Skin Pore Color Identification via Image Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for evaluating skin pores lack accuracy and objectivity, particularly in measuring skin pore color, due to subjectivity in visual grading and limitations of dermascope and confocal laser microscope techniques, which are not suitable for larger areas and provide limited repeatability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving image processing to extract pore images, define adjacency areas, and compare pore colors to determine contrast values, allowing for objective measurement and classification of skin pores based on color and geometry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If visual grading with naked eye examination is used, then the method is simple and inexpensive, but the accuracy and objectivity of pore evaluation deteriorates due to subjectivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of methodVSAvoidaccuracy of pore evaluation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical visual examination system with an optical imaging system (dermascope or confocal laser microscope) combined with image processing algorithms. This substitution enables objective, quantitative measurement of pore characteristics including colorimetric features, while maintaining ease of use through automated analysis of captured images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If dermascope or confocal laser microscope is used, then the objectivity and measurement precision of pore evaluation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjectivity of pore assessmentVSAvoidcomplexity of equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the skin pore structure through imaging and processes this copy computationally. By working with image data rather than direct physical measurement, the system achieves objective, repeatable measurements while using simpler, more accessible imaging devices instead of complex specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If dermascope or confocal laser microscope is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates because only a very small area can be examined at each measurement requiring multiple measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of pore measurementVSAvoidefficiency of large area measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from point-by-point sequential measurement to a two-dimensional field-of-view approach. By capturing images that encompass larger skin areas and using image processing to identify and measure multiple pores simultaneously within each image, the system dramatically increases measurement efficiency while maintaining precision through automated analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Measurement precision

If dermascope or confocal laser microscope is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because it is difficult to relocate the exact same area in each measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of pore measurementVSAvoidrepeatability of measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces digital image processing as an intermediary between the imaging device and the measurement results. By using image registration and coordinate mapping algorithms, the system can precisely locate and re-measure the same skin areas across multiple images, ensuring reliable repeatability even when physical relocation is difficult.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Quantity of substance

If traditional methods are used, then the measurement is limited to pore number, size, shape and volume, but the measurement precision deteriorates because colorimetric features cannot be objectively measured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of measurable pore featuresVSAvoidaccuracy of color measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the measurement parameters from basic geometric features (number, size, shape, volume) to include colorimetric parameters (color, contrast). By integrating color space analysis and contrast calculation algorithms into the image processing pipeline, the system objectively quantifies colorimetric features that were previously only assessable through subjective visual grading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12136240B2Methods for identifying pore color

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A method for identifying a pore color of at least one skin pore. The method includes obtaining at least one image of a subject, extracting a pore image from the obtained image, in which the extracted pore image identifies a boundary of the at least one skin pore, and superimposing the obtained image and the extracted pore image to identify the pore color within the identified boundary of the at least one skin pore.