SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE MEASUREMENT OF SEBUM

Abstract

REMOTE SEBUM MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS Devices, systems, kits, and methods for remotely measuring sebum. A kit includes a sebum test card, a sebum sampling stick, and sebum-absorbing paper for collecting sebum from a subject's skin. A user can photograph the sebum test card with the sebum-absorbing paper bearing a sample and transmit an image of the sebum test card to a remote computing server, where a calculation of the subject's skin sebum quantity takes place. Calculation methods include overlaying a test image with a reference image and using a calibration curve in the independent calculation of the sebum quantity. The disclosed approaches can be implemented at home or in remote locations for personal sebum testing or monitoring. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTELY MEASURING SEBUM SUMMARY

[0001] In one aspect, the disclosure proposes a remote measurement kit for sebum from a portion of a subject's skin, the kit comprising: a sebum test card including a sample holder and a plurality of standards that allow a correspondence between a test image of the sebum test card in a test condition, and a standard curve; a sebum sampling stick including a distal tip configured to be precisely in contact with the portion of the subject's skin; and sebum-absorbing paper configured to capture sebum from the portion of the subject's skin.

[0002] In some embodiments, the kit further includes a finger cot configured to be placed on an individual's finger.

[0003] In some embodiments, the kit further includes teaching material configured to teach a user how to use the kit in a remote sebum measurement process.

[0004] In embodiments, the kit further includes educational material configured to teach a user how to install or use a software application for a personal computing device, wherein the software application configures the personal computing device for electronic communication with a remote computing server configured to perform one or more calculations for at least one step of a remote sebum measurement process.

[0005] In embodiments, the plurality of standards includes a plurality of standard colors, a plurality of standard distances, and a black surface configured to provide a background for the test image.

[0006] In embodiments, the sebum sampling stick includes a spring configured to stress the distal tip so as to move it away from a proximal portion of the sebum sampling stick, and a rear stop against which the distal tip butts when the spring is compressed in contact with the distal tip with an object, for precise contact of the distal tip with the portion of skin of the subject.

[0007] In embodiments, the spring is positioned inside the sebum sampling stick and is secured around a column inside the sebum sampling stick.

[0008] In one aspect, the disclosure proposes a method for remotely measuring sebum from a portion of a subject's skin, the method comprising: fixing a paper absorbing sebum to a sebum sampling stick; the precise contact, with the sebum sampling stick, of the sebum-absorbing paper with the portion of the subject's skin; the removal of the sebum-absorbing paper from the portion of the subject's skin and the placement of the sebum-absorbing paper on a sample holder of a sebum test card, wherein the sebum test card comprises a plurality of standards; the imaging, with a calculating device, of the sebum-absorbing paper and the plurality of standards to produce a test image; and the initiation, with the calculating device, of the calculation of a quantity of sebum from the portion of the subject's skin on the basis of the test image and a standard curve.

[0009] In embodiments, initiation with the computing device includes the transmission of the test image, or a part thereof, to a remote computing server by means of one or more network connections between the computing device and the remote computing server.

[0010] In some embodiments, the computing device is a smartphone.

[0011] In one aspect, the disclosure proposes a calculation method for remotely measuring the sebum of a portion of a subject's skin, the method comprising: superimposing, with a calculation device: a test image of a sebum test card in a test condition, and a reference image of a corresponding sebum test card in a reference condition, to produce a superimposed image; and calculating, with the calculation device, a quantity of sebum of the subject's skin portion on the basis of data from a sample region of the superimposed image and a standard curve.

[0012] In embodiments, the superposition includes: the detection, with an image analysis method of the computing device, of a point of particularity of the test image and a point of particularity of the reference image; wherein the point of particularity of the test image and the point of particularity of the reference image correspond to a location of the sebum test card and to a location of the corresponding sebum test card for an alignment of the test image with the reference image for a production of the superimposed image.

[0013] In some embodiments, the computing device is a remote computing server.

[0014] In one aspect, the disclosure proposes a computing system configured to perform the calculation method.

[0015] In some embodiments, the computing system comprises one or more remote computing servers, one or more smartphones, or any combination thereof.

