Method and device for analyzing skin component amount by using multiple wavelengths

Abstract

According to a plurality of embodiments, a component amount measuring device for measuring skin component amount information of a user includes: a skin measuring section for measuring skin of the user; and a skin component amount calculation unit for calculating the component amount of a target component in the skin of the user, the skin measuring part comprises a light emitting part provided with at least one light source and a light detecting part provided with at least one light detector, and the light emitting part comprises a first light source irradiating first light rays of a plurality of wavelengths to the surface of the skin; the light detection unit includes a first light detector that detects the first light emitted from the first light source, and includes a skin component amount calculation unit that measures a component amount of the target component on the basis of a light signal of the first light absorbed and scattered in the skin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and device for analyzing the amount of skin components using multiple wavelengths, and in particular to a method and device for measuring the amount of skin components inside the skin using a multiple wavelength light source and a light detector. Background Art

[0002] Unless otherwise stated in this specification, the content described in this section is not prior art related to the claims of this application and cannot be admitted to be prior art by virtue of inclusion in this section.

[0003] Recently, people are paying more and more attention to skin health, especially facial skin health. With the increase of people's attention to skin health, various cosmetics and beauty equipment have emerged on the market. In particular, a skin condition measurement method has been developed to analyze various skin problems (such as wrinkles, pores, and acne) on the user's face by photographing the user's facial skin. As a related method, a method of obtaining data related to skin composition components through a specific light source has been developed.

[0004] Generally speaking, the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) used for research purposes abroad mainly uses a tungsten-halogen lamp light source to irradiate light, uses a spectrometer as a light detector through an optical fiber, and thereby simultaneously measures a wider wavelength band.

[0005] However, since the method described above is a single-position measurement method, it cannot obtain spatial information. Moreover, since it is a method of measuring the entire wavelength band, it includes wavelengths that are not used in the fitting process and thus leads to low efficiency. In addition, it is difficult to achieve miniaturization. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method that can be used in a variety of fields. Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a method and device for measuring the amount of skin components inside the skin using a multi-wavelength light source (such as a white light emitting diode (LED) light source) and a light detector.

[0008] Solutions for solving problems

[0009] According to multiple embodiments, a component amount measuring device for measuring skin component amount information of a user includes: a skin measuring unit for measuring the skin of the user; and a skin component amount calculating unit for calculating the component amount of a target component in the skin of the user; the skin measuring unit includes a light emitting unit equipped with at least one light source and a light detecting unit equipped with at least one light detector, the light emitting unit includes a first light source that irradiates first light of multiple wavelengths onto the surface of the skin; the light detecting unit includes a first light detector that detects the first light irradiated from the first light source, and includes a skin component amount calculating unit that measures the component amount of the target component based on a light signal of the first light absorbed and scattered in the skin.

[0010] According to multiple embodiments, the light emitted from the at least one light source is light emitting diode (LED) white light, the first light detector includes a plurality of bandpass filters arranged in a grid array, and light signals of each of the plurality of wavelengths contained in the first light are acquired through the plurality of bandpass filters, and the skin component amount calculation unit calculates the component amount of the target component based on the light signals of each of the plurality of wavelengths.

[0011] According to various embodiments, the skin component amount calculation unit calculates the component amount of the target component based on at least the concentration of each component in the skin, the extinction coefficient of each component in the skin, and the distance between the first light source and the first light detector.

[0012] According to multiple embodiments, the at least one light source includes the first light source and a second light source arranged adjacent to the first light source, the at least one light detector includes the first light detector and a second light detector arranged adjacent to the first light detector, and the skin component amount calculation unit calculates the first component amount of the target component in the first skin area between the first light source and the first light detector through the first light source and the first light detector, calculates the second component amount of the target component in the second skin area between the first light source and the second light detector through the first light source and the second light detector, calculates the third component amount of the target component in the third skin area between the second light source and the first light detector through the second light source and the first light detector, and calculates the fourth component amount of the target component in the fourth skin area between the second light source and the second light detector through the second light source and the second light detector.

