KR102546498B1 - Terminal for measuring skin and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vibration unit generating vibrations so that the subject's skin vibrates, a light source outputting light so that a specific figure is displayed on at least a part of the skin, a camera capturing an image of the skin moving by the vibration, and the captured skin. and a control unit that analyzes an image of, detects induced vibration induced to the skin by the vibration, and calculates skin elasticity based on attribute information of the detected induced vibration.

Description

Skin measuring device and its control method {TERMINAL FOR MEASURING SKIN AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a skin measurement device for detecting skin elasticity using a skin image and a method for controlling the same.

The skin is a structure made up of two components called the epidermis and the dermis. Properties such as flexibility and elasticity of the skin surface are major factors that protect the human body or enable smooth movement of the body. These properties depend on the amount of moisture contained in the stratum corneum of the epidermis, or are controlled by the protective film function and water retention function of the stratum corneum.

This stratum corneum refers to a thin film in which differentiated keratinocytes of epidermal cells are piled up to a thickness of about 20 μm. A lipid mixture called keratinocyte intercellular lipid exists between these cells, forming a protective film. It is known that this lipid mixture is composed of ceramide, cholesterol, free fatty acid, cholesterol sulfate, etc., and is secreted from intercellular lamellar granules and formed between keratinocytes when epidermal cells migrate from the granular layer to the stratum corneum. When the normal stratum corneum is not formed due to environmental changes or pathological factors, the protective function and the water retention function are lowered, so if the moisture in the stratum corneum is not sufficiently maintained, the skin surface becomes dry, rough, and easily cracked.

However, in modern society, it is difficult to maintain healthy skin due to various pollutions and rapid environmental changes. For this reason, most modern people use skin moisturizers almost every day. For healthier skin management, it is important to regularly measure skin components and check the condition of your own skin. This work can be mainly done in cosmetics consulting or dermatology, but conventionally used measuring devices are expensive and are significantly affected by external temperature and humidity, so constant temperature and humidity are required, so it is currently used almost exclusively for research. The situation is.
On the other hand, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-153727 describes a method for measuring skin elasticity based on the amount of change in vibration frequency between contact and non-contact of the elasticity sensor with the skin, but measured in direct contact with the skin of the subject. There are limits to what you have to do. In addition, Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0067372 describes a skin elasticity measurement method using a Moire image, but has a limitation in that the skin elasticity measurement method does not consider skin movement.

An object of the present invention is to downsize/lighten a skin measuring device for measuring skin elasticity.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a device for measuring skin elasticity using an image.

A skin measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a vibration unit generating vibration so that the subject's skin vibrates, a light source outputting light so that a specific figure is displayed on at least a portion of the skin, and an image of the skin moving by the vibration. Including a camera for photographing and a control unit that analyzes the image of the captured skin, detects induced vibration induced in the skin by the vibration, and calculates skin elasticity based on attribute information of the detected induced vibration. do.

In one embodiment, in the captured image of the skin, a change in at least one of brightness, color, and depth of a boundary of a figure formed by the light is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the attribute information of the induced vibration It is characterized by detecting.

In one embodiment, the vibration unit is characterized in that any one of a piezo (piezo), ultrasonic, air suction nozzle, air compression nozzle.

In one embodiment, the light source is characterized in that any one of a laser (laser) and LED (Light Emit Diode).

In one embodiment, the attribute information of the induced vibration may include waveform and frequency information of the induced vibration.

In one embodiment, the controller may measure skin elasticity based on pre-stored correlation information between attribute information of the induced vibration and skin elasticity.

In one embodiment, the controller may control at least one of a frequency, a waveform, and an intensity of the vibration based on the age of the subject.

In one embodiment, the controller may control at least one of a frequency, a waveform, and an intensity of the vibration based on the location of the subject's skin.

In the control method of a skin measuring device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the step of outputting light so that a specific figure is displayed on at least a part of the skin of a subject, and in a state where the specific figure is displayed on the skin, the skin Outputting vibration through a vibrating unit to vibrate, photographing an image of the skin moving by the vibration, and analyzing the captured image of the skin to detect induced vibration induced in the skin by the vibration. and calculating skin elasticity based on the detected attribute information of the induced vibration.

In an embodiment, the detecting of the induced vibration may include analyzing a change in at least one of brightness, color, and depth of a boundary line of a figure formed by the light in the photographed skin image; Based on the method, it is characterized in that it comprises the step of detecting attribute information of the induced vibration.

The present invention takes an image of the skin moving by vibration, analyzes the captured image, detects attribute information of the induced vibration of the skin, and calculates the degree of skin elasticity based on the attribute information of the induced vibration. . Through this, the present invention can calculate the degree of skin elasticity with only a small camera, so that the skin measurement device can be miniaturized/lightened.

In addition, the present invention can increase the portability of the skin measurement device by providing a small/light skin measurement device.

