JP6974975B2 - Skin index value calculation method and skin condition evaluation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for evaluating a skin condition, and more particularly to a technique using skin blood flow information.

There are blood flow meters that measure the blood flow in the skin by irradiating the skin with laser light or ultrasonic waves. For example, a blood flow meter using the laser speckle method acquires a speckle image by irradiating a living tissue of the skin with laser light and imaging scattered light scattered by blood cells or the like in the living tissue. Blood flow is measured by measuring the amount of fluctuation in the blur of each pixel of the speckle image. In addition, there are blood flow meters that measure blood flow from changes in the wavelength of the received scattered light and the intensity of the light.

Patent Document 1 discloses a method of measuring skin blood flow by using a laser speckle method. In this method, the amount of temporal and spatial fluctuation (MBR value) is obtained for each pixel of the light intensity image, the average MBR value which is the average of one heartbeat of the MBR value is obtained, and the obtained average MBR value is used for skin blood. Find the flow rate. Specifically, for a predetermined part of the skin, a first-order regression equation between the skin blood flow and the average MBR value by the strain gauge volume pulse wave method is acquired in advance, and the average MBR value is applied to the regression equation. By doing so, the skin blood flow is calculated.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-123689

The information on the blood flow of the skin measured as described above is generally used for diagnosing diseases related to blood vessels such as peripheral arterial diseases.
On the other hand, in order to investigate the condition of the skin (skin) of the face, various information such as skin viscoelasticity, stratum corneum moisture, percutaneous moisture evaporation amount, and skin color are measured. Such information is used not only for aging evaluation of facial skin and skin care evaluation, but also for effectiveness evaluation of skin care cosmetics.
However, at present, various information indicating the skin condition of the face must be measured by a dedicated measuring device.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides a technique capable of easily evaluating the skin condition of a face.

In each aspect of the present invention, the following configurations are adopted in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

The first aspect relates to a skin index value calculation method. Skin index value calculation method according to the first aspect, calculates an acquisition step of acquiring blood flow information of the facial skin of a subject, skin index value of the face of the subject based on the obtained blood flow information calculated viewed including the step, the blood flow information the acquisition includes a blood flow indicator value relating to a certain blood flow indicator, in the calculating step, based on the correlation between the blood flow index and the skin condition index, The skin index value is calculated from the blood flow index value .

The second aspect relates to a skin condition evaluation device. The skin condition evaluation device according to the second aspect applies the acquired means for acquiring the blood flow index value of the facial skin of the subject and the acquired blood flow index value to the correlation formula between the blood flow index and the skin condition index. By doing so, the present invention comprises a calculation means for calculating a skin index value indicating the skin condition of the subject's face.

As another aspect of the present invention, there may be a skin beauty counseling method, a skin care method, or a skin care product effect presentation method including the skin index value calculation method according to the first aspect.

According to each of the above aspects, it is possible to provide a technique capable of easily evaluating the skin condition of the face.

It is a flowchart which shows the evaluation method (evaluation method) of the skin condition of a face which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the MBR time waveform. It is a figure which shows the example of the MBR image. It is a flowchart which shows the evaluation method (evaluation method) of the skin condition of a face which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the evaluation method (evaluation method) of the skin condition of a face which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which conceptually shows the hardware composition example of the skin condition evaluation apparatus. It is a figure which conceptually shows the processing composition example of the skin condition evaluation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the skin beauty counseling method. It is a flowchart which shows the skin care method or the effect presentation method of a skin care product. It is a graph which shows the relationship between Falling rate and Ur / Uf. It is a graph which shows the relationship between CVR (Cutaneous Vascular Resistance) and TEWL (transepidermal water loss). It is a graph which shows the relationship between Fluctuation and Corneometer. It is a graph which shows the relationship between MBR and skin color a ^*. It is a graph which shows the relationship between RI (Resistivity Index) and skin color b ^*. It is a graph which shows the relationship between BOT and the water content of the stratum corneum.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that each of the following embodiments is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of each of the following embodiments.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an evaluation method (hereinafter abbreviated as an evaluation method) for a facial skin condition according to the first embodiment. The evaluation method in the first embodiment is executed by a computer such as a skin condition evaluation device described later, for example.
The evaluation method according to the first embodiment includes an acquisition step (S11) and an evaluation step (S13).

The acquisition step (S11) is a step of acquiring blood flow information on the facial skin of the subject.
The "blood flow information" here is not simple appearance information such as the redness of the appearance of the face, but information related to the flow (flow velocity or flow rate) of body fluid (mainly blood) in the skin tissue of the face. .. For example, "blood flow information" is information measured based on the Doppler effect of reflected light or reflected waves obtained by irradiating or transmitting laser light or ultrasonic waves to the facial skin.

The blood flow information may include one or more blood flow index values for one or more blood flow indices.
The "blood flow index" here may be any information that can be an index regarding the flow (flow velocity or flow rate) of body fluid (mainly blood) in the skin tissue of the face, for example, blood flow volume, blood flow velocity, Skew. (Blood flow waveform bias), BOS (steady flow index of blood flow), Rising rate (rate of increase in blood flow), FAI (acceleration of blood flow), ATI (peak position of blood flow), etc. , Blood flow velocity is preferable in terms of simplicity and accuracy of the measurement algorithm. Specifically, the blood flow index is MBR (Mean Blur Rate), and Falling rate, CVR (Cutaneous Vascular Resistance), RI (Resistivity Index), Fluctuation, and BOT (Blowout Time) calculated using MBR. Any one of them may be included.

In the present specification, "MBR" is an index of blood flow volume or blood flow velocity, and strictly speaking, the speckle time of a light intensity image obtained by irradiating the skin with a laser beam and imaging the reflected light. It is an index indicated by the amount of spatial and spatial fluctuation (see Patent Document 1 above). The MBR can also be said to be a blood flow index obtained by dividing the relative blood flow rate (RFV (Relative Flow Volume)) by the blood vessel diameter. According to Patent Document 1, it is recognized that the average MBR value has an extremely high positive correlation with the blood flow measured by the strain gauge volume pulse wave method.
"MBR" is related to both blood flow and blood flow velocity, but is used herein to distinguish it from blood flow and blood flow velocity. However, "MBR" may be used in agreement with blood flow volume or blood flow velocity.
The “blood flow” is, for example, a relative blood flow, and is a blood flow obtained by applying an average MBR value to the linear regression equation described in Patent Document 1.
"Blood flow velocity" is information obtained by dividing the blood flow volume by the cross-sectional area of the blood vessel.

