Measuring device, measuring method and control device

Abstract

A measurement device equipped with a contact (140) for contacting a measurement target, a sensor (150) for at least measuring the surface state of the measurement target positioned on the contact (140), a drive unit (170) for changing the position of the contact (140) and the sensor (150) relative to the measurement target, and a vibration isolation member which isolates the vibrations from the drive unit (170) to the contact (140) and the sensor (150) and is positioned between the drive unit (170), and the contact (140) and sensor (150), wherein the surface state is measured on the basis of the measured value from the sensor (150).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device 、 Measurement method and control device Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] One of the important elements of cosmetics is their emotional value. The emotional value of cosmetics is the value they have in influencing the user's senses when used. For example, if using a cosmetic product improves the feel of the skin and gives the user a sense of satisfaction, the cosmetic product is considered to have high emotional value.

[0003] In order to add emotional value to cosmetics, it is necessary to realize a "good texture" based on emotional engineering. To achieve this, it is necessary to accurately measure the surface condition of the skin caused by differences in the user (age, habits) and surrounding environment (time, place).

[0004] Conventionally, the condition of the skin has been measured by palpation, and a device for quantitatively evaluating the touch has been known (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-038317 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, since measurement by palpation is a subjective judgment, it is not possible to stably measure the surface condition of the skin. The tactile evaluation device of the prior art is large in size, and it is difficult to easily measure human skin.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a measuring device that stably measures a skin surface condition related to tactile sensation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The disclosed measuring device comprises a contactor that contacts the object to be measured, a sensor that is attached to the contactor and measures at least the surface condition of the object to be measured, a driving unit that displaces the contactor and the sensor relative to the object to be measured, and a vibration isolation member that is provided between the driving unit, the contactor and the sensor and that isolates vibrations from the driving unit to the contactor and the sensor, and measures the surface condition based on the measurement value of the sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0009] It is possible to provide a measuring device that can stably measure the surface condition of the skin related to the tactile sensation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of a measurement device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 3 is a side view of a detection unit of an example of the measurement device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view of a detection unit of an example of the measurement device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a tip portion of an example of the measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of an upper support member of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of an upper support member of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5C] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of an upper support member of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5D] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating an example of an upper support member of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating measurement results of an example of the measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6B] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating measurement results of an example of the measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6C] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating measurement results of an example of the measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7A] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of use of an example of a measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of use of an example of a measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7C] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of use of an example of a measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7D] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of use of an example of a measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of use of an example of a measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8B] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of use of an example of a measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8C] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of use of an example of a measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9A] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of use of an example of a measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of use of an example of a measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9C] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of use of an example of a measurement device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the weight of a leading portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of a measurement device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a front view of a detection unit of an example of a measurement device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13]13 is a side view of a detection unit of an example of a measurement device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a detection unit of an example of a measurement device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a detection unit of an example of a measurement device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a detection portion of a modified example of the measurement device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of a measurement device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a detection unit of an example of a measurement device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a detection unit of an example of a measurement device according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a detection unit of an example of a measurement device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a detection unit of an example of a measurement device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a detection unit of an example of a measurement device according to a fifth embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a detection unit of an example of a measurement device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a detection unit of an example of a measurement device according to a sixth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result of the measurement device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result of the measurement device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result of the measurement device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result of the measurement device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result of the measurement device according to the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result of the measurement device according to the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 31]FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result of the measurement device according to the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result of the measurement device according to the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result of the measurement device according to the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result of the measurement device according to the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result of the measurement device according to the eighth embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation result of the measurement device according to the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0012] <<First embodiment>> <Measurement device 1> A first embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of a measurement device according to the present embodiment.

[0013] The measuring device 1 according to this embodiment includes a detection unit 100 and a control device 200. The detection unit 100 and the control device 200 are connected by a cable or the like. As will be described in detail below, the measuring device 1 according to this embodiment measures the skin surface condition related to the tactile sensation, for example, whether the skin surface is in a smooth state.

[0014] <Detection unit 100> First, the detection unit 100 will be described.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a side view of the detection section 100 of an example of the measurement device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the detection section 100 of an example of the measurement device according to the present embodiment.

[0016] The detection unit 100 of the measurement device 1 of this embodiment includes a main body 110 and a tip unit 120. The detection unit 100 measures the surface condition of the skin by pressing the tip unit 120 against a measurement target, for example, the skin of a person's arm, cheek, etc., in the direction of arrow P. The tip unit 120 rotates in the direction of arrow R around a rotation axis A.

[0017] The main body 110 includes a substantially cylindrical housing 111. The main body 110 includes a drive unit 170 that rotates the tip 120 inside the housing 111. That is, the main body 110 includes the housing 111 with the drive unit 170 built in. The housing 111 has a shape that is large enough to be held by a person measuring. The person measures by holding the main body 110. The person measures by holding the main body 110 and moving it toward the object to be measured, thereby pressing the tip 120 against the object to be measured. Note that the main body 110 may be attached to, for example, a robot arm or the like to measure.

[0018] The main body 110 and the tip portion 120 are connected by a connecting shaft 130 that is rotated by a driving unit 170. In this manner, the main body 110 is connected to the tip portion 120 via the connecting shaft 130. The connecting shaft 130 is an example of a connecting member.

[0019] The tip portion 120 includes a contact 140 and a sensor 150 .

[0020] Contactor 140 is a member that comes into contact with the measurement object of measuring device 1. Contact surface 141 of contactor 140 comes into contact with the measurement object. Contact surface 141 of contactor 140 may be flat or may have an uneven surface depending on the measurement object and the purpose of the measurement.

[0021] The contactor 140 comes into contact with the object to be measured, and the tip 120 rotates in the direction of the arrow R, generating vibrations. For example, when the surface roughness of the object to be measured is large, the vibrations become large. Conversely, when the surface roughness of the object to be measured is small, the vibrations become small. The material of the contactor 140 is a metal such as stainless steel, copper, or brass. By making the material of the contactor 140 a metal, it is possible to transmit the generated vibrations in a wide frequency band, particularly in a high frequency band, to the sensor 150. The material of the contactor 140 can be an elastic material such as rubber. By making the material of the contactor 140 an elastic material, it is possible to simulate, for example, vibrations propagating through a finger.

[0022] The sensor 150 is a sensor that measures the surface condition of the measurement object. The sensor 150 in this embodiment is a vibration sensor. The sensor 150 is installed on the surface (rear surface 142; see FIG. 5C) opposite the contact surface 141 of the contactor 140. The vibration sensor is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor. The sensor 150 detects vibrations generated when the contactor 140 and the measurement object come into contact and are displaced as a result of the tip 120 rotating. The sensor 150 is connected to the control device 200 by a cable or the like. The control device 200 detects the signal from the sensor 150 and obtains the measurement value.

[0023] The structure of the tip portion 120 will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the tip portion 120 of an example of the measuring device according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram in which members constituting the tip portion 120 are disassembled and arranged in the direction of the rotation axis A.

[0024] The tip portion 120 is rotated by the drive unit 170. The drive unit 170 is composed of a motor as described below, and therefore generates vibrations. If the vibrations are detected by a vibration sensor, an error occurs in the measurement results. To prevent such errors from occurring, the tip portion 120 of this embodiment isolates the vibrations from the main body portion 110, particularly the vibrations generated by the drive unit 170, so that they are not transmitted to the sensor 150 provided in the tip portion 120.

[0025] The tip portion 120 of this embodiment includes, in order from the main body portion 110 side, a lower support member 121, a lower vibration absorbing member 122, an intermediate support member 123, an upper vibration absorbing member 124, and an upper support member 125. The lower support member 121, the intermediate support member 123, and the upper support member 125 are formed of a resin such as polyacetal. The lower vibration absorbing member 122 and the upper vibration absorbing member 124 are formed of a material that absorbs vibration. Examples of the material that absorbs vibration include sponge such as urethane foam and rubber. The lower vibration absorbing member 122 and the upper vibration absorbing member 124 are provided between the driving portion 170 and the sensor 150 to absorb vibration, thereby isolating vibration from the driving portion 170 to the contact 140 and the sensor 150. The lower vibration absorbing member 122 and the upper vibration absorbing member 124 are examples of vibration isolation members.

[0026] Each of the lower support member 121, the lower vibration absorbing member 122, the intermediate support member 123, the upper vibration absorbing member 124, and the upper support member 125 is fixed to the adjacent member with an adhesive or the like. By being fixed in this manner, the rotation from the connecting shaft 130 can be transmitted from the lower support member 121 to the upper support member 125.

[0027] The lower support member 121 is rotated by the drive unit 170 of the main body 110 by connecting with the connecting shaft 130. When the drive unit 170 rotates the connecting shaft 130, the tip 120 rotates. The lower support member 121 includes a rod-shaped member 1211. The rod-shaped member 1211 passes through the openings 1221, 1231, 1241, and 1251 of the lower vibration absorbing member 122, the intermediate support member 123, the upper vibration absorbing member 124, and the upper support member 125, respectively, and the tip of the rod-shaped member 1211 is exposed on the measurement object side. The rod-shaped member 1211 comes into contact with the measurement object, so that the positioning can be performed when the detection unit 100 is pressed against the measurement object. The rod-shaped member 1211 of the lower support member 121 is provided at a distance from the intermediate support member 123 and the upper support member 125 so as not to come into contact with them. This prevents vibrations from the main body 110 from being transmitted to the intermediate support member 123 and the upper support member 125 .

[0028] The lower vibration absorbing member 122 is provided between the lower support member 121 and the intermediate support member 123. The lower vibration absorbing member 122 transmits rotation from the lower support member 121 to the intermediate support member 123, and absorbs vibrations transmitted from the lower support member 121, particularly vibrations from the drive unit 170, to prevent the vibrations from being transmitted to the intermediate support member 123.

