WO2018202360A1 - Device for evaluating the perspiration of the underarms - Google Patents

Device for evaluating the perspiration of the underarms Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018202360A1
WO2018202360A1 PCT/EP2018/057724 EP2018057724W WO2018202360A1 WO 2018202360 A1 WO2018202360 A1 WO 2018202360A1 EP 2018057724 W EP2018057724 W EP 2018057724W WO 2018202360 A1 WO2018202360 A1 WO 2018202360A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensor
underarm
perspiration
head
underarms
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2018/057724
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Loïc COLOMB
Frédéric FLAMENT
Original Assignee
L'oreal
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by L'oreal filed Critical L'oreal
Publication of WO2018202360A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018202360A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/42—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the gastrointestinal, the endocrine or the exocrine systems
    • A61B5/4261—Evaluating exocrine secretion production
    • A61B5/4266—Evaluating exocrine secretion production sweat secretion
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
    • A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
    • A61B2562/0209—Special features of electrodes classified in A61B5/24, A61B5/25, A61B5/283, A61B5/291, A61B5/296, A61B5/053
    • A61B2562/0214—Capacitive electrodes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
    • A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
    • A61B2562/029—Humidity sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value ; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid or cerebral tissue
    • A61B5/14507—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value ; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid or cerebral tissue specially adapted for measuring characteristics of body fluids other than blood
    • A61B5/14517—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value ; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid or cerebral tissue specially adapted for measuring characteristics of body fluids other than blood for sweat
    • A61B5/14521—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value ; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid or cerebral tissue specially adapted for measuring characteristics of body fluids other than blood for sweat using means for promoting sweat production, e.g. heating the skin

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods and devices for evaluating the perspiration of the underarms.
  • cosmetic product is understood to mean any product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of November 30, 2009 on cosmetic products.
  • Application EP 1 177 766 provides a Skinchip® sensor including an array of non-optical, in particular capacitive, detection cells, to obtain information on the microrelief of the skin.
  • the information obtained may be the surface density of the lines on the skin, the anisotropy coefficient of the density of these lines or the number and size of the pores on the skin.
  • the use is limited to a "pointlike" measurement via an initiating trigger.
  • Patent application EP 1 438 922 discloses a device for delivering at least one item of information relating to perspiration, either at a given time or for tracking the variation thereof over time, for example to quantify the perspiration.
  • this device is well suited for measuring the perspiration on a flat region of the body, it is less so for evaluating the perspiration of more concave and/or restricted regions, such as the underarms.
  • this device is able to evaluate the perspiration only over a restricted, almost pointlike, area. It is not possible to extrapolate the result obtained to deduce sufficiently reliable information that is representative of the perspiration of the underarm as a whole.
  • the problem presented by the invention is that of providing a device that is able to evaluate the perspiration of the underarm and its effect on skin quality, in particular its roughness and its moisturization, this device having to provide an evaluation of the perspiration of a broad region of the underarm, or even the entirety of the underarm rather than a specific region.
  • this device must potentially be able to provide access, over a sufficiently broad region of the underarm, either separately or simultaneously, to:
  • One subject of the invention is a device for delivering at least one item of information relating to the perspiration of the underarms, the device comprising a data acquisition system provided with at least one sensor including an array of non-optical, preferably capacitive, detection cells, and a data processing system that is arranged to deliver said information on the basis of signals arising from the sensor, the device comprising at least one evaluation head having a longitudinal axis X comprising the sensor, the evaluation head delimiting an outer surface including at least one active surface of the sensor and the outer surface being capable of at least partially filling the hollow of an underarm.
  • the device according to the invention is suited to the morphology of the underarms by virtue of the structure of the outer surface, for reliable measurement results over the entire underarm.
  • Another subject of the invention is a method for evaluating the perspiration of the underarms, including the following steps:
  • - providing a device such as described above, comprising at least one sensor
  • Another subject of the invention is a method for prescribing a cosmetic product, including the following steps:
  • the device according to the invention has one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination:
  • the outer surface has at least one portion that is concave in shape, the concavity of which faces the interior of the device. In this case, the surface is optimal for conforming to the morphology of the underarms.
  • the device includes a first evaluation head having a longitudinal axis X that is intended to be brought into contact with the left underarm and a second evaluation head having a longitudinal axis Y that is intended to be brought into contact with the right underarm. The measurements may be carried out on both underarms for comparative and/or more accurate results.
  • the head includes at least two sensors, preferably positioned symmetrically to one another with respect to a median longitudinal plane of the head.
