JP2014526345A5 - - Google Patents

Description

Systems and methods for treating skin and underlying tissue to improve health, function and / or appearance

  This application claims the priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 535,225, which application deals with the prevention and / or treatment of diseases of the peripheral nervous system and peripheral vasculature. Filed on September 15, 2011, having the title of the invention as a system and method for treatment.

  This application further claims the priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 616,967, which was filed on March 28, 2012 and has health, function and / or appearance. It has the title of the invention as a system and method for treating skin and substratum to improve. The entire contents of the above-mentioned patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

  Some aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods relating to skin health and beauty. More specifically, the present invention relates to an environment in which a patient's facial soft tissues are subjected to a health care or cosmetic treatment, such as a spa, The present invention relates to medical systems and methods for performing in things such as clinics or medical practitioners' offices.

  Prevention or improvement of the effects of aging on facial skin is a major focus of the health and beauty industry. In addition to beauty creams and other skin treatment compounds everywhere, many other treatments are trying to address the fundamental causes of wrinkles and loss of skin tone (tones, tones, shades). Causes include, for example, abnormal facial muscle tone, abnormal facial nerves, and stagnation of circulation in the circulating blood vessels of the face. Minimally invasive treatments to address these basic causes include cosmetic acupuncture and facial toning treatments that actively move facial muscles or There is something like passive movement of facial muscles using electrical stimulators. However, due to the lack of standardization of these minimally invasive treatments and the limited ability to assess the efficacy of these treatments, patients are more invasive and more invasive. You may choose a higher treatment.

  Invasive cosmetic surgery, such as the injection of botulinum toxin (BOTOX®) into the facial muscles is a surgical procedure that involves eyebrow lift, eyelid lift, face lift and Like those like collagen injections, there are significant risks inherent in surgery or foreign body injection. On the other hand, the effects of these invasive cosmetic surgery are usually better or worse and not easily restored, may be temporary, and may cause long-term deterioration of facial tissues (facial tissues). May lead.

  A system and method is required for non-invasive treatment of facial tissue such as muscle tissue, nerve tissue and circulatory tissue in a standardized manner and using standardized diagnostic criteria. The On the other hand, there is a need for a system and method that evaluates the effectiveness of facial tissue treatments in a standardized and unbiased manner. These systems and methods will eliminate the current problems of non-invasive facial treatment methods such as facial toning and are widely used to improve the effects of aging on facial tissue It will enable a safe and effective method to replace invasive cosmetic surgery methods.

  Disclosed herein is a system for treating a patient's facial tissue. In one embodiment, the system includes a display and input device, at least one camera, at least one instrument, a facial stimulator instrument, and a sound oscillator. (acoustic oscillator, acoustic oscillator, acoustic exciter). The facial stimulator may be a tapping massage that includes one or more force pulses, and / or one or more electrical pulses. An electrical stimulus including an electrical signal whose characteristic value changes in a pulse shape with time is applied to the facial tissue. The facial stimulator is a facial tissue response to any of the applied force pulses, or a facial tissue response to any of the applied electrical pulses. It is also configured to measure (response, response, response, repulsive force) and evaluate the condition of facial tissue. The sound oscillator is configured to apply a sound stimulus including one or a plurality of sound pulses (acoustic pulse, sound whose intensity changes in a pulse shape with time) to a patient's facial tissue.

  In this specific example, the system further includes at least one processor and a database. The database includes at least one treatment procedure (protocol), stored, stored patient data, and at least one instrument control setting condition associated with the measurement. It is possible to have The stored patient data can include at least one facial image stored and at least one patient-specific treatment procedure.

  The system in this embodiment further includes a face treatment application, the face treatment application acquiring at least one face image using the at least one camera, and the at least one face treatment application. Evaluate the symmetry of one or more facial landmarks (facial landmarks, patient parts used for positioning, facial recognition scores) and select a treatment protocol from the facial image To be performed by the processor. The treatment procedure can have one or more instrument control settings and one or more facial landmarks to be treated.

  The facial treatment application further guides the operator to complete the treatment of the one or more facial landmarks by an operator of the system (a graphical display). ) To perform one or more treatments on the facial tissue according to the selected treatment procedure or procedures. The one or more treatments are selected from nerve treatments for nerves, muscle treatments for muscles, and circulatory system treatments for the circulatory system. The neural treatment includes applying one or more tapping massages and / or one or more electrical stimuli to one or more facial landmarks associated with the facial nerve. The muscle treatment includes applying one or more tapping massages and / or one or more electrical stimuli to one or more facial landmarks associated with facial muscles. The circulatory treatment includes the step of applying one or more sound stimuli to one or more facial landmarks associated with facial circulatory vessels.

