Skin condition estimation method, skin condition estimation device, skin condition estimation system, and program

Abstract

To increase accuracy of estimating a skin condition.SOLUTION: A skin condition estimation method comprises measuring components in urine of a subject and estimating a future skin condition of the subject based on a result of the measurement of the components.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a skin condition estimating method, a skin condition estimating device, a skin condition estimating system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For consumers of skin care products, knowing their own skin condition is important in understanding the success or failure of their skin care. Various techniques for estimating skin conditions are known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a skin condition evaluation method. This skin condition evaluation method includes an acquisition step (S11) of acquiring blood flow information of the facial skin of a subject, and an evaluation step (S13) of evaluating the facial skin condition of the subject based on the acquired blood flow information. The blood flow information includes a blood flow index value, which is obtained from a light intensity image obtained by irradiating the skin with laser light and capturing an image of scattered light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-025071 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 estimates the skin condition by an optical method. In the case of optical methods, the accuracy of estimating the skin condition is limited because the living body itself is not the specimen and the method is affected by the measurement environment (e.g., ambient light).

[0006] An object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of estimating skin condition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is Measuring components in the urine of a subject, and estimating a future skin condition of the subject based on the measurement results of the components. A method for estimating skin condition. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a skin condition estimating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data structure of a subject database of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of a measurement database according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart of a skin condition estimation process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the information processing of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of Modification 1. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart of a skin condition estimation process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 9A to 9C are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed in the information processing of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of Modification 2. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart of a skin condition estimation process according to a second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of Modification 3. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of a skin condition estimating system according to a third modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of a skin condition estimation process according to Modification 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and the repeated description will be omitted.

[0010] The terms used in this embodiment are defined as follows. A "user" is a person who uses the skin condition estimating device (for example, a subject or an examiner).

[0011] (1) Configuration of the skin condition estimation device The configuration of the skin condition estimating device will now be described with reference to Fig. 1, which is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the skin condition estimating device of the present embodiment.

[0012] 1 is a computer (an example of an "information processing device") that executes a skin condition estimation process. The skin condition estimating device 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 1, the skin condition estimating device 10 includes a storage device 11, a processor 12, an input / output interface 13, and a communication interface 14.

[0013] The storage device 11 is configured to store programs and data. The storage device 11 is, for example, a combination of a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0014] The programs include, for example, the following programs: ·OS (Operating System) programs Parameters, functions, and models used in information processing - Programs for applications that perform information processing (e.g., skin condition estimation processing)

[0015] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Data obtained by performing information processing (i.e., the results of performing information processing)

[0016] The processor 12 is configured to realize the functions of the skin condition estimating device 10 by starting a program stored in the storage device 11. The processor 12 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination of these.

[0017] The input / output interface 13 is configured to acquire user instructions from an input device connected to the skin condition estimating device 10 , and to output information to an output device connected to the skin condition estimating device 10 . The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof. The output device is, for example, a display.

[0018] The communication interface 14 is configured to control communication between the skin condition estimating device 10 and an external device (eg, a server).

[0019] (2) Overview of the embodiment An overview of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 2.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the subject hands over their urine sample to the user.

[0021] The user performs a test on the collected urine sample and measures the components in the subject's urine. A user inputs the measurement results of components in the subject's urine to the skin condition estimating device 10.

[0022] The skin condition estimating device 10 estimates the future skin condition of the subject based on the input measurement results.

[0023] (3) Database The databases of this embodiment are stored in the storage device 11.

[0024] (3-1) Subject Database The subject database of this embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 3, which is a diagram showing the data structure of the subject database of this embodiment.

[0025] Subject information is stored in the subject database in Fig. 3. The subject information is information relating to subjects. The subject information database includes a "subject ID" field, a "subject name" field, a "subject attribute" field, and a "urinary extracellular" field. Each field is associated with the others.

[0026] The "Subject ID" field stores subject identification information. The subject identification information is information for identifying a subject.

[0027] The "subject name" field stores subject name information. The subject name information is information about the subject's name.

