Non-Contact Skin Imaging for Accurate Skin Age Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skin evaluation devices are large, expensive, and require skilled technicians, making them inaccessible for regular use by general consumers, and they often provide incomplete skin condition assessments due to contact-based measurements and high direct reflection interference.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact skin evaluation device using a laser light source to project a dot pattern, a polarizing filter to reduce direct reflection, and a camera to capture diffuse reflection for analysis, enabling accurate skin condition evaluation through gaussian distribution fitting of pixel data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional skin evaluation devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex contact-based mechanical measurement systems with a non-contact optical measurement system. Instead of using physical sensors that require contact with the skin (which necessitate large, expensive equipment and skilled technicians), the invention uses a camera to capture images of the skin surface and analyzes these images computationally to derive skin condition characteristics, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the skin surface rather than directly measuring physical skin properties. By capturing visual information and using image processing algorithms to extract characteristics related to skin condition, the system avoids the need for complex direct physical measurement equipment, reducing device complexity and cost while preserving evaluation accuracy
2Measurement precision
If contact-based measurement methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for contact-based measurement procedures that require skilled technicians by replacing them with a non-contact imaging system. Users can simply position their skin in front of the camera, and the system automatically captures and analyzes skin condition data, making the device easy to operate for general consumers without requiring specialized training
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to perform self-evaluation of their skin condition without requiring intervention from skilled technicians. The automated image capture and analysis process allows individuals to independently obtain skin condition assessments, promoting regular self-monitoring and making the technology accessible to the general public
3Measurement precision
If conventional measurement devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional contact measurements to two-dimensional image-based analysis. By capturing images that contain spatial information across the skin surface and analyzing patterns, textures, and color variations in multiple dimensions, the system achieves more comprehensive skin condition assessment while maintaining precision, thereby reducing information loss
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 a cost-effective, user-friendly means to evaluate skin condition by quantifying collagen scattering, estimating skin age, and offering personalized advice for skin care, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit first light toward a skin of an user
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect second light resulting from the first light
Implementation Method 3
a polarizing filter to reduce direct reflection
Implementation Method 4
A non-contact skin evaluation device using a laser light source to project a dot pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a light source configured to emit first light toward a skin of an user; a sensor configured to detect second light resulting from the first light; and a processor. The processor is configured to derive a characteristic value based on the second light, and generate skin age data that indicates a skin age of the user based on the characteristic value and an evaluation model that is stored in a memory. The evaluation model is generated in advance based on a data set, the data set including reference characteristic values corresponding to each reference user and age data indicating age of each reference user.