Skin condition management device, skin condition management system, skin condition management program, skin condition management method

Abstract

The objective is to provide information that appropriately manages the skin condition of subjects based on information about their behavior, and to appropriately prevent the deterioration of their skin condition. [Solution] This invention relates to a skin condition management device, skin condition management system, skin condition management program, and skin condition management method for skin, physical condition, mental state, and acne care.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a skin condition management device, a skin condition management system, a skin condition management program, and a skin condition management method related to skin, body, mental state, and acne care.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in skin care (especially acne care), it has been widely practiced for the subject to manage the skin condition (acne) based on the recorded information of the past subject's skin (acne). In recent years, technologies have been proposed for analyzing and identifying the skin condition and the cause of acne according to each subject, and performing skin care (acne care) for the subject (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The cause of acne varies not only depending on the physical characteristics (physical attributes, physical condition, etc.) of the individual subject but also depending on the conditions related to the subject's behavior (lifestyle, living environment, etc.). Therefore, in order to appropriately manage and provide advice on acne according to the individual subject, it is necessary to collect and obtain information related to the subject's behavior in addition to the physical characteristics of the individual subject and analyze this information. However, since it is not easy to collect and analyze information related to the subject's behavior, it has not been possible to provide appropriate care according to the subject's behavior. <000002>

[0005]

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and aims to provide information that appropriately manages the skin condition of a subject based on information about the subject's behavior and appropriately prevents the deterioration of the skin condition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means. One embodiment of the present invention is a skin condition management device characterized by comprising a determination unit that determines the skin condition of a subject based on one or more types of data selected from the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental state data, and the subject's behavioral data.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a skin condition management device characterized by comprising a prediction unit that predicts the current and future skin condition of a subject based on one or more types of data selected from the subject's attribute data, skin, physical and mental condition data, and the subject's behavioral data.

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is a skin condition management system characterized by comprising: an output unit that outputs information; a determination unit that determines the skin condition of a subject based on one or more types of data selected from the attribute data, the state data, and the behavior data; and / or a prediction unit that predicts the skin condition of a subject from the present onward based on the attribute data, the state data, the behavior data, and one or more types of data selected from the determination of the skin condition of the subject.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is a skin condition management system comprising: an output unit that outputs information; a determination unit that determines the skin condition of a subject based on one or more types of data selected from the attribute data, the state data, and the behavior data; and / or a prediction unit that predicts the skin condition of a subject from the present onward based on one or more types of data selected from the attribute data, the state data, the behavior data, and the determination of the subject's skin condition; and a selection unit that selects information to recommend, stop, or interrupt the subject's behavior in any of the following cases: when the determination unit determines that the subject's skin condition has improved, when the skin condition has worsened, when the prediction unit predicts that the subject's skin condition will improve, or when the skin condition will worsen.

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is a skin condition management program that causes a computer to determine and / or predict the skin condition of a subject based on one or more types of data selected from the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental condition data, and the subject's behavioral data.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is a skin condition management program that causes a computer to determine and / or predict the skin condition of a subject based on one or more types of data selected from the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental condition data, and the subject's behavioral data, and to select information to recommend, stop, or interrupt the subject's behavior in any of the following cases: when the determination determines that the subject's skin condition has improved, when the determination determines that the skin condition has worsened, when the prediction unit predicts that the subject's skin condition will improve, or when the prediction unit predicts that the skin condition will worsen.

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention is a skin condition management method that determines and / or predicts the skin condition of a subject based on one or more types of data selected from the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental condition data, and the subject's behavioral data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, subjects can receive appropriate care at a time suitable for each subject, as well as appropriate care and actions according to the day. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the skin condition management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the skin condition management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the operation flow of the skin condition management device of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows a specific example of how the skin condition management device and skin condition management method of this embodiment are applied. [Figure 5] This figure shows a specific example of how the skin condition management device and skin condition management method of this embodiment are applied. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] [Skin condition management device] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the skin condition management device of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. The skin condition management device 1 of this embodiment 1 consists of a terminal device 11 and a management device 12. The terminal device 11 and the management device 12 are connected to each other via a network NW. The network NW may be a wireless communication network or a wired communication network. The network NW may be configured using, for example, the Internet or a local area network (LAN). The network NW may be configured by combining multiple networks. The subjects are individuals who have the skin condition management device 1 measure, judge, classify, predict, and select their skin condition, including acne, as well as their physical and mental condition.

[0016] [Terminal device] The subject is a person who uses the information output system and has their skin and physical condition measured. The subject inputs the skin information of the area to be measured into the terminal device 11 and transmits it to the management device 12. Note that the terminal device 11 does not necessarily need to be connected to the network NW, and the terminal device 11 and the management device 12 may be integrated.

[0017] The subject inputs information regarding the skin, physical condition, mental state, and information related to behavior into the terminal device 11. The skin condition management device 1 can also acquire the wake-up time, bedtime, number of steps, etc. that are input, stored, or recorded in a device such as a smartphone. Note that it is also possible to input image data or photos of the subject's appearance, skin, and physical information. The management device 12 can enable the subject to recognize the skin condition such as acne, physical and mental state from the subject's information. Therefore, the subject can improve the skin condition including acne, physical and mental state, and prevent the deterioration of the skin condition, physical and mental state by performing prevention and therapy on the subject's state from now on.

[0018] The terminal device 11 includes an input unit 111, an output unit 112, a memory unit 113, a transmission unit 114, and a reception unit 115. Note that it can also include a photographing unit. The management device 12 includes a determination unit 121, a classification unit 122, a prediction unit 123, a memory unit 124, a selection unit 125, a transmission unit 126, and a reception unit 127. The terminal device 11 and the management device 12 are connected to the network NW. 〔Input Unit〕

[0019] The input unit 111 refers to the area where the subject or other person inputs information such as attribute data, state data, and behavioral data of the subject, which will be described later. The information such as attribute data, state data, and behavioral data may include information input to or acquired from a device such as a smartphone. The input unit 111 may be configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, or touch panel. The input unit 111 may also be implemented by performing speech recognition processing on the sound obtained using a microphone. The input unit 111 may also be implemented in a manner different from that described above.

