Quick method of measuring the furrows distribution on skin surface replicas.

A fast method of measuring the distribution of furrows can be obtained via the analysis of TV camera images of skin replicas. These replicas are either negative (or direct) or positive. Reflected or transmitted light is used, depending on the type of replica. Each point of the matrix (256 x 256 pixels) is digitised over 6 bits (64 levels) and treated by a personal computer (IBM AT or PC). With such an image, it is not possible to obtain significant results without eliminating noise and enhancing the furrows. Specific software is written in processor language 8086 to obtain a real time system. The distribution of skin furrows is quantified for several interesting cases such as the ageing of the skin or the effect of stress.