WO2004023235A2

WO2004023235A2 - Integrated beauty care apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2004023235A2
Application number: PCT/KR2003/001810
Authority: WO
Inventors: Min-Hwa Lee
Original assignee: Healthpia Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-09-03
Filing date: 2003-09-03
Publication date: 2004-03-18
Also published as: AU2003258869A1; AU2003258869A8; WO2004023235A3

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable beauty care apparatus in which at least two of a low frequency therapy device having two electrodes, an ultrasonic therapy device having vibrator probes, and a 4-electrode type body impedance measuring device are integrated. An integrated electrode structure for integrating the functions of the devices to efficiently and conveniently use the functions is also provided. A measured body impedance is used to calculate a degree of body fat or stress. A structure for incorporating the devices in a mobile communication terminal is also provided. Hardware additionally required in the terminal is installed in a battery pack. The user interface of the terminal is used to provide additional functions required for the devices, so that hardware addition is minimized.

Description

INTEGRATED BEAUTY CARE APPARATUS

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a beauty apparatus, and more particularly to a portable beauty care apparatus in which various caring and diagnosing functions associated with beauty are integrated. The present invention also relates to a battery pack for a mobile communication terminal in which the beauty care apparatus is incorporated, and a mobile communication terminal provided with the battery pack.

Background Art

In association with skin beauty, an ultrasonic beauty device is known. This device uses a piezotransducer (PZT) vibrator adapted to mechanically vibrate at a frequency of about 1 MHz. As is well known, the vibration generated by the PZT vibrator may be transmitted under the skin to a depth of 6cm, thereby transmitting energy. As energy is transmitted to the subcutis in such a manner, it is possible to achieve an enhancement in metabolism, thereby obtaining effects of eliminating fine wrinkles, suppressing age, and whitening the skin.

A circuit of a conventional ultrasonic beauty device is disclosed in the Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 1999- 0023482 laid open on March 25, 1999 in the name of Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. In the disclosed circuit, an ultrasonic vibrator is vibrated by a pulse oscillating circuit. In this circuit, the resistance of the vibrator is measured to detect whether or not the vibrator are in contact with the skin. Thus, the vibrator is controlled to generate vibration of an increased amplitude only when it comes into contact with the skin. In other words, the vibrator is prevented from being overheated due to its unnecessary vibrating operation carried out under the condition in which it is exposed to air without coming into contact with the skin. Also, a portable ultrasonic beauty device is disclosed in the Korean Utility Model No. 217,393 registered in the name of Digital Echo Company, Ltd. The disclosed portable ultrasonic beauty device includes a plurality of vibrators in order to achieve an enhancement in efficiency. The vibrators are connected to a common driving circuit in the same fashion. The portable ultrasonic beauty device also includes a thermistor for detecting the temperature of heat generated from the vibrators . Recently, low frequency therapy devices have been popularized in association with diet. Such lower frequency therapy devices are known to apply electrical vibration of a low frequency to the skin, thereby causing a smooth play of the nervous system motion and a smooth blood circulation. As a result, there is an exercising effect without any effort. For example, it is possible to get rid of surplus fat without any effort.

A skin care device having the above mentioned function is disclosed in the Korean Patent Publication No. 1996-14098 registered on October 14, 1996 in the name of Hyun Bae Hwang. In this device, a low frequency signal is applied to the skin via a pad connected to a low frequency output terminal when a microcomputer outputs a pulse signal to the lower frequency output terminal in response to an input signal from a keypad. The waveform of the pulse signal and the level of the output signal can be appropriately controlled.

Also, a bioelectrical impedance analyzer is also known which serves to analyze the composition of a human body by measuring the impedance of the human body. This device supplies micro current into the human body to make the micro current flow between two points, and measures the voltage between the two points, thereby measuring the impedance of the human body. The device then measures the degree of body fat, the degree of stress, and the like, based on data about the user's height, weight, age, sex, and the like inputted by the user, along with the measured impedance.

Such a body fat measuring device is disclosed in the Korean Laid-open Publication No. 2001-94598 laid open on November 1, 2001 in the name of Jawon Medical Company, Ltd. The disclosed body fat measuring device includes a circuit for measuring height and weight, as well as a bioelectrical impedance measuring circuit adapted to measure body fat . Persons concerned about obesity are interested in such a body fat measuring device. The body fat measuring device can be manufactured to be a portable, only using the simple bioelectrical impedance measuring circuit disclosed in the above publication, in so far as data about the user's height and weight can be inputted through a keypad.

Although the degree of fatigue or stress felt by an individual can be objectively determined using a questionnaire, it is possible to obtain objective numerical data using the above mentioned bioelectrical impedance measuring circuit. The Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2001-70420 laid open on July 25, 2001 in the named of Tanita Corporation discloses an apparatus for measuring the degree of fatigue of a person to be tested, based on his measured body impedance. In this publication, there is a description that the resistance of cellular water reflects on the degree of edema, and so, it is possible to objectively determine the fatigue of a human body by analyzing data obtained from average measured values of individuals, taking into consideration the weight, age, sex, and the like of the human body. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain objective numerical data about the degree of fatigue, that is, the degree of stress, felt by an individual. The degree of stress or fatigue is an important factor associated with health as well as beauty. So, techniques for representing the fatigue or stress by objective numerical values have recently been highlighted. Although persons who take an interest in both beauty and health may desire to have associated devices, there is inconvenience in carrying such devices because the devices are separate from each other. The interest in stress and body fat has been increased in accordance with an increased interest in beauty, so that interest in ultrasonic beauty devices and low frequency therapy devices has been increased. Accordingly, the inventor has conducted research for a long time to integrate an ultrasonic beauty device and a low frequency therapy device, so as to conveniently carry the devices. It is necessary to enable beauty care and diagnosis to be carried out anytime and anywhere. So, it is very important to construct the associated devices to be carried in a handbag for a woman or a bag for a man.

During the above mentioned conduction of research, the inventor found that it is advantageous to integrate the above mentioned devices, in terms of cost and convenience in carrying those devices.

The inventor also thought that it may be desirable that the above mentioned functions are incorporated in mobile communication terminals recently widely distributed to the public. In this regard, the inventor conducted research to incorporate a desired hardware into a battery pack detachably coupled to the body of a mobile communication terminal without considerably modifying the hardware of the mobile communication terminal, so as to add the above mentioned functions to the mobile communication terminal.

Of course, the incorporation of an additional optional circuit into a battery pack is not a new idea. The Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. Heisei 9-270836 laid open on October 14, 1997 discloses an additional device implemented by a radio circuit incorporated into a battery pack detachably coupled to a mobile communication terminal. Also, the Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2110-19664 laid open on March 15, 2001 discloses an audio player including an MP3 codec and a flash memory module incorporated into the battery pack of a mobile communication terminal, while being controlled by a user interface included in the mobile communication terminal. However, there has been no attempt to incorporate a beauty care or diagnosis function into a battery pack, so far. Meanwhile, a technique is known which is adapted to manage data, to be used for a medical care or beauty car purpose, in an integrated manner by a host computer through a network, to automatically analyze the data, and to inform of the result of the analysis. However, terminal products implemented by this technique have not been commercially available because they are inconvenient to be carried and used.

As a technique for solving this problem, a wired/wireless telephone having a body composition analyzing function has been developed. Such a wired/wireless telephone is disclosed in the Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2001-93976 laid open on October 31, 2001. The disclosed telephone is provided with four electrode pads on its surface in order to measure the body impedance of a user. The telephone is also configured to input desired data, using a keypad equipped in the telephone. The publication also discloses a configuration for transmitting measured data to an expert positioned at a remote location. Also, the publication of the Korean Utility Model No. 246707 registered on September 3, 2001 discloses an idea for receiving a measured body signal from an external body signal measuring unit, transmitting the received body signal to a computer arranged at a remote location, for a diagnosis purpose, and analyzing the transmitted body signal by the computer in accordance with an analysis program.

However, the above mentioned publications do not concretely disclose the kind of data and the processed contents for a remote diagnosis purpose. Furthermore, the device used for the remote diagnosis purpose is too complex to be portable. This device also has a structure too inconvenient to be used by the user.

Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention has been made in view of requirements issued during the above mentioned research, and a primary object of the invention is to integrate an ultrasonic therapy device, a low frequency therapy device, and a body impedance measuring device which are used for skin beauty care . A further object of the invention is to miniaturize the integrated apparatus while being conveniently portable and simply and conveniently operable.

A secondary object of the invention is to make the integrated apparatus be integral with a mobile communication terminal .

A further object of the invention is to provide a beauty care apparatus incorporated into an existing mobile communication terminal under the condition in which the hardware of the mobile communication terminal is modified as little as possible.

A third object of the invention is to provide a portable beauty care apparatus capable of making a host computer manage measured data and whether or not desired therapy is to be carried out, while being connectable to an expert. A further object of the invention is to incorporate additional functions into the mobile communication terminal, using hardware added in the integrating process.

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a beauty care apparatus in which an ultrasonic therapy device and a low frequency therapy device are integrated. This beauty care apparatus comprises: a keypad; a display; a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode; an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes; a low frequency driver for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes; and a control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display while controlling the entire part of the apparatus in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad.

This apparatus can support ultrasonic therapy and low frequency therapy functions using two electrodes having a structure in which an electrode for ultrasonic therapy and an electrode for low frequency therapy are integrated. Where the therapy and low frequency therapy functions are carried out using separate devices, respectively, it is necessary to use four electrodes. As a result, there are problems of an increased volume and inconvenience in use caused by such an increased number of electrodes. The present invention has an object to solve such problems by integrating the electrodes. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus and the manufacturing cost of the apparatus, while providing a smart appearance of the apparatus. It is also possible to simply and conveniently use the apparatus .

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the beauty care apparatus according to the first aspect is applied to a mobile communication terminal. In accordance with the second aspect, the present invention provides a mobile communication terminal including a terminal body, and a battery pack detachably coupled to the terminal body, wherein: the battery pack comprises a first interface adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body, a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode, an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes, a low frequency driver for outputting a low- frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes, and a first control unit for controlling the entire part of the battery pack in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface; and the terminal body comprises a keypad, a display, a wireless communication unit for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface connected to the first interface, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the ultrasonic driver or the low frequency driver in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack through the second interface .

In this apparatus, the hardware including user contact elements and analog circuits required for beauty care functions is configured to have a compact size, and incorporated in a battery pack. Also, for the user interface required to operate the apparatus, the interface of a mobile communication terminal is used as it is. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively incorporate diverse beauty care functions in a mobile communication terminal, widely distributed, and thus, to provide a beauty care apparatus which is compact to be conveniently portable. It is also possible to inexpensively integrate ' diverse beauty care devices while minimizing a hardware modification required for the integration of those devices. Thus, an inexpensive integrated beauty care device can be provided to consumers. In accordance with an additional aspect associated with the second aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal can communicate with the hardware of the beauty care apparatus installed in the battery pack through connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body, and corresponding connecting pins mounted on a coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the second interface . In accordance with this configuration, the connection and separation between the battery pack having the above described particular functions and the mobile communication terminal can be very conveniently and simply carried out .

In accordance with another additional aspect associated with the second aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal uses a temperature sensor selectively added in association with an ultrasonic therapy device, and adapted to detect a state of the probes contacting the skin. The mobile communication terminal according to this aspect can display a current temperature through its display, so that it can be used as a thermometer.

In accordance with a third aspect, the present invention provides a beauty care apparatus in which an ultrasonic therapy device and a body fat degree measuring device are integrated. This beauty care apparatus comprises: a keypad; a display; a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode; a pair of contact probes; an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes; a body impedance measuring unit for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes or to electrodes of the contact probes, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on a value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree; and a control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, while selectively controlling the ultrasonic driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, the control unit including a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display.

This apparatus can support an ultrasonic therapy function and a body impedance measuring function using four electrodes having a structure in which an electrode for ultrasonic therapy and an electrode for body impedance measurement are integrated. Where the ultrasonic therapy and body impedance measurement functions are carried out using separate devices, respectively, it is necessary to use six electrodes. As a result, there are problems of an increased volume and inconvenience in use caused by such an increased number of electrodes. The present invention has an object to solve such problems by integrating the electrodes. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus and the manufacturing cost of the apparatus, while providing a smart appearance of the apparatus. It is also possible to simply and conveniently use the apparatus .

In accordance with another aspect similar to the third aspect, the present invention provides a beauty care apparatus in which an ultrasonic therapy device and a stress degree measuring device are integrated. This apparatus is different from the apparatus according to the third aspect in that, in addition to the body fat degree calculating unit or in place of the body fat degree calculating unit, the control unit has a function for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display. These two aspects are similar to each other in that both the stress and body fat degrees are calculated based on the measured body impedance and the data inputted by the user.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the beauty care apparatus according to the third aspect is applied to a mobile communication terminal. In accordance with the fourth aspect, the present invention provides a mobile communication terminal including a terminal body, and a battery pack detachably coupled to the terminal body, wherein: the battery pack comprises a first interface adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body, a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode, a pair of contact probes, an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes, a body impedance measuring unit for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes or to electrodes of the contact probes, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on a value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree, and a first control unit for controlling the ultrasonic driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface, while transmitting data about the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit to the terminal body via the first interface; and the terminal body comprises a keypad, a display, a wireless communication unit for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface connected to the first interface, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the ultrasonic driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack through the second interface, the second control unit including a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance received from the second interface and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display.

