TWI790336B - Method of estimating level of volatile sulfur compounds contained in exhalation, level estimating device of volatile sulfur compounds contained in exhalation, and computer program product - Google Patents

Abstract

Method of estimating level of unpleasant odor components contained in exhalation, includes an acquiring step of acquiring an image including a determination part of a tongue body of a subject, and an estimating step of estimating level of unpleasant odor components contained in exhalation of the subject, on the basis of a color of the determination part of the tongue body included in the image acquired in the acquiring step, and a relationship between a color of a determination part of a tongue body and level of unpleasant odor components contained in exhalation, and the determination part includes a tongue midline groove.

Description

Method for estimating the extent of volatile sulfur compounds in exhaled breath method, device and computer program for estimating the level of volatile sulfur compounds in breath

The present invention relates to a method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components in exhaled breath, a device for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components in exhaled breath, a program, and a halitosis care method.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-251952 for which it applied in Japan on December 27, 2017, and uses the content for this application.

Among the adverse phenomena related to the oral cavity, there are many troubles about bad breath. Although various care products are sold for halitosis, it is difficult to be aware of their effects, and a visual technology for eliminating bad breath, which has disturbing effects, is desired.

So far, there are many test products for halitosis on the market. However, these products have the problem that components other than unpleasant components such as fragrances are also detected. Nor is it sufficient.

On the other hand, gas chromatography is used as a method for detecting unpleasant components of bad breath particularly accurately. Patent Document 1 discloses a gas chromatograph device that stabilizes the base line of the detection output of a detector and enables highly reliable measurement.

[Prior art literature] [Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-254956

The method described in Patent Document 1 requires very expensive analysis equipment, and requires a high degree of professional knowledge when setting analysis conditions, and has a big problem in terms of versatility for ordinary people.

The present invention is made in view of the aforementioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method for estimating the content of unpleasant odor components in exhaled breath with an unpleasant smell in exhaled breath by a simple method. Method for estimating the degree of a component, device for estimating the degree of an unpleasant odor component in exhaled breath, a program, and a halitosis care method.

As a result of diligent research by the inventors of the present invention, it has been found that by imaging the judging part of the tongue under a certain condition, it is possible to easily and accurately judge the presence of unpleasant substances in the exhaled breath without requiring an expensive analysis device. the degree of odor components, The present invention has thus been accomplished.

The method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath in the present invention includes: an acquiring step of acquiring an image of a determination site including the tongue of the subject; and an estimating step based on the obtained The color of the judgment part of the tongue included in the acquired image, and the relationship between the color of the judgment part of the tongue and the content of unpleasant odor components in exhaled breath are obtained from The content level of the unpleasant odor component in the breath of the test subject is estimated, and the determination site includes the median groove of the tongue.

In the method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath of the present invention, the difference between the area of the determination site included in the image and the area of the middle tongue site included in the image is The ratio may be 0.3 or more and 1.8 or less.

In the method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath of the present invention, it may be possible to include displaying the guide frame for aligning the tongue with the tongue of the subject. The photographing device of the monitor of the judging part captures the image of the judging part including the tongue of the subject, and the guide frame for aligning the tongue is set in the image It is displayed on the monitor such that the ratio of the area of the determination site included to the area of the mid-tongue site included in the image is 0.3 or more and 1.8 or less.

In the method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in the exhaled breath of the present invention, the determination site of the tongue of the subject and the position of the tongue of the test subject are photographed. The distance of the photographing device at the determination site may be 5 cm to 20 cm.

In the method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in the exhaled breath of the present invention, it is also possible to take pictures of the subject containing The image of the judgment site of the tongue of the test subject.

In the method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in the exhaled breath of the present invention, the weaker the redness of the judgment part of the tongue of the subject, the less the test subject's breath can be estimated. The higher the content of unpleasant odor components in exhaled breath.

For example, standard red-green-blue (sRGB) values are used as parameters for measuring hue and redness, but instead, color models (hue, saturation, value , HSV), L*a*b* and other parameters.

In the method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath of the present invention, the ratio of pixels with R-G<50 to the total pixels in the determination site can be based on the sRGB value To estimate the content of unpleasant odor components in the exhaled breath of the subject.

