Portable Skin Evaluation Device With Dot-Pattern Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skin evaluation devices are large, expensive, and require skilled technicians, making them inaccessible for general users, while existing non-contact methods are costly and lack accuracy due to the need for complex optical systems.
Innovation Solution
A portable, inexpensive skin evaluation device using a laser light source to project a dot pattern, a polarizing filter to separate direct and diffuse reflection light, and an image sensor to analyze the diffuse reflection for accurate skin condition assessment, incorporating a computer system for data processing and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measurement devices are used to evaluate skin condition, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical measurement systems with a digital imaging-based system. Instead of using sophisticated contactless optical scanners or mechanical probes, the invention uses a standard camera to capture images of a dot pattern projected on the skin, then processes these images computationally to extract skin condition information. This substitution of mechanical/optical systems with digital imaging and computational methods achieves accurate skin evaluation while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or model of the complex measurement process. Rather than directly measuring skin properties with expensive equipment, the system projects a dot pattern that acts as a reference model, captures its interaction with skin tissue through standard imaging, and computationally reconstructs skin condition metrics. This copying approach allows accurate evaluation using inexpensive components.
2Measurement precision
If conventional skin evaluation devices are used, then evaluation accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement of skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the system automatically performs skin condition evaluation without requiring skilled technicians. The device autonomously projects the dot pattern, captures images, processes the data through algorithms, and generates skin condition reports. This automation of the entire measurement and analysis process eliminates the need for expert operators while maintaining evaluation accuracy, making the system easy to use by anyone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operation and expert judgment with automated computational processing. Instead of requiring technicians to interpret complex optical signals or perform manual measurements, the system uses image processing algorithms and computer vision techniques to automatically extract skin condition information from captured images, thereby eliminating the skill requirement.
3Ease of operation
If non-contact measurement methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of accurate optical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for precision optical systems with a digital imaging approach. Instead of using complex optical components to directly measure skin properties non-contactly, the system uses a standard camera to capture a dot pattern projected on the skin, then employs computational methods to analyze the light scattering and reflection patterns. This substitution maintains non-contact convenience while achieving measurement precision through image processing rather than optical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct optical property measurement to analysis of dot pattern distortion and light scattering patterns captured in images. By transforming the measurement approach from direct optical measurement to indirect image-based analysis, the system achieves accurate skin condition evaluation using simple non-contact imaging, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate, user-friendly skin condition evaluation by quantifying skin properties, such as collagen density, allowing for personalized skincare recommendations and daily monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that projects a dot pattern created by first light onto a skin of at least one user; an image sensor that generates and outputs image data which indicates an image of the skin onto which the dot pattern is projected
Data Source
AI summary
A skin evaluation device includes: a light source that projects a dot pattern created by first light onto a skin of at least one user; an image sensor that generates and outputs image data which indicates an image of the skin onto which the dot pattern is projected; a memory that stores reference data to evaluate a condition of the skin; and an arithmetic circuit that generates and outputs data related to the condition of the skin based on the image data and the reference data.