In this apparatus, the hardware including user contact elements and analog circuits required for beauty care functions is configured to have a compact size, and incorporated in a battery pack. Also, for the user interface required to operate the apparatus, the interface of a mobile communication terminal is used as it is. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively incorporate diverse beauty care functions in a mobile communication terminal, widely distributed, and thus, to provide a beauty care apparatus which is compact to be conveniently portable. It is also possible to inexpensively integrate diverse beauty care devices while minimizing a hardware modification required for the integration of those devices. Thus, an inexpensive integrated beauty care device can be provided to consumers. In accordance with another aspect similar to the fourth aspect, the present invention provides a mobile communication terminal including a terminal body, and a battery pack detachably coupled to the terminal body, in which a beauty care apparatus is incorporated. The beauty care apparatus has a configuration in which an ultrasonic therapy device and a stress degree measuring device are integrated. The battery- pack is substantially the same as that of the fourth aspect. This apparatus is different from the apparatus according to the fourth aspect in that, in addition to the body fat degree calculating unit or in place of the body fat degree calculating unit, the terminal body has a function for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display. These two aspects are similar to each other in that both the stress and body fat degrees are calculated based on the measured body impedance and the data inputted by the user.

In accordance with an additional aspect associated with the fourth aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal can communicate with the hardware of the beauty care apparatus installed in the battery pack through connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body, and corresponding connecting pins mounted on a coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the second interface. In accordance with this configuration, the connection and separation between the battery pack having the above described particular functions and the mobile communication terminal can be very conveniently and simply carried out .

In accordance with another additional aspect associated with the fourth aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal uses a temperature sensor selectively added in association with an ultrasonic therapy device, and adapted to detect a state of the probes contacting the skin. The mobile communication terminal according to this aspect can display a current temperature through its display, so that it can be used as a thermometer. In accordance with another additional aspect associated with the fourth aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal can transmit data about measured values to a host computer to store the data, and retrieves the stored data from the host computer, by use of its wireless communication function. Accordingly, the user can manage data associated with his beauty in a unified and systematic manner. Based on the data, the user can seek advice from an expert. In addition, the user can conduct management of his beauty anytime and anywhere. In accordance with another additional aspect associated with the fourth aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal can download a therapy music suitable for the user from a remote server, based on the measured stress degree, and reproduce the downloaded music, or music previously downloaded, for stress therapy.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a beauty care apparatus in which a low frequency therapy device and a body fat degree measuring device are integrated. This beauty care apparatus comprises: a keypad; a display; a pair of therapy electrodes each including a conductive electrode; a pair of contact probes; a low frequency driver for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes; a body impedance measuring unit for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes or to electrodes of the contact probes, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on a value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree; and a control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, while selectively controlling the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, the control unit including a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display.

This apparatus can support an ultrasonic therapy function and a body impedance measuring function using four electrodes having a structure in which an electrode for low frequency therapy and an electrode for body impedance measurement are integrated. Where the low frequency therapy and body impedance measurement functions are carried out using separate devices, respectively, it is necessary to use six electrodes. As a result, there are problems of an increased volume and inconvenience in use caused by such an increased number of electrodes. The present invention has an object to solve such problems by integrating the electrodes. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus and the manufacturing cost of the apparatus, while providing a smart appearance of the apparatus. It is also possible to simply and conveniently use the apparatus .

In accordance with another aspect similar to the third aspect, the present invention provides a beauty care apparatus in which a low frequency therapy device and a stress degree measuring device are integrated. This apparatus is different from the apparatus according to the fifth aspect in that, in addition to the body fat degree calculating unit or in place of the body fat degree calculating unit, the control unit has a function for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display. These two aspects are similar to each other in that both the stress and body fat degrees are calculated based on the measured body impedance and the data inputted by the user.

In accordance with a sixth aspect, the beauty care apparatus according to the fifth aspect is applied to a mobile communication terminal. In accordance with the fourth aspect, the present invention provides a mobile communication terminal including a terminal body, and a battery pack detachably coupled to the terminal body, wherein: the battery pack comprises a first interface adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body, a pair of therapy electrodes each including a conductive electrode, a pair of contact probes, a low frequency driver for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes, a body impedance measuring unit for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes or to electrodes of the contact probes, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on a value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree; and a first control unit for controlling the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface, while transmitting data about the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit to the terminal body via the first interface; and the terminal body comprises a keypad, a display, a wireless communication unit for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface connected to the first interface, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack through the second interface, the second control unit including a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance received from the second interface and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display.

In this apparatus, the hardware including user contact elements and analog circuits required for beauty care functions is configured to have a compact size, and incorporated in a battery pack. Also, for the user interface required to operate the apparatus, the interface of a mobile communication terminal is used as it is. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively incorporate diverse beauty care functions in a mobile communication terminal, widely distributed, and thus, to provide a beauty care apparatus which is compact to be conveniently portable. It is also possible to inexpensively integrate diverse beauty care devices while minimizing a hardware modification required for the integration of those devices. Thus, an inexpensive integrated beauty care device can be provided to consumers.

In accordance with another aspect similar to the fourth aspect, the present invention provides a mobile communication terminal including a terminal body, and a battery pack detachably coupled to the terminal body, in which a beauty care apparatus is incorporated. The beauty care apparatus has a configuration in which a low frequency therapy device and a stress degree measuring device are integrated. The battery pack is substantially the same as that of the sixth aspect. This apparatus is different from the apparatus according to the sixth aspect in that, in addition to the body fat degree calculating unit or in place of the body fat degree calculating unit, the terminal body has a function for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display. These two aspects are similar to each other in that both the stress and body fat degrees are calculated based on the measured body impedance and the data inputted by the user.

In accordance with an additional aspect associated with the sixth aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal can communicate with the hardware of the beauty care apparatus installed in the battery pack through connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body, and corresponding connecting pins mounted on a coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the second interface. In accordance with this configuration, the connection and separation between the battery pack having the above described particular functions and the mobile communication terminal can be very conveniently and simply carried out.

In accordance with another additional aspect associated with the sixth aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal can transmit data about measured values to a host computer to store the data, and retrieves the stored data from the host computer, by use of its wireless communication function. Accordingly, the user can manage data associated with his beauty in a unified and systematic manner. Based on the data, the user can seek advice from an expert. In addition, the user can conduct management of his beauty anytime and anywhere.

In accordance with another additional aspect associated with the sixth aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal can download a therapy music suitable for the user from a remote server, based on the measured stress degree, and reproduce the downloaded music, or music previously downloaded, for stress therapy. In accordance with a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a beauty care apparatus in which an ultrasonic therapy device, a low frequency therapy device, and a body fat degree measuring device are integrated. This beauty care apparatus comprises: a keypad; a display; a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode; a pair of contact probes; an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes; a low frequency driver for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes; a body impedance measuring unit for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes or to electrodes of the contact probes, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on a value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree; and a control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, while selectively controlling the ultrasonic driver, the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, the control unit including a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display.

This apparatus can support an ultrasonic therapy function, a low frequency therapy function, and a body impedance measuring function, using four electrodes having a structure in which an electrode for ultrasonic therapy, an electrode for low frequency therapy, an electrode for body impedance measurement are integrated. Where the ultrasonic therapy, low frequency therapy, and body impedance measurement functions are carried out using separate devices, respectively, it is necessary to use eighth electrodes. As a result, there are problems of an increased volume and inconvenience in use caused by such an increased number of electrodes. The present invention has an object to solve such problems by integrating the electrodes. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus and the manufacturing cost of the apparatus, while providing a smart appearance of the apparatus. It is also possible to simply and conveniently use the apparatus.

In accordance with another aspect similar to the third aspect, the present invention provides a beauty care apparatus in which an ultrasonic therapy device, a low frequency therapy device, and a stress degree measuring device are integrated. This apparatus is different from the apparatus according to the seventh aspect in that, in addition to the body fat degree calculating unit or in place of the body fat degree calculating unit, the control unit has a function for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display. These two aspects are similar to each other in that both the stress and body fat degrees are calculated based on the measured body impedance and the data inputted by the user.

In accordance with an eighth aspect, the beauty care apparatus according to the seventh aspect is applied to a mobile communication terminal . In accordance with the eighth aspect, the present invention provides a mobile communication terminal including a terminal body, and a battery pack detachably coupled to the terminal body, wherein: the battery pack comprises a first interface adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body, a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode, a pair of contact probes, an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes, a low frequency driver for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes, a body impedance measuring unit for measuring a body impedance through the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes and the contact probes, and a first control unit for controlling the ultrasonic driver, the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface, while transmitting data about the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit to the terminal body via the first interface; and the terminal body comprises a keypad, a display, a wireless communication unit for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface connected to the first interface, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the ultrasonic driver, the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack through the second interface, the second control unit including a stress degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance received from the second interface and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body stress degree on the display.

In accordance with another aspect similar to the eighth aspect, the present invention provides a mobile communication terminal including a terminal body, and a battery pack detachably coupled to the terminal body, in which a beauty care apparatus is incorporated. The beauty care apparatus has a configuration in which an ultrasonic therapy device, a low frequency therapy device and a stress degree measuring device are integrated. The battery pack is substantially the same as that of the eighth aspect. This apparatus is different from the apparatus according to the eighth aspect in that, in addition to the body fat degree calculating unit or in place of the body fat degree calculating unit, the terminal body has a function for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display. These two aspects are similar to each other in that both the stress and body fat degrees are calculated based on the measured body impedance and the data inputted by the user. In accordance with an additional aspect associated with the eighth aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal can communicate with the hardware of the beauty care apparatus installed in the battery pack through connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body, and corresponding connecting pins mounted on a coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the second interface. In accordance with this configuration, the connection and separation between the battery pack having the above described particular functions and the mobile communication terminal can be very conveniently and simply carried ou .

In accordance with another additional aspect associated with the eighth aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal uses a temperature sensor selectively added in association with an ultrasonic therapy device, and adapted to detect a state of the probes contacting the skin. The mobile communication terminal according to this aspect can display a current temperature through its display, so that it can be used as a thermometer.

In accordance with another additional aspect associated with the eighth aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal can transmit data about measured values to a host computer to store the data, and retrieves the stored data from the host computer, by use of its wireless communication function. Accordingly, the user can manage data associated with his beauty in a unified and systematic manner. Based on the data, the user can seek advice from an expert. In addition, the user can conduct management of his beauty anytime and anywhere.

In accordance with another additional aspect associated with the sixth aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication terminal can download a therapy music suitable for the user from a remote server, based on the measured stress degree, and reproduce the downloaded music, or music previously downloaded, for stress therapy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above aspects, and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent after reading the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

Fig. la is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a beauty care apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. lb is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a beauty care apparatus according to a third, fifth or seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2a is a side view illustrating a separated state of the body of a mobile communication terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and a battery pack;

Fig. 2b illustrates a coupled state of the body of the mobile communication terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and the battery pack, in the form of front, side, and rear views;

Fig. 2c is a side view illustrating a separated state of the body of a mobile communication terminal according to a fourth, sixth, or eighth embodiment of the present invention, and a battery pack;

Fig. 2b illustrates a coupled state of the body of the mobile communication terminal according to the fourth, sixth, or eighth embodiment of the present invention, and the battery pack, in the form of front, side, and rear views; Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate structures of integrated electrodes 910 and 930 included in the beauty care apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, seventh or eighth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4a is a block diagram schematically illustrating a circuit diagram of the beauty care apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4b is a block diagram schematically illustrating a circuit diagram of the beauty care apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5a is a block diagram schematically illustrating a circuit diagram of the beauty care apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5b is a block diagram schematically illustrating a circuit diagram of the beauty care apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6a is a block diagram schematically illustrating a circuit diagram of the beauty care apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6b is a block diagram schematically illustrating a circuit diagram of the beauty care apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7a is a block diagram schematically illustrating a circuit diagram of the beauty care apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 7b is a block diagram schematically illustrating a circuit diagram of the beauty care apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Fig. la shows the appearance of a beauty care apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus has a structure having a portable size allowing the user to conveniently carry the apparatus while allowing the user to conveniently grasp the apparatus. The apparatus includes a keypad 200, a display 400, and probes 910 and 930.

The keypad 200 includes keys for selecting power supply and desired functions, searching a screen menu, and inputting desired data. The keypad 200 may be integrated with the display 400. In this case, the keypad 200 may have the form of a touch panel. Alternatively, the keypad 200 may be an input device having a voice recognition function. Accordingly, the present invention should be construed as including any type of keypad.

Preferably, the display unit 400 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) . The display 400 displays a menu for operations, and guide messages. The display 400 may also display measured values or data previously retrieved. Although not designated by a reference numeral, a speaker may be provided at the lower end of a body of the apparatus in order to output a beep or a voice guidance, as shown Fig. la. Now, probes 910, 930, 950, and 970 according to an advantageous aspect of the present invention will be described. The probes 910 and 930 have an integrated function of a probe for ultrasonic therapy and a probe for low frequency therapy.

Fig. 3a is a sectional view illustrating one of the integrated probes 910 and 930 applied to a beauty care apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The integrated probe includes a conductive cap, for example, a metal cap 911, providing the outer contact surface of a therapy electrode while operating as a conductive electrode, a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged inside the conductive cap 911 while including a piezoelectric ceramic plate 915, and an insulating film 913 interposed between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator and the conductive cap 911. The piezoelectric ceramic plate 915 of the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator is adapted to mechanically vibrate when an AC voltage is applied between opposite sides thereof. In addition to the piezoelectric ceramic plate 915, the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator includes first and second vibrator electrodes 917 and 919 respectively attached to opposite surfaces of the piezoelectric ceramic plate 915, and adapted to apply an AC voltage to the piezoelectric ceramic plate 915. For convenience of soldering and voltage application using elastic electrode members, the first vibrator electrode 917 extends partially or completely to the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic plate 915 opposite thereto. Although the reference numeral 915 has been used to designate the piezoelectric ceramic plate in the above description, it will also be used to designate the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator including the piezoelectric ceramic plate as its major element, for the convenience of description. Fig. 3b is a plan view illustrating the structure of the extended first vibrator electrode 917 and the structure of the second vibrator electrode 919. Such a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator structure is well known.