  Further disclosed herein is a method of treating a patient's facial tissue. In one embodiment, the method includes using at least one camera to obtain at least one face image and evaluating the degree of symmetry of one or more face landmarks from the at least one face image. And selecting one treatment procedure that has not only one or more facial landmarks to be treated but also one or more instrument control setting conditions.

  The method in this embodiment further includes a graphical display (image display result) that guides the operator to complete the treatment of the one or more facial landmarks by the operator. Using to operate at least one instrument to perform one or more treatments on the facial tissue according to the selected treatment procedure or procedures. The at least one instrument can be selected from a face stimulator and a sound oscillator.

  The one or more treatments performed by the method in this embodiment are selected from nerve treatments for nerves, muscle treatments for muscles and circulatory system treatments for the circulatory system. The neural treatment includes injecting one or more tapping massages and / or one or more electrical stimuli into one or more facial landmarks associated with the facial nervous system. The muscle treatment includes injecting one or more tapping massages and / or one or more electrical stimuli into one or more facial landmarks associated with facial muscles. The circulatory treatment includes the step of injecting one or more tapping massages and / or one or more sound stimuli into one or more facial landmarks associated with facial circulation blood vessels.

  Further disclosed herein is a second example of a system for treating a patient's facial tissue, which includes a memory, at least one camera, , Including at least one instrument and a plurality of modules executed on at least one processor. The memory measures and stores at least one treatment procedure stored, stored patient data, and at least one instrument control setting condition. Including those associated with values. The stored patient data includes at least one facial image stored and at least one patient-specific treatment procedure.

  The at least one instrument can include a face stimulator, the face stimulator comprising a tapping type that includes one or more force pulses. An electrical stimulus comprising a massage and / or one or more electrical pulses (electrical signals whose electrical characteristic values change in pulses over time) is applied to the facial tissue. The facial stimulator further includes a response value of the facial tissue to any of the applied force pulses, or a response of the facial tissue to any of the applied electrical pulses. Measure the value (response, response, response) and thereby evaluate the condition of the facial tissue. The at least one instrument may include a sound oscillator, the sound oscillator including one or more sound pulses (acoustic pulse, a sound whose intensity changes in a pulse shape with time). Is applied to the patient's facial tissue.

  The plurality of modules includes a treatment procedure selection module, a nerve treatment module, a muscle treatment module, and a circulatory treatment module. The treatment procedure selection module includes the stored patient data, the analysis result of the state of the facial tissue, the stored one or more treatment procedures, and the stored one or more patient-specific treatment procedures. , One or more treatment procedures are selected based on at least one of the treatment procedures specified by the operator. The neural treatment module performs a treatment on the nervous system, the treatment being applied to one or more tapping massages and / or one or more electrics applied to one or more facial landmarks associated with the facial nerve. Includes stimulation. The muscle treatment module performs a treatment for muscle, the treatment including one or more tapping massages and / or one or more electrical stimuli applied to one or more facial landmarks associated with facial muscles. . The circulatory system treatment module performs a treatment on the circulatory system, the treatment comprising one or more tapping massages and / or one or more sounds applied to one or more facial landmarks associated with facial circulatory vessels. Includes stimulation.

  What is disclosed herein is for the purpose of at least one of improving skin appearance, reducing skin wrinkles, improving skin tone, or improving tissue function, A system for cosmetically treating a patient's tissue. In one specific example, the system includes a display unit, an input unit, a CPU (central processing unit), a memory, a first RF (high frequency) head, and an RF (high frequency) receiver antenna. Antenna), a plurality of second RF (high frequency) heads, and an electromyogram (EMG) sensor. The display includes an LCD (liquid crystal display) or other type of screen and is configured to display information related to the tissue treatment. The input unit is in electrical communication with the display unit and includes a keyboard, a touch screen, or other type of input mechanism. The input is configured to receive information related to the tissue treatment. The CPU is in electrical communication with the input unit. The memory is in electrical communication with the CPU and includes a plurality of treatment parameters associated with the tissue treatment. The first RF head can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU and includes an array of a plurality of piezoelectric transducers. The arrangement is configured to generate RF (radio frequency) over a frequency range that cannot be achieved with a single piezoelectric transducer. The RF receiver antenna can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU and is configured to detect RF energy transmitted from the first RF head and transmitted through the tissue. For the plurality of second RF heads, each RF head may have a piezoelectric transducer tuned to a natural frequency and be placed in electrical communication with the CPU. The myoelectric potential sensor can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU and is configured to detect myoelectric potential in the tissue. When the first RF head and RF receiver antenna are applied to the tissue, the system includes: a) RF energy to the first RF head, to the tissue, over an RF frequency range that is a range of multiple RF frequencies. B) causing the RF receiver antenna to detect the input RF energy that is transmitted through the tissue; and c) the plurality of RF frequencies belonging to the RF frequency range input to the tissue. Identifying an RF frequency that has the maximum transmittance through the tissue, and d) providing the identified RF frequency of the plurality of RF heads. It is configured to recommend a second RF head that is possible. When the recommended second RF head and myoelectric potential sensor are applied to the tissue, the system includes: a) a plurality of pulses for pulsing the RF energy to the recommended second RF head; B) input at the specified RF frequency over a pulse frequency range that is a range of pulse frequencies; b) causing the myoelectric potential sensor to enter the tissue due to RF energy input over the pulse frequency range; C) Detecting myoelectric potential generated in the tissue, and c) identifying one of the plurality of pulse frequencies belonging to the pulse frequency range input to the tissue that causes the maximum value of the measured value of myoelectric potential in the tissue And d) treating the tissue with the recommended second RF head at the specified RF frequency, and Configured to perform at a constant pulse frequency.