[0029] The intermediate support member 123 is provided between the lower vibration absorbing member 122 and the upper vibration absorbing member 124. The intermediate support member 123 includes a flat plate portion 1232 which is a circular flat plate having an opening 1231, and a cylindrical portion 1233 which is connected to the surface of the flat plate portion 1232 on the lower support member 121 side. The lower vibration absorbing member 122 is provided inside the cylindrical portion 1233 of the intermediate support member 123 so as to be in contact with the surface of the flat plate portion 1232 on the cylindrical portion 1233 side. The intermediate support member 123 transmits rotation from the lower vibration absorbing member 122 to the upper vibration absorbing member 124.

[0030] The upper vibration absorbing member 124 is provided between the intermediate support member 123 and the upper support member 125. The upper vibration absorbing member 124 transmits rotation from the intermediate support member 123 to the upper support member 125, and absorbs vibrations transmitted from the intermediate support member 123, particularly vibrations generated in the drive unit 170, to prevent the vibrations from being transmitted to the upper support member 125. Note that the portion beyond the vibration isolation members (the lower vibration absorbing member 122 and the upper vibration absorbing member 124) as viewed from the main body unit 110 is referred to as the leading portion. In this embodiment, the upper support member 125, the contact 140, and the sensor 150 form the leading portion 160.

[0031] Upper support member 125 is a member that supports contactor 140 and sensor 150. Figures 5A to 5D are diagrams for explaining upper support member 125 of an example of the measurement device according to this embodiment. Figure 5A is a top view of upper support member 125, Figure 5B is a front view of upper support member 125, Figure 5C is a right side view of upper support member 125, and Figure 5D is a perspective view of upper support member 125.

[0032] The upper support member 125 has a disk-shaped bottom 1252 with a diameter of 10 mm to 50 mm. For example, the bottom 1252 in this embodiment is a disk with a diameter of 30 mm. The diameter of the bottom 1252 can be appropriately determined without being limited to the above range depending on the size of the measurement target. The shape of the bottom 1252 in a plan view is not limited to a circle and may be a polygon. The bottom 1252 has an opening 1251 in the center. The contactor support members 1253 and 1254 are provided on the upper surface of the bottom 1252. The contactor support members 1253 and 1254 are plate-shaped members formed vertically from the upper surface of the bottom 1252 arranged side by side. The contactor 140 is fixed to the upper part of the contactor support members 1253 and 1254 with an adhesive or the like. The sensor 150 is fixed to the back surface 142 facing the contact surface 141 of the contactor 140 with an adhesive or the like. The sensor 150 is fixed between the contact support member 1253 and the contact support member 1254. Furthermore, a protrusion 1255 is formed on the bottom 1252 at a position facing the opening 1251 of the contact support members 1253 and 1254. By providing the protrusion 1255, the contact 140 can be pressed evenly against the measurement target without tilting. The upper support member 125 is an example of a support member. The protrusion 1255 is an example of a contact portion.

[0033] In the tip portion 120 of this embodiment, by providing two vibration absorbing members (lower vibration absorbing member 122 and upper vibration absorbing member 124), the lower vibration absorbing member 122 can attenuate vibrations from the main body portion 110, and the upper vibration absorbing member 124 can further attenuate vibrations. This can reduce the effect of vibrations from the main body portion 110 on the sensor 150. Furthermore, by using multiple vibration absorbing members, the thickness of each vibration absorbing member can be made thin, and therefore the transmission of rotation from the connecting shaft 130 to the upper support member 125 can be stably performed. Furthermore, by changing the frequency characteristics absorbed by each vibration absorbing member, vibrations can be attenuated in a wide range of frequency regions.

[0034] The driving unit 170 rotates the connecting shaft 130 to rotate and displace the tip unit 120 relative to the object to be measured. The driving unit 170 is, for example, a motor such as a stepping motor or a DC motor. The motor may be equipped with a transmission.

[0035] When the contactor 140 and the sensor 150 are moved by hand, the movement of the measurer may be affected, causing variations in the speed at which the contactor 140 and the sensor 150 are moved depending on the person and the date and time. In the measuring device 1 of this embodiment, the contactor 140 and the sensor 150 can be moved at a desired speed by using the driving unit 170. For example, in a measurement over a long period of time (e.g., one week, one month, one year, etc.), the contactor 140 and the sensor 150 can be moved at a predetermined desired speed even if the date and time or the measurer changes, so that the reproducibility of the measurement can be improved.

[0036] <Control device 200> Next, the control device 200 will be described with reference back to FIG.

[0037] The control device 200 includes a signal processing unit 210 and a detection unit control unit 220 .

[0038] The signal processing unit 210 receives a signal from the sensor 150 of the detection unit 100. The signal processing unit 210 then performs filtering and amplification on the received signal, and obtains a measurement value that has been analog-to-digital converted. The signal processing unit 210 processes the obtained measurement value to measure the surface condition of the skin. For example, the measurement value is Fourier transformed, and measured using a power spectrum or the like.

[0039] The detection unit control unit 220 controls the driving unit 170 of the detection unit 100. Specifically, the driving unit 170 is controlled to rotate the connecting shaft 130 so as to reciprocate through a predetermined angle. The rotation speed of the connecting shaft 130 may be constant during a part of the reciprocating period, or may vary sinusoidally. For example, in the case of a measurement over a long period (e.g., one week, one month, one year, etc.) or a measurement on many subjects, the speed is set to a certain reference speed, and the contact 140 and the sensor 150 are displaced at the reference speed to perform the measurement. In the measurement device 1 of this embodiment, the driving unit 170 is used to perform the measurement at a set reference speed, which improves the reproducibility of the measurement and suppresses the variation in the measurement. In addition, by measuring the subject at multiple speeds, the characteristics of the skin relative to the speed can be measured.

[0040] The control of the drive unit 170 of the detection unit 100 by the detection unit control unit 220 is not limited to rotating back and forth between the above-mentioned predetermined angles. For example, the connecting shaft 130 may be rotated in one direction at a constant speed. In addition, the speed may be changed at a plurality of speeds. Furthermore, the speed may be changed gradually based on a predetermined setting.

[0041] Each function of the control device 200 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) operating according to a program stored in a readable manner in a storage device (not shown). For example, each of these functions is realized by cooperation between hardware and software in a microcomputer including the CPU.

[0042] <Detection results> 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating the measurement results of an example of the measurement device according to this embodiment.

[0043] 6A to 6C show the results of measuring the cheek of a subject as the measurement object. The measurement was performed by displacing the contact 140 and the sensor 150 back and forth within a range of about 90°. The measurement was also performed so that the speed of the rotation direction for displacing the contact 140 and the sensor 150 was approximately constant, except for the turning-back portion.

[0044] FIG. 6A shows the output of sensor 150 when contact 140 is not in contact with the object to be measured, i.e., in an idling state. FIG. 6B shows the output of sensor 150 when measurement is made with contact 140 in contact with the skin of a test subject with smooth skin. FIG. 6C shows the output of sensor 150 when measurement is made with contact 140 in contact with the skin of a test subject with rough skin. The vertical axis of the graph represents acceleration (×9.8 m / s 2 ), the horizontal axis represents time (ms), and the acceleration is the output value of the acceleration of the sensor 150 in the rotational direction.

[0045] The sensor 150 of this embodiment is an acceleration sensor. The detection unit 100 of this embodiment uses the acceleration in the rotation direction of the sensor 150. In the measurement, the tip of the detection unit 100 is pressed against the cheek of the subject, which is almost vertical. Therefore, as the contact 140 and the sensor 150 rotate, the measured value repeatedly rises or falls in one second due to the influence of gravitational acceleration. From FIG. 6A, in the idle state, almost only the fluctuation of the gravitational acceleration is measured. Comparing FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, it can be seen that the high-frequency vibration is large in the test result of the subject with rough skin compared to the test result of the subject with smooth skin. In other words, if the high-frequency vibration is large in the measured value of the sensor 150, it can be determined that the surface condition of the skin is rough (rough). In this way, the surface condition of the skin can be measured by using the measuring device 1 of this embodiment. In addition to the acceleration in the rotation direction, the output of the sensor 150 may be measured using the acceleration in the radial direction and the rotation axis direction.

[0046] <Actions and Effects> The measuring device 1 of this embodiment can displace the contactor 140 and the sensor 150 at a predetermined speed while bringing the contactor 140 into contact with the driving unit 170. This allows for highly reproducible and stable measurement to be performed even if the date and time or the person measuring changes, for example.

[0047] The measuring device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a vibration absorbing member, and thereby can block vibrations transmitted from the driving unit 170 of the main body unit 110 to the sensor 150. As a result, when measuring with the sensor 150, accurate measurement can be performed without being affected by vibrations from the driving unit 170 of the main body unit 110.

[0048] The measuring device 1 of this embodiment is small and easy to carry, and can perform measurements in any environment. In addition, the measuring device 1 of this embodiment can measure a narrow range of the measurement target (skin) by displacing the contact 140 and the sensor 150 by a rotational motion, thereby increasing the displacement distance.

[0049] The measuring device 1 of this embodiment has the contactor 140 made of metal, and therefore can also measure high-frequency vibrations that are generated when the contactor 140 comes into contact with the measurement target and is displaced.

[0050] <Usage example> The measurement method using the measurement device 1 of this embodiment and the measurement results will be described.

[0051] (1) Skin feel evaluation The measurement device 1 of this embodiment was used to evaluate the skin texture. Specifically, a correlation analysis was performed between the measurement results using the measurement device 1 of this embodiment, a tactile evaluation by palpation by a specialist evaluator, a stratum corneum moisture content evaluation by a skin epidermal stratum corneum moisture content measuring device, and a stratum corneum uniformity (skin texture condition evaluation) by skin texture photography using a video microscope. The measurements were performed on 40 women aged 20 to 49.

[0052] 7A to 7D are diagrams illustrating the results of skin feel evaluation as an example of the use of an example of the measurement device according to this embodiment.