「ＢＯＴ」は、高いＭＢＲ値の持続性を示す指標であり、ＢＯＴ値は、図２に示されるＭＢＲ値の半値幅（時間）（Ｗ）及び一心拍幅（時間）（Ｆ）、並びに比例定数「Ｃ」を用いて次の式で表される。
（ＢＯＴ）＝Ｃ・（Ｗ）／（Ｆ）
これら血流指標は、「ＭＢＲ」を「血流量」又は「血流速度」に置き換えて得られる情報であってもよいし、血流の指標となり得る他の情報であってもよい。 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an MBR time waveform.
The "Falling rate" is an index showing the time variation of the descending speed from the maximum MBR value in the time waveform of the MBR value per heartbeat. Using (Sall) and (S2) shown in FIG. 2, the Falling rate can be expressed by the following equation. The following "C" is a constant of proportionality.
(Falling rate) = C. (S2) / (Sall)
"CVR" is an index showing cutaneous vascular resistance, and the CVR value can be obtained by dividing the average blood pressure value by the MBR value.
"RI" is an index showing peripheral vascular resistance, and the RI value is obtained by dividing the difference between the maximum MBR value (MBRmax in FIG. 2) and the minimum MBR value (MBRmin in FIG. 2) by the maximum MBR value.
"Fluctuation" is an index showing the coefficient of variation of MBR, and is expressed by the following equation.

"BOT" is an index showing the sustainability of a high MBR value, and the BOT value is the half width (hour) (W) and one heartbeat width (time) (F) of the MBR value shown in FIG. 2, and is proportional. It is expressed by the following equation using the constant "C".
(BOT) = C ・ (W) / (F)
These blood flow indexes may be information obtained by replacing "MBR" with "blood flow volume" or "blood flow velocity", or may be other information that can be an index of blood flow.

Further, the blood flow information acquired in the acquisition step (S11) may be an image capable of deriving the blood flow index value as described above or generated using the blood flow index value. For example, the blood flow information may be a light intensity image (speckle image) obtained by irradiating the facial skin of the subject with laser light and imaging the reflected light, or the light intensity as shown in FIG. The MBR image (blood flow map) generated by using the MBR value obtained for each pixel of the image may be used, or the blood flow map may be a heartbeat map normalized by heartbeat.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an MBR image.

The evaluation step (S13) is a step of evaluating the skin condition of the subject's face based on the blood flow information acquired in the acquisition step (S11).
The present inventors focused on the blood flow (blood flow) in the skin tissue of the face, and found that the state of the blood flow has a high correlation with the skin state of the face as described in the section of Examples. rice field. Then, the present inventors have demonstrated that the skin condition of the subject's face can be evaluated by using the blood flow information of the subject's facial skin.

For example, when the blood flow index value of a certain blood flow index is acquired in the acquisition step (S11), in the evaluation step (S13), the blood flow index is based on the correlation between the blood flow index and the skin condition index. The skin index value of the subject's face can be calculated from the blood flow index value.
Here, the "skin condition index" may be any information that can be an index regarding the skin condition. Skin condition indexes that show a high correlation with the blood flow index as described above include skin viscoelasticity, water evaporation amount, stratum corneum water content, skin color (a ^* , b ^* ), and stratum corneum cell area. This has been confirmed by the present inventors. Therefore, in the evaluation step (S13), with respect to the skin of the subject's face, one or more types of skin showing any one or more of skin viscoelasticity, water evaporation amount, stratum corneum moisture content, skin color, and stratum corneum cell area. The index value can be calculated.

Therefore, in order to obtain index values of skin condition such as viscoelasticity of skin and amount of water evaporation, it is originally necessary to measure using a dedicated measuring device, but according to this embodiment, such measurement is performed. The skin index value can be calculated from the blood flow information without any problem. Then, by using this skin index value, the skin condition of the face can be easily evaluated.
Further, the device for measuring the skin condition is generally a device for measuring by bringing a probe or the like into contact with the skin, but in the present embodiment, a non-contact blood flow meter is used to perform non-contact. The skin index value of the subject can be obtained. Therefore, since the subject does not have to worry about makeup removal and hygiene, the evaluation method of the present embodiment can be easily used.

The subject of the evaluation of the skin condition in the evaluation step (S13) may be a computer or a person. For example, a computer such as the skin condition evaluation device 10 described later calculates the skin index value as described above. By confirming the output of the skin index value, the subject or the evaluator can evaluate the skin condition of the subject. In this case, the subject or the evaluator may be made to compare them by outputting the range or the threshold value of the skin index value which is the reference of the evaluation together with the skin index value of the subject. The reference range or threshold value may be output to a print medium or the like in advance. For example, by outputting the range of the average skin index value for each age group in advance and comparing the range with the skin index value of the subject, the skin condition of the subject can be evaluated as the skin age, or good or bad. Can be evaluated as.
However, the specific method of evaluating the skin condition is not limited to such an example.

Further, the blood flow information actually used for the evaluation in the evaluation step (S13) does not have to be the same as the blood flow information acquired in the acquisition step (S11). For example, when the MBR value is acquired as blood flow information in the acquisition step (S11), the value of another blood flow index (Falling rate, CVR, etc.) is calculated from the MBR value, and in the evaluation step (S13), this value is calculated. The evaluation may be performed using the calculated blood flow index value. Further, when the blood flow map is acquired as blood flow information in the acquisition step (S11), the MBR value is acquired from each pixel of the blood flow map, and in the evaluation step (S13), the MBR value or the MBR value thereof is used. The evaluation may be performed using the calculated blood flow index value.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the method for evaluating the skin condition of the face according to the second embodiment (hereinafter, abbreviated as the evaluation method) will be described focusing on the contents different from those in the first embodiment. In the following description, the same contents as those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an evaluation method according to the second embodiment. The evaluation method according to the second embodiment is executed by a computer such as a skin condition evaluation device described later, for example.

