Edema assessment system, program, and method

Abstract

This invention can quantitatively assess facial edema. One embodiment of the edema assessment system includes an acquisition unit that acquires gravitational expansion and gravitational depression amounts obtained from the three-dimensional shape changes between three-dimensional facial images of the object in horizontal and vertical positions, and a calculation unit that calculates the amount of facial edema from the gravitational expansion and gravitational depression amounts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to edema assessment systems, procedures, and methods. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that facial swelling can give the impression of a swollen face. Therefore, methods such as massage to reduce facial swelling are known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-119157 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve However, the assessment of facial swelling is often based on personal feelings, and the degree of facial swelling could not be quantitatively assessed in the past.

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to quantitatively assess facial edema.

[0005] Methods for solving problems An embodiment of the present invention relates to an edema assessment system comprising an acquisition unit that acquires gravity expansion and gravity depression amounts obtained from the three-dimensional shape changes between three-dimensional facial images of an object in horizontal and vertical positions, and a calculation unit that calculates facial edema amounts from the gravity expansion and gravity depression amounts.

[0006] [The effects of the invention] According to the present invention, facial edema can be quantitatively assessed. Attached Figure Description

[0007] 【 Figure 1 [Image 1] is a structural diagram of an edema assessment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] 【 Figure 2 [Illustration] is a functional block diagram of an edema assessment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] 【 Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an edema assessment process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] 【 Figure 4 The diagram is used to illustrate gravitational expansion in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] 【 Figure 5 [Illustration 1] is a diagram illustrating a gravity depression according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] 【 Figure 6 [Image 1] is a diagram illustrating facial intrafacial relaxation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] 【 Figure 7 [Image 1] is a diagram illustrating facial swelling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] 【 Figure 8 The figure is used to illustrate a series of phenomena in a subject according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] 【 Figure 9 [Image 1] is a diagram illustrating the facial indentation of a subject according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] 【 Figure 10 [Image] is an image (overall) representing the two-dimensional shape of a subject's face according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] 【 Figure 11 [Image] is an image (front view) showing the two-dimensional shape of a subject's face according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] 【 Figure 12 [Image] is an image (front view) showing the three-dimensional shape of a subject's face according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] 【 Figure 13 [Image 1] is a diagram illustrating facial swelling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] 【 Figure 14 [Image 1] is a diagram illustrating facial swelling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] 【 Figure 15 [Image 1] is a diagram illustrating facial swelling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] 【 Figure 16 [Image 1] is a diagram illustrating facial swelling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] 【 Figure 17 [Image 1] is a diagram illustrating facial swelling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] 【 Figure 18 [Image] is an image showing facial swelling in multiple subjects according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] 【 Figure 19 [Image 1] is a diagram illustrating the sensory evaluation of facial edema according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] 【 Figure 20 The graph shown is a diagram illustrating the correlation between facial swelling and sensory evaluation in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] 【 Figure 21 The graph shown is a graph illustrating the correlation between the improvement in facial swelling and visual perception according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] 【 Figure 22 [Illustration] is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of an edema assessment device and analysis terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] <Terminology Explanation> "Three-dimensional shape facial image" refers to data representing the three-dimensional shape of a person's face as an assessment subject of edema.

[0031] "Horizontal position" refers to a state in which the midline of the face remains at a right angle relative to the direction of gravity.

[0032] "Vertical position" refers to a state in which the midline of the face remains parallel and stationary relative to the direction of gravity.

[0033] Edema refers to a state of swelling caused by the accumulation of water in the body. Specifically, edema refers to a condition in which water in the blood leaks out of the blood vessels and abnormally accumulates in the skin or subcutaneous tissue due to some reason.

[0034] <Overall Structure> Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an edema assessment system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The edema assessment system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an edema assessment device 10, a camera terminal 20, and a data analysis terminal 30. The edema assessment device 10 and the data analysis terminal 30 are capable of sending and receiving data via any network. The following describes each part.