  • the acquired information is more accurate.
  • the sensor is attached to a support including facets. It is easy to position the head on the skin.
  • the device is arranged to exchange data with a personal computer or with a mobile terminal, in particular a mobile phone or a tablet, to deliver the information to a person. It is possible to envisage viewing and interpreting the results in real time.
  • the device is arranged to exchange data with an application designed to control the sensor via a Wi-Fi connection.
  • the device includes a system that is capable of generating a stressor, in particular a thermal, mechanical or electrical stressor, on the underarm.
  • the stressor may supplement the evaluation.
  • the method according to the invention has one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination:
  • the data are acquired dynamically, with a relative movement between the sensor and the underarm while the data are being acquired.
  • figure 1 shows a device according to the invention while it is being used;
  • figure 2 is a perspective front view of a first exemplary device according to the invention;
  • figure 3 is a longitudinal section of detail A of figure 2;
  • figure 4 is a perspective view of detail A of figure 2;
  • figure 5 is a perspective front view of a left head of a second exemplary device according to the invention.
  • figure 6 is a perspective front view of a right head of a second exemplary device according to the invention.
  • figure 7 is a side view of the left head of figure 5;
  • figure 8 is a side view of the right head of figure 6;
  • figure 9 is a side view of the right head of figure 6.
  • Figure 1 shows an exemplary device according to the invention, including a first sensor 10 and a second sensor 11 and means for processing the signals delivered by the first sensor 10 and by the second sensor 11.
  • processing means include for example a microcomputer 60 and potentially an interface 30 allowing data arising from the first sensor 10 and from the second sensor 11 to be transmitted to a microcomputer.
  • Said microcomputer may additionally be linked, as appropriate, to a remote server 40 by an internet or intranet computer network 41.
  • the interface 30 has been shown in the form of a unit that is separate from the sensor 10 and from the microcomputer 60 but there is no departure from the scope of the present invention when the interface 30 is incorporated within the sensor 10 or within the microcomputer 60.
  • microcomputer 60 is just one example among others of processing means that may be used. It may for example be replaced with a smartphone or a tablet.
  • the senor 10 and the sensor 11 may be associated with at least one additional sensor, for example a pH or color sensor, and the information relating to the perspiration arising from the sensor 10 or from the sensor 11 potentially combined with other information arising from the one or more additional sensors to obtain a better assessment of the state of the skin.
  • additional sensor for example a pH or color sensor
  • the sensors 10 and 11 are for example sensors marketed under the TOUCHCHIP ® brand by ST-MICROELECTRONICS.
  • Each sensor may comprise a detection cell including two adjacent metal plates that are separated from the analyzed region by a protective coating made of an electrical insulator. Electric field lines extend through the coating between the plates and when the skin makes contact with the coating and is located in proximity to the plates, the microrelief of the skin interferes with the field lines and modifies the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the two plates.
  • the detection cells operate in two phases.
  • the two plates are linked by an electronic switch, which allows an initialization to be performed, then, in a detection phase, the switch is opened and a capacitance is detected, which depends in particular on the microrelief of the skin and on the dielectric constant of said skin.
  • the signals delivered by the sensors 10 and 11 may take the form of digital data, the sensors 10 and 11 possibly incorporating an analog-to-digital converter.
  • a value that is representative of the capacitance measured by a detection cell, also referred to as a pixel, may be read at a particular address, by RAM addressing.
  • the dimension d of a detection cell may be smaller than or equal to 50 ⁇ , and the resolution of the image better than 500 dpi.
  • the senor 10 may include an array of 256 x 360 cells, for an active surface having dimensions of 18 x 12.8 mm. The same applies for the sensor 11.
  • the sensors 10 and 11 may allow an image of the underarms to be obtained, which image may be displayed as appropriate, as illustrated in figure 1 , on the screen of the microcomputer 60.
  • the information delivered by the sensor 10 or by the sensor 11, relating to each pixel of the image, is for example a digital value encoded over eight bits, which is representative of the amplitude of the locally detected capacitance variation.
  • the device according to the invention may be arranged such that the duration for which the sensor 10 and the sensor 11 analyze the underarms is predefined, being for example equal to 5 seconds, the frequency of acquisition and the total duration of acquisition being chosen by the user.
  • the duration may be longer, for example to quantify the perspiration.
  • the capacitance image delivered by the sensor 10 and the sensor 11 also allows the degree of uniformity of the perspiration to be determined.
  • Perspiration may be facilitated by the presence of the sensor 10 and of the sensor 11, which have a covering nature.