The evaluation method according to the second embodiment includes a step (S31), a step (S33), a step (S35), and a step (S37).
The step (S31) is a step of irradiating the facial skin of the subject with a laser beam and imaging the scattered light to acquire a light intensity image obtained. This light intensity image contains a speckle pattern and is also called a speckle image.
The acquisition of the light intensity image in the step (S31) may mean that the image pickup element captures the light intensity image, or the image frame of the light intensity image captured by the image pickup element is captured by the image pickup element, the image pickup device, and the image pickup device. It may be received from a portable recording medium or other equipment. As a method for capturing a speckle image, a known method may be used (see, for example, Patent Document 1 above).

The step (S33) is a step of acquiring a blood flow index value relating to one or more blood flow indexes of the facial skin of the subject from the light intensity image acquired in the step (S31). The MBR value as a blood flow index value can be calculated from the image frame of the light intensity image (see Patent Document 1 above). The blood flow index value acquired in the step (S33) may be an MBR value or a blood flow index value (blood flow, Falling rate, BOT, etc.) that can be calculated from the MBR value.

The step (S35) is a step of calculating a plurality of types of skin index values related to the face of the subject based on the blood flow index values acquired in the step (S33). The method for calculating the skin index value from the blood flow index value is as described in the first embodiment.
When the blood flow index value acquired in the step (S33) is the MBR value, it is sufficient to calculate the skin index value for a plurality of types of skin condition indexes in which a high correlation with the MBR value is recognized. Further, when a plurality of types of blood flow index values are acquired in the step (S33), skin index values relating to the plurality of types of skin condition indexes having a high correlation with each blood flow index may be calculated.

The step (S37) is a step of evaluating the skin condition of the subject's face based on the skin index value calculated in the step (S35). Also in this embodiment, the evaluation subject in the step (S37) may be a computer or a person. The skin condition evaluation method based on the skin index value is as described in the first embodiment.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by acquiring the light intensity image of the facial skin of the subject, a plurality of types of skin index values relating to the subject's face are calculated, and the skin of the face is calculated based on the plurality of types of skin index values. The condition is evaluated. Therefore, the skin condition can be evaluated in detail from a plurality of viewpoints. Further, in order to obtain a plurality of types of skin index values by the existing method, it is necessary to measure the skin for each skin index using a plurality of types of measuring instruments. Therefore, a plurality of types of skin index values can be obtained, and detailed evaluation can be easily performed.

[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the method for evaluating the skin condition of the face according to the third embodiment (hereinafter, abbreviated as the evaluation method) will be described focusing on the contents different from those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. In the following description, the same contents as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an evaluation method according to the third embodiment. The evaluation method according to the third embodiment is executed by a computer such as a skin condition evaluation device described later, for example.

The evaluation method according to the third embodiment includes a step (S41), a step (S43), a step (S45), and a step (S47).
The step (S41) is a step of irradiating the facial skin of the subject with a laser beam and imaging the scattered light to acquire a light intensity image, which is the same as the step (S31) of FIG. However, it is desirable that the light intensity image acquired in the step (S41) includes a plurality of parts described later on the facial skin of the subject. This is because the blood flow index values of a plurality of sites can be obtained at once.

The step (S43) is a step of acquiring a blood flow index value of a certain blood flow index at a plurality of parts of the facial skin of the subject from the light intensity image acquired in the step (S41).
The "plurality of parts" here is a part of the facial skin of the subject to be evaluated for the skin condition, and may be appropriately selected according to the evaluation content. For example, when evaluating a shiny state, a plurality of sites may be selected from a range called a T zone having many sebaceous glands such as the forehead and the tip of the nose, and when evaluating a dry state, a U zone which is easy to dry may be selected. Multiple sites may be selected from the called range. Further, when evaluating the aging state, it is sufficient to select a plurality of sites that are likely to change with aging, such as the outer corners of the eyes and the mouth.

In the step (S43), the blood flow index value of the same blood flow index may be acquired for each site, or the blood flow index value of a different blood flow index may be acquired for each site. Further, a plurality of types of blood flow index values may be acquired for each site, or a type of blood flow index value may be acquired for each site.
The method of acquiring the blood flow index value from the light intensity image is as described in the second embodiment.

The step (S45) is a step of calculating the skin index value of the face of the subject based on the blood flow index value of the plurality of sites acquired in the step (S43).
In the step (S45), the skin index value may be calculated for each part where the blood flow index value is acquired, or the skin index value of a certain skin condition index of the face is calculated without limiting to the part. May be good.
In the former case, a correlation formula between the blood flow index and the skin condition index may be provided for each site, or a correlation formula independent of the site may be provided.
In the latter case, a correlation formula may be provided between the blood flow index of a plurality of sites and a kind of skin condition index, or the skin index value is calculated from the statistical value (average value, etc.) of the blood flow index value for each site. May be done.
Further, in the step (S45), it is also possible to calculate the skin index values of a plurality of types of skin condition indexes.

The step (S47) is a step of evaluating the skin condition of the subject's face based on the skin index value calculated in the step (S45). Also in this embodiment, the evaluation subject in the step (S47) may be a computer or a person. The skin condition evaluation method based on the skin index value is as described in the first embodiment.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by acquiring the light intensity image of the facial skin of the subject, the blood flow index values at a plurality of parts of the facial skin of the subject are acquired, and the face is based on the blood flow index values of the plurality of parts. The skin index value of is calculated. Then, the skin condition of the subject's face is evaluated based on the skin index value. Therefore, it is possible to evaluate the skin condition of the face with high accuracy in consideration of the blood flow condition of a plurality of sites. In addition, since it is not always necessary to measure each site in order to obtain the blood flow state at a plurality of sites, the skin condition can be easily evaluated.

