Skin Imaging Illumination Angles for Higher Contrast Resolution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skin imaging devices suffer from poor image quality, particularly in terms of contrast and resolution, making it difficult to adequately resolve features such as skin texture, fine lines, wrinkles, skin spots, impurities, and abnormalities.

Innovation Solution

A device with a light source configured to emit light at a radiation angle between 5 to 40 degrees and an angle of incidence between 10 to 30 degrees, combined with an imaging sensor, to achieve improved contrast and resolution in skin images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing light sources are used for skin imaging, then the device can acquire skin images, but the image quality (contrast and resolution) is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidskin feature detail
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the light source radiation angle to a specific range (5-40 degrees) and the angle of incidence (10-30 degrees). This parameter optimization resolves the technical contradiction by improving image quality and contrast while maintaining adequate illumination, thereby enabling better resolution of skin features without requiring additional complex components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If light is applied at different angles for skin texture and skin spots, then different features can be observed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature observation capabilityVSAvoidoptical configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a single light source configuration with optimized radiation angle (5-40 degrees) and angle of incidence (10-30 degrees) that can effectively illuminate and capture multiple skin features including texture, spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. This universal configuration eliminates the need for multiple specialized lighting systems, thereby maintaining device simplicity while achieving versatile observation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the radiation angle of the light source is not optimized, then the device structure is simple, but the contrast and resolution of skin images are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin feature resolutionVSAvoidlight source configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by specifying optimal ranges for the light source radiation angle (5-40 degrees) and angle of incidence (10-30 degrees). These parameter optimizations enhance skin feature resolution and image contrast without introducing additional complex components, achieving high measurement precision through careful tuning of existing system parameters rather than adding device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 images with enhanced contrast and resolution, enabling accurate skin monitoring and reliable detection of skin conditions by optimally resolving skin features.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging sensor configured to detect light reflected from the skin and convert the detected light into an image of the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3731735B1Device for imaging skin
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3731735B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3731735B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3731735B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

There is provided a device (100) for imaging skin. The device (100) comprises a light source (104) configured to emit light to illuminate the skin (102). The light source (104) has a radiation angle in a range from 5 to 40 degrees. The radiation angle is the angle at which an intensity of the light emitted by the light source (104) is half that of a maximum intensity of the light emitted by the light source (104). The device (100) also comprises an imaging sensor (108) configured to detect light reflected from the skin (102) and convert the detected light into an image of the skin (102).