Smartphone Camera UV Protection Detection via Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
General users lack access to affordable and portable means to check the status of ultraviolet (UV) protection ingredient application on their skin, as existing UV cameras are bulky and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a camera, light source unit, and processor that captures images with and without UV light, calculates brightness differences, and displays information on UV protection ingredient application, enabling users to assess UV protection status through a camera integrated in a smartphone or smart mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a UV camera is used to check UV protection ingredient application, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard camera to capture images under UV light conditions and processes them through image processing algorithms to create a simplified representation of UV protection ingredient distribution. This copying approach replicates the functionality of a specialized UV camera using conventional components, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through computational methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex specialized UV imaging hardware with a combination of standard camera, light source, and image processing software. The mechanical/optical complexity of dedicated UV cameras is substituted with computational image analysis that processes standard camera images to achieve UV protection ingredient detection
2Measurement precision
If a UV camera is used to check UV protection ingredient application, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive standard camera components and readily available light sources instead of costly specialized UV camera equipment. The system uses affordable image processing software and algorithms to achieve the required measurement precision, dramatically reducing the overall cost of the device while maintaining effective UV protection ingredient detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of UV camera capabilities using standard, low-cost components. By capturing images under UV illumination and processing them computationally, the system replicates specialized UV imaging functionality at a fraction of the cost of dedicated UV cameras, making the technology accessible to general consumers
3Measurement precision
If image processing is performed to calculate brightness differences, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs image processing on only the necessary regions of the captured images, focusing computational resources on areas where UV protection ingredient application needs to be assessed. By processing partial image data rather than complete high-resolution images, the system maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures multiple images in rapid succession under controlled lighting conditions, performing preliminary processing to identify and extract relevant brightness difference information before final analysis. This preliminary action prepares the data in advance, reducing the time required for detailed measurement precision analysis
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
Provides an affordable and portable method for users to assess UV protection ingredient application on their skin, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional UV cameras by utilizing existing electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a first image of a skin of a user by the camera while a first light is output through the light source unit, obtain a second image of the skin of the user by the camera while the first light is not output
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a camera, a light source unit, a display, and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to obtain a first image of a skin of a user by the camera while a first light is output through the light source unit, obtain a second image of the skin of the user by the camera while the first light is not output through the light source unit, obtain a third image representing a difference between the first image and the second image by converting, into a first difference pixel value, a difference between first brightness values of the first image and second brightness values of the second image, and display, on the display, information on an ultraviolet (UV) protection ingredient applied to the skin of the user, based on the third image.