A collection and statistical analysis of skin reflectance signatures for inherent variability over the 250 nm to 2500 nm spectral range

Abstract

The spectral reflectance signature of human skin provides opportunities to advance observations ranging from medical treatment to security applications. In this study 28 volunteers participated in a skin reflectance measurement of the inside of the right forearm. The reflectance measurements were made over the 250 nm to 2500 nm spectral range. The analysis included estimates of the variability attributed to the instrument, variability of the same subject, and variability among subjects. This allowed for determining measures of similarity and differences that indicate the inherent separability within the distribution. While this sample size may not fully represent a full diverse-population, it does provide a provisional reference point for modeling and simulation.