[0020] The preferred input method is for subjects to input information such as attribute data, state data, and behavioral data by answering questions. Based on information such as attribute data, state data, and behavioral data, subjects can recognize their past and present skin condition, including acne, as well as their physical and mental state.

[0021] The following sections will detail attribute data, state data, and behavioral data.

[0022] <Attribute Data> Attribute data includes the subject's place of residence, weather, temperature, humidity, sunshine, and UV levels at their place of residence, age, weight, height, presence of children, number of children, children's ages, facial skin type, and age at which acne first appeared.

[0023] Attribute data allows for the recognition of a subject's current and future skin, physical, and mental condition, including acne. By using attribute data as information that influences the skin, physical, and mental condition, it is possible to determine and predict the skin condition, including acne, and enable subjects to appropriately recognize and understand their current and future acne and skin condition. Attribute data allows subjects to improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their acne and other skin conditions. Furthermore, by classifying and grouping subjects using attribute data, subjects can appropriately recognize and understand their current and future skin, physical, and mental condition. Attribute data makes it possible to classify and group subjects and to provide appropriate prevention, therapy, and care for their acne and skin condition. Subjects can take appropriate preventative measures, therapies, and care for their acne and other skin conditions.

[0024] Furthermore, attribute data may include information related to the subjects' lifestyles.

[0025] Attribute data is preferably acquired the first time the skin condition management device 1 is used. Furthermore, attribute data can be input to and acquired by the skin condition management device 1 at any time, and the number of times can be one or multiple times.

[0026] <Status Data> Status data includes information about the subject, such as whether or not they are pregnant, the location of acne, the number of pimples, gastrointestinal condition, menstruation, bowel movements, presence or absence of diarrhea, stress level, and skin color. The condition data also includes information on the subject's skin, the amount of sebum attached to the skin, the type, amount, and ratio of bacteria, the condition of pores, the dryness of the skin, the inflammation of the skin, the skin barrier function, the condition of the sebum film, the condition of natural moisturizing factors (NMF), the condition of amino acids, the condition of ceramides, the condition of collagen, the condition of cells, and body temperature.

[0027] Image data (porphyrin visualization images) and porphyrin detection information described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-029036 can also be used as state data. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the terminal device 11 and the management device 12 with the device described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-029036. Porphyrin visualization images allow for the detection of porphyrins on the skin that are produced as metabolites by acne bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes, Cutibacterium acnes), which cause acne. Subjects can recognize the presence of acne bacteria and the condition of their skin.

[0028] Condition data allows us to recognize the subject's current and future skin, physical, and mental condition, including acne. By using condition data as information that influences the skin condition, including acne, and physical and mental condition, it is possible to determine and predict the skin condition, including acne. This allows the subject to appropriately recognize and understand their current and future acne and skin condition, and gives the subject the opportunity to improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their current and future skin condition, including acne. Therefore, condition data allows the subject to improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their current and future skin condition, including acne. Furthermore, by classifying and grouping subjects based on their condition data, subjects can appropriately recognize and understand their current and future skin condition, including acne, as well as their physical and mental state. The condition data allows for the classification and grouping of subjects, and enables appropriate prevention, therapy, and care for their acne and skin condition. Subjects can then implement appropriate prevention, therapy, and care for their acne and other skin conditions.

[0029] Furthermore, the status data may include information related to the subjects' lifestyles.

[0030] Condition data can be input into and acquired by the skin condition management device 1 at any time, and can be done once or multiple times. It is preferable to acquire data daily regarding the location of acne, the number of acne lesions, gastrointestinal condition, menstruation, bowel movements, presence or absence of diarrhea, stress level, and skin color.

[0031] <Behavioral Data> Behavioral data includes information such as the number of times subjects wash their hands with hand soap, the frequency of washing their pillowcases, the frequency of washing their face, the frequency of applying makeup including sunscreen, the type, amount, or frequency of their regular exercise, the frequency of brushing their teeth, their current or past smoking habits, the type of tobacco they smoke and how often they smoke, and the duration and frequency of their baths. Behavioral data should include information on skincare products, ingredients, and medications the subject is currently using, as well as information on acne medications. It may also include information on skincare products, ingredients, medications, and acne medications the subject may potentially use. Furthermore, it is preferable that the behavioral data include information on the subject's bedtime, wake-up time, sleep duration, steps taken, frequency of alcohol consumption, frequency of snacking, whether or not they are taking medications other than acne medications, and the time of their last meal of the day and their last meal of the previous day.

[0032] Behavioral data can be used to recognize the subject's current and future skin, physical, and mental condition, including acne. By using behavioral data as information that influences the subject's current and future skin condition, including acne, and their physical and mental condition, it is possible to determine and predict the subject's current and future skin condition, including acne. The subject can appropriately recognize and understand their current and future acne and skin condition, and the subject can have the opportunity to improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their current and future skin condition, including acne. Therefore, behavioral data allows the subject to improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their current and future skin condition, including acne. Furthermore, by classifying and grouping subjects based on behavioral data, subjects can appropriately recognize and understand their current and future skin conditions, including acne, as well as their physical and mental conditions. Behavioral data allows for the classification and grouping of subjects, and enables appropriate prevention, therapy, and care for their acne and skin conditions. Subjects can then implement appropriate prevention, therapy, and care for their acne and other skin conditions.

[0033] Furthermore, behavioral data may include information related to the subjects' lifestyle habits.