In the method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath of the present invention, the proportion of pixels whose sRGB value becomes R-G<50 to the total pixels in the determination site may be: In the case of more than 60%, it is estimated that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of the subject is more than 450ppb, and the proportion of pixels whose sRGB value becomes R-G<50 to the total pixels in the determination site is 45 % and less than 60%, it is estimated that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of the subject is 300ppb If the proportion of pixels whose sRGB value is R-G<50 is more than 30% and less than 45% of the total pixels in the determination site is greater than or equal to 450ppb, estimate the subject's When the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath is 150 ppb or more and less than 300 ppb, and the ratio of pixels whose sRGB value is R-G<50 is less than 30% of the total pixels in the determination site, the estimated The concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of the test subject was less than 150 ppb.

In the method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath of the present invention, it is possible to estimate the proportion of pixels whose sRGB value becomes R-G<30 in the total pixels in the determination site. The content of unpleasant odor components in the exhaled breath of the test subjects.

In the method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in the exhaled breath of the present invention, the ratio of pixels whose sRGB value becomes R-G<30 to the total pixels in the determination site may be: In the case of more than 30%, it is estimated that the hydrogen sulfide concentration in the exhaled breath of the subject is 450 ppb or more, and the proportion of pixels whose sRGB value becomes R-G<30 to the total pixels in the determination site is 20 % and less than 30%, it is estimated that the hydrogen sulfide concentration in the exhaled breath of the subject is more than 300 ppb and less than 450 ppb, and the sRGB value becomes the total picture of the pixels with R-G<30 in the determination site When the proportion of pixels is more than 10% and less than 20%, it is estimated that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of the subject is more than 150 ppb and less than 300 ppb, and the sRGB value becomes R-G<30. When the proportion of the total pixels in the determination site is less than 10%, it is estimated that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of the subject is less than 150 ppb.

In the method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in the exhaled breath of the present invention, pixels of (R, G, B)=(255~180, 255~180, 255~180) can be obtained based on the sRGB value The proportion of the total pixels in the determination site is used to estimate the content of the unpleasant odor component in the breath of the subject.

In the method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath of the present invention, the sRGB value may be such that (R, G, B)=(255~180, 255~180, 255~180) When the proportion of pixels in the total pixels in the determination site is 60% or more, it is estimated that the hydrogen sulfide concentration in the exhaled breath of the subject is 450ppb or more, and the sRGB value becomes (R, G, B) When the proportion of pixels of (255~180, 255~180, 255~180) in the total pixels in the determination part is more than 45% and less than 60%, estimate the The hydrogen sulfide concentration in the subject's exhaled breath is 300ppb or more and less than 450ppb, and the sRGB value becomes (R, G, B) = (255~180, 255~180, 255~180) at the determination site In the case where the ratio of the total pixels in is 30% or more and less than 45%, it is estimated that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of the subject is 150 ppb or more and less than 300 ppb, and the sRGB value becomes (R, G, B) = (255~180, 255~180, 255~180) pixels account for less than 30% of the total pixels in the determination site, estimate the subject The concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath is less than 150ppb.

The apparatus for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath in the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires an image of a determination site including the tongue of a subject; and an estimation unit based on the acquisition unit. In the image obtained, the The color of the determination site of the tongue included, and the relationship between the color of the determination site of the tongue and the content of unpleasant odor components in the breath, to estimate the breath of the subject. The content of unpleasant odor components in the air.

The program in the present invention is for causing a computer to execute: an acquiring step of acquiring an image of a determination site including the tongue of the subject; and an estimating step based on the information contained in the image acquired in the acquiring step The color of the determination site of the tongue, and the relationship between the color of the determination site of the tongue and the content of unpleasant odor components in the exhaled breath, to estimate the breath of the subject The content of unpleasant odor components.

The bad breath care method in the present invention utilizes a method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in the breath.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath, a method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath, and Estimation of the degree of unpleasant odor components Devices, procedures and methods of halitosis care.

1: device for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath

11: Acquisition Department

12: Estimate Department

A: Shooting device

A1: Shooting department

A2: Display part

A21: Guide frame for tongue alignment

A3: Control Department

B: subject

B1: Tongue body

B10: Judgment site

B11: Median groove of the tongue

B12: The middle of the tongue

B13: Tongue tip

C: image

S10~S14: steps

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an estimation device for the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 shows the color and luster of the judged part of the tongue and the unpleasantness in exhalation. A graph showing the relationship between the content levels of odor components.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an application example of the device for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath shown in Fig. 1 .

(A) to (D) of FIG. 4 are diagrams showing an example of the imaging device shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image including the tongue of a subject captured by the imaging unit of the imaging device.

6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by an imaging device incorporating a device for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the method for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath, the device for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath, the program, and the halitosis care method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. illustrate.

