Optical Diffuser Imaging for Skin Contact Detection in Treatment Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatment devices require dedicated skin contact sensors on each attachment, increasing complexity and cost, and complex imaging processing techniques are needed to determine skin contact, which is undesirable in handheld devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical diffuser and imaging unit in the treatment device to obtain images through the diffuser, allowing for simplified image processing to determine skin contact by comparing images with reference images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated skin contact sensors are installed on each attachment, then skin contact detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is designed to serve multiple functions: capturing images for treatment guidance, evaluating treatment effects, and detecting skin contact. By making the imaging unit multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated skin contact sensors on each attachment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the skin contact detection function with the imaging unit by processing images obtained through the optical diffuser. This merging of functions allows the system to use a single imaging component for both imaging and contact detection purposes, reducing the overall number of sensors and components required
2Measurement precision
If complex imaging processing techniques are used to determine skin contact, then measurement precision is improved, but processing burden and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical diffuser as an intermediary component between the imaging unit and the skin. This diffuser modifies the light path such that images captured during skin contact have distinctive characteristics (reduced total light, specific intensity distributions). The optical diffuser acts as a mediator that enables simple threshold-based processing to achieve accurate contact detection without complex algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of light transmission by introducing an optical diffuser that alters light intensity distributions when skin is in contact. By monitoring changes in total light intensity and spatial intensity distribution rather than analyzing complex image features, the system achieves precise contact detection through simple parameter comparison
3Adaptability or versatility
If an imaging unit is added to the treatment device, then treatment guidance capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is designed to perform multiple functions including treatment guidance via displacement measurement, evaluation of treatment effects, and skin contact detection. This multi-functionality justifies the added manufacturing cost by providing several capabilities from a single component addition rather than requiring separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging unit captures images that are processed to provide treatment guidance and contact detection automatically. The system uses the same imaging data for multiple purposes, allowing the added component to pay for itself through multiple functional benefits rather than requiring additional separate components
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 reliable skin contact detection with reduced processing burden, minimizing the need for additional sensors and simplifying image processing.
Implementation Method 1
an optical diffuser arranged on the treatment device such that an outer surface of the optical diffuser is proximate to skin of the subject when the treatment device is to be used to perform the treatment operation
Implementation Method 2
an imaging unit for obtaining one or more images using light passing through the optical diffuser into the treatment device
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, there is provided a treatment device for performing a treatment operation on or to a subject. The treatment device comprises: an optical diffuser arranged on the treatment device such that an outer surface of the optical diffuser is proximate to, or in contact with, skin of the subject when the treatment device is to be used to perform the treatment operation; and an imaging unit for obtaining one or more images using light passing through the optical diffuser into the treatment device; wherein the treatment device is further configured for providing one or more images to a processing unit for determination of whether the treatment device is in contact with the skin.