[Skin condition evaluation device]
At least a part of the evaluation methods according to the first to third embodiments described above can be performed by the following skin condition evaluation device (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as an evaluation device).
FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing a hardware configuration example of the skin condition evaluation device 10.
The evaluation device 10 is a so-called computer, and includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a memory 12, an input / output interface (I / F) 13, a communication unit 14, and the like, which are connected to each other by a bus. The number of each hardware element forming the evaluation device 10 is not limited, and these hardware elements can also be collectively referred to as an information processing circuit. Further, the evaluation device 10 may include hardware elements (not shown in FIG. 6), and the hardware configuration thereof is not limited.

The CPU 11 may be configured by an integrated circuit (ASIC) for a specific application, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like, in addition to a general CPU.
The memory 12 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an auxiliary storage device (hard disk or the like).
The input / output I / F 13 can be connected to a user interface device such as an output device 15 and an input device 16. The output device 15 is at least one of a device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display that displays a screen corresponding to drawing data processed by a CPU 11 or the like, a printing device, and the like. The input device 16 is a device that receives input of a user operation such as a keyboard and a mouse. The output device 15 and the input device 16 may be integrated and realized as a touch panel.
The communication unit 14 communicates with another computer via a communication network, exchanges signals with other devices, and the like. A portable recording medium or the like may also be connected to the communication unit 14. Further, a camera (not shown) for capturing the above-mentioned light intensity image may be connected to the communication unit 14.
Further, the evaluation device 10 may be a device having a built-in camera.

FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually showing a processing configuration example of the skin condition evaluation device 10.
The evaluation device 10 includes an acquisition unit 21, a calculation unit 23, an output processing unit 25, and the like. These processing modules are software elements, and are realized, for example, by executing a program stored in the memory 12 by the CPU 11. This program is installed from an input / output I / F 13 or a communication unit 14 from a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a memory card, or another computer on the network, and is stored in the memory 12. You may.
The evaluation device 10 can realize a part or all of the above-mentioned evaluation method by the operation of the acquisition unit 21, the calculation unit 23, and the output processing unit 25. In other words, the evaluation device 10 can execute the above-mentioned evaluation method by executing the installed program.

The acquisition unit 21 can execute the above-mentioned steps (S11), steps (S31), steps (S33), steps (S41), or steps (S43). That is, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the blood flow information or the blood flow index value of the facial skin of the subject. The definitions of "blood flow information" and "blood flow index value" are as described above.

The acquisition unit 21 can acquire the blood flow information or the blood flow index value from a portable recording medium, another computer, a device such as a camera, or the like via the communication unit 14.
When a camera is connected to the input / output I / F 13 or the communication unit 14, the acquisition unit 21 can also acquire the image frame of the above-mentioned light intensity image from the camera. In this case, the acquisition unit 21 can acquire the blood flow index value related to one or more blood flow indexes of the facial skin of the subject from the light intensity image. Further, the acquisition unit 21 can acquire the blood flow index value of the skin for a plurality of parts of the subject's face from the light intensity image for each part. Regarding the method of acquiring the blood flow index value from the light intensity image, the second It is as described in the embodiment and the like.
Further, the acquisition unit 21 acquires an MBR image (blood flow map) as exemplified in FIG. 3 regarding the face of the subject, and from each pixel of the MBR image, the MBR value or the blood flow index calculated from the MBR value. You can also get the value.

The calculation unit 23 can execute the above-mentioned step (S35) or step (S45). For example, the calculation unit 23 holds a correlation formula between the blood flow index and the skin condition index, and by applying the blood flow index value acquired by the acquisition unit 21 to this correlation formula, the skin of the subject's face. Calculate the skin index value indicating the condition.

When the blood flow index value related to one or more blood flow indexes is acquired by the acquisition unit 21, the calculation unit 23 is acquired by the acquisition unit 21 in one or more correlation equations between the blood flow index and the skin condition index. By applying the blood flow index values, it is possible to calculate multiple types of skin index values related to the subject's face. In this case, the correlation equation held by the calculation unit 23 may be a plurality of correlation equations based on the correlation between a kind of blood flow index and a kind of skin condition index, or may be a plurality of types of blood flow indexes and a kind. It may be a plurality of correlation equations based on the correlation with the skin condition index.

When the blood flow index values of a plurality of sites are acquired by the acquisition unit 21, the calculation unit 23 applies the blood flow index values of the plurality of sites acquired by the acquisition unit 21 to the correlation formula. The skin index value of the subject's face can be calculated. In this case, the correlation formula held by the calculation unit 23 may be a correlation formula for each part, or one or more correlation formulas based on the correlation between the blood flow index of a plurality of parts and a kind of skin condition index. May be. That is, in this case, the calculation unit 23 may calculate the skin index value for each part of the face of the subject, or the skin index value of a certain skin condition index of the face is calculated without limiting to the part. You may. When not limited to the site, for example, the calculation unit 23 may calculate the skin index value by applying the statistical value (average value or the like) of the blood flow index value for each site to the correlation formula. In addition, the calculation unit 23 can also calculate the skin index values of a plurality of types of skin condition indexes.

The output processing unit 25 causes the output device 15 to output the skin index value of the subject's face calculated by the calculation unit 23. Further, the output processing unit 25 can also send the skin index value to a portable recording medium or another computer via the communication unit 14.

Although not shown in FIG. 7, the evaluation device 10 may further have an evaluation unit as a processing module. The evaluation unit can execute the above-mentioned step (S13), step (S37), or step (S47).
For example, the evaluation unit holds a range or a threshold value of the skin index value as a reference for evaluation, and by comparing this with the skin index value of the subject calculated by the calculation unit 23, the evaluation information of the skin condition is obtained. Can be generated. When the degree of skin condition (good or bad, etc.) can be distinguished by the range or threshold of the skin index value, the evaluation unit can generate evaluation information indicating the degree of skin condition. Further, the evaluation unit can also generate evaluation information indicating the skin age of the subject by maintaining the range of the average skin index value for each age group. Further, the evaluation information generated by the evaluation unit may be an image in which the skin index value of the subject is plotted on a graph showing the degree of the skin condition divided by the range or the threshold value of the skin index value.
When such an evaluation unit is provided, the output processing unit 25 may output the evaluation information generated by the evaluation unit to the output device 15.