In addition, in each of the following drawings, in order to make each component easy to see, it may show that the scale of a dimension differs according to a component.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an estimation device 1 for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath according to an embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 1 , apparatus 1 for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in breath includes, for example, an acquisition unit 11 ; and an estimation unit 12 . The acquisition unit 11 acquires an image of the determination site including the tongue of the subject. The estimating unit 12 is based on the color of the determination site of the tongue included in the image acquired by the acquisition unit 11 and the relationship between the color of the determination site of the tongue and the content of unpleasant odor components in exhaled breath. relationship to estimate the unpleasant odor component in the subject's exhaled the degree of content.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between the color of the tongue body at the determination site and the content of unpleasant odor components in exhaled breath. In FIG. 2 , the horizontal axis represents the color of the judgment site of the tongue. Specifically, the abscissa represents the intensity of redness of the determination site of the tongue. The vertical axis represents the content level of unpleasant odor components in exhaled breath. In the example shown in Figure 2, the weaker the red degree of the judgment part of the tongue, the higher the content of unpleasant odor components in the exhaled breath, and the stronger the red degree of the judgment part of the tongue, the higher the degree of exhalation. The lower the content of unpleasant odor components in

In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the estimation unit 12 estimates that the weaker the redness of the judgment site of the subject's tongue included in the image acquired by the acquisition unit 11, the more the test subject's breath will be. The higher the content of unpleasant odor components in the air. In addition, the estimation unit 12 estimates that the more redness of the judgment site of the subject's tongue included in the image acquired by the acquisition unit 11, the more unpleasant odor components in the subject's exhaled breath. The lower the content is.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an application example of the device 1 for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath shown in FIG. 1 .

In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the device 1 for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated into, for example, a smartphone (Smartphone) owned by the subject Class A of the shooting device. The imaging device A includes: an imaging unit A1 such as a lens; a display unit A2 such as a monitor; and a control unit A3. The imaging unit A1 captures an image of the subject's tongue and the like. The display unit A2 displays a picture of the subject's tongue captured by the imaging unit A1 like wait. The control unit A3 controls the imaging unit A1 and the display unit A2 and the like. The device 1 for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath is incorporated in the control unit A3.

In other examples, the device 1 for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath according to the embodiment may include devices other than smartphones.

(A) to (D) of FIG. 4 are diagrams showing an example of the imaging device A shown in FIG. 3 . In detail, (A) of FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the imaging device A when the application for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in the breath incorporated into the imaging device A is not activated. (B) of FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the imaging device A during the start-up process in which the estimation of the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath is applied. (C) of FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the imaging device A and the tongue B1 of the subject B when the tongue B1 of the subject B is photographed. (D) of FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen and the like of the display unit A2 (monitor) of the imaging device A when the tongue B1 of the subject B is imaged.

In the examples shown in (A) to (D) of FIG. 4 , the imaging device A has a pixel count of, for example, 1.2 million to 13.2 million pixels. As shown in (A) of FIG. 4 , the tongue alignment guide frame A21 is not displayed on the display unit A2 of the imaging device A when the application for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath is not activated. As shown in (B) of FIG. 4 , for example, when the subject B starts the application for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath, the tongue alignment guide frame A21 is displayed on the camera A's in display section A2. As shown in Fig. 4 (C) and Fig. 4 (D), when the tongue B1 of the subject B is photographed, the subject B makes the subject on the screen of the display part A2 The outline of the tongue B1 of person B matches the guide frame A21 for tongue alignment. The imaging unit A1 captures an image of the tongue B1 of the subject B in a state where the outline of the tongue B1 of the subject B on the screen of the display unit A2 coincides with the guide frame A21 for tongue alignment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image C of the tongue B1 of the subject B captured by the imaging unit A1 of the imaging device A. FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the determination site B10 of the tongue B1 of the subject B is included in the image C captured by the imaging unit A1 of the imaging device A. As shown in FIG. The determination site B10 is a site including at least a part of the tongue median groove B11. The so-called tongue median groove B11 is located on the upper surface of the tongue body B1, and extends from the boundary groove (the boundary between the tongue root (not shown) and the tongue body B1) to the tongue tip B13 in the vertical direction in Figure 5, and connects the tongue body B1 A line (or virtual line) roughly divided into two in the left-right direction in FIG. 5 .

That is, in the examples shown in (A) to (D) of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , if the outline of the tongue B1 of the subject B on the screen of the display unit A2 coincides with the guide frame A21 for tongue alignment In this state, the imaging unit A1 captures an image C of the tongue B1 of the subject B, and the determination site B10 including at least a part of the tongue median groove B11 is included in the image C.