[0016] The purpose of this summary is to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are described in greater detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0017] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 shows a diagram of an example of an existing approach to measuring sebum in a subject which generally involves an on-site and local device for the subject, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0018] [Fig.2A] Fig.2A shows an illustration of an example of a remote sebum measurement kit, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0019] [Fig.2B] Fig.2B shows an illustration of an example of sebum-absorbing paper, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0020] [Fig.2C] Fig.2C shows an illustration of an example of a sebum sampling stick, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0021] [Fig.3] Fig.3 shows a flowchart of an example of a calculation method for to remotely measure the sebum of a portion of a subject's skin, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0022] [Fig.4] Fig.4 shows a dot plot with a trend line and a corresponding formula, correlating grey level integrations of an approach in this disclosure with sebum levels as measured by an example of an existing approach to sebum measurement of a subject that typically involves an on-site, local device for the subject (e.g., SEBUMETER® from EnviroDerm Services), showing that the disclosed approaches offer accuracy in sebum measurement, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0023] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] shows a side profile view of an example of a stick of sebum sampling, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0024] [Fig.6] Fig.6 shows a cutaway side view of the sample stick sebum sampling, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0025] [Fig.7] Fig.7 shows a flowchart of an example of a measurement method distance of sebum from a portion of a subject's skin, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0026] [Table 1] Table 1. Elements and descriptions of the drawings.

[0027] Reference Description 1 Calculation Procedure 2 Reference Image 3 Color Checker Region Extraction 4 Sample Region Extraction 5 Key Feature Point Extraction (Reference Image) 6 Key Feature Point Extraction (Test Image) 7 Smartphone Image 8 Image Overlay 9 Target Measurement Region Extraction 10 Color Calibration 11 Sebum Area Segmentation 12 Integrated Intensity for Sebum Characterization 13 Sebum Sampling Stick 14 Proximal Portion 15 Back Stop 16 Distal Tip (Shaft Portion) 17 Distal Tip (Sample Contact Portion) 18 Spring 19 Interior 20 Column 21 Remote Sebum Measurement Procedure 22 Attach the Sebum-Absorbing Paper to the Sebum Stick 23 Place the Absorbent Paper in Contact with the Skin Portion 24 Remove the Contacted Absorbent Paper and attach it to the sample holder. 25. Image the absorbent paper placed in contact with the device.26 Computational image analysis for sebum measurement 27 Sebum-absorbing paper (adhesive) 28 Sebum-absorbing paper (sample area) 29 Sebum test card 30 Sample holder 31 Plurality of standards 32 Black surface

[0028] The foregoing aspects and many associated advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the detailed description that follows, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed description

[0029] Sebum comprises all the natural oils produced by the sebaceous glands of the body and can lead to a feeling of oily or greasy hair or oily or greasy skin and progressive subjective dissatisfaction with this condition, and at least in some cases, anxiety. Consumers measure sebum levels using sebum measurement systems, usually in a doctor's office, and obtain and use products and services to reduce sebum levels on the skin.

[0030] Existing approaches to measuring sebum generally involve measuring sebum at a designated location, such as a doctor's office, and calculating sebum levels at that location. For example, as shown in [Fig. 1] (e.g., sebumeter, SEBUMETER®), a sebumeter may include a sebumeter tester, which may be a portable device used to collect a sebum sample from a subject. The sebumeter tester may be mailed to a consumer for self-testing of sebum at home. The sebumeter tester with the sample may be mailed or delivered by the consumer to another location, such as a vendor or doctor's office, where a sebumeter (i.e., a laboratory reading device compatible with the sebumeter tester) can read the sebumeter tester sample and determine the sebum measurement data and result.

[0031] Problems encountered with the SEBUMETER® approach include, but are not limited to, the fact that the sebumeter is large and bulky and suitable only for on-site measurement, the high cost of shipping the sebumeter tester, and a relatively longer testing period. The SEBUMETER® approach also generally involves dedicated devices containing specialized or specifically configured equipment, and may require specialized expertise for its operation, or may lead to confusion or incorrect use by Consumers, resulting in delays, increased costs, and dissatisfaction. The SEBUMETER® approach is complex, time-consuming, and too expensive.

