A simple and efficient Photometric Stereo sensor for dermatological applications ("UV-Laser Therapy")

We report about our research project "UV-Laser Therapy": its objective is the precise sensor controlled treatment of skin lesions such as dermatitis and psoriasis, using strong (UV-)excimer laser radiation. We present an optical 3d-sensor that measures the lesion areas. The acquired information is used to control the laser scanner for the reliable exposure of the lesion areas. The medical and commercial requirements for the sensor and the algorithms are high reliability, accurate and fast identification of the lesions and – last not least - low-cost. These requirements can be satisfied by our sensor that is based on "Photometric Stereo". We present a new efficient and robust hardware setup, and robust algorithms for the discrimination of healthy skin and skin lesions. This project is funded by the "Bayerische Forschungsstiftung".