Dynamic Skin Image Threshold Adjustment for Continuous Care
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for making discolored skin areas inconspicuous fail to provide adequate care after the area has become inconspicuous, particularly in cases where external stimuli like ultraviolet rays need to be minimized, as they rely on fixed threshold values that do not account for changes in skin condition post-treatment.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that acquires and analyzes skin images at different timings to adjust threshold values dynamically, determining a cover area and generating image data for a sheet to be stuck to the skin, ensuring continuous care by matching the sheet's color to the surrounding skin area, thus protecting the treated area from external stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed threshold value is used to determine discolored areas, then the process is simple, but it cannot adapt to changes in skin condition post-treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed threshold value to a dynamic threshold adjustment mechanism. The threshold is automatically adjusted based on the degree of color change between baseline and current skin images, allowing the system to adapt to skin condition changes post-treatment. This resolves the contradiction by making the threshold flexible rather than static, improving adaptability without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the threshold value based on measured skin color differences. By calculating the degree of color change (ΔE) between the baseline image and current image, and adjusting the threshold accordingly, the system adapts to different stages of skin recovery. This parameter change approach allows automatic adaptation to skin condition changes while maintaining automated operation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If only the discolored area is targeted, then the treatment is precise, but continuous care after the area becomes inconspicuous is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring skin color changes and comparing current images with baseline images. The system automatically determines whether the discolored area has become inconspicuous by checking if the color difference is within a threshold range, and provides continuous care recommendations accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables long-term care without requiring manual re-assessment, maintaining ease of operation while extending the duration of care.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by establishing a baseline image at the start of treatment and continuously comparing subsequent images against this baseline. This allows the system to track skin condition over time and provide ongoing care guidance even after the discolored area becomes inconspicuous, maintaining continuous protection without interrupting the care process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sheet color matches the surrounding skin area, then the covered area becomes inconspicuous, but the sheet may not provide adequate protection from external stimuli
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining different colors for different regions of the sheet. The area corresponding to the discolored region is colored to match the surrounding healthy skin for cosmetic purposes, while other areas of the sheet maintain their original protective coloration. This regional differentiation allows the sheet to simultaneously provide both cosmetic coverage and protective functions, resolving the contradiction between inconspicuousness and protection efficacy.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes an image acquirer that acquires a first skin image obtained by capturing an image of a skin at a first timing and a second skin image obtained by capturing an image of the skin at a second timing later than the first timing, an image analyzer that extracts a first discolored area from a first skin image and extracts a color of the skin from the second skin image, an image determiner that determines a cover area within the second skin image based on the first discolored area and determines a color of the cover area based on the color of the skin, and a print controller that generates image data with a content for printing an image of the determined cover area on the sheet by using a coloring material of the determined color.