[Other embodiments]
The evaluation methods according to the first to third embodiments described above can be applied as follows. Hereinafter, the skin beauty counseling method and the skin care method or the effect presentation method of the skin care product as other embodiments will be described mainly on the contents different from the above-mentioned embodiments, and the same contents as the above-mentioned embodiments are appropriately described. Omit.

[Skin beauty counseling method]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a skin beauty counseling method.
The skin cosmetology counseling method includes a step (S51), a step (S53), and a step (S55), as shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 illustrates a flow when the evaluation method according to the first embodiment is included, and the step (S51) and the step (S53) are the same as the step (S11) or the step (S13) shown in FIG. The same is true. However, in the step (S53) of this method, the skin index value of the subject's face is calculated from the blood flow index value as the blood flow information.

The step (S55) is a presentation step of presenting proposal information of a skin care method or a skin care product based on the skin index value of the subject's face calculated in the step (S53).
Here, the "skin care method" is a skin beauty method and excludes medical practice. There can be various skin care methods such as eating habits, exercise menus, lifestyle-related methods such as after taking a bath or before going to bed, beauty treatment methods (cosmetology massage, facial packs, etc.), and how to use skin care products. ..
A "skin care product" is any item that can be used for skin care, such as skin care cosmetics such as facial cleansers, toners, and serums, and items used for makeup removers (absorbent items, etc.). , Food and drink for skin care, etc. Foods and drinks for skin care also include dietary supplements called supplements that are taken by dissolving them in water.
The specific contents of the "skin care method" and "skin care product" proposed in the present embodiment are not limited at all.

"Proposed information" is information about skin care methods and / or skin care products proposed to maintain or improve skin condition. The proposed information may include at least information (name, photo, menu content, etc.) that can identify the skin care method or skin care product. In addition to such information, the proposed information may further include detailed information about the skin care product such as raw materials, usage, and efficacy, or detailed information on skin care methods.

Further, the presentation method in the step (S55) is not limited at all.
When the step (S55) is executed by the computer, the proposed information may be displayed on the display device, printed, or read aloud. The method for generating the proposed information will be described in the explanation of the skin condition evaluation device 10.
Further, the computer may output the skin index value of the subject's face, and the evaluator may present the proposed information to the subject based on the skin index value. In this case, for example, a correspondence table in which the range of the skin index value is associated with the information on the skin care product or skin care method to be proposed is generated in advance, and the evaluator compares the correspondence table with the skin index value of the subject. By doing so, the skin care product or the proposal information of the skin care method for the subject may be presented.

According to this method, by acquiring the blood flow information of the facial skin of the subject, it is possible to easily present the proposed information of the skin care method or the skin care product suitable for the skin condition of the face of the subject.
The skin cosmetology counseling method may include the evaluation method according to the second embodiment or the third embodiment. In either case, the step (S55) may be executed after the step (S35) or the step (S45). In this case, step (S55) may be performed before step (S37) or step (S47), in parallel with them, or after them.

When the blood flow index value of a certain blood flow index at a plurality of parts of the facial skin of the subject is acquired in the step (S51), the skin beauty counseling method may be performed as follows.
In this case, it is preferable that the plurality of sites include a plurality of sites corresponding to base care and a site corresponding to local care different from these plurality of sites.
"Base care" is basic care that is applied to the entire facial skin. As the plurality of sites corresponding to the base care, for example, a plurality of sites in a relatively wide area such as a T zone and a U zone are selected.
"Local care" is care applied exclusively to areas with local characteristics such as the outer corners of the eyes and around the mouth.
That is, in the step (S51), the blood flow index value of a plurality of sites corresponding to the base care and the blood flow index value of the site corresponding to the local care are acquired with respect to the facial skin of the subject.

In this case, in the step (S53), the wide area skin index value of the subject is calculated based on the blood flow index value of a plurality of sites corresponding to the base care, and the subject's local area is calculated based on the blood flow index value of the site for local care. The skin index value is calculated. At this time, a correlation formula based on the correlation between the blood flow index of multiple sites corresponding to base care and the skin condition index and a correlation formula based on the correlation between the blood flow index of the site corresponding to local care and the skin condition index are obtained. It may be used.

In the step (S55), based on the wide area skin index value and the local skin index value calculated in the step (S53), proposal information of at least one skin care method of base care and local care or a skin care product is presented. At this time, a correspondence table associated with specific information on skin care methods or skin care products for base care that should be proposed for each range of wide-area skin index values, and skin care for local care that should be proposed for each range of local skin index values. Proposal information may be generated using a method or a correspondence table associated with specific information on skin care products.
According to such a skin beauty counseling method, at least one skin care method or skin care product of base care and local care can be obtained by obtaining blood flow information in the required range of facial skin without measuring the skin condition for each part. Proposal information can be presented.

This method may be performed by the skin condition evaluation device 10 described above.
In this case, the evaluation device 10 may further have a proposal generation unit in addition to the processing configuration shown in FIG. 7. The proposal generation unit may be realized in the same way as other processing modules.

The proposal generation unit and the output processing unit 25 can execute the above-mentioned step (S55). That is, the proposal generation unit may generate proposal information for the skin care method or skin care product based on the skin index value of the subject calculated by the calculation unit 23, and the output processing unit 25 may output the proposal information. For example, the proposal generation unit holds a correspondence table in which the range of skin index values and information on skin care products or skin care methods to be proposed are associated with each other, and the proposal generation unit holds the correspondence table based on the skin index values calculated by the calculation unit 23. By referring to the correspondence table, information on skin care products or skin care methods to be proposed can be extracted. The proposal generation unit can generate proposal information based on the extracted information.

When the evaluation device 10 has an evaluation unit (not shown), the proposal generation unit associates information that can be the evaluation result of the evaluation unit with information on the skin care product or skin care method to be proposed. You just have to keep the correspondence table. Thereby, the proposal generation unit can generate the proposal information of the skin care method or the skin care product based on the evaluation result of the evaluation unit.