The insulating film 913, which is interposed between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator 915 and the metal cap 911, serves to provide an electrical insulation between each electrode of the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator 915 and the metal cap 911. The insulating film 913 may be integrated with an adhesive layer adapted to attach the vibrator 915 to the metal cap 911. The surface of the metal cap 911 is coated with a coating for preventing the metal cap 911 ^' from being eroded due to repeated contact with the skin, in accordance with a well-known coating method.

In accordance with this probe structure implemented according to an advantageous aspect of the present invention, a conductive probe adapted to carry out voltage application or measurement can be implemented in the metal cap 911, and a vibrator required for ultrasonic therapy is installed in the metal cap 911. Thus, it is possible to integrate an ultrasonic therapy probe and a low frequency therapy probe, by use of the above described probe structure . A beauty care apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, to which diverse advantageous aspects of the present invention are applied, will now be described with reference to Fig. 4a. This embodiment relates to a beauty care apparatus implemented in the form of an independent apparatus, as shown in Fig. la.

The configuration shown in Fig. 4a is only for illustrative purposes. Although circuits for an ultrasonic therapy device and a low frequency therapy device are shown in the form of functional blocks in Fig. 4a, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can understand and implement the embodiment of the present invention without any difficulty because those circuits have been publicly known prior to the filing data of the present invention.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 4a, the beauty care apparatus includes a keypad 200, a display 400, a pair of therapy electrodes 910 and 930 each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator 915 arranged in the interior of the conductive electrode, an ultrasonic driver 500 for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 915 of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, a low frequency driver 300 for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, and a control unit 100 for outputting operation guidance information through the display 400 while selectively controlling the ultrasonic driver 500 or the low frequency driver 300 in accordance with an operating signal inputted by the user through the keypad 200.

In Fig. 4a, the structures of the therapy electrodes or probes 910 and 930 are simply shown for the convenience of illustration. The control unit 100 is implemented by an integrated circuit in which a microprocessor, a memory, a serial port for external interface, and an LCD control unit are integrated. Connected to the control unit 100 are the display 400 adapted to display a menu for operations and operation data in accordance with the operation of the beauty care apparatus, and the keypad 200 serving as an operating panel adapted to input data or to select a desired menu. Conceptually, the keypad 200 has a configuration including a well-known key scan circuit. The low frequency driver 300 amplifies a pulse outputted from an oscillating circuit equipped therein or a pulse outputted from the control unit 100, and outputs the amplified pulse to the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930. The ultrasonic driver 500 outputs an AC voltage signal for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 915 of the probes 910 and 930, under the control of the control unit 100.

Preferably, the ultrasonic driver 500 includes a contact detecting circuit for detecting whether or not the probes 910 and 930 are in contact with the skin. Where ultrasonic oscillation is continuously carried out under the condition in which the probes 910 and 930 do not come into contact with the skin, the beauty care apparatus may be damaged due to overheating. To this end, the ultrasonic driver 500 further includes a temperature sensor 510 for detecting a temperature around the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, in particular, at a region adjacent to the metal caps 911. The control unit 100 detects skin contact, based on a temperature variation detected by the temperature sensor 510, and performs a control for increasing drive power when the skin contact is detected. Of course, such a control may be achieved by a circuit equipped in the ultrasonic driver 500.

In association with such a contact detecting circuit, the Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 1999-0023482 filed in the name of Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. and published on March 25, 2000 discloses a configuration for feeding back drive current. Also, a detecting circuit using a thermometer is also disclosed in the Korean Utility Model No. 217393 filed and registered in the name of Digital Echo Company, Ltd. The beauty care apparatus of the present invention may include any one of such known contact detecting circuits, or another circuit having the same function as those contact detecting circuits .

Although not shown in the block diagram of Fig. 4a, the beauty care apparatus, which is adapted to be portable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, includes a power supply circuit . This power supply circuit may include a rechargeable battery and a voltage control circuit. Alternatively, the power supply circuit may include an AC voltage converting circuit for converting an AC voltage supplied from an AC voltage supply into a DC voltage to be used. Both these power supply configurations may be included in the beauty care apparatus. In this case, a battery charging circuit may also be equipped in the beauty care apparatus .

Now, the operation of the beauty care apparatus according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention will be described in a sequential manner in accordance with the operation order of the user. First, when the user pushes a power button on the keypad

220, thereby turning on the beauty care apparatus, a beep is generated, and a welcome message is outputted through the display 400. A menu, in particular, a function selection menu, is also displayed on the display 400. When the user selects a low frequency therapy function from the displayed function selection menu, a low frequency therapy signal is applied to the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 under the control of the control unit 100. Accordingly, when the user applies the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 to a desired portion of the skin, he can receive low frequency stimulation through the therapy electrodes 910 and 930.

When the user subsequently selects an ultrasonic therapy function from the displayed function selection menu, mechanical ultrasonic micro vibrations are generated from the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. Accordingly, when the user applies the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 to a desired portion of the skin, the control unit 100 detects the skin contact, thereby increasing the power of ultrasonic vibrations. Thus, the generated vibrations can be deeply transmitted under the skin, so that the user can effectively undergo ultrasonic therapy.

A beauty care apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. This beauty care apparatus is implemented to be incorporated in a mobile communication terminal, for example, a portable phone. Figs. 2a and 2b illustrate the appearance of the beauty care apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 2a and 2b, probe electrodes 910 and 930 are mounted to the back surface of a battery pack. The reference numeral 990 in Fig. 2a designates an interface for performing signal transmitting and receiving functions between the battery pack and a body of the portable phone, that is, a terminal body. Preferably, this interface is a USB interface. Main chips employed in recently-developed portable phones support a USB interface by themselves . Once the user couples the battery pack to the terminal body in accordance with a conventional method, the interfaces provided at respective coupling surfaces of the battery pack and portable phone are connected to each other. The interface provided at the terminal body includes connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body, whereas the interface provided at the battery pack includes connecting pins mounted on the coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the terminal body-side interface. Thus, the connection between the portable phone and the beauty care apparatus can be conveniently achieved.

The user can undergo ultrasonic therapy or low frequency therapy by applying the probes 910 and 930, protruded from the back surface of the battery pack, to the skin when the battery pack is turned over, in accordance with a guidance message displayed on a display of the portable phone.

This beauty care apparatus, which is integral with the mobile communication terminal, is conveniently portable. Also, this beauty care apparatus is very economical in that it can be implemented by simply adding essential analog circuits while using the hardware of the mobile communication terminal as much as possible.

Fig. 4b is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the beauty care apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention which is implemented to be integral with a mobile communication terminal in accordance with characteristic aspects of the present invention. In Fig. 4b, respective constitutive elements corresponding to those in Fig. 4a are designated by the same reference numerals.

The configuration shown in Fig. 4b is only for illustrative purposes. Although circuits for an ultrasonic therapy device and a low frequency therapy device are shown in the form of functional blocks in Fig. 4b, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can understand and implement the embodiment of the present invention without any difficulty because those circuits have been publicly known prior to the filing data of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 4b, the beauty care apparatus includes a mobile communication terminal body 10, and a battery pack 20 detachably coupled to the terminal body 10. The battery pack 20 includes a first interface 820 adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body 10, a pair of therapy electrodes 910 and 930 each having a structure including a conductive electrode, for example, a metal cap 911, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator 915 arranged in the interior of the metal cap 911, an ultrasonic driver 500 for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 915 of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, a low frequency driver 300 for outputting a low- frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, and a first control unit 110 for controlling the ultrasonic driver 500 and low frequency driver 300 in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface 820.

The terminal body 10 includes a keypad 200, a display 400, and a wireless communication unit 600 for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface 810 connected to the first interface 820, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit 130 for generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the ultrasonic driver 500 or the low frequency driver 300 in accordance with an operating signal inputted by the user through the keypad 200, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack 20 through the second interface 810.

The second control unit 130 is implemented by an integrated circuit in which a microprocessor, a memory, a serial port for external interface, and an LCD control unit are integrated. Preferably, the second control unit 130 may be a part of a circuit included in a main chip equipped in a commercially available mobile communication terminal. Connected to the second control unit 130 are the display 400 adapted to display a menu for operations and operation data in accordance with the operation of the beauty care apparatus, and the keypad 200 serving as an operating panel adapted to input data or to select a desired menu. The second control unit 130 also communicates with the first control unit 110 included in the battery pack 20 via the second interface 810.

In addition to basic elements thereof essentially required for a battery pack function, the battery pack 20 includes a mechanical configuration and analog circuits required for the beauty care apparatus. The first and second therapy electrodes 910 and 930 are identical to those of Figs. 3a and 3b, so that they are simply shown for the convenience of illustration. The first control unit 100 is implemented by an integrated circuit in which a microprocessor and a serial port for external interface are integrated. The low frequency driver 300 amplifies a pulse outputted from an oscillating circuit equipped therein or a pulse outputted from the first control unit 110, and outputs the amplified pulse to the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930. The ultrasonic driver 500 outputs an AC voltage signal for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 915 of the probes 910 and 930, under the control of the first control unit 110.

Preferably, the ultrasonic driver 500 includes a contact detecting circuit for detecting whether or not the probes 910 and 930 are in contact with the skin. Where ultrasonic oscillation is continuously carried out under the condition in which the probes 910 and 930 do not come into contact with the skin, the beauty care apparatus may be damaged due to overheating. To this end, the ultrasonic driver 500 further includes a temperature sensor 510 for detecting a temperature around the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, in particular, at a region adjacent to the metal caps 911. The first control unit 110 detects skin contact, based on a temperature variation detected by the temperature sensor 510, and performs a control for increasing drive power when the skin contact is detected. Of course, such a control may be achieved by a circuit equipped in the ultrasonic driver 500.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beauty care apparatus is additionally provided with means for displaying the current temperature on the terminal body 10 by an operation of the temperature sensor 510 included in the ultrasonic driver 500 to detect skin contact. This means includes a current temperature display unit for displaying temperature information about the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 510. This temperature information is produced by the first control unit 110 included in the battery pack 20, based on the sensed temperature, and sent from the first control unit 110 to the second control unit 130 via the second interface 810, and then to the current temperature display unit . A lookup table is used for conversion of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 510 into an absolute value. This lookup table may be stored in the memory of the first control unit 110 or in the memory of the second control unit 130. Such a function of the second control unit 130 may be implemented in accordance with an application program executed in the mobile communication terminal. Recently developed portable phone environments provide a tool such as a general virtual machine (GVM) . Under such environments, the user can control various hardware of a portable phone, by use of diverse libraries, perform communication with external appliances, and process data. In the case of a personal data assistant (PDA) , it provides a graphic user interface similar to that of a personal computer, and a corresponding development environment. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention by referring to the contents described in this specification.

Now, the operation of the beauty care apparatus according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention will be described in a sequential manner in accordance with the operation order of the user.

First, when the user pushes a selected button on the keypad 220 to select a beauty care function, a welcome message is outputted through the display 400. A menu, in particular, a function selection menu, is also displayed on the display 400. When the user moves a cursor along the displayed function selection menu, and positions the cursor on a selected menu bar to select a low frequency therapy function from the function selection menu, the second control unit 130 requests that the first control unit 110 begin a low frequency therapy operation. Under the control of the first control unit 110, a low frequency therapy signal is subsequently applied to the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. Accordingly, when the user applies the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 to a desired portion of the skin, he can receive low frequency stimulation through the therapy electrodes 910 and 930.

When the user subsequently selects an ultrasonic therapy function from the displayed function selection menu, the second control unit 130 requests that the first control unit 110 begin an ultrasonic therapy operation. Under the control of the first control unit 110, an ultrasonic driver signal is applied to the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, so that mechanical ultrasonic micro vibrations are generated from the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. Accordingly, when the user applies the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 to a desired portion of the skin, the first control unit 110 detects the skin contact, thereby increasing the power of ultrasonic vibrations. Thus, the generated vibrations can be deeply transmitted under the skin, so that the user can effectively undergo ultrasonic therapy.

Now, a beauty care apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The beauty care apparatus according to this embodiment has an integrated configuration of an ultrasonic therapy device and a body impedance measuring device. Fig. lb illustrates the appearance of the beauty care apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus has a structure having a portable size allowing the user to conveniently carry the apparatus while allowing the user to conveniently grasp the apparatus. In Fig. lb, respective constitutive elements corresponding to those in Fig. la are designated by the same reference numerals. The apparatus includes a keypad 200, a display 400, and probes 910 and 930. The keypad 200 includes keys for selecting power supply and desired functions, searching a screen menu, and inputting desired data. Preferably, the keypad 200 can input numerical data such as weight and height data required for calculation of the degree of body fat. The keypad 200 may be integrated with the display 400. In this case, the keypad 200 may have the form of a touch panel. Alternatively, the keypad 200 may be an input device having a voice recognition function. Accordingly, the present invention should be construed as including any type of keypad. Preferably, the display unit 400 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) . The display 400 displays a menu for operations, and guide messages. The display 400 may also display measured values or data previously retrieved. Although not designated by a reference numeral , a speaker may be provided at the lower end of a body of the apparatus in order to output a beep or a voice guidance, as shown Fig. lb.

Now, probes 910, 930, 950, and 970 according to an advantageous aspect of the present invention will be described. The probes 910 and 930 have an integrated function of a probe for ultrasonic therapy and a probe for body impedance measurement. The remaining probes, that is, the probes 950 and 970, are used for body impedance measurement. Each of the probes 950 and 970 is a well-known body impedance measuring electrode made of a conductor while being connected to an internal circuit. Accordingly, no further description will be given of the probes 950 and 970. During a body impedance measuring operation, the probes serve as electrodes. Accordingly, the integrated probes 910 and 930 used in the beauty care apparatus according to this embodiment of the present invention are similar to those of the first and second embodiments, so that no further description thereof will be given.

Using such a probe structure according to an advantageous aspect of the present invention, conductive probes adapted to carry out voltage application and measurement can be implemented in the form of the metal cap 911. In this case, a vibrator required for ultrasonic therapy may be arranged in the interior of the metal cap 911. Thus, it is possible to integrate two of the ultrasonic therapy probes and body impedance measuring electrodes in the above described two probes .