[0028] The "subject attribute" field stores subject attribute information. The subject attribute information is information related to the attributes of the subject. The "subject attribute" field includes a "gender" field and an "age" field.

[0029] The "gender" field stores gender information. The gender information is information about the gender of the subject.

[0030] The "age" field stores age information. The age information is information about the age of the subject.

[0031] The "non-urinary" field stores non-urinary information. Non-urinary information is information other than the measurement result information of components in urine, and is information that is referenced for estimating skin condition. The "non-urinary" field includes a "lifestyle" field, a "medical interview" field, and a "blood" field.

[0032] The "Lifestyle" field stores lifestyle information. The lifestyle information is information about the subject's lifestyle (for example, at least one of information obtained from a questionnaire survey of the subject and information measured by a wearable device worn by the subject). The lifestyle includes, for example, at least one of the following: Sleep habits Eating habits Exercise habits Work habits

[0033] The "medical interview" field stores medical interview information. The medical interview information is information about the results of a medical interview conducted on the subject regarding the urinary nutritional status. The medical interview information includes, for example, at least one of the following: Fatigue (e.g., fatigue) Psychological states (e.g., stress or anxiety) Physical condition (for example, at least one of headache and concentration) Smoking status (e.g., whether or not or how often) Pregnancy status Menstrual status (for example, menstrual cycle) ·Whether you have any allergies Food preferences (for example, frequency of fish ingestion)

[0034] The "blood" field stores blood information. The blood information is information about blood. The blood information includes, for example, at least one of the following: Vitamins (for example, Vitamin D) ·mineral

[0035] (3-2) Measurement database The measurement database of this embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 4, which is a diagram showing the data structure of the measurement database of this embodiment.

[0036] Measurement result information is stored in the measurement result database in Fig. 4. The measurement result information is information about the results of measurements performed on subjects. The measurement result information database includes a "measurement result ID" field, a "time stamp" field, a "urinary minerals" field, and a "urinary vitamins" field. Each field is associated with the others. The measurement database is associated with subject identification information.

[0037] The "measurement result ID" field stores measurement result identification information. The measurement result identification information is information for identifying the measurement result.

[0038] The "timestamp" field stores timestamp information. The timestamp information is information about the date and time when the measurement was performed.

[0039] The "urinary minerals" field stores urinary mineral information. The urinary mineral information is information about mineral components in urine obtained from a urine test performed on a subject. The measurement result information includes, for example, at least one of the following: Potassium content Magnesium content Phosphorus content ·zinc

[0040] The "urinary vitamins" field stores urinary vitamin information. Urinary vitamin information is information about vitamin components in urine obtained from a urine test performed on a subject. The measurement result information includes, for example, at least one of the following: Vitamin D

[0041] (4) Skin model The skin model of this embodiment will be described.

[0042] In this embodiment, a skin model is used to estimate the skin condition. The skin model includes a future skin model and a current skin model.

[0043] (4-1) Future skin model The future skin model of this embodiment will be described.

[0044] The future skin model describes the correlation between urinary components and future skin condition. The future skin condition refers to the skin condition at a time point beyond the time point at which the components in the urine are measured. The explanatory variables of the future skin model are the components in urine. The objective variable of the future skin model is the future skin condition.

[0045] The future skin model differs for each indicator of the future skin condition. The indicators of future skin condition include, for example, at least one of the following indicators: Skin moisture (e.g., the amount or level of moisture in the dermis) ·Skin barrier function · Skin firmness (i.e. viscoelasticity) Skin tone (e.g. transparency, yellowness, or yellowness of the skin) - Skin hemoglobin content Melanin content in the skin · Skin turnover cycle

[0046] In a future skin model in which skin moisture is the objective variable, for example, urinary potassium is weighted highly among the explanatory variables. As an example, the future skin model predicts that the more potassium in the urine, the more moisture there is in the skin.

[0047] In a future skin model in which the skin barrier function is the objective variable, for example, at least one of the explanatory variables, urinary phosphorus and urinary vitamin D, has a large weight. As an example, the future skin model predicts that the higher the amount of phosphorus in urine, the worse the skin's barrier function. For example, the future skin model predicts that the more vitamin D excreted in urine, the better the skin's barrier function.

