Skin State Analysis Using Modular Image Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skin analysis methods fail to accurately perform multidimensional analysis of skin texture, pores, spots, skin tone, and sebum, and do not effectively display results in a discernible manner for both professionals and non-experts, lacking numerical representation and progressive analysis capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that analyze skin texture, pores, spots, and sebum using image processing techniques to generate numerical parameters for pore size, furrow width, and ridge fineness, and display results in a user-friendly format, allowing for comparison with age distribution and progressive analysis over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If skin analysis is performed using traditional image processing methods, then basic skin features can be identified, but accurate multidimensional analysis of texture, pores, spots, skin tone, and sebum cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin state analysis accuracyVSAvoidanalysis system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the skin analysis into multiple independent analysis modules, each dedicated to a specific skin parameter (texture analysis module, pore analysis module, spot analysis module, skin tone analysis module, and sebum analysis module). This segmentation allows each module to specialize in detecting specific skin features using appropriate image processing techniques, thereby achieving accurate multidimensional analysis while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms qualitative skin characteristics into quantitative parameters by generating numerical values for each skin feature (e.g., texture parameters, pore size parameters, spot density parameters, skin tone parameters, and sebum amount parameters). This parameter transformation enables precise measurement and comparison of skin states, achieving high measurement precision through numerical representation of skin conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If detailed numerical analysis results are generated, then accurate skin evaluation is achieved, but the results are difficult for non-experts to interpret

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin evaluation accuracyVSAvoidresult interpretation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a display control module that acts as an intermediary between the numerical analysis results and the user. This module generates visual display information that translates complex numerical data into easily interpretable graphical representations, such as bar charts comparing different skin parameters and before-after comparison displays. This intermediary transformation maintains the precision of numerical analysis while making the results accessible to non-expert users through intuitive visual presentations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs color-coded visual representations to indicate different skin condition levels and changes. By using color variations to represent different skin parameter values and improvement levels, the system enables non-expert users to quickly comprehend skin analysis results and track skin condition changes without needing to interpret complex numerical data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple skin parameters are analyzed simultaneously, then comprehensive skin assessment is achieved, but the analysis time and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin analysis comprehensivenessVSAvoidanalysis processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parallel processing by dividing the comprehensive skin analysis into separate analysis modules that can operate simultaneously. Each module (texture analysis, pore analysis, spot analysis, skin tone analysis, and sebum analysis) processes its specific skin parameter independently and in parallel, enabling comprehensive multidimensional skin assessment without significant increase in total processing time. This parallel modular architecture achieves both comprehensiveness and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary image preprocessing operations (such as image acquisition, normalization, and enhancement) before dividing the analysis into parallel modules. By preparing the image data in advance and standardizing it for multiple analysis types, the system reduces redundant processing and enables faster parallel execution of different skin parameter analyses, thereby decreasing overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive assessment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1875863B1Skin state analyzing method, skin state analyzing device, and recording medium on which skin state analyzing program is recorded
Publication Date: 2015.03.18 SHISEIDO CO LTD
  • EP1875863B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1875863B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1875863B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A skin state analyzing method for analyzing the skin state of an examinee using an image of the skin of the examinee includes an analyzing step of analyzing at least one of texture/pores, spots, skin tone, and sebum of the skin from the image, a storing step of storing the image and an analysis result obtained from the analyzing step in association with skin examination date/time information and examinee information, a display screen generating step of generating a screen displaying the image and the analysis result of the examinee stored in the storing step, and an output step of outputting the information generated in the display screen generating step.