Wrinkle evaluation method, wrinkle evaluation system, fat infiltration evaluation method, fat infiltration evaluation system, computer program, skin sensing method for wrinkle evaluation purposes, recommendation method on basis of wrinkle evaluation, and method for predicting future state of fat infiltration and / or future state of wrinkles

Abstract

Provided is a method for evaluating wrinkles employing, as a determination criterion, the state of fat infiltration in a dermis of the forehead of a subject. When the fat infiltration occurs in a dermis of the forehead of the subject, it is evaluated that the risk of wrinkling is high or many wrinkles are formed. The wrinkles may be expression wrinkles and / or fixed wrinkles.

Description

Method for assessing dermal cavitation

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for evaluating wrinkles on human skin, and more particularly to a method for evaluating wrinkles using the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of the forehead as a criterion for judgment.

[0002] Skin aging is a change in the skin mediated by various factors, including internal factors such as aging, hormones, and metabolism, and external factors such as ultraviolet rays and dryness. Skin aging can be seen externally in the form of, for example, age spots, wrinkles, sagging, and shrinkage. However, invisible aging, such as changes in the structure and components of internal skin tissue, can also progress. For example, Patent Document 1 uses blood vitamin D concentration as an indicator to evaluate aging. Patent Document 2 uses gene expression in the skin, such as the E-cadherin gene and the T-cadherin gene, as an indicator. Patent Document 3 uses gene expression of OLFML2A and / or CRLF1 in fibroblasts as an indicator.

[0003] As such, various indicators exist for assessing skin aging, but it is important to properly evaluate skin condition and take measures to prevent and improve aging, and a method for evaluating skin condition using additional indicators is required.

[0004] Patent Document 4 discloses that dermal cavitation is one of the causes of sagging skin in the upper cheek, and discloses an agent for improving sagging or aging skin caused by dermal cavitation, which contains an adipose stem cell inducer containing licorice extract or rosemary extract as an ingredient.

[0005] JP 2016-216435 A JP 2010-115131 A JP 2013-116088 A WO2017 / 022091

[0006] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wrinkle evaluation method, particularly a method for evaluating transient expression wrinkles that are difficult to evaluate from the outside, using the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of a subject's forehead as a criterion for assessment. Transient expression wrinkles are a major factor in making people look older and are the primary cause of permanent wrinkles. In this specification, wrinkles that are temporarily formed due to changes in facial expression are referred to as "transient wrinkles." Furthermore, wrinkles that are memorized and exist even when there is no change in facial expression are referred to as "fixed expression wrinkles" or "fixed wrinkles." Expression wrinkles are formed from both the expression wrinkles and the fixed expression wrinkles. Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wrinkle evaluation system that evaluates wrinkles, including not only fixed wrinkles that can be easily measured from the outside, but also expression wrinkles, using the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of a subject's forehead as a criterion for assessment.

[0007] The present inventors have found that it is possible to evaluate wrinkles, particularly expression wrinkles, which are not easily evaluated from the outside, by using the state of cavitation (fat infiltration) in the dermis of a subject's forehead as a criterion for assessment. Thus, the present disclosure provides a method and system for assessing wrinkles, including not only fixed wrinkles but also expression wrinkles, using the state of cavitation (fat infiltration) in the dermis of the forehead as a criterion for assessment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the following aspects: [Aspect 1] A wrinkle evaluation method using the state of cavitation (fat infiltration) in the dermis of the forehead of a subject as a criterion for assessment. [Aspect 2] The method of Aspect 1, comprising a step of measuring the state of cavitation using an echo or laser microscope. [Aspect 3] The method of Aspect 1 or 2, in which the presence of cavitation is assessed as indicating a high risk of wrinkle development or an abundance of wrinkles. [Aspect 4] The method of any one of Aspects 1 to 3, in which the wrinkles are expression wrinkles and / or fixed wrinkles. [Aspect 5] The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein cavitation is evaluated based on the distance from the skin surface to the cavity measured by echo or laser microscopy. [Aspect 6] A wrinkle evaluation system for evaluating wrinkles using the state of cavitation (fat infiltration) in the dermis of the forehead of a subject as a criterion for evaluation. [Aspect 7] The system according to Aspect 6, comprising: a measurement unit that measures the state of cavitation in the dermis of the forehead of the subject; an analysis unit that analyzes the measured state of cavitation; a wrinkle evaluation unit that evaluates wrinkles based on the analysis results; and a result output unit that outputs the evaluation results. [Aspect 8] The system according to Aspect 7, wherein the measurement unit is configured to measure the state of cavitation by echo or laser microscopy. [Aspect 9] The system according to Aspect 7 or 8, wherein the wrinkle evaluation unit performs evaluation by comparing the measured value with a predetermined reference value. [Aspect 10] A computer program for causing the system according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5 to execute the method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5. [Aspect 11] A method for evaluating cavitation (fat infiltration) using the state of wrinkles on the forehead of a subject as a criterion for evaluation. [Aspect 12] The method described in aspect 11, wherein the wrinkles are expression wrinkles and / or fixed wrinkles.[Aspect 13] The method of Aspect 11 or 12, wherein the occurrence of wrinkles is evaluated as the occurrence of cavitation. [Aspect 14] A cavitation evaluation system that evaluates the state of cavitation (fat infiltration) using the state of wrinkles on the forehead of a subject as a criterion for evaluation. [Aspect 15] The system of Aspect 14, comprising: an image acquisition unit that acquires images of wrinkles on the forehead of the subject; an analysis unit that analyzes the acquired images; a cavitation evaluation unit that evaluates the state of cavitation based on the analysis results; and a result output unit that outputs the evaluation results. [Aspect 16] The system of Aspect 15, wherein the cavitation evaluation unit performs the evaluation by comparing a measured value with a predetermined reference value. [Aspect 17] A computer program for causing the method of any one of Aspects 11 to 13 to be executed in the system of any one of Aspects 14 to 16. [Aspect 18] A skin sensing method for evaluating wrinkles, wherein the state of cavitation (fat infiltration) in the dermis of the forehead of a subject is included in the measurement items. [Aspect 19] A recommendation method based on wrinkle evaluation using sensing data obtained by the method described in Aspect 18. [Aspect 20] A method for predicting the future state of fat infiltration and / or wrinkles in the dermis of a subject's forehead based on the state of fat infiltration at the time of measurement.