[0032] Consequently, there is a need for sebum measurement approaches that are configured for remote sebum measurement, are less expensive, maintain accuracy and precision comparable to existing approaches, allow for shorter test periods, and do not require specific expertise for use. This disclosure addresses these and other long-standing, unmet needs in the field and proposes kits and kit components, devices, systems, and methods for remote sebum measurement that offer lower testing costs and shorter test periods compared to existing approaches.

[0033] KITS AND COMPONENTS FOR REMOTE SEBUM MEASUREMENT

[0034] Figure 2A shows an illustration of an example kit for the remote measurement of sebum, and Figures 2B and 2C show, respectively, an example of sebum-absorbing paper and an example of a sebum sampling stick. In various aspects, the disclosure proposes a kit (for example, as shown in Figure 2A) for the remote measurement of sebum from a portion of a subject's skin. A kit includes a sebum test card 29 comprising a sample holder 30 and a plurality of standards 31. For use of the kit, a standard curve can be calculated on the basis of: 1) a test image of the sebum test card 29 in a test condition (i.e., with a sebum sample), and 2) a reference image of a corresponding sebum test card in a reference condition (i.e., with a control standard).The calibration curve can be calculated and stored independently of kit use, for example, as a data structure on a server's non-transient computer storage memory. The kit also includes a sebum sampling stick (13 of [Fig. 2C]) comprising a distal tip (17 of [Fig. 5]) configured to make precise contact with the subject's skin area, and a sebum-absorbing paper (27 of [Fig. 2B]) that includes a sample region (28 of [Fig. 2B]). The sebum-absorbing paper is configured to be reversibly attached to the distal tip (17 of [Fig. 5]) of the sebum sampling stick 13 to capture sebum from the subject's skin area. In some embodiments, the sebum-absorbing paper is disposable or single-use. In some embodiments, a kit may include a plurality of sample cards 29, for example, three as shown in [Fig.2A], but in other embodiments, may include a single sample card 29. In this way, a kit can provide components for one or more users, one or more sebum sample tests, or both.

[0035] Reference images can be generated and used to produce a reference point detection algorithm in sebum test card images based on one or more image analysis techniques. Examples of image analysis techniques that can be used include, but are not limited to: image segmentation, image processing, image restoration, feature extraction, morphological processing, and others. In various cases, reference images can be captured under different lighting conditions, different camera angles, and the like. The different capture conditions of the reference images can be used to develop or enhance the reference point detection algorithm.Although examples of sebum test card layouts and contents are shown and described here as non-limiting examples, a qualified person may deviate from these examples without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure; such deviations may include, but are not necessarily limited to, different colours or colour standards, different geometries or layouts, different shapes or configurations or numbers of reference standards, and the like.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the kit includes a finger cot (not shown) configured to be placed on an individual's finger to prevent contamination of the sebum-absorbing paper with oil from the individual's finger. The finger cot may be an over-the-counter (OTC) finger cot, as it may be available for single-use or multiple-use applications, or it may be manufactured and supplied as a component of the kit. In some embodiments, the finger cot may be made of latex, nitrile, rubber, or a similar material.

[0037] In the embodiment shown, the kit includes instructional materials (not shown) configured to teach a user how to use the kit in a remote sebum measurement procedure. The instructional materials may be configured to instruct the user directly, or may direct the user to a resource, such as an internet resource or website, that contains instructions for using the kit. In other embodiments, the kit includes instructional materials configured to teach a user how to install or use a software application for a personal computing device. The software application configures the personal computing device for electronic communication with a remote computing server configured to perform one or more calculations for at least one step of a remote sebum measurement procedure.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, the plurality of standards includes a plurality of standard colors, a plurality of standard distances, and a black surface configured to provide a background for the test image, for backlighting, or for a more consistent image exposure level. Since a user can image When sampling manually, for example with a personal smartphone, there may be variability in the image angle, lighting, and other factors due to differences between users and individual user images. By including standards in the image, the system can perform image overlay and calibration, enabling accurate and precise visual quantification of the sebum present in a sample region after testing. This can be accomplished through the system's visual analysis of multiple standard colors and distances.