[0034] Behavioral data can be input into and acquired by the skin condition management device 1 at any time, and can be done once or multiple times. It is preferable that the following information be obtained the first time the skin condition management device 1 is used: the number of times handwashing is done with hand soap, the frequency of washing pillowcases, the frequency of washing the face, the frequency of applying makeup including sunscreen, the type, amount, or frequency of habitual exercise, the frequency of brushing teeth, current or past smoking habits, the type of tobacco and frequency of smoking, the time and frequency of bathing, information on skincare products and ingredients currently in use, information on medications, and information on acne medications. It is also preferable that the following information be obtained daily: the subject's bedtime, wake-up time, sleep duration, number of steps, frequency of alcohol consumption, frequency of snacking, whether or not they are taking medications other than acne medication, the time of their last meal of the day, and the time of their last meal of the previous day.

[0035] Based on the attribute data, state data, and behavioral data described above, it is possible to recognize the subject's current and future skin, physical, and mental conditions, including acne. By using information such as attribute data, status data, and behavioral data as information that influences skin conditions, including acne, as well as physical and mental conditions, it is possible to determine and predict skin conditions, including acne. This allows subjects to appropriately recognize and understand their current and future acne and skin conditions, and to have the opportunity to improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their skin conditions, including acne, in the future. Therefore, through information such as attribute data, status data, and behavioral data, subjects can improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their skin conditions, including acne. Furthermore, by classifying and grouping subjects based on information such as attribute data, status data, and behavioral data, subjects can appropriately recognize and understand their current and future skin condition, including acne, as well as their physical and mental condition. Attribute data allows for the classification and grouping of subjects, and enables appropriate prevention, therapy, and care for their acne and skin condition. Subjects can take appropriate preventative measures, therapies, and care for their acne and other skin conditions. Moreover, by inputting information such as attribute data, status data, and behavioral data, subjects can reduce their risk of developing acne.

[0036] The information entered into the input unit 111 is not limited to attribute data, status data, or behavior data. For example, information related to lifestyle, bacteria present on the skin, or health status related to the subject may be used. Furthermore, the information entered into the input unit 111 may include not only the subject's current information, but also information from a certain period in the past, or continuous information.

[0037] [Output section] The output unit 112 outputs information such as attribute data, state data, and behavior data input to the input unit 111, information stored in the storage unit 113, information output by the determination unit 121, classification unit 122, prediction unit 123, and selection unit 125, and information stored in the storage unit 124. The output unit 112 may be an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. For example, it may display text, diagrams, tables, pictures, images, videos, etc., on the display and show them to the subject.

[0038] The output unit 112 can output information about the subject's skin condition, including acne, allowing the subject to appropriately recognize and understand their current and future skin condition. The subject can learn about their skin condition, including acne, as well as their physical and mental state. By performing or ceasing the action selected by the selection unit 125, the subject can improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their current and future skin condition, including acne. Therefore, the information output by the output unit 112 allows the subject to improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their current and future skin condition, including acne.

[0039] [Storage section] The memory unit 113 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The memory unit 113 stores information such as the subject's attribute data, state data, and behavioral data in the terminal device 11. Furthermore, the system can store and continuously store the subject's past and present attribute data, state data, and behavioral data. It may also store the transmission and reception history between the terminal device and the management device, as well as information output by the terminal device. Furthermore, the system can store and continuously store information such as past attribute data, status data, and behavioral data of the subject. It is not limited to current attribute data, status data, and behavioral data; information from a specific period in the past, as well as continuous information, can also be used. Information on the transmission and reception history between the terminal device and the management device, and information output by the terminal device, may also be stored.

[0040] Furthermore, if the terminal device 11 and the management device 12 are integrated, there may be only one memory unit, which stores information such as attribute data, status data, and behavioral data, as well as information output by the judgment unit, prediction unit, classification unit, and selection unit.

[0041] [Transmitter] The transmitting unit 114 transmits information such as attribute data, status data, and behavior data input to the terminal device 11, along with the information stored in the storage unit 113, to the management device 12. The transmitting unit 114 and the receiving unit 115 may be configured using a single integrated communication device.

[0042] [Receiving section] The receiving unit 115 receives information output by the determination unit 121, classification unit 122, prediction unit 123, and selection unit 125 of the management device 12, as well as information stored in the storage unit 124.

[0043] [Judgment section] The determination unit 121 determines the subject's skin condition, including acne, as well as their physical and mental condition, based on information such as attribute data, state data, and behavioral data.

[0044] The determination unit 121 allows the subject to determine the condition of their skin, including acne, and enables the subject to appropriately recognize and understand their current and future skin condition, including acne. The subject can learn about their skin condition, including acne, as well as their physical and mental condition, and gain the opportunity to improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their current and future skin condition, including acne. Therefore, through the determination, the subject can improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their current and future skin condition, including acne.

[0045] Furthermore, the assessment allows for the classification and grouping of subjects, and enables appropriate prevention, therapy, and care for acne and other skin conditions. Subjects can receive appropriate prevention, therapy, and care for acne and other skin conditions. And, through the assessment, subjects can reduce their risk of developing acne, the risk of it continuing, or worsening.

[0046] Based on the determination of the judgment unit 121, the classification unit 122 (described later) can appropriately classify and group subjects, the prediction unit 123 can predict the subject's skin condition, including acne, and their physical and mental state, and the selection unit 125 can appropriately select information to recommend, discontinue, or interrupt the subject's actions from the present onward.

[0047] The condition of the subject's skin, including acne, is determined from the commensal bacteria on the subject's skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes. Alternatively, it can be determined from fluorescence caused by porphyrin, as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-029036. By reducing the commensal bacteria present on the subject's skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes, acne can be prevented. By taking actions to reduce the commensal bacteria present on the subject's skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes, the subject can improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their skin condition, including acne.