[0013] According to multiple embodiments, the skin component amount calculation unit determines a fifth skin area excluding the first skin area and even the fourth skin area, calculates the fifth component amount of the target component in the fifth skin area based on the first component amount and even the fourth component amount, and generates a two-dimensional image atlas of the target component to thereby generate spatial information of the target component.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, since the goal is to measure absolute quantities, the utilization rate for diagnosis and treatment purposes is higher than that of existing relative value measurement methods.

[0016] In addition, according to multiple embodiments, compared with existing systems that use modulated light sources for the purpose of absolute value measurement, since a relatively low-cost and miniaturized system is used, it can be applied to wearable devices in the future.

[0017] Furthermore, according to various embodiments, by providing a two-dimensional distribution map of skin constituent components, it can be effectively used as medical data for skin beauty, clinical diagnosis, and treatment.

[0018] Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the invention can be used in various fields other than skin, such as fruits and foods, where light characteristic data of constituent components is utilized.

[0019] Furthermore, various effects that can be grasped directly or indirectly through this document can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a component quantity measuring device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating main components of a device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 Schematic diagram illustrating a light emitting unit and a light detecting unit in contact with the skin according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a light emitting section and a light detecting section of a skin measurement section according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an area where skin component data is detected according to the arrangement of the light emitting unit and the light detecting unit.

[0025] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present invention can be modified in many ways and has many embodiments. Specific embodiments will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents and even substitutes included in the concept and technical scope of the present invention. In the process of describing each of the drawings, similar reference numbers are used for similar components.

[0027] In the process of describing multiple components, terms such as first, second, A and B may be used, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention, the first component can be named as the second component, and similarly, the second component can be named as the first component. The term and / or includes a combination of multiple related recorded items or one of multiple related recorded items.

[0028] When a certain component is recorded as being "connected" or "connected" to other components, it may be directly connected or connected to the other components, but it should be understood that other components may exist between the two. On the contrary, when a certain component is recorded as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to other components, it should be understood that no other components exist between the two.

[0029] The terms used in this application are only used to illustrate specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular statements also include plural meanings. In this application, terms such as "including" or "having" are only used to indicate the existence of features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts or combinations described in the specification, and should not be understood as excluding in advance the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts or combinations described may exist or be added.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as those commonly understood by persons having general knowledge of the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Commonly used terms defined in dictionaries should be interpreted as consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted as overly idealized or exaggerated meanings unless clearly defined in this application.

[0031] Next, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a component quantity measuring device 100 in a network environment 10 according to various embodiments. Figure 1 , the component quantity measuring device 100 in the network environment 10 can communicate with the electronic device 202 through the first network 298 (e.g., a short-distance wireless communication network), or communicate with the electronic device 204 or the server 208 through the second network 299 (e.g., a long-distance wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the component quantity measuring device 100 can communicate with the electronic device 204 through the server 208. According to one embodiment, the component quantity measuring device 100 may include a processor 220, a memory 230, an input module 250, a sound output module 255, a display module 260, an audio module 270, a sensor module 276, an interface 277, a connection terminal 278, a tactile module 279, a camera module 280, a power management module 288, a battery 289, a communication module 290, a user identification module 296, or an antenna module 297. In some embodiments, the component quantity measuring device 100 may omit at least one of the components (e.g., the connection terminal 278) or add one or more other components. In some embodiments, part of the components (eg, the sensor module 276 , the camera module 280 , or the antenna module 297 ) may be integrated into one component (eg, the display module 260 ).

[0033] The processor 220 can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the component quantity measuring device 100 connected to the processor 220 by running software (e.g., program 240), and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operation, the processor 220 can store instructions or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module 276 or communication module 290) in the volatile memory 232, process the instructions or data stored in the volatile memory 232, and store the result data in the non-volatile memory 234. According to one embodiment, the processor 220 can include a main processor 221 (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor 223 (e.g., graphics processing device, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor or communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor. For example, when the component amount measuring device 100 includes the main processor 221 and the auxiliary processor 223, the auxiliary processor 223 may consume lower power or be specially set for a specified function than the main processor 221. The auxiliary processor 223 may be implemented independently of the main processor 221 or as a part thereof.