[0048] In a future skin model in which skin firmness is the objective variable, for example, urinary magnesium has a large weight among the explanatory variables. As an example, the Future Skin Model predicts that the more magnesium in urine, the firmer the skin will be.

[0049] In a future skin model in which skin color is the objective variable, for example, urinary vitamin D is weighted heavily among the explanatory variables. For example, the future skin model predicts that the more vitamin D in the urine, the less yellowing the skin will be.

[0050] In a future skin model in which the amount of hemoglobin in the skin is the objective variable, for example, at least one of the explanatory variables, urinary vitamin D and urinary zinc, has a large weight. As an example, the future skin model predicts that the more vitamin D in the urine, the higher the hemoglobin content. As an example, the future skin model predicts that the more zinc in the urine, the higher the hemoglobin content.

[0051] In a future skin model in which the amount of melanin in the skin is the objective variable, for example, urinary zinc is weighted heavily among the explanatory variables. For example, the Future Skin Model predicts that the more zinc in the urine, the less melanin there is.

[0052] In a future skin model in which the skin turnover cycle is the objective variable, for example, urinary zinc is weighted heavily among the explanatory variables. For example, the future skin model predicts that the more zinc there is in the urine, the more regular the turnover cycle will be.

[0053] (4-2) Current skin model The current skin model of this embodiment will be described.

[0054] The current skin model describes the correlation between urinary components and current skin condition. The current skin condition refers to the skin condition at the time when the components in the urine are measured. Currently, the explanatory variables for the skin model are the components in urine. The objective variable of the current skin model is the current skin condition.

[0055] The current skin model differs for each index of the current skin condition. Indicators of current skin condition are similar to future skin condition.

[0056] (5) Skin condition estimation processing The skin condition estimation process of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5, which is a flowchart of the skin condition estimation process of this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the information processing of Fig. 5.

[0057] The trigger in FIG. 5 is one of the following: The user launches a predetermined application (for example, an application for estimating a skin condition) of the skin condition estimating device 10. The user uses the skin condition estimating device 10 to access a specific website (for example, a website that provides a service for estimating a skin condition).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, the skin condition estimating device 10 acquires the measurement results (S1110). Specifically, the processor 12 displays a screen P1110 (FIG. 6) on the display. The screen P1110 includes an operation object B1110 and field objects F1110a to F1110b.

[0059] The operation object B1110 is an object that receives a user instruction for finalizing input to the field objects F1110a to F1110b.

[0060] The field object F1110a is an object that receives input of subject identification information.

[0061] The field object F1110b is an object that receives input of measurement result information of the subject.

[0062] When the user inputs subject identification information into field object F1110a, inputs the subject's measurement result information into field object F1110b, and operates operation object B1110, the processor 12 stores the subject identification information and the measurement result information in the storage device 11.

[0063] After step S1110, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes estimation of a future skin condition (S1111). Specifically, the storage device 11 stores a future skin model.

[0064] The processor 12 estimates the future skin condition according to the components in the subject's urine by providing the measurement results input to the field object F1110b in step S1110 to the future skin model.

[0065] After step S1111, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes estimation of the current skin condition (S1112). Specifically, the storage device 11 currently stores a skin model.

[0066] The processor 12 estimates the current skin condition (that is, at the time of executing step S1112) according to the components in the subject's urine by providing the measurement results input to the field object F1110b in step S1110 to the current skin model.

[0067] After step S1112, the skin condition estimating device 10 updates the database (S1113). Specifically, the processor 12 adds a new record to the measurement result database (FIG. 4) associated with the subject identification information obtained in step S1110. The following information is stored in each field of the new record. - "Measurement result ID" field: New measurement result identification information "Timestamp" field: Information regarding the execution date and time of step S1110 "Urine Minerals" field: Measurement result information obtained in step S1110 "Urinary Vitamins" field: Measurement result information obtained in step S1110

[0068] After step S1113, the skin condition estimating device 10 displays the estimation result (S1114). Specifically, the processor 12 displays screen P1111 (FIG. 6) on the display. The screen P1111 includes display objects A1111a to A1111b.

