White-Light and UV Image Analysis for Quantitative Skin Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing skin and lip conditions rely heavily on qualitative and subjective assessments, lacking quantitative and objective analysis, especially for lip aging, which is not well understood, and there is a need for portable digital image processing technology to evaluate skin conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a portable device to acquire both white-light and UV images of a person's skin, analyzing pixel data to characterize conditions such as lip surface area, color, wrinkles, and skin tone, and other features, enabling quantitative analysis of skin and lip conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If qualitative and subjective analysis methods are used for skin conditions, then the analysis process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the measurement precision and objectivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual qualitative assessment with automated digital image processing systems. Computer algorithms analyze skin images to extract quantitative metrics, substituting human subjective judgment with objective computational analysis. This enables precise measurement of skin conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through software-based solutions.
2Measurement precision
If digital image processing technology is used to analyze skin conditions, then measurement precision and objectivity improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes digital image processing technology accessible through multi-functional devices that can perform both medical skin analysis and general photography functions. By integrating skin analysis capabilities into portable devices with dual purposes, the system reduces perceived complexity and cost barriers while maintaining quantitative analysis precision.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive skin analysis is performed using multiple image types, then the quantity and quality of information obtained increases, but the time required for analysis and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of captured images immediately upon acquisition, including automatic segmentation of skin regions, filtering of non-relevant areas, and preliminary classification of skin conditions. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden for subsequent detailed analysis, enabling comprehensive information extraction without excessive time delays.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If UV images are captured to detect skin conditions, then the ability to detect subsurface conditions improves, but the complexity of the imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines white-light and UV imaging capabilities into a single integrated device with unified control and processing systems. By merging multiple imaging functions into one device rather than using separate systems, the patent reduces overall complexity while maintaining the ability to detect both surface and subsurface skin conditions through complementary imaging modalities.
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
Enables doctors and patients to obtain quantitative measures of skin conditions, allowing for more effective skin care treatments and daily maintenance, providing rapid assessments of skin health at any location.
Implementation Method 1
The white-light and UV images may be acquired by applying UV light to the physical feature of the subject and applying white light to the physical feature of the subject
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments, a light-absorbing cloak is used to cover part of the subject before acquiring the UV image
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for analyzing conditions associated with a physical feature using digital images. The method comprises acquiring a white-light image and an ultraviolet (“UV”) image of at least a portion of a body surface, such as a person's face, each of the white-light and UV images including a plurality of pixels and each pixel in the UV image corresponding to a respective pixel in the white-light image. The method further comprises identifying feature pixels in the white-light and UV images, and obtaining results associated with at least one physical condition using information in the feature pixels in the first white light and UV images.