Skin condition estimation device, product recommendation system, skin condition estimation method, natural moisturizing factor component amount estimation device, natural moisturizing factor component amount estimation method, moisture retention estimation device, moisture retention estimation method, product recommendation method, and program

Abstract

Provided is a skin condition estimation device comprising: a measurement unit that measures the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject; a component amount estimation unit that, on the basis of the measured mobility, estimates the component amount of a natural moisturizing factor contained in the skin; and a skin condition estimation unit that estimates the condition of the skin on the basis of the component amount.

Description

Skin condition estimation device, product recommendation system, skin condition estimation method, natural moisturizing factor component amount estimation device, natural moisturizing factor component amount estimation method, moisture retention capacity estimation device, moisture retention capacity estimation method, product recommendation method and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a skin condition estimation device, a product recommendation system, a skin condition estimation method, a natural moisturizing factor component amount estimation device, a natural moisturizing factor component amount estimation method, a moisture retention capacity estimation device, a moisture retention capacity estimation method, a product recommendation method, and a program.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a method for evaluating the amount of a component in skin, including: a) measuring the amount of a component in skin to be measured; and b) obtaining information on the amount of a component in skin in the depth direction of the skin from the data obtained in step a). Patent Literature 1 exemplified the skin component as a natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which is a component that originally constitutes skin. Patent Literature 1 also discloses that confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy is used in step a).

[0003] JP 2010-223609 A

[0004] For example, when evaluating skin condition at a store, it is required to measure the amount of natural moisturizing factors and the like in a short period of time.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technology for estimating skin conditions in a short period of time.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a skin condition estimation device comprising a measurement unit that measures the mobility of water molecules in a subject's skin, a component amount estimation unit that estimates the component amount of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the measured mobility, and a skin condition estimation unit that estimates the condition of the skin based on the component amount.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the skin condition can be estimated in a short time.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a skin condition estimation device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a processing unit in the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Raman spectrum acquired in the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a skin condition estimation device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of the skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a skin condition estimation device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of the skin condition estimation device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the skin condition estimation device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of a skin condition estimation device according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of a skin condition estimating device according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of a skin condition estimating device according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of a product recommendation system according to a seventh embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the description of the specification and drawings relating to each embodiment, components having substantially the same or corresponding functional configurations may be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment A skin condition estimating device according to the first embodiment will be described. The skin condition estimating device according to the first embodiment includes a measuring unit that measures the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject, a component amount estimating unit that estimates component amounts of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the measured mobility, and a skin condition estimating unit that estimates the skin condition based on the component amounts.

[0011] The mobility of water molecules indicates the strength of the bond between oxygen and hydrogen that make up the water molecule. In other words, the mobility of water molecules indicates the ease with which water moves. The mobility of water molecules is sometimes called the motility of water molecules. For example, when a water molecule is bonded (hydrogen bonded) to the surrounding molecules that make up the skin, the oxygen-hydrogen bond becomes less likely to vibrate, and the bond strength increases. In other words, the mobility of water molecules decreases. On the other hand, when a water molecule is weakly bonded (hydrogen bonded) to the surrounding water molecules, the oxygen-hydrogen bond becomes more likely to vibrate, and the mobility of water molecules increases. However, the vibration frequency is also affected by the structure and state of the molecules to which the water molecule is bonded, so the mobility of water molecules changes depending on the state of various skin molecules.

[0012] A skin condition estimating device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a skin condition estimating device 1, which is an example of a skin condition estimating device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] The skin condition estimating device 1 measures the mobility of water molecules in the OBJ to be measured, estimates the amount of natural moisturizing factor components contained in the skin of the OBJ to be measured based on the measured mobility, and estimates the skin condition of the OBJ to be measured based on the estimated amount of natural moisturizing factor components.

[0014] The skin condition estimation device 1 includes a Raman spectrum measurement unit 10, a processing unit 20, and a display unit 30. The Raman spectrum measurement unit 10, the processing unit 20, and the display unit 30 included in the skin condition estimation device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0015] [Raman Spectroscopy Unit 10] The Raman spectroscopic unit 10 measures a Raman spectrum to measure the mobility of water molecules in the object OBJ to be measured. The Raman spectroscopic unit 10 irradiates the object OBJ with light and detects Raman scattered light scattered from the object by so-called Raman scattering spectroscopy. The wavelength of the light irradiated by the Raman spectroscopic unit 10 is, for example, 671 nanometers. Note that the wavelength of the irradiated light is not limited to 671 nanometers and may be selected appropriately. Specifically, the wavelength of the irradiated light may be, for example, 633 nanometers. The Raman spectroscopic unit 10 also detects Raman scattered light at a predetermined depth in the object OBJ to be measured. The Raman spectroscopic unit 10 is, for example, a confocal Raman spectrometer.

[0016] The Raman spectrum is the spectrum of scattered light that appears due to the Raman effect. When light passes through a material, it is scattered into two parts: strong elastically scattered light (Rayleigh scattering (brightest emission line)) with a wavelength equal to that of the incident light, and weak inelastically scattered light (Raman scattering (other emission lines)) with a wavelength slightly shifted from that of the incident light.

[0017] The Raman spectrum measurement unit 10 measures a Raman spectrum for each depth ΔD. The depth ΔD is, for example, 2 micrometers. Note that the depth ΔD is not limited to 2 micrometers and may be selected appropriately. Specifically, the depth ΔD may be, for example, 1 micrometer. The i-th depth (i is an integer equal to or greater than 1) DPT(i) is expressed by Equation 1.

[0018]

[0019] The Raman spectrum at depth DPT(i) is denoted as Raman spectrum SPR(i). The Raman spectrum intensity at wavenumber σ in Raman spectrum SPR(i) is denoted as SPRI(i, σ).

[0020] The wavenumber σ in the Raman spectrum measurement unit 10 is, for example, in the range of 2400 per centimeter to 4000 per centimeter. The wavenumber σ may be acquired discretely within the above range, for example. Note that the wavenumber σ in the Raman spectrum measurement unit 10 is not limited to the range of 2400 per centimeter to 4000 per centimeter and may be selected as appropriate. Specifically, the wavenumber σ in the Raman spectrum measurement unit 10 may be, for example, in the range of 1 per centimeter to 100 per centimeter.

[0021] The Raman spectrum measurement unit 10 outputs the Raman spectrum SPR(i) to the processing unit 20 .

[0022] [Processing Unit 20] The processing unit 20 processes the Raman spectrum at a predetermined depth output from the Raman spectrometer 10 to calculate the mobility of water molecules in the OBJ to be measured. Then, the processing unit 20 estimates the amount of natural moisturizing factor components in the skin of the OBJ to be measured based on the calculated mobility of water molecules. Then, the processing unit 20 estimates the skin condition of the OBJ to be measured based on the estimated amount of natural moisturizing factor components.

[0023] A description will now be given of the hardware configuration of the processing unit 20. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the processing unit 20, which is an example of the skin condition estimating device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] The processing unit 20 is, for example, a computer. The processing unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23. The processing unit 20 also includes a storage I / F (Interface) 24i, a communication I / F 25i, an external I / F 26i, and a display I / F 27i. The CPU 21, RAM 22, ROM 23, storage I / F 24i, communication I / F 25i, external I / F 26i, and display I / F 27i are each connected to a bus B2. For example, a storage medium 24 is connected to the storage I / F 24i. The Raman spectrum measurement unit 10 is connected to the external I / F 26i. The display unit 30 is connected to the display I / F 27i.

[0025] The CPU 21 is a computing device that reads a program (application) from a storage device such as the ROM 23 or the storage medium 24 onto the RAM 22 and executes processing.