[Skin care method or method of presenting the effect of skin care products]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a skin care method or a method of presenting the effect of a skin care product.
Hereinafter, the target skin care method for which the effect should be presented will be referred to as a target method, and the target skin care product will be referred to as a target product. The skin care method and skin care products are as described above.
This effect presentation method is a step (S61) and a step (S63), a step (S61) and a step (S63) for executing the above-mentioned skin condition evaluation method for a subject before and after the implementation of the target method or a subject before and after the use of the target product. It includes a step (S65) of comparing the skin index values calculated in 1 and a step (S67) of presenting effect information of the target method or the target product based on the comparison result in the step (S65).

The skin condition evaluation method carried out in the step (S61) and the step (S63) may be any method according to any one of the above-mentioned first to third embodiments. In addition, it is desirable that the subjects before and after the implementation of the target method or the subjects before and after the use of the target product to which the skin condition evaluation method is applied are the same person.
In the step (S65), the skin index values are compared with each other. When multiple types of skin index values are calculated in the skin condition evaluation method, if the same type of skin index values are compared with each other, or if the statistical values of multiple types of skin index values are compared with each other. good.

The specific content of the effect information presented in the step (S67) is not limited as long as it is information based on the comparison result of the skin index values. For example, the change tendency of the skin index value before and after the implementation of the target method or before and after the use of the target product may be used as the effect information, or the difference may be used as the effect information. Further, the effect information may indicate only whether the effect is present or not.

Further, the presentation method in the step (S67) is not limited at all.
When the step (S67) is executed by a computer, the effect information may be displayed on a display device, printed, or read aloud. The method of generating effect information will be described in the description of the skin condition evaluation device 10.
Further, the computer may output the skin index value of the subject's face, and the step (S65) and the step (S67) may be performed by a person.

This method may include an evaluation method according to a second embodiment or a third embodiment. In either case, the step (S65) may be executed after the step (S35) or the step (S45). In this case, step (S65) may be performed before step (S37) or step (S47), in parallel with them, or after them.
According to this method, the effect of the target method or the target product on the subject can be easily known by using the blood flow information without measuring the skin condition of the subject.
Thereby, the subject can easily confirm the effect on the target method or the target product, in other words, whether or not the target method or the target product is suitable for the subject in order to obtain the effect. On the other hand, the proposer of the target method or the manufacturer of the target product can easily grasp the overall effect of the target method or the target product by applying this method to a plurality of subjects.

This method may be performed by the skin condition evaluation device 10 described above.
In this case, the evaluation device 10 may further include a comparison unit and an information generation unit in addition to the processing configuration shown in FIG. 7. The comparison unit and the information generation unit may be realized in the same manner as other processing modules.

The comparison unit can execute the step (S65). That is, the comparison unit compares the skin index values before and after the implementation of the target method calculated by the calculation unit 23 by the calculation unit 23 or before and after the use of the target product. For example, the comparison unit obtains the difference between the skin index values.

The information generation unit and the output processing unit 25 can execute the above-mentioned step (S67). That is, the information generation unit generates effect information of the target method or the target product based on the comparison result by the comparison unit, and the output processing unit 25 outputs the effect information. The information generation unit may include the difference in the skin index value calculated as the comparison result by the comparison unit as it is in the effect information, or in addition to the difference calculated for the subject, the average calculated in advance from a plurality of subjects. The difference in skin index values may be included in the effect information. In addition, the information generation unit can also generate effect information indicating the presence or absence of an effect or effect information indicating the degree of effect (large / medium / small effect) based on the difference calculated for the subject. The degree of effect can be determined by comparison with the average difference.

Examples will be given below, and the above-described embodiment will be described in more detail. The contents of each of the above-described embodiments are not limited to the following contents.

The relationship between facial skin blood flow information and facial skin condition was verified as follows.
With 40 healthy females in their 30s as the population, MBR images as shown in FIG. 3 were acquired for the facial skin of each subject in the population. By using women of the same age as the population in this way, the effects of age-related changes were eliminated.
Then, based on the acquired MBR image, a plurality of types of blood flow index values were acquired for each subject.
On the other hand, the skin condition was measured for each subject in the population by the existing method, and the skin index value as the measured value was acquired.
The relationship between the blood flow index value measured in this way and the skin index value was confirmed, and the relationship between the blood flow index and the skin condition index showing a high correlation was confirmed as follows.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between Falling rate and Ur / Uf.
The Falling rate is a blood flow index, and as described above, it is an index showing the time variation of the descending speed from the maximum MBR value, and can be paraphrased as an index showing the time variation of the descending speed of the blood flow.
Ur / Uf is a skin condition index showing the viscoelasticity of the skin, and specifically, is an index showing the speed of creep recovery of the skin.
According to FIG. 10, it is confirmed that Falling rate and Ur / Uf have a significant negative correlation at the 0.1% level. This is because when the skin has high elasticity, that is, the elasticity is strong, blood is maintained in the blood vessels for a long time and the blood flow gradually decreases, and conversely, when the skin elasticity is low, that is, the elasticity is weak, the maintenance time is short. It shows that the blood flow drops sharply, and it can be said that it matches the actual skin properties.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between CVR (cutaneous vascular resistance) and TEWL (transepidermal water loss).
As described above, CVR is a blood flow index indicating cutaneous vascular resistance.
TEWL is a skin condition index indicating the amount of transepidermal water evaporation, and indicates ^{how many g of water is transpired per 1 m 2} per hour as insensitive evaporation, and this index can be said to indicate the barrier function of the skin.
According to FIG. 11, it is confirmed that CVR and TEWL have a significant negative correlation at the 0.1% level. This indicates that when the cutaneous vascular resistance becomes large, blood becomes difficult to flow and insensitive evaporation is suppressed, and when the cutaneous vascular resistance becomes small, blood becomes easy to flow and insensitive evaporation becomes active. It can be said that it matches the properties.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between Fluctuation and Corneometer.
As described above, Fluctuation is a blood flow index showing fluctuations in the MBR, and can be rephrased as an index showing fluctuations in blood flow.
Corneometer is a skin condition index showing the water content of the stratum corneum.
According to FIG. 12, it is confirmed that Fluctuation and Corneometer have a significant negative correlation at the 0.1% level.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the MBR and the skin color a ^*.
As described above, MBR is a skin index value, and skin color a * is a skin condition index indicating redness of the skin.
According to FIG. 13, it is confirmed that the MBR and the skin color a ^* have a significant positive correlation at the 0.1% level. This indicates that as the MBR increases, the hemoglobin component increases and the redness of the skin becomes stronger, and when the MBR decreases, the hemoglobin component decreases and the redness of the skin becomes weaker, which is consistent with the actual skin properties. I can say.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between RI (Resistivity Index) and skin color b ^*.
As described above, RI is a blood flow index indicating peripheral vascular resistance, and skin color b ^* is a skin condition index indicating yellowness of the skin.
According to FIG. 14, ^{it is confirmed that RI and skin color b *} have a significant positive correlation at the 0.1% level. This is because when the peripheral vascular resistance increases, blood does not flow easily and the hemoglobin component decreases and the yellowness of the skin becomes stronger, and when the peripheral vascular resistance decreases, the blood easily flows and the hemoglobin component increases and the yellowness of the skin becomes weaker. It is shown and can be said to match the actual skin properties.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the BOT and the water content of the stratum corneum.
As described above, BOT is a blood flow index showing the persistence of a high MBR value (blood flow), and the skin surface stratum corneum water content is a skin condition index.
According to FIG. 15, it is confirmed that the BOT and the water content of the stratum corneum have a positive correlation at the 0.5% level. This indicates that a high BOT results in long-lasting high blood flow during a single heartbeat. It can be said that this also matches the actual skin properties.

