Estimation method for condition of skin, estimation device for condition of skin, estimation system for condition of skin, and program

Abstract

An estimation method for the condition of skin, comprising a step for measuring a component in a subject's urine, and a step for estimating a future condition of the subject's skin of the subject on the basis of the measurement result for the component.

Description

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

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

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

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2019-025071 discloses a skin condition evaluation method. This skin condition evaluation method includes an acquisition step (S11) of blood flow information on the facial skin of a subject, and an evaluation step (S13) of evaluating the facial skin condition of the subject based on the acquired blood flow information. The blood flow information includes a blood flow index value, which is obtained from a light intensity image obtained by irradiating the skin with laser light and capturing scattered light.

[0004] However, the technology of JP 2019-025071 A estimates skin condition using an optical method, which has limitations on the accuracy of skin condition estimation because the living body itself is not the specimen and the measurement is affected by the measurement environment (e.g., ambient light).

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of skin condition estimation.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a method for estimating a skin condition, comprising: measuring components in a subject's urine; and estimating the subject's future skin condition based on the measurement results of the components.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a skin condition estimation device of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of a subject database of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of a measurement database of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of skin condition estimation processing of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the information processing of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of variant 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of skin condition estimation processing of variant 2. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of variant 3. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a skin condition estimation system of variant 3. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of skin condition estimation processing of variant 3.

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0009] The terms used in this embodiment are defined as follows: "User" refers to a user of the skin condition estimating device (for example, a subject or an examiner).

[0010] (1) Configuration of the Skin Condition Estimation Device The configuration of the skin condition estimation device will be described below. Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the skin condition estimation device of this embodiment.

[0011] The skin condition estimation device 10 in Fig. 1 is a computer (an example of an "information processing device") that executes a skin condition estimation process. The skin condition estimation device 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. As shown in Fig. 1, the skin condition estimation device 10 includes a storage device 11, a processor 12, an input / output interface 13, and a communication interface 14.

[0012] The storage device 11 is configured to store programs and data, and is, for example, a combination of a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0013] The programs include, for example, the following: OS (Operating System) program Parameters, functions, and models used in information processing Programs for applications that execute information processing (for example, skin condition estimation processing)

[0014] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Data obtained by executing information processing (i.e., execution results of information processing)

[0015] The processor 12 is configured to realize the functions of the skin condition estimating device 10 by running a program stored in the storage device 11. The processor 12 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof.

[0016] The input / output interface 13 is configured to receive user instructions from an input device connected to the skin condition estimation device 10, and to output information to an output device connected to the skin condition estimation device 10. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof. The output device is, for example, a display.

[0017] The communication interface 14 is configured to control communication between the skin condition estimating device 10 and an external device (e.g., a server).

[0018] (2) Overview of the Embodiment The overview of this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of this embodiment.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the subject hands over their urine sample to the user.

[0020] The user tests the collected urine sample and measures the components in the subject's urine, and inputs the measurement results of the components in the subject's urine to the skin condition estimating device 10.

[0021] The skin condition estimating device 10 estimates the subject's future skin condition based on the input measurement results.

[0022] (3) Database The database of this embodiment will be described. The following database is stored in the storage device 11.

[0023] (3-1) Subject Database The subject database of this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of the subject database of this embodiment.

[0024] The subject database in Figure 3 stores subject information. The subject information is information about a subject. The subject information database includes a "subject ID" field, a "subject name" field, a "subject attribute" field, and a "urinary" field. Each field is associated with another field.

[0025] The "Subject ID" field stores subject identification information. The subject identification information is information that identifies the subject.

[0026] The "subject name" field stores subject name information, which is information about the subject's name.

[0027] The "subject attribute" field stores subject attribute information. The subject attribute information is information relating to the attributes of the subject. The "subject attribute" field includes a "gender" field and an "age" field.

[0028] The "gender" field stores gender information, which is information about the gender of the subject.

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

[0030] The "non-urinary" field stores non-urinary information. Non-urinary information is information other than measurement result information of urine components, and is information that is referenced for estimating skin condition. The "non-urinary" field includes a "lifestyle" field, a "medical interview" field, and a "blood" field.