  Depending on the embodiment aspect of the system, the array may span RF over a range between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz, with the range being for example stepped between about 50 KHz and about 200 KHz. Configured to generate.

  In an aspect of the specific example of the system, the plurality of piezoelectric transducers belonging to the array includes a first piezoelectric transducer, a second piezoelectric transducer, and a third piezoelectric transducer, Each of the first, second and third piezoelectric transducers generates RF at different frequencies. In one aspect of the embodiment for the system, the plurality of second RF heads is a plurality of separate second RF heads, each having a natural frequency and another second RF head. Each natural frequency is between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz, including those tuned differently from the head.

  In one aspect of the embodiment for the system, when the recommended second RF head causes the patient to apply RF energy at the specified RF frequency over a pulse frequency range, the The pulse frequency range is between about 1 Hz and about 300 Hz. In one aspect of the embodiment for the system, the recommended second RF head is configured to transmit RF energy to the patient at the specified RF frequency between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz. The range is entered in accordance with a stored procedure and is programmatically controlled and programmed with an optimized step size, according to the type of tissue.

  In one aspect of the embodiment for the system, the system further includes an impulse head (impulse head, impact applying head, impact head), the impulse head comprising: It can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU, and is a solenoid-driven anvil that provides mechanical impulse energy to the tissue. Includes what to send. The impulse head further includes a transducer sensor that detects a wave generated in the tissue when the mechanical impulse energy is input to the tissue.

  In certain aspects of the embodiments for the system, the system further includes an electrode, which can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU and is electrically stimulated. including stimulation, electrical stimulation force) is applied to the tissue, and electrical characteristics generated in the tissue in response to the electrical stimulation are measured. The electrode can be supported by the impulse head.

  In one aspect of the embodiment for the system, the system further includes a camera, the camera can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU and the image of the tissue. Configured to shoot. The system is configured to compare a plurality of images taken of the tissue with each other before and after the treatment using the system.

  Further disclosed herein is to improve the appearance of the skin, to reduce skin wrinkles, to improve skin tone, or to improve the function of the tissue. It is a method of cosmetic treatment. In one embodiment, the method inputs RF energy to the tissue over an RF frequency range that is a range of multiple RF frequencies, detects the input RF energy, and the RF frequency range. Among the plurality of RF frequencies belonging to the above, the step of identifying (identifying, selecting) the RF frequency having the maximum transmittance transmitted through the tissue, and using the RF energy for the identified RF frequency Recommending for use in subsequent treatments to the tissue and over a pulse frequency range that is a range of pulse frequencies for pulsing the RF energy at the specified RF frequency to the tissue. Out of the plurality of pulse frequencies belonging to the pulse frequency range and the myoelectric potential in the tissue Identifying the pulse frequency that causes the maximum constant value (identify), and using the identified pulse frequency for subsequent treatment with RF energy on the tissue And injecting the RF energy into the tissue at the specified RF frequency and at the specified pulse frequency.

  In one aspect of the embodiment of the method, the step of injecting the RF energy into the tissue over the RF frequency range described above is accomplished using an RF head, each of the RF heads being each unique. A plurality of piezoelectric transducer arrays tuned to frequency are configured to generate RF over a range between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz.

  In certain aspects of the embodiments for the method, the step of injecting the RF energy into the tissue over the RF frequency range as described above includes the range over a range between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz. , And the range is inscribed with a step size between about 50 KHz and about 200 KHz.

  In one aspect of the embodiment of the method, the step of recommending the identified RF frequency for use in subsequently performing a treatment with RF energy on the tissue includes a plurality of RFs. Identifying from the head a specific RF head configured to achieve the recommended RF frequency.

  In an aspect of the embodiment of the method, the step of applying the RF energy to the tissue at the specified RF frequency over a pulse frequency range as described above includes a plurality of steps between about 1 Hz and about 300 Hz. Over a range of pulse frequencies, it is performed according to stored procedures, programmatically controlled and optimized for the type of tissue.

  In one aspect of the embodiment of the method, the step of applying the RF energy to the tissue at the specified RF frequency over a pulse frequency range as described above includes a plurality of steps between about 1 Hz and about 30 Hz. Over a range of pulse frequencies.