Preferably, the image C of the tongue body B1 of the subject B captured by the photographing unit A1 includes the tongue middle part B12.

The so-called "central part of the tongue" in this manual refers to the 1/4~2/4 part from the tongue tip B13 when the tongue tip B13 is divided into four parts in the longitudinal direction from the boundary groove to the tongue tip B13, and it means that the tongue is separated from the middle in the left and right direction. Two regions on the central side when the volume B1 is divided into four (that is, the region surrounded by a dotted line and indicated by symbol B12 in FIG. 5 ).

Preferably, the ratio of the area of the determination site B10 of the subject B's tongue B1 contained in the image C to the area of the middle tongue part B12 of the subject B's tongue B1 contained in the image C is 0.3 or more And below 1.8.

In the case where the image C of the tongue B1 of the subject B is captured by the imaging unit A1, the imaging unit A1 may also capture the subject in a manner capable of determining the area surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 5 and indicated by the symbol B12. Image C of subject B's tongue B1. The imaging unit A1 only needs to perform imaging so that the area is included in the image C of the tongue B1 of the subject B. FIG.

In detail, in the examples shown in (A) to (D) of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , when the tongue B1 of the subject B is photographed, as shown in (D) of FIG. 4 , the tongue alignment guide The frame A21 and the determination site B10 of the tongue B1 of the subject B are displayed on the display unit A2 of the imaging device A. FIG. In addition, in this state, an image C of the determination site B10 including the tongue B1 of the subject B is captured by the imaging unit A1 (see FIG. 5 ). As a result, the ratio of the area of the determination site B10 included in the image C to the area of the mid-tongue site B12 is 0.3 or more and 1.8 or less.

In addition, in the examples shown in (A) to (D) of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , when the tongue B1 of the subject B is photographed, the distance between the determination site B10 of the tongue B1 of the subject B and the imaging device A is 5cm~20cm.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the imaging device A incorporating the estimation device 1 for the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath.

In the example shown in FIG. 6 , in step S10, the application for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components included in the exhaled breath incorporated into the photographing device A is started, and the photograph is taken. The display unit A2 of the device A displays the guide frame A21 for tongue alignment.

In step S11, the subject B makes the outline of the tongue B1 of the subject B on the screen of the display unit A2 coincide with the guide frame A21 for tongue alignment, and the imaging unit A1 of the imaging device A captures images including the subject B’s tongue B1. Image C of the determination site B10 of B's tongue B1. The image C captured by the imaging unit A1 is stored in, for example, a storage unit (not shown).

In step S12 , the acquisition unit 11 of the control unit A3 of the imaging device A acquires the image C including the determination site B10 of the tongue B1 of the subject B captured by the imaging unit A1 . Specifically, the acquiring unit 11 acquires the image C by reading out the image C stored in the storage unit, for example.

In step S13, the estimating unit 12 of the control unit A3 of the imaging device A calculates the color tone of the determination part B10 of the tongue B1 included in the image C acquired by the acquiring unit 11 and the relationship shown in FIG. 2 . The content level of the unpleasant odor component in the exhaled breath of the test subject B was estimated.

In step S14, for example, the display unit A2 of the imaging device A outputs the estimation result of the content level of the unpleasant odor component in the breath of the subject B by the estimation unit 12 .

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 3 , the device 1 for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath is incorporated into the imaging device A. As shown in FIG. In other examples, the estimating device 1 for the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath may also be installed outside the imaging device A such as a cloud.

As described above, according to the estimating device 1 of the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath according to the embodiment, it is not necessary to use a non-conductive device such as a gas chromatograph or the like. It is possible to estimate the content of unpleasant odor components in the breath by a simple method using very expensive analytical machines.

In addition, in the example to which the apparatus 1 for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components contained in exhaled breath according to the embodiment is applied, the subject B does not need to use a very expensive analysis such as a gas chromatograph or the like. machine, you can know the level of unpleasant odor components in your breath.

Hereinafter, although an Example is shown and this invention is demonstrated in detail, this invention is not limited to the following Example, It can change suitably in the range which does not deviate from the summary, and can implement.

In the following examples, the sRGB value is used as a parameter for measuring the color and redness. In other examples, other parameters such as HSV and L*a*b* can also be used for measuring the color and redness.