[0048] [Classification Department] The classification unit 122 can classify and group subjects based on information such as attribute data, state data, and behavioral data. For example, subjects can be classified by physical characteristics such as skin type, age, and gender. The causes and risk levels of acne and skin problems vary depending on physical characteristics. Effective prevention methods also differ depending on physical characteristics. It's also possible to classify individuals based on their behavior. A subject's behavior can also be a predisposing factor that increases the causes and risk of acne and skin problems. Depending on the classification and group, there are differences in fluctuations in skin conditions, including acne, susceptibility to acne, causes, frequency, amount, location, and timing of acne breakouts, as well as differences in acne prevention, treatment, and care habits.

[0049] The classification unit 122 can recognize the subject's current and future skin, physical, and mental condition, including acne. The classification unit 122 allows the subject to appropriately recognize and understand their current and future acne and skin condition, and gives the subject the opportunity to improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their current and future acne and skin condition. Therefore, the subject can improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their current and future acne and skin condition.

[0050] By classifying and dividing subjects into groups, subjects can appropriately recognize and understand their current and future skin conditions, including acne, as well as their physical and mental conditions. It becomes possible to provide subjects with appropriate prevention, therapy, and care tailored to their classification and group, and their specific acne and skin conditions. Therefore, subjects can receive appropriate prevention, therapy, and care for their acne and other skin conditions. Furthermore, classification can reduce the risk of acne developing, persisting, or worsening for subjects.

[0051] The classification by the classification unit 122 allows for appropriate determination by the judgment unit 121, prediction of the subject's skin condition, including acne, and physical and mental state by the prediction unit 123 (described later), and selection by the selection unit 125 to select information that recommends, stops, or interrupts the subject's actions from the present onward.

[0052] The skin condition of a subject, including acne, is classified based on the commensal bacteria on the subject's skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes. Alternatively, classification can be performed based on fluorescence caused by porphyrins, as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-029036. By reducing the commensal bacteria present on the subject's skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes, acne can be prevented. By taking actions to reduce the commensal bacteria present on the subject's skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes, the subject can improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their skin condition, including acne.

[0053] [Prediction section] The prediction unit 123 predicts the skin condition, including acne, and physical and mental state of the subject at a certain point in time from the present, based on attribute data, state data, behavioral data, etc. It can also predict the skin condition, including acne, and physical and mental state of the subject at a certain point in time from the present, based on the subject's classification and grouping information. Furthermore, the prediction unit 123 can be equipped to predict a certain period of time when the risk of deterioration of the subject's skin condition, including acne, as well as their physical and mental condition, will be reduced from the present onward.

[0054] The prediction unit 123 can predict the subject's skin, physical, and mental condition, including acne, from the present onward. The prediction unit 123 allows the subject to appropriately recognize and understand their current and future acne and skin condition, giving them the opportunity to improve, maintain, and prevent worsening of their current and future skin condition. Therefore, the subject can improve, maintain, and prevent worsening of their acne and other skin conditions. Furthermore, through prediction, the subject can reduce their risk of developing acne, the risk of it continuing, and the risk of it worsening.

[0055] By classifying and grouping subjects and making predictions for each group, subjects can appropriately recognize and understand their current and future skin condition, including acne, as well as their physical and mental condition. This allows for more appropriate prevention, therapy, and care tailored to the specific acne and skin condition of each subject, based on their classification and grouping. Therefore, subjects can receive appropriate prevention, therapy, and care for their acne and other skin conditions.

[0056] Based on the predictions of the prediction unit 123, the judgment unit 121 can perform judgments, the classification unit 122 can perform classifications and groupings, and the selection unit 125, described later, can appropriately select information that recommends, stops, or interrupts the subject's actions from the present onward.

[0057] The skin condition of a subject, including acne, is classified based on the commensal bacteria on the subject's skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes. Alternatively, classification can be performed based on fluorescence caused by porphyrins, as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-029036. By reducing the commensal bacteria present on the subject's skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes, acne can be prevented. By taking actions to reduce the commensal bacteria present on the subject's skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes, the subject can improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their skin condition, including acne.

[0058] The predicted period may be a single point in time, or it may be a prediction of acne, skin, and physical conditions that occurred in the subject over a continuous period. Furthermore, the period does not have to be consecutive; it may be a prediction of the subject's skin condition, including acne, and physical and mental conditions over multiple point in time or periods.

[0059] [Storage section] The storage unit 124 stores in the management device 12 information such as attribute data, state data, and behavior data input to the input unit 111, as well as information output by the determination unit 121, classification unit 122, prediction unit 123, and selection unit 125 of the management device 12.

[0060] [Selection section] The selection unit 125 selects information that recommends changes, discontinuations, or interruptions to one or more of the subject's current and future behaviors. For example, it selects information that recommends changes, discontinuations, or interruptions to one or more of the following: the number of times the subject washes their hands with hand soap, the frequency of washing fabrics that come into contact with their skin at bedtime (e.g., pillowcases and sheets), the frequency of washing their face, the frequency of applying makeup including sunscreen, the type, amount, and frequency of habitual exercise, the frequency of brushing their teeth, the type of tobacco they smoke and how often they smoke, the duration and frequency of bathing, information on skincare products and ingredients they use, information on medications, medications for acne, recommended bedtime, wake-up time, sleep duration, steps taken and activity level, frequency of drinking alcohol, frequency of snacking, and the time of their last meal of the day.

[0061] The selection unit 125 allows the subject to perform or discontinue the action selected by the selection unit 125, thereby giving the subject an opportunity to improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their skin condition, including acne, from the present onward. Therefore, the subject can improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their skin condition, including acne. Furthermore, through prediction, the subject can reduce the risk of developing acne.

[0062] Furthermore, the selection unit 125 may include the ability to select a certain period of time that will reduce the risk of the subject's current or future deterioration of skin conditions, including acne, as well as their physical and mental condition. It may also include selecting information that recommends actions to be taken, stopped, or interrupted by a certain period of time that will reduce the risk. By performing or discontinuing the actions selected by the selection unit 125 within a certain period of time, the subjects can reduce the risk of worsening skin conditions, including acne, as well as their physical and mental conditions. This allows the subjects to have the opportunity to improve, maintain, and prevent worsening of their skin conditions, including acne, from the present onward.