[0039] As shown in [Fig. 5], an example of a sebum sampling swab 13 includes a proximal portion 14, configured to be grasped by a user. The sebum sampling swab 13 also includes a rear stop 15, a distal tip stem portion 16, and a distal tip sample contact portion 17. During use, the sample contact portion 17 of the distal tip includes sebum-absorbing paper, including an adhesive (27 of [Fig. 2B]), and a sample region (28 of [Fig. 2B]), which is attached to it by fixation with an adhesive. The sebum-absorbing paper is brought into precise contact with the subject's skin while it is attached to the sample contact portion 17, and sebum is transferred to the sample region.As contact occurs, the distal tip stem portion 16 slides backward along a rod (structure between the stop 15 and the distal tip stem portion 16 of [Fig. 5]), and butts against the rear stop 15 at a stopping point. As contact ceases and the sebum-collecting rod 13 is withdrawn from the skin, the distal tip shaft portion 16 slides forward along the rod until it reaches the configuration shown in [Fig. 5].

[0040] As shown in [Fig. 6], an example of a sebum sampling stick 13 includes a spring 18 configured to exert pressure on the distal tip so as to move it away from a proximal portion of the sebum sampling stick 13 (i.e., towards a superior area of ​​[Fig. 6] as perceived), and a rear stop against which the distal tip abuts when the spring 18 is compressed by contacting the distal tip with an object, for precise contact of the distal tip with the subject's skin. In the embodiment shown, the spring 18 is positioned within an interior 19 of the sebum sampling stick and is secured around a column 20 within the interior 19 of the sebum sampling stick, to hold the spring 18 in place and prevent lateral movement of the spring 18.

[0041] METHODS FOR REMOTELY MEASURING SEBUM

[0042] Figure 7 shows a flowchart of an example of a method 21 for measuring distance of sebum from a portion of a subject's skin. A method 21 comprises, in step 22: attaching a sebum-absorbing paper to a sampling stick sebum; in step 23: the precise contact, with the sebum sampling stick, of the sebum-absorbing paper with the portion of the subject's skin; in step 24: the removal of the sebum-absorbing paper from the portion of the subject's skin and the placement of the sebum-absorbing paper on a sample holder of a sebum test card; in step 25: the imaging, with a calculating device, of the sebum-absorbing paper and the plurality of standards to produce the test image; and in step 26: the initiation, with the calculating device, of a calculation of a quantity of sebum of the portion of the subject's skin on the basis of the standard curve.

[0043] In some embodiments, the initiation (for example, step 26) with the computing device includes the transmission of the test image, or a portion thereof, to a remote computing server by means of one or more network connections between the computing device and the remote computing server. In some embodiments, the computing device is a smartphone. In some embodiments, the smartphone transmits data, via one or more Internet protocols, to the remote computing server for the performance of one or more computing processes for the remote measurement of sebum.

[0044] COMPUTING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS

[0045] In various aspects, the disclosure proposes a calculation method for remotely measuring the sebum of a portion of a subject's skin. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of an example of a calculation method 1 for remotely measuring the sebum of a portion of a subject's skin, and Figure 4 shows a dot plot with a trend line and a corresponding formula, correlating 1) gray-level integrations of an approach in the present disclosure with 2) sebum levels as measured by an example of an existing approach for measuring a subject's sebum, which generally involves an on-site, local device for the subject (SEBUMETER®), demonstrating that the disclosed approaches offer accuracy in sebum measurement. In particular, the disclosed approaches are reliable and suitable for validation with the SEBUMETER® approach.

[0046] A method 1 comprises, in step 8: superimposing, with a computing device: 1) a test image of a sebum test card under a test condition (e.g., step 7), and 2) a reference image of a corresponding sebum test card under a reference condition (e.g., step 2; may be stored on the remote computing server, in some embodiments), to produce a superimposed image; in steps 3, 4, 5, and 6: extracting features from the test and reference images; in step 9: extracting the sample measurement region from the test image; in step 10: color calibration; in step 11: segmenting the sebum area into a plurality of segments for segment analysis before summing to arrive at a total; and in step 12: integration or the summation of the intensity values ​​of the segments to arrive at an integrated intensity for sebum quantification or characterization. Method 1 may include the use of a standard curve, and optionally at least one correction factor; and the calculation, with the calculating device, of a quantity of sebum from the subject's skin portion based on data from a sample region of a superimposed image and the standard curve (e.g., steps 11, 12). In some embodiments, the correction factor may be a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional correction factor that can correct the standard curve or the sample data from unknown image data (sample / trial), so that it is consistent with the standard curve or the sample data from known image data (control / standard / reference).The correction factor can be calculated based on one or more differences in the test image data, compared to the reference image data, with an image analysis of the system.