  • the device according to the invention may be arranged to allow a sequence of images at predefined time intervals to be acquired and to record, for each image in the sequence, the histogram for example, or even the complete image.
  • Comparing two sequences of histograms before and after a treatment the purpose of which is to decrease perspiration may for example allow the efficacy of this treatment to be verified.
  • a sequence of histograms may be processed for example to determine the growth rate of the pixels in the low gray levels.
  • the equipment may include an application on a SMARTPHONE 5 with an application for controlling the sensors 10 and 11 from the touchscreen of a SMARTPHONE 5 or a tablet via a Wi-Fi connection.
  • the application may include code instructions that, when run in a computer system, make it possible:
  • the sensors 10 and 11 select at least one recording of a datum such as the composition of the perspiration, the quantity of the perspiration, the temperature of the underarm;
  • the device shown in figure 2 includes a platform 7 composed of uprights 3 and cross members 4.
  • a seat 6 is positioned in the center of the platform 7 to accommodate a person coming to evaluate the perspiration of his or her underarms.
  • Two movable articulated arms 71 and 72 are mounted, one on the right, the other on the left, on the platform 7, which platform may be fixed or movable.
  • the arm 71 bears, at its free end, a first head 1 having a longitudinal axis X provided with a first ring-shaped support 20 for bearing the sensor 10.
  • the arm 72 bears, at its free end, a second head 2 having a longitudinal axis Y provided with a second ring-shaped support 21 for bearing the sensor 11.
  • Each support 20, 21 is topped by a terminal surface 22 on which the sensors are placed.
  • the outer surface of the sensors defines a concave overall profile 102, the concavity of which faces the arm 72.
  • each arm 71, 72 may potentially rotate in a respective plane of rotation and about a respective axis of rotation, namely about the axis of rotation Z for the arm 71 and about the axis of rotation W for the arm 72.
  • the plane of rotation of each arm 71 , 72 may potentially be modified by sliding each arm on a system of rails 81, 82.
  • the arms 71, 72 may also include a telescopic adjustment system for adjusting their length according to the stature of the person. The movability of the arms 71, 72 thus improves the quality of the data acquired by the sensors 10, 11.
  • the movement of the arms 71, 72 may be motorized, for example using an actuator causing the arms to pivot about the axes Z, W.
  • One end of the arm 71 is shown in figure 3. It includes four sensors 10, 12, 14 and 16 that are positioned on the terminal surface 22 of the support 20. In the example shown, the sensors are fixed with respect to the terminal surface 22 but they could also rotate or oscillate, each about a respective axis. Each sensor explores a sector of a surface of the underarm limited to an angular sector.
  • the terminal surface 22 defines three facets 40, 41, 42 on which the sensors 12, 10, 16 are positioned, respectively.
  • Each sensor may be held in place between two stops, the sensor 10 being held in place between the stops 62, 63, the sensor 12 between the stops 63, 64 and the sensor 16 between the stops 61, 62.
  • Each sensor 10, 12, 14 and 16 includes a respective planar active outer surface 101, 121, 141 and 161, as may be seen in figure 4.
  • Each active surface of a sensor may be coplanar with that of an adjacent sensor such as for the sensors 12 and 14 or be located in a plane forming an angle with the active surface of an adjacent sensor, such as the sensors 16 and 10 forming an angle a or the sensors 10 and 12 forming an angle ⁇ .
  • the active surfaces 101, 121, 141 and 161 may come into contact with the left underarm and form bearing surfaces for certain areas of the underarms. In the example shown, together these surfaces define the outer surface of the head 1 that is capable of coming into contact with the hollow of the left underarm.
  • the sensors 10, 12, 14 and 16 protrude with respect to the terminal surface 22.
  • Their active surfaces 101, 121, 141 and 161 define an arc-shaped envelope surface 9, the outer face 109 of which is suitable for conforming to the shape of the underarms.
  • the person applies the head 1 against the left underarm. He or she then moves the arm 71 with respect to the underarm, until the desired positioning is obtained.
  • the active surfaces 101, 121, 141 and 161 are then brought into contact with or made flush with the underarm, before triggering the operation of the sensors.
  • the systems for controlling the sensors and for acquiring the data may then be controlled.
  • the electrical and electronic connections of the sensors may potentially be made by means of connecting wiring extending inside the support 20 and the arm 71, to link the sensors 10, 12, 14 and 16 both to the SMARTPHONE 5 and to a system for exploiting the signals delivered by the sensors when they are in operation, such as the interface 30.
