Methods and devices for tattoo application and removal
View Patent ↗A robotic tattoo application and tattoo removal methods and systems are described. This technology involves the use of a robotic system guided by control of a graphics capable computer in order to perform various types, including artistic, recreational, cosmetic, or therapeutic tattooing, or tattoo removal.
1. A method for color matching at least one element of a new tattoo to a field on a body surface comprising:
identifying in an image of a body surface to be tattooed a field to which a color of at least one element of a new tattoo is to be matched;
processing the image to determine a color spectrum of the field; and
color matching the at least one element of the new tattoo to one or more colors of the color spectrum of the field.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising registering the image with a robotic system.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein registering the image with the robotic system is accomplished by means of at least one fiducial mark.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein at least a portion of a pre-existing tattoo is used as the at least one fiducial mark.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising applying the color matched new tattoo on the body surface using a robotic system.
6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising maneuvering a robotic arm to position a tattoo tool carried by the robotic arm proximate a location on the body surface where the new tattoo is intended to be created.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the field is a pre-existing tattoo or a portion thereof.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the field is a portion of a skin surface and a color of the at least one element of the new tattoo is chosen to compliment a color of the portion of the skin surface.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the body surface comprises a tissue with a deficient or abnormal color, the field comprises a normal skin color, and color matching of the at least one element of the new tattoo to the field comprises adding one or more colors to the tissue with a deficient or abnormal color to simulate the normal skin color.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the new tattoo is one or more of an extension, a modification, or an enhancement of a pre-existing tattoo.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the field is adjacent a birth mark, scar tissue or tissue with absent, deficient or abnormal pigment.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising identifying a new tattoo image to be matched, wherein identifying the tattoo image comprises selecting the tattoo image from a collection of one or more images, downloading a desired image from an external source, or creating a new desired tattoo image.
13. The method of claim 12 , further comprising modifying the identified new tattoo image as desired or to fit the size and location of the body surface.
14. A system for color matching at least one element of a new tattoo to a field on a body surface, comprising:
an image acquisition device; and
an image processor, the image processor configured for:
processing an image obtained by the image acquisition device, the obtained image including a field to which a color of at least one element of a new tattoo to be matched;
analyzing a color spectrum of the field; and
color matching the at least one element of the new tattoo to one or more colors of the color spectrum of the field.
15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the image acquisition device is one or more cameras and the image processor is a computer.
16. The system of claim 14 , wherein the image processor is further configured to analyze and choose colors based at least in part on a selected criteria.
17. The system of claim 14 , further comprising:
a robotic arm; and
a tattoo tool carried by the robotic arm, the tattoo tool being operable using a substantially automated process to deliver a pigment for color matching.
18. The system of claim 14 , further comprising a collection of tattoo images stored in the image processor.
19. The system of claim 14 , further comprising a plurality of reservoirs, each reservoir containing a color pigment, and wherein a tattoo tool is adapted to be selectively coupled to a respective one or more of the plurality of reservoirs to control colors of the new tattoo.
20. The system of claim 14 , further comprising a user interface that allows a system operator to input instructions relating to one or more of a type, location, orientation, size, configuration, depth or color of the new tattoo.
21. An image processor for color matching at least an element of a new tattoo to a field on a body surface, the image processor configured for:
receiving an image of a body surface to be tattooed, the image including a field on the body surface to which a color of at least one element of a new tattoo is to be matched;
processing the image to analyze a color spectrum of the field; and
color matching the at least one element of the new tattoo to one or more colors of the color spectrum of the field.