Automated Follicular Unit Selection for Hair Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hair transplantation methods are inefficient due to the time-consuming process of selecting and moving to the next follicular unit for harvesting, especially in automated systems where repositioning the harvesting tool is necessary.
Innovation Solution
An automated system and method for selecting follicular units based on policies that improve speed, quality, and efficacy, using an image processor to identify, sort, and select the best follicular units for harvesting, which can be integrated with both manual and robotic hair transplantation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual selection and repositioning of follicular units is performed, then the harvesting procedure can be completed, but the time and efficiency are reduced due to the need to select and move to the next follicular unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically identifying, sorting, and selecting the next follicular unit before the harvesting tool needs to be repositioned. The image processor captures images, identifies candidate follicular units, sorts them according to policies, and selects the next target, all before the physical harvesting action is complete. This eliminates the time loss associated with manual selection and repositioning by having the next target ready in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of selecting and repositioning follicular units with an automated image processing and control system. The image processor automatically identifies and selects follicular units based on policies, and the control system automatically repositions the harvesting tool, eliminating the need for manual mechanical operations and significantly improving harvesting speed while reducing time loss.
2Productivity
If automated harvesting tool repositioning is implemented, then harvesting efficiency can be improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system integrates multiple functions into a unified platform: image capture, image processing, follicular unit identification, sorting based on multiple policies, selection of next target, and control of harvesting tool repositioning. This multi-functional integration improves harvesting efficiency while managing complexity through consolidation rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying and selecting the next follicular unit without human intervention. The image processor autonomously analyzes images, applies sorting policies, and determines the next target, while the control system autonomously repositions the harvesting tool. This self-service capability improves efficiency by eliminating manual operations while the automation manages its own complexity through integrated design.
3Ease of manufacture
If follicular units are selected without automated sorting policies, then the process is simpler, but the quality and efficacy of harvesting are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters of follicular unit selection by applying multiple sorting policies that evaluate different characteristics: follicular unit type (number of hairs), distance to harvesting tool, orientation, emergence angle, and shape simplicity. These parameter-based sorting policies improve harvesting quality and efficacy by systematically selecting optimal follicular units while the automated process maintains simplicity through algorithmic evaluation rather than complex manual assessment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for selecting follicular units for hair harvesting using imaging and processing techniques are provided. The method of selecting an order of harvesting follicular units is based on a combination of one or more policies and/or filters that are generally designed to improve a speed, quality and efficacy of the harvesting process. The method of the present invention may be implemented with various hair harvesting and transplantation systems, including manual, partially automated and fully automated systems.