1 is a block diagram for explaining a terminal related to the present invention.
Figure 2a is a block diagram showing a skin measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2b is a conceptual view of the skin measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from one side.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of measuring skin elasticity in the skin measuring device according to the present invention.
4 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a skin measuring device is brought into proximity or contact with a specific area of the skin of a subject to be measured.
5 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the skin measuring device according to the present invention displays a specific figure on the skin using a light source.
6 is an image of moving skin captured by the skin measuring device according to the present invention through a camera.
7A to 7C are graphs related to attribute information of induced vibration in the skin measuring device according to the present invention.
8 is a graph showing an elasticity measurement method used in a cutometer sensor.

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same or similar components regardless of reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used together in consideration of ease of writing the specification, and do not have meanings or roles that are distinct from each other by themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiment disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention , it should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

It is understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, but other elements may exist in the middle. It should be. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, it should be understood that no other element exists in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to designate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features It should be understood that the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded.

Mobile terminals described in this specification include mobile phones, smart phones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices, and slate PCs. , tablet PC, ultrabook, wearable device (eg, watch type terminal (smartwatch), glass type terminal (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display)), etc. may be included there is.

Mobile terminals described in this specification include mobile phones, smart phones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices, and slate PCs. , tablet PC, ultrabook, wearable device (eg, watch type terminal (smartwatch), glass type terminal (smart glass), HMD (head mounted display)), etc. may be included there is.

However, those skilled in the art can easily recognize that the configuration according to the embodiments described in this specification may be applied to fixed terminals such as digital TVs, desktop computers, digital signage, etc., except when applicable only to mobile terminals. will be.

Referring to Figure 1, Figure 1 is a block diagram for explaining a mobile terminal related to the present invention.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a control unit 180, and a power supply unit 190. ) and the like. The components shown in FIG. 1A are not essential to implement a mobile terminal, so a mobile terminal described herein may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

More specifically, among the components, the wireless communication unit 110 is between the mobile terminal 100 and the wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and other mobile terminals 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 and an external server. It may include one or more modules enabling wireless communication between Also, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules that connect the mobile terminal 100 to one or more networks.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a broadcast reception module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-distance communication module 114, and a location information module 115. .

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 or video input unit for inputting a video signal, a microphone 122 for inputting an audio signal, or a user input unit 123 for receiving information from a user, for example , a touch key, a push key (mechanical key, etc.). Voice data or image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed as a user's control command.

The sensing unit 140 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information within the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 140 may include a proximity sensor 141, an illumination sensor 142, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and gravity. Sensor (G-sensor), gyroscope sensor (gyroscope sensor), motion sensor (motion sensor), RGB sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor), finger scan sensor, ultrasonic sensor , an optical sensor (eg, a camera (see 121)), a microphone (see 122), a battery gauge, an environmental sensor (eg, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detection sensor, It may include at least one of a heat detection sensor, a gas detection sensor, etc.), a chemical sensor (eg, an electronic nose, a healthcare sensor, a biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the mobile terminal disclosed in this specification may combine and utilize information sensed by at least two or more of these sensors.

The output unit 150 is for generating an output related to sight, hearing, or touch, and includes at least one of a display unit 151, a sound output unit 152, a haptic module 153, and an optical output unit 154. can do. The display unit 151 may implement a touch screen by forming a mutual layer structure or integrally with the touch sensor. Such a touch screen may function as a user input unit 123 providing an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user, and provide an output interface between the mobile terminal 100 and the user.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage for various types of external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100 . The interface unit 160 connects a device equipped with a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, and an identification module. It may include at least one of a port, an audio input/output (I/O) port, a video input/output (I/O) port, and an earphone port. In response to an external device being connected to the interface unit 160, the mobile terminal 100 may perform appropriate control related to the connected external device.

In addition, the memory 170 stores data supporting various functions of the mobile terminal 100 . The memory 170 may store a plurality of application programs (application programs or applications) running in the mobile terminal 100 , data for operation of the mobile terminal 100 , and commands. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs may exist on the mobile terminal 100 from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (eg, incoming and outgoing calls, outgoing functions, message receiving, and outgoing functions). Meanwhile, the application program may be stored in the memory 170, installed on the mobile terminal 100, and driven by the controller 180 to perform an operation (or function) of the mobile terminal.

The controller 180 controls general operations of the mobile terminal 100 in addition to operations related to the application program. The control unit 180 may provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the components described above or by running an application program stored in the memory 170.

In addition, the controller 180 may control at least some of the components discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1 in order to drive an application program stored in the memory 170 . Furthermore, the controller 180 may combine and operate at least two or more of the components included in the mobile terminal 100 to drive the application program.

Under the control of the controller 180, the power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power and supplies power to each component included in the mobile terminal 100. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the above components may operate in cooperation with each other to implement an operation, control, or control method of a mobile terminal according to various embodiments described below. In addition, the operation, control, or control method of the mobile terminal may be implemented on the mobile terminal by driving at least one application program stored in the memory 170 .