[0035] The imaging terminal 20 is a terminal that generates data (three-dimensional shape facial image) representing the three-dimensional shape of the face of a person (subject 40) being assessed for edema. For example, the imaging terminal 20 is a measuring device that captures 3D (three-dimensional) images. Specifically, the imaging terminal 20 generates three-dimensional shape facial images of the person being assessed for edema when the face is in a horizontal position (specifically, when the midline of the face is kept at a right angle relative to the direction of gravity) and when the face is in a vertical position (specifically, when the midline of the face is kept parallel to the direction of gravity).

[0036] The analysis terminal 30 is a computer (e.g., a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.) that calculates information for edema assessment based on the three-dimensional shape facial image generated by the imaging terminal 20. Specifically, the analysis terminal 30 calculates gravitational expansion (VCswelling) and gravitational depression (VCshrinking) based on the three-dimensional shape change between the three-dimensional shape facial image of the person being assessed when their face is in a horizontal position and the three-dimensional shape facial image when it is in a vertical position.

[0037] The edema assessment device 10 is a computer (e.g., a server) used to assess facial edema. Specifically, the edema assessment device 10 calculates the amount of facial edema (Sc) based on gravitational expansion (VCswelling) and gravitational depression (VCshrinking).

[0038] In addition, Figure 1 Although the edema assessment device 10 and the analysis terminal 30 are described as different computers, they can also be implemented using a single computer.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the assessment results of edema can be used by beauty consultants or others to select recommended cosmetics, beauty-related services, etc. for customers, or for research or development of cosmetics, beauty-related services, etc.

[0040] <Functional Structure> Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of an edema assessment system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] <<Shooting Terminal>> For example, the camera terminal 20 includes a three-dimensional shape facial image generation unit 201. For example, the camera terminal 20 functions as the three-dimensional shape facial image generation unit 201 by executing a program.

[0042] The three-dimensional shape facial image generation unit 201 generates three-dimensional shape facial images of a person being assessed for edema, both in a horizontal and vertical position. Furthermore, the three-dimensional shape facial image generation unit 201 sends the generated three-dimensional shape facial images to the parsing terminal 30.

[0043] <<Analyzing the Terminal>> For example, the parsing terminal 30 includes a three-dimensional shape information calculation unit 301. For example, the parsing terminal 30 functions as the three-dimensional shape information calculation unit 301 by executing a program.

[0044] The three-dimensional shape information calculation unit 301 acquires a three-dimensional facial image generated by the imaging terminal 20. Furthermore, based on the three-dimensional shape change between the three-dimensional facial image of the person being assessed for edema in a horizontal position and the three-dimensional facial image in a vertical position, the three-dimensional shape information calculation unit 301 calculates gravitational expansion (VCswelling) and gravitational depression (VCshrinking). The three-dimensional shape information calculation unit 301 then sends the calculated gravitational expansion (VCswelling) and gravitational depression (VCshrinking) to the edema assessment device 10. The calculation methods for gravitational expansion (VCswelling) and gravitational depression (VCshrinking) are described in detail below.

[0045] <<Calculation of Gravitational Expansion (VCswelling)>> The three-dimensional shape information calculation unit 301 compares the three-dimensional shape in the horizontal position with the three-dimensional shape in the vertical position, and calculates the larger volume part in the vertical position (refer to the reference). Figure 4 (For explanation) The volume difference between the two (i.e., the horizontal position and the vertical position) is taken as the gravitational expansion (VCswelling).

[0046] <<Calculation of Gravitational Concavity Shrinking (VCshrinking)>> The three-dimensional shape information calculation unit 301 compares the three-dimensional shape in the horizontal position with the three-dimensional shape in the vertical position, and calculates the smaller part in the vertical position (refer to the reference). Figure 5 (For explanation) The volume difference between the two (i.e., the horizontal position and the vertical position) is taken as the gravitational indentation (VCshrinking).

