Skin texture determination system and cosmetics manufacturing system

Abstract

The skin texture determination system includes: a first evaluation unit that evaluates the skin texture of a subject before applying a standard lotion for skin texture determination to the subject's cheek as a first skin texture; a second evaluation unit that evaluates the skin texture of the subject after applying a standard cosmetic product to the subject's cheek as a second skin texture; and a comprehensive evaluation unit that evaluates the comprehensive skin texture as a comprehensive skin texture that also includes the acceptability of the cosmetic product by the subject, based on both the first skin texture and the second skin texture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for diagnosing skin types. Background Art

[0002] Applying makeup is considered to enhance self - evaluation and social motivation. After the 20th century, various cosmetics (cosmetics materials) such as lotions, milks, serums, foundations, and lipsticks have been developed according to personal preferences and needs. In addition, even within the same category of cosmetics, a wide variety of products are offered. For example, in the case of lotions, even if general lotions, softening lotions, astringent lotions, whitening lotions, etc. are collectively called lotions, the formulated ingredients vary widely depending on the function and purpose.

[0003] Women often choose cosmetics based on their own sensitivities such as the sense of effectiveness (feeling that the skin has improved) and touch. In addition, in cosmetics stores, salesclerks sometimes diagnose the skin type of women using a dedicated device and recommend cosmetics suitable for the skin type. For example, for women with a skin type with low moisture content, lotions with high moisturizing effects such as ceramides and amino acids are considered effective.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017 - 9489 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, even for cosmetics recommended based on skin type diagnosis, there are cases where a woman herself has difficulty feeling that her skin has improved due to the cosmetics. The way of a person's skin type and the perception thereof is not simple.

[0008] The present invention has been completed based on the recognition of the above problems, and its main object is to provide a skin type diagnosis method that takes into account the acceptability of cosmetics.

[0009] Technical Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] The skin type determination system in a certain technical solution of the present invention includes: a first evaluation unit that evaluates the skin type of a subject before applying a standard cosmetic for skin type determination to a predetermined part of the subject as the first skin type; a second evaluation unit that evaluates the skin type of the subject after applying the standard cosmetic to the predetermined part of the subject as the second skin type; and a comprehensive evaluation unit that evaluates the comprehensive skin type, which also includes the acceptability of the cosmetic for the subject, based on both the first skin type and the second skin type.

[0011] The cosmetic production system in a certain technical solution of the present invention includes a skin type determination device and a cosmetic preparation device.

[0012] The skin type determination device includes: a first evaluation unit that evaluates the skin type of the subject before applying the standard cosmetic for skin type determination to a predetermined part of the subject as the first skin type; a second evaluation unit that evaluates the skin type of the subject after applying the standard cosmetic to the predetermined part of the subject as the second skin type; a comprehensive evaluation unit that evaluates the comprehensive skin type, which is a comprehensive skin type including the subject's acceptability of the cosmetic, based on both the first skin type and the second skin type; and a transmission unit that transmits the skin type information indicating the comprehensive skin type together with the user ID of the subject.

[0013] The cosmetic preparation device includes: a reception unit that receives the user ID and skin type information of the subject; a cosmetic production unit that determines the blending amounts of various cosmetic ingredients corresponding to the comprehensive skin type of the subject and produces a cosmetic based on the determined blending amounts; and a cosmetic management unit that associates and registers the user ID of the subject with the ID of the produced cosmetic.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to diagnose the skin type considering the acceptability of the cosmetic. Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the classification of skin types.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a hardware structure diagram of the skin type determination system in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a functional block diagram of the skin type determination system.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing the skin type classification in the present embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a data structure diagram of the cosmetic table in Example 1.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a timing chart showing the processing procedure of skin type determination.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a screen diagram of the diagnosis advice screen.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a data structure diagram of the set table in Example 2.

[0024] Figure 9It is the data structure diagram of the cosmetics table in Example 3.

[0025] Figure 10 It is the data structure diagram of the cosmetics table in Example 4.

[0026] Figure 11 It is the data structure diagram of the ingredient table in Example 5.

[0027] Figure 12 It is the hardware structure diagram of the cosmetics manufacturing system in the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 13 It is the functional block diagram of the cosmetics preparation device.

[0029] Figure 14 It is the data structure diagram of the lotion management table. Detailed implementation manners

[0030] Figure 1 It is the schematic diagram showing the classification of skin types.

[0031] In the following, as an example of "cosmetics", "lotion" is taken as an object for explanation. In addition, "skin type" can also be defined based on various evaluation items such as hue and fineness of texture, but in this embodiment, it is explained based on the two-axis evaluation of "water content" and "sebum content".

[0032] The outermost stratum corneum of the skin becomes a dense tissue through corneocytes and intercellular lipids filling between cells, and plays a barrier function and a moisturizing function. The lotion supplies moisture to the stratum corneum, softens the stratum corneum, and promotes the familiarity of the subsequent skin care items used. The emulsion regulates the intercellular lipids, maintains the moisturizing barrier function, and leads to a smooth stratum corneum. After applying the emulsion, makeup base (primer), foundation, etc. are used to adjust the appearance.

[0033] Based on the water content and sebum content, human skin types can be classified into the following four types.

[0034] (1) Normal skin (type T1): Skin with a good balance of high water content and low sebum content. It is an ideal skin with fine texture, softness, and moisture.

[0035] (2) Oily skin (type T2): Skin with both high water content and high sebum content. Although it is moist, it is prone to stickiness. Excessive sebum secretion is likely to cause problems such as acne.

[0036] (3) Dry skin (type T3): Skin with both low water content and low sebum content. Lack of moisture, prone to wrinkles.

[0037] (4) Combination skin (type T4): Skin with low moisture content but high sebum content. Oily but dry skin, which is said to be the most common among Japanese people.

[0038] For example, in the case of dry skin (type T3), it is generally considered that a lotion containing a lot of moisturizing ingredients such as ceramides and amino acids is suitable. However, even among users with dry skin (type T3), there are those with skin types where the lotion penetrates easily and those with skin types where the lotion is difficult to penetrate.

