A group of students in Ho Chi Minh City has developed a mask capable of diagnosing skin conditions by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology and integrating ultrasonic broadcasting devices.
According to Nguyễn Huỳnh Như, a student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and the leader of the EtecMask project, the team uses PP (polypropylene) plastic materials sourced from rice and corn to create the masks. Inside the layers of the mask, there is a device that scans the face using ultrasonic waves.
When worn, the ultrasonic device scans the skin’s surface, diagnosing conditions such as allergies, psoriasis, acne, melasma, and freckles. Data collected from the ultrasonic waves is analyzed by an AI chip and relayed to a mobile application. The skin condition is represented through the skincore index, which has three levels: red for poor skin, yellow for average, and green for healthy skin. This allows users to understand their skin health.
When using the app, users must create a personal account and provide information about the cosmetics they are using, enabling the app to assess compatibility based on analyses of pH, moisture, UV exposure, and more. Based on the facial analysis results and cosmetic usage habits, the app suggests treatment plans tailored to the user’s skin condition on a weekly or monthly basis. The app can also connect users for remote consultations and examinations in severe cases.
Design of the smart mask developed by the team. (Photo: Provided by the team).
Như stated that after use, the mask can be placed in a suitcase equipped with a wireless charging system for recharging, making it more convenient for users to carry it anywhere. “This method allows users to easily take it anywhere for more convenient use.”
Reflecting on the motivation behind the project, Như explained that patients typically need to visit medical facilities for skin examinations, diagnoses, and treatments. This often requires frequent visits to the doctor for monitoring their condition. Another existing method involves using phone camera applications for skin analysis. However, this approach relies heavily on the camera quality of different phone models, making it challenging to assess accuracy.
To address this issue, since June 2022, Như along with four other students from Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, Foreign Trade University, and Ton Duc Thang University came up with the idea of creating a compact, portable mask that would help patients reduce the need for frequent visits, save costs, and monitor their condition more closely through technology. “Our mask integrates tools similar to those of a specialist doctor, achieving an accuracy of over 94% while being compact and easy to carry,” Như said.
Mobile application for monitoring facial skin health developed by the team. Photo: Provided by the team
With the guidance of a medical expert, the team is building a database of facial skin diseases and appropriate treatment methods.
According to Phan Thái Phong, the programming lead, the most challenging aspect of building the data is converting and programming the skin metrics into the app so that the AI system can suggest the most effective treatment methods. Currently, the team is in the process of finalizing the app and plans to launch the mask as a prototype. By mid-2023, after validating safety factors, the team intends to begin trial usage of the product.
Ms. Lê Huỳnh Kim Ngân, responsible for investment and international relations at ThinkZone Venture Capital, commented that the technology sector focused on skin health, especially facial skin, is a field with significant market potential and increasing demand at this time. She noted that the team exhibits creativity in applying technology for health care. However, “the product can only diagnose and provide recommendations regarding surface skin conditions; it cannot identify internal issues within the body.” Additionally, products used on facial skin need to be approved for safety by health authorities before they can be utilized.
Như (right) and team members at the Creative Startup Challenge competition held on December 17. (Photo: Organizer).
The EtecMask project recently made it to the top 10 outstanding startups in the Creative Startup Challenge 2022 for young people aged 18 to 25.