[Example 1-Example 9, Comparative Example 1-Comparative Example 4]

One panelist is fixed, and the judgment site B10 including the tongue median groove B11 is photographed at different time periods, and the tongue body B1 is classified according to the following criteria. In addition, the exhaled breath of the sensory tester was analyzed with a gas chromatograph (product name: Oral Chroma, manufactured by FIS Co., Ltd.), and bad breath was graded according to the following criteria. Furthermore, the analysis of OralChroma is carried out according to the program manual attached to the device.

Regarding the level of tongue and the level of bad breath, the matching of the results of A-a, B-b, C-c, and D-d was confirmed. When it is within the range of Examples 1 to 9, the level of tongue and bad breath is consistent. On the other hand, at the judgment part B10 When the tongue median groove B11 is not included, it does not agree with the tongue level in any state of bad breath level.

Based on the above, it is considered important to include all or part of the tongue median groove B11 in the determination site B10 in order to improve the determination accuracy of bad breath. In addition, in this study, the camera used iphone7 (manufactured by Apple), and photographed the tongue body B1 in the selfie mode using the front camera (in camera). Shooting in an indoor environment with an illumination of 500 lux (lux) to 1200 lux.

Table 1 shows the tongue grades, bad breath grades, etc. of Examples 1 to 9. Table 2 shows the tongue grades, bad breath grades, etc. of Comparative Examples 1 to 4.

<Tongue grade standard>

A: Pixels whose sRGB value is R-G<50 account for more than 60% of the total pixels in the judgment area B10 (tongue B1 has less redness)

B: Pixels whose sRGB value is R-G<50 account for more than 45% to less than 60% of the total pixels in the judgment site B10 (the redness of the tongue body B1 is slightly less)

C: Pixels whose sRGB value is R-G<50 account for more than 30% to less than 45% of the total pixels in the judgment area B10 (tongue body B1 has slightly more redness)

D: Pixels whose sRGB value is R-G<50 account for less than 30% of the total pixels in the judgment area B10 (tongue B1 has more redness)

<Bad breath grade standard>

a: The concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the breath is above 450ppb

b: The concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the breath is above 300ppb to less than 450ppb

c: The concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the breath is above 150ppb to less than 300ppb

d: The concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the breath is less than 150ppb

That is, in Examples 1 to 9, the estimation unit 12 estimates the breath of the subject B based on the ratio of pixels whose sRGB value becomes R-G<50 to the total pixels in the determination site B10. The content level of unpleasant odor components.

The same result was also obtained when the index "R-B" was used instead of the index "R-G".

[Example 10~Example 17]

Set the number of sensory inspectors to 5, and change the time period to test each person separately The shooting of the tongue body B1 and the measurement of bad breath (hydrogen sulfide concentration in exhaled breath) were performed 10 times.

According to the probability of A-a matching (that is, when the proportion of pixels whose sRGB value becomes R-G<50 in the total pixels in the determination site B10 is more than 60%, the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of subject B The probability of becoming 450ppb or more), the probability of B-b matching (that is, when the proportion of pixels whose sRGB value becomes R-G<50 in the total pixels in the determination part B10 accounts for more than 45% and less than 60%, The probability that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of subject B becomes 300ppb or more and less than 450ppb), the probability of C-c matching (that is, the proportion of pixels whose sRGB value becomes R-G<50 in the total pixels in the determination part B10 When the ratio is 30% or more and less than 45%, the probability that the hydrogen sulfide concentration in the exhaled breath of subject B becomes 150 ppb or more and less than 300 ppb), and the probability of D-d matching (that is, the sRGB value becomes R-G< When the ratio of 50 pixels to the total pixels in the judgment site B10 is less than 30%, the probability that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of subject B will be less than 150ppb) is determined according to the following criteria Grading for compatibility.

As a result, when the ratio of the area of the determination part B10 included in the image C to the area of the mid-tongue part B12 included in the image C is 0.3 or more and 1.8 or less, high matching is exhibited. In particular, when the ratio of the area of the determination part B10 included in the image C to the area of the mid-tongue part B12 included in the image C is 0.4 or more and 1.5 or less, higher matching is exhibited. When the ratio of the area of the determination site B10 included in the image C to the area of the mid-tongue site B12 included in the image C is 0.6 or more and 1.2 or less, a further higher matching property is exhibited.

Furthermore, in this study, using iphone7 (manufactured by Apple), Tongue B1 was shot in selfie mode using the front camera. Shoot in an indoor environment with an illumination of 500 lux~1200 lux. Table 3 shows the compatibility, matching rate, etc. of Embodiment 10 to Embodiment 17.