  • the head 2 shown in figure 5 and in figure 7, is attached to the arm 72 and is substantially shaped like an ogive to conform to the hollow of the left underarm.
  • the head 1 and the head 2 include (figure 9), when viewed along the longitudinal axis Y: - two substantially planar lateral surface portions 11 1 that are located obliquely on the side of the ogive and are symmetrical to one another with respect to the axis Y. These lateral surface portions cover the active surfaces 101, 131 of the sensors 11 and 13, said sensors being mounted symmetrically to one another with respect to a median longitudinal plane of the head;
  • the outer surfaces 111, 131, 133 are designed to conform, at least partially, to the shape of the right underarm.
  • the person applies the outer surfaces 111, 131, 133 against the right underarm. He or she may place his or her arm along his or her body to keep the head in the hollow of the right underarm. He or she may act in the same way with the second, left head 2.
  • the systems for controlling the sensors and for acquiring the data may then be controlled.
  • the lateral surface portions 111, 131 are held laterally between the chest and the arm of the person and the end surface portion 133 bears against the bottom of the right underarm.
  • the arm of the person may be relaxed.
  • the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments that have just been provided.
  • the head could take any other shape, such as the shape of a sphere, a cylinder, an ogive, a disk, a bomb, a groundnut, a buoy or a rugby ball.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a device for delivering at least one item of information relating to the perspiration of the underarms, the device comprising a data acquisition system provided with at least one sensor (10, 11) including an array of non-optical, preferably capacitive, detection cells, and a data processing system that is arranged to deliver said item of information on the basis of signals arising from the sensor (10, 11), the device comprising at least one evaluation head (1, 2) having a longitudinal axis X comprising the sensor (10, 11).

Description

Device for evaluating the perspiration of the underarms
The present invention relates to methods and devices for evaluating the perspiration of the underarms.
The expression "cosmetic product" is understood to mean any product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of November 30, 2009 on cosmetic products.
The term "perspiration" is understood to mean the secretion of sweat via the pores of the skin.
Technological background
There are currently a number of methods for measuring the moisturization and the barrier properties of the skin at discrete points, such as capacitance measurements or measurements of transepidermal water loss. Similarly, it is possible to measure the volume of sweat secreted over a given period of time of the order of an hour, for example by gravimetry or by using silicone imprints.
Application EP 1 177 766 provides a Skinchip® sensor including an array of non-optical, in particular capacitive, detection cells, to obtain information on the microrelief of the skin. For example, the information obtained may be the surface density of the lines on the skin, the anisotropy coefficient of the density of these lines or the number and size of the pores on the skin. However, the use is limited to a "pointlike" measurement via an initiating trigger.
Patent application EP 1 438 922 discloses a device for delivering at least one item of information relating to perspiration, either at a given time or for tracking the variation thereof over time, for example to quantify the perspiration. Although this device is well suited for measuring the perspiration on a flat region of the body, it is less so for evaluating the perspiration of more concave and/or restricted regions, such as the underarms. Specifically, used for the underarms, this device is able to evaluate the perspiration only over a restricted, almost pointlike, area. It is not possible to extrapolate the result obtained to deduce sufficiently reliable information that is representative of the perspiration of the underarm as a whole. The lack of accessibility of the surface of the skin of the underarms and the unevennesses that are specific to each morphology make measuring the moisturization or sweating properties of this region, whether separately or simultaneously, complex. Similarly, tracking these properties over time with a continuous measurement allowing this variation to be viewed over several minutes is complex.
The problem presented by the invention is that of providing a device that is able to evaluate the perspiration of the underarm and its effect on skin quality, in particular its roughness and its moisturization, this device having to provide an evaluation of the perspiration of a broad region of the underarm, or even the entirety of the underarm rather than a specific region.
In particular, this device must potentially be able to provide access, over a sufficiently broad region of the underarm, either separately or simultaneously, to:
- the state of moisturization of the skin of the underarms;
- a view of the state of the microrelief of the underarm in contact; - a real-time view of the perspiration under covered conditions;
- the exploitation of the sweating information.
Moreover, it must be possible to use this device even when the arm of the person is in rest position along his or her body. Definition of the invention
One subject of the invention is a device for delivering at least one item of information relating to the perspiration of the underarms, the device comprising a data acquisition system provided with at least one sensor including an array of non-optical, preferably capacitive, detection cells, and a data processing system that is arranged to deliver said information on the basis of signals arising from the sensor, the device comprising at least one evaluation head having a longitudinal axis X comprising the sensor, the evaluation head delimiting an outer surface including at least one active surface of the sensor and the outer surface being capable of at least partially filling the hollow of an underarm.
