JPH031836A - Apparatus for measuring degree of skin aging - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable measuring of a degree of skin aging as a temperature of skin as reference by storing a reference skin temperature prescribed by age and a temperature of environment to estimate and display of an age of a person to be measured in comparison of an actually measured value outputted from a measuring device and the reference skin temperature stored. CONSTITUTION:An amplifier 41 amplifies an output signal from a reading means 40 for reading a data of thermoelectromotive force generated in a thermocouple circuit within a measuring device 1 and a converter 42 converts an analog output from the amplifier 41 into a digital output. An arithmetic processing circuit 43 performs an arithmetic processing of the digital output signal converted and outputs a temperature of skin sensed with the measuring device as numerical signal. A data of a reference skin temperature is inputted and stored into a memory means 44 beforehand and a comparison means 45 compares the numerical signal (actually measured value) outputted from the arithmetic processing circuit 43 to the data stored. Then, a display means 3 displays the results of comparison outputted from the comparison means 45 visually as evaluation of a degree of skin aging.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a skin aging degree measuring device that can measure the degree of skin aging from human skin temperature and environmental temperature.

[Conventional technology and its problems]

In general, young people tend to have better blood circulation and higher skin temperature, and it is also known that there is a correlation between blood flow in the skin and skin temperature. However, because skin temperature is also affected by environmental temperature, it cannot necessarily be said that the higher the skin temperature, the healthier and younger the skin. Furthermore, because there was no device that could accurately measure skin temperature, there was no detailed data on how much skin temperature is affected by environmental temperature, and accurate verification has not been made. Therefore, it was not possible to evaluate the degree of skin aging based on skin temperature.

The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a skin aging degree measuring device that can measure the degree of skin aging based on skin temperature.

[Means for solving problems]

In order to achieve the above object, the skin aging measuring device of the present invention includes a rod-shaped measuring tool whose tip end is formed as a temperature sensing surface for measuring environmental temperature and skin temperature, and a rod-shaped measuring tool connected to this measuring tool. The measurement tool is provided with an extraction means for extracting the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing surface at the tip as an electrical signal, and the standard skin temperature specified by age and environmental temperature is stored in the main body. a memory means to
a comparison means for estimating the age of the person to be measured by comparing the actual measured value output from the retrieval means of the measuring device and the standard skin temperature stored in the storage means; and a comparison result output from the comparison means. The configuration includes display means for displaying information.

[Effect]

That is, prior to the present invention, the present inventors discovered that using a skin temperature measuring device that uses a conductor as a skin temperature sensing surface and connects a thermocouple to this conductor to measure skin temperature can be done easily. They discovered that skin temperature can be accurately measured using simple procedures, and have already filed an application (filed on April 7, 1989). Noting that this device can measure skin temperature very accurately, they conducted a series of studies with the idea that it might be possible to clarify the correlation between age and skin temperature, which had previously been ambiguous. The results showed that the higher the environmental temperature and the younger the age, the higher the skin temperature. Therefore, we gathered panelists of different ages and measured their skin temperatures while changing the environmental temperature to obtain a standard skin temperature defined by age and environmental temperature. It is possible to measure the skin temperature of the person to be measured and the environmental temperature at that time, evaluate the measured values against the stored data, and display the results. , discovered that the degree of skin aging can be easily evaluated, and arrived at this invention.

Next, the present invention will be explained in detail based on examples.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention. This skin aging measuring device includes a rod-shaped measuring device 1 whose tip is formed on a sensing surface 1a for sensing skin temperature, and a main body 2 having a recess 2a into which the tip of the measuring device 1 can be inserted and held.
It is equipped with The main body 2 has a built-in predetermined processing circuit for processing sensing data from the measuring tool 1, and the processing results are displayed on the display means 3 attached to the front of the main body 2. It looks like this. Note that 4 is switches for instructing various operations and turning the power on and off.

As shown in FIG. 2, the measuring tool 1 includes a pencil-shaped casing 10, a sleeve 12 attached to the tip of the casing 10 in a state in which it is pressed outward by a compression spring 11, and a sleeve 12. It has a sensing disk 13 that is fitted into the tip of this sleeve 12 from the inside. As shown in FIG. 3, a steel plate 14 bent into a U-shape is embedded in the sensing disk 13 with its central bent portion 14a exposed to the outside. This central bent portion 14a is pressed against the skin and functions to sense the skin temperature. Further, both bent ends 14b of the iron Fi 14 are integrally attached by welding to the outer surface of a small iron circular plate 15 that is fitted into the inner stepped portion 12a of the sleeve 12.