[0069] Display object A1111a is an object that displays the estimation result of the future skin condition obtained in step S1111.

[0070] Display object A1111b is an object that displays the estimation result of the current skin condition obtained in step S1112.

[0071] (6) Summary of the present embodiment According to the present embodiment, the future skin condition is estimated based on the components in the urine, thereby improving the accuracy of the estimation of the skin condition.

[0072] According to the present embodiment, the current skin condition may be estimated based on the measurement result, which can further improve the accuracy of estimating the skin condition.

[0073] (7) Variations A modification of this embodiment will now be described.

[0074] (7-1) Variation 1 A first modification of the present embodiment will be described below. The first modification is an example in which recommendations are provided based on the results of skin condition estimation.

[0075] (7-1-1) Overview of Modification 1 An overview of Modification 1 will be described below. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of Modification 1.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7, the subject hands over their urine sample to the user.

[0077] The user performs a test on the collected urine sample and measures the components in the subject's urine. A user inputs the measurement results of components in the subject's urine to the skin condition estimating device 10.

[0078] The skin condition estimating device 10 estimates the future skin condition of the subject based on the input measurement results, and determines a recommendation according to the future skin condition.

[0079] (7-1-2) Skin condition estimation process of modification example 1 A description will now be given of the skin condition estimation process of Modification 1. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the skin condition estimation process of this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the information processing of Fig. 8.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 8, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes the steps from obtaining the measurement results (S1110) to estimating the current skin condition (S1112) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0081] After step S1112, the skin condition estimating device 10 generates recommendations (S2110). Specifically, the storage device 11 stores a recommendation model.

[0082] The first example of the recommendation model describes the correlation between future skin conditions and recommendations. The explanatory variable of the recommendation model is the future skin condition. The target variable of the recommendation model is a recommendation.

[0083] The processor 12 generates a recommendation according to the future skin condition by providing the future skin condition obtained in step S1111 to a recommendation model.

[0084] The second example of the recommendation model describes the correlation between the current skin condition and the recommendations. The explanatory variable of the recommendation model is the current skin condition. The target variable of the recommendation model is a recommendation.

[0085] The processor 12 generates a recommendation according to the current skin condition by applying the current skin condition obtained in step S1112 to the recommendation model.

[0086] In the third example of the recommendation model, the correlation between the future skin condition, the current skin condition, and the recommendation is described. The explanatory variables of the recommendation model are the future skin condition and the current skin condition. The target variable of the recommendation model is a recommendation.

[0087] The processor 12 generates a recommendation according to the combination of the future skin condition obtained in step S1111 and the current skin condition obtained in step S1112 by providing the recommendation model with the future skin condition obtained in step S1111 and the current skin condition obtained in step S1112. The processor 12 generates a recommendation according to the current skin condition by applying the current skin condition obtained in step S1112 to the recommendation model.

[0088] The fourth example of a recommendation model describes the correlation between changes in the measurement results of components in urine and recommendations. The explanatory variables of the recommendation model are changes in the measurement results of components in urine. The target variable of the recommendation model is a recommendation.

[0089] The processor 12 acquires the measurement result information (that is, past measurement result information) from the "urinary minerals" field and the "urinary vitamins" field of the measurement result database (FIG. 4) associated with the subject identification information obtained in step S1110. The processor 12 compares the measurement result information (that is, past measurement result information) with the measurement result information obtained in step S1110 (that is, the latest measurement result information) to identify the difference in the components in the urine. The processor 12 applies the identified difference (i.e., the change in the components in the urine) to a recommendation model, thereby generating a recommendation according to the change.

[0090] After step S2110, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes updating of the database (S1113) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0091] After step S1113, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes display of the estimation result (S2111). Specifically, the processor 12 displays the screen P2110 (FIG. 9) on the display after the screen P1111 (FIG. 6). Screen P2110 includes display object A2110.