The device according to the invention is suited to the morphology of the underarms by virtue of the structure of the outer surface, for reliable measurement results over the entire underarm. By virtue of the invention, it becomes possible to continuously record multiple parameters that are representative of the perspiration of the underarm.
Moreover, it becomes possible to dynamically activate the contact of the sensors with the underarm to simulate repeated coverings, in particular by exerting a pressure on the sensors, for example by pressing the forearm against the chest while using the device.
Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a method for evaluating the perspiration of the underarms, including the following steps:
- providing a device such as described above, comprising at least one sensor;
- applying the head against an underarm of a person;
- collecting signals arising from the sensor and delivering, on the basis of these signals, at least one item of information relating to the perspiration of the underarm.
The method according to the invention is straightforward and quick to implement.
Where appropriate, it is possible, according to the process of the invention, to view, in real time, information acquired by the sensors, to analyze it or to view images acquired across all of the regions of measurement at a parameterized frequency.
It is also possible to deliver, for example, on the basis of the signals arising from the sensor, an indication relating to the density of the pores on the skin and/or to their size.
Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a method for prescribing a cosmetic product, including the following steps:
evaluating the perspiration of the underarms by implementing the method such as described above;
in the light of the result of the evaluation, prescribing a cosmetic product having an effect on the perspiration of the underarms.
Preferred embodiments
(i) Device
Preferably, the device according to the invention has one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination:
- The outer surface has at least one portion that is concave in shape, the concavity of which faces the interior of the device. In this case, the surface is optimal for conforming to the morphology of the underarms. - The device includes a first evaluation head having a longitudinal axis X that is intended to be brought into contact with the left underarm and a second evaluation head having a longitudinal axis Y that is intended to be brought into contact with the right underarm. The measurements may be carried out on both underarms for comparative and/or more accurate results.
- The head includes at least two sensors, preferably positioned symmetrically to one another with respect to a median longitudinal plane of the head. The acquired information is more accurate.
- The sensor is attached to a support including facets. It is easy to position the head on the skin.
- The device is arranged to exchange data with a personal computer or with a mobile terminal, in particular a mobile phone or a tablet, to deliver the information to a person. It is possible to envisage viewing and interpreting the results in real time.
- The device is arranged to exchange data with an application designed to control the sensor via a Wi-Fi connection.
- The device includes a system that is capable of generating a stressor, in particular a thermal, mechanical or electrical stressor, on the underarm. The stressor may supplement the evaluation. (ii) Method
Preferably, the method according to the invention has one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination:
- The results of two evaluations relating to the perspiration of the underarm at two different times are compared and an indication linked to the variation in the perspiration between these two times is delivered. This may make it possible, for example, for a person to be informed of the effects of using an antiperspirant or deodorant.
- The data are acquired statically, without moving the sensor with respect to the underarm.
- The data are acquired dynamically, with a relative movement between the sensor and the underarm while the data are being acquired.
- Data obtained on the basis of the signals delivered by the sensor are transmitted remotely by an internet, intranet or mobile telephony network. Description of the figures
The invention may be better understood from reading the detailed description which will follow of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments thereof, and from studying the attached schematic and partial drawing, in which:
figure 1 shows a device according to the invention while it is being used; figure 2 is a perspective front view of a first exemplary device according to the invention;
figure 3 is a longitudinal section of detail A of figure 2;
- figure 4 is a perspective view of detail A of figure 2;
figure 5 is a perspective front view of a left head of a second exemplary device according to the invention;
figure 6 is a perspective front view of a right head of a second exemplary device according to the invention;
- figure 7 is a side view of the left head of figure 5;
figure 8 is a side view of the right head of figure 6;
figure 9 is a side view of the right head of figure 6.
Figure 1 shows an exemplary device according to the invention, including a first sensor 10 and a second sensor 11 and means for processing the signals delivered by the first sensor 10 and by the second sensor 11. These processing means include for example a microcomputer 60 and potentially an interface 30 allowing data arising from the first sensor 10 and from the second sensor 11 to be transmitted to a microcomputer. Said microcomputer may additionally be linked, as appropriate, to a remote server 40 by an internet or intranet computer network 41.
In the illustrated example, the interface 30 has been shown in the form of a unit that is separate from the sensor 10 and from the microcomputer 60 but there is no departure from the scope of the present invention when the interface 30 is incorporated within the sensor 10 or within the microcomputer 60.
Of course, the microcomputer 60 is just one example among others of processing means that may be used. It may for example be replaced with a smartphone or a tablet.