[0034] The auxiliary processor 223 can, for example, replace the main processor 221 during the period when the main processor 221 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or control at least a part of the function or state related to at least one of the components of the component quantity measurement device 100 (e.g., display module 260, sensor module 276, or communication module 290) together with the main processor 221 during the period when the main processor 221 is in an active (e.g., application program running) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 223 (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) can be implemented as a part of other components (e.g., camera module 280 or communication module 290) that are functionally related. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 223 (e.g., neural network processing device) can include a hardware structure specially designed for processing artificial intelligence models. Artificial intelligence models can be generated by machine learning. The learning as described above can, for example, be performed by the component quantity measurement device 100 running artificial intelligence itself, or can be performed by a separate server (e.g., server 209). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may also include a software structure in addition or alternatively.

[0035] The memory 230 can store various data used in at least one component of the component quantity measuring device 100 (e.g., the processor 220 or the sensor module 276). The data can include, for example, input data or output data of software (e.g., the program 240) and instructions related thereto. The memory 230 can include a volatile memory 232 or a non-volatile memory 234.

[0036] The program 240 may be stored in the memory 230 in the form of software, and may include, for example, an operating system 242 , middleware 244 , or an application program 246 .

[0037] The input module 250 can receive instructions or data to be used in the components (e.g., the processor 220) of the component quantity measurement device 100 from the outside (e.g., the user) of the component quantity measurement device 100. The input module 250 can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0038] The sound output module 255 can output the sound signal to the outside of the component quantity measuring device 100. The sound output module 255 can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to answer calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver can be implemented independently of the speaker or as a part thereof.

[0039] The display module 260 can provide information to the outside of the component quantity measuring device 100 (e.g., a user) in a visual manner. The display module 260 can include, for example, a display screen, a full-system device or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the corresponding device. According to one embodiment, the display module 260 can include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch or a pressure sensor configured to measure the strength of the force generated by the touch.

[0040] The audio module 270 can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module 270 can obtain sound through the input module 250, or output sound through the sound output module 255 or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 202) (e.g., speaker or earphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the component quantity measuring device 100.

[0041] The sensor module 276 can detect the working state (e.g., power supply or temperature) of the component quantity measuring device 100 or the external environmental state (e.g., user state), and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 276 can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0042] The interface 277 may support one or more specified protocols that can be used to directly or wirelessly connect the component quantity measuring device 100 to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 202). According to one embodiment, the interface 277 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDM), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Storage (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0043] The connection terminal 278 may include a connector that can be used to physically connect the component quantity measuring device 100 to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 202). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal 278 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector, a universal serial bus (USB) connector, a secure digital storage (SD) card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0044] The haptic module 279 may convert the electrical signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electrical stimulation that can be perceived by the user through tactile or motion perception. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 279 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0045] The camera module 280 can capture still images or videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module 280 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashlights.

[0046] The power management module 288 may manage the power supplied to the component quantity measuring device 100. According to an embodiment, the power management module 288 may be implemented as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0047] The battery 289 can supply power to at least one component of the component amount measuring device 100. According to an embodiment, the battery 289 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0048] The communication module 290 can establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the component quantity measuring device 100 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 202, electronic device 204, or server 208), and perform communication through the established communication channel. The communication module 290 operates independently of the processor 220 (e.g., application processor), and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., limited) or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 290 may include a wireless communication module 292 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 294 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module in the communication module can communicate with the external electronic device 204 through the first network 298 (for example, a short-distance communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fridelity) direct or infrared data association (IrDA, infrared data association)) or the second network 299 (for example, a long-distance communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a new generation communication network, the Internet or a computer network (for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN))). The various types of communication modules described above can be integrated into one component (for example, a single chip) or implemented as multiple components independent of each other (for example, multiple chips). The wireless communication module 292 can use the user information (for example, the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 296 to confirm or authenticate the component quantity measurement device 100 in a communication network such as the first network 298 or the second network 299.