[0008] FIG. 1 is an echo image showing dermis without cavitation (left) and dermis with cavitation (right). FIG. 2 is a graph showing the correlation between expression wrinkles and the degree of cavitation. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the correlation between expression wrinkles and the degree of fixed wrinkles. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the correlation between fixed wrinkles and the degree of cavitation. FIG. 5 shows an example configuration of a system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows an example configuration of a system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows an example configuration of a system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example hardware configuration capable of realizing processing according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing (program) by the system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing (program) by the system according to the present disclosure.

[0009] [Wrinkle Evaluation Method] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a wrinkle evaluation method, particularly a method for evaluating facial wrinkles, which are difficult to evaluate from appearance, using the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of a subject's forehead as a criterion for assessment. Facial wrinkles are temporary wrinkles caused by facial muscles. For example, forehead wrinkles can also be caused by sagging or drooping eyelids. When vision is impaired due to sagging or drooping eyelids, facial wrinkles can develop on the forehead as a result of forehead muscles attempting to open the eyes. If facial wrinkles are left untreated, they eventually become fixed wrinkles, and wrinkles develop even without facial expression. As described above, the present inventors have discovered that wrinkles can be evaluated by examining the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of a subject's forehead. For example, the state of fat infiltration can be measured using techniques such as ultrasound (ultrasound) or laser microscopy. Until now, it has not been easy to measure and evaluate expression wrinkles, which appear temporarily. However, according to the method disclosed herein, by measuring dermal hollowing, it is possible to easily evaluate not only fixed wrinkles but also expression wrinkles.

[0010] Dermal cavities are cavities formed by partial protrusion of subcutaneous tissue toward the dermis layer due to aging or other causes (Figure 1). Dermal cavities are generally spherical with a diameter of approximately 10 μm to 1000 μm, but their shape is not uniform. Because dermal cavities are filled with subcutaneous tissue, they can also be simply referred to as dermal cavities. Wrinkles can occur when cellular and interstitial components contained in the dermis layer are not present within the dermal cavities. Therefore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the presence of cavitation can be evaluated as a high risk of wrinkles or a high number of wrinkles. For example, even if wrinkles are not normally observed, if cavitation occurs, there is a high possibility that expression wrinkles will form when facial expressions change, and these expression wrinkles are likely to transition to fixed wrinkles in the future.

[0011] The degree of dermal cavities can be measured by integrating the thickness of the dermis over a certain length in a cross-section of the skin, i.e., the thickness from the boundary with the epidermis to the boundary with the subcutaneous tissue. When dermal cavities are present, the subcutaneous tissue rises toward the dermis, resulting in a decrease in the thickness of the dermis. Because the thickness of the epidermis is usually constant and sufficiently thin compared to the dermis, it can also be calculated by simply integrating the thickness from the skin surface to the subcutaneous tissue. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, cavitation can be evaluated by the distance from the skin surface to the cavity measured by ultrasound or laser microscopy. Since the degree of dermal cavities is correlated with skin elasticity, it can also be substituted by measuring an index indicating skin elasticity, such as the Uv / Ue value, using a device that measures skin elasticity, such as a cutometer.