[0053] 7A and 7B are correlation results between the results of measurement by the measuring device 1 of this embodiment and the results of tactile evaluation by palpation by a professional evaluator. FIG. 7A is a correlation result between the spectrum intensity of vibration at a vibration frequency of 180 Hz and the evaluation result of the roughness degree of the palpation evaluation by palpation in the measuring device 1. FIG. 7B is a correlation result between the spectrum intensity of vibration at a vibration frequency of 30 Hz and the evaluation result of the stickiness degree of the palpation evaluation by palpation in the measuring device 1. From the correlation result, a significant correlation is recognized between the results of measurement by the measuring device 1 of this embodiment and the results of the tactile evaluation by palpation by a professional evaluator. In this way, the measuring device 1 of this embodiment can be used to perform a tactile evaluation of the skin.

[0054] 7C shows the correlation between the spectrum intensity of vibration at a vibration frequency of 30 Hz and the stratum corneum moisture content evaluation results obtained by the skin epidermal stratum corneum moisture content measuring device in measuring device 1. The correlation results show a significant correlation between the results measured by measuring device 1 of the present embodiment and the stratum corneum moisture content evaluation results obtained by the skin epidermal stratum corneum moisture content measuring device. In this way, the stratum corneum moisture content can be evaluated by using measuring device 1 of the present embodiment.

[0055] 7D shows the correlation results between the spectrum intensity of vibration at a vibration frequency of 140 Hz and the uniformity of the stratum corneum (texture condition evaluation) based on texture photography using a video microscope, using the measuring device 1. The correlation results show a significant correlation between the results measured using the measuring device 1 of this embodiment and the uniformity of the stratum corneum (texture condition evaluation) based on texture photography using a video microscope. In this way, the measuring device 1 of this embodiment can be used to perform texture condition evaluation.

[0056] (2) Evaluation of the texture of cosmetics Vibration data was obtained using measuring device 1 when two types of lotions with different evaluations of usability by expert evaluators were applied to artificial skin (made by Beaulax). Refreshing feeling was used as the evaluation of usability. Sample 1 is a sample with a high refreshing feeling, and sample 2 is a sample with a low refreshing feeling. In order to evaluate the refreshing feeling numerically, several expert evaluators evaluated the refreshing feeling on a 7-point scale from -3 to 3, and the average of the evaluation scores was evaluated as the refreshing score. As a result of the evaluation, sample 1 had a refreshing score of 1.8, and sample 2 had a refreshing score of -2.33.

[0057] 8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating the results of evaluating the feel of cosmetics when used as an example of the measurement device according to the present embodiment.

[0058] Fig. 8A is a vibration waveform obtained when sample 1 is measured using the measuring device 1. Fig. 8B is a vibration waveform obtained when sample 2 is measured using the measuring device 1. Fig. 8C is a result of measuring the frequency spectrum of sample 1 and sample 2 using the measuring device 1. The evaluation results show that, when measured using the measuring device 1 of this embodiment, different vibration data can be obtained for cosmetics with different usability. In this way, the measuring device 1 of this embodiment can be used to evaluate the usability of cosmetics.

[0059] (3) Evaluation before and after use of cosmetics Vibration data was obtained using the measuring device 1 before and after applying cream (cosmetic material) to the inside of the subject's forearm.

[0060] 9A to 9C are diagrams illustrating the results of evaluation of a cosmetic material before and after its use, as an example of the use of an example of the measuring device according to this embodiment.

[0061] Fig. 9A is a vibration waveform measured by the measuring device 1 before application of the cream. Fig. 9B is a vibration waveform measured by the measuring device 1 after application of the cream. Fig. 9C is a result of measuring the frequency spectrum before and after application of the cream by the measuring device 1. The evaluation results show that, as a result of measurement using the measuring device 1 of this embodiment, different vibration data can be obtained before and after application of the cream. In this way, by using the measuring device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to evaluate before and after the use of cosmetics.

[0062] <Modification> The sensor 150 is not limited to a vibration sensor. For example, a force sensor may be used as the sensor 150. A three-axis force sensor may be used as the force sensor. By providing a force sensor as the sensor 150, it is possible to measure the frictional force between the skin and the contact 140 when the contact 140 is displaced. Furthermore, the sensor 150 may be provided with a vibration sensor and a force sensor.

[0063] The sensor 150 may be a wireless sensor that outputs wirelessly. By using a wireless sensor for the sensor 150, the wiring can be simplified. Furthermore, by using a wireless sensor for the sensor 150, tangled wiring is eliminated, and the degree of freedom of rotation by the driving unit 170 can be increased (for example, rotation can be performed at a constant speed in one direction, etc.).

[0064] The measuring device 1 may include a plurality of sensors 150. For example, the measuring device of the modified example may further include a sensor 150 at the position of the protruding portion 1255 shown in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5D.

[0065] The control device 200 may be built into the housing 111 of the main body 110. This allows the user to easily perform daily measurements.

[0066] The contacts 140 may be replaceable. By making the contacts 140 replaceable, it is possible to adopt the most suitable contacts depending on the measurement and the object to be measured.

[0067] The contactor 140 is not limited to a plate-like shape as in this embodiment. For example, it may be something like a brush. By using a brush as the contactor 140, for example, it is possible to evaluate the skin when applying cosmetics. Note that, other than a brush, for example, an applicator used for cosmetics, such as cotton or a sponge, may be used as the contactor.

[0068] The structure of the tip 120 is not limited to the structure of this embodiment. For example, in order to position the contact 140 when it is pressed against the measurement target, a cylindrical cover of the same height as the end of the tip 120 on the measurement target side may be provided around the tip 120. By pressing the cover against the skin, the contact 140 can be positioned in the pressing direction. The height of the cylindrical cover may be variable depending on the shape, flexibility, and surface condition of the skin at the measurement site. Also, a mechanism (swivel mechanism) for making the tip 120 at a constant angle may be provided between the main body 110 and the tip 120 so that the contact 140 contacts the measurement target at a constant angle.

[0069] The tip portion 120 may be provided with a sensor other than the sensor 150. For example, a temperature sensor may be provided. By providing a temperature sensor, it is possible to simultaneously measure the temperature of the skin, which is the measurement target. Also, an imaging element such as a CCD camera may be provided. By providing an imaging element, it is possible to simultaneously measure the texture of the skin, etc.

[0070] The tip portion 120 may be detachable from the main body portion 110. For example, the tip portion 120 may be connected to the main body portion 110 of another detection unit 100, or another tip portion 120 may be connected to the main body portion 110.

[0071] The displacement of the tip portion 120 is not limited to the rotational displacement of this embodiment, but may be a linear displacement by a linear reciprocating motion, for example.

[0072] The weight of the leading part 160 is preferably 30g or less, more preferably 20g or less, and particularly preferably 15g or less. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the weight of the leading part and the damping ratio of vibrations occurring between the measurement target and the leading part. In the test, the ratio (vibration damping ratio) was calculated between the value of vibration measured by directly placing the vibration sensor of the sensor 150 on the simulated skin placed on a vibration table that performs random vibrations, and the value of vibration measured by placing a sample of the leading part 160 with different weights and the vibration sensor on the same simulated skin. The vibration damping ratio was calculated from the average of each vibration damping ratio in the vibration frequency range of 100 to 500 Hz. It is considered that a vibration damping ratio closer to 1 faithfully measures the vibration of the vibration table without damping it. From the results of FIG. 10, the smaller the weight of the leading part, the more accurately the vibrations occurring on the vibration table can be measured. It is noted that from FIG. 10, if the weight of the leading part is 30g or less, it is possible to measure approximately 40% or more of the vibration compared to the case where the sensor 150 is directly attached.

[0073] The measurement target is not limited to human skin. For example, it may be used for the skin of livestock such as cows and pigs. In addition, it is not limited to human skin, and the surface condition of artificial leather, simulated skin, cloth, paper, hair, etc. may be measured.

[0074] In the measuring device 1 of this embodiment, a vibration absorbing member is used as the vibration isolating member. However, the vibration isolating member is not limited to a vibration absorbing member. For example, the driving unit 170 and the sensor 150 may be joined using a magnetic coupling to isolate vibrations from the driving unit 170 to the contact 140 and the sensor 150. The magnetic coupling transmits force by magnetic force while providing a space between the couplings. This allows vibrations to be isolated between the couplings.

[0075] <<Second embodiment>> <Measurement device 2> Next, a second embodiment will be described below. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of a measurement device according to this embodiment.

[0076] The measuring device 2 according to the present embodiment includes a detection unit 300 and a control device 400. The detection unit 300 and the control device 400 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other wirelessly or via a wire. The measuring device 2 according to the present embodiment, like the measuring device 1, measures the skin surface condition related to the tactile sensation, for example, whether the skin surface is in a smooth state.

[0077] <Detection unit 300> First, the detection unit 300 will be described.

[0078] Fig. 12 is a front view of the detection section 300 of an example of the measurement device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 13 is a side view of the detection section 300 of an example of the measurement device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the detection section 300 of an example of the measurement device according to the present embodiment.

[0079] The detection unit 300 of the measurement device 2 according to this embodiment includes a main body 310 and a tip 320. The tip 320 is built into the main body 310 so that a contact 340 is exposed from an opening of a pressing ring 316 of the main body 310, which will be described later. The detection unit 300 measures the surface condition of the skin by pressing the tip 320 against a measurement target, for example, the skin of a person's arm or cheek, in the direction of arrow P. The tip 320 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 around the rotation axis A. Note that the rotation direction is not limited to the direction of arrow R1, and may be, for example, a rotation in the opposite direction to the arrow R1, or may be repeated in the direction of arrow R1 and the opposite direction.

[0080] Main body 310 includes housing 311 which is generally cylindrical and has a narrowed central portion. Housing 311 is made up of top cover 312, side cover 313, side cover 314, and bottom cover 315. Each cover of housing 311 is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer resin (ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin) or the like.

