Enhanced Hair Elongation Determination System

Publication ID: 24-11857332_0001_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Hair Elongation Determination System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857332_0001_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857332_0001_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,332.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved system for determining the degree of elongation of hair using a NIR sensor, enabling more accurate and efficient hair analysis.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for determining hair elongation using a NIR sensor has limitations in terms of accuracy and efficiency. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing multi-wavelength detection, real-time analysis, and personalized hair care recommendations.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced system comprises a NIR sensor capable of detecting hair characteristics at multiple wavelengths, and an evaluation unit that evaluates the detected characteristics to determine the degree of elongation of hair. The system can also detect hair characteristics at multiple angles and provide real-time analysis. Additionally, the system can provide personalized hair care recommendations based on the determined degree of elongation.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the novelty of multi-wavelength detection, real-time analysis, and personalized hair care recommendations, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement in accuracy and efficiency, making the new inventive concept non-obvious and novel.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of sensors, such as spectrometers or cameras, or incorporating machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of hair analysis. Variations could also include using the system for analyzing different types of hair, such as curly or colored hair.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced hair elongation determination system has significant commercial potential in the hair care industry, particularly in the development of personalized hair care products and services. The system could be marketed to hair care companies, salons, and spas, providing them with a more accurate and efficient way to analyze hair and offer tailored recommendations to their customers.

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

▼

Field of Art

Optical sensing and spectroscopic analysis of biological materials, specifically hair characterization using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Requires expertise in optical measurement techniques, signal processing, and material science

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A researcher or engineer with a background in optical engineering, materials science, or biomedical instrumentation, possessing knowledge of spectroscopic analysis techniques, sensor design, and data interpretation methods

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that extending the NIR hair analysis method to include multi-wavelength detection, real-time analysis, and personalized recommendations represents predictable variations within the existing technological framework. These modifications leverage standard sensor and data processing techniques that would be readily apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve the original hair elongation measurement system.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

NIR sensor for detecting hair characteristics using absorption spectrum

PTD Variation

Multi-wavelength detection across different sensor angles

Obviousness Reasoning

Modifying sensor configuration to capture data from multiple wavelengths and angles is a routine design optimization that would yield predictable improvements in measurement accuracy

Source Patent Element

Evaluation unit comparing absorption spectra against calibration model

PTD Variation

Real-time analysis and personalized hair care recommendations

Obviousness Reasoning

Implementing real-time data processing and generating personalized recommendations represents a standard software enhancement using known machine learning and data interpretation techniques

Source Patent Element

Spectrometer generating signal patterns characteristic of hair features

PTD Variation

Incorporating machine learning algorithms to improve analysis accuracy

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying machine learning to spectroscopic data interpretation is a well-established technique in signal processing, representing an obvious extension of existing measurement methods

Source Patent Element

Detection of hair moisture levels for spectrum comparison

PTD Variation

Detecting hair characteristics at multiple wavelength ranges

Obviousness Reasoning

Expanding the wavelength detection range is a straightforward sensor design modification that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking enhanced measurement capabilities

Source Patent Element

NIR spectroscopy for hair elongation measurement

PTD Variation

Applying analysis techniques to different hair types like curly or colored hair

Obviousness Reasoning

Adapting existing measurement techniques to different hair types represents a predictable variation that would be obvious to a person skilled in optical sensing and material characterization

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would be considered obvious extensions of US Patent 11857332, as they represent predictable technological improvements using standard techniques in NIR spectroscopy and hair characterization. A person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious based on the existing technological teachings, thereby rendering potential derivative patent claims unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,332
Title	Determination of a degree of elongation of hair using a NIR sensor
Assignee(s)	Henkel AG & Co. KGaA