Hereinafter, prior to examining various embodiments implemented through the mobile terminal 100 described above, the above-listed components are examined in more detail with reference to FIG. 1A.

First, looking at the wireless communication unit 110, the broadcast reception module 111 of the wireless communication unit 110 receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. Two or more broadcast receiving modules may be provided in the mobile terminal 100 to receive simultaneous broadcasting of at least two broadcast channels or to switch broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 complies with technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (eg, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Code Division Multi Access 2000 (CDMA2000), EV) -DO(Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WCDMA(Wideband CDMA), HSDPA(High Speed Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA(High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE(Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc.) to transmit and receive radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

The wireless signal may include a voice call signal, a video call signal, or various types of data according to text/multimedia message transmission/reception.

The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and may be built into or external to the mobile terminal 100 . The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to transmit and receive radio signals in a communication network according to wireless Internet technologies.

Wireless Internet technologies include, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc., and the wireless Internet module ( 113) transmits and receives data according to at least one wireless Internet technology within a range including Internet technologies not listed above.

From the viewpoint that wireless Internet access by WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-A, etc. is made through a mobile communication network, the wireless Internet module (113) performing wireless Internet access through the mobile communication network ) may be understood as a kind of the mobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is for short-range communication, and includes Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and NFC. Near Field Communication (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technology may be used to support short-distance communication. The short-range communication module 114 may be used between the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system, between the mobile terminal 100 and other mobile terminals 100, or between the mobile terminal 100 through wireless area networks. ) and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or an external server) is located. The local area wireless communication network may be a local area wireless personal area network (Wireless Personal Area Networks).

Here, the other mobile terminal 100 is a wearable device capable of exchanging (or interlocking) data with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention (for example, a smart watch), smart glasses (smart glass) or HMD (head mounted display). The short-distance communication module 114 may detect (or recognize) a wearable device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal 100 around the mobile terminal 100 . Furthermore, if the detected wearable device is a device authorized to communicate with the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention, the controller 180 transmits at least a portion of data processed by the mobile terminal 100 to the short-range communication module ( 114) can be transmitted to the wearable device. Accordingly, the user of the wearable device may use data processed by the mobile terminal 100 through the wearable device. For example, according to this, when a phone call is received in the mobile terminal 100, the user makes a phone call through the wearable device, or when a message is received in the mobile terminal 100, the user receives the received message through the wearable device. It is possible to check the message.

The location information module 115 is a module for acquiring the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and representative examples thereof include a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module. For example, when a mobile terminal utilizes a GPS module, the location of the mobile terminal can be obtained using signals transmitted from GPS satellites. As another example, when the mobile terminal utilizes the Wi-Fi module, the location of the mobile terminal may be obtained based on information of the Wi-Fi module and a wireless access point (AP) that transmits or receives a wireless signal. If necessary, the location information module 115 may perform any function among other modules of the wireless communication unit 110 to obtain data on the location of the mobile terminal in substitution or addition. The location information module 115 is a module used to obtain the location (or current location) of the mobile terminal, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or acquires the location of the mobile terminal.

Next, the input unit 120 is for inputting video information (or signals), audio information (or signals), data, or information input from a user. For inputting video information, the mobile terminal 100 has one Alternatively, a plurality of cameras 121 may be provided. The camera 121 processes an image frame such as a still image or a moving image obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151 or stored in the memory 170 . Meanwhile, the plurality of cameras 121 provided in the mobile terminal 100 may be arranged to form a matrix structure, and through the cameras 121 forming the matrix structure, various angles or focal points may be provided to the mobile terminal 100. A plurality of image information having may be input. In addition, the plurality of cameras 121 may be arranged in a stereo structure to obtain left and right images for realizing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 processes external sound signals into electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be utilized in various ways according to the function (or application program being executed) being performed in the mobile terminal 100 . Meanwhile, various noise cancellation algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal may be implemented in the microphone 122 .

The user input unit 123 is for receiving information from a user. When information is input through the user input unit 123, the control unit 180 can control the operation of the mobile terminal 100 to correspond to the input information. . The user input unit 123 is a mechanical input means (or a mechanical key, for example, a button located on the front, rear or side of the mobile terminal 100, a dome switch, a jog wheel, jog switch, etc.) and a touch input means. As an example, the touch input means consists of a virtual key, soft key, or visual key displayed on a touch screen through software processing, or a part other than the touch screen. It can be made of a touch key (touch key) disposed on. On the other hand, the virtual key or visual key can be displayed on the touch screen while having various forms, for example, graphic (graphic), text (text), icon (icon), video (video) or these may be made of a combination of

Meanwhile, the sensing unit 140 senses at least one of information within the mobile terminal, surrounding environment information surrounding the mobile terminal, and user information, and generates a sensing signal corresponding thereto. Based on these sensing signals, the controller 180 may control driving or operation of the mobile terminal 100 or may process data related to applications installed in the mobile terminal 100, perform functions or operations. Representative sensors among various sensors that may be included in the sensing unit 140 will be described in more detail.