Here, if the blood flow index is classified based on the characteristics of tissue circulation, it can be classified as follows.
(1) Blood flow = MBR
(2) Ease of blood flow into blood vessels = ATI, Rising rate
(3) Retaining power of tissue blood flow = BOT, Falling rate
(4) Stationary tissue blood flow = Skewness, BOS, RI, Skew
Therefore, based on such classification, by performing multiple regression analysis of the skin index value and the blood flow index value, it was possible to calculate a multiple regression formula that predicts the skin index value using the blood flow index value. .. The two calculated multiple regression equations are illustrated below. These multiple regression equations were significant at the 0.1% level.
(Multiple regression equation 1) Ur / Uf = 0.463 + 0.251 × 10 ^-3 × MBR + 0.004 × Rising rate-0.013 × Falling rate-0.007 × Fluctuation
(Multiple regression equation 2) Ur / Uf = 0.525 + 0.007 x Rising rate-0.018 x Falling rate
In the multiple regression equation 1, one blood flow index is used for each of the four classified items, and in the multiple regression equation 2, two items, the ease of blood flow into the blood vessel and the holding power of the tissue blood flow, are used. One blood flow index was used for each.
As described above, Ur / Uf as a skin condition index is a skin condition index indicating the viscoelasticity of the skin, and was measured by a skin viscoelasticity measuring device.
As illustrated in this example, a high correlation has been confirmed between a plurality of types of blood flow indexes and a plurality of types of skin condition indexes, demonstrating the effectiveness of each of the above-described embodiments.

Although the plurality of steps (processes) are described in order in the plurality of flowcharts used in the above description, the execution order of the steps executed in each embodiment is not limited to the order of description. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed within a range that does not hinder the contents. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined as long as the contents do not conflict with each other.

The above content can also be specified as follows. However, the above contents are not limited to the following descriptions.

<1> Acquisition process for acquiring blood flow information on the facial skin of the subject,
An evaluation step of evaluating the skin condition of the subject's face based on the acquired blood flow information, and
Skin condition evaluation method including.

<2> The acquired blood flow information includes a blood flow index value related to a certain blood flow index, and includes a blood flow index value.
In the evaluation step, the skin index value of the subject's face is calculated from the blood flow index value based on the correlation between the blood flow index and the skin condition index.
The skin condition evaluation method according to <1>.
<3> In the acquisition process,
A light intensity image obtained by irradiating the facial skin of the subject with a laser beam and imaging the scattered light was obtained.
From the acquired light intensity image, a blood flow index value relating to one or more blood flow indexes of the facial skin of the subject was acquired.
In the evaluation step, a plurality of types of skin index values related to the face of the subject are calculated based on the acquired blood flow index values.
The skin condition evaluation method according to <2>.
<4> The blood flow index includes MBR (Mean Blur Rate), and Falling rate, CVR (Cutaneous Vascular Resistance), RI (Resistivity Index), Fluctuation, and BOT (BlowT) calculated using the MBR. Including any one of
The skin condition index includes any one of the viscoelasticity of the skin, the amount of water evaporation, the amount of water in the stratum corneum, the skin color, and the area of cells in the stratum corneum.
The skin condition evaluation method according to <2> or <3>.
<5> In the acquisition process,
A light intensity image obtained by irradiating the facial skin of the subject with a laser beam and imaging the scattered light was obtained.
From the acquired light intensity image, the blood flow index value of a certain blood flow index at a plurality of parts of the facial skin of the subject is acquired.
In the evaluation step, the skin index value of the subject's face is calculated based on the acquired blood flow index value of the plurality of sites.
The skin condition evaluation method according to any one of <2> to <4>.
<6> The skin condition evaluation method according to any one of <2> to <5> is included.
A presentation process for presenting proposal information of a skin care method or a skin care product based on the calculated skin index value.
Skin beauty counseling method including further.
<7> Including the skin condition evaluation method described in <5>,
A presentation process for presenting proposal information of a skin care method or a skin care product based on the calculated skin index value.
Including
The plurality of sites include a plurality of sites corresponding to base care and a site corresponding to local care different from the plurality of sites.
In the evaluation step, the wide area skin index value of the subject is calculated based on the blood flow index value of the plurality of sites corresponding to the base care, and the local area of the subject is calculated based on the blood flow index value of the site for the local care. Calculate the skin index value,
In the presentation step, based on the wide area skin index value and the local skin index value, the proposed information of at least one of the base care and the local care skin care method or skin care product is presented.
Skin beauty counseling method.
<8> The skin condition evaluation method according to any one of <2> to <5> is included.
By executing the skin condition evaluation method for the subject before and after the implementation of the target skin care method or before and after the use of the target skin care product, the skin index values before and after the implementation of the target skin care method or before and after the use of the target skin care product are compared. Comparison process and
A presentation step of presenting effect information of the target skin care method or the target skin care product based on the comparison result in the comparison step, and a presentation step.
A skin care method or a method of presenting the effect of a skin care product.
<9> Acquisition means for acquiring the blood flow index value of the facial skin of the subject, and
By applying the acquired blood flow index value to the correlation formula between the blood flow index and the skin condition index, a calculation means for calculating the skin index value indicating the skin condition of the subject's face, and a calculation means.
A skin condition evaluation device equipped with.
<10> The acquisition means is
A light intensity image obtained by irradiating the facial skin of the subject with a laser beam and imaging the scattered light was obtained.
From the acquired light intensity image, a blood flow index value relating to one or more blood flow indexes of the facial skin of the subject was acquired.
The evaluation means calculates a plurality of types of skin index values related to the face of the subject by applying the acquired blood flow index values to one or more correlation expressions between the blood flow index and the skin condition index. ,
The skin condition evaluation device according to <9>.
<11> The acquisition means is
A light intensity image obtained by irradiating the facial skin of the subject with a laser beam and imaging the scattered light was obtained.
From the acquired light intensity image, the blood flow index value of the skin relating to a plurality of parts of the subject's face was acquired for each part.
The calculation means calculates the skin index value of the face of the subject by applying the acquired blood flow index value of the plurality of sites to one or more correlation expressions between the blood flow index and the skin condition index. do,
The skin condition evaluation device according to <9>.

