ES2851600A1 - METHOD AND AUTOMATED SYSTEM USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND/OR OTHER COMPUTER TECHNIQUES, FOR THE CARE, PROTECTION, EVALUATION AND MONITORING OF THE SKIN. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

The object of this invention is an automated method and system through the use of artificial intelligence and/or other computer techniques, which allows the care, protection, evaluation and monitoring of the skin, with the aim of safeguarding its health. The invention carries out the application on the areas without clothing of protectors, creams, lotions or similar liquids in an automatic, effective way and in the appropriate amount, analyzes the skin and the environment, and can provide guidelines for the activity of individuals during the activity. selection of the appropriate product (based on time of day, location, skin condition, etc.), and real-time information on risks and guidelines to control exposure and avoid overexposure to harmful agents such as, for example, solar radiation. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

METHOD AND AUTOMATED SYSTEM THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND / U

OTHER COMPUTER TECHNIQUES, FOR CARE, PROTECTION, EVALUATION

AND SKIN MONITORING

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The object of this invention is an automated method and system through the use of artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques, which allows the care, protection, evaluation and monitoring of the skin, with the aim of safeguarding its health, which comprises:

to. a method and system of care and protection of the skin through the automatic, selective and localized application of protector, creams, lotions or similar liquids. b. an evaluation method and system capable of determining the state or condition of the skin by collecting and processing data.

c. a monitoring and follow-up method and system capable of informing, giving recommendations, warning of risks and providing guidelines.

It can be framed within one of the following sectors:

• Spraying or atomizing device in general (B05B 12/04, 12/16)

• Process for applying fluids by spraying (B05D 1/02)

• Measurement for diagnostic purposes (A61B 5/00)

• Holographic or imaging process (G03H 1/00)

• Adaptive control of systems (G05B 13/00)

• Control process of electrical and non-electrical variables (G05D 29/00)

• Data processing system and method, adapted to a specific sector (G06Q 50/00)

• Image processing and analysis system and method (G06T 7/00)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In many situations in our daily lives we find ourselves exposing our skin to harmful agents such as solar radiation. Our simple daily outdoor activity exposes it, to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the location, the time of day or the time of year, among other factors. There are different causes that can lead to overexposure, of which people are not always aware.

The effect is even more pronounced at times of the year with higher solar incidence, coinciding with the use of less clothing and outdoor activities that can even increase radiation, such as aquatic activities on beaches or swimming pools. On the other hand, voluntary exposure to get a good tan can also be the source of overexposure, causing burns and premature aging of the skin, which have been shown to be the cause of numerous long-term problems, including the well-known skin cancer. Excessive exposure to UV radiation affects the immune system, and is much more problematic in the case of children.

Solar radiation is composed, among others, of ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) and ultraviolet A radiation (UVA). Sunscreens are capable of largely protecting against both, but cannot even guarantee total protection against the health risks posed by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In addition, to maintain the initial protection it is essential to renew the application frequently, especially after activities such as swimming, bathing, rubbing with a towel, etc. although replication does not guarantee the extension of the protection time provided. It must be taken into account that once the efficacy of the applied product is exhausted, its replication leads to an accumulation of UV exposure and, therefore, to overexposure. The choice of the necessary protection factor itself varies and is conditioned by the user's skin type, the solar incidence of the place, the condition of their skin, the time of day, etc. On the other hand, as important as choosing the product is to administer it in sufficient quantities. Applying less product than necessary results in a disproportionate reduction in protection. Consumers today typically use about half the appropriate amount, so the protection offered can be up to three times less.

Due to all the aforementioned, the traditional system of manual application through individual containers is not effective due to its difficult application, and sometimes, help is necessary to reach certain areas of the body. It is not usual for people to simultaneously buy packaging with different degrees of protection, or to continue the storage instructions correctly. The use of excess quantities for long periods of time may lead to exceeding the expiration date and not guaranteeing the indicated protection. There may even be situations in which the exposure is carried out without protection due to not having the product, by forgetting it or to avoid being left with a surplus if the exposure is specific or for a short period of time.

