KR-20260064294-A - APPARATUS FOR SKIN DIAGNOSIS

KR20260064294AKR 20260064294 AKR20260064294 AKR 20260064294AKR-20260064294-A

Abstract

A skin diagnostic device is disclosed. A skin diagnostic device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a light irradiation unit including a first light source that irradiates light having a first wavelength range onto the skin, a second light source that irradiates light having a second wavelength range onto the skin, and a third light source that irradiates light having a third wavelength range onto the skin; a light detection unit that detects fluorescence emitted from the skin and absorption wavelengths emitted after being absorbed by the skin moisture according to the light irradiation of the light irradiation unit, and includes a first image sensor that detects fluorescence in the visible light wavelength range, a second image sensor that detects fluorescence in the near-infrared wavelength range, and a third image sensor that detects absorption wavelengths in the short-wave infrared wavelength range; and an image processing unit that recognizes the distribution of sebum, melanin, and moisture of the skin based on images generated by the first image sensor, the second image sensor, and the third image sensor.

Inventors

엄주범
박유림

Assignees

단국대학교 천안캠퍼스 산학협력단

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20241031

Claims (5)

A light irradiation unit comprising a first light source that irradiates light having a first wavelength range onto the skin, a second light source that irradiates light having a second wavelength range onto the skin, and a third light source that irradiates light having a third wavelength range onto the skin; A light detection unit that detects fluorescence emitted from the skin and absorption wavelengths emitted after being absorbed by the skin moisture according to light irradiation of the light irradiation unit, comprising a first image sensor that detects fluorescence in the visible light wavelength range, a second image sensor that detects fluorescence in the near-infrared wavelength range, and a third image sensor that detects absorption wavelengths in the short-wave infrared wavelength range; and A skin diagnostic device comprising: an image processing unit that recognizes the distribution of sebum, melanin, and moisture of the skin based on images generated by the first image sensor, the second image sensor, and the third image sensor.
In paragraph 1, The light having the second wavelength band has a longer wavelength than the light having the first wavelength band, A skin diagnostic device in which the light having the third wavelength band has a longer wavelength than the light having the second wavelength band.
In paragraph 1, The above first to third light sources are arranged in an alternating pattern in a skin diagnostic device.
In paragraph 3, The above first to third light sources are a double circularly arranged skin diagnostic device.
In paragraph 1, The above light-sensing unit A skin diagnostic device further comprising a collimating lens that aligns light parallel.

Description

Skin Diagnostic Device {APPARATUS FOR SKIN DIAGNOSIS} The present invention relates to a skin diagnostic device, and more specifically, to a skin diagnostic device for diagnosing skin conditions. The flexibility and elasticity of the skin surface can be regulated by the amount of sebum (oil) and moisture contained in the stratum corneum of the epidermis, or by the protective barrier and moisture-retaining functions of the stratum corneum. If sufficient moisture is not retained within the stratum corneum, the skin surface can become dry, rough, and easily crack. Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous glands along with other epithelial lipids; it helps maintain moisture content by reducing moisture loss through the epithelium and supplying a protective lipid layer to the skin surface. Among changes in skin condition, pigmentation such as spots, scars, and melasma is the result of large amounts of melanin being transferred to keratinocytes and accumulating in the epidermal layer. While melanin plays an important role in protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays, it can also be a factor that causes the skin to become dry due to factors such as the decline in the function of keratinocytes and sweat glands. The sebum, melanin, and moisture levels of the skin are considered major influencing factors in determining skin type. Conventional sebum meters and sebum tapes are used to measure the amount of sebum secreted by the skin. Sebum meters measure sebum levels based on the principle of optical reflection after attaching the sebum-absorbing tape to the skin. However, since sebum meters are primarily used to measure sebum at specific points, they provide information about a portion of the skin but do not reflect the overall sebum distribution. Fat-absorbing tape is a method in which paper tape is applied to the forehead, nose, cheeks, etc., and then removed to observe the amount of sebum that adheres to the tape. However, this method is a one-time measurement method that is difficult to reuse and takes a long time to measure; furthermore, because it absorbs sebum through skin contact, it may cause side effects in people with sensitive skin. Melanin erythema measurement sensors, such as Mexameters and CM-SA (Colorimeters), are used to measure the melanin content of the skin. Melanin erythema measurement sensors analyze melanin content by measuring the amount of reflected light using a light source of a specific wavelength. However, because they use a small probe to measure only specific areas, there are limitations in reflecting the overall skin condition. Electroconductivity, TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss), and infrared spectroscopy are used to measure skin moisture. Electroconductivity can be used to assess moisture status based on the electrical conductivity of the skin. However, since the electrodes come into direct contact with the skin, measurements may be limited due to poor contact if other substances, such as cosmetics, are present on the skin, and measurements may not be smooth in dry conditions where electricity does not flow well. TEWL is a method that measures the amount of water evaporating through the skin and can be used to evaluate skin barrier function. However, it is sensitive to external environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature), so changes in the environment can affect the measurement results. Infrared spectroscopy can be used to analyze moisture content by shining infrared light on the skin and measuring how the skin's moisture absorbs the light. However, because the equipment is expensive and requires complex operation, it may not be suitable for general use or daily maintenance. As such, conventional methods (means) for measuring skin condition have various problems that make it difficult to effectively diagnose the sebum, melanin, and moisture levels of the skin, and a solution to improve this is required. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the components of a skin diagnostic device according to one embodiment. Figure 2 shows a skin diagnosis being performed using the skin diagnosis device of Figure 1. FIG. 3 shows the first to third light sources arranged in an alternating pattern according to one embodiment. FIGS. 4 to 6 show the distribution of sebum, melanin, and moisture in the skin according to one embodiment as an image map. The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same