Polarized Light Collagen Measurement System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring collagen denaturation in skin rejuvenation treatments are complex, time-consuming, and lack accuracy, particularly for non-invasive home-use systems, leading to safety concerns and inefficiencies due to subjective interpretation of light intensity and color changes.

Innovation Solution

A measurement system utilizing polarized light with specific wavelength ranges for constructive and destructive interference to determine collagen presence, employing a polychromatic light source and detectors to measure light intensity differences within these ranges, allowing for real-time monitoring of collagen denaturation during treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If birefringence measurement using polarized light is used to determine collagen presence, then collagen detection capability is improved, but measurement complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollagen detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spectrum is segmented into multiple wavelength ranges, with at least one first wavelength range showing constructive interference and at least one second wavelength range showing destructive interference. By measuring light intensity in these segmented spectral regions, the system achieves accurate collagen detection while simplifying the measurement approach compared to full-spectrum analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the measurement parameter from complex full-spectrum birefringence analysis to simplified light intensity measurements at specific wavelength ranges. This parameter transformation maintains collagen detection accuracy while significantly reducing measurement complexity and time requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple measurements are taken to derive mean and standard deviation for accurate collagen measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollagen measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the essential information needed for collagen detection by measuring light intensity in specific wavelength ranges showing constructive and destructive interference. This extraction approach eliminates the need for multiple repeated measurements and statistical calculations, achieving accurate results in a single measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary spectral analysis to identify the specific wavelength ranges that show constructive and destructive interference patterns. Once these ranges are predetermined, subsequent collagen measurements can be quickly performed by simply comparing light intensities in these pre-identified ranges, eliminating the need for repeated measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If subjective interpretation of color change and intensity is used to monitor collagen denaturation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoiddenaturation monitoring accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the human visual system (subjective color and intensity perception) with optical detectors that objectively measure light intensity in specific wavelength ranges. This substitution maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving measurement precision and eliminating inter-observer variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If considerable energy is directed to raise skin temperature above 65 degrees C for collagen denaturation, then treatment efficacy is improved, but risk of tissue damage and side effects increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidskin damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses real-time measurement of light intensity differences in constructive and destructive interference wavelength ranges to monitor collagen denaturation progress. This feedback mechanism allows the treatment to be stopped precisely when denaturation is achieved, preventing over-treatment and associated tissue damage while maintaining treatment efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment system dynamically adjusts based on real-time collagen denaturation measurements. By continuously monitoring the light intensity difference and comparing it to predetermined thresholds, the system can adapt the treatment parameters to achieve optimal denaturation while minimizing the risk of harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides a simple, accurate, and reliable method for collagen detection and denaturation monitoring, reducing the risk of over-treatment and adverse effects by quantitatively measuring light intensity differences, thus enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.

Implementation Method 1

an optical system, which comprises a light source for emitting light over a predetermined and/or controlled source wavelength range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Implementation Method 2

the optical system is predetermined and/or controlled such that the polarized light beam is focused at a target position between 100 micron and 1000 micron below the outer surface of the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 3

The spectrum of the polarized light reflected by natural collagen comprises a plurality of adjacent first and second wavelength ranges, wherein in said first wavelength ranges constructive interference prevails between the polarized light beam and the natural collagen, and wherein in said second wavelength ranges destructive interference prevails

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 4

to direct light reflected from the target position in the skin to both the first detector and the second detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3193700B1A light-based collagen measurement system and a skin treatment system
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3193700B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3193700B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A measurement system for light-based measurement of collagen, using a first light intensity and a second light intensity according to the invention, comprises a light source (120) for emitting a light beam having a source wavelength range and an optical system (130) to polarize light within the source wavelength range, thereby generating a polarized light beam (140), and to direct and focus the polarized light beam (140) to a target position inside the skin (160) at a predetermined focus depth below an outer surface of the skin. The measurement system further comprises a first detector (150) and a second detector