Fluorescent Calibration Standard for Skin Imaging Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skin imaging systems face challenges in maintaining consistent illumination levels, leading to variations in digital images that are not attributable to skin condition changes, thereby reducing the reliability of analysis.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence standard with multiple layers that fluoresce in the 375 nm to 430 nm wavelength range is used to detect and compensate for variations in illumination by capturing and comparing images of the standard alongside the subject's skin, allowing for calibration and adjustment of light intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional skin imaging systems photograph skin under UV/blue light, then fluorescent images of skin conditions are obtained, but variations in illuminating light intensity and wavelength cause variations in digital images that are not attributable to skin condition changes
Solution Approach 1:
A fluorescent calibration standard is introduced as an intermediary reference object that fluoresces under the same UV/blue light conditions as skin. This standard includes multiple regions with different fluorescent properties (different materials, thicknesses, or concentrations) that produce distinguishable fluorescent signals. By capturing images of this calibration standard alongside skin images and comparing the observed fluorescent intensities against the known properties of the standard regions, the system can detect and compensate for variations in illuminating light intensity and wavelength, thereby maintaining measurement precision and analysis reliability across different imaging sessions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If images are captured at different times or under different lighting conditions, then more skin condition data can be collected, but variations in illuminating light reduce the probative value of digital imaging analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent calibration standard provides a feedback mechanism for monitoring illuminating light conditions. Each time an image is captured, the system also captures an image of the calibration standard and compares the observed fluorescent intensities against the expected values for each region. This feedback allows the system to detect deviations in light intensity and wavelength caused by environmental changes or equipment drift. Based on this feedback, the system can either adjust imaging parameters to compensate for the variations or flag images that do not meet quality thresholds, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving imaging flexibility.
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
This approach ensures consistent illumination conditions, enhancing the reliability and quality of skin imaging analysis by normalizing image intensity and reducing the impact of environmental and equipment-related fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent object that fluoresces in response to light in the approximate wavelength range of 375 nm to 430 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A fluorescence standard for identifying variations in illumination during imaging has a composite fluorescent laminar structure, which fluoresces in response to light in the approximate wavelength range of 375 nm to 430 nm. The fluorescent object has at least two areas with different fluorescent response, e.g., a first made from a strongly luminescing material, such as GG420 filter glass. A portion of the GG420 glass is covered by filter glass having an attenuating effect on the fluorescent response. In accordance with a method of the present invention, variations in illumination during imaging with a camera are detected by placing the standard before the camera during imaging. Each captured image may contain the image of the standard and the fluorescent response of the standard in different images can be compared to identify any response changes due to variations in illumination. The variations in illumination can then be remediated by adjusting the source of illumination, the camera or ambient lighting. Alternatively, the images can be normalized through digital image processing.