[0012] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the wrinkles may be expression wrinkles and / or fixed wrinkles. As described above, expression wrinkles are wrinkles that occur temporarily due to facial muscles. For example, forehead wrinkles may also occur due to sagging or drooping eyelids. When vision is impaired due to sagging or drooping eyelids, expression wrinkles may occur on the forehead as a result of the forehead muscles trying to open the eyes. If expression wrinkles are left untreated, they will eventually become fixed wrinkles (also called fixed wrinkles), and wrinkles will appear even without making a facial expression. Because expression wrinkles appear transiently as facial expressions change and are not constantly present, they have been difficult to measure and evaluate until now.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when cavitation occurs, it is evaluated that there is a high risk of developing facial wrinkles or that there are many facial wrinkles. According to the method of the present disclosure, the degree of wrinkles can be calculated based on the degree of cavitation. Furthermore, a high risk of developing facial wrinkles or many facial wrinkles may lead to an evaluation that there is a high risk of developing fixed wrinkles or many fixed wrinkles in the future. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when cavitation occurs, it may also be evaluated that there is a high risk of developing fixed wrinkles or many fixed wrinkles. In other words, the method of the present disclosure is useful not only for evaluating the current state of wrinkles but also for predicting the state of wrinkles in the future.

[0014] [Future Prediction] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for predicting the future state of cavitation and / or wrinkles based on the state of cavitation (fat infiltration) in the dermis of a subject's forehead at the time of measurement. The inventors discovered the following correlation between cavitation and age: Y = -0.02X + 2.2 (P < 0.01) ... Equation 1, where X represents age or the number of years elapsed, and Y represents the degree of cavitation (expressed as the distance to the epidermis (mm), with smaller numbers representing greater cavitation). Using this coefficient of -0.02, the degree of cavitation 10 years from now can be calculated as "(current degree of cavitation) - 0.02 x 10 years." Furthermore, since the degree of wrinkles can be calculated from the degree of cavitation, measuring the current level of cavitation makes it possible to predict the degree of expression wrinkles and fixed wrinkles 10 years from now.

[0015] Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for predicting a state Y2 of fat infiltration in the dermis of a subject's forehead X years later based on a state Y1 of fat infiltration at the time of measurement, in which Y2 is calculated according to the following formula 2: Y2 = Y1 - 0.02X ... formula 2

[0016] Furthermore, the degree Z1 of expression wrinkles can also be predicted based on the calculated Y2 or Y1 and X using the following formula derived from Figure 2: Z1 = -10Y2 + 15 = -10Y1 + 0.2X + 15 ... Formula 3 Thus, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for predicting the degree Z1 of expression wrinkles X years later based on the state Y1 of fat infiltration in the dermis of a subject's forehead at the time of measurement, in which Z1 is calculated based on the above Formula 3.

[0017] Similarly, the degree Z2 of fixed wrinkles can be predicted based on the calculated Y2 or Y1 and X using the following formula derived from Figure 4: Z2 = -10Y2 + 13 = -10Y1 + 0.2X + 13 ... Formula 4 Thus, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for predicting the degree Z2 of fixed wrinkles X years later based on the state Y1 of fat infiltration in the dermis of a subject's forehead at the time of measurement, in which Z2 is calculated based on the above formula 4.

[0018] [Addressing Cavitation / Wrinkles] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wrinkles caused by cavitation can be treated by applying a composition containing rosemary extract and / or licorice extract to the skin.

[0019] [Method for Evaluating Fat Infiltration] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for evaluating fat infiltration, using the condition of wrinkles on a subject's forehead as a criterion for assessment. As described above, the present inventors have discovered that wrinkles can be evaluated by examining the condition of cavitation in the dermis of a subject's forehead. Conversely, this also means that cavitation can be evaluated using the condition of wrinkles on a subject's forehead as a criterion for assessment. For example, the condition of wrinkles can be evaluated using an image analyzer such as Visia Evolution manufactured by Canfield Scientific, or by replica analysis, photographic grading, visual assessment, or the like. For example, the condition of wrinkles may be graded on multiple levels (e.g., a 5-level scale from 0 to 4).

[0020] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wrinkles are expression wrinkles and / or fixed wrinkles. Thus, in some embodiments, the occurrence of expression wrinkles and / or fixed wrinkles may be evaluated as the occurrence of hollowing.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if cavitation occurs in the dermis of the forehead, it can be treated by applying a composition containing rosemary extract and / or licorice extract to the skin.

[0022] [Sensing Method] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a skin sensing method for assessing wrinkles, which includes measuring the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of a subject's forehead. Other measurement parameters may include, but are not limited to, parameters related to skin tone, moisture, elasticity, etc. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the measured state of fat infiltration is visualized and displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and presented to the subject. Visualization may also be based on future predictions of the state of fat infiltration or wrinkles. For example, a cosmetics retailer may measure (sense) the state of fat infiltration in a customer's forehead dermis and visually display the measurement or prediction results, which can be used as reference material for recommending beauty products or beauty treatments to the customer. Therefore, some embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a recommendation method based on wrinkle assessment using sensing data obtained by the method of the present disclosure. Such recommendations may be related to beauty products and / or beauty treatments.

[0023] [Recommendation Method] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for recommending appropriate cosmetics, medications, or cosmetic methods to a subject based on the subject's fat infiltration and wrinkle status evaluated by the method of the present disclosure. For example, if the method of the present disclosure evaluates that the subject has a high risk of developing wrinkles or has many wrinkles on their forehead, the use of cosmetics, medications, or cosmetic methods suitable for improving wrinkles can be recommended to the subject. Furthermore, if the method of the present disclosure evaluates that the subject has fat infiltration on their forehead, the use of cosmetics, medications, or cosmetic methods suitable for improving fat infiltration can be recommended to the subject. The cosmetics, medications, or cosmetic methods recommended based on the subject's skin condition may be determined in advance and recorded in a database. Examples of recommended cosmetics include products containing rosemary extract and / or licorice extract.