[0026] The RAM 22 is a volatile semiconductor memory that temporarily stores, for example, programs (applications) and the like.

[0027] The ROM 23 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that can retain programs (applications) even when the power is turned off, and stores programs such as the BIOS that is executed at startup, and various settings such as OS settings and network settings.

[0028] The storage I / F 24i is an interface with an external storage device such as the storage medium 24. The processing unit 20 reads from and writes to the storage medium 24 using the storage I / F 24i.

[0029] The storage medium 24 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0030] The communication I / F 25i is an interface that connects to an external network such as the Internet, etc. The communication I / F 25i connects to the external network using, for example, a wired communication method.

[0031] The external I / F 26i is an interface that connects to an external device of the processing unit 20. The external I / F 26i is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a GP-IB (General Purpose Interface Bus).

[0032] The display I / F 27i is an interface for connecting to an external display device in the processing unit 20. The display I / F 27i is, for example, a Video Graphics Array (VGA), a Digital Visual Interface (DVI), a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark)), or a DisplayPort.

[0033] The processing unit 20 executes various processes (described later) by executing a program (application) in the above-described hardware configuration. The processing by the processing unit 20 will be described in detail later.

[0034] [Display Unit 30] The display unit 30 displays the results of calculations performed by the processing unit 20. The display unit 30 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display.

[0035] <Functional Configuration of Skin Condition Estimation Device According to First Embodiment> The following describes the functional configuration of the skin condition estimation device according to First Embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a skin condition estimation device 1, which is an example of a skin condition estimation device according to First Embodiment.

[0036] The skin condition estimating device 1 includes a measuring unit 1M, a component amount estimating unit 1C, a skin condition estimating unit 1E, a result display unit 1F, and a storage unit 1S. The measuring unit 1M includes a Raman spectrum acquiring unit 1A and a mobility calculating unit 1B.

[0037] [Measurement Unit 1M] The measurement unit 1M measures the mobility of water molecules in the skin of the measurement subject OBJ. The measurement unit 1M includes a Raman spectrum acquisition unit 1A and a mobility calculation unit 1B.

[0038] [Raman spectrum acquisition unit 1A] The Raman spectrum acquisition unit 1A acquires a Raman spectrum SPR(i) at a predetermined measured depth DPT(i) for the object OBJ to be measured. The Raman spectrum acquisition unit 1A is composed of a Raman spectrum measurement unit 10 and a processing unit 20.

[0039] The processing unit 20 controls the Raman spectrum measurement unit 10 to measure the Raman spectrum of the object OBJ to be measured. The processing unit 20 also acquires the Raman spectrum SPR(i) of the object OBJ to be measured at the depth DPT(i) measured by the Raman spectrum measurement unit 10.

[0040] The processing in the Raman spectrum acquisition unit 1A executed by the processing unit 20 is realized by the CPU 21 executing a program.

[0041] [Mobility Calculation Unit 1B] The mobility calculation unit 1B calculates the mobility MBT(i) at the depth DPT(i) based on the Raman spectrum SPR(i) at the depth DPT(i). The mobility calculation unit 1B is configured by a processing unit 20.

[0042] The processing in the mobility calculation unit 1B executed by the processing unit 20 is realized by the CPU 21 executing a program.

[0043] [Component Amount Estimation Unit 1C] The component amount estimation unit 1C estimates the component amount IGA(i) of the natural moisturizing factor contained in the skin of the measurement target OBJ at the depth DPT(i) based on the mobility MBT(i) at the depth DPT(i) calculated by the mobility calculation unit 1B in the measurement unit 1M. The component amount estimation unit 1C is composed of a processing unit 20.

[0044] The natural moisturizing factors estimated by the component amount estimation unit 1C are, for example, at least one of free amino acids, urea, lactate, and transurocanic acid. Note that the natural moisturizing factors estimated by the component amount estimation unit 1C are not limited to the above examples, as long as they are natural moisturizing factors.

[0045] The processing in the component amount estimation unit 1C executed by the processing unit 20 is realized by the CPU 21 executing a program.

[0046] [Skin Condition Estimation Unit 1E] The skin condition estimation unit 1E estimates the skin condition of the measurement target OBJ based on the component amount IGA(i) of the natural moisturizing factor at the depth DPT(i) calculated by the component amount estimation unit 1C. The skin condition estimation unit 1E is composed of a processing unit 20.

[0047] The processing in the skin condition estimation unit 1E executed by the processing unit 20 is realized by the CPU 21 executing a program.

[0048] [Result Display Unit 1F] The result display unit 1F displays the results estimated by the skin condition estimation unit 1E on the display unit 30. The result display unit 1F is composed of a processing unit 20 and a display unit 30.

[0049] The processing in the result display unit 1F executed by the processing unit 20 is realized by the CPU 21 executing a program.

[0050] [Storage Unit 1S] The storage unit 1S stores information necessary for processing. The storage unit 1S is configured by the ROM 23 or the storage medium 24 in the processing unit 20.

[0051] <Processing of Skin Condition Estimating Device According to First Embodiment> The following describes the processing flow of the skin condition estimating device according to First Embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of a skin condition estimating device 1, which is an example of a skin condition estimating device according to First Embodiment.

[0052] The measurement unit 1M measures the mobility MBT of water molecules in the skin of the measurement subject OBJ, and outputs the measured mobility MBT to the component amount estimation unit 1C.

[0053] The component amount estimating unit 1C estimates the component amount IGA in the skin of the measurement target OBJ based on the mobility MBT measured by the measuring unit 1M. Then, the component amount estimating unit 1C outputs the estimated component amount IGA to the skin condition estimating unit 1E.

[0054] The skin condition estimation unit 1E estimates the skin condition of the measurement subject OBJ based on the component amounts IGA estimated by the component amount estimation unit 1C. Then, the skin condition estimation unit 1E outputs an estimation result RES indicating the estimated skin condition to the result display unit 1F.

[0055] The result display unit 1F displays the result based on the estimation result RES output from the skin condition estimation unit 1E.

[0056] Next, details of the processing executed by the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment will be described using skin condition estimation device 1, which is an example of a skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment. By describing the processing executed by the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment, steps included in a skin condition estimation method using the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment will be described. Furthermore, by describing the processing executed by the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment, steps included in a program for causing a computer in the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment to execute the processing will be described.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the skin condition estimating device 1, which is an example of a skin condition estimating device according to the first embodiment.

[0058] (Step S10) When processing starts, the Raman spectrum acquisition unit 1A in the skin condition estimation device 1 acquires the Raman spectrum of the object OBJ to be measured. The processing unit 20 controls the Raman spectrum measurement unit 10 to acquire the Raman spectrum of the object OBJ to be measured. Specifically, the processing unit 20 controls the Raman spectrum measurement unit 10 to measure the Raman spectrum SPR(i) at the depth DPT(i). Then, the processing unit 20 acquires the Raman spectrum SPR(i) measured by the Raman spectrum measurement unit 10.

[0059] The number of Raman spectra SPR(i) to be acquired is determined appropriately.

[0060] (Step S20) Next, the mobility calculation unit 1B in the skin condition estimation device 1 calculates the mobility MBT(i) of water molecules at the depth DPT(i). Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a Raman spectrum acquired by the skin condition estimation device 1, which is an example of the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment.

[0061] An example of a Raman spectrum when the object to be measured is human skin is shown in Fig. 6. The horizontal axis of Fig. 6 represents wavenumber (unit: per centimeter), and the vertical axis represents spectral intensity (unit: arbitrary unit).

[0062] When the Raman spectrometer 10 irradiates light with a wavelength of 671 nanometers, the Raman spectrum exhibits a high spectral intensity due to water molecules in the wavenumber range of 3000 per centimeter to 3700 per centimeter, as shown in Fig. 6. For example, when the energy of molecular vibrations in water molecules is high, the wavenumber of the Raman spectrum increases.