[0031] The "Lifestyle" field stores lifestyle information. The lifestyle information is information about the subject's lifestyle (for example, at least one of information obtained from a questionnaire survey of the subject and information measured by a wearable device worn by the subject). The lifestyle includes, for example, at least one of the following: Sleeping habits Eating habits Exercise habits Work habits

[0032] The "medical interview" field stores medical interview information. The medical interview information is information related to the results of a medical interview conducted on the subject regarding the urinary nutritional status. The medical interview information includes, for example, at least one of the following: Fatigue (for example, how easily one tires) Psychological state (for example, stress or anxiety) Physical condition (for example, at least one of headache and concentration) Smoking status (for example, whether or not one smokes, or frequency) Pregnancy status Menstrual state (for example, menstrual cycle) Presence or absence of allergies Food preferences (for example, frequency of eating fish)

[0033] The "blood" field stores blood information. The blood information is information related to blood. The blood information includes, for example, at least one of the following: Vitamins (for example, vitamin D) Minerals

[0034] (3-2) Measurement Database The measurement database of this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the measurement database of this embodiment.

[0035] The measurement result database in FIG. 4 stores measurement result information. The measurement result information is information relating to the results of measurements performed on a subject. The measurement result information database includes a "measurement result ID" field, a "timestamp" field, a "urinary minerals" field, and a "urinary vitamins" field. Each field is associated with the other fields. The measurement database is associated with subject identification information.

[0036] The "measurement result ID" field stores measurement result identification information, which is information for identifying the measurement result.

[0037] The "timestamp" field stores timestamp information, which is information about the date and time when the measurement was performed.

[0038] The "urine minerals" field stores urinary mineral information. The urinary mineral information is information about the mineral components in urine obtained from a urine test performed on the subject. The measurement result information includes, for example, at least one of the following: Potassium content Magnesium content Phosphorus content Zinc

[0039] The "urinary vitamins" field stores information about urinary vitamins. The urinary vitamin information is information about vitamin components in urine obtained from a urine test performed on the subject. The measurement result information includes, for example, at least one of the following: Vitamin D

[0040] (4) Skin Model The skin model of this embodiment will be described.

[0041] In this embodiment, the skin condition is estimated using a skin model, which includes a future skin model and a current skin model.

[0042] (4-1) Future Skin Model The future skin model of this embodiment will be described.

[0043] The future skin model describes the correlation between urinary components and future skin condition. The future skin condition refers to the skin condition at a time point after the measurement of the urinary components. The explanatory variables of the future skin model are the urinary components. The objective variable of the future skin model is the future skin condition.

[0044] The future skin model differs for each indicator of the future skin condition. The indicator of the future skin condition includes, for example, at least one of the following indicators: Skin moisture (for example, the amount or level of moisture in the dermis) Skin barrier function Skin firmness (i.e., viscoelasticity) Skin color (for example, transparency, yellowish dullness, or yellowish skin) Skin hemoglobin amount Skin melanin amount Skin turnover cycle

[0045] In a future skin model that uses skin moisture as a dependent variable, for example, urinary potassium is weighted heavily among the explanatory variables. For example, according to the future skin model, the higher the urinary potassium, the more moisture there is in the skin.

[0046] In a future skin model that uses skin barrier function as a response variable, for example, at least one of the explanatory variables, urinary phosphorus and urinary vitamin D, has a large weight. For example, according to the future skin model, the higher the urinary phosphorus, the worse the skin barrier function is estimated to be. For example, according to the future skin model, the higher the urinary vitamin D, the better the skin barrier function is estimated to be.

[0047] In a future skin model that uses skin firmness as a response variable, for example, urinary magnesium is weighted heavily among the explanatory variables. For example, the future skin model estimates that the higher the urinary magnesium, the better the skin firmness.

[0048] In a future skin model that uses skin color as a response variable, for example, among the explanatory variables, urinary vitamin D is weighted heavily. As an example, the future skin model estimates that the more urinary vitamin D there is, the less yellowish dullness there will be.

[0049] In a future skin model in which the amount of skin hemoglobin is the objective variable, for example, at least one of the explanatory variables, urinary vitamin D and urinary zinc, is weighted heavily. For example, the future skin model estimates that the higher the amount of urinary vitamin D, the higher the amount of hemoglobin. For example, the future skin model estimates that the higher the amount of urinary zinc, the higher the amount of hemoglobin.

[0050] In a future skin model in which the amount of melanin in the skin is the objective variable, for example, urinary zinc is weighted heavily among the explanatory variables. For example, the future skin model estimates that the more zinc in the urine, the lower the amount of melanin.

[0051] In a future skin model that uses the skin turnover cycle as a response variable, for example, urinary zinc is weighted heavily among the explanatory variables. For example, the future skin model estimates that the higher the urinary zinc, the more regular the turnover cycle.