[0039] In this embodiment, the user applies a standard lotion (standard cosmetic) to a predetermined part such as the cheek and evaluates the skin type before and after application. The standard lotion can also be a simple lotion containing only alcohol and water. In this embodiment, as the skin type after applying the standard lotion, dry skin (type T3) is further classified into 4 subtypes: type T3A to T3D. Type T3A is a skin type where the sebum amount increases after applying the standard lotion. Although it is dry skin (dry skin), it is easily sticky with the lotion. Therefore, for users of type T3A, a refreshing lotion with less oily ingredients is considered effective. For type T3C, the moisture content is greatly improved by the standard lotion. In the case of type T3C, a simple lotion such as the standard lotion is considered suitable. Thus, in this embodiment, not only the original skin type (type T1 to T4) before applying the lotion is considered, but also the change in skin type caused by the standard lotion. In other words, the acceptability and reactivity of the standard lotion are also considered to determine the skin type. Here, the "acceptability" means the degree to which a lotion or the like can be integrated with a person's skin or, if integrated, can be actually felt by the subject himself / herself. In other words, it refers to both or one of the objective evaluation and subjective evaluation related to the suitability of the skin type and the lotion or the like. In addition, for skin types other than dry skin, subtype classification is also carried out in the same way.

[0040] Hereinafter, a method for diagnosing the user's skin type and recommending the most suitable lotion (hereinafter referred to as "recommended lotion (recommended cosmetic)") based on the diagnosis result will be described as the first embodiment, and a method for not only recommending the lotion but also actually producing the recommended lotion based on the diagnosis result will be described as the second embodiment. In addition, when the first embodiment and the second embodiment are not particularly distinguished, it is simply referred to as "this embodiment".

[0041] [First Embodiment]

[0042] In the first embodiment, the user diagnoses the skin type in the user terminal 100 (skin type determination device) and sends the diagnosis result to the server 200. The server 200 selects the recommended cosmetic based on the diagnosis result and notifies the user terminal 100 of the recommended cosmetic.

[0043] Figure 2 It is a hardware structure diagram of the skin type determination system 104 in the first embodiment.

[0044] The skin type determination system 104 includes a server 200 and user terminals 100. In the skin type determination system 104, a plurality of user terminals 100a, 100b... 100n are connected to the server 200 via the Internet 102.

[0045] The user terminal 100 in this embodiment is assumed to be a smart phone connected to a skin type measurement device (not shown) and installed with dedicated software. The user terminal 100 can also be a tablet terminal or a laptop PC. In addition, the user terminal 100 can also be a dedicated device for skin type determination set up in a cosmetics store. The user terminal 100 is wirelessly connected to the Internet 102, but it can also be wired.

[0046] The user registers with the server 200 in advance. The user is uniquely identified by the user ID. The server 200 manages the user ID in association with user information such as user attributes (described later) and environmental attributes (described later). The server 200 can also have a settlement function. The user can also instruct the purchase of recommended cosmetics from the user terminal 100 to the server 200, and the server 200 can order the recommended cosmetics from the manufacturer and access the banking system to perform the settlement.

[0047] The measuring device connected to the user terminal 100 may be a known device for measuring the moisture content and sebum content of the skin. The user terminal 100 can also determine the skin type by performing image processing on the captured image of the skin. In addition, the measuring device can also measure the friction coefficient of the skin. In addition to the friction coefficient, it is also possible to measure vibrations when a contact slides across the skin, the temperature of the skin, etc. An acceleration sensor can be used during vibration measurement. For example, the "smoothness" and "stickiness" of the skin can be indexed by the vibration when a contact slides across the skin and the friction coefficient of the skin. In addition, the "softness" and "elasticity" of the skin can be indexed by the viscoelasticity of the skin, the tensile stress, and the pressure distribution of the contact part (contact range). In addition, the skin temperature is also an effective parameter in evaluating the sense of touch. In this way, by measuring the "physical property data related to the sense of touch of the skin", the skin type can be quantitatively evaluated. The "physical property data related to the sense of touch of the skin" mentioned here can also refer to the measured values (power spectral density of the vibration when a contact slides across the skin, friction coefficient, etc.) used to quantitatively evaluate the predetermined items ("smoothness", "stickiness", etc.) that define the skin feel. It is also possible to evaluate the moisture and stickiness of the skin in five grades according to the subjective evaluation of the consultant or the user himself / herself. Regarding the physical property data related to the sense of touch, subjective evaluation can also be carried out in the same way. Or, the consultant or the user himself / herself can subjectively evaluate the appearance before and after applying the lotion. In this way, the skin type measurement method itself can be realized by applying known technologies.

[0048] When evaluating the sense of touch related to the feeling of friction, etc., it is also possible to numerically represent the feeling that the user himself / herself actually touches his / her own skin. For example, it is also possible to evaluate the "smoothness" in five grades. It is also possible to numerically represent the feeling obtained when a consultant other than the user touches the skin of the user (test subject). When an expert who is used to (familiar with) touching the skin of people makes an evaluation, it is easy to make an objective judgment with higher accuracy than the user himself / herself. In addition, as described above, it is also possible to perform tactile evaluation by measuring the friction coefficient, etc. using various sensors. In this case, for example, it is also possible to pre-investigate the correlation between the range of the "friction coefficient (measured value)" and the "smoothness (evaluation item)", and evaluate the tactile feeling of the skin type based on the measured value.

[0049] Figure 3 It is a functional block diagram of the skin type determination system 104.

[0050] Each component of the skin condition determination system 104 (user terminal 100 and server 200) is implemented by hardware and software. The hardware includes arithmetic units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), various coprocessors, a memory, a storage device such as a storage, and a wired or wireless communication line connecting them. The software is stored in the storage device and provides processing commands to the arithmetic unit. A computer program can also be composed of a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located above them, and a library that provides common functions to these programs. Each block described below is not a hardware unit structure but a block representing a functional unit.