The beauty care apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, to which various advantageous aspects of the present invention are applied, will now be described with reference to Fig. 5a. This embodiment relates to a beauty care apparatus implemented in the form of an independent apparatus, as shown in Fig. lb.

The configuration shown in Fig. 5a is only for illustrative purposes. Although circuits for an ultrasonic therapy device and a body impedance measuring device are shown in the form of functional blocks in Fig. 5a, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can understand and implement the embodiment of the present invention without any difficulty because those circuits have been publicly known prior to the filing data of the present invention. In Fig. 5a, respective constitutive elements corresponding to those in Figs. 4a and 4b are designated by the same reference numerals. In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 5a, the beauty care apparatus includes a keypad 200, a display 400, a pair of therapy electrodes 910 and 930 each having a structure including a conductive electrode and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator 915 arranged in the interior of the conductive electrode, a pair of contact probes 950 and 970, and an ultrasonic driver 500 for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 915 of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. The beauty care apparatus also includes a body impedance measuring unit 700 for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 or to the electrodes of the contact probes 950 and 970, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on the value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree. The beauty care apparatus further includes a control unit 100 for outputting operation guidance information through the display 400, while selectively controlling the ultrasonic driver 500 or the body impedance measuring unit 700 in accordance with an operating signal inputted by the user through the keypad 200. The control unit 100 includes a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display 400.

In addition to the body fat degree calculating unit or in place of the body fat degree calculating unit, the control unit 100 may include a stress degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display 400.

In Fig. 5a, the structures of the therapy electrodes or probes 910 and 930 are simply shown for the convenience of illustration. The first and second contact probes 950 and 970 are electrodes additionally required for body impedance measurement. The control unit 100 is implemented by an integrated circuit in which a microprocessor, a memory, a serial port for external interface, and an LCD control unit are integrated. Connected to the control unit 100 are the display 400 adapted to display a menu for operations and operation data in accordance with the operation of the beauty care apparatus, and the keypad 200 serving as an operating panel adapted to input data or to select a desired menu. Conceptually, the keypad 200 has a configuration including a well-known key scan circuit. The ultrasonic driver 500 outputs an AC voltage signal for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 915 of the probes 910 and 930, under the control of the control unit 100. Preferably, the ultrasonic driver 500 includes a contact detecting circuit for detecting whether or not the probes 910 and 930 are in contact with the skin. Where ultrasonic oscillation is continuously carried out under the condition in which the probes 910 and 930 do not come into contact with the skin, the beauty care apparatus may be damaged due to overheating. To this end, the ultrasonic driver 500 further includes a temperature sensor 510 for detecting a temperature around the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, in particular, at a region adjacent to the metal caps 911. The control unit 100 detects skin contact, based on a temperature variation detected by the temperature sensor 510, and performs a control for increasing drive power when the skin contact is detected. Of course, such a control may be achieved by a circuit equipped in the ultrasonic driver 500. In association with such a contact detecting circuit, the Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 1999-0023482 filed in the name of Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. and published on March 25, 2000 discloses a configuration for feeding back drive current. Also, a detecting circuit using a thermometer is also disclosed in the Korean Utility Model No. 217393 filed and registered in the name of Digital Echo Company, Ltd. The beauty care apparatus of the present invention may include any one of such known contact detecting circuits, or another circuit having the same function as those contact detecting circuits.

The body impedance measuring unit 700 implements a 4- point measuring system. In accordance with a typical method, such a 4 -point measuring system applies a constant current signal to the human body to make the constant current signal flow between two points on the human body, and measures a voltage between two points respectively arranged adjacent to the current-applied points, thereby measuring the impedance of the human body. In accordance with another method, such a 4- point measuring system may apply a constant voltage signal to the human body between two points on the human body, while measuring a current between two points respectively arranged adjacent to the voltage-applied points, thereby measuring the impedance of the human body.

Thus, two pairs of electrodes are required for 4-point measurement. In the illustrated case, the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930 are used for one electrode pair for the 4-point measurement, whereas the contact probes 950 and 970 are used for the other electrode pair for the 4-point measurement . In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, a constant current is supplied to the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930 to measure a voltage between the contact probes 950 and 970. In use, the user grasps the apparatus shown in Fig. lb with four fingers of his right and left hands such that he grasps the contact probes 950 and 970 with respective thumbs of his right and left hands while touching the probes 910 and 930 with respective middle fingers of his right and left hands under the condition in which the apparatus is held by his remaining fingers. In this state, it is possible to measure the body impedance of the user as a current or voltage is supplied between the user's hands.

The body impedance measuring unit 700 includes means for performing a switching operation under the control of the control unit 100, thereby selectively outputting a constant current or a constant voltage, and a circuit for measuring the level or amount of a detected signal corresponding to the outputted signal . Such a circuit is disclosed in detail in the publications associated with the above mentioned related arts . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 100 of the beauty care apparatus processes the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit 700 and the user's characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, thereby calculating the degree of body fat of the user. The degree of body fat can be calculated, using the measured body impedance and reference body impedance data extracted from standard data, previously stored, on the basis of the inputted user's weight, height, sex, and age.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 100 of the beauty care apparatus processes the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit 700 and the user's characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, thereby calculating the degree of fatigue of the user, that is, the degree of stress of the user. The degree of stress can be calculated, using the measured body impedance and reference body impedance data extracted from standard data, previously stored, on the basis of the inputted user's weight, height, sex, and age. The calculation of the stress degree can be more accurately carried out by measuring a variation in data such as the measured user's body impedance and weight for a certain period of time. Since such a calculation method is well known in the technical field, no further description thereof will be given.

Although not shown in the block diagram of Fig. 5a, the beauty care apparatus, which is adapted to be portable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, includes a power supply circuit . This power supply circuit may include a rechargeable battery and a voltage control circuit. Alternatively, the power supply circuit may include an AC voltage converting circuit for converting an AC voltage supplied from an AC voltage supply into a DC voltage to be used. Both these power supply configurations may be included in the beauty care apparatus. In this case, a battery charging circuit may also be equipped in the beauty care apparatus .

Now, the operation of the beauty care apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in a sequential manner in accordance with the operation order of the user. First, when the user pushes a power button on the keypad

220, thereby turning on the beauty care apparatus, a beep is generated, and a welcome message is outputted through the display 400. A menu, in particular, a function selection menu, is also displayed on the display 400. When the user selects an ultrasonic therapy function from the displayed function selection menu, mechanical ultrasonic micro vibrations are generated from the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. Accordingly, when the user applies the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 to a desired portion of the skin, the control unit 100 detects the skin contact, thereby increasing the power of ultrasonic vibrations. Thus, the generated vibrations can be deeply transmitted under the skin, so that the user can effectively undergo ultrasonic therapy.

When the user subsequently selects a body fat measuring function from the displayed function selection menu, a guidance message for operating the beauty care apparatus is displayed on the display 400. In another embodiment of the present invention, such a guidance may be outputted in the form of a voice through a speaker. In accordance with instructions of the displayed or outputted guidance message, the user touches the four electrodes 910, 930, 950, and 970 with his fingers while grasping the apparatus, as described above. Under this condition, detection of an electrical signal, which may be a constant current signal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a corresponding signal, which may be a voltage signal in the preferred embodiment, is carried out. Based on the detected signals, a desired body impedance measurement is carried out.

After the body impedance measurement or before the body impedance measurement, the user's characteristic data required for body fat degree calculation is inputted. Since a large part of such data may not vary, and the beauty care apparatus is portable, it is preferable to display data, previously inputted, and to correct only desired values of the displayed data without again inputting all data values every time the body fat degree calculation is required. After completion of the inputting of the user's characteristic data by the user and the body impedance measurement, the microprocessor included in the control unit 100 processes the inputted data while referring to basic data stored in the memory of the control unit 100, thereby calculating the degree of body fat of the user.

When the user subsequently selects a stress measuring function from the displayed function selection menu, a guidance message for operating the beauty care apparatus is displayed on the display 400. In another embodiment of the present invention, such a guidance may be outputted in the form of a voice through the speaker. In accordance with instructions of the displayed or outputted guidance message, the user touches the four electrodes 910, 930, 950, and 970 with his fingers while grasping the apparatus, as described above. Under this condition, detection of an electrical signal, which may be a constant current signal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a corresponding signal, which may be a voltage signal in the preferred embodiment, is carried out. Based on the detected signals, a desired body impedance measurement is carried out.

After the body impedance measurement or before the body impedance measurement, the user's characteristic data required for stress degree calculation is inputted. Since a large part of such data may not vary, and the beauty care apparatus is portable, it is preferable to display data, previously inputted, and to correct only desired values of the displayed data without again inputting all data values every time the stress degree calculation is required. After completion of the inputting of the user's characteristic data by the user and the body impedance measurement, the microprocessor included in the control unit 100 processes the inputted data while referring to basic data stored in the memory of the control unit 100, thereby calculating the degree of stress of the user.

A beauty care apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. This beauty care apparatus is implemented to be incorporated in a mobile communication terminal, for example, a portable phone. Figs. 2c and 2d illustrate the appearance of the beauty care apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In Figs. 2c and 2d, respective reference numerals corresponding to those in the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals. In accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention, four electrodes are used. Two of the four electrodes, that is, probe electrodes 910 and 930, are mounted to the back surface of a battery pack, whereas the remaining two electrodes, that is, contact probes 950 and 970, are mounted to one side surface of the battery pack. The reference numeral 990 in Fig. 2c designates an interface for performing signal transmitting and receiving functions between the battery pack and a body of the portable phone, that is, a terminal body. Preferably, this interface is a USB interface. Main chips employed in recently-developed portable phones support a USB interface by themselves . Once the user couples the battery pack to the terminal body in accordance with a conventional method, the interfaces provided at respective coupling surfaces of the battery pack and portable phone are connected to each other. The interface provided at the terminal body includes connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body, whereas the interface provided at the battery pack includes connecting pins mounted on the coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the terminal body-side interface. Thus, the connection between the portable phone and the beauty care apparatus can be conveniently achieved.

The user can undergo ultrasonic therapy by applying the probes 910 and 930, protruded from the back surface of the battery pack, to the skin when the battery pack is turned over, in accordance with a guidance message displayed on a display of the portable phone. In use, the user grasps the longitudinal ends of the portable phone with his right and left hands while touching the probes 910 and 930 with respective thumbs of his right and left hands and the contact probes 950 and 970 with respective middle fingers of his right and left hands. In this state, it is possible to measure the body impedance of the user. This beauty care apparatus, which is integral with the mobile communication terminal, is conveniently portable. Also, this beauty care apparatus is very economical in that it can be implemented by simply adding essential analog circuits while using the hardware of the mobile communication terminal as much as possible.

Fig. 5b is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the beauty care apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention which is implemented to be integral with a mobile communication terminal in accordance with characteristic aspects of the present invention. In Fig. 5b, respective constitutive elements corresponding to those in the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals.

The' configuration shown in Fig. 5b is only for illustrative purposes. Although circuits for an ultrasonic therapy device and a body impedance measuring device are shown in the form of functional blocks in Fig. 5b, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can understand and implement the embodiment of the present invention without any difficulty because those circuits have been publicly known prior to the filing data of the present invention.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 5b, the beauty care apparatus includes a mobile communication terminal body 10, and a battery pack 20 detachably coupled to the terminal body 10. The battery pack 20 includes a first interface 820 adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body 10, a pair of therapy electrodes 910 and 930 each having a structure including a conductive electrode, for example, a metal cap 911, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator 915 arranged in the interior of the metal cap 911, a pair of contact probes 950 and 970, and an ultrasonic driver 500 for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 915 of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. The battery pack 20 also includes a body impedance measuring unit 700 for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 or to the electrodes of the contact probes 950 and 970, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on the value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree. The battery pack 20 further includes a first control unit 110 for controlling the ultrasonic driver 500 or the body impedance measuring unit 700 in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface 820, and transmitting data about the measured body impedance to the terminal body 10 via the first interface 820.

The terminal body 10 includes a keypad 200, a display 400, and a wireless communication unit 600 for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface 810 connected to the first interface 820, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit 130 for generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the ultrasonic driver 500 or the body impedance measuring unit 700 in accordance with an operating signal inputted by the user through the keypad 200, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack 20 through the second interface 810. The second control unit 130 includes a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display 400. In addition to the body fat degree calculating unit or in place of the body fat degree calculating unit, the second control unit 130 may include a stress degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display 400.

The second control unit 130 is implemented by an integrated circuit in which a microprocessor, a memory, a serial port for external interface, and an LCD control unit are integrated. Preferably, the second control unit 130 may be a part of a circuit included in a main chip equipped in a commercially available mobile communication terminal. Connected to the second control unit 130 are the display 400 adapted to display a menu for operations and operation data in accordance with the operation of the beauty care apparatus, and the keypad 200 serving as an operating panel adapted to input data or to select a desired menu. Conceptually, the keypad 200 has a configuration including a well-known key scan circuit. The second control unit 130 performs data transmission and reception with respect to the wireless communication unit 600 adapted to carry out data communication with a host computer arranged at a remote location via a wireless communication network. The second control unit 130 also communicates with the first control unit 110 included in the battery pack 20 via the second interface 810.

In addition to basic elements thereof essentially required for a battery pack function, the battery pack 20 includes a mechanical configuration and analog circuits required for the beauty care apparatus . The first and second therapy electrodes 910 and 930 are identical to those of Figs. 3a and 3b, so that they are simply shown for the convenience of illustration. The first and second contact probes 950 and 970 are electrodes additionally required for body impedance measurement. The first control unit 100 is implemented by an integrated circuit in which a microprocessor and a serial port for external interface are integrated.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beauty care apparatus is additionally provided with means for displaying the current temperature on the terminal body 10 by an operation of the temperature sensor 510 included in the ultrasonic driver 500 to detect skin contact. This means includes a current temperature display unit for displaying temperature information about the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 510. This temperature information is produced by the first control unit 110 included in the battery pack 20, based on the sensed temperature, and sent from the first control unit 110 to the second control unit 130 via the second interface 810, and then to the current temperature display unit display unit. A lookup table is used for conversion of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 510 into an absolute value. This lookup table may be stored in the memory of the first control unit 110 or in the memory of the second control unit 130.

