Hair Tail Positioning via Image Segmentation and Intensity Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hair transplantation methods face challenges in accurately determining the position of hair tails on the body surface, which can lead to inaccurate positioning of tools and potential damage to hair grafts during harvesting.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize imaging devices and processors to determine the contour and longitudinal axis of hair follicles, refine the coarse position of hair tails based on intensity profiles, and position hair harvesting tools accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual dissection and identification of follicular units is used, then flexibility and adaptability in selecting hair follicles is improved, but time consumption and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in selecting hair folliclesVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical dissection and visual identification with an automated image processing system that uses digital imaging and computer algorithms to detect, segment, and identify follicular units. The system captures images of the scalp surface and automatically processes them to locate hair follicles and determine their characteristics, eliminating the need for manual dissection under a microscope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the scalp surface and processes this copy to identify follicular units. Instead of physically manipulating and examining each follicle, the system uses image segmentation algorithms to detect and analyze the structural characteristics of hair follicles from their visual appearance, allowing for rapid identification without physical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Loss of time

If automated image processing is used to identify hair follicles, then time consumption is reduced, but measurement precision of hair tail position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime consumptionVSAvoidprecision of hair tail position

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image into distinct regions corresponding to different hair follicles and their components. By dividing the complex image data into manageable segments, the system can accurately identify and analyze individual hair follicles, their tails, and their spatial relationships. This segmentation enables precise localization of hair tail positions while maintaining processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional image data to three-dimensional spatial understanding by analyzing the longitudinal axis of hair follicles and determining their orientation in space. The system calculates the angle and position of hair follicles relative to the skin surface, adding a dimensional component that enables precise determination of hair tail positions while maintaining automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If coarse position determination methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of hair tail position determination deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of position determination systemVSAvoidprecision of hair tail position

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary image capture and basic processing steps to establish a foundation for precise measurement. By first acquiring high-quality images and performing initial segmentation, the system prepares the data in advance, allowing for subsequent precise calculation of hair tail positions without requiring complex real-time processing during the actual measurement phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that bridges simple image capture and precise position determination. This intermediate stage involves image segmentation, feature extraction, and data preparation, which transforms raw image data into structured information that can be accurately measured. The intermediary processing enables precise results without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8983157B2System and method for determining the position of a hair tail on a body surface

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 VENUS CONCEPT INC

AI summary

System and method are provided for determining hair tail positions. An image containing hair which is received from an image acquisition device is processed to find a coarse hair tail position. The coarse hair tail position is refined through further processing. The refined hair tail position may be used for accurate positioning, for example, of hair transplantation tools in various hair transplantation applications.