[0052] (4-2) Current Skin Model The current skin model of this embodiment will be described.

[0053] The current skin model describes the correlation between urine components and current skin condition. The current skin condition refers to the skin condition at the time of measurement of the urine components. The explanatory variables of the current skin model are the urine components. The objective variable of the current skin model is the current skin condition.

[0054] The current skin model is different for each indicator of the current skin condition, which is similar to the future skin condition.

[0055] (5) Skin Condition Estimation Processing The skin condition estimation processing of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the skin condition estimation processing of this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the information processing of Fig. 5.

[0056] 5 is one of the following: A user launches a predetermined application (e.g., an application for estimating a skin condition) of the skin condition estimating device 10. A user accesses a predetermined website (e.g., a website that provides a service for estimating a skin condition) using the skin condition estimating device 10.

[0057] 5, the skin condition estimating device 10 acquires measurement results (S1110). Specifically, the processor 12 displays screen P1110 (FIG. 6) on the display. Screen P1110 includes operation object B1110 and field objects F1110a to F1110b.

[0058] The operation object B1110 is an object that receives a user instruction to confirm input to the field objects F1110a to F1110b.

[0059] The field object F1110a is an object that accepts input of subject identification information.

[0060] The field object F1110b is an object that receives input of measurement result information of the subject.

[0061] When the user inputs subject identification information into field object F1110a, inputs the subject's measurement result information into field object F1110b, and operates operation object B1110, the processor 12 stores the subject identification information and measurement result information in the storage device 11.

[0062] After step S1110, the skin condition estimating device 10 estimates a future skin condition (S1111). Specifically, the storage device 11 stores a future skin model.

[0063] The processor 12 estimates the future skin condition according to the components in the subject's urine by providing the measurement results input to the field object F1110b in step S1110 to the future skin model.

[0064] After step S1111, the skin condition estimating device 10 estimates the current skin condition (S1112). Specifically, the storage device 11 stores a current skin model.

[0065] The processor 12 estimates the current skin condition (i.e., the time of execution of step S1112) according to the components in the subject's urine by providing the measurement results input into the field object F1110b in step S1110 to the current skin model.

[0066] After step S1112, the skin condition estimating device 10 updates the database (S1113). Specifically, the processor 12 adds a new record to the measurement result database ( FIG. 4 ) associated with the subject identification information obtained in step S1110. The following information is stored in each field of the new record: "Measurement result ID" field: new measurement result identification information "Timestamp" field: information related to the date and time of execution of step S1110 "Urinary minerals" field: measurement result information obtained in step S1110 "Urinary vitamins" field: measurement result information obtained in step S1110

[0067] After step S1113, the skin condition estimating device 10 displays the estimation result (S1114). Specifically, the processor 12 displays screen P1111 (FIG. 6) on the display. Screen P1111 includes display objects A1111a to A1111b.

[0068] The display object A1111a is an object that displays the estimation result of the future skin condition obtained in step S1111.

[0069] The display object A1111b is an object that displays the estimation result of the current skin condition obtained in step S1112.

[0070] (6) Summary of the Present Embodiment According to the present embodiment, future skin conditions are estimated based on components in urine, thereby improving the accuracy of skin condition estimation.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the current skin condition may be estimated based on the measurement results, which can further improve the accuracy of skin condition estimation.

[0072] (7) Modifications A modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0073] (7-1) Modification 1 Modification 1 of the present embodiment will be described. Modification 1 is an example in which recommendations are provided based on the results of skin condition estimation.

[0074] (7-1-1) Overview of Modification 1 An overview of Modification 1 will be described. FIG.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 7, the subject hands over their urine sample to the user.

[0076] The user tests the collected urine sample and measures the components in the subject's urine, and inputs the measurement results of the components in the subject's urine to the skin condition estimating device 10.

[0077] The skin condition estimating device 10 estimates the subject's future skin condition based on the input measurement results, and determines a recommendation according to the future skin condition.

[0078] (7-1-2) Skin Condition Estimation Process of Modification 1 The skin condition estimation process of Modification 1 will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the skin condition estimation process of this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the information processing of Fig. 8.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 8, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes the steps from obtaining measurement results (S1110) to estimating the current skin condition (S1112), similar to those in FIG.

[0080] After step S1112, the skin condition estimating device 10 generates a recommendation (S2110). Specifically, the storage device 11 stores a recommendation model.

