Use of the Kalman filters for the analysis of the mechanical properties of human skin in vivo

Abstract

In this article, we present an inverse method for the identification of the mechanical properties of human skin, a complex multi-layered organ which has been studied in vivo using a suction deformation technique. To identify the required properties, experimental results were compared to finite element solutions of the test, with the assumption that skin behaves as a single isotropic hyperelastic layer. The inverse method used in this article is based on that of the extended Kalman filters principle, with two modifications of this standard formulation for use in skin analysis. The modified formulation was then tested using Finite Element Method (FEM) simulated mechanical data and also with a study of linear and nonlinear theoretical problems. The results of the new formulation were also compared with the Gauss-Newton, recursive least square and Kalman smoother approaches. Finally, the reliability of the method was tested on a case study.