[0063] When light with a wavelength of 671 nanometers is irradiated, the wavenumber band Bs ranging from 3100 wavenumbers per centimeter to 3350 wavenumbers per centimeter is considered to be the wavenumber band of Raman scattered light scattered by water molecules with low vibrational energy. Therefore, the intensity of the Raman spectrum in the wavenumber band Bs indicates the intensity of Raman scattered light scattered by water molecules with slow vibrations.

[0064] On the other hand, when light with a wavelength of 671 nanometers is irradiated, the wavenumber band Bf ranging from 3,350 wavenumbers per centimeter to 3,550 wavenumbers per centimeter is considered to be the wavenumber band of Raman scattered light scattered by water molecules with high vibrational energy. Therefore, the intensity of the Raman spectrum in the wavenumber band Bf indicates the intensity of Raman scattered light scattered by water molecules with fast vibrations.

[0065] Each of the wavenumber bands Bs and Bf may be a wavenumber range that can divide the wavenumber band in which the spectral intensity of water molecules is high into two regions, and is not limited to the range described in this embodiment as long as it is a wavenumber position or range that divides the wavenumber band into two.

[0066] For example, the wavenumber range may be such that the region can be divided into two, with the wavenumber band Bs being from 3000 wavenumbers per centimeter to 3350 wavenumbers per centimeter, and the wavenumber band Bf being from 3350 wavenumbers per centimeter to 3600 wavenumbers per centimeter, etc. Also, in this embodiment, a wavenumber of less than 100 wavenumbers per centimeter (not shown) may be used as one of the two divided regions.

[0067] Therefore, the mobility calculation unit 1B calculates the mobility MBT(i) by finding the ratio between the Raman spectral intensity SPRIs(i) contained in the wavenumber band Bs and the Raman spectral intensity SPRIf(i) contained in the wavenumber band Bf at the depth DPT(i).

[0068] The processing in the mobility calculation unit 1B will be described. The mobility calculation unit 1B calculates the Raman spectrum intensity SPRIs(i) at the depth DPT(i) based on Equation 2.

[0069]

[0070] Furthermore, the mobility calculation unit 1B calculates the Raman spectrum intensity SPRIf(i) at the depth DPT(i) based on Equation 3.

[0071]

[0072] The wave number σ1 is the first wave number, which is the lower limit of the wave number at which water molecules are determined to be slow. The wave number σ2 is the second wave number, which is the upper limit of the wave number at which water molecules are determined to be slow and the lower limit of the wave number at which water molecules are determined to be fast. The wave number σ3 is the third wave number, which is the upper limit of the wave number at which water molecules are determined to be fast.

[0073] For example, the first wave number is 3100 per centimeter, the second wave number is 3350 per centimeter, and the third wave number is 3550 per centimeter. Note that the first wave number, the second wave number, and the third wave number are not limited to the above example. For example, the first wave number may be 3150 per centimeter, the second wave number 3300 per centimeter, and the third wave number 3600 per centimeter.

[0074] In the above example, the upper limit of the wave number at which water molecules are determined to be slow and the lower limit of the wave number at which water molecules are determined to be fast are set to the same wave number, but they may be different wave numbers.

[0075] Then, the mobility calculation unit 1B calculates the mobility MBT(i) of water molecules at the depth DPT(i) based on Equation 4.

[0076]

[0077] In the above example, the case where the Raman spectrum intensity is acquired for a continuous wavenumber σ has been described, but when it is acquired for a discrete wavenumber σ, the calculation is performed by summation rather than integration in each of Equation 2 and Equation 3. Alternatively, similar calculations may be performed by band decomposition using a curve fitting method or the like.

[0078] The Raman spectral intensities SPRIf(i) and SPRIs(i) may be normalized by a Raman spectral intensity SPRIp(i) that indicates vibrations in carbon-hydrogen bonds (CH) in proteins.

[0079] A Raman spectrum showing vibrations in carbon-hydrogen bonds (CH) in a protein appears in a wavenumber band Bb from wavenumber 2910 per centimeter to wavenumber 2965 per centimeter. Therefore, the mobility calculation unit 1B calculates the Raman spectrum intensity SPRIb(i) based on Equation 5.

[0080]

[0081] For example, the wave number σs1 is 2910 per centimeter, and the wave number σs2 is 2965 per centimeter. Note that the wave numbers σs1 and σs2 are not limited to the above examples. For example, the wave number σs1 may be 2920 per centimeter, and the wave number σs2 may be 2970 per centimeter.

[0082] The mobility calculation unit 1B calculates the normalized Raman spectral intensity SPRIs2(i) at the depth DPT(i) based on Equation 6.

[0083]

[0084] Furthermore, the mobility calculation unit 1B calculates the normalized Raman spectral intensity SPRIf2(i) at the depth DPT(i) based on Equation 7.

[0085]

[0086] The mobility calculation unit 1B may calculate the mobility using the normalized Raman spectrum intensity.

[0087] As described above, the measurement unit 1M measures the mobility MBT at a plurality of depths.

[0088] (Step S30) Next, the component amount estimation unit 1C in the skin condition estimation device 1 calculates the component amount IGA(i) of the natural moisturizing factor at the depth DPT(i) based on the mobility MBT(i) of water molecules at the depth DPT(i).

[0089] The component amount IGA(i) of the natural moisturizing factor is calculated, for example, based on Equation 8.

[0090]

[0091] The function f(x) is a function that shows the relationship between mobility MBT(i) and the amount of natural moisturizing factor IGA(i) at depth DPT(i). The function f(x) may be determined, for example, by measuring the mobility and the amount of natural moisturizing factor for multiple subjects and performing regression analysis or the like.

[0092] The component amount IGA(i) may be a value that represents the physical amount of the component amount, or may be normalized so that the actually measured value falls within the range of 0 to 1, for example.

[0093] (Step S40) Next, the skin condition estimating unit 1E in the skin condition estimating device 1 estimates the skin condition based on the component amount IGA(i) of the natural moisturizing factor at the depth DPT(i) calculated in step S30.

[0094] The skin condition estimation unit 1E in the skin condition estimating device 1 calculates a score SCR for estimating the skin condition based on, for example, Equation 9.

[0095]

[0096] where c1(i) is the absolute value of the correlation coefficient between the water molecule mobility MBT at the pre-measured depth DPT(i) and the natural moisturizing factor component amount IGA. Also, coefficient c1 is the sum of c1(i), as shown in Equation 10.

[0097]

[0098] Here, a1 and b1 are integers equal to or greater than 1. Furthermore, b1 is an integer equal to or greater than a1. Furthermore, a1 and b1 are determined based on the range in which the score SCR is calculated. That is, the score SCR is calculated based on the component amount IGA in the range from the depth DPT(a1) to the depth DPT(b1). For example, in the range from the depth DPT(a1) to the depth DPT(b1), the correlation coefficient between the water molecule mobility MBT and the component amount IGA of the natural moisturizing factor is set to a value (e.g., 0.2) or greater at which a correlation is recognized.

[0099] The skin condition estimation unit 1E estimates the skin condition of the measurement subject OBJ based on the score SCR. For example, if the score SCR is equal to or less than a threshold value TA1, the skin condition estimation unit 1E estimates that the skin condition is "poor." If the score SCR is greater than the threshold value TA1 and equal to or less than a threshold value TB1 that is greater than the threshold value TA1, the skin condition estimation unit 1E estimates that the skin condition is "normal." If the score SCR is greater than the threshold value TB1, the skin condition estimation unit 1E estimates that the skin condition is "good."