[0063] By classifying and dividing subjects into groups and selecting information that recommends behavioral changes, discontinuations, or interruptions, subjects can take appropriate preventive measures, therapies, and care tailored to their classification, group, and acne and skin condition. Therefore, subjects can take appropriate preventive measures, therapies, and care for acne and other skin conditions.

[0064] By predicting the subject's condition, it is possible to reduce the risk of acne development if the subject takes action within a certain period from now.

[0065] The selection by the selection unit 125 allows for appropriate determination by the judgment unit 121, classification and grouping by the classification unit 122, and prediction by the prediction unit 123.

[0066] Information recommending behaviors, discontinuations, or interruptions for the subject from the present time onward is selected from the commensal bacteria on the subject's skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes. Alternatively, information recommending behaviors, discontinuations, or interruptions for the subject from the present time onward can also be selected from the fluorescence caused by porphyrins as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-029036. By reducing the commensal bacteria present on the subject's skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes, acne can be prevented. By taking actions to reduce the commensal bacteria present on the subject's skin, such as Propionibacterium acnes, the subject can improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their skin condition, including acne.

[0067] Furthermore, the period over which a selected subject's behavior is recommended, discontinued, or interrupted may be a single point in time or a continuous period of time. The periods do not necessarily have to be consecutive; the recommended, discontinued, or interrupted behavior may span multiple points in time or periods.

[0068] [Transmitter] The transmission unit 126 transmits to the terminal device 11 the information output by the determination unit 121, classification unit 122, prediction unit 123, and selection unit 125 of the management device 12, as well as the information stored in the storage unit.

[0069] [Receiving section] The receiving unit 127 receives information such as attribute data, status data, and behavior data, as well as information stored in the storage unit 113.

[0070] [Model Storage Section] The skin condition management device 1 may include a model storage unit for storing a trained model that has been subjected to machine learning. Furthermore, each part of the terminal device 11 and the management device 12 may be equipped with a model storage unit, or a model storage unit or a device equipped with a model storage unit may be added. Also, each part may be equipped with one model storage unit, or each part may be equipped with multiple model storage units. A model storage unit may be equipped in one part, or multiple or all parts may be equipped with model storage units.

[0071] <Skin condition management device 2> Next, a skin condition management device 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 2. Parts similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted from the description. As shown in Figure 2, the skin condition management device 2 of this embodiment consists of a terminal device 21 and a management device 22. The terminal device 21 of this embodiment includes an imaging unit 216 in addition to the configuration of the terminal device 11 of the first embodiment.

[0072] [Photography Department] Camera unit 216 photographs the subject's skin condition, including acne. The information from the captured images can be used to identify the subject's current and future skin, physical, and mental condition, including acne. The information from the captured images, which influences skin conditions such as acne, as well as physical and mental states, can be used to determine and predict skin conditions such as acne, allowing subjects to appropriately recognize and understand their current and future acne and skin conditions. The information from the captured images enables subjects to improve, maintain, and prevent the worsening of their skin conditions, including acne. Furthermore, by classifying and grouping subjects based on the information from the captured images, subjects can appropriately recognize and understand their current and future skin condition, including acne, as well as their physical and mental state. Attribute data allows for the classification and grouping of subjects, enabling appropriate prevention, therapy, and care for their acne and skin condition. Subjects can then receive appropriate prevention, therapy, and care for their acne and other skin conditions.

[0073] The terminal device 21 may be equipped with an imaging unit, or another device equipped with an imaging unit may be connected to the terminal device 11 and the management device 12 via a network NW. The imaging unit, for example, is equipped with a camera and captures images of the subject's skin condition, including acne, and generates image data. The data captured may be images or videos.

[0074] Furthermore, the terminal device 21 is preferably a smartphone. The smartphone's camera is used to take a picture, and the captured image A is transmitted from the smartphone to the management device 22. For example, the subject takes a picture of their entire face, or the area around their forehead, nose, or mouth, with the camera of the smartphone 30, and transmits the captured image A from the smartphone 30 to the management device 12.

[0075] In this embodiment, the subject uses a smartphone 30 equipped with a camera (imaging device), but is not limited to this. For example, a portable terminal device such as a tablet computer (tablet PC) equipped with a camera may be used. Alternatively, the captured image taken with the digital camera may be transmitted to the terminal device 11 via a communication terminal such as a smartphone.

[0076] Furthermore, when using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet PC equipped with a camera, the management device 22, described later, may be integrated into the smartphone. The smartphone and the management device 22 do not necessarily need to be connected to a network NW.

[0077] Participants input information about their skin, physical condition, and mental state, as well as information related to their behavior, using their smartphones. It is also possible to retrieve information such as wake-up time, bedtime, and step count, which is entered, stored, or recorded on the smartphone. For example, past and present information recorded through applications or functions on the smartphone can also be retrieved.

[0078] Furthermore, image data and videos of the subject's appearance, skin, and physical information stored on their smartphone can also be input into the skin condition management device 2 as attribute data, state data, behavioral data, and other information. Based on the subject's information, the subject can recognize their own skin condition, such as acne, as well as their physical and mental condition. By taking preventative measures and therapies for their current and future condition, the subject can improve their skin condition, including acne, and their physical condition, and prevent the worsening of their skin and physical condition.

[0079] [Methods for managing skin condition] The following describes an embodiment of the state management method of the present invention with reference to Figure 3.

[0080] [Step 1 [S1]] The subject inputs information such as attribute data, state data, and behavioral data into the input unit 111 of the terminal device 11. The input information is stored in the storage unit 113 of the terminal device 11.

[0081] For example, one could display questions on a smartphone screen and have subjects answer them, providing information such as attribute data, state data, and behavioral data.