[0047] <<Edema Assessment Device>> For example, the edema assessment device 10 includes a three-dimensional shape information acquisition unit 101, an edema quantity calculation unit 102, and an edema quantity output unit 103. For example, by executing a program, the edema assessment device 10 can function as the three-dimensional shape information acquisition unit 101, the edema quantity calculation unit 102, and the edema quantity output unit 103. Each part will be described below.

[0048] The three-dimensional shape information acquisition unit (also called the acquisition unit) 101 acquires the gravity expansion (VCswelling) and gravity depression (VCshrinking) calculated by the parsing terminal 30. In addition, the three-dimensional shape information acquisition unit 101 stores the acquired gravity expansion (VCswelling) and gravity depression (VCshrinking) in a memory so that the edema calculation unit 102 can refer to them.

[0049] The swelling calculation unit (also called the calculation unit) 102 calculates the facial swelling amount (Sc) based on gravitational expansion (VCswelling) and gravitational depression (VCshrinking). Furthermore, the swelling calculation unit 102 stores the calculated facial swelling amount (Sc) in a memory so that the swelling output unit 103 can refer to it. The method for calculating the facial swelling amount (Sc) is described in detail below.

[0050] <<Calculation of Facial Edema (Sc)>> The edema calculation unit 102 calculates the facial edema (Sc) using the following formula (1).

[0051] 【Number 1】 (Where, Sc = facial swelling, VCswelling = gravitational expansion, VCshrinking = gravitational depression) In addition, the three-dimensional shape facial image generation unit 201 can repeatedly generate three-dimensional shape facial images of a person who is the subject of edema assessment in both horizontal and vertical positions (for example, measuring the three-dimensional shape of the face multiple times a day), and use at least one of gravity expansion (VCswelling), gravity depression (VCshrinking), and facial edema (Sc) as a representative value of the value calculated using the repeatedly generated three-dimensional shape facial images.

[0052] Furthermore, the three-dimensional shape facial image generation unit 201 can repeatedly generate three-dimensional shape facial images of a person being assessed for edema in both horizontal and vertical positions (for example, measuring the three-dimensional shape of the face multiple times a day). It calculates the amount of gravity swelling (VCswelling) and gravity shrinking (VCshrinking) from the three-dimensional shape changes between the three-dimensional shape facial images generated repeatedly. It then calculates the representative value of the facial edema (Sc) calculated from the respective amounts of gravity swelling (VCswelling) and gravity shrinking (VCshrinking) as the amount of facial edema (Sc).

[0053] The swelling output unit (also called the output unit) 103 outputs the value of facial swelling (Sc). For example, the swelling output unit 103 can send the value of facial swelling (Sc) to the parsing terminal 30, or it can display the value of facial swelling (Sc) on the display device of the swelling assessment device 10.

[0054] <Method> Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an edema assessment process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] In step 1 (S1), the three-dimensional shape information acquisition unit 101 acquires the gravity expansion amount (VCswelling) and gravity depression amount (VCshrinking) obtained from the three-dimensional shape changes between the horizontal and vertical three-dimensional facial images of the object (i.e., the person who is the edema assessment object).

[0056] In step 2 (S2), the edema calculation unit 102 calculates the facial edema (Sc) based on the gravity expansion (VCswelling) and gravity depression (VCshrinking) obtained in S1.

[0057] In step 3 (S3), the edema output unit 103 outputs the value of facial edema (Sc) calculated in S2.

[0058] <<Gravity Expansion and Gravitational Depression>> The following is for reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 This paper describes the changes in volume of facial areas when the face is in a horizontal position (i.e., a state where the midline of the face is perpendicular to the direction of gravity) and when the face is in a vertical position (i.e., a state where the midline of the face is parallel to the direction of gravity). The volume changes are calculated using data representing the three-dimensional shape of the face of the person being assessed for edema (three-dimensional shape facial image).