Where appropriate, the sensor 10 and the sensor 11 may be associated with at least one additional sensor, for example a pH or color sensor, and the information relating to the perspiration arising from the sensor 10 or from the sensor 11 potentially combined with other information arising from the one or more additional sensors to obtain a better assessment of the state of the skin.
The sensors 10 and 11 are for example sensors marketed under the TOUCHCHIP® brand by ST-MICROELECTRONICS.
Each sensor may comprise a detection cell including two adjacent metal plates that are separated from the analyzed region by a protective coating made of an electrical insulator. Electric field lines extend through the coating between the plates and when the skin makes contact with the coating and is located in proximity to the plates, the microrelief of the skin interferes with the field lines and modifies the capacitance of the capacitor formed by the two plates.
In the case of the TOUCHCHIP® sensor, the detection cells operate in two phases. In an initial phase, the two plates are linked by an electronic switch, which allows an initialization to be performed, then, in a detection phase, the switch is opened and a capacitance is detected, which depends in particular on the microrelief of the skin and on the dielectric constant of said skin.
The signals delivered by the sensors 10 and 11 may take the form of digital data, the sensors 10 and 11 possibly incorporating an analog-to-digital converter.
A value that is representative of the capacitance measured by a detection cell, also referred to as a pixel, may be read at a particular address, by RAM addressing.
The dimension d of a detection cell may be smaller than or equal to 50 μιη, and the resolution of the image better than 500 dpi.
In the example under consideration, the sensor 10 may include an array of 256 x 360 cells, for an active surface having dimensions of 18 x 12.8 mm. The same applies for the sensor 11.
The sensors 10 and 11 may allow an image of the underarms to be obtained, which image may be displayed as appropriate, as illustrated in figure 1 , on the screen of the microcomputer 60.
The information delivered by the sensor 10 or by the sensor 11, relating to each pixel of the image, is for example a digital value encoded over eight bits, which is representative of the amplitude of the locally detected capacitance variation. The device according to the invention may be arranged such that the duration for which the sensor 10 and the sensor 11 analyze the underarms is predefined, being for example equal to 5 seconds, the frequency of acquisition and the total duration of acquisition being chosen by the user.
The duration may be longer, for example to quantify the perspiration.
The capacitance image delivered by the sensor 10 and the sensor 11 also allows the degree of uniformity of the perspiration to be determined.
Perspiration may be facilitated by the presence of the sensor 10 and of the sensor 11, which have a covering nature.
The device according to the invention may be arranged to allow a sequence of images at predefined time intervals to be acquired and to record, for each image in the sequence, the histogram for example, or even the complete image.
Comparing two sequences of histograms before and after a treatment the purpose of which is to decrease perspiration may for example allow the efficacy of this treatment to be verified.
A sequence of histograms may be processed for example to determine the growth rate of the pixels in the low gray levels.
Depending on this rate, it is possible for example to determine whether a person has a tendency to perspire or not and to recommend a product or a treatment to him or her, as appropriate.
The equipment may include an application on a SMARTPHONE 5 with an application for controlling the sensors 10 and 11 from the touchscreen of a SMARTPHONE 5 or a tablet via a Wi-Fi connection.
By way of illustration, the application may include code instructions that, when run in a computer system, make it possible:
to make the sensors 10 and 11 select at least one recording of a datum such as the composition of the perspiration, the quantity of the perspiration, the temperature of the underarm;
to control the sensors 10 and 11 to bring them to within a distance from the skin;
parameterize the acquisition data;
to allow the person to select at least one region of the underarms; to allow memorization to be triggered at a desired time.
The device shown in figure 2 includes a platform 7 composed of uprights 3 and cross members 4. A seat 6 is positioned in the center of the platform 7 to accommodate a person coming to evaluate the perspiration of his or her underarms. Two movable articulated arms 71 and 72 are mounted, one on the right, the other on the left, on the platform 7, which platform may be fixed or movable.
The arm 71 bears, at its free end, a first head 1 having a longitudinal axis X provided with a first ring-shaped support 20 for bearing the sensor 10. The arm 72 bears, at its free end, a second head 2 having a longitudinal axis Y provided with a second ring-shaped support 21 for bearing the sensor 11.
Each support 20, 21 is topped by a terminal surface 22 on which the sensors are placed. The outer surface of the sensors defines a concave overall profile 102, the concavity of which faces the arm 72.