[0082] The information entered in the first step may include images and videos. Alternatively, the first step may be replaced with a shooting step, or a shooting step may be added.

[0083] For example, a photograph of the subject's face can be taken using a smartphone camera, and image data can be created. A porphyrin visualization image may also be created. The information entered in the first step can include wake-up time, bedtime, step count, etc., which are entered, stored, or recorded on the smartphone. For example, past and present information recorded by applications or functions on the smartphone can also be retrieved.

[0084] [Step 2 [S2]] The information entered in the first step is transmitted from the transmission unit 114 to the management device 12.

[0085] [Step 3 [S3]] The information entered in the first step from the terminal device 11 is received by the receiving unit 127 of the management device 12 and stored in the storage unit 124.

[0086] [Step 4 [S4]] The determination unit 121 determines the subject's skin condition, including acne, as well as their physical and mental condition, based on attribute data, state data, behavioral data, etc. The system may also be equipped with the ability to classify and group subjects based on information such as attribute data, state data, and behavioral data.

[0087] [Step 5 [S5]] The classification unit 122 divides information such as attribute data, state data, and behavioral data into classifications and groups.

[0088] [Step 6 [S6]] The prediction unit 123 predicts the subject's skin condition, including acne, as well as their physical and mental condition, at a certain point in time from the present, based on attribute data, state data, behavioral data, etc.

[0089] [Step 7 [S7]] The selection unit 125 selects information that recommends, stops, or interrupts the subject's actions from the present onward.

[0090] [Step 8 [S8]] The information entered in the first step is transmitted from the transmission unit 126 to the terminal device 11.

[0091] [Step 9 [S9]] The receiving unit 115 of the terminal device 11 receives the input information from the management device 12, which is then stored in the storage unit 113.

[0092] [Step 10 [S10]] The output unit 112 of the terminal device 11 outputs information for steps 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

[0093] As explained above, subjects can determine and predict the acne and skin condition that occurs on them, and can appropriately recognize and understand the current and future state of their acne and skin. Subjects can learn about their skin, physical, and mental condition, and through selection, they can have the opportunity to take preventative measures. Through the determination, subjects can use the information about their acne and skin condition to appropriately take preventative and therapeutic measures, thereby improving their skin condition. Furthermore, by having subjects take appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures such as skincare, the condition of their skin can be improved, and their mental state can be improved or prevented from worsening.

[0094] In the embodiments described above, an example of the division of functions between the terminal device 11 and the management device 12 was explained, but each device may be configured with a different division of functions than described above.

[0095] The terminal device 11 and the management device 12 may be an integrated device, or other devices may be added, or each part may be implemented in different devices. Furthermore, each component may be provided in either the terminal device 11 or the management device 12, or in both. Each component may be distributed and implemented in multiple devices, and the number of each component may be one or multiple. For example, if the terminal device 11 and the management device 12 are integrated, there may be only one transmitting unit, one receiving unit, and one storage unit. The configuration of each component in each device is not limited to what is described.

[0096] Furthermore, it is not necessary to have all the parts and steps; the input unit, judgment unit, classification unit, prediction unit, and selection unit may be combined as appropriate. Each part can also be used independently. The order in which each part processes is not limited to the embodiments described above. The processing of each part may be carried out continuously, or it may be carried out at different times or at points in time that are separated.

[0097] The terminal device 11 may be implemented using multiple information processing devices. For example, the terminal device 11 may be implemented using a cloud or similar device.

[0098] Next, Figures 4 and 5 illustrate specific examples of the application of the skin condition management device and skin condition management method of the second embodiment. Figure 4 shows smartphone screens. The leftmost screen (the leftmost smartphone screen) displays the information that the subject enters on the day of data entry, such as attribute data, status data, and behavioral data. The center screen (the central smartphone screen) shows the screen of the smartphone where the subject's face is photographed with the smartphone camera, and the image of the subject's face is displayed on the smartphone screen. The diagram on the right (the rightmost smartphone screen) shows how the system predicts the onset of acne in the subject based on attribute data, status data, behavioral data, and other information entered by the subject, as well as the subject's facial image. The predicted onset of acne is then displayed on the smartphone screen. The subject can then select information regarding recommended behaviors, or actions to stop or discontinue from now on, and this information is displayed on the smartphone screen.

[0099] Figure 5, like Figure 4, shows a smartphone screen, and the left and center images are the same as in Figure 4. Based on information such as attribute data, state data, and behavioral data entered by the subjects, along with their facial images, the system classifies and divides the subjects into groups. The diagram on the right shows the participants, who have been classified and divided into groups. Participants then select information regarding recommended behaviors, or information regarding behaviors to be stopped or interrupted from now on, and this information is displayed on their smartphone screen. [Examples]

[0100] In Example 1, the effectiveness of the skin condition management device was confirmed by conducting Verification Test 1 below using Example 1. In Example 2, the effectiveness of the skin condition management device was confirmed by conducting Verification Tests 2 and 3 below using Example 2.

[0101] <Example 1> The skin condition management device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 1. Example 1 includes a terminal device 11 and a management device 12 equipped with a prediction unit 123 that predicts the current and future skin condition of the subject based on one or more types of data selected from the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental state data, and the subject's behavioral data. Example 1 does not necessarily need to include a classification unit 122.

[0102] In Example 1, 3354 data points were used for a two-month period regarding the lifestyle habits and presence or absence of acne in 58 female subjects aged 20 to 30. Day X was set as the present day, and the study investigated whether it was possible to predict the onset of acne on day (X+1) based on the lifestyle habits and presence or absence of acne on day X and day (X-1), with one or more data points selected from the subjects' attribute data, skin, physical, and mental condition data, and the subjects' behavioral data being entered. In Example 1, LightGBM was used as the algorithm.