[0092] Display object A2110 displays the recommendations obtained in step S2110.

[0093] (7-1-3) Summary of Modification 1 According to the first modification, a recommendation may be generated based on the estimation result of the skin condition, which can encourage improvement according to the skin condition.

[0094] According to the first modification, a recommendation may be generated based on a result of comparing a past measurement result with a latest measurement result. This makes it possible to encourage improvement while taking into account the tendency of changes in the subject's skin condition.

[0095] (7-2) Variation 2 A second modification of the present embodiment will be described below. The second modification is an example in which the skin condition is estimated based on a combination of the measurement results of components in urine and information other than the components in urine (hereinafter referred to as "non-urine information").

[0096] (7-2-1) Overview of Modification 2 An overview of Modification 2 will be described below. FIG 10 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of Modification 2.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 10, the subject hands over their urine sample to the user. The subject's extra-urinary information is stored in storage device 11. The extra-urinary information may include, for example, at least one of the following: Lifestyle habits (for example, at least one of sleep quality and fatigue) Results of questionnaire regarding urinary nutritional status Blood test results

[0098] The user performs a test on the collected urine sample and measures the components in the subject's urine. A user inputs the measurement results of components in the subject's urine to the skin condition estimating device 10.

[0099] The skin condition estimating device 10 acquires extra-urinary information of the subject. The skin condition estimating device 10 estimates the future skin condition of the subject based on a combination of the input measurement results and the non-urinary information.

[0100] (7-2-2) Skin model of variation 2 The skin model of the second modification will be described.

[0101] (7-2-2-1) Future skin model The future skin model of the second modification will be described.

[0102] In a first example of the future skin model of the second modification, the correlation between a combination of urine components and lifestyle habits and a future skin condition is described. The explanatory variables of the future skin model are urinary components and lifestyle habits. The objective variable of the future skin model is the future skin condition.

[0103] In the third example of the future skin model of the second modified example, a correlation between a combination of the results of a medical interview regarding the components in urine and the nutritional status of urine and the future skin condition is described. The explanatory variables of the future skin model are the components in urine and the results of a questionnaire regarding the nutritional status of urine. The objective variable of the future skin model is the future skin condition. For example, if the result of the interview regarding "psychological condition" is "stressed" or "anxious," it is presumed that the subject is deficient in magnesium. For example, if the answer to a question about "food preferences" is "I don't eat much fish," it is presumed that the person is deficient in vitamin D.

[0104] A fourth example of the future skin model of variant example 2 describes the correlation between a combination of urine components and blood test results and a future skin condition. The explanatory variables of the future skin model are the components in urine and the results of blood tests. The objective variable of the future skin model is the future skin condition.

[0105] (7-2-2-2) Current skin model The current skin model of the second modification will be described.

[0106] In the first example of the current skin model of the second modification, the correlation between the combination of urine components and lifestyle habits and the current skin condition is described. The explanatory variables of the current skin model are urinary components and lifestyle habits. The objective variable of the current skin model is the current skin condition.

[0107] In the third example of the current skin model of the second modified example, a correlation between a combination of the results of a medical interview regarding the components in urine and the nutritional status of urine and the current skin condition is described. The explanatory variables for the current skin model are the components in urine and the results of a questionnaire regarding the nutritional status of urine. The objective variable of the current skin model is the current skin condition. For example, if the answer to a question about fatigue is "I get tired easily," it is likely that the patient is deficient in vitamin B. For example, if the result of the interview regarding "psychological condition" is "stressed" or "anxious," it is presumed that the subject is deficient in magnesium. For example, if the answer to a question about "smoking status" is "yes," then vitamin C deficiency is presumed. For example, if the answer to a question about "food preferences" is "I don't eat much fish," it is presumed that the person is deficient in vitamin D.

[0108] The fourth example of the current skin model of variant example 2 describes the correlation between a combination of urine components and blood test results and the current skin condition. The explanatory variables of the current skin model are the components in urine and the results of blood tests. The objective variable of the current skin model is the current skin condition.

