Smartphone Dermoscope Adapter with Circular Polarization Filters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dermoscopes are limited by their separation from photographing functions, lack of portability due to added lighting and camera components, and inability to record images or provide direct AI image analysis.

Innovation Solution

A smartphone-based dermoscope system that includes a case with a base member and an observation adapter, utilizing circular polarization filters to enable polarized light observation and image capture, with a dedicated app for controlling camera functions and performing remote diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional dermoscopes are equipped with dedicated cameras and lighting, then examination accuracy is improved, but device portability and availability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexamination accuracyVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the camera, lighting, and dermoscope functions into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components. This merging maintains examination accuracy while significantly improving portability and availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dermoscope is designed with multi-functional capabilities, integrating examination, imaging, and lighting functions into one universal device that can perform multiple tasks without requiring separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If conventional dermoscopes are equipped with dedicated cameras, then image recording capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage recordabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera function is integrated directly into the dermoscope body, merging imaging capabilities with the examination device. This reduces the need for separate recording equipment and simplifies the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If polarization filters are changed during observation, then polariscopy capability is improved, but observation continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization flexibilityVSAvoidobservation interruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a movable polarization filter mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of polarization states during observation without requiring device disassembly or reconfiguration. This maintains observation continuity while enabling flexible polariscopy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If cross-Nicol arrangement is used for polariscopy, then polarization observation capability is improved, but illumination light intensity requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization observationVSAvoidillumination energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the polarization filter arrangement and optical path to reduce energy losses, allowing effective polariscopy with lower illumination intensity requirements compared to traditional cross-Nicol arrangements.

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 smartphone-based dermoscope system enhances dermatological diagnosis efficiency by integrating imaging and information processing capabilities, allowing for portable, high-resolution image capture and remote diagnostic capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

separating reflections from the skin surface and the inner skin with use of an optical isolator function

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

camera performs photographing through a first circular polarization filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

base member movably retains a second circular polarization filter for leading a polarization state of LED light emitted by the photoflash to form circularly polarized light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization conversion: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS12239414B2Dermoscope, dermoscope adapter, and program

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 SHINOZAKI YOSHIKO

AI summary

Provided is an application program (app) for functioning a dermoscope, a dermoscope adapter, and a smartphone as a dermoscope. A dermoscope 100 for observing skin tissue according to the present invention includes a smartphone 110 including a camera 111 and a photoflash 107 and being communicable, and being capable of instructing from a graphical user interface displayed on a liquid crystal display; a case 101 containing the smartphone 110 and including a base member 103 fixed on a side opposite to a liquid crystal display to operate the smartphone 110; and an observation adaptor 102 detachably retained on the base member 103; wherein the camera 111 performs photographing through a first circular polarization filter 106; wherein the base member 103 movably retains a second circular polarization filter 108 for leading a polarization state of LED light emitted by the photoflash 107 to form circularly polarized light.