[0049] The wireless communication module 292 can support 4G networks and new generation communication technologies after 4G networks, such as new radio access thchnology. The new radio access thchnology can support high-speed transmission of large-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power consumption and access of a large number of terminals (massive machine type communication (mMTC)) or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module 292 can, for example, support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave (mmWave) bands) in order to achieve high data transmission rates. The wireless communication module 292 can support various technologies for ensuring performance in high frequency bands, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module 292 can support various requirements specified in the component quantity measurement device 100, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 204), or a network system (e.g., the second network 299). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 292 can support a peak data rate (Peak data rate) for implementing enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) (for example, above 20 Gbps), a loss coverage (Coverage) for implementing massive machine type communication (mMTC) (for example, below 164 dB), or a user plane latency (U-plane latency) for implementing ultra-reliability low latency communication (URLLC) (for example, below 0.5 ms for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), respectively, or below 1 ms for round-trip latency).

[0050] The antenna module 297 may transmit signals or power to the outside (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive signals from the outside. According to one embodiment, the antenna module 297 may include an antenna equipped with a reflector formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a sub-substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 297 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In the case described above, for example, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method applicable to a communication network such as the first network 298 or the second network 299 may be selected from the plurality of antennas by the communication module 290. Signals or power may be sent or received between the communication module 290 and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, other components other than the radiator (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 297.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 297 may form a millimeter wave (mmWave) antenna module. According to one embodiment, the millimeter wave (mmWave) antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated chip (RFIC) configured on a first side (e.g., lower side) or adjacent to the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., millimeter wave (mmWave) band), and multiple antennas (e.g., array antennas) configured on a second side (e.g., upper side or side) or adjacent to the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high frequency band.

[0052] At least some of the components may be connected to each other and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

[0053] According to one embodiment, instructions or data can be sent or received between the component quantity measurement device 100 and the external electronic device 204 through the server 208 connected to the second network 299. Each external electronic device 202 or 204 can be a device of the same or different type as the component quantity measurement device 100. According to one embodiment, all or part of the actions performed in the component quantity measurement device 100 can be performed in one or more external electronic devices of the external electronic devices 202, 204 or 208. For example, in the case where the component quantity measurement device 100 needs to automatically execute or perform a certain function or service as a response to a request from a user or other device, the component quantity measurement device 100 not only executes the function or service by itself, but also can additionally request one or more external electronic devices to execute at least a part of the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request can execute at least a part of the requested function or service or the additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the execution result thereof to the component quantity measurement device 100. The component quantity measuring device 100 can provide the result directly or after additional processing as at least a part of the response to the request. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC, mobile edge computing) or client-server computing technology can be used. The component quantity measuring device 100 can, for example, provide ultra-low latency services using distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 205 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 208 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device 204 or the server 208 may be included in the second network 299. The component quantity measuring device 100 can be based on 5G communication technology and Internet of Things (IoT) related technologies and is suitable for intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars or healthcare).

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating main components of the component amount measuring device 100 .

[0055] The component amount measuring device 100 may include a skin measuring unit 101 and a skin component amount calculating unit 104. The skin measuring unit 101 may include a light emitting unit 102 and a light detecting unit 103. The light emitting unit 102 may include a plurality of light sources, and the light detecting unit 103 may include a plurality of light detectors. Light emitted from the light emitting unit 102 may be incident on the skin and detected by the light detecting unit 103 after being reflected. In other words, a portion of the emitted light may be absorbed or scattered by various components of the skin (e.g., water, hemoglobin, melanin, and fat, etc.), and the remaining portion of the light after being absorbed or scattered may be detected by the light detecting unit 103.

[0056] The skin measurement unit 101 may obtain component data of a specific component through at least one light source and at least one light detector. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may calculate the component amount based on the component data of the specific component (e.g., melanin) obtained by the skin measurement unit 101. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may calculate the component amount of the specific component based on the component data measured in real time by the skin measurement unit 101.