[0024] [Apparatus / System for Evaluating Wrinkles] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a wrinkle evaluation system that evaluates wrinkles using the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of a subject's forehead as a criterion for assessment. In some embodiments, the system includes: (i) a measurement unit that measures the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of the subject's forehead; (ii) an analysis unit that analyzes the measured state of fat infiltration; (iii) a wrinkle evaluation unit that evaluates wrinkles based on the analysis results; and (iv) a result output unit that outputs the evaluation results. In some embodiments, the system may include: (i) a measurement unit that measures the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of the subject's forehead; (ii) an analysis unit that analyzes the measured state of fat infiltration; (iii) a wrinkle evaluation unit that evaluates wrinkles based on the analysis results; and (iv) a result output unit that outputs the evaluation results, each of which may be physically located separately.

[0025] In some embodiments, the present system may further include, instead of or in addition to the wrinkle evaluation unit in iii above, a future prediction unit that predicts the future state of wrinkles based on the analysis results.

[0026] In some embodiments, the system comprises: (i) a measuring means configured to measure a state of cavitation in the dermis of the subject's forehead; (ii) an analyzing means configured to analyze the measured state of cavitation; (iii) a wrinkle evaluating means configured to evaluate wrinkles based on the analysis result; and (iv) a result output means configured to output the evaluation result.

[0027] In some embodiments, the present system may further include, instead of or in addition to the wrinkle evaluation means of iii above, a future prediction means for predicting the future state of wrinkles based on the analysis results.

[0028] In some embodiments, the measurement unit may be configured to measure the cavitation state using an echo or laser microscope, but the measurement method is not particularly limited. In some embodiments, the wrinkle evaluation unit can perform evaluation by comparing the measured value or analysis result with a predetermined reference value or by substituting it into a predetermined calculation formula. The predetermined reference value can be set based on data collected from multiple subjects, such as the cavitation state, expression wrinkle state, fixed wrinkle state, age, and gender. For example, wrinkle evaluation can be performed by simply determining the presence or absence of cavitation based on a certain size. The formula for calculating the expression wrinkle level X from the cavitation level Y (mm) can be expressed as Y = -0.1X + 1.5. The formula for calculating the fixed wrinkle level X from the cavitation level Y (mm) can be expressed as Y = -0.1X + 1.3.

[0029] The device 100 illustrated in FIG. 5 constitutes part or all of the system according to the present disclosure and includes a measurement unit 110, an analysis unit 120, a wrinkle evaluation unit 130, and a result output unit 140. The device 100 may include a computing device such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage device such as a ROM / RAM, a hard disk, or a flash memory. This storage device may store programs for controlling the device and acquired data (images, parameters, etc.). The computing device executes the programs stored in the storage device to cause the device 100 to function as the measurement unit 110, the analysis unit 120, the wrinkle evaluation unit 130, and the result output unit 140. In other words, the measurement unit 110, the analysis unit 120, the wrinkle evaluation unit 130, and the result output unit 140 may be configured as CPU functions. The device 100 may also operate in cooperation with a computing device and a storage device of a server (e.g., a cloud server) connected via a network. The system according to the present disclosure may be understood as a system including, for example, a server 60 and a terminal 62 connected to the server via a network 61 (FIG. 7).

[0030] The measurement unit 110 can receive information on cavitation from an external device. The measurement unit 110 may include an echo device or a laser microscope for evaluating cavitation. Alternatively, the measurement unit 110 can receive data from an external device, such as an echo device or a laser microscope, connected via a wire or wirelessly.

[0031] The analysis unit 120 analyzes the input information to recognize cavitation in the dermis and calculate the presence or absence of cavitation and its size. Any analytical method using a computer known to those skilled in the art, a method using machine learning, or the like can be used to analyze the information.

[0032] The wrinkle evaluation unit 130 evaluates wrinkles based on the data obtained by the analysis unit. For example, the wrinkle evaluation unit 130 can evaluate whether there is a high risk of wrinkles occurring or whether there are many wrinkles, based on the presence or absence of dermal cavitation, its size, and / or number. Wrinkles can be expression wrinkles or fixed wrinkles. If there are already many expression wrinkles, it can be evaluated that there is a high risk of fixed wrinkles occurring.

[0033] In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the wrinkle evaluation unit 130, a future prediction unit may be further included that predicts the future state of wrinkles based on the analysis results.

[0034] In some embodiments, the wrinkle evaluation unit 130 may further include a recommendation unit that recommends cosmetics, medications, or cosmetic methods based on the evaluation of the wrinkle or cavitation state. The recommendation unit may include a database (DB) that stores information on cosmetics, medications, or cosmetic methods. In this specification, a system according to the present disclosure that includes a recommendation unit may also be referred to as a recommendation device.