[0051] Regarding Figure 13 The same applies to the functional blocks of the cosmetic production system 300 shown.

[0052] (User terminal 100)

[0053] The user terminal 100 includes a user interface processing unit 110, a skin measurement unit 112, a communication unit 114, a data processing unit 116, and a data storage unit 118.

[0054] In addition to accepting operations from the user via the touch panel, the user interface processing unit 110 also undertakes processing related to the user interface such as image display and sound output. The skin measurement unit 112 measures the moisture content and sebum content of the skin through a measurement device connected to the user terminal 100. The measurement device can also be mounted on the user terminal 100 as part of the function of the skin measurement unit 112. The communication unit 114 undertakes communication processing with the server 200 etc. via the Internet 102. The data storage unit 118 stores various data such as measurement programs. The data storage unit 118 performs various processes based on the data obtained through the user interface processing unit 110, the skin measurement unit 112, and the communication unit 114, and the data stored in the data storage unit 118. The data processing unit 116 also functions as an interface for the user interface processing unit 110, the skin measurement unit 112, the communication unit 114, and the data storage unit 118.

[0055] The user interface processing unit 110 includes an input unit 120 and an output unit 122.

[0056] The input unit 120 accepts various inputs from the user. The output unit 122 outputs various information such as sound and images.

[0057] The input unit 120 includes a user attribute acquisition unit 124 and an environmental attribute acquisition unit 126.

[0058] The user attribute acquisition unit 124 obtains information on "user attributes" indicating gender, age, lifestyle (wake-up time, bedtime, sleep duration, eating habits, etc.), menstrual cycle, medical history (e.g., presence or absence of allergies), etc. through input from the user. The "user attributes" referred to herein mean information indicating the user's lifestyle and physical and psychological tendencies. The environmental attribute acquisition unit 126 obtains information on "environmental attributes" such as the country of residence, season, and time period of lotion use through input from the user. The "environmental attributes" referred to herein mean information indicating the user's living environment and the lotion use environment.

[0059] The communication unit 114 includes a transmission unit 130 that transmits data to an external device such as the server 200 and a reception unit 132 that receives data.

[0060] The data processing unit 116 includes a first evaluation unit 140, a second evaluation unit 142, and a comprehensive evaluation unit 144.

[0061] The first evaluation unit 140 evaluates the skin condition before applying the standard lotion as the "first skin condition". Specifically, the first evaluation unit 140 classifies the user's skin condition into any of the types described in association with Figure 1 The first skin condition represents the basic properties of the user's original skin. The second evaluation unit 142 evaluates the skin condition after applying the standard lotion as the "second skin condition". Specifically, as described in association with Figure 1 The second evaluation unit 142 classifies the user's skin condition into subcategories. The second skin condition represents the acceptability and reactivity (improvement) to the standard lotion. The comprehensive evaluation unit 144 determines the user's "comprehensive skin condition" based on the first skin condition and the second skin condition.

[0062] (Server 200)

[0063] The server 200 includes a communication unit 202, a data processing unit 204, and a data storage unit 206.

[0064] The communication unit 202 undertakes communication processing with the user terminal 100 and other external devices via the Internet 102. In addition to programs, the data storage unit 206 also stores various data. The data processing unit 204 performs various processes based on the data obtained by the communication unit 202 and the data stored in the data storage unit 206. The data processing unit 204 also functions as an interface between the communication unit 202 and the data storage unit 206.

[0065] The communication unit 202 includes a transmission unit 210 that transmits data to an external device such as the user terminal 100 and a reception unit 212 that receives data.

[0066] The data processing unit 204 includes a recommendation unit 220. Based on the determination result of the comprehensive skin type by the comprehensive evaluation unit 144 of the user terminal 100, etc., the recommendation unit 220 selects recommended cosmetics by the method described later.

[0067] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing the skin type classification in the present embodiment.

[0068] The user measures the skin moisture content, etc. before applying the standard lotion. The first evaluation unit 140 determines the first skin type (hereinafter referred to as "the first evaluation") based on the measurement result. In the present embodiment, the user is classified into any one of the four skin types of type T1 to T4. Next, the user applies the standard lotion to the cheeks, and the skin moisture content, etc. are measured again by the measuring device. The second evaluation unit 142 determines the second skin type (hereinafter referred to as "the second evaluation") based on the measurement result.

[0069] For example, a user of type T1 (normal skin) is further divided into any one of types T1A to T1D based on the acceptability and reactivity of the standard lotion. In the present embodiment, not only the original skin is measured, but also the skin after applying the standard lotion is measured, so as to classify the user's skin type in detail.

[0070] (Example 1: Recommendation of lotion)

[0071] Figure 5 It is a data structure diagram of the cosmetics table 250 in Example 1.

[0072] The cosmetics table 250 is stored in the data storage unit 206 of the server 200. In addition to the skin type information indicating the comprehensive skin type (type), the user terminal 100 also notifies the server 200 of the user attributes and environmental attributes. The recommendation unit 220 of the server 200 refers to the cosmetics table 250 based on these information, and thus selects and recommends a lotion. For example, for a user of type T1A, user attribute U1, and environmental attribute E1, the recommendation unit 220 selects the lotion with lotion ID = F1 (hereinafter referred to as "lotion (F1)") as the recommended lotion and recommends it to the user.

[0073] As an example, it can also be set that: user attribute U1 represents the age group of 10 to 19 years old, U2 represents the age group of 20 to 39 years old, and U3 represents the age group of 40 years old or above. In addition, it can also be set that the environmental attribute represents the climate zone of the user's place of residence. For example, it is set that environmental attribute E1 is tropical or subtropical, E2 is temperate, and E3 is frigid or subfrigid. In this case, for example, for a 25-year-old (U2) user of type T1A living in the temperate zone (E2), the recommendation unit 220 selects lotion (F5) as the recommended lotion.