To ensure that the sensors 10, 11 are positioned correctly with respect to the underarms, each arm 71, 72 may potentially rotate in a respective plane of rotation and about a respective axis of rotation, namely about the axis of rotation Z for the arm 71 and about the axis of rotation W for the arm 72. The plane of rotation of each arm 71 , 72 may potentially be modified by sliding each arm on a system of rails 81, 82. Lastly, the arms 71, 72 may also include a telescopic adjustment system for adjusting their length according to the stature of the person. The movability of the arms 71, 72 thus improves the quality of the data acquired by the sensors 10, 11. The movement of the arms 71, 72 may be motorized, for example using an actuator causing the arms to pivot about the axes Z, W.
One end of the arm 71 is shown in figure 3. It includes four sensors 10, 12, 14 and 16 that are positioned on the terminal surface 22 of the support 20. In the example shown, the sensors are fixed with respect to the terminal surface 22 but they could also rotate or oscillate, each about a respective axis. Each sensor explores a sector of a surface of the underarm limited to an angular sector.
In the example shown, the terminal surface 22 defines three facets 40, 41, 42 on which the sensors 12, 10, 16 are positioned, respectively. Each sensor may be held in place between two stops, the sensor 10 being held in place between the stops 62, 63, the sensor 12 between the stops 63, 64 and the sensor 16 between the stops 61, 62. Each sensor 10, 12, 14 and 16 includes a respective planar active outer surface 101, 121, 141 and 161, as may be seen in figure 4.
Each active surface of a sensor may be coplanar with that of an adjacent sensor such as for the sensors 12 and 14 or be located in a plane forming an angle with the active surface of an adjacent sensor, such as the sensors 16 and 10 forming an angle a or the sensors 10 and 12 forming an angle β.
The active surfaces 101, 121, 141 and 161 may come into contact with the left underarm and form bearing surfaces for certain areas of the underarms. In the example shown, together these surfaces define the outer surface of the head 1 that is capable of coming into contact with the hollow of the left underarm.
The sensors 10, 12, 14 and 16 protrude with respect to the terminal surface 22. Their active surfaces 101, 121, 141 and 161 define an arc-shaped envelope surface 9, the outer face 109 of which is suitable for conforming to the shape of the underarms.
Since the perspiration is evaluated at various areas of the underarms by virtue of the presence of multiple sensors, the result is particularly accurate.
To implement the device described above in figures 2 to 4, the person applies the head 1 against the left underarm. He or she then moves the arm 71 with respect to the underarm, until the desired positioning is obtained. The active surfaces 101, 121, 141 and 161 are then brought into contact with or made flush with the underarm, before triggering the operation of the sensors. The systems for controlling the sensors and for acquiring the data may then be controlled.
The electrical and electronic connections of the sensors may potentially be made by means of connecting wiring extending inside the support 20 and the arm 71, to link the sensors 10, 12, 14 and 16 both to the SMARTPHONE 5 and to a system for exploiting the signals delivered by the sensors when they are in operation, such as the interface 30.
The head 2, shown in figure 5 and in figure 7, is attached to the arm 72 and is substantially shaped like an ogive to conform to the hollow of the left underarm. The same applies for the head 1, shown in figure 6 and in figure 8, to conform to the hollow of the right underarm, which head is attached to the arm 71.
The head 1 and the head 2 include (figure 9), when viewed along the longitudinal axis Y: - two substantially planar lateral surface portions 11 1 that are located obliquely on the side of the ogive and are symmetrical to one another with respect to the axis Y. These lateral surface portions cover the active surfaces 101, 131 of the sensors 11 and 13, said sensors being mounted symmetrically to one another with respect to a median longitudinal plane of the head;
- slightly domed surface portions 112, 132, located between the arm 72 and the sensors 1 1, 13;
- a concave end surface portion 133, the concavity of which faces the arm 72. Together, the outer surfaces 111, 131, 133 are designed to conform, at least partially, to the shape of the right underarm.
To implement the device described above in figures 5 to 9, the person applies the outer surfaces 111, 131, 133 against the right underarm. He or she may place his or her arm along his or her body to keep the head in the hollow of the right underarm. He or she may act in the same way with the second, left head 2. The systems for controlling the sensors and for acquiring the data may then be controlled.
During this operation, the lateral surface portions 111, 131 are held laterally between the chest and the arm of the person and the end surface portion 133 bears against the bottom of the right underarm. The arm of the person may be relaxed.
Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments that have just been provided. In particular, it is possible to use a sensor other than that marketed under the TOUCHCHIP® brand.
The head could take any other shape, such as the shape of a sphere, a cylinder, an ogive, a disk, a bomb, a groundnut, a buoy or a rugby ball.

