Mobile Device Surface Texture Analysis Using Infrared Light Scattering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for analyzing surface texture, particularly in biological tissues like skin, often require specialized and costly equipment, limiting their accessibility and availability.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device equipped with a processor, sensor, and infrared light source is used to acquire surface texture data, generate a 3D model, and analyze characteristics using machine learning models to provide diagnoses and product recommendations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specialized equipment is used for surface texture analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface texture measurement precisionVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a camera to capture optical images of the surface, creating a visual copy that can be analyzed digitally. This replaces the need for complex specialized measurement equipment while maintaining the ability to analyze surface texture characteristics through image processing and machine learning algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical or optical measurement systems with a camera-based imaging system combined with computational analysis. Instead of using specialized sensors or mechanical profilometers, the system uses standard camera technology with image processing to achieve surface texture analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If specialized equipment is used for surface texture analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but accessibility and availability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface texture measurement precisionVSAvoidaccessibility of analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a camera, which is a universal device already present in smartphones and digital cameras, to perform surface texture analysis. This multi-functional approach allows the same device used for general photography to also conduct specialized medical or industrial surface analysis, greatly improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses standard, inexpensive camera technology instead of expensive specialized equipment. By leveraging widely available consumer-grade cameras, the system makes surface texture analysis accessible to a much broader audience without requiring investment in costly specialized instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If standard camera imaging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but surface texture data quality worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidsurface texture data quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the imaging parameters by capturing images at specific angles and lighting conditions optimized for surface texture detection. By carefully controlling and adjusting imaging parameters such as light source angle, camera distance, and polarization, the system extracts high-quality surface texture data that would normally require specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces computational algorithms and machine learning models as intermediaries between the standard camera and the final surface texture analysis. These computational tools process the raw images to enhance surface texture visibility and extract meaningful characteristics, bridging the gap between simple imaging and precise measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the analysis of surface texture characteristics on biological tissues using readily available and cost-effective mobile devices, facilitating accessible diagnostics and product recommendations without the need for specialized equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor to detect signals generated by light scattered from the surface back to the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

signals generated by light scattered from the surface back to the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS11585654B2Texture detection apparatuses, systems, and methods for analysis

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to projecting light on a surface and analyzing the scattered light to obtain spatial information of the surface and generate a three dimensional model of the surface. The three dimensional model may then be analyzed to calculate one or more surface characteristics, such as roughness. The surface characteristics may then be analyzed to provide a result, such as a diagnosis or a product recommendation. In some examples, a mobile device is used to analyze the surface.