On the other hand, controlled exposure can generate benefits for our body such as obtaining vitamin D, which is key for the absorption of calcium and plays an important role in the immune system. Additionally, outdoor activities provide psychological, social, and physiological benefits.

The European Union indicates the need to inform consumers about the risks derived from excessive exposure to the sun. In addition, consumers need guidelines on the appropriate sunscreen product for their effectiveness, taking into account the degree of sun exposure and skin type.

The problems previously exposed are not solved at present with automatic and global devices. There are some patents and utility models (eg WO2006 / 104705A2, EP1190694A1, ES1192708U) related to booths capable of spraying products without taking into account the areas where they must be applied, and can end up on clothing or on the face. This type of solution, in which people are placed in a closed cabin, is not attractive due to its unsanitary conditions since the product ends up in the enclosures. They are mere product application systems that do not control whether the application has been correct, and in which the adaptation of the product to the user in question or their environment is not guided, and they are not capable of guiding, informing, monitoring and protecting the user. during the entire exposure process, nor do they constitute a global protection system against overexposure.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the present invention is to propose an automated method and system through the use of artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques, which allows the care, protection, evaluation and monitoring of the skin, with the aim of safeguarding its health. It refers in particular to an application unit and a procedure comprising:

a) a method and system of care and protection of the skin through the automatic, selective and localized application of protectors, creams, lotions or similar liquids, which has a structure, as a platform base, on which the user stands and that distinguishes between areas of the skin that are uncovered or covered by clothing. The system determines if the coverage and amount of product on the skin is adequate, thus making a correct application and protection.

b) an evaluation method and system capable of determining the type and condition of the skin, by combining recognition by artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques, and data collection and processing.

c) a monitoring and follow-up method and system capable of informing, giving recommendations, warning of risks and providing guidelines. The system is capable of combining variable information from the environment, such as the ultraviolet index of the user's location, the time of day, the last application, etc., with the individual's own characteristics, such as skin type. Through digital platforms, mobile devices or others, individuals receive personalized information on the appropriate product, on the risks derived from excessive exposure to harmful agents such as solar radiation, before and during the activity they carry out in real time, as well as guidelines for controlling exposure and avoiding overexposure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the invention is capable of different types of preferred embodiments, it is shown in the figures and examples of embodiments of the invention will be described here with the understanding that the present developments are considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and are not intended It is intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the illustrated examples.

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of an embodiment of the device of the invention, called the application unit. The application unit is in turn formed by a platform base (1) on which structural elements or bars (2) are placed.

Figure 2 represents a functional block diagram illustrating the procedure of data processing using artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques, information flow and data capture, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 represents a rear perspective view of the application unit.

Figure 4 represents a side view in longitudinal section of the application unit with the contents and arrangement of the elements inside the platform base (1) and a connection inside the structural elements or bars (2).

Figure 5 represents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the application unit has an attached electronic module or panel (3), for control and interaction with the user.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, in which like identification numbers are used to designate like elements in the various views, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below and further. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes only.

With reference to Figure 1, a perspective view of an embodiment of the device of the invention, called the application unit, is represented. The application unit is in turn formed by a platform base (1) on which structural elements or bars (2) are placed.

Referring to Figure 2, a functional block diagram is represented illustrating the data processing procedure using artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques, information flow and data capture, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The invention is comprised firstly through the application unit (Figure 1), and secondly through a procedure (Figure 2) that uses artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques, for the management and control of digital platforms, from devices equipped with communication and interaction interfaces, and for processing, calculating, computing data, images, etc.

Referring to Figure 3, a rear perspective view of the application unit is represented. In it you can see how the platform base (1) can house different sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4), a washing and drainage system (7), a ventilation system (6), interaction interfaces (10 ), as well as the structural elements or bars (2) can also house actuators (9) and sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4).