[0057] The skin measurement unit 101 can measure the optical signal (e.g., light quantity and spectral distribution) emitted from the light source by using a reflectance plate or an integrating sphere. The skin measurement unit 101 can measure the amount of light received by the light detection unit 103. The light detection unit 103 can measure the optical signal of the light emitted from the light source excluding the energy lost due to absorption and / or scattering inside the skin. The light detection unit 103 can output an electrical signal obtained by photoelectric conversion of the optical signal input to the light detection unit 103. In other words, each photodetector can detect the optical signal input through the skin and convert it into an electrical signal. The light detection unit 103 can be understood as a sensor that can detect multiple wavelengths simultaneously. For example, the light detection unit 103 can include multiple bandpass filters configured in a grid array.

[0058] The skin component amount calculation unit 104 can measure the component amount of a specific component in the skin based on the light signal information obtained by the light emitting unit 102 and the light detecting unit 103. In other words, the skin component amount calculation unit 104 can measure the component amount of a specific component in the skin based on the light signal information obtained by multiple light sources and multiple light detectors. Each of the multiple light sources can emit a light emitting diode (LED) white light, and the light emitting diode (LED) white light can include multiple wavelengths. For example, the light emitting diode (LED) white light can include a combination of red light emitting diode (LED) light and / or green light emitting diode (LED) light. Alternatively, the light emitting diode (LED) white light can include a combination of light emitting diode (LED) lights of multiple wavelengths other than red light emitting diode (LED) light, blue light emitting diode (LED) light, and green light emitting diode (LED) light. Alternatively, the light emitting diode (LED) light can include a combination of blue light emitting diode (LED) light and a yellow phosphor.

[0059] The skin component amount calculation unit 104 can calculate the component amount of the target component based on, for example, the concentration of each target component, the absorption coefficient (or extinction coefficient) of each target component, and the distance between the light source and the light detector.

[0060] Specifically, the skin component amount calculation unit 104 can compare the light source irradiated to the skin with the light detection spectrum scattered from the skin, thereby calculating the degree of loss of each wavelength due to absorption and scattering inside the skin. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 can set the amount of the target component to be calculated among the skin constituent components as an unknown number, and calculate the skin component amount based on an equation related to the degree of energy lost due to absorption and / or scattering inside the skin corresponding to each wavelength.

[0061] In one embodiment, the skin component amount calculation unit 104 may calculate the light scattering degree. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may calculate the light scattering degree based on Rayleigh scattering and / or Mie scattering. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may calculate the overall light scattering degree using the following mathematical formula 1.

[0062]

Mathematical formula 1

[0063] .

[0064] In the above mathematical formula 1, f Ray-- can refer to the degree of Rayleigh scattering, and a can refer to the scattering amplitude (in The reduced scattering coefficient at wavelength, b Mie- can refer to the scattering force (a constant that depends on the particle size), while Can refer to the reference wavelength.

[0065] In one embodiment, the skin component amount calculation unit 104 may calculate the light absorption degree. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may calculate the light absorption degree based on the absorption coefficient of each component and the concentration of each component. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may calculate the light absorption degree according to Beer's law using the following mathematical formula 2.

[0066]

Mathematical formula 2

[0067] .

[0068] In the above mathematical formula 2, can refer to the absorption coefficient (the overall degree of light absorption), It can refer to the absorption coefficient of each component (skin component), and C i Can refer to the concentration of individual components (skin components).

[0069] The skin component amount calculation unit 104 can calculate the overall light absorption degree of the light emitted from the light source based on the volume fraction of the hemoglobin component in the overall volume of the constituent components, the volume fraction of the water and lipid components in the overall volume of the constituent components, the ratio of water to lipid (water / (water+lipid)), and the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin.

[0070] The skin component amount calculation unit 104 can calculate the overall light absorption degree using the following mathematical formula 3.

[0071]

Mathematical formula 3

[0072] .

[0073] In the above mathematical formula 3, S B It can refer to the volume fraction of hemoglobin in the total volume of the constituent components (volume fraction), S W+L It can refer to the proportion of water and lipid components in the total volume of the components. W+L Oxygen saturation may refer to the ratio of water to lipids (water / (water+lipids)), while SO2 as oxygen saturation may refer to the proportion of oxygenated hemoglobin relative to total hemoglobin (non-oxygenated hemoglobin+oxygenated hemoglobin).