[0059] <<Gravity Expansion>> Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating gravitational expansion in one embodiment of the present invention. Three-dimensional facial images of the subject's face in a horizontal position and in a vertical position are acquired, and the three-dimensional shapes in the horizontal and vertical positions are compared. Figure 4 The area within the dashed line has a larger volume when in a vertical position. Therefore, the volume difference between the two positions (i.e., horizontal and vertical) of the area with the larger volume when in a vertical position is taken as the gravitational expansion (VCswelling).

[0060] <<Gravity Depression>> Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a gravity-induced depression according to one embodiment of the present invention. A three-dimensional facial image of the subject's face in a horizontal position and a three-dimensional facial image of the subject's face in a vertical position are acquired. The three-dimensional shapes in the horizontal and vertical positions are compared. Figure 5 The area within the dotted line has a smaller volume when in a vertical position. Therefore, the volume difference between the two positions (i.e., horizontal and vertical) of the area with the smaller volume when in a vertical position is taken as the gravitational indentation (VCshrinking).

[0061] <<Calculation of Facial Swelling>> according to Figure 4 Gravitational expansion (VCswelling) and Figure 5 The amount of gravity sinking (VCshrinking) can be used to calculate the "inner facial movement relaxation (Sf (sag from the upper part of the cheek to the lower part))" and the "facial swelling (Sc)" using the following formula (2). The following formula (2) indicates that when the amount of gravity sinking (VCshrinking) is the x-axis and the amount of gravity expansion (VCswelling) is the y-axis, the "inner facial movement relaxation (Sf)" and the "facial swelling (Sc)" can be quantified by rotating the coordinates 45 degrees counterclockwise.

[0062] 【Number 2】 (Where, Sf = facial inward movement relaxation, Sc = facial swelling, VCshrinking = gravitational indentation, VCswelling = gravitational expansion, θ = π / 4) From the above equation (2), equation (1) for calculating facial edema (Sc) can be derived.

[0063] 【Number 3】 (Where, Sc = facial swelling, VCswelling = gravitational expansion, VCshrinking = gravitational depression) The following is for reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 Detailed explanation of facial sagging and facial puffiness.

[0064] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating intrafacial relaxation according to one embodiment of the present invention. (See diagram below.) Figure 6 As shown, facial inward sagging refers to the sagging that occurs from the upper part of the cheek down to the lower part.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating facial swelling according to one embodiment of the present invention. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 As shown, facial swelling refers to swelling in the outer edge and lower part of the cheek.

[0066] Furthermore, facial sagging is age-related. On the other hand, facial puffiness is not age-related; it can be said that facial puffiness is caused by individual differences unrelated to age.

[0067] The following explains the phenomenon that Sc represents the amount of facial edema.

[0068] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a series of phenomena in a subject according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] (1) Since 2017, the subject has had a benign cyst on the right side of his neck (see reference). Figure 8 (a).

[0070] (2) On January 23, 2020, the cyst was surgically removed, and the doctor determined that it had healed (see reference). Figure 8 (b).

[0071] (3) About two days after the surgery, swelling appeared on the right side of the face, which was cured on February 12.

[0072] (4) About two days after the surgery, swelling appeared on the right side of the face, parallel to the swelling on the right side of the face. The swelling on the right side of the face healed in about 50 days (late March to early April) starting from February 12.

[0073] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the facial indentation of a subject in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 9 The upper left section shows the indentation on the left side of the subject's face after the surgery (14:42 on January 27). Figure 9 The upper right section shows the indentation on the right side of the subject's face after surgery (14:42 on January 27). Thirty minutes later (15:13 on January 27), the indentation on the left side of the subject's face disappeared, but the indentation on the right side remained. This indicates that swelling occurred on the right side of the subject's face (here, the indentation is a characteristic feature of swelling).