  Although a plurality of specific examples are disclosed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that there are still a plurality of specific examples on the matters disclosed herein when the detailed description of the invention described below is seen. The detailed description of the invention, however, is illustrated and described in text by illustrating a number of exemplary embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. As will be appreciated, the present invention can employ multiple variations from various aspects without departing from the spirit and scope of the matters disclosed herein. Accordingly, the accompanying drawings and detailed description of the invention should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as an exemplification.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a face treatment system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a face treatment application that can be executed on a computing device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a saved treatment procedure selection module in a face treatment application.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a stored treatment procedure selection module.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the face symmetry evaluation module of the face treatment application.

FIG. 6 is a two-dimensional face image in which a grid (grid, grid, grid) is displayed in an overlapping manner.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a two-dimensional guided image analysis module.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a face image display screen.

FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional face image.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the face symmetry evaluation module.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the trigger point analysis module.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a trigger point analysis module.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the nerve treatment module.

FIG. 14 is an embodiment of a guidance display screen for nerve treatment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a nerve treatment module.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the muscle treatment module.

FIG. 17 is an embodiment of a guidance display screen for muscle treatment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a muscle treatment module.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a circulatory system treatment module.

FIG. 20 is an embodiment of a guidance display screen for circulatory treatment.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a circulatory treatment module.

FIG. 22 is a side sectional view showing the face stimulator.

FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically showing a database for selecting a treatment procedure based on a diagnosis result regarding facial tissue abnormality.

FIGS. 24A-24D are multiple views showing multiple embodiments of multiple probes for a face stimulator.

FIG. 25 shows a computer screen that displays the waveform and the derived waveform data.

FIG. 26 is a side sectional view showing the sound oscillator.

FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically showing a database having a plurality of stored instrument control setting conditions. These setting conditions are used to perform electrical stimulation according to the response frequency of the facial tissue to the applied force impulse. Associated.

FIG. 28 is a diagram schematically illustrating a database having a plurality of stored instrument control setting conditions. The setting conditions include an electrical response value (galvanic response, electrical response value) in response to an applied electrical stimulus. Galvanic response), depending on the measurement of change, is associated with the implementation of electrical stimulation.

FIG. 29 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the system in use by a patient.

FIG. 30 is a diagram schematically showing the system using the evaluation RF head and the RF antenna used in the system embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 31 is a diagram schematically illustrating the system embodiment shown in FIG. 29, in which the selected treatment RF head and myoelectric potential sensor are connected to the system and acted on the patient. .

FIG. 32 is a diagram schematically illustrating the system employing the selected treatment RF head and myoelectric potential sensor for the system embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operation associated with the system embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 34 is a graph showing an example of the specified (optimum) RF frequency and the RF energy being applied in a pulsed state with an example of the specified (optimum) pulse frequency. is there.

FIG. 35 is an example of a pulsed output signal similar to that shown in FIG.

FIG. 36 is an example of a modulated output signal.

FIG. 37 is a diagram schematically showing the system that employs both a clinic unit and a plurality of home / use units connected to each other via a network.

FIG. 38 is a diagram schematically showing the system employing both a clinic unit and a plurality of home use units connected to each other by an intermediate device.

  A plurality of symbols and a plurality of names corresponding to each other indicate a plurality of elements corresponding to each other in the above-described plurality of drawings. The headings used in each drawing should not be construed to limit the scope of the claims.

  Disclosed herein are systems and methods for evaluating and treating a patient's facial tissue, the facial tissue comprising facial nerves, muscles, connective tissue and Including, but not limited to, blood vessels that perform circulation (vessels). In one aspect, the system is configured to provide one or more treatments for the patient's facial tissue, the one or more treatments in the form of tapping massage, electrical stimulation, sound stimulation, and combinations thereof. take. In another aspect, the system further obtains one or more assessments for the condition of the facial tissue at a pre-stage and / or a post-stage of the one or more treatments and The evaluation values can be configured to be stored in a database. These stored evaluation values are in the aspect of evaluating the efficacy of any of one or more treatments, monitoring changes in the facial tissue over time, and reporting the results of subsequent treatment selections. Can be used. In various embodiments of the system, a treatment can be selected using one or more methods, the one or more methods comprising a predetermined menu of treatment procedures. Selecting a treatment from a menu (menu), determining a treatment based on an analysis of the patient's facial tissue condition, and a treatment from a predetermined menu comprising a plurality of patient-specific treatment procedures. Or specifying a user-defined procedure for a treatment, but not limited to.