First, the proximity sensor 141 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object existing nearby without mechanical contact by using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays. The proximity sensor 141 may be disposed in an inner area of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen described above or in the vicinity of the touch screen.

Examples of the proximity sensor 141 include a transmissive photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection photoelectric sensor, a high-frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor, and the like. If the touch screen is a capacitive type, the proximity sensor 141 may be configured to detect the proximity of a conductive object as a change in electric field according to the proximity of the object. In this case, the touch screen (or touch sensor) itself may be classified as a proximity sensor.

On the other hand, for convenience of description, an action of approaching a touch screen without contacting an object to recognize that the object is located on the touch screen is referred to as a "proximity touch", and the touch An act of actually touching an object on a screen is called a "contact touch". The location at which an object is proximity-touched on the touch screen means a location at which the object corresponds vertically to the touch screen when the object is proximity-touched. The proximity sensor 141 may detect a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (eg, proximity touch distance, proximity touch direction, proximity touch speed, proximity touch time, proximity touch position, proximity touch movement state, etc.) there is. Meanwhile, as described above, the controller 180 processes data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touch operation and proximity touch pattern detected through the proximity sensor 141, and furthermore, visual information corresponding to the processed data. It can be output on the touch screen. Furthermore, the controller 180 may control the mobile terminal 100 to process different operations or data (or information) depending on whether a touch to the same point on the touch screen is a proximity touch or a contact touch. .

The touch sensor detects a touch (or touch input) applied to the touch screen (or the display unit 151) using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistive film method, a capacitive method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, and a magnetic field method. do.

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific part of the touch screen or capacitance generated in a specific part into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a location, area, pressure upon touch, capacitance upon touch, and the like, at which a touch object that applies a touch to the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor. Here, the touch object is an object that applies a touch to the touch sensor, and may be, for example, a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, or a pointer.

As such, when there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal(s) is sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transmits corresponding data to the controller 180. Thus, the controller 180 can know which area of the display unit 151 has been touched. Here, the touch controller may be a component separate from the controller 180 or may be the controller 180 itself.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may perform different controls or the same control according to the type of the touch object that touches the touch screen (or a touch key provided other than the touch screen). Whether to perform different controls or the same control according to the type of the touch object may be determined according to an operating state of the mobile terminal 100 or an application program currently being executed.

On the other hand, the touch sensor and proximity sensor described above are independently or combined, short (or tap) touch, long touch, multi-touch, drag touch on the touch screen ), flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swipe touch, hovering touch, etc. Touch can be sensed.

The ultrasonic sensor may recognize location information of a sensing object by using ultrasonic waves. Meanwhile, the controller 180 may calculate the location of the wave generating source through information detected by the optical sensor and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The position of the wave generating source can be calculated using the property that light is much faster than ultrasonic waves, that is, the time for light to reach the optical sensor is much faster than the time for ultrasonic waves to reach the ultrasonic sensor. More specifically, the location of the wave generating source may be calculated by using light as a reference signal and a time difference between the arrival time of ultrasonic waves.

Meanwhile, looking at the configuration of the input unit 120, the camera 121 includes at least one of a camera sensor (eg, CCD, CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 121 and the laser sensor may be combined with each other to detect a touch of a sensing target for a 3D stereoscopic image. A photo sensor may be stacked on a display device, and the photo sensor is configured to scan a motion of a sensing target close to the touch screen. More specifically, the photo sensor scans the content placed on the photo sensor by mounting photo diodes and transistors (TRs) in rows/columns and using electrical signals that change according to the amount of light applied to the photo diodes. That is, the photo sensor calculates the coordinates of the sensing object according to the change in light, and through this, the location information of the sensing object can be obtained.

The display unit 151 displays (outputs) information processed by the mobile terminal 100 . For example, the display unit 151 may display execution screen information of an application program driven in the mobile terminal 100 or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to such execution screen information. .

Also, the display unit 151 may be configured as a 3D display unit that displays a 3D image.

A 3D display method such as a stereoscopic method (glasses method), an auto stereoscopic method (non-glasses method), or a projection method (holographic method) may be applied to the 3D display unit.

The audio output unit 152 may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 170 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. The sound output unit 152 also outputs sound signals related to functions performed by the mobile terminal 100 (eg, call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.). The sound output unit 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

The haptic module 153 generates various tactile effects that a user can feel. A representative example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 may be vibration. The strength and pattern of the vibration generated by the haptic module 153 may be controlled by a user's selection or a setting of a controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may synthesize and output different vibrations or sequentially output them.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 153 responds to stimuli such as an array of pins that move vertically with respect to the contact skin surface, air blowing force or suction force through a nozzle or suction port, rubbing against the skin surface, electrode contact, and electrostatic force. It is possible to generate various tactile effects, such as the effect of heat absorption and the effect of reproducing the feeling of coolness and warmth using an element capable of absorbing heat or generating heat.