10 Skin condition evaluation device (evaluation device)
11 CPU
12 Memory 13 I / O I / F
14 Communication unit 15 Output device 16 Input device 21 Acquisition unit 23 Calculation unit 25 Output processing unit

Claims (10)

The acquisition process for acquiring blood flow information on the subject's facial skin,
A calculation step of calculating the skin index value of the subject's face based on the acquired blood flow information, and
Including
The acquired blood flow information includes a blood flow index value for a certain blood flow index.
In the calculation step, the skin index value is calculated from the blood flow index value based on the correlation between the blood flow index and the skin condition index .
The blood flow index value is calculated using MBR (Mean Blur Rate), and is one of Falling rate, CVR (Cutaneous Vascular Resistance), RI (Resistivity Index), Fluctuation, and BOT (Blowout Time). Including one
Skin index value calculation method. In the acquisition process,
A light intensity image obtained by irradiating the facial skin of the subject with a laser beam and imaging the scattered light was obtained.
From the acquired light intensity image, a blood flow index value relating to one or more blood flow indexes of the facial skin of the subject was acquired.
In the calculation step, a plurality of types of skin index values related to the face of the subject are calculated based on the acquired blood flow index values.
The skin index value calculation method according to claim 1. Before Symbol skin condition indicator includes skin viscoelasticity, water loss, stratum corneum water content, skin color, and any one of a corneocytes area,
The skin index value calculation method according to claim 1 or 2. In the acquisition process,
A light intensity image obtained by irradiating the facial skin of the subject with a laser beam and imaging the scattered light was obtained.
From the acquired light intensity image, the blood flow index value of a certain blood flow index at a plurality of parts of the facial skin of the subject is acquired.
In the calculation step, the skin index value of the subject's face is calculated based on the acquired blood flow index value of the plurality of sites.
The skin index value calculation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The skin index value calculation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is included.
A presentation process for presenting proposal information of a skin care method or a skin care product based on the calculated skin index value.
Skin beauty counseling method including further. Including the skin index value calculation method according to claim 4.
A presentation process for presenting proposal information of a skin care method or a skin care product based on the calculated skin index value.
Including
The plurality of sites include a plurality of sites corresponding to base care and a site corresponding to local care different from the plurality of sites.
In the calculation step, the wide area skin index value of the subject is calculated based on the blood flow index value of the plurality of sites corresponding to the base care, and the local area of the subject is calculated based on the blood flow index value of the site for the local care. Calculate the skin index value,
In the presentation step, based on the wide area skin index value and the local skin index value, the proposed information of at least one of the base care and the local care skin care method or skin care product is presented.
Skin beauty counseling method. The skin index value calculation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is included.
By executing the skin index value calculation method for the subject before and after the implementation of the target skin care method or before and after the use of the target skin care product, the skin index values before and after the implementation of the target skin care method or before and after the use of the target skin care product are compared. Comparison process and
A presentation step of presenting effect information of the target skin care method or the target skin care product based on the comparison result in the comparison step, and a presentation step.
A skin care method or a method of presenting the effect of a skin care product. An acquisition method for acquiring the blood flow index value of the subject's facial skin,
By applying the acquired blood flow index value to the correlation formula between the blood flow index and the skin condition index, a calculation means for calculating the skin index value indicating the skin condition of the subject's face, and a calculation means.
Bei to give a,
The blood flow index value is calculated using MBR (Mean Blur Rate), and is one of Falling rate, CVR (Cutaneous Vascular Resistance), RI (Resistivity Index), Fluctuation, and BOT (Blowout Time). Including one
Skin condition evaluation device. The acquisition means
A light intensity image obtained by irradiating the facial skin of the subject with a laser beam and imaging the scattered light was obtained.
From the acquired light intensity image, a blood flow index value relating to one or more blood flow indexes of the facial skin of the subject was acquired.
The calculation means calculates a plurality of types of skin index values related to the subject's face by applying the acquired blood flow index values to one or more correlation expressions between the blood flow index and the skin condition index. ,
The skin condition evaluation device according to claim 8. The acquisition means
A light intensity image obtained by irradiating the facial skin of the subject with a laser beam and imaging the scattered light was obtained.
From the acquired light intensity image, the blood flow index value of the skin relating to a plurality of parts of the subject's face was acquired for each part.
The calculation means calculates the skin index value of the face of the subject by applying the acquired blood flow index value of the plurality of sites to one or more correlation expressions between the blood flow index and the skin condition index. do,
The skin condition evaluation device according to claim 8.

Images