One end side of an alumel wire 16 and a chromel wire 17 are connected to the inner surface of this small circular plate 15 by soldering.
The other ends of the two wires 16, 17 are mounted, also by soldering, on an elongated base plate 18 extending axially within the casing 10. In this way, an alumel-chromel thermocouple circuit is formed within this casing 10. Note that 19 is a guide for fixing the board 18 in the casing 10, and 20 is a hand switch for flowing current through the thermocouple circuit to sense the temperature. Further, the change in thermoelectromotive force generated in this thermocouple circuit is caused by the change in the thermoelectromotive force caused by the cord 5
The signal is transmitted as an electrical signal into the main body portion 2 via. Therefore, when the hand switch 20 of the measuring tool 1 is turned on and the tip of the sleeve 12 is pressed against the skin, the central bent portion 14a of the iron plate 14 exposed at the tip of the sleeve 12 changes to the skin temperature, which spreads over the entire iron plate 14. A thermoelectromotive force corresponding to this change is generated in the thermocouple circuit connected to this. This thermoelectromotive force is transmitted into the main body 2 by the cord 50. However, in order to accurately measure the amount of thermoelectromotive force, the iron plate 14 must be at the same temperature as the skin temperature, so it is necessary to press the iron plate 14 against the skin for a sufficient period of time to warm the iron plate 14 sufficiently. For this reason, a buzzer mechanism (not shown) is installed inside the casing 10 so that the buzzer continues to sound until the time required to accurately measure the amount of thermoelectromotive force has elapsed.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a connecting cord that connects the bundled cord 50 pulled out of the casing 10 to the main body 2, and is formed into a coil shape so that the measuring tool 1 can be easily handled. (see figure). In addition, the above casing 1
A plurality of annular grooves 23 are formed in parallel on the outer circumferential surface near the hand switch 20 of 0, forming an uneven surface. This serves to prevent the measuring tool 1 from slipping when gripped.

On the other hand, the main body 2 is provided with a recess 2a into which the tip of the measuring tool 1 is inserted and held, as shown in FIG. The opening edge 26 of this recess 2a is slightly raised to prevent dirt and dust from entering the recess 2a from the surrounding area. Moreover, the upper end opening of the recess 2a is
It is formed to be significantly larger than the outer diameter of the measuring tool 1 to be inserted, and the diameter of this opening gradually decreases toward the bottom. This pot-shaped part 25 is a switch 2 that protrudes outside of the casing 10 when the tip of the measuring tool 1 is inserted.
0 does not hit the inner wall surface of the recess 2a, and the switch 2 is provided so that the measuring tool 1 is inserted from any direction.
0 and the recess 2a will not come into contact with each other and damage either of them. Then, the first inner wall 2, which is formed to have a smaller diameter by a gentle step 27 formed on the lower side of the pot-shaped part 25, guides the outer circumference of the casing 10 of the measuring tool I, The casing 10 is supported by a step 29 below.

Further, a second inner wall 30 extending downward from this step 29 is adapted to guide the outer periphery of the sleeve 12 of the measuring tool 1, and the sleeve 12 is supported by the step 31 below. The reason why the casing 10 and the sleeve 12 are supported at the same time by the two steps 29 and 31 is that when only one side is supported, the elongated rod-shaped measuring tool 1 is inserted into the main body 2. This is because it tends to wobble horizontally in certain conditions.

Note that inside the main body section 2, as shown in FIG.
a reading means 40 for reading data on thermoelectromotive force generated in the thermocouple circuit in the measuring instrument 1; and this reading means 40.
an amplifier 41 for amplifying the output signal from the amplifier 4;
A converter 42 that converts the analog output from 1 into a digital output, an arithmetic processing circuit 43 that arithmetic processes the converted digital output signal and outputs the skin temperature sensed by the measuring tool as a numerical signal, and a There are provided a storage means 44 into which data is input and stored, and a comparison means 45 for comparing the numerical signal (actual value) outputted from the arithmetic processing circuit 43 with the stored data. A display means 3 for visually displaying the comparison result output from the comparison means 45 as an evaluation of the degree of skin aging is provided on the front surface of the main body 2 (see FIG. 1).

The above standard skin temperature data was collected using a skin temperature measurement device whose basic configuration is the same as above and whose processing circuit system is set as shown in Figure 6.
00 people) skin Jf? The results are obtained by measuring m degrees under different environmental temperature conditions, and the list is as follows. However, the skin temperature values in this table are different from the normal Celsius temperature; when the skin temperature is 35.0°C, it is 20°OJ, 3B, and when the skin temperature is 0°C, it is 40.
OJ, and the range is divided into 0.1 increments.