[0035] The result output unit 140 may include a display, a printer, a speaker, etc. for presenting information to the user. The result output unit 140 may also output the results to an external device connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0036] [Device / System for Evaluating Cavitation] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cavitation evaluation system that evaluates cavitation using the state of wrinkles on a subject's forehead as a criterion. In some aspects, the system includes: (i) an image acquisition unit that acquires images of wrinkles on the subject's forehead; (ii) an image analysis unit that analyzes the acquired images; (iii) a cavitation evaluation unit that evaluates the state of cavitation based on the analysis results; and (iv) a result output unit that outputs the evaluation results. In some aspects, the system may include: (i) an image acquisition unit that acquires images of wrinkles on the subject's forehead; (ii) an image analysis unit that analyzes the acquired images; (iii) a cavitation evaluation unit that evaluates the state of cavitation based on the analysis results; and (iv) a result output unit that outputs the evaluation results, each of which may be physically located separately.

[0037] In some embodiments, the system comprises: (i) an image acquisition means configured to acquire images of wrinkles on the subject's forehead; (ii) an image analysis means configured to analyze the acquired images; (iii) a cavitation assessment means configured to assess the cavitation state based on the analysis results; and (iv) a result output means configured to output the assessment results.

[0038] In some embodiments, the image acquisition unit can receive skin images and / or shapes from an external device. The image acquisition unit may further include hardware such as a camera for capturing images, lighting, and a control processor. Alternatively, the image acquisition unit can receive image data from an external device such as a camera connected via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the system described in Patent No. 5,528,692 can be connected to the system of the present disclosure via a wired or wireless connection, or may be integrated as part of the system of the present disclosure. The image acquisition unit may include a database (DB) for storing input images and / or shapes.

[0039] In some embodiments, the image analysis unit can analyze the input image and / or shape to evaluate the subject's forehead wrinkles. The image and / or shape analysis can be performed using any image analysis method using a computer known to those skilled in the art, such as a method using machine learning.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cavitation evaluation unit can perform cavitation evaluation by comparing the wrinkle measurement value with a predetermined reference value. The predetermined reference value can be set based on data such as the cavitation state, expression wrinkle state, fixed wrinkle state, age, and gender collected from multiple subjects. For example, the cavitation evaluation can be performed by simply determining the presence or absence of wrinkles based on a certain size. The wrinkles can be expression wrinkles or fixed wrinkles.

[0041] The device 200 illustrated in FIG. 6 constitutes part or all of the system according to the present disclosure and includes an image acquisition unit 210, an image analysis unit 220, a hollowing evaluation unit 230, and a result output unit 240. The device 200 may include a computing device such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage device such as a ROM / RAM, a hard disk, or a flash memory. This storage device may store programs for controlling the device and acquired data (images, parameters, etc.). The computing device may then execute the programs stored in the storage device to cause the device 200 to function as the image acquisition unit 210, the image analysis unit 220, the hollowing evaluation unit 230, and the result output unit 240. In other words, the image acquisition unit 210, the image analysis unit 220, the hollowing evaluation unit 230, and the result output unit 240 may be configured as CPU functions. The device 200 may also operate in cooperation with the computing device and storage device of a server (e.g., a cloud server) connected via a network. The system according to the present disclosure may be understood as a system including, for example, a server 60 and a terminal 62 connected to the server via a network 61 (FIG. 7).

[0042] The image acquisition unit 210 can receive wrinkle images from an external device. As described above, the image acquisition unit 210 may include hardware such as a camera for capturing images, lighting, a control processor, etc. Alternatively, the image acquisition unit 210 can receive data from an external device connected via a wire or wirelessly.

[0043] The image analysis unit 220 can analyze the input information to evaluate wrinkles on the subject's forehead. Any analysis method using a computer known to those skilled in the art, such as a method using machine learning, can be used to analyze the information.

[0044] The hollowing evaluation unit 230 evaluates hollowing based on the data obtained by the analysis unit. For example, as described above, the hollowing evaluation unit 230 can evaluate hollowing by comparing the measured values ​​of wrinkles with a predetermined reference value. The predetermined reference value can be set based on data such as the state of hollowing, the state of expression wrinkles, the state of fixed wrinkles, age, and gender collected from multiple subjects. For example, hollowing may be evaluated by simply determining the presence or absence of wrinkles based on a certain size. The wrinkles may be expression wrinkles or fixed wrinkles.

[0045] In some embodiments, the hollowing evaluation unit 230 may further include a recommendation unit that recommends cosmetics, medications, or makeup methods based on the evaluation of the wrinkle or hollowing state. The recommendation unit may include a database (DB) that stores information on cosmetics, medications, or makeup methods. In this specification, a system according to the present disclosure that includes a recommendation unit may also be referred to as a recommendation device.

