Multispectral Skin Imaging for Precise Laser Treatment Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining laser treatment parameters for skin procedures rely on manual assessment of skin attributes by medical personnel, which can be subjective and inconsistent, lacking objective and detailed analysis of skin conditions.
Innovation Solution
A skin imaging apparatus and method that uses an electro-optics unit with illuminator assemblies and image sensors to capture and analyze skin images under different spectral illuminations, combining images to produce composite maps and compute skin condition parameters, enabling precise treatment regimen suggestions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual assessment of skin attributes is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment with an automated optical imaging system that captures skin images and uses image processing algorithms to objectively measure skin attributes. The mechanical/manual process of visual inspection is substituted with an optical-mechanical-imaging system that provides quantitative measurements of skin color, texture, and other attributes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the skin and the observer. Instead of direct manual assessment, the system uses captured images as an intermediary to enable objective analysis through computational methods, allowing for precise measurement while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple spectral illuminations are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by sequentially activating different spectral illuminations (e.g., blue, green, red LEDs) at different time points rather than simultaneously. This allows the system to capture multiple spectral images over time, improving measurement precision through multi-spectral analysis while avoiding the complexity of simultaneous multi-wavelength sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the illumination function into multiple separate light sources with different spectral characteristics. Instead of using a single complex broadband source, the system divides illumination into discrete spectral bands (blue, green, red LEDs), each captured at different time points, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through modular segmentation.
3Measurement precision
If automated image analysis is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically analyze its own captured images using embedded image processing algorithms. The apparatus performs self-analysis of skin attributes from the captured images without requiring external manual intervention, thereby improving measurement precision while managing complexity through integrated automated processing.
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
Provides objective and detailed analysis of skin conditions, allowing for personalized and effective laser treatment parameters, enhancing treatment outcomes by accounting for variations in skin color, vascular structure, and other skin attributes.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging optics assembly; and an image sensor assembly, comprising an image sensor, wherein the imaging optics assembly is configured to collect backscattered said illumination light from the target tissue
Implementation Method 2
the imaging optics assembly is configured to collect backscattered said illumination light from the target tissue and focus the collected backscattered illumination light on the image sensor
Implementation Method 3
The sets of illumination elements are LEDs with different peak wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A skin imaging and diagnostic method and apparatus comprising, a frame, configured to circumscribe a target tissue on the skin of a patient. An electro-optics unit of the apparatus comprising: an illuminator assembly comprising illuminating elements, configured to provide illumination light on the target tissue; an imaging optics assembly; and an image sensor assembly, comprising an image sensor, wherein the imaging optics assembly is configured to collect backscattered said illumination light from the target tissue and focus the collected backscattered illumination light on the image sensor; and the image sensor is disposed to consequently sense an image of the target tissue. A controller configured to activate illuminating elements and to capture each image from the image sensor.