  In one aspect, the facial treatment system can be utilized to maintain and / or improve the health and appearance of facial tissue. There are several non-limiting examples of aspects of facial tissue health and appearance that can be treated using the face treatment system, such as Changes in appearance associated with aging and erosion of subdermal fat, including thinning of the skin, skin elasticity and tone Including loss, lowering of mouth corners, and formation of jowls; wrinkles, horizontal forehead lines, vertical lines between eyebrows including frown lines), crow's feet outside the lower eyelid, perioral lines, marionette folds, and plyatysma bands; Skin like rosacea or dermatitis And a disease (cutaneous conditions) to color change or color non-uniformity of the skin caused by (changes or irregularities in skin coloration). In some other aspects, the face treatment system may be used to treat various disorders that adversely affect one or more of the facial tissues. Is possible. Non-limiting examples of abnormalities that can be treated using the facial treatment system include strabismus, blepharospasm, hemifacial palsy (hemifacial) spasm) and other facial muscle spasms, facial muscle weakness, loss of reciprocal inhibition of facial muscles, reduced movement control function (decreased movement control), facial muscle hypertonicity, hyperhidrosis, chronic migraines, TMJ pain disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia ( post-herpetic neuralgia, facial nerve injuries, neuropraxia, neurorotmesis and axonotmesis Including: Bell's palsy, facial nerve paralysis, and facial tissue abnormalities, including muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and Ramsey Hunt syndrome Type 2 (Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) type 2) with systemic disorders, sensory anomalies, such as tinnitus or taste disorders With severe facial nerve dysfunction; central facial palsy, dysarthria, facial synkinesis, hyperlacrimation, orofacial muscle function Orofacial myological disorders, such as tongue thrust, oropharyngeal dysphagia, speech disorders , Including abnormal facial muscle tone, atypical facial pain (AFP), facial tics, and those with herpes zoster oticus .

  Several aspects of the facial treatment system described herein provide a treatment and standardized and reproducible treatment for the facial tissue of a patient. The ability to obtain and store information related to the state of facial tissue before, during and after the start of an event is also provided. Based on this information, the operator (operator, practitioner, practitioner, surgeon, operator) can quickly determine the effect of the treatment not only after a certain amount of time has passed between treatments but also after the end of a tritonment. This information can also be monitored, reporting the results of the treatment procedure selection, and waiting for the treatment to finish dynamically (in real time during the treatment, in real time during the treatment) (Without change).

In the following, several embodiments of the face treatment system, several devices included in the system, and some methods using the system are detailed.

I. Face treatment system

  In FIG. 1, a plurality of components of a facial treatment system 100 are shown. The face treatment system 100 includes a computing device 102, one or more cameras 104, a face stimulator 106, and an acoustic (RF) oscillator 108. Non-limiting examples of suitable computing devices include laptop computers, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, general purpose personal computers, or any other known processing device To do. The computing device 102 has one or more processors and memory, which are data from an operator of the system 100, one or more cameras 104, a face stimulator 106, and a sound oscillator 108. And / or transmit, receive, and process communication signals, thereby assessing the condition of the facial tissue of the patient 110, selecting a treatment procedure, and treating the facial tissue of the patient 110. Configured to perform treatment).

  The one or more cameras 104 are configured to take multiple facial images of the patient 110, which assess the facial tissue status before, during and / or after a treatment. Used to do. The face stimulator 106 is configured to deliver a plurality of percussive shock waves and / or a plurality of electrical pulses to the facial tissue of the patient 110 during the treatment. The face stimulator 106 further includes a plurality of characteristic values of the facial tissue of the patient 110, such as a force (tissue reactive force) generated in the facial tissue in response to the application of a tapping shock wave, An electrical response value (tissue galvanic response, electrical response value, tissue galvanic response, tissue electrical response) generated in the facial tissue in response to the application of the pulse is measured. The sound oscillator 108 is configured to apply sound pulses to the patient's facial tissue during treatment. The one or more cameras 104, the face stimulator 106, and the sound oscillator 108 are further configured to receive data and / or communication signals from the computing device 102, the purpose of which is by the system 100 It is to operate the devices in a coordinated manner while the treatment is performed.

  The computing device 102 has a display 112 that provides data and / or graphical user interfaces (GUIs, input / output display screens) 116 to the operator. It is comprised so that it may display. Non-limiting examples of a plurality of devices suitable for use as the display unit 112 include a computer monitor and a touch screen. The computing device 102 further includes an input device 114, which includes a keyboard and / or pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, pen, or touch screen. It is not limited to. The input device 114 is configured to input data to the GUI 116 or to interact with the GUI 116 (interact with), and the GUI 116 performs operations of the system 100. Used for. In one embodiment, display 112 and input device 114 may be a single integrated device, such as a touch screen. The GUI 116 includes a plurality of menus and other data entry forms that are used by the system 100 operator to control the operation of the system 100. It is possible to input / output to (interact with).

