Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Skin Age Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining skin quality are challenging due to their reliance on superficial measurements, lack of molecular-level information, and susceptibility to environmental interferences, making it difficult to provide precise and reliable parameters for targeted skin care or medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using infrared radiation in the spectral range of 1 μm to 2.5 μm to determine the estimated age of skin by applying a trained trainable model to sample reflection spectra, which are trained on labeled reference reflection spectra from known ages, allowing for deeper layer analysis and robustness against external interferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If superficial measurement methods (capacitive, photometric) are used to measure skin quality, then the measurement process is simple and non-invasive, but the measurement precision is insufficient because these methods only target the uppermost skin layer (stratum corneum) and are subject to severe environmental and diurnal changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring only the superficial stratum corneum layer to measuring deeper skin layers (epidermis, dermis, subcutis) by using near-infrared spectroscopy. This dimensional deepening into skin structures enables access to molecular-level information about collagen, elastin, and water content, providing precise skin quality parameters that are not affected by surface environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses near-infrared radiation as an intermediary to penetrate the skin and obtain molecular information. The near-infrared light interacts with water and other molecules in the skin, allowing non-invasive measurement of deep tissue properties without requiring physical contact or invasion of the skin structure.
2Measurement precision
If advanced image processing and analysis in the visible wavelength range are used (e.g., RGB camera based), then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision is insufficient because such methods lack information on a molecular level and suffer from many external interferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from visible light (400-700 nm) to near-infrared radiation (700-2500 nm). This parameter change enables the measurement to penetrate deeper into the skin and interact with molecules (water, collagen, elastin) that absorb near-infrared radiation, providing molecular-level information that is independent of surface environmental conditions.
3Reliability
If measurements are performed under controlled environmental conditions in laboratories, then the measurement precision and reliability are high, but the ease of operation and accessibility are reduced because specialized equipment and controlled environments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the skin to serve as its own reference by using its own optical properties (absorption, scattering) in the near-infrared range to provide reliable measurements. The method utilizes the natural molecular composition of the skin (water, proteins, lipids) as the measurement target, eliminating the need for external references or controlled laboratory conditions while maintaining high reliability.
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
This approach provides precise and reliable skin quality parameters, enabling customized recommendations for skincare and health improvements by assessing skin aging on a molecular level, beyond superficial measurements.
Implementation Method 1
using at least one sample reflection spectrum of at least one portion of the skin of the living being over a spectral measurement range, the spectral measurement range comprising at least one portion of the wavelength range of 1 μm to 2.5 μm
Implementation Method 2
using at least one sample reflection spectrum of at least one portion of the skin of the living being
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a computer-implemented method of optically determining an estimated age of a skin of a living being. The method includes:i. using at least one sample reflection spectrum of at least one portion of the skin of the living being over a spectral measurement range, the spectral measurement range including at least one portion of the wavelength range of from 1 μm to 2.5 μm; andii. determining the estimated age of the skin of the living being by applying, to the sample reflection spectrum, at least one trained trainable model.The trainable model is trained on a training dataset including a plurality of labeled reference reflection spectra. Each of the reference reflection spectra is acquired over a spectral range at least partially overlapping with the spectral measurement range of the sample reflection spectrum of step i.