[0074] The skin component amount calculation unit 104 can calculate the light signal (amount) detected by the light detector after losing energy due to absorption and scattering inside the skin by the following Mathematical Formula 4.

[0075]

Mathematical formula 4

[0076] .

[0077] .

[0078] .

[0079] .

[0080] .

[0081] .

[0082] .

[0083] In the mathematical formula 4, R may refer to the detected light signal, can refer to the distance between the light source and the light detector, while The effective diffusion coefficient may refer to the degree of comprehensive energy reduction actually caused by absorption and scattering. D may refer to the diffusion coefficient, and A may be set to 1 as the degree of reflection from the boundary surface to the inside (internal reflection factor).

[0084] The skin component amount calculation unit 104 can calculate the skin component amounts of the skin components by fitting (eg, least square curved fitting) the light signal (light amount) calculated by the mathematical formula 4 for each of the plurality of wavelengths.

[0085] In one embodiment, the skin component amount calculation unit 104 may determine virtual data (or unnecessary (omittable) data) using a portion of the component data obtained from the skin measurement unit 101. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may calculate the skin component amount based on the component data other than the determined virtual data. In other words, when the user runs or makes a violent movement, or when the light source is not in close contact with the skin but slightly separated, the light emitted from the light source leaks and the intensity is weakened, so the accuracy of the measurement based on this will be reduced and will become unstable, so the skin component amount calculation unit 104 may not use the data during the period when the light source is not in close contact with the skin.

[0086] In order to allow the skin component amount calculation unit 104 to determine the virtual data, the skin measurement unit 101 may determine a data omission time point. The skin measurement unit 101 may determine the user motion of the skin portion of the user to which the skin measurement unit 101 is attached based on the data acquired from the acceleration sensor, gyro sensor and / or illumination sensor included in the device 100, and determine the first time point when the user's motion level reaches a pre-set motion level or above as the data omission time point, and further determine the second time point when the user motion re-enters a motion level less than the pre-set motion level as the data utilization time point.

[0087] Figure 3 Schematic diagram illustrating a light emitting unit and a light detecting unit in contact with the skin according to an embodiment. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a light emitting section and a light detecting section of a skin measurement section according to an embodiment. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an area where skin component data is detected according to the arrangement of the light emitting unit and the light detecting unit.

[0088] In one embodiment, see Figure 3 The skin measurement unit 101 can be operated according to Figure 2 The method described herein calculates the amount of skin constituent components using a single light source and a single detector. The skin measurement unit 101 can calculate the amount of skin constituent components using the average light characteristic value of the path between the light source and the light detector in the skin. A white light light emitting diode (LED) light source covering the visible light region can be used, and a light detector whose sensor is composed of an array of bandpass filter units of multiple wavelengths and can detect multiple wavelengths at once. The first light source can be a light emitting diode (LED) white light, and the light emitting diode (LED) white light can contain multiple wavelengths.

[0089] In one embodiment, see Figure 4 as well as Figure 5The skin component amount calculation unit 104 can generate a two-dimensional image map by arranging multiple light sources and multiple light detectors. The skin measurement unit 101 can be composed of a chessboard arrangement of light sources surrounding the light detectors in four directions. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 can fill in the gaps between the measurement points through interpolation to generate a two-dimensional image map related to each major skin component, and further generate spatial information of each skin component.

[0090] The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may measure the first component amount of the first skin area 111 between the first light source 1 and the first light detector 11 through the first light source 1 and the first light detector 11. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may measure the second component amount of the second skin area 113 between the first light source 1 and the second light detector 13 through the first light source 1 and the second light detector 13. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may measure the third component amount of the third skin area 311 between the second light source 3 and the first light detector 11 through the second light source 3 and the first light detector 11. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may measure the fourth component amount of the fourth skin area 333 between the second light source 3 and the second light detector 13 through the second light source 3 and the second light detector 13.