[0081] A cylindrical pressing ring 316 having an annular flat surface 316a at its tip is screwed onto the upper part of the top cover 312. A tip portion 320 is provided on the inside of the pressing ring 316 so that a contact 340 of the tip portion 320 is exposed to the outside.

[0082] The measuring device 2 can be positioned in the pressing direction by pressing the flat surface 316a of the pressing ring 316 against the skin. The distance from the flat surface 316a of the pressing ring 316 to the contact surface 341 of the contactor 340 (described later) in the direction along the rotation axis A can be changed by changing the amount of screwing to the top cover 312. In this way, the distance from the flat surface 316a of the pressing ring 316 to the contact surface 341 of the contactor 340 in the direction along the rotation axis A can be changed according to, for example, the shape, flexibility, and surface condition of the skin at the measurement site. This makes it possible to adjust the pressing force when the contactor 340 of the tip portion 320 comes into contact with the measurement target. The pressing ring 316 is formed of, for example, polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate)) or the like.

[0083] Main body 310 includes, inside housing 311, drive unit 370 (described later) that rotates tip portion 320. That is, main body 310 includes housing 311 with drive unit 370 built in. Housing 311 has a shape that is large enough for a person to hold. The person performs measurement by holding main body 310. The person holds main body 310 and moves it toward the measurement object, thereby pressing tip portion 320 against the measurement object.

[0084] Contactor 340 is a member that comes into contact with the measurement object of measuring device 2. Contact surface 341 of contactor 340 comes into contact with the measurement object. Contact surface 341 of contactor 340 may be flat or may have an uneven surface depending on the measurement object and the purpose of the measurement.

[0085] The contactor 340 comes into contact with the object to be measured, and the tip 320 rotates around the axis of rotation A in the direction of the arrow R1, for example, to generate vibrations. For example, when the surface roughness of the object to be measured is large, the vibrations become large. On the other hand, when the surface roughness of the object to be measured is small, the vibrations become small. The material of the contactor 340 is a metal such as stainless steel, copper, brass, or the like. By making the material of the contactor 340 a metal, it is possible to transmit the generated vibrations in a wide frequency band, particularly in a high frequency band, to the acceleration sensor 351, which will be described later. The material of the contactor 340 can be an elastic material such as rubber. By making the material of the contactor 340 an elastic material, it is possible to simulate, for example, vibrations propagating through a finger.

[0086] When the contact 340 comes into contact with the measurement object and the tip 320 rotates around the rotation axis A in the direction of the arrow R1, for example, the contact 140 is displaced, generating a frictional force between the skin and the contact 140. The frictional force is detected by a force sensor 352, which will be described later.

[0087] Further, the structure of the detection unit 300 will be described in detail. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the detection unit 300 of an example of the measurement device according to this embodiment. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the detection unit 300 of the measurement device 2 according to this embodiment in Fig. 13. Note that in Fig. 15, some components are omitted to simplify the drawing.

[0088] The tip portion 320 includes a control unit case 321 and a sensor case 322 .

[0089] The control unit case 321 includes a control unit lower case 321a and a control unit upper case 321b. The control unit case 321 also includes a control unit board 327 therein. The control unit board 327 is a board including a circuit for wirelessly transmitting a signal from the sensor 350 to the control device 400. A rotating shaft 334a of a slip ring 334, which will be described later, is connected to the control unit lower case 321a. The sensor case 322 is placed and bonded to the control unit upper case 321b via a vibration absorbing member 325. The vibration absorbing member 325 is formed of a member that absorbs vibration. Examples of the vibration absorbing member include sponge such as urethane foam, rubber, and the like. The vibration absorbing member 325 is an example of a vibration isolating member.

[0090] The wireless method for transmitting from the control unit board 327 to the control device 400 may be, for example, a wireless method conforming to wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and ZigBee (registered trademark).

[0091] The sensor case 322 includes a sensor lower case 322a and a sensor upper case 322b. The sensor case 322 includes a sensor board 328 therein. The sensor board 328 is a board including a circuit for detecting a signal from the sensor 350 and transmitting the detected signal to the control unit board 327. The sensor lower case 322a is bonded and fixed to the control unit upper case 321b via a vibration absorbing member 325. The sensor upper case 322b includes an opening. Through the opening, the contact 340 is connected to the sensor board 328 via a connecting member 329. The sensor board 328 includes a force sensor 352 of the sensor 350 at a portion where the connecting member 329 is attached to the sensor board 328. Furthermore, the sensor board 328 includes an acceleration sensor 351 of the sensor 350 on the back side of the sensor board 328 of the force sensor 352. The acceleration sensor 351 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor. Moreover, the force sensor 352 is, for example, a six-axis force sensor.

[0092] The driving unit 370 is, for example, a motor. The driving unit 370 rotates a rotating shaft 371. Note that in FIG. 15, details of the inside of the driving unit 370 are omitted. The driving unit 370 is attached to the side covers 313 and 314 of the housing 311 via a mounting bracket 318. Note that the driving unit 370 is attached to the mounting bracket 318 via a gel bushing 318a formed of a gel material. This prevents vibrations generated by the driving unit 370 from being transmitted to the housing 311. Note that power and control signals are supplied to the driving unit 370 from a control circuit 380.

[0093] In order to connect the tip portion 320 and the driving portion 370, the detection portion 300 includes a magnetic coupling 332 and a slip ring 334. The magnetic coupling 332 and the slip ring 334 are an example of a connecting member.

[0094] The magnetic coupling 332 is a non-contact joint using a magnet. By connecting the tip portion 320 and the driving portion 370 in a non-contact manner by the magnetic coupling 332, it is possible to prevent vibration from the driving portion 370 from being transmitted to the tip portion 320. That is, the magnetic coupling 332 is an example of a vibration isolation member that isolates vibration from the driving portion 370 to the tip portion 320. The magnetic coupling 332 includes a coupling disk 332a and a coupling disk 332b. The coupling disk 332a and the coupling disk 332b each include a magnet. The magnetic force of the magnet allows the coupling disk 332a and the coupling disk 332b to transmit force in a non-contact state. The coupling disk 332a is connected to a rotating shaft 371 of the driving portion 370 via an adapter 332a1. The coupling disk 332b is connected to a rotating shaft 334a of the slip ring 334 via an adapter 332b1.

[0095] The slip ring 334 is a connector that transmits power and signals from the outside to a rotating part. In the detection unit 300 of this embodiment, the slip ring 334 is used to supply power from the main body 310 to the control unit board 327 and the sensor board 328 of the tip part 320. Note that in FIG. 15, details of the inside of the slip ring 334 are omitted. The slip ring 334 is connected to a wiring for supplying power from the control circuit 380 of the main body 310. The power supplied from the control circuit 380 is supplied to the control unit board 327 via the slip ring 334, specifically, through the rotating shaft 334a of the slip ring 334. The slip ring 334 is attached to the side covers 313 and 314 of the housing 311 via the mounting bracket 319.

[0096] In this embodiment, the magnetic coupling 332 is provided between the driving unit 370 and the slip ring 334, but the driving unit 370 and the slip ring 334 may be directly connected to each other. Also, the driving unit 370 and the slip ring 334 may be connected to each other via a vibration isolation member, such as a sponge, other than the magnetic coupling 332.

[0097] Here, a modified example in which the driving portion 370 and the slip ring 334 are connected via a sponge 333s, which is a vibration isolation member, will be described.

[0098] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a detection section 300A of a modified example of the measurement device according to this embodiment. Fig. 16 is a view corresponding to the cross-sectional view of the detection section 300 of the measurement device 2 according to this embodiment in Fig. 15. Note that in Fig. 16, some components are omitted in order to simplify the drawing. Also, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in Fig. 15, and duplicated explanations are omitted.

[0099] In order to connect the tip portion 320 and the driving portion 370, the detection portion 300A includes a sponge coupling 333 and a slip ring 334. The sponge coupling 333 and the slip ring 334 are an example of a connecting member.

[0100] The sponge coupling 333 is a member that connects components via a sponge 333s. The sponge 333s is, for example, a sponge such as urethane foam. By connecting the tip portion 320 and the driving portion 370 via the sponge 333s by the sponge coupling 333, it is possible to prevent vibration from the driving portion 370 from being transmitted to the tip portion 320. That is, the sponge coupling 333 is an example of a vibration isolation member that isolates vibration from the driving portion 370 to the tip portion 320. The sponge coupling 333 includes a coupling disk 333a and a coupling disk 333b. A sponge 333s is fixed between the coupling disk 333a and the coupling disk 333b. For example, the sponge 333s is bonded to each of the coupling disk 333a and the coupling disk 333b. This allows the coupling disk 333a and the coupling disk 333b to transmit force via the sponge 333s. The coupling disk 333a is connected to the rotating shaft 371 of the driving unit 370 via a set collar 333a1. The coupling disk 333b is connected to the rotating shaft 334a of the slip ring 334 via a set collar 333b1. The coupling disk 333a and the set collar 333a1, or the coupling disk 333b and the set collar 333b1 are fixed, for example, by fastening with a screw in a screw hole formed in the set collar 333a1 or the set collar 333b1. In addition, the set collar 333a1 and the rotating shaft 371, and the set collar 333b1 and the rotating shaft 334a are fixed, for example, by pressing the rotating shaft 371 or the rotating shaft 334a with a set screw provided in a screw hole formed in the set collar 333a1 or the set collar 333b1. The fixing method is not limited to the screw, and may be fixed by an adhesive or the like. Furthermore, the rotary shafts 371, 334a and the coupling disks 333a, 333b may be directly connected without using the set collars 333a1, 333b1.

[0101] Instead of the sponge 333s of the sponge coupling 333, a member such as rubber or gel that prevents the transmission of vibration may be used.

[0102] <Control device 400> Next, the control device 400 will be described with reference back to FIG.

[0103] The control device 400 includes a signal processing unit 410 and a detection unit control unit 420 .