Claims

1. A device for delivering at least one item of information relating to the perspiration of the underarms, the device comprising a data acquisition system provided with at least one sensor (10, 11) including an array of non-optical, preferably capacitive, detection cells, and a data processing system that is arranged to deliver said item of information on the basis of signals arising from the sensor (10, 11), wherein it comprises at least one evaluation head (1, 2) having a longitudinal axis X comprising the sensor (10, 11), the evaluation head (1, 2) delimiting an outer surface (101, 121, 141, 161, 133) including at least one active surface (101, 121, 141, 161) of the sensor (10, 11) and the outer surface (101, 121, 141, 161, 133) being capable of at least partially filling the hollow of an underarm.
2. The device as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the outer surface (101, 121, 141, 161, 133) has at least one portion that is concave in shape, the concavity of which faces the interior of the device.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein it includes a first evaluation head (1) having a longitudinal axis X that is intended to be brought into contact with the left underarm and a second evaluation head (2) having a longitudinal axis Y that is intended to be brought into contact with the right underarm.
4. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head (1, 2) includes at least two sensors (10, 12, 14, 16), preferably positioned symmetrically to one another with respect to a median longitudinal plane of the head (1, 2).
5. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (10, 11) is attached to a support including facets (40, 41, 42).
6. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein it is arranged to exchange data with a personal computer or with a mobile terminal (60), in particular a mobile phone or a tablet, to deliver the information to a person.
7. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, wherein it is arranged to exchange data with an application (5) designed to control the sensor (10, 11) via a Wi-Fi connection.
8. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, wherein it includes a system that is capable of generating a stressor, in particular a thermal, mechanical or electrical stressor, on the underarm.
9. A method for evaluating the perspiration of the underarms, including the following steps:
providing a device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one sensor (10, 11);
applying the head (1, 2) against an underarm of a person;
collecting signals arising from the sensor (10, 11) and delivering, on the basis of these signals, at least one item of information relating to the perspiration of the underarm.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the results of two evaluations relating to the perspiration of the underarm at two different times are compared and wherein an indication linked to the variation in the perspiration between these two times is delivered.
11. The method as claimed in either of claims 9 and 10, wherein the data are acquired statically, without moving the sensor (10, 11) with respect to the underarm.
12. The method as claimed in either of claims 9 and 10, wherein the data are acquired dynamically, with a relative movement between the sensor (10, 11) and the underarm while the data are being acquired.
13. The method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein data obtained on the basis of the signals delivered by the sensor (10, 11) are transmitted remotely by an internet, intranet or mobile telephony network.
14. A method for prescribing a cosmetic product, including the following steps: evaluating the perspiration of the underarms by implementing the method such as defined in any one of claims 9 to 13; in the light of the result of the evaluation, prescribing a cosmetic product having an effect on the perspiration of the underarms.
PCT/EP2018/057724 2017-04-26 2018-03-27 Device for evaluating the perspiration of the underarms WO2018202360A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1753637A FR3065635B1 (en) 2017-04-26 2017-04-26 DEVICE TO ASSESS UNDERARM PERSPIRATION
FR1753637 2017-04-26

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WO2018202360A1 true WO2018202360A1 (en) 2018-11-08

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Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1177766A1 (en) 2000-08-01 2002-02-06 L'oreal Method for the acquisition of the image of a non-dermatoglyphic area of the skin or an area of hairs with an acquisition device comprising a non-optical sensor
EP1438922A1 (en) 2003-01-14 2004-07-21 L'oreal Device and method for evaluating the hydration of skin and mucosa
EP2687155A1 (en) * 2011-03-15 2014-01-22 Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha Moisture meter and body moisture meter
US20170100071A1 (en) * 2014-10-15 2017-04-13 Eccrine Systems, Inc. Sweat sensing device communication security and compliance

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1177766A1 (en) 2000-08-01 2002-02-06 L'oreal Method for the acquisition of the image of a non-dermatoglyphic area of the skin or an area of hairs with an acquisition device comprising a non-optical sensor
EP1438922A1 (en) 2003-01-14 2004-07-21 L'oreal Device and method for evaluating the hydration of skin and mucosa
EP2687155A1 (en) * 2011-03-15 2014-01-22 Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha Moisture meter and body moisture meter
US20170100071A1 (en) * 2014-10-15 2017-04-13 Eccrine Systems, Inc. Sweat sensing device communication security and compliance

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FR3065635B1 (en) 2021-12-17

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