[0100] The skin condition estimation unit 1E outputs the estimation result RES including the score SCR to the result display unit 1F.

[0101] (Step S50) Next, the result display unit 1F in the skin condition estimating device 1 displays the result on the display unit 30 based on the estimation result RES estimated by the skin condition estimating unit 1E.

[0102] According to the skin condition estimating device of the first embodiment, the amount of natural moisturizing factors can be measured quickly by measuring the amount of natural moisturizing factors based on the mobility of water molecules. According to the skin condition estimating device of the first embodiment, the amount of natural moisturizing factors can be measured quickly by quickly measuring the amount of natural moisturizing factors, thereby estimating the skin condition in a short time.

[0103] The inventors have found that there is a negative correlation between the mobility of water molecules and the amount of free amino acids, which are natural moisturizing factors, in the depth range of 2 micrometers to 12 micrometers. In other words, the inventors have found that the higher the mobility of water molecules, the lower the amount of free amino acids.

[0104] For example, when measuring the amount of free amino acids using conventional Raman spectroscopy, the measurement takes a long time due to low measurement sensitivity. However, the skin condition estimating device according to the first embodiment measures the amount of natural moisturizing factors based on the mobility of water molecules, thereby reducing the time required to about one-fifteenth of that required when measuring the amount of free amino acids using conventional Raman spectroscopy.

[0105] The skin estimation device according to the first embodiment estimates the skin condition using a skin condition estimation unit, but the device may also be a natural moisturizing factor component amount estimation device that estimates the component amounts of natural moisturizing factors based on the skin estimation device according to the first embodiment. Similarly, the device may be a natural moisturizing factor component amount estimation method that estimates the component amounts of natural moisturizing factors based on the skin condition estimation method using the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment.

[0106] Furthermore, the mobility of water molecules in a skin layer correlates with the mobility of water molecules in adjacent layers. Therefore, the mobility may be measured near the depth of the layer to be measured, and the amount of components at the depth of the layer to be measured may be estimated based on the mobility. For example, the mobility of water molecules at 10 micrometers may be used to estimate the amount of natural moisturizing factor components from 4 micrometers to 20 micrometers. In other words, the component amount estimation unit may estimate the amount of components at the first depth based on the mobility near the first depth.

[0107] Second Embodiment A skin condition estimating device according to the second embodiment will be described. The skin condition estimating device according to the second embodiment includes a measuring unit that measures the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject, and a component amount estimating unit that estimates the component amounts of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the measured mobility. The skin condition estimating device according to the second embodiment also includes a moisture retention capacity estimating unit that estimates the moisture retention capacity of the skin based on the component amounts, and a skin condition estimating unit that estimates the skin condition based on the moisture retention capacity.

[0108] In the skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment, for components common to those of the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment, the description of the skin condition estimation device according to the first embodiment should be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. For the following embodiments as well, the description of the previous embodiment should be referred to for the matters described in the previous embodiment.

[0109] <Functional Configuration of Skin Condition Estimation Device According to Second Embodiment> The following describes the functional configuration of a skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a skin condition estimation device 2, which is an example of a skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment.

[0110] Skin condition estimation device 2 comprises a measurement unit 1M, a component amount estimation unit 1C, a moisture retention capacity estimation unit 2D, a skin condition estimation unit 2E, a result display unit 2F, and a storage unit 1S. In other words, skin condition estimation device 2 further comprises a moisture retention capacity estimation unit 2D in addition to the components of skin condition estimation device 1. And, instead of the skin condition estimation unit 1E and result display unit 1F of skin condition estimation device 1, skin condition estimation device 2 comprises a skin condition estimation unit 2E and result display unit 2F, respectively.

[0111] [Moisture Retention Capacity Estimation Unit 2D] The moisture retention capacity estimation unit 2D estimates the moisture retention capacity MRT of the skin of the measurement subject OBJ based on the component amount IGA(i) of the natural moisturizing factor at the depth DPT(i) calculated by the component amount estimation unit 1C. The moisture retention capacity estimation unit 2D is composed of a processing unit 20.

[0112] The processing in the component amount estimation unit 1C executed by the processing unit 20 is realized by the CPU 21 executing a program.

[0113] [Skin Condition Estimation Unit 2E] The skin condition estimation unit 2E estimates the skin condition of the measurement subject OBJ based on the moisture retention capacity MRT calculated by the moisture retention capacity estimation unit 2D.

[0114] [Result Display Unit 2F] The result display unit 2F displays the results estimated by the skin condition estimation unit 2E on the display unit 30. The result display unit 2F is composed of the processing unit 20 and the display unit 30.

[0115] <Processing of Skin Condition Estimation Device According to Second Embodiment> The following describes the processing flow of the skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of a skin condition estimation device 2, which is an example of a skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment.

[0116] The measurement unit 1M measures the mobility MBT of water molecules in the skin of the measurement subject OBJ, and outputs the measured mobility MBT to the component amount estimation unit 1C.

[0117] The component amount estimating unit 1C estimates the component amount IGA in the skin of the measurement subject OBJ based on the mobility MBT measured by the measuring unit 1M. Then, the component amount estimating unit 1C outputs the estimated component amount IGA to the moisture retention capacity estimating unit 2D.

[0118] The moisture retention capacity estimation unit 2D estimates the moisture retention capacity MRT of the skin of the measurement subject OBJ based on the component amount IGA estimated by the component amount estimation unit 1C. Then, the moisture retention capacity estimation unit 2D outputs the estimated moisture retention capacity MRT to the skin condition estimation unit 2E.

[0119] The skin condition estimation unit 2E estimates the condition of the skin of the measurement subject OBJ based on the moisture retention capacity MRT estimated by the moisture retention capacity estimation unit 2D. Then, the skin condition estimation unit 2E outputs an estimation result RES indicating the estimated skin condition to the result display unit 2F.

[0120] The result display unit 2F displays the result based on the estimation result RES output from the skin condition estimation unit 2E.

[0121] Next, details of the processing executed by the skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment will be described using skin condition estimation device 2, which is an example of a skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment. By describing the processing executed by the skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment, steps included in a skin condition estimation method using the skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, by describing the processing executed by the skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment, steps included in a program for causing a computer in the skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment to execute the processing will be described.

[0122] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a skin condition estimating device 2, which is an example of a skin condition estimating device according to the second embodiment.

[0123] For steps S10, S20, and S30, please refer to the description of the skin condition estimating device according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0124] (Step S135) The moisture retention capacity estimation unit 2D in the skin condition estimation device 2 estimates the moisture retention capacity MRT of the skin of the measurement subject OBJ based on the component amount IGA(i) of the natural moisturizing factor at the depth DPT(i) calculated in step S30.

[0125] The moisture retention capacity estimating unit 2D in the skin condition estimating device 2 estimates the moisture retention capacity MRT based on, for example, Equation 11.

[0126]

[0127] where c2(i) is the absolute value of the correlation coefficient between the water molecule mobility MBT and the water retention capacity at the previously measured depth DPT(i). Also, the coefficient c2 is the sum of c2(i), as shown in Equation 12.

[0128]

[0129] Here, a2 and b2 are integers equal to or greater than 1. Furthermore, b2 is an integer equal to or greater than a2. Furthermore, a2 and b2 are determined based on the range in which the moisture retention capacity is calculated. That is, the moisture retention capacity MRT is calculated based on the component amount IGA in the range from depth DPT(a2) to depth DPT(b2). For example, in the range from depth DPT(a2) to depth DPT(b2), the correlation coefficient between the component amount IGA of the natural moisturizing factor and the moisture retention capacity is set to a value (e.g., 0.2) or greater at which a correlation is recognized.