The haptic module 153 not only transmits a tactile effect through direct contact, but also can be implemented so that a user can feel a tactile effect through a muscle sense such as a finger or an arm. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to the configuration of the mobile terminal 100 .

The light output unit 154 outputs a signal for notifying occurrence of an event using light from a light source of the mobile terminal 100 . Examples of events occurring in the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signal reception, missed calls, alarms, schedule notifications, e-mail reception, and information reception through applications.

A signal output from the light output unit 154 is implemented when the mobile terminal emits light of a single color or multiple colors to the front or back side. The signal output may be terminated when the mobile terminal detects the user's confirmation of the event.

The interface unit 160 serves as a passage for all external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100 . The interface unit 160 receives data from an external device or receives power and transmits it to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, or transmits data inside the mobile terminal 100 to an external device. For example, a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, and a port for connecting a device having an identification module. The interface unit 160 may include an audio I/O (Input/Output) port, a video I/O (Input/Output) port, an earphone port, and the like.

On the other hand, the identification module is a chip that stores various types of information for authenticating the use authority of the mobile terminal 100, and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), and universal user authentication. module (universal subscriber identity module; USIM) and the like. A device equipped with an identification module (hereinafter referred to as 'identification device') may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Accordingly, the identification device may be connected to the terminal 100 through the interface unit 160 .

In addition, the interface unit 160 becomes a passage through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle, or a user inputs power from the cradle. It can be a passage through which various command signals are transmitted to the mobile terminal 100 . Various command signals or the power input from the cradle may operate as a signal for recognizing that the mobile terminal 100 is correctly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 may store programs for operation of the controller 180 and may temporarily store input/output data (eg, phonebook, message, still image, video, etc.). The memory 170 may store data related to vibration and sound of various patterns output when a touch is input on the touch screen.

The memory 170 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk type, a silicon disk drive type, or a multimedia card micro type. ), card-type memory (eg SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory; RAM), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory; ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read -only memory), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The mobile terminal 100 may be operated in relation to a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 170 on the Internet.

Meanwhile, as described above, the control unit 180 controls operations related to applications and general operations of the mobile terminal 100 in general. For example, if the state of the mobile terminal satisfies a set condition, the controller 180 may execute or release a locked state that restricts a user's control command input to applications.

In addition, the controller 180 may perform control and processing related to voice calls, data communications, video calls, etc., or perform pattern recognition processing capable of recognizing handwriting input or drawing input performed on the touch screen as characters and images, respectively. can Furthermore, the control unit 180 may control any one or a combination of a plurality of components described above in order to implement various embodiments described below on the mobile terminal 100 according to the present invention.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power necessary for the operation of each component. The power supply unit 190 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery capable of being charged, or may be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

In addition, the power supply unit 190 may have a connection port, and the connection port may be configured as an example of an interface 160 electrically connected to an external charger that supplies power to charge the battery.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may charge the battery in a wireless manner without using the connection port. In this case, the power supply unit 190 uses at least one of an inductive coupling method based on magnetic induction from an external wireless power transmitter or a magnetic resonance coupling method based on electromagnetic resonance. power can be delivered.

Meanwhile, various embodiments hereinafter may be embodied in a recording medium readable by a computer or a similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

Conventionally, devices for measuring skin elasticity include a skin measuring device using negative pressure, a skin measuring device using ultrasonic vibration, a skin measuring device using image analysis, a skin measuring device using skin replication, a skin measuring device using visual evaluation, and a variable variable There is a skin measuring device using polarized light.

A skin measuring device using a negative pressure is a method of inhaling the skin and recognizing a skin change value according to the duration of the inhalation by an optical measurement system to calculate the degree of skin elasticity. A skin measuring device using such a negative pressure uses a laser displacement sensor to measure a skin change value.

A skin measuring device using ultrasonic vibration is a method of calculating elasticity by measuring a change in vibration frequency, that is, a change in elastic waves. In this case, the greater the frequency change, the higher the degree of elasticity.

A skin measuring device using image analysis generates skin contour lines using white light, and measures skin elasticity through the skin contour lines.

A skin measuring device using skin replication measures elasticity by replicating skin and transmitting light therethrough.

A skin measuring device using visual evaluation measures the elasticity of the skin visually by pulling the skin with a hand.

A skin measurement device using variable polarization obtains polarization image information corresponding to the skin and measures skin elasticity using various indicators.

On the other hand, conventional skin measuring devices using negative pressure use an expensive laser displacement sensor to measure the skin change value, and due to the volume of the laser displacement sensor, the weight and size of the skin measuring device are very large. Thus, the conventional skin measuring device using negative pressure is a situation that is supplied only for experts, not for supply.