[0047] In some embodiments, the overlay (for example, steps 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or any combination thereof) comprises: the detection, using an image analysis method of the computing device, of at least four feature points of the test image (step 6) and at least four feature points of the reference image (step 5). In some embodiments, the feature point(s) of the test image and the feature point(s) of the reference image correspond to a location on the sebum test card, and to a corresponding location on the sebum test card, for alignment of the test image with the reference image for production of the overlaid image (step 8). In some embodiments, the computing device is (or includes) a remote computing server.

[0048] In various aspects, the disclosure provides a computing system configured to perform a computing process of the disclosure, in whole or in part, in any combination. In some embodiments, the computing system comprises one or more remote computing servers, one or more smartphones, or any combination thereof.

[0049] Accordingly, in some aspects, the disclosure proposes an "intelligent" system comprising circuitry configured to implement all or part of a process, including, but not necessarily limited to, computational processes of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the circuitry of a device is configurable with a processor and processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transient machine-readable medium of the device. In some embodiments, a device includes a software application configured to implement all or part of one or more processes of the disclosure, in any order or combination. However, in some embodiments, a device includes dedicated hardware circuitry. Additional configuration The device's circuitry may include wireless communication or networking circuitry, for example, circuitry configured for a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth® connection, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) connection, and / or a Wi-Fi® connection, and / or a wired connection. The networking circuitry, in combination with other circuitry in the computing device, may be used to request, retrieve, and / or receive data from a computing device or a remote server, for example. In some embodiments, the device may be operated using a computing device, such as a smartphone or a personal computing device, which may be operated by a user via a graphical user interface, as known in Art.In some embodiments, the circuitry may include an operational connection of one or more sensors with the processor (for example, a photosensor and / or a digital camera of a smartphone), or other circuitry, to perform logical operations and / or processes based on data received from one or more sensors, for example.

[0050] TERMINOLOGY

[0051] The term "comprising" is inclusive or broad and does not exclude additional unspecified elements or steps. The expression "consisting of," as used in a claim, excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The expression "consisting essentially of," as used in a claim, limits the scope of the claim to the specified materials or steps and to those that do not materially affect the basic and innovative feature(s) of the claim.

[0052] As used herein, the expression "computing device" and similar terms refer to an electronic device that is configured, or can be configured, to perform all or part of a disclosure method or process. The expression "computing system," and similar terms, refer to two or more, that is, multiple computing devices that are configured, or can be configured, together to perform all or part of a disclosure method or process. The expression "networked connection," and similar terms, refers to electronic telecommunications connections or network connections that operationally connect two or more computing devices or systems for electronic communications that utilize one or more networking protocols for the transmission or exchange of data.The term "computing method" refers to a method carried out essentially or entirely by a computing device or system, with little or no human or manual intervention.

[0053] As used here, the expression "point of particularity" refers to a position within an image, for example, an image of a sebum test card, which corresponds to a position within another image, for example, an image of a matching sebum test card. Feature points can be used to overlay multiple images so that the multiple images overlap or are aligned, or can be mapped to each other, for a single overlay image. In the overlay image, feature points from the multiple image layers overlap or are aligned so that they co-appear at a location within the overlay image. Feature points can be identified using software-based image analysis techniques and may include, but are not limited to, corner shapes or corners of rectangular shapes of sebum test card elements, and any other visual characteristics of sebum test card elements.

[0054] As used herein, the expression "teaching material" and similar terms refer to any material or media, whether printed, audio, visual, illustrative, audiovisual, tactile or otherwise, which can convey to an individual information on how to use a kit, device, system or other aspect of disclosure in a remote sebum measurement method or process.

[0055] As used herein, the expression "precise contact", and similar terms, when used in reference to the manner in which a sebum sampling swab can be brought into contact with a skin surface, refer to the relatively high degree of precision or reproducibility of contact, through multiple samplings, which can be achieved by a user and is due at least in part to a design feature of the sebum sampling swab.