Referring to Figure 4, a longitudinal section side view of the application unit is represented with the contents and arrangement of the elements inside the platform base (1) and a connection inside the structural elements or bars (2 ). Inside the platform base (1) you can find control, pumping, compression, disinfection devices, tanks, cooling systems or similar (5), washing and drainage system (7) and hardware and software units (12 ). Interaction interfaces (10), sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4), actuators (9) and pumping conduits or wiring (11) are also located on the structural elements or bars (2).

Referring to Figure 5, a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention is represented in which the application unit has an attached electronic module or panel (3), for control and interaction with the user, which may contain in turn, interaction interfaces (10), sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4) and product dispensers (13). Sensors or other measurement and capture equipment are observed on the user (4).

Using the procedure whose functional diagram is outlined in Figure 2, the user can create one or more personalized profiles, or a generic profile without the need for registration. The procedure can use different digital platforms or computing devices, interconnected through local or remote systems. Examples of digital platforms can be databases, websites, mobile applications, computer programs or the like. Examples of computing devices can be mobile phones, processors, PLCs, tablets, computers, servers or the like, which can also be located in the application unit (Figure 1) of the invention. Others could be used without violating the spirit of the invention. From in this way an individual could use, with a single user account, different application units (Figure 1) located in different locations. Communication between the digital platform and the closest application unit (Figure 1) allows the user to select where the application will be carried out, or to have it assigned automatically.

Figure 2 represents communication interfaces with the user, the environment, the web or other application units (Figure 1) with analog and digital protocols. This communication allows data to be processed remotely, although also the hardware and software units (12) located in the application unit (Figure 4) are capable of processing data locally through the use of PLCs, robots or similar.

The data can come from sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4), integrated into the application unit or in the user (Figures 3 and 5), it can be entered by people, it can be provided by other devices, it can come from databases or external applications, or they can be generated with calculation algorithms or be the result of learning through their interaction with users, with their experiences or their environment.

Examples of data from user experience or information from external databases may be those that the computer system collects through questions and / or guided processes, location data, current ultraviolet index, photo-type of skin introduced, exposure already received, previous product applications or the like. Example of sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4) that the user can carry with him can be patches, capable of providing accumulated exposure or reflecting behavior patterns, such as immersion in water for a bath.

With this information, the system is able to give personalized recommendations, such as the maximum exposure time, the appropriate protection factor at the time of day and the condition of the skin, the need for re-applications, the cessation of exposure or others, and therefore protect the skin before even physically analyzing the user himself.

The system can be equipped with means of payment such as online user accounts, bank cards, prepaid, contactless, Apps for mobile devices, or others, to verify and accept the user recognition and protection process.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, the application unit (Figure 5) may be equipped with one or more attached electronic modules or panels (3), for control and interaction with the user, which could also share functionalities with it, such as to house deposits, lockers to leave personal belongings (mobile phones, pieces of clothing, etc.), other devices or the like.

The process of physical recognition of the skin and application of protector on the user is carried out when this is placed on the platform base (1) that is located in the lower part of the application unit (Figure 4) and inside the Which elements can be housed for control, pumping, compression, disinfection, tanks, cooling systems or the like (5). The platform base (1) represented in Figure 3 may have an opening system to access its interior and a ventilation system (6). Access to the interior allows the different elements it contains to be actuated and maintenance work carried out, such as for the replacement of protector in the tanks. It can be equipped with a washing and drainage system (7) to sanitize the user positioning area. Examples of this system could be spray nozzles or flexible hoses, among others. The external shape of the platform base (1) ensures that sand or similar pollution does not accumulate inside or on its surface. The preferred design of the application unit (Figure 1) is conceived without lateral enclosures and without covers to achieve an open system different from a cabin, preferably without moving parts, to guarantee the safety and hygiene of the user when handling it.

Figures 3 and 4 show how structural elements or bars (2) are located on the platform base (1) that can serve to house pumping or wiring ducts (11), actuators (9), interaction interfaces (10) and sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4). Examples of actuators (9) can be injection nozzles, sprinklers, air curtains, solenoid valves, electroplating systems or the like (capable of projecting, spraying, nebulizing or adhering protector, creams, lotions, air, mixtures or similar fluids). Examples of sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4) could be artificial vision cameras, ultraviolet cameras, scanners, radars, probes, infrared sensors, thermographic devices, pressure, temperature, humidity, weight sensors, dosimeters or any others. Other actuators (9) and sensors or other different measurement or capture equipment (4) can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4) could be located on the platform base (1), on structural elements or bars (2), on the attached electronic modules or panels (3) or on the user as shown in Figure 5.