Accordingly, the present invention proposes a skin measuring device that measures skin elasticity by measuring a skin change value with an image captured through a camera without using a laser displacement sensor.

To this end, the skin measuring device according to the present invention may include one or more of the components described in FIG. 1 . Hereinafter, a skin measuring device and a control method thereof according to the present invention will be described in more detail.

Figure 2a is a block diagram showing a skin measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2b is a conceptual view of the skin measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from one side. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a skin measuring device is brought into proximity or contact with a specific area of the skin of a subject to be measured.

1 and 2a, the skin measuring device 200 according to the present invention includes a camera 210, a vibration unit 220, a light source 230, an output unit 250, and a control unit 240.

The camera 210 may capture an image corresponding to the subject's skin. The camera 210 may include at least one image sensor.

The camera 210 may be a camera capable of taking pictures in a place with light or an infrared camera or an ultrasonic camera capable of taking pictures in a place without light.

The vibrating unit 220 may be formed to apply deformation to the skin surface of the test subject by being close to or in contact with the skin. More specifically, the vibration unit 220 may be formed to generate vibration on the skin surface of the test subject.

The vibration unit 220 may be composed of one or more components. That is, the vibration unit 220 may be composed of at least one of a piezo, an ultrasonic wave, an air suction nozzle, and an air compression nozzle.

The light source 230 may be formed to output a figure of a specific shape to the subject's skin. For example, the light source 230 may include a laser that outputs light, a light emitted diode (LED), or the like.

The light source 230 may output the figure of the specific shape to the skin area to be measured. The specific shape may be formed in various shapes such as a circle, a rectangle, and a triangle.

The controller 240 may control the camera 210 , the vibration unit 220 , the light source 230 and the output unit 250 . For example, the controller 240 may control the camera 210 to capture an image corresponding to the skin. In addition, the control unit 240 may control the vibration unit 220 to generate induced vibration on the skin.

The output unit 250 may output the calculated skin elasticity in at least one of visual, tactile and auditory methods. For example, the output unit 250 may visually output the calculated skin elasticity.

Hereinafter, the arrangement of components of the skin measuring device including at least one of the components described with reference to FIG. 2A will be described.

A user may approach or bring the skin measurement device into contact with a specific area of the subject's skin to be measured. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the user may approach or bring the skin measurement device into contact with a specific area of the facial skin.

At this time, the area where the vibrating unit 220 of the skin measuring device is disposed may approach or come into contact with the subject's skin. That is, as shown in FIG. 2B , in the skin measuring device according to the present invention, the vibrating unit 220 may be disposed at a position in close proximity to or in contact with the user's skin.

The vibration unit 220 may be composed of one or more components capable of transforming the skin. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B , the vibration unit 220 may include two vibration elements 220a and 220b.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 2B , the camera 210 may be formed at a position facing an area in contact with the user's skin in order to capture an image corresponding to the user's skin.

In addition, the light source 230 may be formed at a position facing a region in contact with the skin in order to output light to the skin. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B , the light source 230 may be disposed adjacent to the camera 210 .

In the above, the components of the skin measuring device according to the present invention have been described. The present invention may be applied even when at least one of the components described in FIG. 2A is omitted or new components are added.

Hereinafter, a method for measuring skin elasticity in a skin measuring device including at least one of the components of FIGS. 1 and 2a and 2b will be described. 3 is a flowchart showing a method for measuring skin elasticity in the skin measuring device according to the present invention. 5 to 8 are conceptual diagrams for explaining the flowchart of FIG. 3 .

First, referring to FIG. 3 , the controller 240 of the skin measuring device according to the present invention may output light through a light source so that a specific figure is displayed on at least a portion of the subject's skin (S310).

The controller 240 may start measuring the elasticity of the subject's skin based on the user's request. The skin elasticity refers to the elasticity of skin tissue. Here, the user's request may be an input of pressing a physical button (not shown) installed in the skin measuring device or an input of touching a software-implemented button (touch button).

When the user's request is input, the controller 240 may display a specific figure on at least a part of the subject's skin through the light source 230 in order to detect the induced vibration induced in the subject's skin.

The light source 230 may output light so that a specific figure is displayed on a location of the subject's skin to be measured. In this case, a specific figure may be displayed at a location on the subject's skin to be measured. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , a boundary line of a figure 310 having a circular shape may be displayed on a measurement site 320 to be measured among the skin 300 of a subject. Meanwhile, the shape of the specific figure may be configured in various ways. For example, it can be a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, and the like.

Further, in the present invention, in addition to the light source 230, a specific figure may be displayed on the skin of a test subject using a material capable of being displayed on the skin. For example, the present invention may mark a specific figure on the skin using a marker, pen, or the like.

The control unit 240 may output vibration through the vibration unit so that the skin vibrates in a state where the specific figure is displayed on the skin (S320).

The control unit 230 may vibrate the skin through the vibration unit 220 so that the induced vibration flows through the skin after the specific figure is displayed on the measurement area 320 of the skin.

