Hair Follicle Map Processor for Videodermoscopy Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing hair condition, such as trichoscopy, face challenges in accurately distinguishing between hair disorders like Androgenetic alopecia, diffuse Alopecia areata, and Telogen effluvium, and in measuring treatment efficacy due to reliance on manual or computer-assisted analysis of videodermoscopy images, which can be inconsistent and dependent on precise camera positioning.
Innovation Solution
An analysis unit that processes follicular maps from videodermoscopy images to determine hair root positions and analyze changes in hair density and distribution, using image processing algorithms and statistical analysis to provide more accurate assessments of hair condition, including the ability to identify new or lost hair, and to evaluate treatment effectiveness without the need for precise camera repositioning or reference symbols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual or computer-assisted analysis of videodermoscopy images is used to assess hair condition, then the assessment can be performed, but the precision and reliability of the analysis is insufficient and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis with an automated computer-based analysis system that processes videodermoscopy images. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically identify hair shafts, measure diameters, and calculate density metrics, eliminating human subjectivity and improving consistency. This substitution of manual analysis with automated computational methods directly addresses the precision and reliability issues in hair condition assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple quantitative parameters for hair assessment including hair shaft diameter measurements, hair density calculations, and distribution patterns. By transforming qualitative visual inspection into quantitative parameter analysis, the system achieves more precise and reliable measurements. The use of statistical parameters such as average diameter, minimum diameter, and maximum diameter provides objective data for assessing hair condition and treatment efficacy.
2Measurement precision
If precise camera positioning and reference symbols are used to ensure consistent field of view in before and after images, then the same skin area can be identified, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital image processing to create a virtual reference system by capturing the field of view and using image registration algorithms to identify and match anatomical landmarks between before and after images. Instead of physical reference symbols, the system creates digital copies and comparisons of the skin area, allowing precise identification of the same region without adding physical complexity to the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing software as an intermediary that automatically aligns and compares videodermoscopy images taken at different time points. The software uses feature detection and image registration techniques to match corresponding anatomical structures, serving as a mediator between the camera and the analyst. This eliminates the need for manual positioning and reference symbols while maintaining field of view consistency.
3Ease of operation
If visual qualitative inspection of videodermoscopy images is performed to diagnose hair disorders, then initial diagnosis can be made, but the ability to precisely distinguish between similar conditions and measure treatment efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms qualitative visual inspection into quantitative analysis by measuring specific parameters such as hair shaft diameter, hair density, and distribution patterns. The system calculates statistical parameters including average diameter, minimum diameter, maximum diameter, and density metrics that provide objective data for distinguishing between different hair disorders. This quantitative approach enables precise differentiation between conditions that appear similar visually, such as androgenetic alopecia versus telogen effluvium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective visual inspection with automated computer-based analysis that objectively measures hair parameters. The system uses image processing algorithms to detect and measure hair shafts, calculate density, and identify patterns that are difficult to discern through visual inspection alone. This substitution provides more precise and reliable diagnosis and treatment monitoring capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An analysis unit for assessment of hair condition is described. The analysis unit comprises a map processor (MPP'). The map processor (MPP') is arranged to at least: obtain a first follicular map (FM1) representing a first plurality of hair root positions in a first videodermoscopy image, obtain a second follicular map (FM2) representing a second plurality of hair root positions in a second videodermoscopy image (IM2), determine a common skin area (OV1, OV2) from the first follicular map (FM1) and the second follicular map (FM2), relate hair root positions in the second follicular map to hair root positions of the first follicular map in the common skin area to determine a plurality of related hair root positions, and compare a change in condition of individual hair between the first and second videodermoscopy image to determine the analysis result (ANR2) suitable for assessment of hair condition.