[0074] In regions with high temperatures such as Southeast Asia, lotions containing refreshing ingredients (such as menthol and eucalyptus oil) may be popular. On the other hand, in regions prone to dryness such as Europe, lotions containing many moisturizing ingredients (such as glycerol and sodium hyaluronate) may be suitable. In addition, according to the age group, the brand of the lotion also varies. In this way, by considering not only the comprehensive skin type but also the user attributes and environmental attributes, it is possible to recommend a more suitable and effective lotion for the user.

[0075] In the cosmetics table 250, it is also possible to associate multiple recommended lotions with the combination of the comprehensive skin type (skin type), user attributes, and environmental attributes. For example, in summer (environmental attribute), it is possible to associate recommended lotion (F1) and recommended lotion (F2) with users of type T2B for men (user attribute). The recommendation unit 220 can also recommend both recommended lotion (F1) and recommended lotion (F2) to this user. The user can choose either of the two recommended lotions as the purchase target.

[0076] Figure 6 It is a timing chart showing the processing procedure of skin type determination.

[0077] The user inputs user attributes and environmental attributes to the user terminal 100 in advance. In addition, whenever new input or updated input of user attributes and environmental attributes occurs, the sending unit 130 sends this information together with the user ID to the server 200, and the data processing unit 204 of the server 200 associates the user ID with the user attributes and environmental attributes and registers them in the data storage unit 206.

[0078] Based on the above initial settings, the user first measures the first skin type (S10) before applying the standard lotion. The skin measurement unit 112 measures the moisture content and sebum content of the user's skin, and the first evaluation unit 140 determines the first skin type. The user then measures the second skin type (S12) after applying the standard lotion. The skin measurement unit 112 measures the moisture content and sebum content of the user's skin again, and the second evaluation unit 142 determines the second skin type (S12) indicating the acceptability and reactivity of the standard lotion.

[0079] The comprehensive evaluation unit 144 classifies the user's skin type based on the first skin type and the second skin type, and evaluates the comprehensive skin type (S14). The communication unit 114 sends the skin type information indicating the comprehensive skin type (skin type) together with the user ID to the server 200 (S16).

[0080] The recommendation unit 220 of the server 200 refers to the cosmetics table 250 and selects a recommended lotion suitable for skin type information, etc. (S18). The sending unit 210 of the server 200 sends advice information specifying the recommended lotion to the user terminal 100 (S20). The advice information includes information such as the image, function, manufacturer, and price of the recommended lotion. The data storage unit 206 of the server 200 stores by associating the lotion ID with various information associated with the lotion in advance. The output unit 122 of the user terminal 100 prompts the user with the combined skin type and the recommended lotion (S24).

[0081] Figure 7 It is a screen diagram of the diagnosis advice screen 260.

[0082] When the output unit 122 of the user terminal 100 receives the advice information from the server 200, it displays the diagnosis advice screen 260. Regarding users (type T3C: refer to Figure 1 ) who have dry skin (dry skin type) but can easily accept the standard lotion well, in the diagnosis advice screen 260, the lotion named "Aoleir" is recommended as the recommended lotion. By performing the skin type measurement twice, the user can not only receive a skin type diagnosis but also receive advice on recommended lotions from the server 200.

[0083] After the server 200 recommends a recommended lotion after considering not only the first skin type, which is the basic property of the user's original skin, but also the second skin type, which represents the acceptability, reactivity, and affinity of the standard lotion, the user can easily find the most suitable lotion for themselves from a variety of lotions. In addition, since the recommended lotion is recommended based on their own skin type, it is easy for users to be convinced that the recommended lotion is the most suitable for themselves and has been selected for themselves. Such a sense of trust is also considered to contribute to improving the user's satisfaction with the recommended lotion. Furthermore, it is considered to contribute to the original purpose of makeup, which is to improve social motivation, by enhancing self-evaluation.

[0084] (Example 2: Recommendation of set cosmetics)

[0085] Hereinafter, various application examples will be described based on Example 1. In Example 2, not only the lotion is recommended, but also the emulsion is recommended together.

[0086] Figure 8 It is a data structure diagram of the set table 252 in Example 2.

[0087] The set list 252 is stored in the data storage unit 206 of the server 200. The recommendation unit 220 may recommend not only lotion but also combinations of various cosmetics such as emulsion and foundation (hereinafter referred to as "set cosmetics"). In the set list 252, for combinations of skin types, user attributes, and environmental attributes, set cosmetics that are combinations of lotion and emulsion are pre-associated.

[0088] For example, for a user with type T1A, user attribute U1, and environmental attribute E1, the recommendation unit 220 selects lotion (F1) and emulsion (H1), and recommends these to the user. If multiple cosmetics are recommended as set cosmetics, the user can learn the combination of cosmetics that are most suitable for themselves all at once. Similar to a stylist matching suitable clothes for a user, the user can get set cosmetics that match their skin type.

[0089] (Example 3: Recommendation of emulsion matching lotion)

[0090] In Example 3, based on the cosmetics selected by the user, another cosmetic is recommended.

[0091] Figure 9 It is the data structure diagram of the cosmetics table 254 in Example 3.

[0092] The cosmetics table 254 is stored in the data storage unit 206 of the server 200. For example, even if lotion (F3) is suitable for a certain user, there may be cases where the user cannot use lotion (F3) due to physical reasons such as allergies. Or, the user prefers lotion (F2) more than lotion (F3), but sometimes also hopes to select cosmetics based on skin type diagnosis. In Example 3, after taking the lotion (the first cosmetic) selected by the user as a premise, the most suitable emulsion (the second cosmetic) is recommended.

[0093] For example, assume that a user with user attribute U1, environmental attribute E1, and type T1A hopes to use lotion (F1). In this case, as the second cosmetic, the recommendation unit 220 selects emulsion (H1) as the recommended cosmetic and recommends it. Emulsion (H1) is a recommended cosmetic that takes into account the lotion (F1) selected by the user on the basis of comprehensively considering skin type, user attributes, and environmental attributes. Similarly, when a user with user attribute U1, environmental attribute E1, and type T1A selects lotion (F3), the recommendation unit 220 selects emulsion (H3) as the recommended cosmetic and recommends it.