Thus, two pairs of electrodes are required for 4-point measurement. In the illustrated case, the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930 are used for one electrode pair for the 4-point measurement, whereas the contact probes 950 and 970 are used for the other electrode pair for the 4-point measurement . In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, a constant current is supplied to the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930 to measure a voltage between the contact probes 950 and 970. In use, the user grasps the apparatus shown in Fig. lb with four fingers of his right and left hands such that he grasps the contact probes 950 and 970 with respective thumbs of his right and left hands while touching the probes 910 and 930 with respective middle fingers of his right and left hands under the condition in which the apparatus is held by his remaining fingers. In this state, it is possible to measure the body impedance of the user as a current or voltage is supplied between the user's hands. The body impedance measuring unit 700 includes means for performing a switching operation under the control of the control unit 100, thereby selectively outputting a constant current or a constant voltage, and a circuit for measuring the level or amount of a detected signal corresponding to the outputted signal. Such a circuit is disclosed in detail in the publications associated with the above mentioned related arts.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second control unit 130 of the beauty care apparatus processes the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit 700 and the user's characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, thereby calculating the degree of body fat of the user. The degree of body fat can be calculated, using the measured body impedance and reference body impedance data extracted from standard data, previously stored, on the basis of the inputted user's weight, height, sex, and age.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second control unit 130 of the beauty care apparatus processes the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit 700 and the user's characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, thereby calculating the degree of fatigue of the user, that is, the degree of stress of the user. The degree of stress can be calculated, using the measured body impedance and reference body impedance data extracted from standard data, previously stored, on the basis of the inputted user's weight, height, sex, and age. The calculation of the stress degree can be more accurately carried out by measuring a variation in data such as the measured user's body impedance and weight for a certain period of time. Since such a calculation method is well known in the technical field, no further description thereof will be given.

The second control unit 130 also performs data communication with a host computer arranged at a remote place via the wireless communication unit 600. Accordingly, the calculated body fat degree and stress degree can be transmitted to the remote host computer so that they are stored in a database . Thus , the stored data can be subsequently retrieved. Since such a wireless communication technique has been publicly known prior to the filing data of the present invention, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can implement the technique without any difficulty.

Such a function of the second control unit 130 may be implemented in accordance with an application program executed in the mobile communication terminal. Recently developed portable phone environments provide a tool such as a general virtual machine (GVM) . Under such environments, the user can control various hardware of a portable phone, by use of diverse libraries, perform communication with external appliances, and process data. In the case of a PDA, it provides a graphic user interface similar to that of a personal computer, and a corresponding development environment. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention by referring to the contents described in this specification.

Now, the operation of the beauty care apparatus according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention will be described in a sequential manner in accordance with the operation order of the user. First, when the user pushes a selected button on the keypad 220 to select a beauty care function, a welcome message is outputted through the display 400. A menu, in particular, a function selection menu, is also displayed on the display 400. When the user moves a cursor along the displayed function selection menu, and positions the cursor on a selected menu bar to select an ultrasonic therapy function from the displayed function selection menu, the second control unit 130 requests that the first control unit 110 begin an ultrasonic therapy operation. Under the control of the first control unit 110, an ultrasonic driver signal is applied to the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, so that mechanical ultrasonic micro vibrations are generated from the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. Accordingly, when the user applies the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 to a desired portion of the skin, the first control unit 110 detects the skin contact, thereby increasing the power of ultrasonic vibrations. Thus, the generated vibrations can be deeply transmitted under the skin, so that the user can effectively undergo ultrasonic therapy.

When the user subsequently selects a body fat measuring function from the displayed function selection menu, a guidance message for operating the beauty care apparatus is displayed on the display 400. In another embodiment of the present invention, such a guidance may be outputted in the form of a voice through a speaker. In this case, the second control unit 130 requests that the first control unit 110 begin a body impedance measurement for measuring the degree of body fat of the user. Under the control of the first control unit 110, the body impedance measurement is subsequently carried out . For the body impedance measurement , the user grasps the longitudinal ends of the portable phone with his right and left hands in accordance with instructions of the displayed or outputted guidance message, while touching the probes 910, 930, 950, and 970 with his body portions, that is, his fingers, as described above. Under this condition, detection of an electrical signal, which may be a constant current signal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a corresponding signal, which may be a voltage signal in the preferred embodiment, is carried out. Based on the detected signals, a desired body impedance measurement is carried out .

After the body impedance measurement or before the body impedance measurement, the user's characteristic data required for body fat degree calculation is inputted through the keypad 200 of the terminal body 10. Since a large part of such data may not vary, and the beauty care apparatus is portable, it is preferable to display data, previously inputted, and to correct only desired values of the displayed data without again inputting all data values every time the body fat degree calculation is required. After completion of the inputting of the user's characteristic data by the user and the body impedance measurement, the microprocessor included in the control unit 100 processes the inputted data while referring to basic data stored in the memory of the control unit 100, under the control of an application program executed in the terminal body 10, thereby calculating the degree of body fat of the user.

When the user subsequently selects a stress measuring function from the displayed function selection menu, a guidance message for operating the beauty care apparatus is displayed on the display 400. In another embodiment of the present invention, such a guidance may be outputted in the form of a voice through the speaker. In accordance with instructions of the displayed or outputted guidance message, the user grasps the longitudinal ends of the portable phone with his right and left hands in accordance with instructions of the displayed or outputted guidance message, while touching the probes 910, 930, 950, and 970 with his body portions, that is, his fingers, as described above. Under this condition, detection of an electrical signal, which may be a constant current signal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a corresponding signal, which may be a voltage signal in the preferred embodiment, is carried out. Based on the detected signals, a desired body impedance measurement is carried out .

After the body impedance measurement or before the body impedance measurement, the user's characteristic data required for stress degree calculation is inputted through the keypad 200 of the terminal body 10. Since a large part of such data may not vary, and the beauty care apparatus is portable, it is preferable to display data, previously inputted, and to correct only desired values of the displayed data without again inputting all data values every time the stress degree calculation is required. After completion of the inputting of the user's characteristic data by the user and the body impedance measurement, the microprocessor included in the control unit 100 processes the inputted data while referring to basic data stored in the memory of the control unit 100, under the control of an application program executed in the terminal body 10, thereby calculating the degree of stress of the user.

In accordance with an advantageous aspect of the present invention, an appropriate music therapy may be carried out. That is, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the terminal body 10 may further include a sound reproducer for reproducing a sound for stress therapy received by the terminal body 10 via the wireless communication unit 600. In this case, the second control unit 130 of the terminal body 10 further includes a sound reproducer control unit for controlling the sound reproducer to reproduce a sound for stress therapy in response to a sound reproduction signal inputted by the user through the keypad 200. The therapy sound may be supplied from a host arranged at a remote location to the terminal body 10 via the wireless communication unit 60, and temporarily stored in the memory of the terminal body 10. Also, the second control unit 130 includes an algorithm for selecting a desired sound in accordance with the measured stress degree. The therapy sound is not limited to music. The therapy sound may include a sound of a particular wavelength. Recently, diverse sounds having effects of stress relief and recovery from fatigue have been used in psychology fields.

Now, a beauty care apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The beauty care apparatus according to this embodiment has an integrated configuration of a low frequency therapy device and a body impedance measuring device . The appearance of the beauty care apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is similar to that of Fig. lb. This apparatus has a structure having a portable size allowing the user to conveniently carry the apparatus while allowing the user to conveniently grasp the apparatus. In the following description, respective constitutive elements corresponding to those in Fig. lb are designated by the same reference numerals. The apparatus includes a keypad 200, a display 400, and probes 910 and 930.

The keypad 200 includes keys for selecting power supply and desired functions, searching a screen menu, and inputting desired data. Preferably, the keypad 200 can input numerical data such as weight and height data required for calculation of the degree of body fat. The keypad 200 may be integrated with the display 400. In this case, the keypad 200 may have the form of a touch panel. Alternatively, the keypad 200 may be an input device having a voice recognition function. Accordingly, the present invention should be construed as including any type of keypad.

Preferably, the display unit 400 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) . The display 400 displays a menu for operations, and guide messages. The display 400 may also display measured values or data previously retrieved. Although not designated by a reference numeral, a speaker may be provided at the lower end of a body of the apparatus in order to output a beep or a voice guidance. Now, probes 910, 930, 950, and 970 according to an advantageous aspect of the present invention will be described. The probes 910 and 930 have an integrated function of a probe for low frequency therapy and a probe for body impedance measurement. The remaining probes, that is, the probes 950 and 970, are used for body impedance measurement. Each of the probes 910, 930, 950, and 970 is made of a conductor while being connected to an internal circuit, so that it can input and output an electrical signal. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the probes has a structure including a conductive cap, for example, a metal cap, providing the outer contact surface of the probe while operating as a conductive electrode, while being coated with a conductive coating for preventing the metal cap from being eroded due to repeated contact with the skin. This structure may be used for two of the low frequency therapy probes and body impedance measuring electrodes.

A beauty care apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, to which diverse advantageous aspects of the present invention are applied, will now be described with reference to Fig. 6a. This embodiment relates to a beauty care apparatus implemented in the form of an independent apparatus, as shown in Fig. lb.

The configuration shown in Fig. 6a is only for illustrative purposes. Although circuits for an ultrasonic therapy device and a low frequency therapy device are shown in the form of functional blocks in Fig. 6a, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can understand and implement the embodiment of the present invention without any difficulty because those circuits have been publicly known prior to the filing data of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 6a, the beauty care apparatus includes a keypad 200, a display 400, a pair of therapy electrodes 910 and 930 each including a conductive electrode, a pair of contact probes 950 and 970, and a low frequency driver 300 for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. The beauty care apparatus also includes a body impedance measuring unit 700 for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 or to the electrodes of the contact probes 950 and 970, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on the value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree. The beauty care apparatus further includes a control unit 100 for outputting operation guidance information through the display 400, while selectively controlling the low frequency driver 300 or the body impedance measuring unit 700 in accordance with an operating signal inputted by the user through the keypad 200. The control unit 100 includes a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display 400.

In Fig. 6a, the structures of the therapy electrodes or probes 910 and 930 are simply shown for the convenience of illustration. The first and second contact probes 950 and 970 are electrodes additionally required for body impedance measurement. The control unit 100 is implemented by an integrated circuit in which a microprocessor, a memory, a serial port for external interface, and an LCD control unit are integrated. Connected to the control unit 100 are the display 400 adapted to display a menu for operations and operation data in accordance with the operation of the beauty care apparatus, and the keypad 200 serving as an operating panel adapted to input data or to select a desired menu. Conceptually, the keypad 200 has a configuration including a well-known key scan circuit. The low frequency driver 300 amplifies a pulse outputted from an oscillating circuit equipped therein or a pulse outputted from the control unit 100, and outputs the amplified pulse to the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930.

The body impedance measuring unit 700 implements a 4- point measuring system. In accordance with a typical method, such a 4 -point measuring system applies a constant current signal to the human body to make the constant current signal flow between two points on the human body, and measures a voltage between two points respectively arranged adjacent to the current-applied points, thereby measuring the impedance of the human body. In accordance with another method, such a 4- point measuring system may apply a constant voltage signal to the human body between two points on the human body, while measuring a current between two points respectively arranged adjacent to the voltage-applied points, thereby measuring the impedance of the human body. Thus, two pairs of electrodes are required for 4-point measurement. In the illustrated case, the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930 are used for one electrode pair for the 4 -point measurement, whereas the contact probes 950 and 970 are used for the other electrode pair for the 4-point measurement. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, a constant current is supplied to the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930 to measure a voltage between the contact probes 950 and 970. In use, the user grasps the apparatus shown in Fig. lb with four fingers of his right and left hands such that he grasps the contact probes 950 and 970 with respective thumbs of his right and left hands while touching the probes 910 and 930 with respective middle fingers of his right and left hands under the condition in which the apparatus is held by his remaining fingers. In this state, it is possible to measure the body impedance of the user as a current or voltage is supplied between the user's hands.

The body impedance measuring unit 700 includes means for performing a switching operation under the control of the control unit 100, thereby selectively outputting a constant current or a constant voltage, and a circuit for measuring the level or amount of a detected signal corresponding to the outputted signal . Such a circuit is disclosed in detail in the publications associated with the above mentioned related arts.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 100 of the beauty care apparatus processes the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit 700 and the user's characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, thereby calculating the degree of body fat of the user. The degree of body fat can be calculated, using the measured body impedance and reference body impedance data extracted from standard data, previously stored, on the basis of the inputted user's weight, height, sex, and age. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 100 of the beauty care apparatus processes the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit 700 and the user's characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, thereby calculating the degree of fatigue of the user, that is, the degree of stress of the user. The degree of stress can be calculated, using the measured body impedance and reference body impedance data extracted from standard data, previously stored, on the basis of the inputted user's weight, height, sex, and age. The calculation of the stress degree can be more accurately carried out by measuring a variation in data such as the measured user's body impedance and weight for a certain period of time. Since such a calculation method is well known in the technical field, no further description thereof will be given. Although not shown in the block diagram of Fig. 5a, the beauty care apparatus, which is adapted to be portable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, includes a power supply circuit. This power supply circuit may include a rechargeable battery and a voltage control circuit. Alternatively, the power supply circuit may include an AC voltage converting circuit for converting an AC voltage supplied from an AC voltage supply into a DC voltage to be used. Both these power supply configurations may be included in the beauty care apparatus. In this case, a battery charging circuit may also be equipped in the beauty care apparatus .