  The computing device 102 further includes a face treatment application 120 that generates and transmits data and / or communication signals in addition to producing and transmitting the data and / or communication signals. Or configured to receive and process communication signals, the data and / or communication signals for performing the functions of system 100 described hereinabove and detailed below. Used. Data and / or communication signals produced by the face treatment application 120 can be transmitted to the display 112, the purpose of which is to accomplish multiple functions of the system 100 by the operator of the system 100. It is to guide the operator as it is. Further, the data and / or communication signals can be transmitted to one or more cameras 104, face stimulator 106 and / or sound oscillator 108, the purpose of which is to operate the devices of system 100. It is to operate in a state of being linked with each other.

The computing device 102 further includes a database 122 that stores a plurality of stored treatment procedures 124, stored patient data 126, and a plurality of measurement-related instrument control setting condition values 132. Configured to save. The stored treatment procedures 124 may include data that is used while performing one or more treatments on the patient 110 using the system 100. For example, any one of a plurality of stored treatment procedures 124 may be a plurality of parameters used to perform a treatment at a location where that tritonment is performed on the patient's 110 facial tissue. And a plurality of instrument operating parameters (instrument operating parameters, instrument operating parameters), such as power settings or duration for instrument operation . The stored patient data 126 may include patient-specific information, the purpose of which is to monitor the condition of the facial tissue of the patient 110 over time and the past multiple times performed by the system 100. One is to store treatment records, provide future treatment schedules, and perform customized treatments using the system 100 for a particular patient 110. The stored patient data 126 may include a plurality of stored face images 128 captured by the system 100 using one or more cameras 104. The stored patient data 126 may further include a plurality of patient-specific treatment procedures 130 that are used to perform certain customized treatments for a particular patient 110 treatment. A plurality of parameters that may be included, such as past evaluation results for the condition of the facial tissue of the patient 110 and / or past multiple times performed on a particular patient 110 using the system 100. Customized for a particular patient 110 based on the treatment.

II. Face treatment application

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a facial treatment application 120A running on the computing device 102A. According to one aspect, computing device 102A includes a processing system 202, which includes one or more processors or another processing device. The processing system 202 executes a facial treatment application 120A, the purpose of which is to select a facial tissue treatment of the patient 110 (not shown) and to apply the treatment to the facial stimulator 106 (not shown) and / or Alternatively, the sound oscillator 108 (not shown) is used. The face treatment application 120A may further take and analyze a facial image of the patient 110 using one or more cameras 104 (not shown), the purpose of which is to evaluate the condition of the patient's facial tissue. There is. The database 122 is accessed by the face treatment application 120A during the execution of the face treatment application 120A to provide information, such as stored face images and other stored patient information. Treatment procedures, as well as stored instrument control setting condition values, including but not limited to.

  In one aspect, the computing device 102A includes a computer readable medium (“CRM”) 204 that is configured to have a facial treatment application 120A. The face treatment application 120A has a plurality of commands or modules that can be used by the processing system 202 to allow the user to perform a treatment on the facial tissue of the patient 110. Can be executed.

  The CRM 204 is a volatile medium, non-volatile medium, removable medium, non-removable medium and / or another available medium that can be accessed by the computing device 102A. It is possible to include. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media 204 includes computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium is a non-transitory memory, volatile, non-volatile, removable and / or non-removable medium implemented by a method or technique for storing information, and The information is, for example, computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication medium may include a medium or a system that embodies a plurality of computer-readable instructions, a plurality of data structures, a plurality of program modules, or another data and transmits information.

  The GUI module 206 transmits one or more GUIs 116 (not shown) to the display unit 112 (not shown). As described above, the operator of the system 100 inputs and outputs (interacts with) interactively with one or more GUIs (input / output screens) received from the computing device 102A. The purpose is to review multiple treatment procedures, enter data, and make several menu selections to perform a treatment using the system 100. Examples of screen shots of one or more GUIs 116 in various aspects will be described below.

In one aspect, the facial treatment application 120A includes a treatment procedure selection module 208 that includes stored patient data, analysis of multiple facial tissues of the patient, multiple To select an appropriate treatment procedure based on a selection from a menu of stored treatment procedures and / or a treatment procedure specification specified by an operator of system 100 Exists. The facial treatment application 120A further includes a plurality of modules for performing specific treatments on a plurality of facial tissues of a patient, which include a neural treatment module 216, a muscle treatment module 218, and a circulatory system. A treatment module 220 is included. Each of the modules of the face treatment application 120A will be described in detail later.