The above data will be used as follows. That is, the above data stored in the storage means 44 and the arithmetic processing circuit 4
The numerical signals (skin temperature and environmental temperature of the subject) outputted from 3 are compared by the comparing means 45, and the age block to which the numerical signal belongs (this is referred to as "skin age") is compared by the comparing means 45.
) is extracted as an electrical signal. Then, in response to this electric signal, the display means 3 displays "20's J, r30's J, r early 40's".

The corresponding value among "45 to 54 years old J, r 55 years old or older" is displayed.

Note that this skin aging degree measuring device is used in the following manner. First, pull out the measuring tool 1 from the recess 2a of the main body 2, turn on the power switch of the main body 2, turn on the hand switch 20 of the measuring tool 1, and leave the measuring tool 1 alone until the buzzer stops sounding ( This measures the environmental temperature.

Next, turn on the hand switch 20 of the measuring tool 1 again, press the tip of the measuring tool 1 against a predetermined position on the face (for example, the chin), and maintain this with a constant force until the buzzer stops sounding. . In this way, the skin temperature of the subject is measured. When the buzzer finishes sounding, the skin age processed based on the measured environmental temperature and skin temperature is displayed on the display means 3 of the main body 2.

Therefore, the person being measured can know whether their skin is younger or older than their actual age.

As described above, according to this skin aging degree measuring device, the sensing surface for sensing the skin temperature, which is an index of the degree of skin aging, is formed by the iron plate 14 exposed in a small area at the tip of the measuring tool 1. The heat capacity of this part is small and the temperature easily changes to the same as the skin temperature, and even if the pressing angle of the measuring tool 1 itself to the skin is slightly deviated, this part will be sufficiently pressed against the skin. Therefore, the time required for sensing the skin temperature is short, and the value is consistent, making it possible to accurately measure the degree of skin aging.

Therefore, if the above-mentioned device is installed at the storefront of a cosmetics store, store staff can easily evaluate the degree of skin aging of customers. This makes it possible to recommend cosmetics appropriate to the customer's degree of skin aging and provide appropriate services.

In addition, the degree of skin aging can also be used as a barometer of health.
The above device can be installed in workplaces such as companies and factories to easily measure the degree of skin aging and use it as a guideline for health management.

Note that the device of the above embodiment uses an alumel wire and a chromel wire as metal wires for constructing the thermocouple circuit, but in addition to these, platinum wire-platinum rhodium wire, iron wire-constancun wire, It is also possible to use a combination such as a copper wire and a wire. However, since the combination of the above-mentioned alumel wire and chromel wire has the best temperature sensing accuracy, this combination can be said to be optimal.

In addition, in the device of the above embodiment, the specific skin age is displayed, but it is divided into blocks in advance, such as A for the skin age of a person in their 20s and B1 for a skin age of a person in their 30s. You may also do this so that the corresponding symbol is displayed. Alternatively, you can enter the actual age of the person being measured separately and choose "younger", "normal", or "normal" compared to that age.
A character such as "with decline j" may be displayed. Furthermore, the measured values and evaluations may be outputted in the form of audio instead of being visually displayed.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the skin aging degree evaluation device of the present invention, the degree of skin aging can be measured with a simple operation, and the degree of skin aging can be easily known. They can be installed at cosmetics stores to help customers choose cosmetics, or installed in workplaces such as companies and factories to promote health management.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the measuring tool of the above embodiment, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing details inside the measuring tool, and FIG. 4 5 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main body of the above embodiment, FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing the circuit system in the main body, and FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit system of the skin temperature measuring device used. 1... Measuring tool 2... Main body 3... Display means
14... Iron plate 14a... Center bent part 16.
...Alumel wire 17...Chromel wire 21...Code 22...Connection code 40...Reading means 43...Arithmetic processing circuit 44...Storage means 45
... Comparison means patent applicant: Kanebo Co., Ltd. Company agent, patent attorney Yukihiko Nishifuji, and - = \ (See I Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) It has a rod-shaped measuring device whose tip surface is formed as a temperature sensing surface for measuring environmental temperature and skin temperature, and a main body connected to this measuring device, and the measuring device has a tip end. A means for taking out the temperature sensed by the temperature sensing surface as an electrical signal is provided, and a storage means for storing a standard skin temperature defined by age and environmental temperature is provided in the main body, and the temperature is outputted from the taking means of the measuring instrument. Comparison means for estimating the age of the subject by comparing the actual measured value with the standard skin temperature stored in the storage means, and display means for displaying the comparison result output from the comparison means. Features: Skin aging measurement device. (2) The temperature-sensing surface of the measuring device is composed of a conductor exposed in a small area on the tip surface, and one end of a thermocouple composed of two different types of metal wires is connected to this conductor. The skin aging degree measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectromotive force generated in the thermocouple circuit is extracted as an electrical signal.