[0075] Figure 10 It is an image (overall) representing the two-dimensional shape of a subject's face according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 10 The upper part consists of images of the subject's face taken from the front, from the oblique side, and from the side, taken on January 16th before the surgery, representing the two-dimensional shape of the face. Figure 10 The next section contains images taken on February 12th from the front of the subject's face, representing the two-dimensional shape of the face; images taken from the oblique side, representing the two-dimensional shape of the face; and images taken from the side, representing the two-dimensional shape of the face.

[0077] Figure 11 It is an image (front view) showing the two-dimensional shape of a subject's face according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 11 The two images on the left are frontal images of the subject's face taken on January 23, after the surgery, representing the two-dimensional shape of the face. Figure 11 The two images on the right are two-dimensional representations of the subject's face, taken from the front on February 14.

[0079] from Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is evident that in images representing the two-dimensional shape of a face, it is difficult to visually confirm expansion.

[0080] Figure 12 It is an image (front view) showing the three-dimensional shape of a subject's face according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 12 The image on the left is a frontal view of the subject's face taken on January 23, after the surgery, showing the three-dimensional shape of the face. Figure 12 On the right is an image representing the three-dimensional shape of the subject's face, taken from the front on February 14th. Figure 12 In the image on the left, taken on January 23, only the right side of the face shows obvious swelling. Therefore, it can be concluded that swelling can be distinguished in images representing the three-dimensional shape of the face.

[0082] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating facial swelling according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 It is an image representing the three-dimensional shape of the face (specifically, representing the subject's face with three-dimensional data and reproducing that data as an image).

[0083] Figure 13 The image on the left is an image of the right side of the subject's face taken on January 23, after the surgery, showing the three-dimensional shape of the face. Figure 13 The image on the right side is a representation of the three-dimensional shape of the subject's face, taken on February 14.

[0084] Figure 14 and Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating facial swelling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 14 and Figure 15 The horizontal axis (number of days) indicates how many days before or after the baseline date (0 days after swelling healed: February 12). Figure 14 and Figure 15 The vertical axis (ΔΔ volume (cc)) is calculated by the following formula.

[0086] △△ Volume = (Volume of the right side of the face on each day - Volume of the right side of the face on the day the swelling healed (February 12)) - (Volume of the left side of the face on each day - Volume of the left side of the face on the day the swelling healed (February 12)) Depend on Figure 14 and Figure 15 It is known that the swelling on the right side of the face (a state of expansion due to increased blood volume caused by inflammation, etc.) healed in about 3 weeks from January 23 to February 14.

[0087] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating facial swelling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 16 The image on the left side is an image representing the amount of gravity expansion (VCswelling) on ​​the left side of the subject's face, measured on January 22, before the surgery. Figure 16 The image on the right side shows the gravitational expansion (VCswelling) of the right side of the subject's face, measured on February 25. It can be seen that the VCswelling was less on February 25 than on January 22.

[0089] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating facial swelling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 17 The upper part represents the gravitational expansion (VCswelling) of each day (specifically, how many days before or after the baseline date 0 (swelling healed date: February 12).

[0091] Figure 17 The lower left △Sf(RL) represents the difference between the volume of Sf (intrafacial movement relaxation) on the right and the volume of Sf (intrafacial movement relaxation) on the left for each day (specifically, how many days before or after the baseline day 0 (swelling healed: February 12)). (In addition, multiple measurements were taken on one day.)

[0092] Figure 17 The △Sc (RL) in the lower right corner represents the difference between the Sc volume on the right and the Sc volume on the left for each day (specifically, how many days before or after the baseline day 0 (swelling healed: February 12)). (In addition, multiple measurements were taken for one day.)

[0093] Sf (intrafacial relaxation) remained unchanged, but Sc changed, indicating that Sc caused a change in gravitational expansion (VCswelling). (See reference...) Figure 14 and Figure 15 As explained, since the swelling healed in about 3 weeks, Sc indicates edema rather than swelling.