III. Treatment procedure selection module

Treatment procedure selection module 208 selects one or more treatment procedures to be performed on the facial tissue of patient 110. The one or more treatment procedures can be selected from a stored treatment procedure menu (menu, list, list) comprising a plurality of treatment procedures, or one treatment procedure can be used to evaluate a patient's facial tissue condition. It can be determined based on the results, or certain treatment procedures can be identified by the operator of system 100A. The treatment procedure selection module 208 in one embodiment may include a stored treatment protocol module 210, a face symmetry evaluation module 212, and an operator-selected treatment module 214.

a. Saved treatment procedure module

  The stored treatment procedure module 210 generates a treatment procedure menu from which an operator can select a treatment for the patient's facial tissue and the treatment selected by the operator from the menu. Configured to carry out the procedure. In one embodiment, the stored treatment procedure module 210 may include a treatment procedure selection module 302, an instrument control settings module 304, and a treatment selection module 306, as shown in FIG. The treatment procedure selection module 302 generates a treatment procedure menu and displays this menu to the operator via the GUI 116 (not shown). The treatment procedure menu described above can be a list of multiple standard treatments arranged into one or more organized schemes (arrange into). These standard treatments are achieved by facial region, facial tissue type, facial tissue disorder type, multiple treatments previously performed on the patient, facial tissue treatment Include, but are not limited to, the desired effects and multiple treatment schedules planned for the patient. In one embodiment, the stored treatment procedure module 210 can retrieve patient information from the database 122 (not shown) to generate a patient-specific treatment procedure menu comprising a plurality of patient-specific treatment procedures. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the stored treatment procedure module 210 may retrieve and retrieve one or more patient-specific treatment procedures 130 from the database 122 for use in the treatment procedure menu described above. Is possible.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the stored treatment procedure module 210 further includes an instrument control setting module 304 that is used by the operator to treat the treatment procedure menu using the treatment procedure selection module 302. Is configured to determine appropriate settings for one or more instruments used to perform a treatment procedure selected from: As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 can perform multiple treatments using one or more instruments, including but not limited to a face stimulator 106 and a sound oscillator 108. Not. In one embodiment, the instrument control settings module 304 can determine one or more control settings for the face stimulator 106, which are set as preloads. It includes, but is not limited to, the compressive force applied to the tissue, the magnitude and frequency of the tapping impact, and the power and waveform of the electrical stimulation to be applied to the facial tissue. In another embodiment, the instrument control settings module 304 can determine one or more control setting condition values for the sound oscillator 108, which should be applied to the facial tissue. For example, but not limited to, the amplitude and frequency of sound pulses. A plurality of other instrument control setting condition values that can be determined by the instrument control setting module 304 will be described in detail later.

The stored treatment procedure module 210 further includes a treatment selection module 306. When the current treatment procedure is determined by the treatment procedure selection module 302, and the plurality of device control setting condition values are initialized by the device control setting module 304, the treatment selection module 306 is configured to execute the plurality of treatments. • Execution of one or more of the modules used to perform treatments on muscular facial tissue, a facial nerve and / or a facial circulatory vessel , Treatment) can be started.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a series of actions (actions) performed by an operator of the system in one embodiment of the stored treatment procedure module 210 . In this embodiment, at step 402, the operator of the system makes a selection to access the stored treatment procedure database. Thereafter, in step 404, the operator selects a desired treatment procedure from the displayed list of stored treatment procedures. Once a treatment procedure is selected, the operator then selects any one of the plurality of treatment procedures for execution at step 406. In step 406, the saved treatment procedure module 208 ensures that only one of the plurality of treatment modules that is available for execution is suitable for the selected treatment procedure. Limited to

b. 2D face symmetry evaluation module

  Referring back to FIG. 2, the facial treatment application 120 further includes a two-dimensional face symmetry evaluation module 212 that evaluates the patient's facial tissue condition. And, based on the evaluated facial tissue condition, is configured to determine a recommended treatment procedure. The face symmetry evaluation module 212 uses one or more faces taken by a two-dimensional or three-dimensional camera (not shown) to evaluate the symmetry between left and right facial feature points or face landmarks. It is possible to analyze the image. In this embodiment, if the analysis result of the one or more face landmarks indicates that there is a sufficiently strong asymmetry between the left and right face landmarks corresponding to each other, the face treatment application 120 is It is possible to recommend one or more treatment procedures that affect a plurality of facial tissues associated with facial landmarks having the asymmetry described above.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the face symmetry evaluation module 212. In this embodiment, the face symmetry evaluation module 212 includes a two-dimensional face symmetry evaluation module 502, and the two-dimensional face symmetry evaluation module 502 captures a face image using a two-dimensional camera. And is configured to perform analysis. The face symmetry evaluation module 212 further includes a 3D face symmetry evaluation module 504. The 3D face symmetry evaluation module 504 uses a 3D camera to capture and analyze a face image. It is configured as follows. The trigger point analysis module 506 is further a selected facial tissue, using another instrument (not shown), such as the face stimulator 106 and / or the sound oscillator 108, for a two-dimensional face symmetry evaluation module. It is possible to evaluate those identified by the 502 or 3D face symmetry evaluation module 504. Once the recommended treatment procedure is identified, the instrument control settings module 508 provides the appropriate instrument control settings, and the treatment selection module 510 directs the start of one or more treatment procedures. The above-described two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional facial images, taken before and / or after the treatment, and associated patient data and / or treatment procedure information are stored in the facial image storage module 512. Is stored in the database 206 (not shown).