[0103] The accuracy of predicting the onset of acne on day (X+1) was evaluated using accuracy, one of the evaluation metrics for machine learning. Let X be the number of data points where acne actually developed and was also predicted to develop, and Y be the number of data points where acne did not actually develop and was also predicted not to develop. If the total number of data points is Z, the accuracy of predicting the onset of acne on day (X+1) is expressed as (X+Y) / Z.

[0104] In Example 1, as Verification Test 1, the performance of the prediction algorithm in Example 1 was verified using 833 data points from 15 individuals that were not used in machine learning. In Verification Test 1, the accuracy of predicting the onset of acne on day (X+1) in Example 1 was 91.4%. The F1 score (harmonic mean of precision and recall) was 92.6%. The F1 score is calculated as 2 × (precision × recall) / (precision + recall). Precision is the proportion of data where the subject actually developed acne out of the data where acne was predicted to occur. Recall is the proportion of data where the subject actually developed acne out of the data where acne was correctly predicted. The F1 score is a calculation method that can evaluate the predictive ability of an algorithm even if the data on whether subjects developed or did not develop acne is biased. Therefore, since Example 1 has high accuracy rates and F1 scores exceeding 90%, it is possible to predict the onset of acne on day (X+1).

[0105] In Example 1, the variables considered important for prediction were identified using PFI (Permutation Feature Importance). PFI is a method that measures how much a feature affects the predictive performance of a trained model by randomly rearranging the order of the feature values ​​in the test data. In Verification Test 1, when the variables of Example 1 were evaluated using PFI, the top variables of the prediction algorithm were: whether or not the subject developed acne on day X (1.16), whether or not the subject developed acne on day (X-1) (0.45), and whether or not the subject used antidiarrheal medication on day X (0.29). In comparison, the other variables had values ​​of 0.2 or less.

[0106] Therefore, the presence or absence of acne on day X, the presence or absence of acne on day (X-1), and the use of antidiarrheal medication on day X, which are among the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental state data, are more effective in predicting the presence or absence of acne. Example 1 can predict the presence or absence of acne development from the subject's attribute data and skin, physical, and mental state data, and can provide information to appropriately manage the subject's skin condition and appropriately prevent the worsening of the skin condition based on information about the subject's behavior.

[0107] <Example 2> The skin condition management device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 1. Example 2 includes a terminal device 11 and a management device 12 equipped with a classification unit 122 that groups or classifies subjects based on one or more types of data selected from the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental state data, and the subject's behavioral data.

[0108] In Example 2, 3354 data points were used from 58 female subjects aged 20 to 30, regarding their lifestyle habits and the presence or absence of acne over a two-month period. The study also investigated whether it was possible to predict the onset of acne on day (X+7). In Example 2, LightGBM was used as the algorithm.

[0109] Then, using only one type of data from each of the following—the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental state data, and the subject's behavioral data—we predicted the subject's acne condition after (X+7) days.

[0110] In Verification Test 2, the accuracy rate of the verification results using attribute data from Example 2 was 82%. The accuracy rate of the verification results using skin condition data was 73%. The accuracy rate of the verification results using physical condition data was 84%. The accuracy rate of the verification results using mental condition data was 56%. The accuracy rate of the verification results using behavioral data was 66%. In Verification Test 2, the F1 scores for Example 2 were 77% for attribute data, 65% for skin condition data, 81% for physical condition data, 47% for mental condition data, and 56% for behavioral data.

[0111] Therefore, the presence or absence of acne can be predicted from one or more types of data selected from the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental state data, and the subject's behavioral data.

[0112] When the variables in Example 2 were evaluated using PFI, the top variables of the prediction algorithm were: subject age (0.2) when attribute data was used, subject age at first acne onset (0.21) when skin condition data was used, subject body mass index (0.15) when physical data was used, subject subjective stress (0.1) when mental data was used, and subject handwashing frequency (0.21) when behavioral data was used. In comparison, the other variables had values ​​of 0.05 or less.

[0113] Furthermore, in Demonstration Test 3, in Example 2, the subjects were divided into three classifications / groups using non-hierarchical clustering with K-means++ based on their attribute data. Then, the acne condition after (X+7) days was predicted by adding information from the three classification / groups to the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental state data, and one or more data selected from the subject's behavioral data.

[0114] In Verification Test 3, the accuracy rate of the verification results using attribute data and group information in Example 2 was 82%. The accuracy rate of the verification results using skin condition data and group information was 77%. The accuracy rate of the verification results using physical condition data and group information was 84%. The accuracy rate of the verification results using mental condition data and group information was 62%. The accuracy rate of the verification results using behavioral data and group information was 71%. In Verification Test 3, the F1 scores for Example 2 were 77% for attribute data, 70% for skin condition data, 81% for physical condition data, 50% for mental condition data, and 61% for behavioral data.

[0115] In Example 2, the accuracy and F1 score for predicting acne status after (X+7) days improved when using skin condition data, mental state data, behavioral data, and group information. However, the accuracy and F1 score for predicting acne status after (X+7) days remained the same when using attribute data, physical condition data, and group information.

[0116] Furthermore, when the variables in Example 2 were evaluated using PFI, in cases where the accuracy improved, the top variables of the prediction algorithm were those with an importance of 0.12 to 0.07 for group information.

[0117] Therefore, adding group information, which divides subjects into three categories, to one or more data types selected from the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental state data, and the subject's behavioral data, is effective in predicting the acne condition after (X+7) days.

[0118] Example 2 can predict the presence or absence of acne development based on information from the subjects' attribute data, skin, physical and mental condition data, and one or more types of data selected from the subjects' behavioral data, as well as information from groups into which the subjects are divided into three classifications. Based on information about the subjects' behavior, it can provide information to appropriately manage the subjects' skin condition and appropriately prevent the worsening of their skin condition.

[0119] Furthermore, it is also preferable to use information such as the gastrointestinal condition of the subjects and whether the subjects used any medication as variables in Examples 1 and 2.