[0104] The signal processing unit 410 receives a signal from the sensor 350 of the detection unit 300. In this embodiment, the signal processing unit 410 wirelessly receives the signal from the sensor 350 via the control unit board 327. The signal processing unit 410 performs filtering and amplification on the received signal, and acquires a measurement value that has been analog-to-digital converted. The signal processing unit 410 processes the acquired measurement value to measure the surface condition of the skin. For example, the measurement value is Fourier transformed and measured using a power spectrum or the like.

[0105] The detector control unit 420 controls the drive unit 370 of the detector 300. The control performed by the detector control unit 420 is similar to that performed by the detector control unit 220 in the first embodiment.

[0106] <<Third embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment will be described below. In the third embodiment, a detection unit 500 suitable for attachment to a robot arm or the like is shown.

[0107] <Measurement device 3> 17 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of a measuring device according to this embodiment. The measuring device 3 according to this embodiment includes a detection unit 500 and a control device 600. The detection unit 500 includes a sensor 550 (an acceleration sensor 551 and a force sensor 552). The detection unit 500 and the control device 600 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. The measuring device 3 according to this embodiment, like the measuring device 1, measures the skin surface condition related to the touch, for example, whether the skin surface is smooth.

[0108] <Detection unit 500> First, the detection unit 500 will be described. The detection unit 500 uses a robot arm or the like external to the detection unit 500 as a drive unit for displacing the measurement target. Therefore, the detection unit 500 does not need to include the drive unit that the detection units of the first and second embodiments are provided with. Therefore, the detection unit 500 of this embodiment will be described by limiting the configuration required for a sensor 550 that detects vibration and force.

[0109] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a detection unit 500 of an example of a measurement device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a detection unit 500 of an example of a measurement device according to the present embodiment. Note that in Fig. 19, some components are omitted for simplicity.

[0110] The detection unit 500 of the measurement device 2 according to this embodiment includes a tip unit 520 and an arm attachment jig 515. The detection unit 500 attached to a robot arm or the like measures the surface condition of the skin by pressing the tip unit 520 against a measurement target, for example, the skin of a person's arm, cheek, etc., in the direction of arrow P.

[0111] The tip portion 520 includes a control unit case 521 and a sensor case 522 .

[0112] The control unit case 521 includes a control unit lower case 521a and a control unit upper case 521b. The control unit case 521 includes a control unit board 527 therein. The control unit board 527 is a board including a circuit for wirelessly transmitting signals from an acceleration sensor 551 and a force sensor 552 (sensor 550) to the control device 600. The wireless method is the same as that of the control unit board 327 of the second embodiment. An arm attachment jig 515 is attached to the control unit lower case 521a. The sensor case 522 is placed and bonded to the control unit upper case 521b via a vibration absorbing member 525. The vibration absorbing member 525 is formed of a member that absorbs vibration. Examples of the member that absorbs vibration include sponge such as urethane foam and rubber. The vibration absorbing member 525 is an example of a vibration isolating member.

[0113] The sensor case 522 includes a sensor lower case 522a and a sensor upper case 522b. The sensor case 522 includes a sensor board 528 therein. The sensor board 528 is a board including a circuit for detecting a signal from the sensor 550 and transmitting the detected signal to the control unit board 527. The sensor lower case 522a is bonded and fixed to the control unit upper case 521b via a vibration absorbing member 525. The sensor upper case 522b includes an opening. Through the opening, the contact 540 is connected to the sensor board 528 via a connecting member 529. The sensor board 528 includes a force sensor 552 of the sensor 550 at a portion where the connecting member 529 is attached to the sensor board 528. Furthermore, the sensor board 528 includes an acceleration sensor 551 of the sensor 550 on the back side of the sensor board 528 of the force sensor 552. The acceleration sensor 551 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor. Moreover, the force sensor 352 is, for example, a six-axis force sensor.

[0114] <Control device 600> Next, the control device 600 will be described with reference back to FIG.

[0115] The control device 600 includes a signal processing unit 610 .

[0116] The signal processing unit 610 receives a signal from the sensor 550 of the detection unit 500. In this embodiment, the signal processing unit 610 wirelessly receives the signal from the sensor 550 via the control unit board 527. The signal processing unit 610 performs filtering and amplification on the received signal, and acquires a measurement value that has been analog-to-digital converted. The signal processing unit 610 processes the acquired measurement value to measure the surface condition of the skin. For example, the measurement value is Fourier transformed and measured using a power spectrum or the like.

[0117] <<Fourth embodiment>> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, a modified example of the detection unit 300 of the second embodiment is shown. Note that a detection unit 700 of the fourth embodiment described below is used in combination with a control device 400.

[0118] <Detection unit 700> A detection unit 700 will be described as a modified example of the detection unit 300. The same components as those of the detection unit 300 are given the same reference numerals and will not be described. The detection unit 700 includes a gripping portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of pressing against the measurement target. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the detection unit 700 of an example of the measurement device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the detection unit 700 of an example of the measurement device according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a state in which the front half of the housing 711 of the detection unit 700 is removed to expose the inside. The detection unit 700 further includes a circuit board (not shown) inside the housing 711, such as a power supply board and a drive board for driving the drive unit 770.

[0119] The detection unit 700 includes a main body 710 and a tip unit 320. The tip unit 320 is built into the main body 710 so that the contact 340 is exposed from an opening of a pressing ring 716 of the main body 710. The detection unit 700 measures the surface condition of the skin by pressing the tip unit 320 against a measurement target, for example, the skin of a person's arm or cheek, in the direction of arrow P1. The tip unit 320 rotates in the direction of arrow R2 around a rotation axis C. Note that the rotation direction is not limited to the direction of arrow R2, and may be, for example, rotation in the opposite direction to the arrow R2, or may be repeated in the direction of arrow R2 and the opposite direction.

[0120] Main body 710 includes housing 711 having an L-shape in side view. Housing 711 includes gripping portion 712 extending perpendicularly to the direction in which it is pressed against the measurement object (the direction of arrow P1), and pressing portion 713 extending in the direction in which it is pressed against the measurement object (the direction of arrow P1). Housing 711 is formed of ABS resin or the like.

[0121] An external thread is formed on the outer side surface of end 713b of pressing part 713, which is the side pressed against the measurement target. A cylindrical pressing ring 716 is screwed onto end 713b. Tip 320 is provided on the inside of pressing ring 716 so that contact 340 of tip 320 is exposed to the outside.

[0122] The pressing direction of the measuring device can be determined by pressing the end surface 716a of the pressing ring 716 against the skin. The distance from the end surface 716a of the pressing ring 716 to the contact surface of the contactor 340 along the rotation axis C can be changed by changing the amount of screwing to the end portion 713b. Also, the pressing force when the contactor 340 of the tip portion 320 contacts the measurement object can be adjusted. The pressing ring 816 is formed of, for example, polymethylmethacrylate resin (PMMA) or the like.

[0123] The main body 710 includes a drive unit 770 that rotates the tip 320 inside the pressing unit 713. That is, the main body 710 includes a housing 711 that incorporates the drive unit 770. The measurer performs measurement by holding the grip unit 712. The measurer holds the grip unit 712 and moves it toward the measurement object, thereby pressing the tip 320 against the measurement object. In the detection unit 700, a smaller motor is used as the drive unit 770. By using a smaller motor, the overall size of the detection unit 700 can be reduced.

[0124] The detection unit 700 includes a sponge coupling 733 and a slip ring 334 to connect the tip unit 320 and the driving unit 770. The sponge coupling 733 and the slip ring 334 are an example of a connecting member.

[0125] The sponge coupling 733 is a member that connects components via a sponge 733s. The sponge 733s is, for example, a sponge such as urethane foam. By connecting the tip portion 320 and the driving portion 770 via the sponge 733s by the sponge coupling 733, it is possible to prevent vibration from the driving portion 770 from being transmitted to the tip portion 320. In other words, the sponge coupling 733 is an example of a vibration isolation member that isolates vibration from the driving portion 770 to the tip portion 320.

[0126] The sponge coupling 733 includes a coupling disk 733a and a coupling disk 733b. A sponge 733s is fixed between the coupling disk 733a and the coupling disk 733b. For example, the sponge 733s is bonded to each of the coupling disk 733a and the coupling disk 733b. This allows the coupling disk 733a and the coupling disk 733b to transmit force via the sponge 733s.

[0127] The coupling disc 733a is connected to the rotating shaft of the driving unit 770 via a set collar 733a1. The coupling disc 733b is connected to the rotating shaft of the slip ring 334 via a set collar 733b1. The coupling disc 733a and the set collar 733a1, or the coupling disc 733b and the set collar 733b1, are fixed together by, for example, fastening with a screw into a screw hole formed in the set collar 733a1 or the set collar 733b1.

[0128] The set collar 733a1 and the rotating shaft of the drive unit 770, and the set collar 733b1 and the rotating shaft of the slip ring 334 are fixed to each other by, for example, pressing the rotating shaft 371 or the rotating shaft 334a with a set screw provided in a screw hole formed in the set collar 733a1 or the set collar 733b1. The fixing method is not limited to the screw, and may be fixed by adhesive or the like. Also, the respective rotating shafts may be directly connected to the coupling disks 733a and 733b without using the set collars 733a1 and 733b1.

[0129] The driving unit 770 and the slip ring 334 are fixed to the housing 711 by fixing members (not shown). Specifically, the driving unit 770 is pressed against the housing 711 with a gel bushing made of a gel material sandwiched therebetween. The bearing portion of the slip ring 334 is fixed to the housing 711 by a screw via a mounting fixture.

[0130] Like detection unit 700 of modification 1, by providing a gripping portion that extends perpendicular to the direction in which it is pressed against the measurement object, detection unit 700 can be easily handled when pressed against the measurement object.

