Portable Skin Diagnosis Device Using Diffuser and Multi-System Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin diagnosis tools are often cumbersome, costly, and difficult to transport, providing non-relevant colorimetric parameters and requiring expensive equipment, while lacking a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for measuring skin pigmentation and its behavior regarding solar radiation.
Innovation Solution
A portable, handheld device with a diffuser for uniform illumination and a combination of optical and non-optical measuring systems, including LEDs of different wavelengths and a capacitive detection surface, allowing for accurate and complete skin pigmentary status diagnosis without unnecessary reflections, and enabling easy handling and data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional skin diagnosis appliances are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates measurement functions into distinct modules: a lighting system with multiple LED wavelengths, a detection system with photodetectors, and a processing unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple measuring capabilities into a single handheld unit, combining optical measurement at different wavelengths with capacitive sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate appliances while maintaining measurement accuracy across different skin parameters.
2Measurement precision
If conventional skin diagnosis appliances are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static, benchtop equipment to a dynamic handheld tool that can be easily positioned and repositioned on different skin areas. The portable design with integrated power supply and control allows flexible operation while maintaining measurement precision through automated calibration routines.
3Measurement precision
If uniform illumination is achieved, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system employs a diffuser with a specific curved geometry (concave toward the acquisition opening, preferably hemispherical) to uniformly distribute light across the skin surface. This geometric design naturally achieves uniform illumination without requiring complex optical components or multiple light sources.
4Measurement precision
If unwanted reflections are avoided, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concave hemispherical diffuser geometry directs reflected light away from the detection path, preventing unwanted reflections from interfering with measurements. The curved surface distributes incident light uniformly while redirecting reflections in controlled directions, simplifying the optical design compared to flat or complex multi-element systems.
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 device provides reliable, non-invasive, and non-destructive skin diagnosis, improving ease of use and accuracy in measuring skin color, pigmentation, and chromophores, facilitating the characterization of skin for cosmetic and protective recommendations.
Implementation Method 1
By means of the diffuser, the skin may be lit in relatively uniform manner
Implementation Method 2
a component that is less costly than a camera, e.g. a photodiode or a phototransistor, can be used as optical detector
Implementation Method 3
The second measuring system may comprise a detection surface that is sensitive to capacitance
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of emitting at different wavelengths
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable skin diagnosis device (1)comprising: · a first measuring system comprising: · a diffuser; · an acquisition opening (5) for placing in front of the skin; · a lighting system that is placed behind the diffuser so as to illuminate the skin in the acquisition opening (5) via the diffuser; and · an optical detector that receives the light reflected by the skin placed in the acquisition opening; and · a second measuring system that is configured to take a measurement on the skin in a manner that is not optical.