[0081] In the first example of the recommendation model, the correlation between future skin conditions and recommendations is described. The explanatory variable of the recommendation model is the future skin condition. The objective variable of the recommendation model is the recommendation.

[0082] The processor 12 generates a recommendation according to the future skin condition by providing the future skin condition obtained in step S1111 to the recommendation model.

[0083] The second example of the recommendation model describes the correlation between the current skin condition and the recommendation. The explanatory variable of the recommendation model is the current skin condition. The objective variable of the recommendation model is the recommendation.

[0084] The processor 12 generates a recommendation according to the current skin condition by providing the current skin condition obtained in step S1112 to the recommendation model.

[0085] In the third example of the recommendation model, the correlation between the future skin condition, the current skin condition, and the recommendation is described. The explanatory variables of the recommendation model are the future skin condition and the current skin condition. The objective variable of the recommendation model is the recommendation.

[0086] The processor 12 generates a recommendation according to the combination of the future skin condition obtained in step S1111 and the current skin condition obtained in step S1112 by providing the recommendation model with the future skin condition and the current skin condition. The processor 12 generates a recommendation according to the current skin condition by providing the recommendation model with the current skin condition obtained in step S1112.

[0087] The fourth example of the recommendation model describes the correlation between changes in the measurement results of components in urine and recommendations. The explanatory variable of the recommendation model is the change in the measurement results of components in urine. The objective variable of the recommendation model is the recommendation.

[0088] The processor 12 acquires measurement result information (i.e., past measurement result information) from the "urinary minerals" field and the "urinary vitamins" field of the measurement result database ( FIG. 4 ) associated with the subject identification information acquired in step S1110. The processor 12 identifies differences in urine components by comparing the measurement result information (i.e., past measurement result information) with the measurement result information acquired in step S1110 (i.e., the latest measurement result information). The processor 12 provides the identified differences (i.e., changes in urine components) to a recommendation model, thereby generating recommendations according to the changes.

[0089] After step S2110, the skin condition estimating device 10 updates the database (S1113) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0090] After step S1113, the skin condition estimating device 10 displays the estimation result (S2111). Specifically, the processor 12 displays screen P2110 (FIG. 9) on the display after screen P1111 (FIG. 6). Screen P2110 includes display object A2110.

[0091] Display object A2110 displays the recommendation obtained in step S2110.

[0092] (7-1-3) Summary of Modification 1 According to Modification 1, recommendations may be generated based on the skin condition estimation results, thereby encouraging improvement according to the skin condition.

[0093] According to Modification 1, recommendations may be generated based on the results of comparing past measurement results with the latest measurement results, thereby making it possible to encourage improvements in consideration of the tendency of changes in the subject's skin condition.

[0094] (7-2) Modification 2 Modification 2 of the present embodiment will be described. Modification 2 is an example in which the skin condition is estimated based on a combination of measurement results of components in urine and information other than the components in urine (hereinafter referred to as “non-urine information”).

[0095] (7-2-1) Overview of Modification 2 An overview of Modification 2 will be described. FIG.

[0096] As shown in Figure 10, the subject hands over their urine sample to the user. The subject's extra-urinary information is stored in the storage device 11. The extra-urinary information includes, for example, at least one of the following: Lifestyle (for example, at least one of sleep quality and fatigue feeling) Results of a medical interview regarding urinary nutritional status Results of a blood test

[0097] The user tests the collected urine sample and measures the components in the subject's urine, and inputs the measurement results of the components in the subject's urine to the skin condition estimating device 10.

[0098] The skin condition estimating device 10 acquires extra-urinary information of the subject, and estimates the subject's future skin condition based on a combination of the input measurement results and the extra-urinary information.

[0099] (7-2-2) Skin Model of Modification 2 The skin model of modification 2 will be described.

[0100] (7-2-2-1) Future Skin Model The future skin model of the second modification will be described.

[0101] A first example of the future skin model of Modification 2 describes the correlation between a combination of urine components and lifestyle habits and a future skin condition. The explanatory variables of the future skin model are the urine components and lifestyle habits. The objective variable of the future skin model is the future skin condition.

[0102] A third example of the future skin model of variant 2 describes the correlation between a combination of the results of a questionnaire regarding urinary components and urinary nutritional status and future skin condition. The explanatory variables of the future skin model are the results of the questionnaire regarding urinary components and urinary nutritional status. The objective variable of the future skin model is the future skin condition. For example, if the result of the questionnaire regarding "psychological state" is "stressed" or "anxious," it is estimated that there is a magnesium deficiency. For example, if the result of the questionnaire regarding "food preferences" is "I don't eat much fish," it is estimated that there is a vitamin D deficiency.