[0094] In other words, Figure 17 During the period from -25 days to 0 days, there was swelling and edema on the right side of the face; during the period from 0 days to 100 days, there was edema on the right side of the face; during the period from -25 days to 0 days to 100 days, there was neither swelling nor edema on the left side of the face.

[0095] Figure 18 These are images showing facial swelling in multiple subjects according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] The data shows the age of each subject, visual score (the visual assessment of relaxation is quantified. For example, the assessor determines which of the reference photos 1-5 the person being assessed for relaxation most closely resembles, thus calculating the visual score), intrafacial movement relaxation, facial edema, and facial photographs. It is evident that there are differences in the shape of the outer edge and lower part of the cheek between those without facial edema (upper segment) and those with facial edema (lower segment).

[0097] <Application Example of Facial Edema Measurement> In one embodiment of the present invention, the effect of the anti-puffiness cosmetic can be evaluated by comparing the amount of facial puffiness before using the anti-puffiness cosmetic with the amount of facial puffiness after using the anti-puffiness cosmetic.

[0098] The following is for reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 This indicates the correlation between facial edema (Sc) and sensory evaluation.

[0099] Sensory evaluation Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating the sensory evaluation of facial swelling according to one embodiment of the present invention. A questionnaire survey (conducted with 24 women) was conducted regarding the subjective symptoms of facial swelling, and scores were assigned based on the responses to the questions.

[0100] [Questions and Scoring] 6 points: Question "Severe impairment due to edema" 5 points: Problem "There is significant edema" 4 points: The question "Moderate edema is present" 3 points: Problem "Mild edema present" 2 points: Question "Only slight edema was detected" 1 point: Question "No symptoms of edema" <Correlation between facial puffiness (Sc) and sensory evaluation> Figure 20 This is a graph showing the correlation between facial swelling (Sc) and sensory evaluation in one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 20 This indicates the relationship between the evaluator's facial swelling (Sc) and the questionnaire score regarding subjective symptoms of swelling. The correlation coefficient R = 0.22, indicating a positive correlation between facial swelling (Sc) and subjective symptoms of swelling.

[0101] Figure 21 This is a graph showing the correlation between the reduction in facial puffiness and visual perception according to one embodiment of the present invention. A cosmetic product that reduces facial puffiness (specifically, a puffiness reducer containing 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-imidazolidineone as an active ingredient) was applied to one half of the face (designated as the Q half-face), and a cosmetic product that does not reduce facial puffiness was applied to the opposite half of the face (designated as the P half-face) (this study was conducted on 39 women). The trials were conducted before the first application of each cosmetic product (week 0), 3 weeks after the start of application, and 6 weeks after the start of application.

[0102] Figure 21 The vertical axis represents the average and dispersion of the improvement in facial puffiness (Sc) (i.e., the difference between the left and right sides of facial puffiness (Sc) at week 0 - the difference between the left and right sides of facial puffiness (Sc) after n weeks). Furthermore, the difference between the left and right sides of facial puffiness (Sc) is calculated as: [the amount of puffiness (Sc) in the half of the face treated with cosmetics that improve facial puffiness] - [the amount of puffiness (Sc) in the half of the face treated with cosmetics that do not improve facial puffiness].

[0103] Figure 21 The horizontal axis represents the average and dispersion when people choose which side of their face, P or Q, looks more puffy. If the Q side looks puffy, it is recorded as -1 point, and if the P side looks puffy, it is recorded as +1 point.

[0104] The correlation coefficient R=0.95, indicating that the improvement in facial edema (Sc) was positively correlated with visual perception.

[0105] <Hardware Structure> Figure 22 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of an edema assessment device 10 and a parsing terminal 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] The edema assessment device 10 and the analysis terminal 30 may include a control unit 1001, a main storage unit 1002, an auxiliary storage unit 1003, an input unit 1004, an output unit 1005, and an interface unit 1006. Each part will be described below.