[0091] The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may determine a fifth skin area 330 other than the first skin area 111 to the fourth skin area 333. In addition, when the first skin area 111 to the fourth skin area 333 overlap, the skin component amount calculation unit 104 may determine the overlapped portion as the fifth skin area 330. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may interpolate the fifth skin area 330 based on the first component amount to the fourth component amount, and determine the fifth component amount of the fifth area 330. When determining the fifth component amount, the skin component amount calculation unit 104 may determine different weights for the first component amount to the fourth component amount, respectively. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may calculate the average value of the first component amount to the fourth component amount, and calculate the difference between the calculated average value and the first component amount, that is, the first difference value, the difference between the average value and the second component amount, that is, the third difference value, and the difference between the average value and the third component amount, that is, the fourth difference value. The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may apply a weight greater than a preset weight to a component amount higher than the average value, and may apply a weight less than a preset weight to a component amount lower than the average value, and may apply a weight according to a ratio between the first difference value and the fourth difference value. For example, when the component amount higher than the average value is the first component amount to the third component amount and the component amount lower than the average value is the fourth component amount, the skin component amount calculation unit 104 may apply a weight greater than a preset weight to the first component amount to the third component amount, respectively, and apply a larger weight when the difference between the first difference value to the third difference value is larger and a smaller weight when the difference is smaller, and apply a weight less than a preset weight to the fourth component amount.

[0092] The skin component amount calculation unit 104 may generate a component amount distribution image (eg, a melanin distribution image) of a specific component based on the first component amount to the fifth component amount, and may provide the generated component amount distribution image to a user.

[0093] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 1 Schematic diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the component amount measuring device 100.

[0094] See also Figure 6 The component quantity measuring device 100 may include at least one processor 110 and a memory storing instructions for instructing the at least one processor 110 to perform at least one operation.

[0095] The at least one action may include at least a portion of the actions or functions of the component quantity measuring device 100 as described above, and is further implemented in the form of instructions and executed by the processor 110 .

[0096] Among them, at least one processor 110 may refer to a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a dedicated processor for executing the method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The memory 120 and the storage device 160 may be respectively composed of at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory 120 may be one of a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), and the storage device 160 may be a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD) or various memory cards (such as a micro secure digital storage (micro SD) card), etc.

[0097] In addition, the component quantity measurement device 100 may include a transceiver 130 for performing communication via a wireless network. In addition, the component quantity measurement device 100 may also include an input interface device 140, an output interface device 150, and a storage device 160. The various components included in the component quantity measurement device 100 may be connected via a bus 170 and perform communication with each other. Figure 6 In the description, the component quantity measuring device 100 is taken as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of user terminals may include Figure 6 constituent elements.

[0098] The method according to the present invention can be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed by various computing devices and recorded in a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can contain program instructions, data files, data structures, etc. alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded in the computer-readable medium can be specially designed or constructed for the present invention, or can be well known and usable by computer software practitioners.

[0099] Examples of computer-readable media include hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that run on a computer using an interpreter. The hardware devices described above may be configured in a manner that runs at least one software module in order to perform the actions of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0100] Furthermore, the methods or devices described above may be implemented in combination or separately in whole or in part in terms of their configurations or functions.

[0101] In the above content, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to each other, but those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention can be modified and changed in many ways without departing from the scope of the ideas and spirit of the present invention as described in the attached claims.

[0102] The component quantity measuring device according to the multiple embodiments disclosed in this document can be a device of various forms. The component quantity measuring device can include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a portable device, or a household appliance. The component quantity measuring device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the device described above.