<matching>

◎: The matching rate of tongue level - bad breath level is over 75%

○: The matching rate of tongue level - bad breath level is more than 60% and less than 75%

△: The matching rate of tongue level - bad breath level is more than 45% and less than 60%

▲: The matching rate of tongue level - bad breath level is more than 30% ~ less than 45%

×: Matching rate of tongue level - bad breath level is less than 30%

In this study, △ or more were regarded as acceptable.

[Example 18~Example 22]

The area ratio of the determination site B10 to the mid-tongue site B12 was set to 1 (that is, the area ratio of the tongue site B12 to the determination site B10 was set to 1), the camera was replaced, and the same experiment was performed. As a result, it showed high matching within the range of 1.2 million pixels to 13.2 million pixels. Especially at 2 million pixels to 12 million pixels, the matching is high, and at 5 million pixels 10,000 pixels to 10 million pixels have better matching. Table 4 shows the compatibility, matching rate, etc. of Embodiment 18 to Embodiment 22.

<Camera used>

5 million pixels: iphone6s (manufactured by Apple)

8 million pixels: ZTE BLADE V7 Lite (manufactured by ZTE Japan (stock))

13.2 million pixels: XperiaXZ (manufactured by Sony)

2.2 million pixels: Xperia A4 (manufactured by Sony (stock))

1.2 million pixels: iphone6 (manufactured by Apple)

[Example 23~Example 26]

Change the shooting distance and perform the same experiment. The camera uses iphone7. The matching is high when it is 5cm~20cm, and the matching is even higher when it is 15cm. Table 5 shows the compatibility, matching rate, etc. of Embodiment 23 to Embodiment 26.

[table 5]

[Comparative Example 5~Comparative Example 8]

In the case where the tongue median groove B11 is not included in the determination site B10 , sufficient accuracy cannot be obtained in either case. Table 6 shows matching performance, matching ratio, etc. of Comparative Example 5 to Comparative Example 8.

<Judgement site B10>

The determination part B10 is a determination part (a part used for estimation), and the range can be adjusted arbitrarily. The range of the determination site B10 is not particularly limited except that it includes the tongue median groove B11. Preferably, the ratio of the area of the determination part B10 included in the image C to the area of the middle tongue part B12 included in the image C is 0.3 or more and 1.8 the following. More preferably, the ratio of the area of the determination site B10 included in the image C to the area of the mid-tongue site B12 included in the image C is not less than 0.4 and not more than 1.5. Further preferably, the ratio of the area of the determination site B10 included in the image C to the area of the mid-tongue site B12 included in the image C is not less than 0.6 and not more than 1.2. By setting these ranges, high determination accuracy (estimation accuracy) can be maintained.

The determination site B10 may include all or part of the tongue median groove B11.

The cutting method, shape, etc. of the determination portion B10 are not particularly limited, and a shape that does not easily protrude from the outer diameter shape (contour) of the tongue B1 is preferable. Preferably, it is more than quadrilateral polygon.

<number of pixels>

The number of pixels of the video camera (shooting device A) used in this case is not particularly limited, preferably 1.2 million pixels to 13.2 million pixels, more preferably 2.2 million pixels to 8 million pixels, and even more preferably 5 million pixels Pixels ~ 8 million pixels. By setting these ranges, high determination accuracy can be maintained.

In addition, the image sensor of the camera used in this case is preferably f2.8 or less.

<Explanation of bad breath unpleasant ingredients>

The unpleasant components of bad breath in this case are volatile sulfur compounds. Examples of these components include hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethylsulfoxide. Among these, hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan are preferable from the viewpoint of compatibility. Among them, hydrogen sulfide is most preferable.

<Measurement environment>

The shooting environment is not particularly limited, and the measurement is preferably carried out in an indoor environment with an illuminance of 150 lux or more, more preferably 300 lux or more. There is no particular upper limit, However, in an environment above 100,000 lux, it is easy to be reflected by the saliva on the tongue B1, and sometimes the measurement accuracy will be reduced.

When shooting, it is preferable that the shadow is not reflected on the tongue body B1. Flash can also be used. In the present invention, even if a flash is used, it does not affect the determination accuracy (estimation accuracy).

The shooting distance is not particularly limited, and it is preferably at a distance of 5 cm to 30 cm from the judgment site B10 of the tongue B1, more preferably at a distance of 5 cm to 20 cm, and more preferably at a distance of 10 cm to 15 cm. If they are too close, shadows are likely to be generated, which may affect the determination accuracy (estimation accuracy). In order to keep the imaging distance constant, it is preferable to provide a tongue alignment guide frame A21 for designating the position of the tongue B1 on the display unit A2 of the imaging device A. In addition, when the shooting distance is increased to eliminate the influence of shadows, it is also effective to stabilize the analysis accuracy (estimation accuracy) by using the zoom function.