[0109] (7-2-3) Skin condition estimation process of modification 2 A description will now be given of the skin condition estimation process of the modified example 2. FIG 11 is a flowchart of the skin condition estimation process of the modified example 2.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 11, the skin condition estimating device 10 acquires the measurement results (S1110) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0111] After step S1110, the skin condition estimating device 10 acquires non-urine information (S3110). Specifically, the processor 12 refers to the subject database (FIG. 3) to obtain extra-urinary information associated with the subject identification information obtained in step S1110.

[0112] After step S3110, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes estimation of a future skin condition (S3111). Specifically, the storage device 11 stores a future skin model. The processor 12 provides the measurement result information obtained in step S1110 and the non-urinary information obtained in step S3110 to the future skin model, and estimates the future skin condition according to the combination of the measurement result information and the non-urinary information.

[0113] After step S3111, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes estimation of the current skin condition (S3112). In a first example of step S3112, the storage device 11 currently stores a skin model. The processor 12 provides the measurement result information obtained in step S1110 and the non-urine information obtained in step S3110 to the current skin model, and estimates the current skin condition according to the combination of the measurement result information and the non-urine information.

[0114] After step S3112, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes the processes from updating the database (S1113) to displaying the estimation result (S1114), similarly to FIG.

[0115] (7-2-4) Summary of Modification 2 According to the second modification, the skin condition of the subject may be estimated based on a combination of urine components and extra-urinary information (for example, at least one of the results of a questionnaire regarding lifestyle habits and urinary nutritional status), which can further improve the accuracy of estimating the skin condition.

[0116] (7-3) Variation 3 A description will now be given of Modification 3. Modification 3 is an example of a skin condition estimating system including a skin condition estimating device 10.

[0117] (7-3-1) Overview of Modification 3 An overview of Modification 3 will be described below. FIG 12 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of Modification 3.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 12, the subject hands over their urine sample to the user. The subject transmits subject identification information to the skin condition estimating device 10 via the client device 30.

[0119] The user performs a test on the collected urine sample and measures the components in the subject's urine. A user inputs the measurement results of components in the subject's urine and the subject identification information to the skin condition estimating device 10.

[0120] The skin condition estimating device 10 stores the input measurement results and subject identification information in association with each other. The skin condition estimating device 10 estimates the future skin condition of the subject based on the input measurement results, and presents the estimation result to the subject via the client device 30.

[0121] (7-3-2) Configuration of Skin Condition Estimation System of Modification Example 3 A description will be given of the configuration of a skin condition estimating system according to Modification 3. Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram of the skin condition estimating system according to Modification 3.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 13, the skin condition estimating system 1 of the third modification includes a skin condition estimating device 10 and a client device 30.

[0123] The configuration of the skin condition estimating device 10 is similar to that shown in FIG.

[0124] 13 is a computer (an example of an "information processing device") that transmits a request to the skin condition estimating device 10 and receives a response from the skin condition estimating device 10. The client device 30 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 1, the client device 30 includes a storage device 31, a processor 32, an input / output interface 33, and a communication interface .

[0125] The storage device 31 is configured to store programs and data, and is, for example, a combination of a ROM, a RAM, and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0126] The programs include, for example, the following programs: ·OS (Operating System) programs Parameters, functions, and models used in information processing · Programs for applications that process information (e.g. web browsers)

[0127] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Data obtained by performing information processing (i.e., the results of performing information processing)

[0128] The processor 32 is configured to realize the functions of the client device 30 by running a program stored in the storage device 31. The processor 32 is, for example, a CPU, a GPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0129] The input / output interface 33 is configured to obtain user instructions from an input device connected to the client device 30 , and to output information to an output device connected to the client device 30 . The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof. The output device is, for example, a display.

[0130] The communication interface 34 is configured to control communication between the client device 30 and the skin condition estimating device 10 .

[0131] (7-3-3) Skin condition estimation process of modification 3 A description will now be given of the skin condition estimation process of Modification 3. Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram of the skin condition estimation process of Modification 3.