The interaction interfaces (10) can be mechanical, electrical or electronic, and can be located both in the application unit (Figures 3, 4 and 5) and in the user. Examples of interaction interfaces (10) would be buttons, screens, receivers and transmitters of voice commands, receivers for facial recognition, gesture recognition, color recognition, shape recognition, volume recognition, size recognition, signals or electrical parameters, waves or the like, although others could be used without violating the spirit of the invention.

The invention is capable of coordinating by means of artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques, the joint action of the actuators (9), interaction interfaces (10) and sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4).

The structural elements or bars (2) can have quick, self-locking anchors, or similar, in their union with the platform base (1) for their positioning, allowing for example their installation early in the day and their removal at the end of this . The maintenance staff could remove them taking advantage of the washing, replacement of consumables, etc. If only said personnel were authorized to unblock it, so that the only thing that remained in the place of installation during non-operating hours was the platform base (1), vandalism would be avoided. Furthermore, the structural elements or bars (2) could be interchangeable for quick replacement in case of breakdown or maintenance.

The user would be placed on the platform base (1) and between the structural elements or bars (2), and could activate the process through different procedures, such as the operation of a button, voice and gestural control, facial recognition or others. The different sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4) can provide information that artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques could use to control the process, avoiding certain risks, such as starting in the presence of unauthorized users. , children of a certain age or similar.

With this process begins the phase of determining the state or condition of the skin, through the physical analysis of the user himself and the collection and processing of data, using sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4). Artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques can process image data, scanner, thermography or similar, and notice differences with respect to the information known up to that moment, modifying the recommendations generated previously, such as changing the recommended protection factor. .

With the user's consent, the skin care and protection phase begins through the automatic, selective and localized application of protectors, creams, lotions or similar liquids. Examples of liquids can be sunscreens with physical or chemical filters, biodegradable, suntan lotion, insect repellants, aloe vera, moisturizers or others. Artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques are able to discern between areas of the skin that are uncovered or covered by clothing or the like, and can use sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4) to locate the areas where to apply the product. and they can execute only the necessary actuators (9). In this way, direct application to areas with clothing, for example, is avoided. The application of the product is much more comfortable for the user than a manual application, in which the product could also be mixed with particles such as sand.

The system is capable of determining and applying the amount and degree of product coverage required on the skin through the use of artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques. Thanks to the combination of actuators (9) and sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4), such as ultraviolet, thermal or similar images, the ideal amount is applied and the skin receives the optimal product coverage. Figure 5 shows how the attached electronic modules or panels (3) could have product dispensers (13) intended to provide the user with a small amount so that they can make a manual application in any desired area, such as in the face, although these could also have another location in the invention without altering the spirit of it.

During the application of the product, the interaction interfaces (10) could give instructions to the user to position himself or perform actions aimed at achieving a selective application and optimal coverage.

Once the application process is finished, the user can leave the base platform (1) and you can perform the desired activity. Meanwhile, the system monitors and tracks that allows you to inform and provide recommendations aimed at safeguarding the health of the skin. The system has the capacity to give recommendations based on parameters such as, for example, the time elapsed since the last application, the previously used protection index, weather data of the place, time of day, ultraviolet index, type of activity (water activities, physical exercise with sweating, etc.) or any other available parameter. The recommendations are not only available for consultation on digital platforms, but could also be proactively delivered to the user through notifications to their mobile device or similar. The user can be kept informed of the existing risks and receive guidelines to avoid overexposure.

The registered user account can contain the history and information of interest that can be consulted by it, at the desired time. The data collected could be used for statistical, medical or innovation purposes, videogrammetry, photogrammetry, etc.