[0046] The result output unit 240 may include a display, printer, speaker, etc. for presenting information to the user. The result output unit 240 may also output the results to an external device connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0047] [Hardware Configuration] Here, in the above-mentioned device, an execution program that can cause a computer to execute each function is generated, and processing can be performed by installing the execution program in, for example, a general-purpose personal computer, a server, or a combination thereof.

[0048] Here, an example of the hardware configuration of a computer capable of implementing the processing according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0049] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration capable of implementing the processing according to the present disclosure. The computer main body in Fig. 8 is configured to have an input device 51, an output device 52, a drive device 53, an auxiliary storage device 54, a memory device 55, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 56 that performs various controls, and a network connection device 57, all of which are interconnected by a system bus B.

[0050] The input device 51 has a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse that are operated by a user, etc., and inputs various operation signals such as program execution from the user, etc. The input device 51 can also input various data such as a facial image of the subject obtained via a communication network from an external device connected to the network connection device 57, etc.

[0051] The output device 52 has a display that displays various windows and data necessary for operating the computer main body for performing the processing according to the present disclosure, and can display the progress and results of program execution according to a control program stored in the CPU 56. The output device 52 can also print the above-mentioned processing results on a print medium such as paper and present them to a user.

[0052] Here, in the present disclosure, the execution program to be installed in the computer main body is provided by a recording medium 58 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a CD-ROM, a DVD, etc. The recording medium 58 on which the program is recorded can be set in the drive device 53, and the execution program contained in the recording medium 58 is installed from the recording medium 58 to the auxiliary storage device 54 via the drive device 53.

[0053] The auxiliary storage device 54 is a storage means such as a hard disk, and can store the execution program according to the present disclosure and the control program provided in the computer, and can input and output data as needed.

[0054] The memory device 55 stores the execution program and the like read from the auxiliary storage device 54 by the CPU 56. The memory device 55 is made up of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

[0055] The executable program may also be downloaded, in whole or in part, from an external device when needed via any network. Furthermore, the external device may be provided with an auxiliary storage device 54 on which the executable program is installed and / or a memory device 55 for storing the installed executable program. The external device may be a server. The server may be a specific server or an unspecified server such as a cloud platform. Furthermore, the executable program may be provided through a subscription-based service. A subscription-based service is a form of computer software usage in which a fee is paid according to the period of software usage. Thus, the form of use of the executable program may be arbitrary and is not limited.

[0056] The CPU 56 can realize each process by controlling the overall processing of the computer, such as various calculations and data input / output to / from each hardware component, based on control programs such as an OS (Operating System) and an execution program stored in the memory device 55. Note that various information required during program execution can be obtained from the auxiliary storage device 54, and execution results can also be stored.

[0057] By connecting to a communication network, etc., the network connection device 57 can obtain the execution program from other terminals, servers, etc. connected to the communication network, and can provide the execution results obtained by executing the program or the execution program itself related to the present disclosure to other terminals, servers, etc.

[0058] The above-described hardware configuration allows the analysis process according to the present disclosure to be executed. Furthermore, by installing a program, the process according to the present disclosure can be easily implemented on a general-purpose personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like.

[0059] [Program] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a program that causes a computer to execute a method according to the present disclosure. From another perspective, the program according to the present disclosure may be a method that is executed in part or in whole on a computer. In some aspects, the program according to the present disclosure may be a program that causes a computer to execute a process including: (i) acquiring information about cavitation in the dermis of the subject's forehead (step 100); (ii) analyzing the information and analyzing the cavitation state (step 110); (iii) comparing the analysis result obtained in step ii with a predetermined reference value or substituting it into a predetermined formula (step 120); and (iv) evaluating the wrinkle state based on the comparison result or calculation result of step iii (step 130). FIG. 9 shows an example of processing by the device. Steps 100 to 130 are performed by the CPU of the device (which may include a server) executing the program.

[0060] In some embodiments, the program may execute a step of predicting the future state of wrinkles based on the analysis results, instead of or in addition to the above steps iii and iv.

[0061] Additionally, some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a computer-readable medium having non-transiently stored thereon instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the following steps: (i) obtaining information on cavitation in the dermis of the subject's forehead (step 100); (ii) analyzing the information to analyze the cavitation status (step 110); (iii) comparing the analysis result obtained in step ii with a predetermined reference value or substituting it into a predetermined formula (step 120); and (iv) evaluating the wrinkle status based on the comparison or calculation result of step iii (step 130).

[0062] In some embodiments, the computer-readable medium may store instructions for performing a step of predicting future wrinkle conditions based on the analysis results, instead of or in addition to steps iii and iv above.

[0063] In some embodiments, the program of the present disclosure acquires information on cavitation in the dermis of the subject's forehead in step 100. The information may be, for example, but not limited to, measurements obtained by ultrasound or laser microscopy.

[0064] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure analyzes the input information and calculates the presence, size, and / or number of cavitations in step 110. Any image analysis method using a computer known to those skilled in the art, a method using machine learning, or the like can be used to analyze the information.

[0065] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure compares the presence, size, and / or number of cavitations with a predetermined reference value in step 120. The predetermined reference value can be set based on data such as the cavitation state, expression wrinkle state, fixed wrinkle state, age, and gender collected from multiple subjects. Alternatively, in step 120, for example, the degree of cavitation is substituted into a predetermined formula to calculate the wrinkle state.