[0094] In the case of Example 3, the input unit 120 of the user terminal 100 also accepts the designation of the lotion (first type of cosmetic product) that the user wishes to use, based on the user attributes and environmental attributes. When sending the skin type information, the sending unit 130 also sends the lotion ID of the lotion designated by the user to the server 200. The server 200 also refers to the cosmetic product table 254 including the lotion ID designated by the user, and selects the emulsion that should be recommended to the user.

[0095] Alternatively, the recommendation unit 220 may also recommend multiple recommended lotions based on the comprehensive skin type, user attributes, and environmental attributes. For example, for a user with type T1A, user attributes U1, and environmental attributes E1, the server 200 may also recommend lotion (F1), lotion (F3), and lotion (F4) in a selectable manner. When the user selects lotion (F1), the sending unit 130 of the user terminal 100 notifies the server 200 that the lotion ID = F1. At this time, the recommendation unit 220 may also refer to the cosmetic product table 254 and recommend the emulsion (H1) associated with lotion (F1).

[0096] When the recommendation unit 220 detects that a user of the type that requires moisturization has selected a lotion with less moisturizing ingredients, the recommendation unit 220 may particularly recommend a highly moisturizing emulsion. By also relying on their own preferences for lotions, users can receive more satisfactory recommendations for other cosmetic products such as emulsions. In addition, not limited to the recommendation of emulsions after considering lotion preferences, various combinations can also be considered, such as recommendations for lotions after considering preferences for lotions, or recommendations for foundations after considering preferences for lotions and emulsions respectively.

[0097] (Example 4: Recommendation of lotions matching preferences)

[0098] In Example 4, lotions are also recommended considering the user's preferences.

[0099] Figure 10 It is the data structure diagram of the cosmetic product table 256 in Example 4.

[0100] The cosmetic table 256 is stored in the data storage unit 206 of the server 200. Generally speaking, normal skin (type T3) is considered ideal. Nevertheless, users mostly have various preferences (requirements), such as hoping for sufficient moisture, being okay with stickiness as long as the moisture can last, wanting to focus on whitening, wanting natural materials, wanting to avoid expensive lotions, and wanting to avoid alkaline lotions. In Example 4, the user selects any one of the preferences K1, K2, and K3 and inputs it to the user terminal 100. For example, let preference K1 be "not wanting stickiness", preference K2 be "wanting a cooling sensation", and preference K3 be "emphasizing sweat inhibition". The sending unit 130 notifies the server 200 of the preference ID selected by the user. The recommendation unit 220 refers to the cosmetic table 256 and also selects a recommended lotion according to the user's preferences.

[0101] For example, when a user with type T1A, user attribute U1, and environmental attribute E1 expresses the preference of "wanting a cooling sensation (K2)", the recommendation unit 220 recommends a lotion (F4) containing relatively more cooling ingredients.

[0102] (Example 5: Recommendation of original lotion).

[0103] Currently, it is also possible to produce original lotions (hereinafter referred to as "personal lotions (personal cosmetics)") by adjusting the ingredients (cosmetic ingredients) contained in the lotion. In Example 5, a method for producing a personal lotion considering the user's skin type is proposed.

[0104] Figure 11 It is the data structure diagram of the ingredient table 258 in Example 5.

[0105] The ingredient table 258 is stored in the data storage unit 206 of the server 200. In lotions, various ingredients such as moisturizing ingredients, emulsifiers, fragrances, and preservatives are formulated in addition to water and alcohol. As moisturizing ingredients, there are various ingredients such as amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. In addition, there are lotions that do not contain alcohol for people who are sensitive to alcohol irritation. Some contain whitening ingredients such as arbutin, natural ingredients such as aloe, astringent ingredients such as citric acid and lemon water, and cooling ingredients such as menthol. The ingredients contained in the lotion and their formulation amounts vary according to their functionality.

[0106] In Example 5, based on the user's comprehensive skin type, the recommendation unit 220 determines the blending amounts of the ingredients that the personal lotion should contain. For example, for a user with skin type T1A, user attribute U1, and environmental attribute E1, the recommendation unit 220 selects a lotion containing "0.1 (%) of ingredient P1", "0.3 (%) of ingredient P2", etc. The recommendation unit 220 generates a production instruction sheet recording such a blend and sends it to the user terminal 100. The user terminal 100 receives the production instruction sheet, and the user presents the production instruction sheet to a cosmetics store capable of producing personal lotion. The cosmetics store produces the personal lotion according to the production instruction sheet, just like a prescription pharmacy.

[0107] [Second Embodiment]

[0108] In the second embodiment, the user diagnoses their skin type in the user terminal 100 and sends the diagnosis result to the cosmetics preparation device 300. The cosmetics preparation device 300 determines the blending ingredients of the lotion by the same method as in Example 5 of the first embodiment according to the diagnosis result, and generates a personal lotion. The cosmetics preparation device 300 is a manufacturing device for lotion assumed to be installed in a direct store of a cosmetics manufacturer or the like.

[0109] Figure 12 It is a hardware structure diagram of the cosmetics production system 270 in the second embodiment.

[0110] The cosmetics production system 270 includes a cosmetics preparation device 300 and a user terminal 100. In the cosmetics production system 270, a plurality of user terminals 100 are connected to the cosmetics preparation device 300 via the Internet 102. The server 200 of the first embodiment is a device for recommending lotions (recommending cosmetics), while the cosmetics preparation device 300 of the second embodiment is different in that it actually generates personal lotions (personal cosmetics).

[0111] Figure 13 It is a functional block diagram of the cosmetics preparation device 300.

[0112] The cosmetics preparation device 300 includes a communication unit 310, a data processing unit 312, a data storage unit 314, and a drive mechanism 316.

[0113] The communication unit 310 undertakes communication processing with the user terminal 100 and the like via the Internet 102. The drive mechanism 316 generates a personal lotion by blending lotion ingredients according to an instruction from the data processing unit 312. The data storage unit 314 stores various data in addition to programs. The data processing unit 312 performs various processes based on the data obtained by the communication unit 310 and the data stored in the data storage unit 314. The data processing unit 312 also functions as an interface for the communication unit 310, the drive mechanism 316, and the data storage unit 314.

