Facial Skin Age Estimation via CIELAB Illumination Normalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing facial skin condition require high-quality images taken in controlled environments, making it inconvenient for users to obtain accurate assessments, as maintaining consistent face distance, illumination, and head pose in uncontrolled environments is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method involving image preprocessing that converts images from RGB to CIELAB color space to adjust illumination and color components based on a reference image, allowing for standardized image processing and estimation of skin age using evaluation indices like melanin concentration, hemoglobin, wrinkles, and sagging seriousness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-quality images are taken under controlled environmental settings, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts images from RGB color space to CIELAB color space, adjusting the illumination component (L*) and color components (a*, b*) to normalize environmental variations. This parameter transformation allows images taken in uncontrolled environments to be processed as if taken under controlled conditions, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference image as an intermediary to mediate between the captured image and the assessment algorithm. By comparing the captured image against a reference image taken under controlled conditions, the system compensates for environmental variations without requiring the user to recreate controlled conditions, thus maintaining both precision and convenience
2Measurement precision
If controlled environmental settings are required, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/environmental control system with a computational image processing system. Instead of requiring physical control of lighting and camera positioning, the system uses color space conversion and illumination adjustment algorithms to achieve the same effect, eliminating the need for complex environmental control hardware and setup
3Measurement precision
If professional equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a computational copy of the controlled environment assessment process that can run on standard devices. By capturing a reference image under controlled conditions once and using it to adjust subsequent images, the system replicates the functionality of professional equipment like VISIA on consumer devices, making precise skin assessment accessible without requiring appointment booking or travel to specialized centers
Data Source
AI summary
A method for facial skin age estimating and electronic device. The method includes: adjusting illumination component and color component of a facial image depending on a reference image; analyzing a plurality of evaluation index for assessing skin condition on interest area of the facial image and estimating the skin age of the facial image, according to the evaluation index.