In addition, the control unit 230 may control at least one of the frequency, waveform, and strength of the vibration output from the vibration unit 220 based on a user's manipulation or a preset condition.

The predetermined condition may be a condition related to the subject's skin condition. Here, the skin condition may be the subject's age, the skin location to be measured, the subject's gender, and the like. For example, the predetermined condition may be at least one of a subject's age condition and a subject's skin location condition to be currently measured. The subject's age and the subject's skin position may be input from the user.

For example, the control unit 230 outputs vibration with a first intensity when the subject is in his 20s, and outputs vibration with a second intensity different from the first intensity when the subject is in his 50s. The vibration unit 220 may be controlled.

As another example, when the skin position to be measured is the skin near the subject's eye, the controller 230 outputs vibration with the first intensity, and when the skin position to be measured is the skin near the subject's cheek, The vibration unit 220 may be controlled to output vibration with a second intensity different from the first intensity.

The controller 240 may capture an image of the skin moving by the vibration using the camera 210 (S330).

After outputting the vibration through the vibration unit 220, the controller 240 may use the camera 210 to capture an image of the skin moving by the vibration. The movement of the skin means a state in which the skin is deformed by vibration.

More specifically, the control unit 240 may activate the camera 210 after outputting vibration through the vibration unit 220 . Here, activation means supplying driving power to the camera 210 to control the camera 210 in a state capable of capturing an image. Conversely, deactivation means that driving power is not supplied to the camera 210 and the camera 210 is controlled in a state in which an image cannot be captured.

Alternatively, the camera 210 may be activated from the time when the power of the skin measuring device 200 is turned on. In this case, the control unit 240 may not separately activate the camera 210 after outputting vibration from the vibration unit 220 .

After the camera 210 is activated, the controller 240 can capture an image corresponding to the skin through the camera 210 . In this case, the controller 240 may capture skin images before, during, and after the vibration occurs through the camera 210 .

At this time, as shown in FIG. 6 , the controller 240 may continuously capture a plurality of images at predetermined time intervals. The plurality of images may be images displayed in which the boundary line of a specific figure displayed on the measurement region 320 is changed according to skin movement caused by vibration. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the plurality of images may be images in which the boundary lines of a specific figure displayed on the measuring region 320 are displayed at different positions due to skin movement caused by vibration.

The control unit 240 may analyze the captured image of the skin and detect induced vibration induced in the skin by the vibration (S340).

After a plurality of images are captured, the controller 240 may analyze at least some of the plurality of images.

More specifically, the controller 240 detects at least one of brightness, color, and depth values of a boundary line of a figure of a specific shape, respectively, from each of the plurality of images, and changes in at least one of the brightness, color, and depth values. can be calculated.

For example, the controller 240 may detect the brightness of a boundary line of a figure of a specific shape from each of a plurality of images. After that, the controller 240 may calculate a difference in brightness (ie, amount of change) of a border with the other images based on any one of the plurality of images.

The control unit 240 may also calculate the amount of change for color and depth values in the same manner.

After that, the controller 240 may detect attribute information of the induced vibration based on the analysis result. The analysis result may include change amount information of brightness, color, and depth values of the boundary line. The induced vibration means vibration induced to the skin by the vibration of the vibrating unit 220 . Also, the attribute information of the induced vibration may include waveform and frequency information of the induced vibration.

More specifically, the controller 240 may detect the waveform of the induced vibration based on the analysis result. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A , the control unit 240 may detect the attenuation waveform of the induced vibration.

Then, the control unit 180 can detect the frequency of the vibration according to the waveform of the vibration. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B , the controller 240 may detect harmonics of vibration. At this time, the controller 240 may detect the first harmonic (①), the second harmonic (②), the third harmonic (③), and the fourth harmonic (④) together.

The controller 240 may calculate skin elasticity based on the attribute information of the detected induced vibration (S350).

When the movement of the skin is stopped, the control unit 240 can detect the amount of change in the waveform of the induced vibration and the relative distance between the camera 210 and the measurement position 320 of the subject's skin. The relative distance may be detected through a distance sensor or an infrared sensor. For example, as shown in FIG. 7C , the relative distance to the skin surface may be detected according to [Equation 1] below.

[Equation 1]

d = b*sin(α)/sin(α+β)

(d: the relative distance between the camera and the measurement position, b: the distance between the camera and the distance sensor, α: the angle of viewing the measurement position from the distance sensor based on b, β: the measurement position from the camera based on b) angle of view)

The control unit 240 may obtain a elasticity pattern indicating a correlation between attribute information of the induced vibration and skin elasticity through machine learning. In addition, the controller 240 may obtain an elasticity pattern representing a correlation between a relative distance between the camera 210 and the subject's skin and skin elasticity through machine learning. Here, machine learning is a method of generating a database of measured values according to various experimental conditions.