[0132] The trigger in FIG. 14 is one of the following: The subject launches a predetermined application (e.g., an application for estimating a skin condition) of the skin condition estimating device 10. The subject uses the skin condition estimating device 10 to access a specific website (e.g., a website that provides a service for estimating a skin condition).

[0133] As shown in FIG. 14, the client device 30 acquires the measurement results (S1110) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0134] After step S1110, the client device 30 executes an estimation request (S5310). Specifically, the processor 32 transmits the estimation request data to the skin condition estimating device 10. The estimation request data includes, for example, the following information: Subject identification information entered in field object F1110a Measurement result information entered in field object F1110b

[0135] After step S5310, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes the processes from estimating a future skin condition (S1111) to updating the database (S1113) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0136] After step S1113, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes an estimated response (S5110). Specifically, the processor 12 transmits the estimated response data to the client device 30. The estimated response data includes, for example, the following information: - Estimation result of future skin condition obtained in step S1111 The current skin condition estimation result obtained in step S1112

[0137] After step S5110, the client device 30 displays the estimation result (S1114) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0138] (7-3-4) Summary of Variation 3 According to the third modification, a subject uses a client device 30 to request the skin condition estimating device 10 to estimate a skin condition and obtains the skin condition estimation result. This allows the subject to know his / her own skin condition more easily.

[0139] (8) Other modifications Other modifications will now be described.

[0140] The storage device 11 may be connected to the skin condition estimating device 10 via a network. The storage device 31 may be connected to the client device 30 via a network.

[0141] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the above embodiment can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the above embodiment and the modified examples can be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1: Skin condition estimation system 10: Skin condition estimation device 11:Storage device 12: Processor 13: Input / Output Interface 14: Communication interface 30: Client device 31:Storage device 32 : Processor 33: Input / Output Interface 34: Communication interface

Claims

1. Measuring components in the urine of a subject, and estimating a future skin condition of the subject based on the measurement results of the components. A method for estimating skin condition.

2. The estimating step estimates the skin condition based on the measurement result and a lifestyle habit of the subject. The method of claim 1.

3. The ingredient is a mineral. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The mineral is potassium, The skin condition is a skin condition related to skin moisture. The method according to claim 3.

5. the mineral is phosphorus; The skin condition is a skin barrier function. The method according to claim 3.

6. The mineral is magnesium, The skin condition is skin viscoelasticity. The method according to claim 3.

7. The mineral is zinc, The skin condition is at least one of a hemoglobin amount in the skin, a melanin amount in the skin, and a skin turnover cycle. The method according to claim 3.

8. The ingredient is vitamin D, The skin condition is at least one of a skin barrier function, a skin color, and a skin hemoglobin amount. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. and estimating the skin condition of the subject at the time of measurement based on the measurement results of the components. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. generating a recommendation for the subject based on the skin condition estimation result; The method according to claim 1 or claim 2.

11. The step of generating the recommendation generates the recommendation based on a result of a comparison between a past measurement result and a latest measurement result. The method of claim 10.

12. The step of estimating estimates the skin condition based on extra-urinary information of the subject and the measurement result. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2.

13. The non-urinary information includes at least one of the following: the subject's lifestyle, the result of a questionnaire regarding the subject's urinary nutritional status, and the result of a blood test of the subject. The method of claim 12.

14. The step of estimating estimates the skin condition based on measurement results of a plurality of components in urine. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2.

15. A means for acquiring a measurement result of a component in a urine sample of a subject, A means for estimating a future skin condition of the subject based on the measurement results of the components, Skin condition estimation device.

16. A skin condition estimating system including a client device used by a subject and a skin condition estimating device connected to the client device, The skin condition estimating device comprises: a means for acquiring measurement results of components in the subject's urine, A means for estimating a future skin condition of the subject based on the measurement results of the components, means for transmitting a result of the estimation to the client device; The client device comprises means for presenting a result of the estimation. Skin condition estimation system.

17. Computer, It functions as a means of measuring the components in the subject's urine, A program for functioning as a means for estimating the subject's future skin condition based on the measurement results of the components.

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