Hair Follicle Orientation via Image-Generated Skin Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair transplantation techniques, such as FUE, face challenges in accurately orienting tools to avoid follicle damage due to the discrepancy in hair follicle direction under the skin and the need for precise approach angles to prevent transection and skiving during harvesting and implantation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determine the emergence angle of hair follicles using image processing and surface fitting to select a minimum approach angle for tools, allowing for precise orientation of harvesting and implantation tools relative to the follicles, reducing the risk of transection and improving esthetic results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the tool is aligned with the visible axis of the follicular unit above the skin, then the alignment process is simplified, but the tool may transect or damage the follicle because the subcutaneous direction differs from the visible direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment processVSAvoidfollicle integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual alignment with an automated vision system that captures images of the follicular unit, processes them through image analysis algorithms, and automatically determines the correct tool orientation. This substitution of mechanical alignment with optical-digital processing resolves the contradiction by providing precise subcutaneous direction detection without requiring manual estimation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer between the visible follicular unit and the harvesting tool. Image processing algorithms act as mediators that translate visual information into accurate spatial orientation data, enabling the tool to align with the subcutaneous follicle direction rather than merely the visible surface orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the FUE procedure is performed manually with individual follicular unit extraction, then scarring is avoided and patient discomfort is reduced, but the procedure becomes laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescarring and patient discomfortVSAvoidprocedure speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated system where the vision-guided robotic arm performs the harvesting procedure autonomously. The system captures images, processes them to identify follicular units and their orientations, and automatically positions and executes the harvesting action without continuous manual intervention, thereby maintaining the benefits of individual FU extraction while dramatically improving procedural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of individual follicular unit extraction with an automated robotic system guided by vision processing. This substitution maintains the precision and tissue-sparing benefits of manual FUE while eliminating the labor-intensive nature of the procedure through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the tool approaches the follicular unit at a very low angle, then skin penetration may be achieved, but the tool may skive along the skin surface instead of properly penetrating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin penetrationVSAvoidtool orientation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback through the vision system that continuously monitors the tool's position and orientation relative to the follicular unit. The image processing algorithm analyzes the spatial relationship and provides real-time guidance to adjust the approach angle, ensuring it remains within the optimal range to prevent skiving while achieving proper skin penetration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual estimation of approach angles with automated vision-based measurement and control. The system calculates the precise angle between the tool axis and the skin surface based on image data, eliminating the need for manual angle judgment and ensuring consistent, accurate orientation throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2405821B1System and method for orienting a tool for transplanting hairs using image-generated topological skin models

Publication Date: 2017.10.25 RESTORATION ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for orienting a hair harvesting tool relative to a follicular unit to be harvested. Further, systems and methods of implanting follicular units are provided, which are based on the orientation of the existing follicular units or based on pre- determined insertion angle, The provided systems and methods use image processing and image-generated topological skin models. In some embodiments surface fit is performed using, for example, a planar fit, quadric fit, cubic fit, mesh fit and parametric fit.