After that, the controller 240 may store pattern information obtained through machine learning in a memory. In addition, the controller 240 may calculate the skin elasticity of the subject based on pattern information obtained through machine learning. That is, the control unit 240 may calculate the elasticity of the subject's skin by comparing the measurement value measured from the subject's skin with pattern information.

Based on the pattern information, as a method of measuring skin elasticity, a conventionally known elasticity measurement method used in a cutometer sensor may be used.

More specifically, in the elasticity measurement method used by the cutometer sensor, skin elasticity may be represented by SEP (Skin Elastic Property) and SRP (Skin Recovering Property). The SEP is an index representing the reshaping ability of the skin and is represented by Ua/Uf (R2) in FIG. 8 . The SRP is an indicator of skin recovery ability and can be represented by Ur/Uf (R7) in FIG. 8 .

Each index shown in FIG. 8 is as follows.

Ue: immediate deformation

Uv : viscoelastic contribution in deformation of skin

Uf: total attention

Ur: immediate recovery of skin after vacuum removal

Ua: viscoelastic contribution in recovering of skin

Ur/Ue(R5): the net elasticify

In the present invention, in addition to the indicators shown in FIG. 8, the unit used in the elasticity measurement method used in the cutometer sensor, which is a conventionally known method, can be employed as it is in the present invention. Through this, the present invention can calculate the skin elasticity of the subject.

In addition, in the present invention, not only the elasticity measurement method used by the cutometer sensor, but also various algorithms for calculating the correlation between two parameters (eg, vibration properties and elasticity) are used to calculate pattern information, and thus the degree of elasticity can measure

In addition, the controller 240 of the present invention may output the calculated skin elasticity through the output unit 250 .

The present invention takes an image of the skin moving by vibration, analyzes the captured image, detects attribute information of the induced vibration of the skin, and calculates the degree of skin elasticity based on the attribute information of the induced vibration. . Through this, the present invention can calculate the degree of skin elasticity with only a small camera, so that the skin measurement device can be miniaturized/lightened.

In addition, the present invention can increase the portability of the skin measurement device by providing a small/light skin measurement device.

The above-described present invention can be implemented as computer readable code on a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer-readable medium includes all types of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable media include Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Disk (SSD), Silicon Disk Drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc. , and also includes those implemented in the form of a carrier wave (eg, transmission over the Internet). Also, the computer may include the control unit 180 of the terminal. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

a vibration unit that generates vibration so that the subject's skin vibrates;
a light source outputting light so that a specific figure is displayed on at least a portion of the skin;
a camera that captures an image of the skin moved by the vibration;
Analyzing the captured image of the skin to detect induced vibration induced in the skin by the vibration;
A controller for calculating skin elasticity based on the attribute information of the detected induced vibration;
The control unit,
When the movement of the skin due to the vibration is stopped, further detecting a change amount of a waveform of the induced vibration and a distance between the camera and the measured part of the skin;
Based on at least one of the attribute information of the detected induced vibration, the amount of change in the waveform of the induced vibration, and the distance between the camera and the measurement site of the skin, the skin measurement device characterized in that for calculating the degree of skin elasticity. According to claim 1,
The control unit,
Taking images of a plurality of skins at predetermined time intervals through the camera;
Detecting at least one of brightness, color, and depth values of a boundary line of a figure formed by the light in the captured images of the plurality of skins, respectively;
Skin measuring device, characterized in that for detecting the waveform and frequency information of the induced vibration included in the attribute information of the induced vibration by analyzing the change in brightness, color, depth value of the boundary of the detected figure. According to claim 1,
the vibrating part
A skin measuring device, characterized in that any one of a piezo, ultrasonic, air suction nozzle, air compression nozzle. According to claim 1,
The light source
Skin measuring device, characterized in that any one of a laser (laser) and LED (Light Emit Diode). delete According to claim 1,
The control unit
Skin measuring device characterized in that for measuring the degree of skin elasticity based on the pre-stored correlation information between the attribute information of the induced vibration and the degree of skin elasticity. According to claim 1,
The control unit
Based on the age of the subject, at least one of the frequency, waveform and intensity of the vibration is controlled. According to claim 1,
The control unit
Based on the skin position of the subject, at least one of a frequency, a waveform and an intensity of the vibration is controlled. outputting light so that a specific figure is displayed on at least a portion of the subject's skin;
outputting vibration through a vibration unit so that the skin vibrates while the specific figure is displayed on the skin;
photographing an image of the skin moved by the vibration;
detecting induced vibration induced in the skin by the vibration by analyzing the captured image of the skin; and
Based on the attribute information of the detected induced vibration, the control method of the skin measuring device comprising the step of calculating the degree of skin elasticity. According to claim 9,
Detecting the induced vibration
analyzing a change in at least one of brightness, color, and depth of a boundary line of a figure formed by the light in the captured image of the skin; and
Based on the analysis result, the control method of the skin measuring device, characterized in that consisting of the step of detecting attribute information of the induced vibration.

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