Optical Measurement Device for Skin Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical measurement devices struggle to objectively and quantitatively characterize the optical appearance of human skin, which is challenging due to its translucent nature and variability between individuals, making it difficult to determine the overall optical appearance effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple illumination devices with different angles and wavelengths allows for the illumination of both surface and sub-surface areas, enabling the detection of Near, Far, and Deep fields through a radiation-sensitive detection system, including a screen and camera, to capture the angular distribution of the response beam and estimate various optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single illumination device is used to measure optical appearance, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient for characterizing translucent surfaces like human skin
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple illumination devices (first illumination device with first angle of incidence, second illumination device with second angle of incidence) that illuminate different areas (surface and sub-surface) independently. The detection system is segmented into multiple detection devices, each detecting response beams from specific illumination areas. This segmentation allows comprehensive characterization of translucent surfaces by separating surface and sub-surface measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular dimension by using illumination devices at different angles of incidence (first angle and second angle) to probe different depths. The detection system captures response beams at corresponding angles, adding spatial angular information to distinguish between surface reflection and sub-surface scattering, thereby enabling depth-resolved optical characterization.
2Measurement precision
If multiple illumination devices with different angles are used to access surface and sub-surface areas, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each illumination device serves multiple functions: it illuminates a specific area (surface or sub-surface) and generates response beams that carry information about both the illumination area and the optical properties. Each detection device similarly performs multiple functions by detecting response beams from specific angles and areas, providing both spatial and optical property information simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The response beam acts as an intermediary that carries information from the illumination area through the sample to the detection device. By analyzing the characteristics of this intermediary (intensity, angle, polarization), the system indirectly measures optical properties of both surface and sub-surface areas without direct physical contact or intrusion.
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical measurement devices are used on human skin, then the ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision is insufficient due to skin's translucent nature and variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary illumination of specific areas (surface and sub-surface) before detection. By pre-defining illumination angles and detection angles, the system prepares the optical path in advance, ensuring that response beams from specific depths are captured at the correct angles, thereby simplifying the measurement process while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes illumination parameters (angle of incidence, wavelength) to probe different optical properties of skin. By varying these parameters systematically and measuring the corresponding changes in response beams, the system extracts multiple optical appearance parameters (gloss, scatter, translucency) automatically, maintaining ease of operation while achieving comprehensive characterization.
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 access to multiple optical parameters of the skin, allowing for a comprehensive characterization of the optical appearance, including surface and sub-surface properties, facilitating objective measurement and classification.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination beam is reflected and/or scattered and/or absorbed at the surface of the sample to be inspected in order to generate the response beam
Implementation Method 2
The illumination beam is reflected and/or scattered and/or absorbed at the surface of the sample to be inspected in order to generate the response beam
Implementation Method 3
The illumination beam is reflected and/or scattered and/or absorbed at the surface of the sample to be inspected in order to generate the response beam
Implementation Method 4
The illumination beam is reflected and/or scattered and/or absorbed at the surface of the sample to be inspected in order to generate the response beam
Implementation Method 5
a radiation-sensitive detection system for capturing a two-dimensional image of the screen and converting it into an electric detector signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical measurement device for measuring an optical appearance of a surface of a sample, in particular the surface of a human skin, wherein the optical measurement device comprises: a first illumination device (16) for illuminating the surface (14) with a first illumination beam (22), wherein the first illumination beam (22) is incident at a first angle of incidence (38) onto the surface (14); and a detection device (28) for detecting a response beam (22), wherein the response beam (42) is a response of the sample (12) to the first illumination beam (22), comprising at least one screen (27) for intercepting the response beam (42) and at least an image detection component (29). The optical measurement device (10) comprises a second illumination device (18), wherein the second illumination device (18) is providing a second illumination beam (24) with a second angle of incidence (54) at the surface (14), wherein the first angle of incidence (38) is different from the second angle of incidence (54).