[0130] (Step S140) Next, skin condition estimating section 2E in skin condition estimating device 2 estimates the skin condition based on the moisture retention capacity MRT estimated in step S135.

[0131] The skin condition estimation unit 2E estimates the skin condition of the measurement subject OBJ based on the moisture retention capacity MRT. For example, if the moisture retention capacity MRT is equal to or less than a threshold value TA2, the skin condition estimation unit 2E estimates that the skin condition is "poor." If the moisture retention capacity MRT is greater than the threshold value TA2 and equal to or less than a threshold value TB2 that is greater than the threshold value TA2, the skin condition estimation unit 2E estimates that the skin condition is "normal." If the moisture retention capacity MRT is greater than the threshold value TB2, the skin condition estimation unit 2E estimates that the skin condition is "good."

[0132] The skin condition estimation unit 2E outputs the estimation result RES including the score SCR to the result display unit 2F.

[0133] (Step S150) Next, the result display unit 2F in the skin condition estimating device 2 displays the result on the display unit 30 based on the estimation result RES estimated by the skin condition estimating unit 2E.

[0134] The skin condition estimating device according to the second embodiment can quickly measure the amount of natural moisturizing factors by measuring the component amounts of the natural moisturizing factors based on the mobility of water molecules. The skin condition estimating device according to the second embodiment can quickly estimate moisture retention capacity by quickly measuring the component amounts of the natural moisturizing factors. Furthermore, the skin condition estimating device according to the second embodiment can quickly estimate the moisture retention capacity by quickly estimating the skin condition.

[0135] Although the skin estimation device according to the second embodiment estimates skin condition using a skin condition estimation unit, it may also be a moisture retention estimation device that estimates moisture retention based on the skin estimation device according to the second embodiment. Similarly, it may also be a moisture retention estimation method that estimates moisture retention based on the skin condition estimation method by the skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment.

[0136] Third Embodiment A skin condition estimating device according to the third embodiment will be described. The skin condition estimating device according to the third embodiment includes a measuring unit that measures the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject, a moisture retention capacity estimating unit that estimates the moisture retention capacity of the skin based on the measured mobility, and a skin condition estimating unit that estimates the skin condition based on the moisture retention capacity.

[0137] <Functional configuration of a skin condition estimating device according to a third embodiment> The following describes the functional configuration of a skin condition estimating device according to a third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a skin condition estimating device 3, which is an example of a skin condition estimating device according to the third embodiment.

[0138] The skin condition estimation device 3 includes a measurement unit 1M, a moisture retention capacity estimation unit 3D, a skin condition estimation unit 3E, a result display unit 3F, and a memory unit 1S. In other words, instead of the component amount estimation unit 1C, skin condition estimation unit 1E, and result display unit 1F of the skin condition estimation device 1, the skin condition estimation device 3 includes a moisture retention capacity estimation unit 3D, a skin condition estimation unit 3E, and a result display unit 3F, respectively.

[0139] [Water Retention Capacity Estimation Unit 3D] The water retention capacity estimation unit 3D estimates the water retention capacity MRT based on the mobility MBT(i) at the depth DPT(i) calculated by the mobility calculation unit 1B in the measurement unit 1M. The water retention capacity estimation unit 3D is composed of a processing unit 20.

[0140] The processing in the water retention capacity estimation unit 3D executed by the processing unit 20 is realized by the CPU 21 executing a program.

[0141] [Skin Condition Estimation Unit 3E] The skin condition estimation unit 3E estimates the skin condition of the measurement subject OBJ based on the moisture retention capacity MRT calculated by the moisture retention capacity estimation unit 3D.

[0142] [Result Display Unit 3F] The result display unit 3F displays the results estimated by the skin condition estimation unit 3E on the display unit 30. The result display unit 3F is configured by the processing unit 20 and the display unit 30.

[0143] <Processing of Skin Condition Estimation Device According to Third Embodiment> The following describes the processing flow of the skin condition estimation device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of a skin condition estimation device 3, which is an example of a skin condition estimation device according to the third embodiment.

[0144] The measurement unit 1M measures the mobility MBT of water molecules in the skin of the measurement subject OBJ, and outputs the measured mobility MBT to the water retention capacity estimation unit 3D.

[0145] The moisture retention capacity estimation unit 3D estimates the moisture retention capacity MRT of the skin of the measurement subject OBJ based on the mobility MBT measured by the measurement unit 1M. Then, the moisture retention capacity estimation unit 3D outputs the estimated moisture retention capacity MRT to the skin condition estimation unit 3E.

[0146] The skin condition estimator 3E estimates the condition of the skin of the subject OBJ based on the moisture retention capacity MRT estimated by the moisture retention capacity estimator 3D. The skin condition estimator 2E then outputs an estimation result RES indicating the estimated skin condition to the result display unit 3F.

[0147] The result display unit 3F displays the result based on the estimation result RES output from the skin condition estimation unit 3E.

[0148] Next, details of the processing executed by the skin condition estimation device according to the third embodiment will be described using skin condition estimation device 3, which is an example of a skin condition estimation device according to the third embodiment. By describing the processing executed by the skin condition estimation device according to the third embodiment, steps included in a skin condition estimation method using the skin condition estimation device according to the third embodiment will be described. Furthermore, by describing the processing executed by the skin condition estimation device according to the third embodiment, steps included in a program for causing a computer in the skin condition estimation device according to the third embodiment to execute the processing will be described.

[0149] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a skin condition estimating device 3, which is an example of a skin condition estimating device according to the third embodiment.

[0150] For steps S10 and S20, please refer to the description of the skin condition estimating device according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0151] (Step S235) The moisture retention capacity estimating unit 3D in the skin condition estimating device 3 estimates the moisture retention capacity MRT of the skin of the measurement subject OBJ based on the mobility MBT(i) of water molecules at the depth DPT(i).

[0152] The moisture retention capacity estimation unit 3D in the skin condition estimation device 3 estimates the moisture retention capacity MRT(i) at the depth DPT(i) based on, for example, Equation 13.

[0153]

[0154] The function g(x) represents the relationship between mobility MBT(i) and water retention MRT(i) at depth DPT(i). The function g(x) may be calculated, for example, by measuring mobility and water retention for multiple subjects and performing regression analysis.

[0155] The water retention capacity MRT(i) may be normalized so that the actually measured value falls within the range of 0 to 1, for example.

[0156] Then, the moisture retention capacity estimation unit 3D in the skin condition estimation device 3 estimates the moisture retention capacity MRT of the skin of the measurement target OBJ based on the moisture retention capacity MRT(i) at the depth DPT(i). The moisture retention capacity estimation unit 3D in the skin condition estimation device 3 calculates the moisture retention capacity MRT based on Equation 14.

[0157]

[0158] where c3(i) is the absolute value of the correlation coefficient between the water molecule mobility MBT and the water retention capacity MRT(i) at the previously measured depth DPT(i). Also, the coefficient c3 is the sum of c3(i), as shown in Equation 15.

[0159]

[0160] Here, a3 and b3 are integers equal to or greater than 1. Furthermore, b3 is an integer equal to or greater than a3. Furthermore, a3 and b3 are determined based on the range in which the water retention capacity is calculated. That is, the water retention capacity MRT is calculated based on the water retention capacity MRT(i) in the range from depth DPT(a3) to depth DPT(b3). For example, in the range from depth DPT(a3) to depth DPT(b3), the correlation coefficient between the water molecule mobility MBT and the water retention capacity is set to a value (e.g., 0.2) or greater at which a correlation is recognized.

[0161] (Step S240) Next, the skin condition estimating unit 3E in the skin condition estimating device 3 estimates the skin condition based on the moisture retention capacity MRT estimated in step S235.