[0103] The multiple embodiments of this document and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features recorded in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include multiple changes, equivalents or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments. In the process of describing the drawings, similar reference numbers may be used for similar or related components. Unless there is a clear contrary indication in the context, the singular expression of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items. In this document, statements such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include one of the items listed in the corresponding statement or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second" or "first" or "second" are simply used to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components, and are not intended to limit the corresponding component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). When a certain component (for example, a first component) is described as being “functional” or “communicative” with another component (for example, a second component), or is “coupled” or “connected” without being limited by these terms, it means that the certain component can be connected to the other components directly (for example, by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0104] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented by hardware, software, or firmware, and may be interchangeable with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component or the smallest unit of the component or a portion thereof for performing one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0105] Multiple embodiments of this document may be implemented by software (e.g., program 240) including one or more instructions stored on a storage medium (e.g., built-in memory 236 or external memory 238) that can be read by a device (e.g., component quantity measuring device 100). For example, a processor (e.g., processor 220) of a device (e.g., component quantity measuring device 100) may call and run at least one of the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium. In this way, the device may perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium that can be read by the device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Among them, "non-volatile" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic wave), and the term does not distinguish between the case where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and the case where data is temporarily stored.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the methods according to the embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a commodity. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a storage medium readable by a device (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) is distributed directly or online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a storage medium that can be read by the device, such as a storage medium of a server of a manufacturing enterprise, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

[0107] According to multiple embodiments, each constituent element (e.g., module or program) of the constituent elements described in the above content may include one or more individuals, and a part of the multiple individuals may be separated and configured to different constituent elements. According to multiple embodiments, one or more constituent elements or actions in the corresponding constituent elements described above may be omitted, or one or more other constituent elements or actions may be added. As a replacement or additional solution, multiple constituent elements (e.g., module or program) may also be integrated into one constituent element. In the above case, one or more functions of each constituent element of the multiple constituent elements in the integrated constituent elements may be performed in the same or similar manner as the corresponding constituent elements in the multiple constituent elements before the integration. According to multiple embodiments, the actions performed by modules, programs or other constituent elements may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or heuristically, or one or more of the actions may be performed in a different order, or omitted, or one or more other actions may be added.

Claims

1. A component quantity measuring device, A component amount measuring device for measuring skin component amount information of a user includes: A skin measuring unit, used for measuring the skin of the user; as well as, a skin component amount calculation unit, configured to calculate the component amount of a target component in the skin of the user; The skin measurement unit, The method comprises a light emitting unit equipped with at least one light source and a light detecting unit equipped with at least one light detector, wherein the light emitting unit comprises a first light source for irradiating first light of multiple wavelengths onto the surface of the skin; and the light detecting unit comprises a first light detector for detecting the first light irradiated from the first light source. The device further includes a skin component amount calculation unit for measuring the component amount of the target component based on an optical signal of the first light beam absorbed and scattered in the skin.

2. The component amount measuring device according to claim 1, The light emitted from the at least one light source is a light emitting diode (LED) white light. The first light detector includes a plurality of bandpass filters arranged in a grid array, and acquires light signals of each of the plurality of wavelengths contained in the first light through the plurality of bandpass filters. The skin component amount calculation unit calculates the component amount of the target component based on the light signals of each of the plurality of wavelengths.

3. The component amount measuring device according to claim 2, The skin component amount calculation unit, The component amount of the target component is calculated based on at least the concentration of each component in the skin, the extinction coefficient of each component in the skin, and the distance between the first light source and the first light detector.

4. The component amount measuring device according to claim 2, The at least one light source includes the first light source and a second light source arranged adjacent to the first light source, and the at least one light detector includes the first light detector and a second light detector arranged adjacent to the first light detector. The skin component amount calculation unit, calculating a first component amount of the target component in a first skin area between the first light source and the first light detector by using the first light source and the first light detector, calculating a second component amount of the target component in a second skin area between the first light source and the second light detector by using the first light source and the second light detector, calculating a third component amount of the target component in a third skin area between the second light source and the first light detector by using the second light source and the first light detector, A fourth component amount of the target component in a fourth skin area between the second light source and the second light detector is calculated using the second light source and the second light detector.

5. The component amount measuring device according to claim 4, The skin component amount calculation unit, determining a fifth skin area other than the first skin area and even the fourth skin area, calculating a fifth component amount of the target component in the fifth skin area based on the first component amount to the fourth component amount, A two-dimensional image atlas of the target component is generated, thereby generating spatial information of the target component.

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