[0131] <<Fifth embodiment>> Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, a modified example of the detection unit 300 in the second embodiment is shown. Note that a detection unit 800 in the fifth embodiment is used in combination with a control device 400. In the fifth embodiment, the detector is further miniaturized.

[0132] <Detection unit 800> A detection unit 800 will be described as a modified example of the detection unit 300. The same components as those of the detection unit 300 are given the same reference numerals and will not be described. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the detection unit 800 of an example of the measurement device according to this embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the detection unit 800 of an example of the measurement device according to this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which the front half of the housing 811 of the detection unit 800 is removed to expose the inside. The detection unit 800 further includes a circuit board (not shown) inside the housing 811, such as a power supply board and a drive board for driving the drive unit 870.

[0133] The detection unit 800 includes a main body 810 and a tip unit 320. The tip unit 320 is built into the main body 810 so that the contact 340 is exposed from an opening of a pressing ring 816 of the main body 810. The detection unit 800 measures the surface condition of the skin by pressing the tip unit 320 against a measurement target, for example, the skin of a person's arm or cheek, in the direction of the arrow P2. The tip unit 320 rotates in the direction of the arrow R3 around the rotation axis D. Note that the rotation direction is not limited to the direction of the arrow R3, and may be, for example, rotation in the opposite direction to the arrow R3, or may be repeated in the direction of the arrow R3 and the opposite direction.

[0134] The main body 810 includes a housing 811. The housing 811 is formed of ABS resin or the like. An end 811b of the housing 811, which is pressed against the measurement target, has a male screw formed on the outer side. A cylindrical pressing ring 816 is screwed onto the end 811b. The tip 320 is provided inside the pressing ring 816 such that the contact 340 of the tip 320 is exposed to the outside.

[0135] The measuring device can be positioned in the pressing direction by pressing the end surface 816a of the pressing ring 816 against the skin. The distance from the end surface 816a of the pressing ring 816 to the contact surface of the contactor 340 along the rotation axis D can be changed by changing the amount of screwing to the end portion 811b. Also, the pressing force when the contactor 340 of the tip portion 320 contacts the measurement object can be adjusted. The pressing ring 816 is formed of, for example, polymethylmethacrylate resin (PMMA) or the like.

[0136] Main body 810 includes therein a driving unit 870 that rotates tip portion 320. That is, main body 810 includes a housing 811 that incorporates driving unit 870. A measurer performs measurement by holding housing 811. The measurer holds housing 811 and moves it toward the measurement object, thereby pressing tip portion 320 against the measurement object.

[0137] The detection unit 800 includes a sponge coupling 833 and a slip ring 334 to connect the tip unit 320 and the driving unit 870. The sponge coupling 833 and the slip ring 334 are an example of a connecting member.

[0138] The sponge coupling 833 is a member that connects components via a sponge 833s. The sponge 833s is, for example, a sponge such as urethane foam. By connecting the tip portion 320 and the driving unit 870 via the sponge 833s by the sponge coupling 833, it is possible to prevent vibration from the driving unit 770 from being transmitted to the tip portion 320. In other words, the sponge coupling 833 is an example of a vibration isolation member that isolates vibration from the driving unit 870 to the tip portion 320.

[0139] The sponge coupling 833 includes a coupling disk 833a and a coupling disk 833b. A sponge 833s is fixed between the coupling disk 833a and the coupling disk 833b. For example, the sponge 833s is bonded to each of the coupling disk 833a and the coupling disk 833b. This allows the coupling disk 833a and the coupling disk 833b to transmit force via the sponge 833s.

[0140] The coupling disc 833a is connected to a rotating shaft of the driving unit 870 via a set collar 833a1. The coupling disc 833b is connected to a rotating shaft of the slip ring 334 via a set collar 833b1. The coupling disc 833a and the set collar 833a1, or the coupling disc 833b and the set collar 833b1, are fixed together by, for example, fastening with a screw into a screw hole formed in the set collar 833a1 or the set collar 833b1.

[0141] The set collar 833a1 and the rotating shaft of the drive unit 870, and the set collar 833b1 and the rotating shaft of the slip ring 334 are fixed, for example, by pressing the rotating shaft 371 or the rotating shaft 334a with a set screw provided in a screw hole formed in the set collar 833a1 or the set collar 833b1. The fixing method is not limited to the screw, and may be fixed with an adhesive or the like. Also, the respective rotating shafts may be directly connected to the coupling disks 833a and 833b without using the set collars 833a1 and 833b1.

[0142] The driving unit 870 and the slip ring 334 are each fixed to the housing 811 by a fixing member (not shown).

[0143] By using the detection unit 800 of the second modification, it is possible to perform measurements with a smaller detection unit.

[0144] <<Sixth embodiment>> Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In the sixth embodiment, a modified example of the detection unit 300 in the second embodiment is shown. Note that a detection unit 900 in the sixth embodiment is used in combination with a control device 400.

[0145] <Detection unit 900> A detection unit 900 will be described as a modified example of the detection unit 300. Note that the same components as those in the detection unit 300 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the detection unit 900 as an example of the measurement device according to this embodiment.

[0146] The detection unit 900 of the measurement device according to this embodiment includes a main body 910 and a tip 920. The tip 920 is built into the main body 910 so that a contact 940 is exposed from an opening of a pressing ring 916 of the main body 910. The detection unit 300 measures the surface condition of the skin by pressing the tip 920 against a measurement target, for example, the skin of a person's arm or cheek, in the direction of arrow P3. The tip 920 rotates in the direction of arrow R4 around the rotation axis E. Note that the rotation direction is not limited to the direction of arrow R4, and may be, for example, a rotation in the opposite direction to the arrow R4, or may be repeated in the direction of arrow R4 and the opposite direction.

[0147] The main body 910 includes a generally cylindrical housing 911 with a narrowed center portion. The housing 911 is made up of a top cover 912, a side cover 913, a side cover 914, and a bottom cover 915. Each cover of the housing 911 is made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS resin) or the like.

[0148] A cylindrical pressing ring 916 having an annular flat surface 916a at its tip is screwed onto the upper part of the top cover 912. A tip portion 920 is provided on the inside of the pressing ring 916 such that a contact 940 of the tip portion 920 is exposed to the outside.

[0149] The measuring device can be positioned in the pressing direction by pressing the flat surface 916a of the pressing ring 916 against the skin. The distance from the flat surface 916a of the pressing ring 916 to the contact surface of the contactor 940 in the direction along the rotation axis E can be changed by changing the amount of screwing to the top cover 912. The distance from the flat surface 916a of the pressing ring 916 to the contact surface of the contactor 940 in the direction along the rotation axis A can be changed. Also, the pressing force when the contactor 940 of the tip portion 920 contacts the measurement target can be adjusted. The pressing ring 316 is formed of, for example, polymethylmethacrylate resin (PMMA) or the like.

[0150] The pressing ring 916 has a plurality of openings 916h (six in this embodiment) on the side surface. By providing the openings 916h, air can be released from the space surrounded by the measurement object and the pressing ring 916.

[0151] The inside of the housing 911 of the main body 910 is similar to the inside of the housing 311 of the detection unit 300 of the second embodiment.

[0152] The contactor 940 is a member that comes into contact with the measurement target of the measuring device. The contactor 940 comes into contact with the measurement target. The contact surface of the contactor 940 may be flat or may have an uneven surface depending on the measurement target and the purpose of the measurement. Similar to the detection unit 300, an acceleration sensor 351 and a force sensor 352 are provided below the contactor 940.

[0153] The detection unit 900 of this embodiment further includes a contactor 940a. The contactor 940a is provided at a position symmetrical to the contactor 940 with respect to the rotation axis E. By providing the contactor 940a at a position symmetrical to the contactor 940 with respect to the rotation axis E, the contactor 940 can be brought into contact with the measurement object in a well-balanced manner. In addition, by having both the contactor 940 and the contactor 940a in contact with the measurement object, the magnitude of the generated vibration can be increased.

[0154] An acceleration sensor and a force sensor may be provided below the contactor 940a in addition to the acceleration sensor 351 and the force sensor 352 below the contactor 940, or an acceleration sensor and a force sensor may not be provided. The number of contactors 940a is not limited to one, and two or more may be provided. Furthermore, the position of the contactor 940a is not limited to the position of the object as long as it is a position that contacts the object to be measured. However, it is desirable to arrange the contactors 940 so that they make contact in a well-balanced manner. The contactor 940a is an example of a contact portion.

[0155] <<Seventh embodiment>> In the seventh embodiment, the signal processing performed by the control device 400 will be described. Here, the processing performed by the control device 400 will be described using the detection unit 300A of the second embodiment as an example.

[0156] <Estimated evaluation value> The control device 400 estimates the moistness, smoothness, moisture content and texture of the skin of the subject using the measurement results of the detection unit 300A. The control device 400 also estimates the age of the subject using the measurement results of the detection unit 300A.

[0157] <Evaluation test details> The subjects were 31 Japanese women aged between 20 and 69 and 28 foreign women living in Japan who had given written consent to participate in the study in advance, for a total of 59 people. Before the study, the subjects removed their makeup, washed their faces, and then waited quietly in a constant temperature and humidity environment (room temperature 23°C, humidity 45%) before the measurements were taken.

[0158] First, two expert evaluators palpated the cheeks of the subjects. Each expert evaluator evaluated two items: skin moistness and skin smoothness. For skin moistness, whether the skin was "moist" or "dry" was rated on a 5-point scale and quantified. For skin smoothness, whether the skin was "smooth" or "rough" was rated on a 5-point scale and quantified.

[0159] Next, after the expert evaluator performed the evaluation, the same site was measured using the detection unit 300A. The measurement was performed by rotating the contact 340 of the detection unit 300A around the rotation axis A at a rotational angular velocity of 205 deg / s. In the measurement, the acceleration on three axes when tracing the skin was measured by the acceleration sensor 351. In addition, the force on six axes when tracing the skin was measured by the force sensor.