The application unit (Figure 1) could be equipped with an electrical and water supply connection, or it could function as an autonomous unit with supply tanks or renewable energy systems. It can be installed permanently or portable, both indoors and outdoors.

It should be understood that both the developments and the examples have been chosen and described to achieve illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical and industrial applications, thereby enabling someone of ordinary skill in the state of the technique the best understanding. Even though specific developments of the invention have been described, these should not be taken as exhaustive, and it should be understood that various modifications could be made and that the subject matter described here can be implemented in various ways or examples, being able to be used in numerous other applications, combinations and environments, only a few of which have been described here. Those of ordinary skill in the state of the art will recognize that the aspects described can be altered or modified without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the specific details, shown and illustrated in this description. It is intended to protect any and all modifications and variations that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (23)

1. An automated method and system through the use of artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques, which allows the care, protection, evaluation and monitoring of the skin, with the aim of safeguarding your health, comprising: to. a method and system of care and protection of the skin through the automatic, selective and localized application of protector, creams, lotions or similar liquids; b. an evaluation method and system capable of determining the condition or condition of the skin by collecting and processing data; and c. a monitoring and follow-up method and system capable of informing, giving recommendations, warning of risks and providing guidelines. 2. The method and system according to claim 1, comprising firstly an application unit (Figure 1) and secondly a method (Figure 2) for the management and control of digital platforms, data and devices. 3. The method and system according to claim 1, capable of distinguishing between areas of the skin that are uncovered or covered by clothing, or the like, by using artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques. 4. The method and system according to claim 1, capable of determining and applying the amount and degree of product coverage required on the skin, through the use of artificial intelligence and / or other computer techniques. 5. The method and system according to claim 1, provided with actuators (9) capable of projecting, spraying, nebulizing or adhering protector, creams, lotions, air or similar fluids. 6. The method and system according to claim 1, equipped with sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4) integrated in the application unit (Figure 1) or in the user, capable of acquiring data. 7. The method and system according to claim 1, provided with interaction interfaces (10) mechanical, electrical or electronic. 8. The method and system according to claim 1, capable of coordinating the joint action of actuators (9), interaction interfaces (10) and sensors or other measurement and capture equipment (4). 9. The method and system according to claim 1, provided with communication interfaces with the user, the environment, the web or other devices, through analog and digital communication protocols. The method and system according to claim 1, capable of acquiring data entered by the user, data from other devices, and capable of acquiring information from external databases or applications. The method and system according to claim 1, capable of acquiring data generated with calculation algorithms or from learning through its interaction with users, with their experiences or their environment. 12. The method and system according to claims 6, 10 and 11, capable of processing data locally and remotely using hardware and software units. 13. The method and system according to claim 1, provided with an application unit (Figure 1) preferably without side closures and without covers, on which the user stands. 14. The method and system according to claim 13, preferably without moving parts, to guarantee the safety and hygiene of the user when handling it. The method and system according to claim 13, provided with structural elements or bars (2) that can serve to house pumping conduits or wiring (11), actuators (9), interaction interfaces (10) and sensors or other equipment measurement and capture (4). 16. The method and system according to claim 15, wherein the structural elements or bars (2) can have quick, self-locking anchors, or the like, at their junction with the platform base (1). 17. The method and system according to claim 13, which may be equipped with one or more annexed electronic modules or panels (3), for control and iteration with the user. 18. The method and system according to claim 13, which may be provided with product dispensers (13) intended to provide the user with a small amount so that they can make a manual application. 19. The method and system according to claim 13, equipped with a platform base (1) with an opening system to access its interior, where control, pumping, compression, disinfection, tanks, cooling systems, cleaning elements are housed. or similar (5). 20. The method and system according to claim 13, provided with a washing and drainage system (7) to sanitize the user positioning area and a ventilation system (6) for the elements inside it. 21. The method and system according to claim 13, provided with an electrical and water supply socket that can function as an autonomous unit with supply tanks or renewable energy systems. 22. The method and system according to claim 13, which can be installed in a fixed or portable way, both indoors and outdoors. 23. The method and system according to claim 1, provided with payment systems for users.