[0103] A fourth example of the future skin model of variant example 2 describes the correlation between a combination of urine components and blood test results and a future skin condition. The explanatory variables of the future skin model are the urine components and the blood test results. The objective variable of the future skin model is the future skin condition.

[0104] (7-2-2-2) Current Skin Model The current skin model of the second modification will be described.

[0105] A first example of the current skin model of Modification Example 2 describes the correlation between a combination of urine components and lifestyle habits and the current skin condition. The explanatory variables of the current skin model are the urine components and lifestyle habits. The objective variable of the current skin model is the current skin condition.

[0106] A third example of the current skin model of variant 2 describes the correlation between the combination of the results of the interview regarding the components in urine and the nutritional status of urine and the current skin condition. The explanatory variables of the current skin model are the results of the interview regarding the components in urine and the nutritional status of urine. The objective variable of the current skin model is the current skin condition. For example, if the result of the interview regarding "fatigue" is "getting tired easily," it is estimated that there is a vitamin B deficiency. For example, if the result of the interview regarding "psychological state" is "stressed" or "anxious," it is estimated that there is a magnesium deficiency. For example, if the result of the interview regarding "smoking status" is "smoking," it is estimated that there is a vitamin C deficiency. For example, if the result of the interview regarding "food preferences" is "not eating much fish," it is estimated that there is a vitamin D deficiency.

[0107] A fourth example of the current skin model of Modification Example 2 describes the correlation between a combination of urine components and blood test results and the current skin condition. The explanatory variables of the current skin model are the urine components and the blood test results. The objective variable of the current skin model is the current skin condition.

[0108] (7-2-3) Skin Condition Estimation Process of Modification 2 The following describes the skin condition estimation process of Modification 2. FIG.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 11, the skin condition estimating device 10 acquires measurement results (S1110) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0110] After step S1110, the skin condition estimating device 10 acquires extra-urine information (S3110). Specifically, the processor 12 refers to the subject database ( FIG. 3 ) to acquire extra-urine information associated with the subject identification information obtained in step S1110.

[0111] After step S3110, the skin condition estimation device 10 executes estimation of a future skin condition (S3111). Specifically, a future skin model is stored in the storage device 11. The processor 12 provides the measurement result information obtained in step S1110 and the extra-urinary information obtained in step S3110 to the future skin model, thereby estimating a future skin condition according to the combination of the measurement result information and the extra-urinary information.

[0112] After step S3111, the skin condition estimation device 10 estimates the current skin condition (S3112). In a first example of step S3112, a current skin model is stored in the storage device 11. The processor 12 provides the measurement result information obtained in step S1110 and the non-urinary information obtained in step S3110 to the current skin model, thereby estimating the current skin condition according to the combination of the measurement result information and the non-urinary information.

[0113] After step S3112, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes the processes from updating the database (S1113) to displaying the estimation results (S1114), similar to FIG.

[0114] (7-2-4) Summary of Modification 2 According to Modification 2, the skin condition of a subject may be estimated based on a combination of urine components and extra-urinary information (for example, at least one of the results of a medical interview regarding lifestyle habits and urinary nutritional status), which can further improve the accuracy of skin condition estimation.

[0115] (7-3) Modification 3 Modification 3 will be described. Modification 3 is an example of a skin condition estimation system including the skin condition estimating device 10.

[0116] (7-3-1) Overview of Modification 3 An overview of Modification 3 will be described. FIG.

[0117] 12 , the subject hands over their urine sample to the user. The subject then transmits subject identification information to the skin condition estimating device 10 via the client device 30.

[0118] The user tests the collected urine sample and measures the components in the subject's urine. The user inputs the measurement results of the components in the subject's urine and subject identification information to the skin condition estimating device 10.

[0119] The skin condition estimating device 10 associates the input measurement results with the subject identification information and stores them. The skin condition estimating device 10 estimates the subject's future skin condition based on the input measurement results, and presents the estimation result to the subject via the client device 30.

[0120] (7-3-2) Configuration of Skin Condition Estimation System of Modification 3 The following describes the configuration of the skin condition estimation system of Modification 3. Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram of the skin condition estimation system of Modification 3.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 13 , the skin condition estimating system 1 of the third modification includes a skin condition estimating device 10 and a client device 30 .

