Interesting Method to Measure Viscoelasticity & Anistropy
Measurement Principle
The novel probe combines mechanical force with imaging in a unique way. It consists of a suction ring (14 mm diameter) which draws the skin uniformly in all directions with a constant negative pressure provided inside the CutiScan-device for some seconds and then releases the applied pressure completely again for some seconds. 
During the suction and recovery time a high resolution CCD camera inside the probe (in the middle of the suction ring) monitors the displacement of each pixel by an optical flow algorithm (Horn-Schunk method) in a video. From that video an overall graph is generated. These graphs lead to interesting measurement parameters. Each direction in the graph is displayed as a curve of suction vs. relaxation (related to those known from other mechanical measurement methods for the skin). The black arrows indicate the displacement during suction time. The higher the skin's ability to 
resist the displacement, the more firm the skin. The red arrows indicate the returning of the skin into its original position by itself when the pressure in ceased. According to its elastic/viscoelastic properties skin cannot get back to the original position immediately after the pressure has stopped.
When looking at the skin site in all directions, it will become visible that in some directions the displacement and the returning rate are higher than in others depending on the linearity of the skin (anisotropy).
Advantages of the CutiScan
- Completely new & promising approach
- Information not only about the elastic and viscoelastic properties but also on anisotropy and directionality of the skin.
- For each measurement a complete video is available.
- From that video a graph consisting of 360 elasticity curves is calculated and all curves can be saved in Excel®.
- Overall measurement graphs are available: overall maximum and minimum amplitude and overall visco-elasticity and can also be transferred in Excel® by one mouse click.
Fields of Application
There are no limits to applications in efficacy testing and basic research wherever skin aging and elastic properties play a role.
Typical claims (examples) substantiated with the CutiScan: firmness enhancing, lifting, toning, anti-aging, improves skin elasticity, improves cellulite/stretch marks, against skin-fatigue/slackness, and more.
Technical Data
Device: Dimensions: 36 x 19 x 8 cm (W x D x H), Weight: 4 kg, Power supply: external 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz, DC 12V/4A, Port: USB 2.0, type B connector
Probe with integrated camera unit: Dimensions: 14.5 x 5.5 x 4.7 cm, Weight: approx. 370 g, Suction ring: 14 mm Ø, Connections to device: pneumatic and USB, Cable length: approx. 150 cm
Camera module: Image area: circular 5 mm Ø, Resolution: 1280 x 1024 pixel (approx. 1.3 Megapixel), Illumination: 20 UV-LEDs, (390nm - 395nm)
Measurement principle: suction (pressure setting up to 500 mbar) with simultaneous video of the displacement of the single image pixels, Units: displacement in pixel
Computer: Windows® 10, USB 2.0/3.0, performance must meet system requirements (please ask for details).
Technical changes may be made without prior notice.
