 1/4" in diameter, is designed to stick onto the lens of most cellphones (recommended 5 megapixel camera resolution), and easily capture images and videos ranging from 15X magnification up to 60X (using the phone's digital zoom feature). The design of the little lens is said to be a product of a "patent pending platinum catalyzed silicone technology" that yields an optical quality identical to that of glass, and yet is impervious to scratching and can be cleaned with soap and water. It self-adheres to the camera lens and can be installed or removed quickly and easily. Once the lens is on the phone, all you need to do is focus your image and click the shutter.

Imagine the possibilities when applied to skin imaging !

The Micro Phone Lens is currently in a crowdfunding phase on Kickstarter, and has gone well past its original goal of raising $5000. If you'd like to be one of the first to pick up one for your phone, a $15 pledge will secure your ability to soon take microscopic photos with your mobile.

Mobile Thermal Imaging is Coming

In our Industry Report published late August 2013, we discussed how mobile imaging was becoming more and more sophisticated. We discussed the emergence of iPad -based microscopes and also announced possible applications of IR-imaging iPads for Applied Skin Care.
The IR-Blue Thermal Imaging Smartphone affordable accessory is a good example of the technologies soon to be available.
The IR-Blue supports Bluetooth 2 and Bluetooth 4 BLE. It works with the iPhone 4S, 5, the New iPads and the 5th gen iPod Touch. It also works with Android 2.3 and newer devices with at least 480 x 800 resolution displays.

See KickStarter for a description of the venture.

Dermanest's 2013 Skin Imaging Industry Report:

Today Dermanest releases its 2013 Skin Imaging Industry Report.  The full report contains 42 pages (see table of content below) and is available on request (complimentary copies) at info@dermanest.com

 The goal of this work, developed in collaboration with DermaNest's partner TRI-Princeton, is to track the emergence of new imaging technologies that can be applied to skin and wound imaging. 

Since our last report in August 2012, we have added 17 new products to our survey (almost doubled), and included deep vein / vascularization imaging in addition to skin and wound.

Skin imaging has begun to move towards smartphone or tablet enabled technologies. The field of mobile imaging systems contains areas including smartphone accessories and enhanced software, allowing for improved mobile images an increasingly sophisticated analysis of the photos, which is performed either on the tablets ( with limited performance and questionable outcomes) or on the cloud with virtually unlimited capabilities for image management and data processing, including Artificial Intelligence based-algorithms that could offset the limited optical capabilities ( … for now) of Smart Phones. Interesting compromises are proposed by manufacturer who offer smart phone accessories coupled to Downloadable apps.

We expect an enormous development in the Smartphone optics in 2013-14. The ready-to launch iPhone 5S already brings a much more on-board camera, and there are many enhancing accessories hitting the market. In addition, several academic institutions and focusing their capabilities to innovate in the Mobile Microscopy field, which will be of very high relevance to applied skin care.

Table of Contents and List of Products

1)      Introduction  5

2)      Technologies Stratification  5

i)      In the USA  10

1.          Canfield Imaging Systems  12

2.          Enhanced Image Technologies  15

3.          DermLite  15

4.          Moritex and BrighTex Bio-Photonics  17

5.          Mobile solutions by BrighTex Bio-Photonics  17

6.          Profect Medical Technologies  18

7.          Caliber ( ex-Lucid) 18

8.          Christie Medical 19

9.          AccuVein  19

10.       VasaMed  20

11.       Wound Zoom   21

12.       Wound Matrix  21

13.       Emage  22

14.       TRUE-see Systems  22

15.       MyOwn  23

16.       SkinVision : Your Lifetime Skin Companion  24

ii)     In Europe, Australia, and Canada  25

17.       Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH   27

18.       FotoFinder  28

19.       BME  29

20.       Astron Clinica  30

21.       Michelson Diagnostics  31

22.       Eykona Wound Measurement System   32

23.       Silhouette by Aranz  32

24.       SIMSYS  33

25.       MOWA  33

26.       Dr. Mole  34

27.       AVEAL  34

28.       Skinlabs  35

iii)         SmartPhone Optics Enhancing Devices. 36

29.       CellScope and iPadScope  36

3)      Discussion and observations  37

4)      References  40

SkinVision : Your Lifetime Skin Companion

SkinVision (https://skinvision.com) is a mobile app that allows you to understand your skin health and keep track of it. The mobile applications allow you to understand UV index along with your skin type. In addition you can easily and simply check skin lesions ( moles) by sending a photo and receiving an instant analysis and also find an appropriate dermatologist in your vicinity.