<Classification of bad breath degree>

When judging (estimating) the degree of bad breath, classification of 3rd to 4th grade is preferable in terms of accuracy.

<method of grading of tongue>

The tongue classification method is not limited to the method obtained from the ratio of pixels whose sRGB values are represented by R-G<50 among the total pixels in the determination site B10. In addition, the method obtained from the ratio of pixels represented by R-B<50 can also obtain excellent judgment accuracy (matching) of the degree of bad breath.

In other examples, pixels with R-G<30 based on sRGB value are judged Determine the proportion of the total pixels in the part B10 to estimate the content of the unpleasant odor component in the exhaled breath of the subject B.

Specifically, when the proportion of pixels with an sRGB value of R-G<30 in the total pixels in the determination site B10 is 30% or more, it is estimated that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of subject B is 450 ppb or more .

When pixels with sRGB value R-G<30 account for 20% or more and less than 30% of the total pixels in the judgment site B10, the hydrogen sulfide concentration in the exhaled breath of subject B is estimated to be 300ppb More than but less than 450ppb.

When pixels with sRGB value R-G<30 account for 10% or more and less than 20% of the total pixels in the judgment site B10, the hydrogen sulfide concentration in the exhaled breath of subject B is estimated to be 150ppb More than but less than 300ppb.

If the ratio of pixels with sRGB value R-G<30 to the total pixels in the determination site B10 is less than 10%, it is estimated that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of subject B is less than 150 ppb.

In this example, the subject B can know the content of the unpleasant odor components in his own breath without using very expensive analysis equipment such as gas chromatography.

The same result was also obtained when the index "R-B" was used instead of the index "R-G".

Furthermore, in other examples, it is estimated based on the proportion of pixels whose sRGB value is (R, G, B)=(255~180, 255~180, 255~180) in the total pixels in the determination part B10 Unpleasant breath in Subject B's exhalation The content of flavor components.

Specifically, pixels whose sRGB values are (R, G, B)=(255~180, 255~180, 255~180) account for more than 60% of the total pixels in the determination part B10 In this case, it is estimated that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of subject B is above 450 ppb.

Pixels whose sRGB value is (R, G, B)=(255~180, 255~180, 255~180) account for more than 45% and less than 60% of the total pixels in the judgment part B10 In the case of , it is estimated that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of subject B is 300 ppb or more and less than 450 ppb.

Pixels whose sRGB value is (R, G, B)=(255~180, 255~180, 255~180) account for more than 30% and less than 45% of the total pixels in the judgment part B10 In the case of , it is estimated that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of subject B is 150 ppb or more and less than 300 ppb.

If the pixels whose sRGB value is (R, G, B)=(255~180, 255~180, 255~180) account for less than 30% of the total pixels in the judgment part B10, the estimated The concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the exhaled breath of test subject B was less than 150 ppb.

In this example, the subject B can know the content of the unpleasant odor components in his own breath without using very expensive analysis equipment such as gas chromatography.

In this example, the brightness of the external environment is preferably above 500 lux. Additionally, the video camera ideally does not use a flash.

By using the process of exhaling unpleasant components of the present invention The degree estimation method can properly suppress bad breath. In halitosis, when suppressing physiological halitosis, it is preferable to use the method of this invention.

As a suitable halitosis care preparation for confirming the halitosis suppressing effect by the method of the present invention, a preparation containing an odor-masking component such as a fragrance is preferable. By using these preparations and using the method of the present invention, the inhibitory effect of physiological halitosis can be accurately confirmed without being affected by the masking component. If it contains fragrance components, the dosage form is not particularly limited, but sheets and lozenges are particularly preferred.

As mentioned above, although the preferred embodiment of this invention was demonstrated referring the accompanying drawing, it is needless to say that this invention is not limited to the said example. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that various modifications or amendments can be conceived within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these naturally also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, all or a part of the functions of the various parts of the device 1 for estimating the degree of unpleasant odor components in the exhaled breath in the above-mentioned embodiment can also be realized in the following manner: The programs of these functions are recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs recorded in the recording medium are read into the computer system and executed. Furthermore, the so-called "computer system" mentioned here is assumed to include hardware such as an operating system (operating system, OS) or peripheral devices.