[0056] As used herein, the term "superimposed", when used in reference to a "superimposed image", refers to an image which contains multiple data sources which are aligned with each other to form a composite image, such that corresponding features of the multiple sources overlap each other at positions within the superimposed image.

[0057] As used herein, the term "remote," when used in the context of "remote sebum measurement," refers to the sebum measurement condition in which at least one step of the sebum measurement occurs at a physical location that is not local to a physical location where a sebum sample is collected. The term "remote" may refer to implementations in which a sebum sample is collected at physical location A and at least one step of the sebum measurement occurs such that data processing takes place at least partly at physical location B, in which physical locations A and B are relatively distant from each other. In example implementations, physical location A may include a personal location such as a home or office, and physical location B may include a business location such as a remote computing server, a doctor's office, an operations location for a sebum measurement service provider, or any combination thereof.

[0058] As used herein, the term "skin", including when used in the expression "a portion of skin" and the like, refers to one or more dermal layers of a subject's body, and includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the skin of the face, torso, back, arms, legs, groin and scalp, among others.

[0059] As used herein, the expression "reversibly fixed", including when used in reference to a sebum-absorbing paper being configured to be reversibly fixed to a distal tip of a sebum-collecting stick, refers to the feature of the fixing as being reversible, so that the sebum-absorbing paper can be removed from the distal tip of the sebum-collecting stick after being fixed to it.

[0060] NON-LIMITING IMPLEMENTATIONS

[0061] Although general features of the disclosure are described and shown, and specific features of the disclosure are presented in the claims, the following non-limiting embodiments relate to features, and combinations of features, that are explicitly contemplated as forming part of the disclosure. The following non-limiting embodiments contain elements that are modular and can be combined with each other in any number, order, or combination to form a new non-limiting embodiment, which can itself be further combined with other non-limiting embodiments.

[0062] Embodiment 1. Remote measurement kit of sebum from a portion of a subject's skin, the kit comprising: a sebum test card including a sample holder and a plurality of standards which allow a correspondence between a test image of the sebum test card in a test condition, and a standard curve; a sebum sampling stick including a distal tip configured to be precisely brought into contact with the portion of the subject's skin; and a sebum-absorbing paper configured to capture sebum from the portion of the subject's skin.

[0063] Embodiment 2. Kit according to embodiment 1 or any other embodiment, further comprising a finger cot configured to be placed on an individual's finger.

[0064] Embodiment 3. Kit according to any one of embodiments 1 and 2 or any other embodiment, further comprising educational material configured to teach a user how to use the kit in a remote sebum measurement process.

[0065] Embodiment 4. Kit according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3 or any other embodiment, further comprising instructional material configured to teach a user how to install or use a software application for a personal computing device, wherein the software application configures the personal computing device for electronic communication with a remote computing server configured to perform one or more calculations for at least one step of a remote sebum measurement process.

[0066] Embodiment 5. Kit according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4 or any other embodiment, wherein the plurality of standards includes a plurality of standard colors, a plurality of standard distances and a black surface configured to provide a background for the test image.

[0067] Embodiment 6. Kit according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5 or any other embodiment, wherein the sebum sampling stick includes a spring configured to stress the distal tip so as to move it away from a proximal portion of the sebum sampling stick, and a rear stop against which the distal tip butts when the spring is compressed in contact with the distal tip with an object, for precise contact of the distal tip with the portion of skin of the subject.

[0068] Embodiment 7. Kit according to embodiment 6 or any other embodiment, wherein the spring is positioned inside the sebum sampling stick and is secured around a column inside the sebum sampling stick.

[0069] Embodiment 8. Method for remotely measuring sebum from a portion of a subject's skin, the method comprising: attaching a sebum-absorbing paper to a sebum sampling stick; precisely bringing the sebum-absorbing paper into contact with the sebum sampling stick and the portion of the subject's skin; removing the sebum-absorbing paper from the portion of the subject's skin and placing the sebum-absorbing paper onto a sample holder of a sebum test card, wherein the sebum test card comprises a plurality of standards; imaging, with a calculating device, the sebum-absorbing paper and the plurality of standards to produce a test image; and initiating, with the calculating device, the calculation of a quantity of sebum from the portion of the subject's skin based on the test image and a standard curve.

