Skin Hydration Measurement Using Polarized Light Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring skin hydration, such as electrical techniques and optical imaging, are either indirect or require expensive specialized equipment, and do not provide a quantifiable visual map of skin surface hydration, especially considering the contribution of melanin and water distribution.
Innovation Solution
A digital imaging method using polarized light at specific wavelengths (800 nm and 970 nm) to generate cross-polarized and parallel-polarized images, which are normalized to create a visual map of skin hydration, leveraging the absorption properties of water to quantify water content in the skin's layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical measurement probes (capacitance, conductance, impedance) are used to measure skin hydration, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement is indirect and does not provide visual mapping capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical measurement probes with an optical imaging system that uses polarized light at specific wavelengths to directly visualize and quantify skin hydration. The system captures optical images that provide both visual mapping and quantitative data of water content in the stratum corneum, eliminating the need for indirect electrical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes wavelength-specific optical absorption properties where water strongly absorbs light at certain wavelengths (e.g., 970 nm) while reflecting or transmitting other wavelengths. By capturing images at multiple wavelengths and analyzing the absorption differences, the system generates visual maps where color or intensity variations directly represent hydration levels, providing both qualitative visualization and quantitative measurement.
2Loss of information
If optical imaging methods are used to measure skin hydration, then visual mapping capability is provided, but the equipment becomes expensive and specialized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular wavelength parameters (e.g., 970 nm where water absorption is strong, and 800 nm where absorption is minimal) that can be achieved with standard optical filters rather than specialized infrared equipment. By selecting these specific wavelengths and using polarized light, the system achieves effective skin hydration mapping with more accessible optical components, reducing equipment complexity and cost while maintaining visualization capability.
3Device complexity
If single wavelength imaging is used, then the measurement process is simplified, but the contribution of melanin and water distribution cannot be differentiated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into multiple wavelength channels, capturing images at least two different wavelengths (one where water absorbs strongly, another where absorption is minimal). This multi-wavelength approach separates the absorption contributions of water and melanin, allowing the system to differentiate and quantify water content independently of melanin interference, thereby improving measurement precision without overwhelming complexity.
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 method provides a more direct and effective measurement of skin hydration, enabling visualization and quantification of water content in the skin's layers, including the stratum corneum, and demonstrates the efficacy of skin care products in increasing hydration.
Implementation Method 1
one wavelength that exhibits strong absorption of electromagnetic radiation by water and another wavelength that exhibits minimal absorption of electromagnetic radiation by water
Implementation Method 2
A digital imaging method using polarized light at specific wavelengths (800 nm and 970 nm) to generate cross-polarized and parallel-polarized images
Data Source
AI summary
The methods of this invention relate to means for measuring skin hydration. The methods of this invention utilize at least two wavelengths filtered by at least two polarizers to create digital images of skin treated with personal care products. The methods are useful for demonstrating the efficacy of skin care products intended to increase skin hydration and/or protect the skin from dehydration, even when such dehydration is not apparent to the naked eye.