[0114] The communication unit 310 includes a transmission unit 320 that transmits data to an external device such as the user terminal 100, and a reception unit 322 that receives data.

[0115] The data processing unit 312 includes a cosmetic production unit 324 and a cosmetic management unit 326. The cosmetic production unit 324 determines the blending amount of the lotion components in the personal lotion based on the determination result of the comprehensive skin type, etc., and generates a production instruction sheet by the same method as the method described Figure 11 previously. The ingredient table 258 (see Figure 11 ) is stored in the data storage unit 314. The cosmetic management unit 326 manages by associating the user ID with the lotion ID of the personal lotion.

[0116] Figure 14 It is the data structure diagram of the lotion management table 280.

[0117] The lotion management table 280 is included in the data storage unit 314 of the cosmetic preparation device 300. The user measures the skin type in the user terminal 100 by the same method as in the first embodiment. The comprehensive evaluation unit 144 of the user terminal 100 determines the comprehensive skin type of the user, and the transmission unit 130 transmits the skin type information together with the user ID to the cosmetic preparation device 300 in addition to the user attributes and environmental attributes. The cosmetic preparation device 300 associates the user ID with the user attributes and environmental attributes. The cosmetic production unit 324 of the cosmetic preparation device 300 refers to the ingredient table 258 stored in the data storage unit 118, determines the blending amount of the lotion components of the personal lotion, and generates a production instruction sheet. A lotion ID is assigned to the personal lotion. The drive mechanism 316 sequentially produces the personal lotion according to the production instruction sheet.

[0118] The cosmetic management unit 326 associates the lotion ID with the user ID and registers it in the lotion management table 280. The cosmetic production unit 324 sequentially sends production instruction sheets to the drive mechanism 316, and the drive mechanism 316 generates a personal lotion according to the production instruction sheets. In the lotion management table 280, the personal lotion (F24) of the user (P01) was produced on July 2, 2009 and is in a state waiting for the user (P01) to pick it up. When the production of the personal lotion is completed, the cosmetic management unit 326 registers the production date and time in the lotion management table 280. When the user (P01) picks up the lotion (F24), the cosmetic management unit 326 deletes the corresponding record from the lotion management table 280.

[0119] The personal lotion (F44) of the user (P03) is in production. When the Cosmetics Management Department 326 starts the production of the personal lotion by the drive mechanism 316, it is registered as "in production" in the lotion management table 280. The personal lotion (F37) of the user (P05) is in waiting. This means that although the Cosmetics Production Department 324 has sent a production instruction, the drive mechanism 316 has not yet started producing the lotion due to the waiting order.

[0120] In the second embodiment, the user measures their skin type through the user terminal 100 and sends the skin type information to the cosmetics formulation device 300. The cosmetics formulation device 300 sequentially generates personal lotions according to the requests of a large number of users. In addition, the Cosmetics Management Department 326 registers the user ID and the lotion ID in association with each other in the lotion management table 280. The user passes by a store where the cosmetics formulation device 300 is installed and picks up the generated personal lotion.

[0121] As described above, the skin type determination system 104 has been described based on the first embodiment, and the cosmetics production system 270 has been described based on the second embodiment.

[0122] Many women are seeking cosmetics that suit them, especially cosmetics for themselves that showcase their charm. Many cosmetics stores also make recommendations for suitable cosmetics based on the internal state of the original skin (water content, sebum amount, etc.), appearance (texture and / or wrinkles, tone, etc.), tactile sensation (smoothness and / or stickiness accompanied by the coefficient of friction and / or vibration, etc.), and subjective self-evaluation. However, there are also many mismatches, such as being recommended a highly moisturizing lotion for dry skin but feeling sticky, or the moisturizing effect of the lotion not lasting although being diagnosed with normal skin. In this embodiment, not limited to the first skin type which is the basic characteristic of the original skin, the second skin type which is the acceptability and reactivity of the skin to a standard lotion is also considered to comprehensively evaluate the user's skin type. As a result, it is easier to recommend cosmetics that are more suitable for the user's skin type.

[0123] In addition, the user is recommended cosmetics not only based on the first skin type before applying the standard cosmetics but also based on the second skin type after applying the standard cosmetics. In other words, by providing more refined recommendations, the user can have a sense of trust and security in the recommended cosmetics. It is considered that the positive feeling towards the recommended cosmetics will also have a good impact on the user's sense of identity and satisfaction. In addition, in the case where the number of working women is increasing, for busy female users, it is considered very convenient to easily and appropriately obtain recommendations for cosmetics that suit their skin from a variety of cosmetics.

[0124] Suggesting a set of cosmetics according to the comprehensive skin type is particularly convenient for users who do not want to spend time selecting cosmetics. In addition, by finely classifying the user's skin type based on the second skin type, it is possible to suggest an original personal lotion in which the blending amount of cosmetic ingredients has been adjusted. Such personalization of cosmetics is considered to be more effective in showing the user's charm and improving satisfaction.

[0125] Furthermore, by also considering user attributes, environmental attributes, user preferences, etc., and finely adopting the user's situation and needs, it is easy to suggest more suitable cosmetics. Users can get suggestions for the most suitable cosmetics at that time by making regular skin type diagnoses a habit and also according to changes in skin type, environment, preferences, etc.

[0126] In the second embodiment, the user performs a skin type diagnosis through the user terminal 100, and the cosmetic preparation device 300 manufactures personal cosmetics based on the diagnosis result. The manufacture of personal cosmetics takes time. The transmission unit 320 of the cosmetic preparation device 300 can also send a completion notice to the user terminal 100 when the personal cosmetics have been prepared. For example, the user performs a skin type diagnosis through the user terminal 100 before going out to a department store and requests the cosmetic preparation device 300 of the cosmetics store set up in the department store to manufacture personal cosmetics. The user who receives the completion notice when shopping in the department store picks up the personal cosmetics from the cosmetics store. According to such a control method, the user can pick up the personal cosmetics at an appropriate time by visiting the cosmetics store when it is completed without waiting for the manufacture of the personal cosmetics in the cosmetics store. The cosmetic preparation device 300 can also deliver the completed lotion to the user's home.