Now, the operation of the beauty care apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in a sequential manner in accordance with the operation order of the user.

First, when the user pushes a power button on the keypad 220, thereby turning on the beauty care apparatus, a beep is generated, and a welcome message is outputted through the display 400. A menu, in particular, a function selection menu, is also displayed on the display 400. When the user selects a low frequency therapy function from the displayed function selection menu, a low frequency therapy signal is applied to the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 under the control of the control unit 100. Accordingly, when the user applies the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 to a desired portion of the skin, he can receive low frequency stimulation through the therapy electrodes 910 and 930.

When the user subsequently selects, from the displayed function selection menu, a stress measuring function additionally provided in accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, a guidance message for operating the beauty care apparatus is displayed on the display 400. In another embodiment of the present invention, such a guidance may be outputted in the form of a voice through the speaker. In accordance with instructions of the displayed or outputted guidance message, the user touches the four electrodes 910, 930, 950, and 970 with his fingers while grasping the apparatus, as described above. Under this condition, detection of an electrical signal, which may be a constant current signal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a corresponding signal, which may be a voltage signal in the preferred embodiment, is carried out. Based on the detected signals, a desired body impedance measurement is carried out .

A beauty care apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. This beauty care apparatus is implemented to be incorporated in a mobile communication terminal, for example, a portable phone. Figs. 2c and 2d illustrate the appearance of the beauty care apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In Figs. 2c and 2d, respective reference numerals corresponding to those in the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals. In accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention, four electrodes are used. Two of the four electrodes, that is, probe electrodes 910 and 930, are mounted to the back surface of a battery pack, whereas the remaining two electrodes, that is, contact probes 950 and 970, are mounted to one side surface of the battery pack. The reference numeral 990 in Fig. 2c designates an interface for performing signal transmitting and receiving functions between the battery pack and a body of the portable phone, that is, a terminal body. Preferably, this interface is a USB interface . Main chips employed in recently-developed portable phones support a USB interface by themselves . Once the user couples the battery pack to the terminal body in accordance with a conventional method, the interfaces provided at respective coupling surfaces of the battery pack and portable phone are connected to each other. The interface provided at the terminal body includes connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body, whereas the interface provided at the battery pack includes connecting pins mounted on the coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the terminal body-side interface. Thus, the connection between the portable phone and the beauty care apparatus can be conveniently achieved. The user can undergo low frequency therapy by applying the probes 910 and 930, protruded from the back surface of the battery pack, to the skin when the battery pack is turned over, in accordance with a guidance message displayed on a display of the portable phone. In use, the user grasps the longitudinal ends of the portable phone with his right and left hands while touching the probes 910 and 930 with respective thumbs of his right and left hands and the contact probes 950 and 970 with respective middle fingers of his right and left hands. In this state, it is possible to measure the body impedance of the user.

This beauty care apparatus, which is integral with the mobile communication terminal, is conveniently portable. Also, this beauty care apparatus is very economical in that it can be implemented by simply adding essential analog circuits while using the hardware of the mobile communication terminal as much as possible .

Fig. 6b is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the beauty care apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention which is implemented to be integral with a mobile communication terminal in accordance with characteristic aspects of the present invention. In Fig. 6b, respective constitutive elements corresponding to those in the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals. The configuration shown in Fig. 6b is only for illustrative purposes. Although circuits for a low frequency therapy device and a body impedance measuring device are shown in the form of functional blocks in Fig. 6b, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can understand and implement the embodiment of the present invention without any difficulty because those circuits have been publicly known prior to the filing data of the present invention.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 6b, the beauty care apparatus includes a mobile communication terminal body 10, and a battery pack 20 detachably coupled to the terminal body 10. The battery pack 20 includes a first interface 820 adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body 10, a pair of therapy electrodes 910 and 930 each having a structure including a conductive electrode, for example, a metal cap 911, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator 915 arranged in the interior of the metal cap 911, a pair of contact probes 950 and 970, and a low frequency driver 300 for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. The battery pack 20 also includes a body impedance measuring unit 700 for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 or to the electrodes of the contact probes 950 and 970, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on the value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree. The battery pack 20 further includes a first control unit 110 for controlling the low frequency driver 300 or the body impedance measuring unit 700 in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface 820, and transmitting data about the measured body impedance to the terminal body 10 via the first interface 820. The terminal body 10 includes a keypad 200, a display

400, and a wireless communication unit 600 for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface 810 connected to the first interface 820, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit 130 for generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the low frequency driver 300 or the body impedance measuring unit 700 in accordance with an operating signal inputted by the user through the keypad 200, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack 20 through the second interface 810. The second control unit 130 includes a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display 400.

In addition to the body fat degree calculating unit or in place of the body fat degree calculating unit, the second control unit 130 may include a stress degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display 400.

In addition to basic elements thereof essentially required for a battery pack function, the battery pack 20 includes a mechanical configuration and analog circuits required for the beauty care apparatus. The first and second therapy electrodes 910 and 930 are identical to those of Figs. 3a and 3b, so that they are simply shown for the convenience of illustration. The first and second contact probes 950 and 970 are electrodes additionally required for body impedance measurement. The first control unit 100 is implemented by an integrated circuit in which a microprocessor and a serial port for external interface are integrated.

The low frequency driver 300 amplifies a pulse outputted from an oscillating circuit equipped therein or a pulse outputted from the control unit 100, and outputs the amplified pulse to the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930.

The body impedance measuring unit 700 implements a 4- point measuring system. In accordance with a typical method, such a 4-point measuring system applies a constant current signal to the human body to make the constant current signal flow between two points on the human body, and measures a voltage between two points respectively arranged adjacent to the current-applied points, thereby measuring the impedance of the human body. In accordance with another method, such a 4- point measuring system may apply a constant voltage signal to the human body between two points on the human body, while measuring a current between two points respectively arranged adjacent to the voltage-applied points, thereby measuring the impedance of the human body. Thus, two pairs of electrodes are required for 4-point measurement. In the illustrated case, the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930 are used for one electrode pair for the 4-point measurement, whereas the contact probes 950 and 970 are used for the other electrode pair for the 4-point measurement. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, a constant current is supplied to the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930 to measure a voltage between the contact probes 950 and 970. In use, the user grasps the apparatus shown in Fig. lb with four fingers of his right and left hands such that he grasps the contact probes 950 and 970 with respective thumbs of his right and left hands while touching the probes 910 and 930 with respective middle fingers of his right and left hands under the condition in which the apparatus is held by his remaining fingers. In this state, it is possible to measure the body impedance of the user as a current or voltage is supplied between the user's hands.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second control unit 130 of the beauty care apparatus processes the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit 700 and the user's characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, thereby calculating the degree of body fat of the user. The degree of body fat can be calculated, using the measured body impedance and reference body impedance data extracted from standard data, previously stored, on the basis of the inputted user's weight, height, sex, and age. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second control unit 130 of the beauty care apparatus processes the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit 700 and the user's characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, thereby calculating the degree of fatigue of the user, that is, the degree of stress of the user. The degree of stress can be calculated, using the measured body impedance and reference body impedance data extracted from standard data, previously stored, on the basis of the inputted user's weight, height, sex, and age. The calculation of the stress degree can be more accurately carried out by measuring a variation in data such as the measured user' s body impedance and weight for a certain period of time. Since such a calculation method is well known in the technical field, no further description thereof will be given.

The second control unit 130 also performs data communication with a host computer arranged at a remote place via the wireless communication unit 600. Accordingly, the calculated body fat degree and/or stress degree can be transmitted to the remote host computer so that they are stored in a database . Thus , the stored data can be subsequently retrieved. Since such a wireless communication technique has been publicly known prior to the filing data of the present invention, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can implement the technique without any difficulty.

Such a function of the second control unit 130 may be implemented in accordance with an application program executed in the mobile communication terminal . Recently developed portable phone environments provide a tool such as a general virtual machine (GVM) . Under such environments, the user can control various hardware of a portable phone, by use of diverse libraries, perform communication with external appliances, and process data. In the case of a PDA, it provides a graphic user interface similar to that of a personal computer, and a corresponding development environment. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention by referring to the contents described in this specification. Now, the operation of the beauty care apparatus according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention will be described in a sequential manner in accordance with the operation order of the user.

First, when the user pushes a selected button on the keypad 220 to select a beauty care function, a welcome message is outputted through the display 400. A menu, in particular, a function selection menu, is also displayed on the display 400. When the user moves a cursor along the displayed function selection menu, and positions the cursor on a selected menu bar to select a low frequency therapy function from the displayed function selection menu, the second control unit 130 requests that the first control unit 110 begin a low frequency therapy operation. Under the control of the first control unit 110, a low frequency therapy signal is applied to the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, so that mechanical ultrasonic micro vibrations are generated from the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. Accordingly, when the user applies the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 to a desired portion of the skin, he can receive low frequency stimulation through the therapy electrodes 910 and 930.

In accordance with an advantageous aspect of the present invention, an appropriate music therapy may be carried out. That is, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the terminal body 10 may further include a sound reproducer for reproducing a sound for stress therapy received by the terminal body 10 via the wireless communication unit 600. In this case, the second control unit 130 of the terminal body 10 further includes a sound reproducer control unit for controlling the sound reproducer to reproduce a sound for stress therapy in response to a sound reproduction signal inputted by the user through the keypad 200. The therapy sound may be supplied from a host arranged at a remote location to the terminal body 10 via the wireless communication unit 60, and temporarily stored in the memory of the terminal body 10. Also, the second control unit 130 includes an algorithm for selecting a desired sound in accordance with the measured stress degree . The therapy sound is not limited to music. The therapy sound may include a sound of a particular wavelength. Recently, diverse sounds having effects of stress relief and recovery from fatigue have been used in psychology fields. Now, a beauty care apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The beauty care apparatus according to this embodiment has an integrated configuration of an ultrasonic therapy device, a low frequency therapy device and a body impedance measuring device. The appearance of the beauty care apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. lb. This apparatus has a structure having a portable size allowing the user to conveniently carry the apparatus while allowing the user to conveniently grasp the apparatus. In the following description, respective constitutive elements corresponding to those in Fig. lb are designated by the same reference numerals. The apparatus includes a keypad 200, a display 400, and probes 910 and 930.

Preferably, the display unit 400 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) . The display 400 displays a menu for operations, and guide messages. The display 400 may also display measured values or data previously retrieved. Although not designated by a reference numeral, a speaker may be provided at the lower end of a body of the apparatus in order to output a beep or a voice guidance . Now, probes 910, 930, 950, and 970 according to an advantageous aspect of the present invention will be described. The probes 910 and 930 have an integrated function of a probe for ultrasonic therapy, a probe for low frequency therapy and a probe for body impedance measurement . The remaining probes, that is, the probes 950 and 970, are used for body impedance measurement. Each of the probes 950 and 970 is a well-known body impedance measuring electrode made of a conductor while being connected to an internal circuit. Accordingly, no further description will be given of the probes 950 and 970.

Fig. 3a illustrates the cross-sectional structure of one of the integrated probes 910 and 930 applied to the beauty care apparatus according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention. The integrated probe includes a conductive cap, for example, a metal cap 911, providing the outer contact surface of a therapy electrode while operating as a conductive electrode, a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged inside the conductive cap 911, and an insulating film interposed between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator and the conductive cap 911. The piezoelectric ceramic vibrator includes a piezoelectric ceramic plate 915 adapted to mechanically vibrate when an AC voltage is applied between opposite sides thereof, and first and second vibrator electrodes 917 and 919 adapted to apply an AC voltage to the piezoelectric ceramic plate 915. For convenience of soldering and voltage application using elastic electrode members, the first vibrator electrode 917 extends partially or completely to the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic plate 915 opposite thereto. Although the reference numeral 915 has been used to designate the piezoelectric ceramic plate in the above description, it will also be used to designate the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator including the piezoelectric ceramic plate as its major element, for the convenience of description. Fig. 3b is a plan view illustrating the structure of the extended first vibrator electrode 917 and the structure of the second vibrator electrode 919. Such a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator structure is well known.

The insulating film 913, which is interposed between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator 915 and the metal cap 911, serves to provide an electrical insulation between each electrode of the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator 915 and the metal cap 911. The insulating film 913 may be integrated with an adhesive layer adapted to attach the vibrator 915 to the metal cap 911. The surface of the metal cap 911 is coated with a coating for preventing the metal cap 911 from being eroded due to repeated contact with the skin, in accordance with a well-known coating method.

In accordance with this probe structure implemented according to an advantageous aspect of the present invention, a conductive probe adapted to carry out voltage application or measurement can be implemented in the metal cap 911, and a vibrator required for ultrasonic therapy is installed in the metal cap 911. Thus, it is possible to integrate two of an ultrasonic therapy probe, a low frequency therapy probe, and a body impedance measuring electrode by use of the above described probe structure .

A beauty care apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, to which diverse advantageous aspects of the present invention are applied, will now be described with reference to Fig. 7a. This embodiment relates to a beauty care apparatus implemented in the form of an independent apparatus, as shown in Fig. lb.

The configuration shown in Fig. 7a is only for illustrative purposes. Although circuits for an ultrasonic therapy device and a low frequency therapy device are shown in the form of functional blocks in Fig. 6a, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can understand and implement the embodiment of the present invention without any difficulty because those circuits have been publicly known prior to the filing data of the present invention. In Fig. 7a, respective reference numerals corresponding to those in the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals .

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 7a, the beauty care apparatus includes a keypad 200, a display 400, a pair of therapy electrodes 910 and 930 each including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged in the conductive electrode, a pair of contact probes 950 and 970, a low frequency driver 300 for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, and an ultrasonic driver 500 for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. The beauty care apparatus also includes a body impedance measuring unit 700 for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 or to the electrodes of the contact probes 950 and 970, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on the value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree. The beauty care apparatus further includes a control unit 100 for outputting operation guidance information through the display 400, while selectively controlling the low frequency driver 300, ultrasonic driver 500, or body impedance measuring unit 700 in accordance with an operating signal inputted by the user through the keypad 200. The control unit 100 includes a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display 400.

