Japanese technology company, Fujitsu Laboratories, has developed a new system for measuring skin color accurately using a smartphone’s camera and a Color Frame.  Utilizing this technology, consumers and doctors can measure skin condition, including spots, dullness, and pore size easily.  According to Fujitsu officials:

Skin looks different under different lighting conditions, such as incandescent or fluorescent illumination. But Color Frame can compensate for color differences caused by different environments.

The pictures are taken with the outer camera, so you take them while looking in a mirror. You take four shots: around the cheekbone, beside the nose, beside the cheek, and around the mouth. When you have the four shots, you press the Analyze button. The results are given as scores, and you can also see the analyzed images. Firstly, spots are detected from the cheekbone shot, and shown as a binary image. Similarly, the shots beside the nose and cheek are used to detect pores.

To be able to analyze how an individual’s skin care routine is progressing, the app will save images and data to provide an analytical snapshot that the user can use later to possibly make better shopping choices.  Fujitsu developers explain:

For example, when cosmetics makers give out free samples, they could provide the Color Frame and app as well, so customers can check whether using a sample really makes a difference. That could help with sales promotion, and also be a way to communicate with customers.

Fujitsu plans to initially offer the service in the near future for Japanese women only but asserts that the product can be used by women of all ethnic backgrounds.