[0160] At the same time, measurements were taken using commercially available sensors used to evaluate skin conditions. The moisture content of the stratum corneum was measured using Skicon-200EX (YAYOI Co. Ltd.), and the skin texture (a numerical representation of the quality of the skin texture) was measured using a video microscope (Skin Visiom II, Shiseido Co. Ltd.).

[0161] Then, a statistical model was created for each of the results measured by the detection unit 300A, the moistness and smoothness of the skin by the expert evaluator, the moisture content of the stratum corneum and the state of the skin texture by the sensor, and the age of the subject.The statistical model was then used to estimate each of the moistness, smoothness, moisture content of the stratum corneum, the state of the skin texture, and the age of the subject from the results measured by the detection unit 300A.

[0162] <Evaluation test details> Next, the estimation process performed by the control device 400 of the measurement device will be described in detail.

[0163] [Measurement data] (1) Acceleration (vibration feature) The signal processing unit 410 of the control device 400 acquires three-axis acceleration data from the acceleration sensor 351 of the detection unit 300A. The signal processing unit 410 performs analysis using the acceleration component in the rotation direction of the rotating contact 340 among the three-axis acceleration data. The signal processing unit 410 performs a fast Fourier transform (FFT) on the acceleration component in the gravity direction to calculate an amplitude spectrum. Specifically, the signal processing unit 410 performs a fast Fourier transform (FFT) on the acceleration data for a period (3512 (milliseconds) = (360 (deg) x 2) / (205 (deg / sec)) x 1000) during which the contact 340 rotates twice, starting two seconds after the start of measurement, to calculate an amplitude spectrum from 0 kHz to 1000 kHz. Then, the signal processing unit 410 calculates an average value for each 10 Hz frequency for the calculated amplitude spectrum. As described later, signal processing unit 410 estimates the average value of the vibration spectra (a 100-dimensional vibration spectrum) as a vibration feature amount for each subject.

[0164] (2) Force (friction feature) The signal processing unit 410 of the control unit 400 acquires six-axis force data from the force sensor 352 of the detection unit 300A. The signal processing unit 410 performs analysis using the force component Fx in the rotational direction of the rotating contact 340 and the force component Fz in the pushing direction (direction perpendicular to the contact surface 341 of the contact 340) among the six-axis force data. The signal processing unit 410 calculates the friction coefficient μ using the force component Fx in the rotational direction of the rotating contact 340 and the force component Fz in the pushing direction, using the following formula 1.

[0165] μ = Fx / Fz (Eq. 1) Specifically, the signal processing unit 410 calculates the friction coefficient μ for the force data during a period in which the contact 340 rotates twice (3512 (milliseconds)=(360 (deg)×2) / (205 (deg / sec))×1000) starting two seconds after the start of measurement. Then, the signal processing unit 410 obtains an average value of the calculated friction coefficient μ during the period in which the contact 340 rotates twice. As will be described later, the signal processing unit 410 estimates the average value of the friction coefficient μ as the friction feature amount for each subject.

[0166] [Calculation of the estimated model] The signal processing unit 410 calculates a statistical model for estimating the moistness of the skin, the smoothness of the skin, the moisture content of the stratum corneum, the texture state, and the age of the subject from the vibration feature amount and friction feature amount obtained above.

[0167] The signal processing unit 410 constructs a statistical model using partial least squares regression. In this embodiment, the skin moistness, skin smoothness, stratum corneum moisture content, texture state, and subject's age are each set as objective variables. Then, for each objective variable, the vibration feature amount and friction feature amount or the vibration feature amount calculated above are set as explanatory variables. Note that the statistical model in which the vibration feature amount and friction feature amount are set as explanatory variables is called Model 1. Also, the statistical model in which the vibration feature amount is set as explanatory variable is called Model 2.

[0168] First, each explanatory variable was standardized so that its mean was 0 and its standard deviation was 1. Second, a statistical model was constructed using partial least squares regression.

[0169] In order to determine the number of components in the statistical model of partial least squares regression, the number of components was changed, and the mean squared error (MSE) of the transparent model and the correlation coefficient between the estimated value and the observed value were examined. In the calculation in this embodiment, the 10-fold cross-validation method was repeated 20 times, and the mean squared error (MSE) and the average of the correlation coefficient were calculated.

[0170] 25 to 34 are diagrams showing the calculation results for each response variable by the measurement device according to the seventh embodiment. Each response variable will be explained.

[0171] [Skin moisturization] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing the root mean square error (MSE) when the number of components is changed with the skin moistness as the objective variable. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing the correlation coefficient when the number of components is changed with the skin moistness as the objective variable. In the graphs of Fig. 25 and Fig. 26, X1 is the calculation result in model 1, and Y1 is the calculation result in model 2.

[0172] As shown in Fig. 25, in Model 1, the root mean square error (MSE) was smallest when the number of components was 5 (X1a in Fig. 25). In addition, in Model 2, the root mean square error (MSE) was smallest when the number of components was 4 (Y1a in Fig. 25).

[0173] As shown in Fig. 26, in Model 1, the correlation coefficient was largest when the number of components was 5 (X1b in Fig. 26), which also resulted in the smallest mean square error (MSE). In addition, in Model 2, the correlation coefficient was largest when the number of components was 4 (Y1b in Fig. 26), which also resulted in the smallest mean square error (MSE).

[0174] [Skin smoothness] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing the mean square error (MSE) when the number of components is changed with the skin smoothness as the objective variable. Fig. 27 is a diagram showing the correlation coefficient when the number of components is changed with the skin smoothness as the objective variable. In the graphs of Fig. 27 and Fig. 28, X2 is the calculation result in model 1, and Y2 is the calculation result in model 2.

[0175] As shown in Fig. 27, in Model 1, the root mean square error (MSE) was smallest when the number of components was 2 (X2a in Fig. 27). Also, in Model 2, the root mean square error (MSE) was smallest when the number of components was 1 (Y2a in Fig. 27).

[0176] As shown in Fig. 28, in Model 1, the correlation coefficient was largest when the number of components was 2 (X2b in Fig. 28), which resulted in the smallest mean square error (MSE). Also, in Model 2, the correlation coefficient was largest when the number of components was 1 (Y2b in Fig. 26), which resulted in the smallest mean square error (MSE).

[0177] [Moisture content of stratum corneum] Fig. 29 is a graph showing the root mean square error (MSE) when the number of components is changed with the stratum corneum moisture content as the dependent variable. Fig. 30 is a graph showing the correlation coefficient when the number of components is changed with the stratum corneum moisture content as the dependent variable. In the graphs of Fig. 29 and Fig. 30, X3 is the calculation result in model 1, and Y3 is the calculation result in model 2.

[0178] As shown in Fig. 29, in Model 1, the root mean square error (MSE) was smallest when the number of components was 3 (X3a in Fig. 29). Also, in Model 2, the root mean square error (MSE) was smallest when the number of components was 3 (Y3a in Fig. 29).

[0179] As shown in Figure 30, in Model 1, the correlation coefficient was largest when the number of components was three (X3b in Figure 30), which also resulted in the smallest mean square error (MSE). In addition, in Model 2, the correlation coefficient was largest when the number of components was four (Y2c in Figure 30). Note that in Model 2, the correlation coefficient was almost the same as when the number of components was four (Y2b in Figure 30), which also resulted in the smallest mean square error (MSE).

[0180] [Texture condition] Fig. 31 is a diagram showing the mean square error (MSE) when the number of components is changed with the texture condition as the response variable. Fig. 32 is a diagram showing the correlation coefficient when the number of components is changed with the texture condition as the response variable. In the graphs of Fig. 31 and Fig. 32, X4 is the calculation result in model 1, and Y4 is the calculation result in model 2.

[0181] As shown in Fig. 31, in Model 1, the root mean square error (MSE) was smallest when the number of components was 2 (X4a in Fig. 31). Also, in Model 2, the root mean square error (MSE) was smallest when the number of components was 2 (Y4a in Fig. 31).

[0182] As shown in Fig. 32, in Model 1, the correlation coefficient was largest when the number of components was 2 (X4b in Fig. 32), which also resulted in the smallest mean square error (MSE). Also, in Model 2, the correlation coefficient was largest when the number of components was 2 (Y4b in Fig. 32), which also resulted in the smallest mean square error (MSE).

[0183] [Subject age] Fig. 33 is a diagram showing the root mean square error (MSE) when the number of components is changed with the subject's age as the dependent variable. Fig. 34 is a diagram showing the correlation coefficient when the number of components is changed with the age as the dependent variable. In the graphs of Figs. 33 and 34, X5 is the calculation result in model 1, and Y5 is the calculation result in model 2.

[0184] As shown in Fig. 33, in Model 1, the root mean square error (MSE) was smallest when the number of components was 2 (X5a in Fig. 33). Also, in Model 2, the root mean square error (MSE) was smallest when the number of components was 2 (Y5a in Fig. 33).

[0185] As shown in Fig. 34, in Model 1, the correlation coefficient was largest when the number of components was 2 (X5b in Fig. 34), which resulted in the smallest mean square error (MSE). Also, in Model 2, the correlation coefficient was largest when the number of components was 2 (Y5b in Fig. 34), which resulted in the smallest mean square error (MSE).

[0186] From the above results, the correlation coefficient can be increased by determining the number of components that minimizes the mean square error (MSE) in Model 1 and Model 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the statistical model with the number of components that minimizes the mean square error (MSE) is finally adopted.

[0187] Table 1 shows the number of components that results in the smallest mean square error (MSE) for each objective variable and each model, as well as the mean square error (MSE) and correlation coefficient for that number of components.