[0127] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modified examples, and the constituent elements can be modified within the scope not departing from the gist to be embodied. Various inventions can also be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments and modified examples. In addition, several constituent elements can also be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments and modified examples.

[0128] [Modified Example]

[0129] In the first embodiment, the diagnosis of skin types in the user terminal 100 and the selection of recommended cosmetics in the server 200 were described. The first evaluation unit 140, the second evaluation unit 142, and the comprehensive evaluation unit 144 of the user terminal 100 may also be installed in the server 200. That is, it may also be that the skin measurement unit 112 measures the moisture content and sebum content, and the transmission unit 130 transmits the measurement values together with the user ID to the server 200. The server 200 may also evaluate the first skin type, the second skin type, and the comprehensive skin type based on these measurement values. The cosmetic preparation device 300 of the second embodiment may also similarly have a function of diagnosing skin types.

[0130] Similarly, it may also be set that the user terminal 100, instead of the server 200, has the function of the recommendation unit 220. In this case, it may also be that the user terminal 100 downloads data such as the cosmetic table 250 from the server 200, and the user terminal 100 selects cosmetics based on the diagnosis result.

[0131] In this embodiment, the selection of recommended cosmetics by also considering user attributes and environmental attributes based on the comprehensive skin type was described, but user attributes and environmental attributes may not be considered. That is, the recommendation unit 220 may also select recommended cosmetics only based on the comprehensive skin type. In addition, the cosmetic production unit 324 may also determine the formulation in the personal cosmetics only based on the comprehensive skin type.

[0132] In this embodiment, the lotion was mainly used as an object for description, but the present invention can also be applied to cosmetics other than the lotion. For example, it is also possible to evaluate the first skin type and the second skin type based on a lotion (standard cosmetic) that is a sample product, and evaluate the comprehensive skin type. The comprehensive evaluation unit 144 evaluates the comprehensive skin type based on the second evaluation based on the lotion. The recommendation unit 220 may also select and recommend a lotion (recommended cosmetic) based on this comprehensive skin type. In addition to the lotion, it is also possible to evaluate the first skin type and the second skin type based on a beauty essence (standard beauty essence), a cream, and a foundation. It is known that even in the case of applying the powder of the foundation, the acceptability varies from person to person.

[0133] In the case of the foundation, the skin tone of the skin may also be used as an evaluation object when evaluating the skin type. Since the sunlight is strong in summer, the recommendation unit 220 may also recommend a foundation with a better whitening effect and a higher sun protection effect in summer than in winter.

[0134] When evaluating skin types, the water content of the skin can also be examined by measuring either or both of the static capacitance and resistance of the skin. In addition to this, the condition of the epidermis (pores, dryness, acne, spots, rough skin, dark circles, dullness, transparency, sebum, redness) can be evaluated based on a captured image of the skin, and the blood flow and the condition of the lymph can be evaluated by optical coherence tomography examination. Additionally, the skin type can be evaluated by having a consultant or the user himself / herself answer a questionnaire. Regarding skin type evaluation techniques, various methods have been established and proposed, and known skin type evaluation techniques can also be applied in the skin type determination system 104 and the cosmetics production system 270. For example, when evaluating the water content of the skin, the water content can also be evaluated based on both the evaluation value based on static capacitance measurement and the evaluation value based on the user's subjective evaluation (sense of moistness). The same applies to the amount of sebum and the like. In this way, the first skin type and the second skin type can be evaluated based on both objective evaluation and subjective evaluation.

[0135] The same applies when evaluating skin types based on physical property data related to touch. For example, in the case of skin type evaluation based on the coefficient of friction (evaluation of skin smoothness), the coefficient of friction a1 before applying lotion and the coefficient of friction a2 after applying lotion are measured. In comprehensive evaluation, for example, the comprehensive evaluation value a3 can be calculated using any function with the two coefficients of friction a1 and a2 as variables, such as the average value of a1 and a2, the rate of change from a1 to a2, the minimum value, maximum value, and range of a1 and a2. The recommendation unit 220 can also recommend cosmetics associated with the comprehensive evaluation value a3. Alternatively, the recommendation unit 220 can also select one or more cosmetics from multiple candidate cosmetics based on the comprehensive evaluation value a1, and further narrow down the cosmetics to be recommended based on the comprehensive evaluation value a2.

[0136] The same applies to other physical property data such as viscoelasticity. When evaluating skin types based on physical property data related to touch in this way, it is also possible to recommend cosmetics associated with the measured values before and after applying lotion.

[0137] The passage of time after applying cosmetics can also be considered. The second evaluation unit 142 can measure the skin type not only immediately after applying the standard cosmetics, but also after a predetermined time has passed since applying the standard cosmetics, for example, after 1 hour. The comprehensive evaluation unit 144 can comprehensively evaluate the user's skin type based on the skin type before applying cosmetics, immediately after applying, and 1 hour after applying.

[0138] A budget can also be set as part of the user attributes. For example, when the user sets "2,000 yen" as the budget for lotion, the recommendation unit 220 can also select lotions that fall within the user-specified budget from among various lotions suitable for the user's combined skin type as the recommended lotions. In addition, when recommending a set of cosmetics (Example 2 of the first embodiment), the recommendation unit 220 can also select multiple cosmetics so that they fall within the range of the total budget specified by the user.

[0139] The data processing unit 204 of the server 200 may also include a user management unit (not shown) that registers the results of skin type diagnosis in association with the user ID in the data storage unit 206. For example, it is assumed that lotion X1 is recommended to user P1. Here, it is assumed that lotion X2 is newly released as a successor product to lotion X1. The manufacturer registers lotion X2 as a successor product to lotion X1 in the server 200. At this time, the recommendation unit 220 can also send advertisement information of lotion X2 to the user terminal 100 for user P1. According to such a control method, it is possible to effectively enable the user to recognize the new product as a cosmetic suitable for the user's skin type. Collecting the user's skin type information is considered to be highly effective in marketing.