[0162] The skin condition estimation unit 3E estimates the skin condition of the measurement subject OBJ based on the moisture retention capacity MRT. For example, if the moisture retention capacity MRT is equal to or less than a threshold value TA3, the skin condition estimation unit 3E estimates that the skin condition is "poor." If the moisture retention capacity MRT is greater than the threshold value TA3 and equal to or less than a threshold value TB3 that is greater than the threshold value TA3, the skin condition estimation unit 3E estimates that the skin condition is "normal." If the moisture retention capacity MRT is greater than the threshold value TB3, the skin condition estimation unit 3E estimates that the skin condition is "good."

[0163] The skin condition estimation unit 3E outputs the estimation result RES including the score SCR to the result display unit 3F.

[0164] (Step S250) Next, the result display unit 3F in the skin condition estimating device 3 displays the result on the display unit 30 based on the estimation result RES estimated by the skin condition estimating unit 3E.

[0165] According to the skin condition estimating device of the third embodiment, the moisture retention capacity is estimated based on the mobility of water molecules, and thus the skin condition can be estimated based on the moisture retention capacity in a short period of time.

[0166] Although the skin estimation device according to the third embodiment estimates skin condition using a skin condition estimation unit, it may also be a moisture retention estimation device that estimates moisture retention based on the skin estimation device according to the third embodiment. Similarly, it may also be a moisture retention estimation method that estimates moisture retention based on the skin condition estimation method by the skin condition estimation device according to the third embodiment.

[0167] Fourth Embodiment A skin condition estimation device according to a fourth embodiment will be described. In the skin condition estimation device according to the fourth embodiment, the depth range for measuring mobility MBT in the skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment is set according to the skin part of the measurement target OBJ.

[0168] <Processing of Skin Condition Estimation Device According to Fourth Embodiment> The processing flow of the skin condition estimation device according to the fourth embodiment will be described below. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of a skin condition estimation device 4, which is an example of a skin condition estimation device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0169] The skin condition estimating device 4 includes a measuring unit 4M, a component amount estimating unit 4C, and a moisture retention capacity estimating unit 4D, replacing the measuring unit 1M, the component amount estimating unit 1C, and the moisture retention capacity estimating unit 2D in the skin condition estimating device 2. The skin condition estimating device 4 also includes a measurement site designating unit 4G and a data storage unit 4H.

[0170] The measurement site designation unit 4G receives input of the site to be measured (measurement site) from the subject. The measurement site designation unit 4G outputs input information IPT including the received measurement site to each of the measurement unit 4M, the component amount estimator 4C, and the data storage unit 4H.

[0171] The data holding unit 4H outputs data that matches the measurement site included in the input information IPT to the component amount estimating unit 4C and the water retention capacity estimating unit 4D.

[0172] The thickness of the stratum corneum in human skin varies depending on the region. For example, the thickness of the stratum corneum differs between the cheek and the arm. Furthermore, the correlation between the mobility of water molecules (MBT) and the amount of natural moisturizing factors or moisture retention capacity differs depending on the region. Therefore, the skin condition estimating device according to the fourth embodiment changes the measurement depth, parameters, etc. depending on the region being measured.

[0173] The measurement unit 4M measures the mobility MBT of water molecules in the skin of the OBJ to be measured. The measurement unit 4M changes the depth at which the mobility MBT is measured based on the area included in the input information IPT. The depth at which the mobility MBT is measured in the measurement unit 4M is a range estimated to include the stratum corneum in the skin of the OBJ to be measured. The depth at which the mobility MBT is measured in the measurement unit 4M is set according to the area of ​​the skin. In other words, the depth range at which the mobility MBT is measured in the measurement unit 4M is set according to the area of ​​the skin of the OBJ to be measured. The estimated range is, for example, a range estimated to include the stratum corneum in the skin of the measurement area of ​​the OBJ to be measured.

[0174] For the cheek, the depth range of the measurement unit 4M is set to, for example, a range of 4 micrometers to 10 micrometers, and for the arm, the depth range of the measurement unit 4M is set to, for example, a range of 4 micrometers to 12 micrometers.

[0175] The measurement unit 4M outputs the measured mobility MBT to the component amount estimation unit 4C.

[0176] The component amount estimating unit 4C estimates the component amount IGA in the skin of the measurement target OBJ based on the mobility MBT measured by the measuring unit 4M. The component amount estimating unit 4C estimates the component amount IGA based on the data DAT4 output from the data holding unit 4H. The data DAT4 includes a depth at which the component amount IGA corresponding to the inputted part is estimated based on the part included in the input information IPT, parameters indicating the relationship between the mobility MBT and the component amount IGA, and the like.

[0177] Then, the component amount estimating section 4C outputs the estimated component amount IGA to the water retention capacity estimating section 4D.

[0178] The moisture retention capacity estimating section 4D estimates the moisture retention capacity MRT of the skin of the measurement subject OBJ based on the component amounts IGA estimated by the component amount estimating section 4C.

[0179] The water retention capacity estimation unit 4D estimates the water retention capacity MRT based on the data DAT4 output from the data storage unit 4H. The data DAT4 includes a depth for estimating the component amount IGA corresponding to the input region based on the region included in the input information IPT, parameters indicating the relationship between the component amount IGA and the water retention capacity MRT, and the like.

[0180] Then, the moisture retention capacity estimating unit 4D outputs the estimated moisture retention capacity MRT to the skin condition estimating unit 2E.

[0181] The skin condition estimating device according to the fourth embodiment can estimate the skin condition in a short time based on the mobility of water molecules. Furthermore, the skin condition estimating device according to the fourth embodiment can estimate the skin condition using optimal parameters for each area.

[0182] Fifth Embodiment A skin condition estimating device according to a fifth embodiment will be described. The skin condition estimating device according to the fifth embodiment displays additional information in addition to the information displayed in the skin condition estimating device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0183] For example, when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B rays (wavelengths of 280 to 320 nanometers), trans-urocanic acid changes to the cis-isomer. By measuring the amount of trans-urocanic acid in a sun-protected area, we can better understand the skin condition.

[0184] <Processing of Skin Condition Estimating Device According to Fifth Embodiment> The processing flow of the skin condition estimating device according to the fifth embodiment will be described below. Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of a skin condition estimating device 5, which is an example of a skin condition estimating device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0185] The skin condition estimating device 5 includes the components of the skin condition estimating device 4, a region determining unit 5J, and a minor component amount estimating unit 5C.

[0186] The part determination unit 5J determines whether the measurement part accepted by the measurement part designation unit 4G is a part exposed to ultraviolet rays. For example, if the measurement part is the face or outer arm, the part determination unit 5J determines that the measurement part is a part exposed to ultraviolet rays (an example of a first part). For example, if the measurement part is the inner arm, the part determination unit 5J determines that the measurement part is a part not exposed to ultraviolet rays (an example of a second part).

[0187] The part determination unit 5J outputs the determination result to the minor component amount estimation unit 5C.

[0188] For example, when the measurement site in the site determination unit 5J is the second site, the minor component amount estimation unit 5C estimates the component amount of a natural moisturizing factor different from the natural moisturizing factor whose component amount is estimated by the component amount estimation unit 4C. The minor component amount estimation unit 5C performs the same processing as the component amount estimation unit 4C. That is, the minor component amount estimation unit 5C estimates the component amount IGA5 of the natural moisturizing factor based on the mobility MBT measured by the measurement unit 4M. The natural moisturizing factor whose component amount IGA5 is estimated by the minor component amount estimation unit 5C is different from the natural moisturizing factor whose component amount IGA is estimated by the component amount estimation unit 4C.

[0189] The subcomponent amount estimating unit 5C outputs the estimated component amount IGA5 to the result display unit 5F.

