Robotic Laser Tattoo Removal with Multispectral Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser tattoo and scar removal treatments rely heavily on manual adjustments and expertise, leading to variable effectiveness and increased risk of side effects such as discolouration, hypopigmentation, and scarring, due to the lack of precise control over laser parameters and handling.
Innovation Solution
A device and method combining real-time tattoo or scar segmentation with a collaborative robotic system for precise laser guidance, using multispectral cameras and force sensors to automatically define optimal trajectories and treatment stages, minimizing side effects and improving treatment efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual laser handling is used with naked-eye evaluation, then the device complexity is low, but the treatment precision and reliability deteriorate due to dependence on physician expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image-guided robotic system as an intermediary between the physician and the laser device. The system includes image acquisition devices that capture tattoo images, processing units that segment and analyze the images to determine optimal laser parameters, and robotic mechanisms that precisely position and deliver the laser. This intermediary system eliminates the need for naked-eye evaluation by the physician, providing automated, precise treatment planning and execution while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical laser handling with an automated robotic system. Instead of the physician manually positioning and operating the laser device based on visual assessment, the system uses image processing algorithms to automatically identify tattoo characteristics, compute treatment parameters, and control robotic mechanisms for precise laser delivery. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated image-guided robotics significantly improves treatment precision and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If incorrect laser parameters are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but harmful side effects increase such as discolouration, hypopigmentation, and scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where image acquisition devices continuously capture images of the treatment area, the processing unit analyzes these images to assess tattoo characteristics and treatment progress, and the system automatically adjusts laser parameters based on this feedback. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that optimal parameters are maintained throughout the treatment, preventing harmful side effects while keeping the operation simple for the physician who only needs to initiate and monitor the automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image acquisition, segmentation, and analysis before laser treatment begins. The system pre-computes the optimal treatment plan, including laser parameters, scanning paths, and energy distribution, based on the captured images. This preliminary action ensures that correct parameters are established before treatment starts, preventing harmful side effects while maintaining ease of operation during the actual treatment phase.
3Reliability
If multiple treatments are required for tattoo removal, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous treatment by automatically managing the entire process from image acquisition through laser delivery without manual intervention between steps. The robotic system continuously positions and delivers laser pulses according to the pre-computed treatment plan, and the system can automatically manage multiple treatment sessions by recalling and executing the same optimized plan. This continuity eliminates downtime between treatment phases and allows efficient scheduling of multiple sessions, reducing total treatment time while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic image processing and real-time analysis to adapt the treatment plan based on the specific characteristics of each tattoo. The system dynamically adjusts laser parameters, scanning speeds, and energy distribution to optimize treatment efficiency for each case. This dynamic optimization ensures that each treatment session is as effective as possible, potentially reducing the number of sessions required and thereby reducing total treatment time while maintaining high effectiveness.
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
The solution reduces side effects, enhances treatment precision, and shortens treatment time, making the procedure more effective and accessible to novice users by ensuring optimal laser handling throughout the process.
Implementation Method 1
As the laser light is transformed into photoacoustic waves, it mechanically breaks up the ink into smaller particles
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for operating said device for tattoo or scar removal. The device comprises an exchangeable multi-laser head having at least one laser beam target line; a robotic support; a multispectral camera for capturing a plurality of ranges of colour wavelength of the skin surface image; a mechanism configured to automatically rotate the laser head for changing between laser beams of the exchangeable multi-laser head; a robotic arm with fibre optics; one or more handles; a force sensor and an electronic data processor configured for carrying out the steps comprising: capturing an image of skin surface; segmenting the captured image; defining a path from said segmented captured image, said path comprising a plurality of path segments wherein each path segment corresponds to a colour wavelength range; selecting each path segment of the plurality of path segments; selecting the laser according to the colour wavelength corresponding to each path segment; removing the tattoo or scar.