[0066] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure evaluates the wrinkle condition in step 130 based on the comparison result of step 120. For example, the wrinkle evaluation may be performed by simply determining the presence or absence of cavitation based on a certain size. Alternatively, for example, the size and / or number of dermal cavitations may be used as a criterion to evaluate whether there is a high risk of developing wrinkles or whether there are many wrinkles. The wrinkles may be expression wrinkles or fixed wrinkles. If there are already many expression wrinkles, the risk of developing fixed wrinkles may be evaluated as high. Alternatively, in step 130, the wrinkle condition is evaluated based on the calculation result of step 120, for example, on a five-point scale from 0 to 4.

[0067] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure may further include a step of recommending an appropriate cosmetic, medication, or cosmetic method based on the evaluation of the cavitation state in step 130. In this case, the program according to the present disclosure queries a database (DB) that stores information on the cosmetic, medication, or cosmetic method.

[0068] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure may further include outputting the evaluation or recommendation results in step 140. The results may be output to various devices (such as a display, printer, or speaker) connected via a wired or wireless connection.

[0069] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure may be a program that causes a computer to execute a process including the steps of: (i) acquiring an image of wrinkles in the dermis of a subject's forehead (step 200); (ii) analyzing the image to analyze the state of the wrinkles (step 210); (iii) comparing the analysis result obtained in step ii with a predetermined reference value (step 220); and (iv) evaluating the state of cavitation based on the comparison result of step iii (step 230). FIG. 10 shows an example of processing by the device. Steps 200 to 230 are performed by a CPU of the device (which may include a server) executing the program.

[0070] Additionally, some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a computer-readable medium having non-transiently stored thereon instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the following steps: (i) acquiring an image of wrinkles in the dermis of a subject's forehead (step 200); (ii) analyzing the image to analyze the state of the wrinkles (step 210); (iii) comparing the analysis result obtained in step ii with a predetermined reference value (step 220); and (iv) assessing the state of cavitation based on the comparison result of step iii (step 230).

[0071] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure acquires an image and / or shape of wrinkles in the dermis of the subject's forehead in step 200. The image data can be acquired from an external device, such as a camera connected via a wired or wireless connection.

[0072] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure analyzes the input image and calculates the presence, size, and / or number of wrinkles in step 210. Any known image analysis method, a method using machine learning, or the like can be used to analyze the image.

[0073] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure compares the presence, size, and / or number of wrinkles with a predetermined reference value in step 220. The predetermined reference value can be set based on data such as the state of cavitation, the state of expression wrinkles, the state of fixed wrinkles, age, and gender collected from multiple subjects.

[0074] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure evaluates the state of cavitation in step 230 based on the comparison result of step 220. For example, the evaluation of cavitation may be performed by simply determining the presence or absence of wrinkles based on a certain size. Alternatively, the evaluation of cavitation may be performed based on the size and / or number of wrinkles. The wrinkles may be expression wrinkles or fixed wrinkles.

[0075] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure may further include a step of recommending an appropriate cosmetic, medication, or cosmetic method based on the evaluation of the estimated cavitation state in step 230. In this case, the program according to the present disclosure queries a database (DB) that stores information on the cosmetic, medication, or cosmetic method.

[0076] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure may further include outputting the evaluation or recommendation results in step 240. The results may be output to various devices (such as a display, printer, or speaker) connected via a wired or wireless connection.

[0077] In some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure may be installed on a smartphone or tablet for use. In such a case, some processing may be performed on a server connected via a network. In addition, in some embodiments, the program according to the present disclosure may be installed on a server for use. In such a case, image data may be acquired from a smartphone or tablet connected via a network, and evaluation results may be output to a smartphone or tablet connected via a network.

[0078] Observation of dermal cavitation: The internal structure of the dermis layer on the subjects' foreheads was observed noninvasively using ultrasound. A 13 MHz probe, Prosound alpha 5 (Aloka Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), was applied perpendicularly to the skin, which had been coated with a thin layer of ultrasound gel, and the skin structure was measured using B-mode. Using Image J, the shortest distance from the epidermis to the fat layer was measured, and the inverted value (mm) was used to indicate the degree of dermal cavitation.

[0079] The results of the observations on middle-aged women are shown in Figure 1. As shown on the right side of Figure 1, the results showed that the skin on the forehead becomes hollow with age.

[0080] Increase in Expression Wrinkles Due to Cavitation Figure 2 shows the results of an investigation into the correlation between the degree of expression wrinkles (transient wrinkles) and the degree of cavitation (fat infiltration) on the foreheads of subjects. Expression wrinkles were defined as wrinkles observed on the forehead when the eyes were moved upward (rated on a 5-point scale from 0 to 4 by experienced judges). The data in Figure 2 demonstrate a significant correlation between the degree of expression wrinkles and the degree of cavitation (correlation coefficient R = -0.6; P < 0.001), and also demonstrate that the relationship between the degree of cavitation Y (mm) and the degree of expression wrinkles X can be expressed as Y = -0.1X + 1.5. These results demonstrate that the degree of expression wrinkles can be estimated by examining the degree of dermal cavitation, and conversely, the degree of dermal cavitation can be estimated by examining the degree of expression wrinkles.