[0190] A specific example will be used for explanation. For example, the skin condition estimation device 5 estimates the component amount (third component amount) of a free amino acid (an example of a third factor) in the component amount estimation unit 4C, and estimates the component amount (fourth component amount) of trans-urocanic acid (an example of a fourth factor) in the subcomponent amount estimation unit 5C. When the measurement site is a site exposed to ultraviolet light, such as the face or outer arm (an example of a first site), the skin condition estimation device 5 estimates the third component amount in the component amount estimation unit 4C, but does not estimate the fourth component amount in the subcomponent amount estimation unit 5C. Furthermore, when the measurement site is a site not exposed to ultraviolet light, such as the inner arm (an example of a second site), the skin condition estimation device 5 estimates the fourth component amount in the subcomponent amount estimation unit 5C. Note that when the measurement site is a site not exposed to ultraviolet light, such as the inner arm (an example of a second site), the skin condition estimation device 5 may or may not estimate the third component amount in the component amount estimation unit 4C.

[0191] When the measurement site is the second site, the skin condition estimating device 5 estimates the fourth component amount in the secondary component amount estimating section 5C, thereby enabling a better understanding of the skin condition, for example, in relation to sunburn.

[0192] The above example shows one example applied to the skin condition estimating device 5, and the depth and the natural moisturizing factor corresponding to the depth may be changed as appropriate.

[0193] The skin condition estimating device according to the fifth embodiment can estimate skin condition in a short time based on the mobility of water molecules. Furthermore, the skin condition estimating device according to the fifth embodiment can estimate skin condition using optimal parameters for each area. Furthermore, the skin condition estimating device according to the fifth embodiment can provide information for better understanding skin condition.

[0194] In addition, the mobility MBT when the part determination unit 5J determines that the part is the first part is an example of the third mobility, the component amount IGA is an example of the third component amount, the mobility MBT when the part determination unit 5J determines that the part is the first part is an example of the fourth mobility, and the component amount IGA5 is an example of the fourth component amount.

[0195] Sixth Embodiment A skin condition estimation device according to a sixth embodiment will be described. The skin condition estimation device according to the sixth embodiment is similar to the skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment, but estimates different amounts of natural moisturizing factors depending on the depth range.

[0196] <Processing of Skin Condition Estimating Device According to Sixth Embodiment> The processing flow of the skin condition estimating device according to the sixth embodiment will be described below. Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and processing flow of a skin condition estimating device 6, which is an example of a skin condition estimating device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0197] Skin condition estimating device 6 includes a moisture retention capacity estimating unit 6D, a skin condition estimating unit 6E, and a result display unit 6F, respectively, in place of the moisture retention capacity estimating unit 2D, the skin condition estimating unit 2E, and the result display unit 2F in skin condition estimating device 2. Skin condition estimating device 6 also includes a minor component amount estimating unit 6C.

[0198] The subcomponent amount estimation unit 6C estimates a component amount IGA6 of a natural moisturizing factor different from the natural moisturizing factor whose component amount is estimated by the component amount estimation unit 1C. Note that the depth of the mobility MBT used in the subcomponent amount estimation unit 6C is different from the depth of the mobility MBT used in the component amount estimation unit 1C.

[0199] The moisture retention capacity estimation section 6D estimates the moisture retention capacity MRT of the skin of the measurement subject OBJ based on the component amount IGA estimated by the component amount estimation section 1C and the component amount IGA6 estimated by the subcomponent amount estimation section 6C.

[0200] The skin condition estimation unit 6E estimates the condition of the skin of the subject OBJ based on the moisture retention capacity MRT estimated by the moisture retention capacity estimation unit 6D. The skin condition estimation unit 6E then outputs an estimation result RES indicating the estimated skin condition to the result display unit 6F.

[0201] A specific example will be described. For example, the skin condition estimating device 6 measures mobility (first mobility at a first depth) in a depth range from 0 micrometers to 2 micrometers. Then, based on the first mobility, the skin condition estimating device 6 may estimate the component amount (first component amount) of at least one of urea and lactate (an example of a first factor), which are examples of natural moisturizing factors.

[0202] The skin condition estimating device 6 also measures mobility (second mobility at a second depth different from the first depth) in a depth range of 4 micrometers to 10 micrometers. Based on the second mobility, the skin condition estimating device 6 may estimate a component amount (second component amount) of free amino acids (an example of a second factor), which are examples of natural moisturizing factors.

[0203] The above example shows one example applied to the skin condition estimating device 6, and the depth and the natural moisturizing factor corresponding to the depth may be changed as appropriate.

[0204] The skin condition estimating device according to the sixth embodiment can estimate the skin condition in a short time based on the mobility of water molecules. Furthermore, the skin condition estimating device according to the sixth embodiment can estimate the skin condition based on, for example, natural moisturizing factors contained at a specific depth.

[0205] Seventh Embodiment A product recommendation system that uses the skin condition estimation device of each of the above-described embodiments will be described as the seventh embodiment. The product recommendation system according to the seventh embodiment includes a recommendation device that presents recommended products in addition to the skin condition estimation device according to the present embodiment.

[0206] <Processing of the product recommendation system according to the seventh embodiment> The flow of processing in the product recommendation system according to the seventh embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration and flow of processing in a product recommendation system 7, which is an example of a product recommendation system according to the seventh embodiment. By explaining the flow of processing in the product recommendation system according to the seventh embodiment, the steps included in the product recommendation method will be described. Note that the product recommendation system 7 will be described using a skin condition estimation device 2, which is an example of a skin condition estimation device according to the second embodiment. Note that the skin condition estimation device included in the product recommendation system is not limited to the skin condition estimation device 2, and any of the skin condition estimation devices according to the first to sixth embodiments may be combined with a recommendation device.

[0207] The product recommendation system 7 includes a skin condition estimating device 2 and a recommendation device 7R.

[0208] The recommendation device 7R presents recommended products based on the component amounts IGA estimated by the component amount estimation unit 1C. The recommendation device 7R also determines and presents recommended products based on the moisture retention capacity MRT estimated by the moisture retention capacity estimation unit 2D.

[0209] A specific example will be used to explain this. For example, the recommendation device 7R determines which products to recommend based on the moisture retention capacity MRT. For example, if the moisture retention capacity MRT is equal to or less than a threshold value TA4, the recommendation device 7R determines that the moisturizing capacity is insufficient and determines that "highly moisturizing cosmetics" are the products to recommend. If the moisture retention capacity MRT is greater than the threshold value TA4 and equal to or less than a threshold value TB4 that is greater than the threshold value TA4, the recommendation device 7R determines that "normally moisturizing cosmetics" are the products to recommend. If the moisture retention capacity MRT is greater than the threshold value TB4, the recommendation device 7R suggests that the user continue using the cosmetics they are currently using.

[0210] Furthermore, for example, the recommendation device 7R determines which product to recommend based on the ingredient amount IGA. For example, a case where the natural moisturizing factor is urea or lactate will be described. If the ingredient amount IGA is equal to or less than the threshold value TA5, the recommendation device 7R determines that the moisturizing ability is insufficient and determines that the product to recommend is a "highly moisturizing cosmetic." If the ingredient amount IGA is greater than the threshold value TA5 and equal to or less than a threshold value TB5 that is greater than the threshold value TA5, the recommendation device 7R determines that the product to recommend is a "normally moisturizing cosmetic." If the ingredient amount IGA is greater than the threshold value TB5, the recommendation device 7R suggests continuing the cosmetic product currently being used.

