Skin Analysis Using Segmented Photodetector Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spectroscopic methods for evaluating skin type and condition are hindered by the use of bulky and expensive equipment, and there is a need for more efficient and cost-effective optical measurement systems.

Innovation Solution

A compact, non-contact optical detection system using at least two photodetectors to measure light interactions at different wavelengths, with processing logic to compute ratios indicative of melanosome presence and concentration, allowing for the assessment of skin type and condition without the need for complex spectrometers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional spectroscopic equipment is used for skin evaluation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectroscopic measurement accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the broad spectroscopic measurement function into multiple discrete wavelength detections using separate light sources and photodetectors. Instead of using a single complex spectrometer, the system divides the measurement task into multiple simpler channels, each detecting specific wavelength bands, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple photodetectors to detect light at different wavelengths, creating simplified copies of the spectroscopic measurement function. Each photodetector channel acts as a simplified version of a full spectrometer, detecting specific wavelength ranges and combining results to achieve comprehensive skin analysis without requiring a single complex instrument.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If conventional spectroscopic equipment is used for skin evaluation, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectroscopic measurement accuracyVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the expensive spectrometer into multiple inexpensive photodetector channels. Each photodetector with its light source and optical filters is a much simpler, cheaper component than a full spectrometer, yet collectively they provide equivalent or superior measurement capability for skin evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex spectrometer equipment with multiple simpler, cheaper photodetector-based detection channels. These simpler components are more cost-effective and can be manufactured at lower cost while achieving the required measurement precision for skin type and condition evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If conventional spectroscopic equipment is used for skin evaluation, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectroscopic measurement accuracyVSAvoidequipment size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bulky spectrometer into multiple compact photodetector modules. Each module consists of a small light source, photodetector, and optical filters that can be arranged in a compact configuration, significantly reducing the overall device volume compared to a traditional spectrometer while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 a cost-effective and compact method for evaluating skin type and condition by using differential spectral measurements, enabling accurate determination of melanosome content and potentially other target chemicals, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional spectroscopic methods.

Implementation Method 1

Light of at least two different wavelengths, or different bands of wavelengths, interacts with a target chemical, and at least some of the light that has interacted with the target chemical is incident on at least two photodetectors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

Each of the photodetectors is configured to detect light of a different wavelength, or a different band of wavelengths, that has interacted with the target chemical

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11209358B2Blocking specular reflections
Publication Date: 2021.12.28 ANALOG DEVICES INC
  • US11209358B2 patent drawing
  • US11209358B2 patent drawing
  • US11209358B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Device for improving an optical detecting smoke apparatus and implementing thereof. Apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of smoke in a small, long-lasting smoke detector are disclosed. Specifically, the present disclosure shows how to build one or more optimized blocking members in a smoke detector to augment signal to noise ratio. This is performed while keeping the reflections from the housing structure to a very low value while satisfying all the other peripheral needs of fast response to smoke and preventing ambient light. This allows very small measurements of light scattering of the smoke particles to be reliable in a device resistant to the negative effects of dust. In particular, geometrical optical elements, e.g., cap and optical defection elements, are disclosed.