[0140] In addition, for user P2 of type T2A, lotion X3 can be recommended (user attribute U1) when user P2 is in their teens, and when the user becomes in their twenties, other lotions X3 of the same series targeted at people in their twenties can be recommended. According to such a control method, it is possible to effectively recommend cosmetics suitable for the user's skin type while also considering the user's age.

[0141] In the present embodiment, it has been described on the premise that the skin type before applying the standard lotion is classified into 4 skin types and the skin type after applying the standard lotion is classified into 4 skin types, for a total of 16 classifications, but it is not necessary to classify into 4 as a premise. For example, for users with dry skin (type T3), after applying the standard lotion, it can be further divided into two categories: "moisture is continuously maintained" and "becomes dry again". Or for users with dry skin (type T3), after applying the standard lotion, it can be classified into two types such as "the change amount of the coefficient of friction is equal to or greater than a predetermined value" and "the change amount of the coefficient of friction is less than the predetermined value".

[0142] Due to the skin improvement effect brought about by continuous use of cosmetics, the user's skin type sometimes changes continuously. Therefore, Figure 6The skin type determination shown is preferably not performed only once, but regularly. The comprehensive evaluation unit 144 of the user terminal 100 may also be provided with a measurement management unit (not shown). The measurement management unit may notify the user of a re-measurement of the skin type when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous skin type measurement, for example, 10 days or more. According to such a control method, it is easy for the user to appropriately select the most suitable cosmetics according to the change in the skin type.

Claims

1. A skin type determination system, characterized in that, Comprising: A first evaluation unit that evaluates the skin type of the subject before applying a standard cosmetic for skin type determination to a predetermined part of the subject as the first skin type; A second evaluation unit that evaluates the skin type of the subject after applying the standard cosmetic to the predetermined part of the subject as the second skin type; And A comprehensive evaluation unit that evaluates a comprehensive skin type, which is a comprehensive skin type including the subject's acceptability of cosmetics, based on both the first skin type and the second skin type.

2. The skin type determination system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further comprises a recommendation unit that refers to a cosmetic table associating the comprehensive skin type and cosmetics, and recommends cosmetics corresponding to the comprehensive skin type of the subject to the subject.

3. The skin type determination system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further comprises a recommendation unit that refers to an ingredient table associating the comprehensive skin type and cosmetic ingredients, determines the blending amounts of multiple cosmetic ingredients corresponding to the comprehensive skin type of the subject, and generates a production instruction for a cosmetic based on the determined blending amounts.

4. The skin type determination system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further comprises: A user attribute acquisition unit that acquires the user attributes of the subject; and A recommendation unit that refers to a cosmetic table associating a combination of the comprehensive skin type and user attributes with cosmetics, and recommends cosmetics corresponding to the combination of the comprehensive skin type and user attributes of the subject to the subject.

5. The skin type determination system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further comprises: An environmental attribute acquisition unit that acquires environmental attributes related to the living environment of the subject; and A recommendation unit that refers to a cosmetic table associating a combination of the comprehensive skin type and environmental attributes with cosmetics, and recommends cosmetics corresponding to the combination of the comprehensive skin type and environmental attributes of the subject to the subject.

6. The skin type determination system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further comprises a recommendation unit that refers to a set table associating the comprehensive skin type with a set of cosmetics, which is a combination of multiple cosmetics, and recommends a set of cosmetics corresponding to the comprehensive skin type of the subject to the subject.

7. The skin type determination system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further comprises a recommendation unit that refers to a cosmetic table associating a combination of the comprehensive skin type and a first type of cosmetic with a second type of cosmetic, and recommends a second type of cosmetic corresponding to the combination of the comprehensive skin type of the subject and the first type of cosmetic selected by the subject to the subject.

8. The skin type determination system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further comprises a recommendation unit that refers to a cosmetic table associating a combination of the comprehensive skin type and the subject's cosmetic preference with cosmetics, and recommends cosmetics corresponding to the combination of the comprehensive skin type and the cosmetic preference of the subject to the subject.

9. The skin type determination system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The standard cosmetic is lotion, The first evaluation unit evaluates the first skin type based on physical property data related to the touch of the skin before applying the standard cosmetic. The second evaluation unit evaluates the second skin type based on physical property data related to the touch of the skin after applying the standard cosmetic.

10. A cosmetics production system, characterized in that, It includes a skin type determination device and a cosmetic formulation device, The skin type determination device comprises: A first evaluation unit that evaluates the skin type of the subject before applying a standard cosmetic for skin type determination to a predetermined part of the subject as the first skin type; A second evaluation unit that evaluates the skin type of the subject after applying the standard cosmetic product to the predetermined area of the subject as the second skin type; and A comprehensive evaluation unit that evaluates the comprehensive skin type, which is a comprehensive skin type including the subject's acceptability of the cosmetic product, based on both the first skin type and the second skin type; and A transmission unit that transmits the skin type information indicating the comprehensive skin type together with the user ID of the subject, The cosmetic product preparation device includes: A reception unit that receives the user ID and skin type information of the subject; A cosmetic product production unit that determines the blending amounts of various cosmetic ingredients corresponding to the comprehensive skin type of the subject and produces a cosmetic product based on the determined blending amounts; and A cosmetic product management unit that associates and registers the user ID of the subject and the ID indicating the produced cosmetic product.

11. A computer program product, comprising a skin type determination program, characterized in that, This skin type determination program causes a computer to function as: A function of evaluating the skin type of the subject before applying the standard cosmetic product for skin type determination to the predetermined area of the subject as the first skin type; A function of evaluating the skin type of the subject after applying the standard cosmetic product to the predetermined area of the subject as the second skin type; and A function of evaluating the comprehensive skin type, which is a comprehensive skin type including the subject's acceptability of the cosmetic product, based on both the first skin type and the second skin type.

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