[0188] [Table 1]

[0189] From the above results, when the objective variables were skin moisturization, skin smoothness, stratum corneum moisture content, texture condition, and subject age, correlations were observed in both Model 1 and Model 2. Therefore, it was suggested that it is possible to estimate the sensory evaluation of bare skin, skin condition, and age by using Model 1 (a model that uses vibration features and friction features as explanatory variables) and Model 2 (a model that uses vibration features as explanatory variables). In addition, the correlation coefficients of Model 1 (a model that uses vibration features and friction features as explanatory variables) were large for skin moisturization, skin smoothness, and stratum corneum moisture content, suggesting the superiority of using both vibration and friction.

[0190] <<Eighth embodiment>> In the eighth embodiment, the signal processing performed by the control device 400 will be described. Here, the processing performed by the control device 400 will be described using the detection unit 300A of the second embodiment as an example.

[0191] A texture evaluation was conducted on two types of lotions with different textures. One was a refreshing type lotion, and the other was a moisturizing type lotion. The lotion was applied to the cheeks of the face using cotton. Measurements were taken three times: on bare skin before application, and one and two minutes after application.

[0192] The coefficient of friction for both lotions increased one minute after application. Two minutes after application, the coefficient of friction for the light lotion decreased, while the coefficient of friction for the moist lotion increased.

[0193] One minute after application, the vibration of the moisturizing lotion decreased, while the vibration of the refreshing lotion was the same as bare skin. Two minutes after application, the vibration of the moisturizing lotion increased compared to one minute after application, but was lower than the vibration of bare skin. Two minutes after application, the vibration of the refreshing lotion remained unchanged, and was the same as bare skin.

[0194] As shown in Figures 35 and 36, we were able to measure different vibration and friction behaviors for the two types of lotions. When evaluating an object whose texture changes over time, such as lotion, it is difficult to reproduce the same conditions. This measurement device can measure vibration and friction simultaneously, making it extremely useful for evaluating objects whose texture changes.

[0195] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The above-described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or modified in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

[0196] This application claims priority to basic patent application No. 2019-106429, filed with the Japan Patent Office on June 6, 2019, and basic patent application No. 2019-196477, filed with the Japan Patent Office on October 29, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0197] 1. Measuring equipment 2. Measuring Equipment 3. Measuring Equipment 100 Detector 110 Main body 111 Cabinet 120 Tip 122 Lower vibration absorbing member 124 Upper vibration absorbing member 125 Upper support member 130 Connection shaft 140 Contact 150 Sensors 170 Drive unit 200 Control device 210 Signal Processing Unit 300 Detector 310 Main body 311 Case 320 Tip 325 Vibration absorbing material 332 Magnetic Coupling 333 Sponge Coupling 334 Slip Ring 340 Contact 350 Sensors 370 Drive Unit 400 Control device 410 Signal Processing Unit 500 Detector 520 Tip 525 Vibration absorbing material 540 Contact 550 Sensor 600 Control device 610 Signal Processing Unit 700 Detector 800 Detector 900 Detector

Claims

1. A contactor that comes into contact with the object to be measured; a sensor that is disposed on the contact and that measures at least a surface condition of the measurement target; a drive unit that displaces the contact and the sensor relative to the measurement object; a vibration isolation member provided between the driving unit and the contact and the sensor to isolate vibration from the driving unit to the contact and the sensor; a tip portion including the contact and the sensor; A connecting member that connects the tip portion and the drive portion; A main body having a housing that houses the drive unit; Equipped with the tip portion includes a support member that supports the contactor and the sensor and has a contact portion that is in contact with the object to be measured at a position different from that of the contactor, The main body is moved toward the measurement object, and the tip is pressed against the measurement object. a surface condition is measured based on a measurement value detected by the sensor when the driving unit displaces the contact and the sensor relative to the object to be measured with the contact portion of the tip portion in contact with the object to be measured; Measuring equipment.

2. the support member has a bottom portion, and a first contactor support member and a second contactor support member formed side by side on an upper surface of the bottom portion; The contacts are fixed to upper portions of the first contact support member and the second contact support member.

2. The measuring device of claim 1.

3. the sensor is fixed to a back surface of the contactor, the back surface being the surface opposite to a contact surface that comes into contact with the measurement object; The sensor is provided between the first contactor support member and the second contactor support member.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2.

4. A contactor that contacts the object to be measured; a sensor that is disposed on the contact and that measures at least a surface condition of the measurement target; a drive unit that displaces the contact and the sensor relative to the measurement object; a vibration isolation member provided between the driving unit and the contact and the sensor to isolate vibration from the driving unit to the contact and the sensor; a tip portion including the contact and the sensor; A connecting member that connects the tip portion and the drive portion; A main body having a housing that houses the drive unit; Equipped with the vibration isolation member comprises a first vibration isolation member and a second vibration isolation member; the tip portion includes a member to which, in order from the main body portion side, a first support member, the first vibration isolation member, a second support member, the second vibration isolation member, and a third support member are fixed, A measuring device that measures the surface condition based on the measurement value of the sensor.

5. A contactor that contacts the object to be measured; a sensor that is disposed on the contact and that measures at least a surface condition of the measurement target; a drive unit that displaces the contact and the sensor relative to the measurement object; a vibration isolation member provided between the driving unit and the contact and the sensor to isolate vibration from the driving unit to the contact and the sensor; a tip portion including the contact and the sensor; Equipped with The vibration isolation member includes a magnetic coupling that connects the tip portion and the drive portion, A measuring device that measures the surface condition based on the measurement value of the sensor.

6. A contactor that contacts the object to be measured; a sensor that is disposed on the contact and that measures at least a surface condition of the measurement target; a drive unit that displaces the contact and the sensor relative to the measurement object; a vibration isolation member provided between the driving unit and the contact and the sensor to isolate vibration from the driving unit to the contact and the sensor; a tip portion including the contact and the sensor; Equipped with The vibration isolation member includes a sponge coupling that connects the tip portion and the drive portion, A measuring device that measures the surface condition based on the measurement value of the sensor.

7. A contactor that contacts the object to be measured; a sensor that is disposed on the contact and that measures at least a surface condition of the measurement target; a drive unit that displaces the contact and the sensor relative to the measurement object; a vibration isolation member provided between the driving unit and the contact and the sensor to isolate vibration from the driving unit to the contact and the sensor; a sensor case including a sensor substrate having the sensor therein; Equipped with the sensor case has an opening; the contacts are connected to the sensor substrate through the openings via connecting members; A measuring device that measures the surface condition based on the measurement value of the sensor.

8. The sensor is provided at a portion where the connection member is attached to the sensor substrate.

8. The measuring device according to claim 7.

9. The sensor is provided on the back side of a portion where the connection member is attached to the sensor substrate.

8. The measuring device according to claim 7.

10. the sensor comprises a vibration sensor; The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the sensor comprises a force sensor; The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Further comprising a temperature sensor. A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The vibration isolation member is a vibration absorbing member. A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Further comprising a signal processing unit for processing a signal from the sensor. A measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A contactor that contacts the object to be measured; a sensor that is disposed on the contact and that measures at least a surface condition of the measurement target; a drive unit that displaces the contact and the sensor relative to the measurement object; a vibration isolation member provided between the driving unit and the contact and the sensor to isolate vibration from the driving unit to the contact and the sensor; a signal processing unit that processes a signal from the sensor; Equipped with The sensor is an acceleration sensor, The driving unit rotates the contact and the sensor relative to the measurement object, the signal processing unit calculates a frequency spectrum for a component in a rotation direction of the contact in acceleration data output from the acceleration sensor, A measuring device that measures the surface condition based on the measurement value of the sensor.

16. the signal processing unit obtains a vibration feature amount based on the frequency spectrum, and estimates the objective variable based on the vibration feature amount using a first statistical model that indicates a relationship between the vibration feature amount and an objective variable using the vibration feature amount as an explanatory variable.

16. The measuring device of claim 15.

17. A contactor for contacting an object to be measured; a sensor that is disposed on the contact and that measures at least a surface condition of the measurement target; a drive unit that displaces the contact and the sensor relative to the measurement object; a vibration isolation member provided between the driving unit and the contact and the sensor to isolate vibration from the driving unit to the contact and the sensor; a signal processing unit that processes a signal from the sensor; Equipped with The sensor is a six-axis force sensor, The driving unit rotates the contact and the sensor relative to the measurement object, the signal processing unit calculates a friction coefficient using a component in a rotation direction of the contact and a component in a pressing direction of the contact in the force data output from the force sensor; A measuring device that measures the surface condition based on the measurement value of the sensor.

18. A contactor for contacting an object to be measured; a sensor that is disposed on the contact and that measures at least a surface condition of the measurement target; a drive unit that displaces the contact and the sensor relative to the measurement object; a vibration isolation member provided between the driving unit and the contact and the sensor to isolate vibration from the driving unit to the contact and the sensor; a signal processing unit that processes a signal from the sensor; Equipped with The sensor is an acceleration sensor and a six-axis force sensor, The driving unit rotates the contact and the sensor relative to the measurement object, The signal processing unit includes: calculating a frequency spectrum for a component in a rotational direction of the contact in acceleration data output from the acceleration sensor; calculating a friction coefficient using a component in a rotational direction of the contact and a component in a pushing direction of the contact in the force data output from the force sensor; A measuring device that measures the surface condition based on the measurement value of the sensor.

19. the signal processing unit calculates a vibration feature amount based on the frequency spectrum, calculates a friction feature amount based on the friction coefficient, and estimates the objective variable based on the vibration feature amount and the friction feature amount using a second statistical model that indicates a relationship with an objective variable using the vibration feature amount and the friction feature amount as explanatory variables.

20. The measuring device of claim 18.

20. The objective variable is any one of the moistness of the skin, the smoothness of the skin, the moisture content of the stratum corneum, the state of the skin texture, and the age of the subject.

20. Measuring device according to claim 16 or claim 19.

21. Further comprising a control unit for controlling the drive unit.

21. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A control device for controlling the measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, A control unit for controlling the drive unit is provided. Control device.

23. A method for measuring a skin surface condition using the measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

24. Measuring the skin to which the cosmetic has been applied; The measurement method according to claim 23.

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