Optical Hair Characterization System Using Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing the surface characteristics and mechanical properties of hair and eyelashes are either costly, require specialized personnel, or are not suitable for in vivo use, particularly when dealing with multiple filaments or complex samples.
Innovation Solution
A characterization system that uses digital image analysis and processing to evaluate the reflection, dispersion, and fluorescence of samples, allowing for non-invasive, quantitative assessment of surface and mechanical properties, suitable for use in various settings without the need for extensive preparation or specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mechanical testing methods (combability tests, friction probes) are used to analyze hair surface characteristics, then mechanical property measurement is achieved, but the method is costly, requires specialized personnel, and is not suitable for in vivo use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical testing systems (combability tests, friction probes) with an optical measurement system that uses light sources and image capture devices to analyze hair surface characteristics. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized mechanical equipment while providing non-contact, in vivo capable measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the hair surface using light reflection and dispersion patterns. Instead of physically interacting with the hair through mechanical probes, the system captures light-based representations that contain surface characteristic information, enabling measurement without physical contact or complex mechanical apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If direct image analysis methods are used to study surface characteristics, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but the equipment is sophisticated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available components such as standard light sources (LEDs, halogen lamps) and conventional digital cameras or image sensors instead of sophisticated specialized imaging equipment. These components are simple, cost-effective, and sufficient for capturing the optical patterns needed for surface analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universal, multi-purpose equipment that can be found in ordinary laboratories or even consumer settings. The same image capture device can analyze various surface characteristics (roughness, gloss, diameter) without requiring specialized instrumentation, making the system accessible and easy to operate.
3Measurement precision
If sophisticated equipment is used for quantitative-quantitative evaluation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the system becomes less user-friendly and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated image processing algorithms that automatically extract surface characteristics from captured images without requiring manual analysis or interpretation by specialized personnel. The system processes the optical data itself, generating quantitative results through computer-based analysis of light reflection and dispersion patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms complex surface characteristic measurements into changes in optical parameters (light reflection intensity, dispersion patterns, color values) that can be captured by simple image sensors. By measuring parameter changes in the light rather than direct physical properties, the system achieves precise quantitative evaluation using inexpensive equipment.
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 user-friendly, cost-effective, and reproducible qualitative-quantitative evaluation of hair and eyelashes, both in vitro and in vivo, with the ability to assess the effects of treatments and formulations, suitable for use by non-specialized personnel in diverse contexts.
Implementation Method 1
The source of electromagnetic radiation (12) generates figures of reflection/dispersion/fluorescence by a sample (S) irradiated by an analysis radiation
Implementation Method 2
The source of electromagnetic radiation (12) generates figures of reflection/dispersion/fluorescence by a sample (S) irradiated by an analysis radiation
Implementation Method 3
The source of electromagnetic radiation (12) generates figures of reflection/dispersion/fluorescence by a sample (S) irradiated by an analysis radiation
Implementation Method 4
at least one image acquisition device (14) for capturing of images generated by the irradiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5a~6a
AI summary
A system is described for the characterization of vital or reconstituted tissues, in particular skin appendages such as hair or eyelashes or structures associated therewith, comprising in combination: a plurality of sources (12) of electromagnetic radiations adapted to be oriented spatially and to irradiate according to a selected angle of incidence a sample (S) of vital or reconstituted tissue comprising a series of filaments of a person which are homogenous in their structural type; at least one image acquisition device (14) adapted to receive a reflected and/or dispersed radiation from the sample (S), or a fluorescence radiation emitted by the sample (S); and an image processing unit (18) designed to process reflection and/or dispersion images and/or fluorescence images, and to classify the tissue being examined in order to compare the value of at least one out of the parameters of gloss, dimensions, colour intensity, contour of the filaments of the sample (S) with a database of parameters of classes of predetermined vital or reconstituted tissues, and/or to compare the value of at least one out of the parameters of gloss, dimensions, colour intensity, contour of the filaments of the sample (S) with a database of historic values of parameters of the tissue.