[0081] Correlation between expression wrinkles and fixed wrinkles Figure 3 shows the results of an investigation into the correlation between the degree of expression wrinkles (transient wrinkles) and fixed wrinkles on the subjects' foreheads. Fixed wrinkles were those observed on the forehead when the eyes were closed (rated on a six-point scale from 0 to 5 by experienced judges). The data in Figure 3 show that as expression wrinkles increase, fixed wrinkles also increase (correlation coefficient R = 0.9; P < 0.001). The relationship between the degree of fixed wrinkles (Y) and the degree of expression wrinkles (X) can be expressed as Y = -0.1X - 0.2.

[0082] Increase in fixed wrinkles due to cavitation Figure 4 shows the results of an investigation into the correlation between the degree of fixed wrinkles and the degree of cavitation (fat infiltration) on the foreheads of subjects. The data in Figure 4 indicate that there is a significant correlation between the degree of fixed wrinkles and the degree of cavitation (correlation coefficient R = -0.6; P < 0.01), and that the relationship between the degree of cavitation Y (mm) and the degree of fixed wrinkles X can be expressed as Y = -0.1X + 1.3. These results indicate that the degree of fixed wrinkles can be estimated by examining the degree of dermal cavitation of a subject, and conversely, the degree of dermal cavitation can be estimated by examining the degree of fixed wrinkles of a subject.

[0083] Relationship between age and degree of cavitation Analysis of the forehead region of healthy female subjects (30 to 50 years old, 30 people) revealed a significant correlation between age and cavitation (correlation coefficient R = -0.7; P < 0.01). The relationship between cavitation Y and age X can be expressed as Y = -0.02X + 2.2 (P < 0.01). This result indicates that the degree of cavitation Y (mm) can be calculated using information on age X.

[0084] All documents mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The technical scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims, and the examples in this specification do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be modified, for example, by adding, deleting, or substituting the constituent elements of the present disclosure, provided that the modifications do not depart from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0085] 51 Input device 52 Output device 53 Drive device 54 Auxiliary storage device 55 Memory device 56 CPU 57 Network connection device 58 Recording medium 60 Server 61 Network 62 Terminal 100 Device 110 Measurement unit 120 Analysis unit 130 Wrinkle evaluation unit 140 Result output unit 200 Device 210 Image acquisition unit 220 Image analysis unit 230 Cavity state evaluation unit 240 Result output unit

Claims

1. A method for evaluating wrinkles, using the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of the forehead of a subject as a criterion.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of measuring the state of fat infiltration by an echo or a laser microscope.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein when fat infiltration occurs, it is evaluated that the risk of wrinkles occurring is high or there are many wrinkles.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wrinkles are expression wrinkles and / or static wrinkles.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fat infiltration is evaluated by the distance from the skin surface, where the fat infiltration is measured by an echo or a laser microscope, to the cavity.

6. A wrinkle evaluation system for evaluating wrinkles using the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of the forehead of a subject as a criterion.

7. A measurement unit for measuring the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of the forehead of a subject, An analysis unit for analyzing the measured state of fat infiltration, A wrinkle evaluation unit for evaluating wrinkles based on the analysis result A result output unit for outputting the evaluation result The system according to claim 6, comprising:

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the measurement unit is configured to measure the state of fat infiltration by an echo or a laser microscope.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the wrinkle evaluation unit performs evaluation by comparing the measured value with a predetermined reference value.

10. A computer program for causing the system according to any one of claims 7 to 9 to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. A method for evaluating fat infiltration with the state of wrinkles on the forehead of a subject as a criterion.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the wrinkle is an expression wrinkle and / or a fixed wrinkle.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein when a wrinkle occurs, it is evaluated that fat infiltration has occurred.

14. A fat infiltration evaluation system for evaluating the state of fat infiltration with the state of wrinkles on the forehead of a subject as a criterion.

15. An image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of wrinkles on the forehead of a subject, An image analysis unit for analyzing the acquired image, A fat infiltration evaluation unit for evaluating the state of fat infiltration based on the analysis result, A result output unit for outputting the evaluation result The system according to claim 14, comprising:

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the fat infiltration evaluation unit performs the evaluation by comparing the measured value with a predetermined reference value.

17. A computer program for causing the system according to any one of claims 14 to 16 to execute the method according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

18. A skin sensing method for evaluating wrinkles, including the state of fat infiltration in the dermis of the forehead of a subject as a measurement item.

19. A recommendation method based on the evaluation of wrinkles using the sensing data obtained by the method according to claim 18.

20. A method for predicting the future state of fat infiltration and / or the state of wrinkles based on the state at the time of measuring the fat infiltration in the dermis of the forehead of a subject.