[0070] Embodiment 9. Method according to embodiment 8 or any other embodiment, wherein the initiation with the computing device includes the transmission of the test image, or a part thereof, to a remote computing server by means of one or more networked connections between the computing device and the remote computing server.

[0071] Embodiment 10. Method according to any one of embodiments 8 and 9 or any other embodiment, wherein the computing device is a smartphone.

[0072] Embodiment 11. Calculation method for remotely measuring the sebum of a portion of a subject's skin, the method comprising: superimposing, with a calculation device: a test image of a sebum test card in a test condition, and a reference image of a corresponding sebum test card in a reference condition, to produce a superimposed image; and calculating, with the calculation device, a quantity of sebum of the subject's skin portion on the basis of data from a sample region of the superimposed image and a standard curve.

[0073] Embodiment 12. Calculation method according to embodiment 11 or any other embodiment, wherein the superposition comprises: the detection, with an image analysis method of the calculation device, of a point of particularity of the test image and a point of particularity of the reference image; wherein the point of particularity of the test image and the point of particularity of the reference image correspond to a location of the sebum test card and to a location of the corresponding sebum test card for an alignment of the test image with the reference image for a production of the superimposed image.

[0074] Embodiment 13. Calculation method according to any one of embodiments 11 and 12 or any other embodiment, wherein the computing device is a remote computing server.

[0075] Embodiment 14. Computing system configured to perform the calculation process of any of embodiments 11 to 13 or any other embodiment.

[0076] Embodiment 15. Computing system according to embodiment 14 or any other embodiment, comprising one or more remote computing servers, one or more smartphones, or any combination thereof.

[0077] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made to them without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

Demands

1. A remote measurement kit for sebum from a portion of a subject's skin, the kit comprising: a sebum test card including a sample holder and a plurality of standards that enable a correspondence between a test image of the sebum test card in a test condition and a standard curve; a sebum sampling stick including a distal tip configured to be made precise contact with the portion of the subject's skin; and sebum-absorbing paper configured to capture sebum from the portion of the subject's skin.

2. Kit according to any one of claims 1, wherein the plurality of standards comprises a plurality of color standards, a plurality of distance standards, and a black surface configured to provide a background for the test image.

3. Kit according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the sebum sampling stick includes a spring configured to stress the distal tip so as to move it away from a proximal portion of the sebum sampling stick, and a rear stop against which the distal tip butts when the spring is compressed in contact with the distal tip with an object, for precise contact of the distal tip with the portion of skin of the subject.

4. Kit according to claim 3, wherein the spring is positioned inside the sebum sampling stick and is secured around a column inside the sebum sampling stick.

5. A method for remotely measuring sebum from a portion of a subject's skin, the method comprising: attaching sebum-absorbing paper to a sampling stick sebum; the precise contacting, with the sebum sampling stick, of the sebum-absorbing paper with the portion of the subject's skin; the removal of the sebum-absorbing paper from the portion of the subject's skin and the placement of the sebum-absorbing paper on a sample holder of a sebum test card, in which the sebum test card comprises a plurality of standards; the imaging, with a calculating device, of the sebum-absorbing paper and the plurality of standards to produce a test image; and the initiation, with the calculating device, of the calculation of a quantity of sebum from the portion of the subject's skin on the basis of the test image and a standard curve.

6. A calculation method for remotely measuring the sebum of a portion of a subject's skin, the method comprising: superimposing, with a calculation device: a test image of a sebum test card in a test condition, and a reference image of a corresponding sebum test card in a reference condition, to produce a superimposed image; and calculating, with the calculation device, a quantity of sebum of the subject's skin portion on the basis of data from a sample region of the superimposed image and a standard curve.

7. A calculation method according to claim 6, wherein the overlay comprises: the detection, with an image analysis method of the calculation device, of a point of particularity of the test image and a point of particularity of the reference image; wherein the point of particularity of the test image and the point of particularity of the reference image correspond to a location on the sebum test card and a location on the corresponding sebum test card for alignment of the test image with the reference image for production of the superimposed image.

8. Computing system configured to perform the calculation method according to any one of claims 6 to 7.

9. Computing system according to claim 8, comprising one or more remote computing servers, one or more smartphones, or any combination thereof.

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