In Fig. 7a, the structures of the therapy electrodes or probes 910 and 930 are simply shown for the convenience of illustration. The first and second contact probes 950 and 970 are electrodes additionally required for body impedance measurement. The control unit 100 is implemented by an integrated circuit in which a microprocessor, a memory, a serial port for external interface, and an LCD control unit are integrated. Connected to the control unit 100 are the display 400 adapted to display a menu for operations and operation data in accordance with the operation of the beauty care apparatus, and the keypad 200 serving as an operating panel adapted to input data or to select a desired menu. Conceptually, the keypad 200 has a configuration including a well-known key scan circuit. The low frequency driver 300 amplifies a pulse outputted from an oscillating circuit equipped therein or a pulse outputted from the control unit 100, and outputs the amplified pulse to the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930. The ultrasonic driver 500 outputs an AC voltage signal for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 915 of the probes 910 and 930, under the control of the control unit 100.

The body impedance measuring unit 700 implements a 4- point measuring system. In accordance with a typical method, such a 4-point measuring system applies a constant current signal to the human body to make the constant current signal flow between two points on the human body, and measures a voltage between two points respectively arranged adjacent to the current-applied points, thereby measuring the impedance of the human body. In accordance with another method, such a 4- point measuring system may apply a constant voltage signal to the human body between two points on the human body, while measuring a current between two points respectively arranged adjacent to the voltage-applied points, thereby measuring the impedance of the human body.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 100 of the beauty care apparatus processes the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit 700 and the user's characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, thereby calculating the degree of body fat of the user. The degree of body fat can be calculated, using the measured body impedance and reference body impedance data extracted from standard data, previously stored, on the basis of the inputted user's weight, height, sex, and age.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 100 of the beauty care apparatus processes the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit 700 and the user's characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, thereby calculating the degree of fatigue of the user, that is, the degree of stress of the user. The degree of stress can be calculated, using the measured body impedance and reference body impedance data extracted from standard data, previously stored, on the basis of the inputted user's weight, height, sex, and age. The calculation of the stress degree can be more accurately carried out by measuring a variation in data such as the measured user's body impedance and weight for a certain period of time. Since such a calculation method is well known in the technical field, no further description thereof will be given. Although not shown in the block diagram of Fig. 7a, the beauty care apparatus, which is adapted to be portable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, includes a power supply circuit . This power supply circuit may include a rechargeable battery and a voltage control circuit. Alternatively, the power supply circuit may include an AC voltage converting circuit for converting an AC voltage supplied from an AC voltage supply into a DC voltage to be used. Both these power supply configurations may be included in the beauty care apparatus. In this case, a battery charging circuit may also be equipped in the beauty care apparatus .

Now, the operation of the beauty care apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in a sequential manner in accordance with the operation order of the user.

When the user then selects a body fat measuring function from the displayed function selection menu, a guidance message for operating the beauty care apparatus is displayed on the display 400. In another embodiment of the present invention, such a guidance may be outputted in the form of a voice through a speaker. In accordance with instructions of the displayed or outputted guidance message, the user touches the four electrodes 910, 930, 950, and 970 with his fingers while grasping the apparatus, as described above. Under this condition, detection of an electrical signal, which may be a constant current signal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a corresponding signal, which may be a voltage signal in the preferred embodiment, is carried out. Based on the detected signals, a desired body impedance measurement is carried out .

When the user subsequently selects, from the displayed function selection menu, a stress measuring function additionally provided in accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, a guidance message for operating the beauty care apparatus is displayed on the display 400. In another embodiment of the present invention, such a guidance may be outputted in the form of a voice through the speaker. In accordance with instructions of the displayed or outputted guidance message, the user touches the four electrodes 910, 930, 950, and 970 with his fingers while grasping the apparatus, as described above. Under this condition, detection of an electrical signal, which may be a constant current signal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a corresponding signal, which may be a voltage signal in the preferred embodiment, is carried out. Based on the detected signals, a desired body impedance measurement is carried out . After the body impedance measurement or before the body impedance measurement, the user's characteristic data required for stress degree calculation is inputted. Since a large part of such data may not vary, and the beauty care apparatus is portable, it is preferable to display data, previously inputted, and to correct only desired values of the displayed data without again inputting all data values every time the stress degree calculation is required. After completion of the inputting of the user's characteristic data by the user and the body impedance measurement, the microprocessor included in the control unit 100 processes the inputted data while referring to basic data stored in the memory of the control unit 100, thereby calculating the degree of stress of the user.

A beauty care apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. This beauty care apparatus is implemented to be incorporated in a mobile communication terminal, for example, a portable phone. Figs. 2c and 2d illustrate the appearance of the beauty care apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In Figs. 2c and 2d, respective reference numerals corresponding to those in the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals. In accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention, four electrodes are used. Two of the four electrodes, that is, probe electrodes 910 and 930, are mounted to the back surface of a battery pack, whereas the remaining two electrodes, that is, contact probes 950 and 970, are mounted to one side surface of the battery pack. The reference numeral 990 in Fig. 2c designates an interface for performing signal transmitting and receiving functions between the battery pack and a body of the portable phone, that is, a terminal body. Preferably, this interface is a USB interface. Main chips employed in recently-developed portable phones support a USB interface by themselves . Once the user couples the battery pack to the terminal body in accordance with a conventional method, the interfaces provided at respective coupling surfaces of the battery pack and portable phone are connected to each other. The interface provided at the terminal body includes connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body, whereas the interface provided at the battery pack includes connecting pins mounted on the coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the terminal body-side interface. Thus, the connection between the portable phone and the beauty care apparatus can be conveniently achieved.

The user can undergo low frequency therapy by applying the probes 910 and 930, protruded from the back surface of the battery pack, to the skin when the battery pack is turned over, in accordance with a guidance message displayed on a display of the portable phone. In use, the user grasps the longitudinal ends of the portable phone with his right and left hands while touching the probes 910 and 930 with respective thumbs of his right and left hands and the contact probes 950 and 970 with respective middle fingers of his right and left hands. In this state, it is possible to measure the body impedance of the user.

Fig. 7b is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the beauty care apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention which is implemented to be integral with a mobile communication terminal in accordance with characteristic aspects of the present invention. In Fig. 7b, respective constitutive elements corresponding to those in the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals. The configuration shown in Fig. 7b is only for illustrative purposes. Although circuits for an ultrasonic therapy device and a body impedance measuring device are shown in the form of functional blocks in Fig. 7b, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can understand and implement the embodiment of the present invention without any difficulty because those circuits have been publicly known prior to the filing data of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 7b, the beauty care apparatus includes a mobile communication terminal body 10, and a battery pack 20 detachably coupled to the terminal body 10. The battery pack 20 includes a first interface 820 adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body 10, a pair of therapy electrodes 910 and 930 each having a structure including a conductive electrode, for example, a metal cap 911, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator 915 arranged in the interior of the metal cap 911, a pair of contact probes 950 and 970, a low frequency driver 300 for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, and an ultrasonic driver 500 for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 915 of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. The battery pack 20 also includes a body impedance measuring unit 700 for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 or to the electrodes of the contact probes 950 and 970, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on the value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree. The battery pack 20 further includes a first control unit 110 for controlling the low frequency driver 300, ultrasonic driver 500, or body impedance measuring unit 700 in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface 820, and transmitting data about the measured body impedance to the terminal body 10 via the first interface 820. The terminal body 10 includes a keypad 200, a display 400, and a wireless communication unit 600 for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface 810 connected to the first interface 820, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit 130 for generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the low frequency driver 300, ultrasonic driver 500 or body impedance measuring unit 700 in accordance with an operating signal inputted by the user through the keypad 200, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack 20 through the second interface 810. The second control unit 130 includes a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad 200, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display 400.

The low frequency driver 300 amplifies a pulse outputted from an oscillating circuit equipped therein or a pulse outputted from the control unit 100, and outputs the amplified pulse to the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930. The ultrasonic driver 500 outputs an AC voltage signal for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 915 of the probes 910 and 930, under the control of the control unit 100.

Preferably, the ultrasonic driver 500 includes a contact detecting circuit for detecting whether or not the probes 910 and 930 are in contact with the skin. Where ultrasonic oscillation is continuously carried out under the condition in which the probes 910 and 930 do not come into contact with the skin, the beauty care apparatus may be damaged due to overheating. To this end, the ultrasonic driver 500 further includes a temperature sensor 510 for detecting a temperature around the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, in particular, at a region adjacent to the metal caps 911. The control unit 100 detects skin contact, based on a temperature variation detected by the temperature sensor 510, and performs a control for increasing drive power when the skin contact is detected. Of course, such a control may be achieved by a circuit equipped in the ultrasonic driver 500. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beauty care apparatus is additionally provided with means for displaying the current temperature on the terminal body 10 by an operation of the temperature sensor 510 included in the ultrasonic driver 500 to detect skin contact. This means includes a current temperature display unit for displaying temperature information about the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 510. This temperature information is produced by the first control unit 110 included in the battery pack 20, based on the sensed temperature, and sent from the first control unit 110 to the second control unit 130 via the second interface 810, and then to the current temperature display unit display unit. A lookup table is used for conversion of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 510 into an absolute value. This lookup table may be stored in the memory of the first control unit 110 or in the memory of the second control unit 130.

Thus, two pairs of electrodes are required for 4 -point measurement. In the illustrated case, the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930 are used for one electrode pair for the 4-point measurement, whereas the contact probes 950 and 970 are used for the other electrode pair for the 4-point measurement . In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, a constant current is supplied to the metal caps 911 of the probes 910 and 930 to measure a voltage between the contact probes 950 and 970. In use, the user grasps the apparatus shown in Fig. lb with four fingers of his right and left hands such that he grasps the contact probes 950 and 970 with respective thumbs of his right and left hands while touching the probes 910 and 930 with respective middle fingers of his right and left hands under the condition in which the apparatus is held by his remaining fingers. In this state, it is possible to measure the body impedance of the user as a current or voltage is supplied between the user's hands.

The second control unit 130 also performs data communication with a host computer arranged at a remote place via the wireless communication unit 600. Accordingly, the calculated body fat degree and/or stress degree can be transmitted to the remote host computer so that they are stored in a database. Thus, the stored data can be subsequently retrieved. Since such a wireless communication technique has been publicly known prior to the filing data of the present invention, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can implement the technique without any difficulty.

Such a function of the second control unit 130 may be implemented in accordance with an application program executed in the mobile communication terminal. Recently developed portable phone environments provide a tool such as a general virtual machine (GVM) . Under such environments, the user can control various hardware of a portable phone, by use of diverse libraries, perform communication with external appliances, and process data. In the case of a PDA, it provides a graphic user interface similar to that of a personal computer, and a corresponding development environment . Accordingly, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention by referring to the contents described in this specification.

Now, the operation of the beauty care apparatus according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention will be described in a sequential manner in accordance with the operation order of the user. First, when the user pushes a selected button on the keypad 220 to select a beauty care function, a welcome message is outputted through the display 400. A menu, in particular, a function selection menu, is also displayed on the display 400. When the user moves a cursor along the displayed function selection menu, and positions the cursor on a selected menu bar to select a low frequency therapy function from the displayed function selection menu, the second control unit 130 requests that the first control unit 110 begin a low frequency therapy operation. Under the control of the first control unit 110, a low frequency therapy signal is applied to the therapy electrodes 910 and 930, so that mechanical ultrasonic micro vibrations are generated from the therapy electrodes 910 and 930. Accordingly, when the user applies the therapy electrodes 910 and 930 to a desired portion of the skin, he can receive low frequency stimulation through the therapy electrodes 910 and 930.

In accordance with an advantageous aspect of the present invention, an appropriate music therapy may be carried out. That is, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the terminal body 10 may further include a sound reproducer for reproducing a sound for stress therapy received by the terminal body 10 via the wireless communication unit 600. In this case, the second control unit 130 of the terminal body 10 further includes a sound reproducer control unit for controlling the sound reproducer to reproduce a sound for stress therapy in response to a sound reproduction signal inputted by the user through the keypad 200. The therapy sound may be supplied from a host arranged at a remote location to the terminal body 10 via the wireless communication unit 60, and temporarily stored in the memory of the terminal body 10. Also, the second control unit 130 includes an algorithm for selecting a desired sound in accordance with the measured stress degree. The therapy sound is not limited to music. The therapy sound may include a sound of a particular wavelength. Recently, diverse sounds having effects of stress relief and recovery from fatigue have been used in psychology fields .

Industrial Applicability

As apparent from the above description, the present invention integrates diverse therapy devices, each of which is configured to be separate from the others, in terms of hardware and software, thereby providing convenience. The present invention also provides a new electrode structure which can have a compact size, thereby making the resultant apparatus be compact, while providing convenience in use, and achieving a reduction in cost. In addition, the present invention achieves an efficient combination of existing circuits, thereby reducing the number of elements used, while making unification of control circuits.

Thus, the present invention provides an integrated beauty care apparatus having diverse beauty care functions integrated in accordance with the above described characteristics, so that the user can conveniently use diverse beauty care functions anytime and anywhere while carrying only the single, integrated beauty care apparatus.

Claims

1. A beauty care apparatus comprising: a keypad; a display; a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode; an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes; a low frequency driver for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes; and a control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display while controlling the entire part of the apparatus in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad.

2. The beauty care apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the therapy electrodes comprises: a conductive cap adapted to provide an outer contact surface of the therapy electrode while operating as the conductive electrode; the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged inside the conductive cap; and an insulating film interposed between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator and the conductive cap.

3. The beauty care apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein: the beauty care apparatus further comprises a pair of contact probes, and a body impedance measuring unit for measuring a body impedance through the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes and the contact probes; and the control unit includes a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display.