[0120] In addition, using time-series, time-axis-based data of subjects' attributes, skin, physical, and mental state data as variables in Examples 1 and 2 is also effective in predicting the presence or absence of acne. For example, data on the presence or absence of acne on a time axis such as day X, day (X-1), medication use, subject attribute data, and skin, physical, and mental state data can be used to predict whether or not acne will develop.

[0121] The algorithms in Examples 1 and 2 are not limited to LightGBM. Other algorithms, such as XGBoost, CatBoost, other gradient boosting methods, random forests, decision trees, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machines, naive Bayes, neural networks, logistic regression, ridge regression, linear mixed-effects models, generalized estimating equations, and hierarchical Bayesian models, as well as original algorithms, may also be used.

[0122] The clusters in Example 2 are not limited to three and may vary depending on the number of subjects and data points.

[0123] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0124] Each of the above-mentioned devices has an internal computer. The processes of each of the above-mentioned devices are stored in program form on a computer-readable recording medium, and the above processes are performed when the computer reads and executes this program. Here, a computer-readable recording medium refers to magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, this computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer that receives the distribution may execute the program.

[0125] Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. It may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 1...Skin condition management device 1, 2...Skin condition management device 2, 11...Terminal device, 12...Management device, 21...Terminal device, 111...Input unit, 112...Output unit, 113...Storage unit, 114...Transmission unit, 115...Receiver unit, 121...Determination unit, 122...Classification unit, 123...Prediction unit, 124...Storage unit, 125...Selection unit, 126...Transmission unit, 127...Receiver unit, 211...Input unit, 212...Output unit, 213...Storage unit, 214...Transmission unit, 215...Receiver unit, 216...Imaging unit

Claims

1. A skin condition management device characterized by comprising a determination unit that determines the skin condition of a subject based on one or more types of data selected from the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental state data, and the subject's behavioral data.

2. A skin condition management device characterized by comprising a prediction unit that predicts the current and future skin condition of a subject based on one or more types of data selected from the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental condition data, and the subject's behavioral data.

3. The skin condition management device according to claim 1, further comprising a prediction unit that predicts the skin condition of the subject from the present onward based on one or more types of data and the skin condition of the subject determined by the determination unit.

4. The skin condition management device according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit for selecting information that recommends, discontinues, or interrupts the subject's actions.

5. The skin condition management device according to claim 2, further comprising a selection unit for selecting information that recommends, discontinues, or interrupts the subject's actions.

6. The skin condition management device according to claim 3, further comprising a selection unit for selecting information that recommends, discontinues, or interrupts the subject's actions.

7. A skin condition management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: a classification unit that groups or classifies subjects based on one or more types of data selected from the attribute data, the state data, and the behavior data.

8. The skin condition management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the determination unit and / or the prediction unit determines and / or predicts the skin condition of a subject based on at least one type of data selected from the subject's behavioral data.

9. The skin condition management device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the selection unit selects information recommending the recommendation, cessation, or interruption of the subject's actions in any of the following cases: when the determination unit determines that the subject's skin condition has improved, when the skin condition has worsened, when the prediction unit predicts that the subject's skin condition will improve, or when it predicts that the skin condition will worsen.

10. A skin condition management device according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, or 6, comprising a model storage unit that stores a trained model on which machine learning has been performed to determine the skin condition of a subject, and a determination unit that makes a determination using the stored model.

11. A skin condition management device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising a model storage unit that stores a trained model on which machine learning has been performed to select information, and a selection unit that selects using the stored model.

12. A skin condition management device according to any one of claims 2, 3, 5, or 6, comprising a model storage unit that stores a trained model on which machine learning has been performed to predict the skin condition of a subject, and a prediction unit that makes predictions using the stored model.

13. It comprises one or more trained models selected from a trained model storage unit for determining the skin condition and a trained model storage unit for predicting the skin condition, and a trained model storage unit for selecting the information. The skin condition management device according to claim 9, characterized in that, in any of the following cases, the trained model for selecting information selects information to recommend, stop, or interrupt the subject's actions from the present onward, in which the trained model for selecting information selects information to recommend, stop, or interrupt the subject's actions from the present onward.

14. An output unit that outputs information, A determination unit that determines the condition of the subject's skin based on one or more types of data selected from the attribute data, the state data, and the behavior data, and / or A skin condition management system comprising a prediction unit that predicts the skin condition of a subject from the present onward based on the attribute data, the state data, the behavioral data, and one or more types of data selected from the determination of the subject's skin condition.

15. The skin condition management system according to claim 14, wherein the output unit outputs the current and future skin condition, susceptibility to acne, likelihood of acne, acne onset prediction information, and skin information of the group into which the subject is classified, based on the skin condition determined by the determination unit and / or the skin condition predicted by the prediction unit.

16. An output unit that outputs information, A determination unit that determines the skin condition of a subject based on one or more types of data selected from the attribute data, state data, and behavior data, and / or The system includes a prediction unit that predicts the current and future skin condition of a subject based on the attribute data, the state data, the behavioral data, and one or more types of data selected from the determination of the subject's skin condition. If the determination unit determines that the subject's skin condition has improved, or that it has worsened, or if the prediction unit predicts that the subject's skin condition will improve, or if it predicts that the skin condition will worsen, A skin condition management system characterized by comprising a selection unit that selects information to recommend, discontinue, or interrupt the subject's actions.

17. The skin condition management system according to claim 16, wherein the output unit outputs lifestyle advice, instructions for using acne care products, and recommended acne care products based on the information selected by the selection unit.

18. On the computer, A skin condition management program for determining and / or predicting a subject's skin condition based on one or more types of data selected from the subject's attribute data, skin, physical, and mental state data, and the subject's behavioral data.

19. A skin condition management method for determining and / or predicting the skin condition of a subject based on one or more types of data selected from subject attribute data, skin, physical, and mental condition data, and subject behavioral data.

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