[0122] The configuration of the skin condition estimating device 10 is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0123] 13 is a computer (an example of an "information processing device") that transmits requests to the skin condition estimation device 10 and receives responses from the skin condition estimation device 10. The client device 30 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 1 , the client device 30 includes a storage device 31, a processor 32, an input / output interface 33, and a communication interface 34.

[0124] The storage device 31 is configured to store programs and data, and is, for example, a combination of ROM, RAM, and storage (for example, flash memory or a hard disk).

[0125] The programs include, for example, the following: OS (Operating System) programs Parameters, functions, and models used in information processing Applications (for example, web browsers) that execute information processing

[0126] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Data obtained by executing information processing (i.e., execution results of information processing)

[0127] The processor 32 is configured to realize the functions of the client device 30 by running a program stored in the storage device 31. The processor 32 is, for example, a CPU, a GPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0128] The input / output interface 33 is configured to receive user instructions from an input device connected to the client device 30 and to output information to an output device connected to the client device 30. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof. The output device is, for example, a display.

[0129] The communication interface 34 is configured to control communication between the client device 30 and the skin condition estimating device 10 .

[0130] (7-3-3) Skin Condition Estimation Process of Modification 3 The following describes the skin condition estimation process of Modification 3. FIG.

[0131] 14 is triggered by any of the following: The subject launches a predetermined application (e.g., an application for estimating a skin condition) of the skin condition estimation device 10. The subject uses the skin condition estimation device 10 to access a predetermined website (e.g., a website that provides a service for estimating a skin condition).

[0132] As shown in FIG. 14, the client device 30 acquires the measurement results (S1110) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0133] After step S1110, the client device 30 executes an estimation request (S5310). Specifically, the processor 32 transmits estimation request data to the skin condition estimation device 10. The estimation request data includes, for example, the following information: Subject identification information input into the field object F1110a Measurement result information input into the field object F1110b

[0134] After step S5310, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes the steps from estimating a future skin condition (S1111) to updating the database (S1113) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0135] After step S1113, the skin condition estimating device 10 executes an estimated response (S5110). Specifically, the processor 12 transmits estimated response data to the client device 30. The estimated response data includes, for example, the following information: Estimation result of future skin condition obtained in step S1111 Estimation result of current skin condition obtained in step S1112

[0136] After step S5110, the client device 30 displays the estimation result (S1114) in the same manner as in FIG.

[0137] (7-3-4) Summary of Modification 3 According to Modification 3, a skin condition estimation request is made to the skin condition estimating device 10 via the client device 30 used by the subject, and the skin condition estimation result is obtained. This allows the subject to know their own skin condition more easily.

[0138] (8) Other Modifications Other modifications will now be described.

[0139] The storage device 11 may be connected to the skin condition estimating device 10 via a network. The storage device 31 may be connected to the client device 30 via a network.

[0140] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined.

[0141] 1: Skin condition estimation system 10: Skin condition estimation device 11: Storage device 12: Processor 13: Input / output interface 14: Communication interface 30: Client device 31: Storage device 32: Processor 33: Input / output interface 34: Communication interface

Claims

1. A method for estimating a skin condition, comprising: a step of measuring components in a subject's urine; and a step of estimating the subject's future skin condition based on the measurement results of the components.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the estimating step estimates the skin condition based on the measurement results and the subject's lifestyle habits.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the component is a mineral.

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

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the mineral is phosphorus and the skin condition is skin barrier function.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the mineral is magnesium and the skin condition is skin viscoelasticity.

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

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

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a step of estimating the subject's skin condition at the time of measurement based on the component measurement results.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a step of generating a recommendation for the subject based on the skin condition estimation result.

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

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

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the extra-urinary information includes at least one of the subject's lifestyle habits, the results of a questionnaire regarding the subject's urinary nutritional status, and the results of a blood test on the subject.

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

15. A skin condition estimation device comprising: a means for acquiring measurement results of components in a subject's urine; and a means for estimating the future skin condition of the subject based on the measurement results of the components.

16. A skin condition estimating system comprising a client device used by a subject and a skin condition estimating device connected to the client device, wherein the skin condition estimating device has a means for acquiring measurement results of components in the subject's urine, a means for estimating the subject's future skin condition based on the measurement results of the components, a means for transmitting the results of the estimation to the client device, and the client device has a means for presenting the results of the estimation.

17. A program for causing a computer to function as a means for measuring components in a subject's urine, and a means for estimating the future skin condition of the subject based on the measurement results of the components.

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