[0107] The control unit 1001 is a processor (such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc.) that executes various programs installed in the auxiliary storage unit 1003.

[0108] The main storage unit 1002 includes non-volatile memory (ROM (Read Only Memory)) and volatile memory (RAM (Random Access Memory)). The ROM storage control unit 1001 stores various programs and data required for executing various programs installed in the auxiliary storage unit 1003. The RAM provides a working area when the control unit 1001 executes various programs installed in the auxiliary storage unit 1003.

[0109] The auxiliary storage unit 1003 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and information used during the execution of these programs.

[0110] The input unit 1004 is an input device for the operator of the edema assessment device 10 and the analysis terminal 30 to input various instructions into the edema assessment device 10 and the analysis terminal 30.

[0111] The output unit 1005 is an output device that outputs the internal status of the edema assessment device 10 and the analysis terminal 30.

[0112] Interface unit 1006 is a communication device used to connect to a network and communicate with other devices.

[0113] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0114] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-220017, filed on December 26, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0115] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Edema Assessment System 10 Edema Assessment Device 20 shooting terminals 30. Parsing Terminal 40. The target 101 Three-Dimensional Shape Information Acquisition Department 102 Edema Calculation Department 103 Edema Measurement Output Section 201 Three-dimensional shape facial image generation unit 301 Three-Dimensional Shape Information Calculation Department 1001 Control Department 1002 Main Storage Unit 1003 Auxiliary Storage Unit 1004 Input Section 1005 Output Section 1006 Interface Section

Claims

1. An edema assessment system, comprising: The acquisition unit acquires the gravitational expansion and gravitational depression amounts obtained from the three-dimensional shape changes between the horizontal and vertical three-dimensional facial images of the object, as well as... The calculation unit calculates the amount of facial edema based on the amount of gravitational expansion and the amount of gravitational depression.

2. In the edema assessment system according to claim 1, the gravitational expansion is the difference between the volume of the portion with a larger volume in the horizontal position and the volume in the vertical position compared to the horizontal position. The gravity indentation is the difference between the volume of the portion that is smaller in the horizontal position and the volume of the portion in the vertical position compared to the horizontal position.

3. The edema assessment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of edema due to gravity is VC. swelling The gravity indentation is VC. shrinking When the amount of facial swelling is Sc, the amount of facial swelling is calculated using the following formula: Here, Sc = facial puffiness, VC swelling = Gravitational expansion, VC shrinking = Gravitational indentation.

4. The edema assessment system according to claim 1 or 2 further comprises an output unit that outputs the amount of facial edema.

5. The edema assessment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the facial edema is the edema of the outer and lower parts of the cheek.

6. The edema assessment system according to claim 1 or 2, repeatedly generates three-dimensional facial images of the object in both horizontal and vertical positions. At least one of the gravitational expansion, the gravitational depression, and the facial swelling is a representative value calculated using the repeatedly generated three-dimensional shaped facial image.

7. The edema assessment system according to claim 1 or 2, repeatedly generates three-dimensional facial images of the object in both horizontal and vertical positions. The amount of gravitational expansion and the amount of gravitational depression are obtained from the three-dimensional shape changes between the repeatedly generated three-dimensional facial images. The calculation unit uses the representative value of the facial swelling calculated from each gravitational expansion and gravitational depression as the amount of facial swelling.

8. A procedure for enabling an edema assessment system to function as follows: The acquisition unit acquires the gravitational expansion and gravitational depression amounts obtained from the three-dimensional shape changes between the horizontal and vertical three-dimensional facial images of the object, as well as... The calculation unit calculates the amount of facial edema based on the amount of gravitational expansion and the amount of gravitational depression.

9. A method comprising the following steps: Obtain the gravitational expansion and concavity amounts derived from the 3D shape changes between the horizontal and vertical 3D facial images of the object. The amount of facial swelling is calculated from the amount of gravitational expansion and the amount of gravitational depression.

Images