In addition, the so-called "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a floppy disc (flexible disc), a magneto-optical disc, a read-only memory (Read Only Memory, ROM), a read-only disc (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory, CD- ROM) and other storage units such as hard disk built into the computer system. Then the so-called "computer-readable record "Recording media" may also include communication lines that dynamically maintain programs in a short period of time, such as communication lines in the case of sending programs through networks such as the Internet or telephone lines. The volatile memory inside the computer system of the server (server) or client (client) usually keeps the program for a certain period of time. In addition, the above-mentioned program may be used to realize a part of the above-mentioned function, and further may be used to realize the above-mentioned function by combining with a program already recorded in the computer system.

S10~S14: steps

Claims (8)

A method for estimating the degree of volatile sulfur compounds contained in exhaled breath, comprising: an acquiring step of acquiring an image of a determination site including the tongue of a subject; and an estimating step based on the obtained The color of the judgment part of the tongue contained in the image, and the relationship between the color of the judgment part of the tongue and the content of volatile sulfur compounds in exhaled breath, to estimate the The content of volatile sulfur compounds in the breath of the subject; in the estimation step, the weaker the redness of the determination part of the tongue of the subject is, the more estimated the breath of the subject is. The higher the content of volatile sulfur compounds in the air; the determination site is delineated in such a way that the determination site includes the tongue median groove, and the tongue median groove is included in the middle of the tongue; A ratio of the area of the determination site to the area of the middle tongue included in the image is 0.3 or more and 1.8 or less. The method for estimating the degree of volatile sulfur compounds contained in exhaled breath as described in claim 1 of the patent application, wherein, by including displaying a guide frame for aligning the tongue and the tongue of the subject The photographing device of the monitor of the determination site captures the image of the determination site including the tongue of the subject, and the guide frame for tongue alignment is in the image The ratio of the area of the determination part included in the image to the area of the middle tongue part included in the image is 0.3 or less. Above and below 1.8 are displayed in the monitor. The method for estimating the degree of volatile sulfur compounds contained in exhaled breath as described in claim 2 of the patent application, wherein the determination part of the tongue body of the subject is the same as the part where the test subject is photographed. The distance of the photographing device at the determination site of the tongue is 5 cm to 20 cm. The method for estimating the degree of volatile sulfur compounds contained in exhaled breath as described in item 2 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the photographing device including The image of the determination site of the tongue of the subject. The method for estimating the degree of volatile sulfur compounds contained in exhaled breath as described in item 3 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the photographing device including 1.2 million pixels to 13.2 million pixels is used to capture The image of the determination site of the tongue of the subject. The method for estimating the degree of volatile sulfur compounds contained in exhaled breath as described in any one of the first to fifth items of the scope of the patent application, wherein, based on the standard red, green and blue values, the pixels with R-G<50 are included in the said The proportion of the total pixels in the determination site is used to estimate the content of volatile sulfur compounds in the exhaled breath of the subject. An apparatus for estimating the degree of volatile sulfur compounds contained in exhaled breath, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires an image of a determination site including a tongue of a subject; and an estimation unit based on the contained in the image The color of the determination site of the tongue, and the relationship between the color of the determination site of the tongue and the content of volatile sulfur compounds in the exhaled breath, to estimate the volatile sulfur compound in the exhaled breath of the subject the content of volatile sulfur compounds; the weaker the redness of the judging part of the tongue of the subject, the estimation unit estimates the content of volatile sulfur compounds in the subject's exhaled breath The higher; the determination site is delineated in such a way that the determination site includes the tongue median groove, and the tongue median groove is included in the middle of the tongue; the area of the determination site contained in the image is the same as that of the figure The ratio of the area of the middle tongue included in the image is not less than 0.3 and not more than 1.8. A computer program product for causing a computer to execute the steps of: an acquiring step of acquiring an image of a determination site including a tongue of a subject; and an estimating step based on the image acquired in the acquiring step The relationship between the color of the determination site of the tongue and the color of the determination site of the tongue and the content of volatile sulfur compounds in the exhaled breath is used to estimate the expiratory breath of the subject. In the estimating step, the weaker the redness of the determination part of the tongue of the subject is, the volatile sulfur compound in the expiratory breath of the subject is estimated. The higher the content of sexual sulfur compounds is; the determination site is delineated in such a way that the determination site includes the tongue median groove, and the tongue median groove is included in the middle part of the tongue; the determination site contained in the image the area of the image contained in the The area ratio of the central part of the tongue is not less than 0.3 and not more than 1.8.

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