4. The beauty care apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beauty care apparatus further comprises : a pair of contact probes; a body impedance measuring unit for measuring a body impedance through the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes and the contact probes, wherein the control unit includes a stress degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of stress based on the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display.

5. A beauty care apparatus comprising: a keypad; a display; a pair of therapy electrodes each including a conductive electrode; a pair of contact probes; a low frequency driver for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes; and a control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display while controlling the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, the control unit including a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display.

6. A beauty care apparatus comprising: a keypad; a display; a pair of therapy electrodes each including a conductive electrode; a pair of contact probes; a low frequency driver for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes ; and a control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display while controlling the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, the control unit including a stress degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of stress based on the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display.

7. A beauty care apparatus comprising: a keypad; a display; a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode; a pair of contact probes; an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes; a body impedance measuring unit for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes or to electrodes of the contact probes, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on a value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree; and a control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, while selectively controlling the ultrasonic driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, the control unit including a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display.

8. The beauty care apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of the therapy electrodes comprises : a conductive cap adapted to provide an outer contact surface of the therapy electrode while operating as the conductive electrode; the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged inside the conductive cap; and an insulating film interposed between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator and the conductive cap.

9. A beauty care apparatus comprising: a keypad; a display; a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode; a pair of contact probes; an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes; a body impedance measuring unit for measuring a body impedance through the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes and the contact probes; and a control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display while controlling the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, the control unit including a stress degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of stress based on the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display.

10. The beauty care apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each of the therapy electrodes comprises: a conductive cap adapted to provide an outer contact surface of the therapy electrode while operating as the conductive electrode; the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged inside the conductive cap; and an insulating film interposed between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator and the conductive cap.

11. A mobile communication terminal including a terminal body, and a battery pack detachably coupled to the terminal body, wherein: the battery pack comprises a first interface adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body, a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode, an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes, a low frequency driver for outputting a low- frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes, and a first control unit for controlling the entire part of the battery pack in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface; and the terminal body comprises a keypad, a display, a wireless communication unit for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface connected to the first interface, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the ultrasonic driver or the low frequency driver in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack through the second interface .

12. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 11, wherein each of the therapy electrodes comprises: a conductive cap adapted to provide an outer contact surface of the therapy electrode while operating as the conductive electrode; the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged inside the conductive cap; and an insulating film interposed between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator and the conductive cap.

13. The mobile communication terminal according to claim

12, wherein: the second interface includes connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body; and the first interface includes connecting pins mounted on a coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the second interface .

14. The mobile communication terminal according to any one of claims 11, 12, and 13, wherein: the ultrasonic driver of the battery pack includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature around the therapy electrodes; the first control unit of the battery pack detects skin contact, based on a temperature variation detected by the temperature sensor, performs a control for increasing drive power when the skin contact is detected, and outputs the temperature detected by the temperature sensor to the first interface; and the second control unit of the terminal body includes a current temperature display unit for displaying temperature information received from the second interface on the display.

15. The mobile communication terminal according to any one of claims 11, 12, and 13, wherein: the battery pack further includes a pair of contact probes, and a body impedance measuring unit for measuring a body impedance through the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes and the contact probes; the first control unit further controls the body impedance measuring unit, and operates to transmit data about the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit to the terminal body via the first interface; and the second control unit of the terminal body includes a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance received from the second interface and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display.

16. The mobile communication terminal according to claim

15, wherein the second control unit further includes a body fat data retrieving unit for transmitting data about the body fat degree calculated by the body fat degree calculating unit to a host computer, again receiving the data from the host computer when a user requests retrieval of the data, and displaying the received data.

17. The mobile communication terminal according to any one of claims 11, 12, and 13, wherein: the battery pack further includes a pair of contact probes, and a body impedance measuring unit for measuring a body impedance through the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes and the contact probes; the first control unit further controls the body impedance measuring unit, and operates to transmit data about the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit to the terminal body via the first interface; and the second control unit of the terminal body includes a stress degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance received from the second interface and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display.

18. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 17, wherein the second control unit further includes a stress data retrieving unit for transmitting data about the stress degree calculated by the stress degree calculating unit to a host computer, again receiving the data from the host computer when a user requests retrieval of the data, and displaying the received data.

19. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 17, wherein: the terminal body further includes a sound reproducer for reproducing a sound for stress therapy received by the terminal body via the wireless communication unit; and the second control unit of the terminal body further includes a sound reproducer control unit for controlling the sound reproducer to reproduce a sound for stress therapy in response to a sound reproduction signal inputted by a user through the keypad.

20. A mobile communication terminal including a terminal body, and a battery pack detachably coupled to the terminal body, wherein: the battery pack comprises a first interface adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body, a pair of therapy electrodes each including a conductive electrode, a pair of contact probes, a low frequency driver for outputting a low- frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes, a body impedance measuring unit for measuring a body impedance through the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes and the contact probes, and a first control unit for controlling the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface, while transmitting data about the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit to the terminal body via the first interface; and the terminal body comprises a keypad, a display, a wireless communication unit for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface connected to the first interface, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack through the second interface, the second control unit including a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance received from the second interface and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display.

21. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 20, wherein: the second interface includes connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body; and the first interface includes connecting pins mounted on a coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the second interface.

22. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the second control unit further includes a body fat data retrieving unit for transmitting data about the body fat degree calculated by the body fat degree calculating unit to a host computer, again receiving the data from the host computer when a user requests retrieval of the data, and displaying the received data.

23. A mobile communication terminal including a terminal body, and a battery pack detachably coupled to the terminal body, wherein: the battery pack comprises a first interface adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body, a pair of therapy electrodes each including a conductive electrode, a pair of contact probes, a low frequency driver for outputting a low- frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes, a body impedance measuring unit for measuring a body impedance through the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes and the contact probes, and a first control unit for controlling the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface, while transmitting data about the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit to the terminal body via the first interface; and the terminal body comprises a keypad, a display, a wireless communication unit for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface connected to the first interface, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack through the second interface, the second control unit including a stress degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance received from the second interface and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body stress degree on the display.

24. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 23, wherein the second interface includes connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body, and the first interface includes connecting pins mounted on a coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the second interface .

25. The mobile communication terminal according to claim

23 or 24, wherein the second control unit further includes a stress data retrieving unit for transmitting data about the stress degree calculated by the stress degree calculating unit to a host computer, again receiving the data from the host computer when a user requests retrieval of the data, and displaying the received data.

26. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 23 or 24, wherein: the terminal body further includes a sound reproducer for reproducing a sound for stress therapy received by the terminal body via the wireless communication unit; and the second control unit of the terminal body further includes a sound reproducer control unit for controlling the sound reproducer to reproduce a sound for stress therapy in response to a sound reproduction signal inputted by a user through the keypad.

27. A mobile communication terminal including a terminal body, and a battery pack detachably coupled to the terminal body, wherein: the battery pack comprises a first interface adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body, a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode, a pair of contact probes, an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes, a body impedance measuring unit for outputting a drive signal for body impedance measurement to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes or to electrodes of the contact probes, while receiving a signal, corresponding to the outputted signal, from the remaining electrodes, thereby measuring an attenuated degree of the outputted drive signal, and thus, measuring a body impedance based on a value of the drive signal and the measured attenuation degree, and a first control unit for controlling the ultrasonic driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface, while transmitting data about the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit to the terminal body via the first interface; and the terminal body comprises a keypad, a display, a wireless communication unit for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface connected to the first interface, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the ultrasonic driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack through the second interface, the second control unit including a body fat degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of body fat based on the measured body impedance received from the second interface and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated body fat degree on the display.

28. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 27, wherein each of the therapy electrodes comprises: a conductive cap adapted to provide an outer contact surface of the therapy electrode while operating as the conductive electrode; the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged inside the conductive cap; and an insulating film interposed between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator and the conductive cap.

29. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: the second interface includes connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body; and the first interface includes connecting pins mounted on a coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the second interface .

30. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: the ultrasonic driver of the battery pack includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature around the therapy electrodes; the first control unit of the battery pack detects skin contact, based on a temperature variation detected by the temperature sensor, performs a control for increasing drive power when the skin contact is detected, and outputs the temperature detected by the temperature sensor to the first interface; and the second control unit of the terminal body includes a current temperature display unit for displaying temperature information received from the second interface on the display.

31. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the second control unit of the terminal body further includes a body fat data retrieving unit for transmitting data about the body fat degree calculated by the body fat degree calculating unit to a host computer, again receiving the data from the host computer when a user requests retrieval of the data, and displaying the received data.

32. A mobile communication terminal including a terminal body, and a battery pack detachably coupled to the terminal body, wherein: the battery pack comprises a first interface adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body, a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode, a pair of contact probes, an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes, a body impedance measuring unit for measuring a body impedance through the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes and the contact probes, and a first control unit for controlling the ultrasonic driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with a control signal received via the first interface, while transmitting data about the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit to the terminal body via the first interface; and the terminal body comprises a keypad, a display, a wireless communication unit for performing data transmission and reception via a wireless communication network, a second interface connected to the first interface, and adapted to perform data transmission and reception, and a second control unit for outputting operation guidance information through the display, generating a control signal adapted to selectively control the ultrasonic driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with an operating signal inputted by a user through the keypad, and outputting the generated control signal to the battery pack through the second interface, the second control unit including a stress degree calculating unit for calculating a degree of stress based on the measured body impedance received from the second interface and body characteristic data inputted thereto through the keypad, and displaying the calculated stress degree on the display.

33. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 32, wherein each of the therapy electrodes comprises: a conductive cap adapted to provide an outer contact surface of the therapy electrode while operating as the conductive electrode; the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged inside the conductive cap; and an insulating film interposed between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator and the conductive cap.

34. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 32 or 33, wherein: the second interface includes connecting pins installed in a battery mounting space provided at the terminal body; and the first interface includes connecting pins mounted on a coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body, and adapted to be connected with the connecting pins of the second interface.

35. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 32 or 33, wherein: the ultrasonic driver of the battery pack includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature around the therapy electrodes; the first control unit of the battery pack detects skin contact, based on a temperature variation detected by the temperature sensor, performs a control for increasing drive power when the skin contact is detected, and outputs the temperature detected by the temperature sensor to the first interface; and the second control unit of the terminal body includes a current temperature display unit for displaying temperature information received from the second interface on the display.

36. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the second control unit of the terminal body further includes a stress data retrieving unit for transmitting data about the stress degree calculated by the stress degree calculating unit to a host computer, again receiving the data from the host computer when a user requests retrieval of the data, and displaying the received data.

37. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 32 or 33, wherein: the terminal body further includes a sound reproducer for reproducing a sound for stress therapy received by the terminal body via the wireless communication unit; and the second control unit of the terminal body further includes a sound reproducer control unit for controlling the sound reproducer to reproduce a sound for stress therapy in response to a sound reproduction signal inputted by a user through the keypad.

38. A battery pack for a mobile communication terminal detachably coupled to a body of the mobile communication terminal, comprising: an interface adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body; a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode; an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes; a low frequency driver for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes; and a control unit for controlling the entire part of the battery pack in accordance with a control signal received via the interface.

39. The battery pack according to claim 38, wherein each of the therapy electrodes comprises : a conductive cap adapted to provide an outer contact surface of the therapy electrode while operating as the conductive electrode; the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged inside the conductive cap; and an insulating film interposed between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator and the conductive cap.

40. The battery pack according to claim 38, wherein the interface includes connecting pins mounted on a coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body.

41. The battery pack according to any one of claims 38, 39, and 40, wherein: the ultrasonic driver includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature around the therapy electrodes; and the control unit includes a current temperature output unit for outputting data about the temperature detected by the temperature sensor to the interface so that the outputted data is displayed on the mobile communication terminal.

42. The battery pack according to any one of claims 38,

39, and 40, wherein: the battery pack further comprises a pair of contact probes, and a body impedance measuring unit for measuring a body impedance through the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes and the contact probes; and the control unit transmits data about the measured body impedance to the terminal body via the interface .

43. A battery pack for a mobile communication terminal detachably coupled to a body of the mobile communication terminal, comprising: an interface adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body; a pair of therapy electrodes each including a conductive electrode; a pair of contact probes; a low frequency driver for outputting a low-frequency AC voltage signal to the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes; a body impedance measuring unit for measuring a body impedance through the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes and electrodes of the contact probes; and a control unit for controlling the low frequency driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with a control signal received via the interface, while transmitting data about the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit to the terminal body via the interface .

44. A battery pack for a mobile communication terminal detachably coupled to a body of the mobile communication terminal, comprising: an interface adapted to perform data communication with the terminal body; a pair of therapy electrodes each having a structure including a conductive electrode, and a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged within the conductive electrode; a pair of contact probes; an ultrasonic driver for driving the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators of the therapy electrodes; a body impedance measuring unit for measuring a body impedance through the conductive electrodes of the therapy electrodes and electrodes of the contact probes; and a control unit for controlling the ultrasonic driver or the body impedance measuring unit in accordance with a control signal received via the interface, while transmitting data about the body impedance measured by the body impedance measuring unit to the terminal body via the interface.

45. The battery pack according to claim 44, wherein each of the therapy electrodes comprises : a conductive cap adapted to provide an outer contact surface of the therapy electrode while operating as the conductive electrode; the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator arranged inside the conductive cap; and an insulating film interposed between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator and the conductive cap.

46. The battery pack according to claim 44, wherein the interface includes connecting pins mounted on a coupling surface of the battery pack to the terminal body.

47. The battery pack according to any one of claims 44, 45, and 46, wherein: the ultrasonic driver includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature around the therapy electrodes; and the control unit includes a current temperature output unit for outputting data about the temperature detected by the temperature sensor to the interface so that the outputted data is displayed on the mobile communication terminal.