[0211] Next, for example, a case where the natural moisturizing factor is a free amino acid will be described. If the ingredient amount IGA is equal to or less than the threshold value TA6, the recommendation device 7R determines that the moisturizing ability is insufficient and recommends at least one of "highly moisturizing cosmetics," "amino acid supplement cosmetics," and "amino acid supplement foods" as the product to be recommended. If the ingredient amount IGA is greater than the threshold value TA6 and equal to or less than a threshold value TB6 that is greater than the threshold value TA6, the recommendation device 7R determines that the product to be recommended is "regular moisturizing cosmetics." If the ingredient amount IGA is greater than the threshold value TB6, the recommendation device 7R suggests continuing the currently used cosmetics.

[0212] According to the product recommendation system of the seventh embodiment, it is possible to recommend appropriate products based on the component amounts or moisture retention capacity estimated by the skin condition estimating device.

[0213] <<Modifications>> In the above example, the mobility of water molecules was measured using Raman spectroscopy, but the measurement of the mobility of water molecules is not limited to Raman spectroscopy. When measuring the mobility of water molecules, near-infrared spectroscopy can also be used to obtain results that correlate with Raman spectroscopy, so the mobility of water molecules may also be measured using near-infrared spectroscopy. By using near-infrared spectroscopy, the measurement unit can be configured more simply.

[0214] The present disclosure is not limited to the above examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0215] This application claims priority from basic patent application No. 2023-218424, filed with the Japan Patent Office on December 25, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0216] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Skin condition estimation device 7 Product recommendation system 1A Raman spectrum acquisition unit 1B Mobility calculation unit 1C, 4C Component amount estimation unit 5C, 6C Subcomponent amount estimation unit 2D, 3D, 4D, 6D Moisture retention capacity estimation unit 1E, 2E, 3E, 6E Skin condition estimation unit 1F, 2F, 3F, 5F, 6F Result display unit 1M, 4M Measurement unit 1S Memory unit 4G Measurement site designation unit 4H Data storage unit 5J Site determination unit 7R Recommendation device 10 Raman spectrum measurement unit 20 Processing unit 30 Display unit

Claims

1. A skin condition estimation device comprising: a measurement unit that measures the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject; a component amount estimation unit that estimates the component amount of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the measured mobility; and a skin condition estimation unit that estimates the condition of the skin based on the component amount.

2. The skin condition estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the natural moisturizing factor is at least one of free amino acids, urea, lactate, and transurocanic acid.

3. The skin condition estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement unit measures the mobility at a plurality of depths in the skin, and the component amount estimation unit estimates the component amount at each of the plurality of depths based on the mobility at each of the plurality of measured depths.

4. The skin condition estimation device according to claim 3, wherein the measurement unit measures the mobility in the vicinity of a first depth among the plurality of depths, and the component amount estimation unit estimates the component amount at the first depth based on the mobility in the vicinity of the first depth.

5. A skin condition estimation device comprising: a measurement unit that measures the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject; a component amount estimation unit that estimates the component amount of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the measured mobility; a water retention force estimation unit that estimates the water retention force of the skin based on the component amount; and a skin condition estimation unit that estimates the condition of the skin based on the water retention force.

6. The skin condition estimation device according to claim 3, further comprising a water retention force estimation unit that estimates the water retention force of the skin from at least one of the component amounts at each of the plurality of depths.

7. The skin condition estimation device according to claim 5, wherein the depth at which the measurement unit measures the mobility is in a range estimated to include the stratum corneum in the skin.

8. The skin condition estimation device according to claim 7, wherein the depth range at which the measurement unit measures the mobility is set according to the site of the skin.

9. The measurement unit measures a first mobility at a first depth in the skin, and measures a second mobility at a second depth different from the first depth in the skin. The component amount estimation unit estimates a first component amount of a first factor in the natural moisturizing factor based on the first mobility, and estimates a second component amount of a second factor different from the first factor in the natural moisturizing factor based on the second mobility. The skin condition estimation device according to claim 1.

10. When the measurement unit measures a third mobility at a first site on the skin, the component amount estimation unit estimates a third component amount of a third factor in the natural moisturizing factor based on the third mobility. When the measurement unit measures a fourth mobility at a second site different from the first site on the skin, the component amount estimation unit estimates a fourth component amount of a fourth factor different from the third factor in the natural moisturizing factor based on the fourth mobility. The skin condition estimation device according to claim 1.

11. A product recommendation system comprising the skin condition estimation device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, and a recommendation device that presents a recommended product to be recommended based on the estimated water retention capacity.

12. A product recommendation system comprising the skin condition estimation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a recommendation device that presents a recommended product to be recommended based on the estimated component amount.

13. A skin condition estimation device including a measurement unit that measures the mobility of water molecules in a subject's skin, a water retention capacity estimation unit that estimates the water retention capacity of the skin based on the measured mobility, and a skin condition estimation unit that estimates the condition of the skin based on the water retention capacity.

14. A skin condition estimation method including a step of measuring the mobility of water molecules in a subject's skin, a step of estimating the component amount of the natural moisturizing factor contained in the skin based on the measured mobility, and a step of estimating the condition of the skin based on the component amount.

15. A skin condition estimation method including a step of measuring the mobility of water molecules in a subject's skin, a step of estimating the component amount of the natural moisturizing factor contained in the skin based on the measured mobility, a step of estimating the water retention capacity of the skin based on the component amount, and a step of estimating the condition of the skin based on the water retention capacity.

16. A method for estimating skin condition, comprising: a step of measuring the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject; a step of estimating the water retention capacity of the skin based on the measured mobility; and a step of estimating the skin condition based on the water retention capacity.

17. A device for estimating the component amount of natural moisturizing factors, comprising: a measurement unit that measures the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject; and a component amount estimation unit that estimates the component amount of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the measured mobility.

18. A method for estimating the component amount of natural moisturizing factors, comprising: a step of measuring the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject; and a step of estimating the component amount of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the measured mobility.

19. A device for estimating water retention capacity, comprising: a measurement unit that measures the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject; a component amount estimation unit that estimates the component amount of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the measured mobility; and a water retention capacity estimation unit that estimates the water retention capacity of the skin based on the component amount.

20. A method for estimating water retention capacity, comprising: a step of measuring the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject; a step of estimating the component amount of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the measured mobility; and a step of estimating the water retention capacity of the skin based on the component amount.

21. A device for estimating water retention capacity, comprising: a measurement unit that measures the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject; and a water retention capacity estimation unit that estimates the water retention capacity of the skin based on the measured mobility.

22. A method for estimating water retention capacity, comprising: a step of measuring the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject; and a step of estimating the component amount of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the measured mobility.

23. A method for recommending products, comprising: a step of measuring the mobility of water molecules in the skin of a subject; a step of estimating the component amount of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the measured mobility; and a step of determining a recommended product to be recommended based on the estimated component amount.

24. A product recommendation method comprising: a step of measuring the mobility of water molecules in a subject's skin; a step of estimating the component amount of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the measured mobility; a step of estimating the water retention capacity of the skin based on the component amount; and a step of determining a recommended product to be recommended based on the estimated water retention capacity.

25. A product recommendation method comprising: a step of measuring the mobility of water molecules in a subject's skin; a step of estimating the water retention capacity of the skin based on the measured mobility; and a step of determining a recommended product to be recommended based on the estimated water retention capacity.

26. A program for causing a computer to execute: a procedure for acquiring the mobility of water molecules in a subject's skin; and a procedure for estimating the component amount of natural moisturizing factors contained in the skin based on the acquired mobility.

27. The program according to claim 26, further causing the computer to execute a procedure for estimating the water retention capacity of the skin based on the component amount.

28. A program for causing a computer to execute: a procedure for acquiring the mobility of water molecules in a subject's skin; and a procedure for estimating the water retention capacity of the skin based on the acquired mobility.

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