But SkinVision is simply more than an app. It is, in fact, a mobile and browser platform that enables users and dermatologists to verify suspicious skin lesions and monitor suspicious skin lesions over time. SkinVision intends to educate, raise awareness, provide automated assessments for moles, improve the relationship between dermatologists and their patients and ultimately, to reduce costs for skin care. This enables continuous supervision, independent of geographical location. SkinVision is an important and necessary step towards the future of skincare.

Skin conditions in general, and skin cancer - melanoma in particular, almost always have a cause related to lifestyle, and SkinVision's goal is to help change those lifestyles so more people stay healthy and the ones that need treatment receive it in time.

The product is not FDA approved and the company displays a very large and visible “disclaimer” related to medical applications.

DermLite Smart Phone Accessories

Purpose of device: imaging of skin lesions on any body surface

Main application: medical practice   

Price range:  $39-69

·         DL Connection kit for IPad Mini – DL1/2/3

·         DL Connection kit for Galaxy S3,S4 – DL1/2/3

·         DL Connection kit for Ipad 3, 4 – DL1/2/3

·         DL Connection kit for Iphone 4/4S/5 – DL2/3

DermLite Famiy

Purpose of device: imaging of skin lesions on any body surface

Main application: medical practice   

Price range: $495/995/1295

“DermLite I:To accomplish this feat, the designers squeezed a superb, full-size 15 mm lens that's optimized for

iPhone, high-powered LED lighting and a high-performance rechargeable battery into the simply ingenious DL1, an all-aluminum design smaller than your ring finger that lets you capture high-resolution images of excellent clarity and sharpness in both polarized and non-polarized modes, with or without skin contact.”

“DermLite II Pro is the most innovative, powerful, and by far most versatile portable dermoscopy tool to date. A groundbreaking, patented cross-polarization system is activated simply by depressing a button providing instant polarization control over lesion visualization. From superficial structures to deeper pigmentation, you see more detail at various depths than ever before. Along with a powerful lithium-ion rechargeable battery, and 32 bright-white LEDs (light emitting diodes), the DermLiteII Pro shatters the field.”

“The DL3 has been developed to be the tool of choice for the world's leading dermatologists. Precision-engineered and crafted from solid aluminum, it is the first handheld DermLite to integrate a 25 mm four-element lens, which offers greatly reduced optical distortion and a sharper image across the field of view. Twenty-one high-powered LEDs produce approximately 30 % more illumination in cross-polarized mode than the DermLite II HR, and seven non-polarized LEDs for immersion fluid dermoscopy create a brighter image than the equivalent mode in the DermLite II hybrid. For optimum ease of use, one button does it all: A quick tap instantly toggles between polarization modes, and a longer push turns the unit on  or off.”

Canfield Imaging Systems: Veos Family

·         Veos HD1/HD2

Purpose of device: Viewing subdermal pigmentation and vascularity or surface structure on any body surface. Handheld, polarizing or non-polarizing light

Main application: medical practices

Price range: HD1-$695, HD2-$895

“The VEOS HD2 with dual-mode lighting is the ideal solution for viewing either subdermal pigmentation and vascularity or surface structure. The trim design fits easily in a pocket and offers a comfortable ergonomic feel in the hand. Precision optics and lighting deliver exceptionally bright and clear view of the finest detail. Quickly switch from polarized to non-polarized lighting with the touch of a button, or snap on the glass contact plate for immersion fluid dermoscopy. An optional iPhone integration sleeve allows one-click attachment for fast, high quality digital preview and image capture.

The Hardware includes:

§  Bright, high-contrast viewing

§  Polarized and non-polarized lighting, cross-polarized lighting

§  Contact & non-contact imaging

§  10X magnification

§  Long lasting lithium-ion battery

§  Low battery indicator

§  Compact, pocket-friendly design

§  Precision optics

§  Optional one-click sleeve kit for iPhone integration

§  5 Year Warranty”

·         Veos DS3

Purpose of device: Handheld Ipod integrated dermatoscope, lesion tagging, database managing on any body surface

 Main application: medical practices

Price range: $1095.00

“The VEOS DS3 delivers advanced dermoscopy in a high-technology mobile digital imaging platform. Combining Canfield’s exclusive optics and lighting with an embedded iPod Touch, the VEOS DS3 is the most versatile handheld dermatoscope available today.

Using the VEOS software application, controlled through a high-resolution touch screen display, the DS3 provides image preview, digital capture, lesion tagging, database management and more. The clinician can quickly switch between polarized and non-polarized lighting modes, contact and non-contact viewing or rotate the dermatoscope lens out of the way for an overview photograph of the patient.

Hardware includes

§  Integrated iPod Touch

§  VEOS software application

§  Unique moveable lens design

§  Polarized or non-polarized lighting

§  Contact or non-contact viewing

§  Digital image preview and capture

§  Zoom and pan image

§  Tag lesion to body map

§  Image database management

§  Send image by email

§  10X magnification”