i. 2D face symmetry evaluation module

  The two-dimensional face symmetry evaluation module 502 can include a two-dimensional imaging module 514 configured to capture a two-dimensional face image of a patient. The two-dimensional camera interface module 516 can operate the camera via the input device 114 and the display unit 112 in order to capture the two-dimensional face image. The patient is positioned in a fixed position (in a fixed position) and the 2D image is from an operator captured via a GUI (input / output screen) on the input device 114 or other interface. Photographed using input signals (inputs). The position of the patient's face within the frame of the facial image, the degree of brightness and / or contrast, the resolution of the captured image, and any other parameters ) And those related to the two-dimensional face image are automatically determined (determined and set) by the two-dimensional imaging module 514. Instead, the two-dimensional imaging module 514 has a GUI (input / output screen) 116 (guide screen) configured to guide the operator so that a two-dimensional image of the patient's face is captured. (Not shown) can be generated. The patient's two-dimensional facial image 600 may have a superimposed grid 602 to assist in analyzing the patient's facial symmetry, as shown in FIG. .

  Taking a standard two-dimensional facial image by positioning the patient in a standard position using known methods such as fixing the patient's head in a standardized chair or rig. Is possible. In a standard secondary face image, the magnification (scalling) between the multiple distances between multiple face landmarks in the face image and the actual multiple distances is known standard On the other hand, the orientation of the face image in the horizontal and / or vertical direction can be obtained in a standardized and reproducible manner. Alternatively, a non-standard two-dimensional face image can be taken without using standardized tools. The non-standard two-dimensional face image may further have a scaling element (scaling element) such as a ruler or a reference line in the background of the two-dimensional face image. Convert known non-standard 2D face images into standard 2D face images using known image processing techniques such as scaling and rotation Can be used to facilitate subsequent analysis. In yet another embodiment, relative displacements (relative displacements, relative distances) of a plurality of face landmarks are used to evaluate face symmetry, thereby providing a standard two-dimensional face. It is possible to eliminate the need to take images. For example, the distance between the pupils of the eye as part of the maximum width dimension of the head, as a relative measurement (a relative measurement, a measurement as a reference to be compared to other measurements) It is possible to use.

  The two-dimensional face symmetry evaluation module 502 can further include a two-dimensional image analysis module 518 configured to evaluate the symmetry of a plurality of face landmarks selected from the two-dimensional face image. The two-dimensional guided image analysis module 520 guides the operator through the GUI 116 (not shown) so that a series of image analysis steps are completed by the operator, thereby analyzing the two-dimensional face image. Is possible. It is also possible to automatically evaluate a two-dimensional face image using the two-dimensional automatic image analysis module 522. In various embodiments, guided image analysis and / or automatic image analysis can be performed on a two-dimensional face image. In one aspect, the two-dimensional automatic image analysis module 522 automatically identifies a plurality of facial landmarks and compares them to each other, thereby enabling the two-dimensional guided image analysis module 520 to perform as described below. The degree of asymmetry can be obtained by a method similar to a plurality of methods executed by a plurality of analysis modules. In another aspect, the two-dimensional face image symmetry evaluation module 502 can evaluate the symmetry of a plurality of selected face landmarks using a combination of guided image analysis and automatic analysis. .

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a two-dimensional guided image analysis module 520. In this embodiment, the operator selects at least one face on a two-dimensional face image displayed in a face image analysis GUI (input / output display screen) 800 (not shown) generated by the face image interface module 702. Identify landmarks. As defined herein, facial landmarks are faces that can be identified (identifiable from) that can be used in assessing face symmetry. Means facial features. Non-limiting examples of facial landmarks include eye features such as pupils, irises, lateral or medial corners or eyebrows, and ear lobes, leaflets, or tragus Ear features such as nasal features such as the bridge of nose, nasal cavity or tip of nose, and chin cleft or chin or jaw joints jaw, chin or lower jaw) feature points, mouth feature points such as mouth corners, forehead feature points, face wrinkle, and any other facial landmarks that are 2D or 3D faces Some can easily find the position on the image.

  An example of an image analysis GUI 800 generated by the face image interface module 702 is shown in FIG. In one example, the operator has identified one facial landmark 802 on the two-dimensional facial image 600 that corresponds to the lower part of the patient's right ear lobe (identified, distinguished from others, Selected). Face landmarks identified by the operator can be represented as a dot or other symbolic representation, which can be a square or other geometric shape, It has, but is not limited to, a crosshair or any other display that is easily visible by the operator. The image analysis GUI 800 may further include one or more operation buttons (control buttons) 804A-804K, which are related to imaging and analysis of a two-dimensional image. It can be invoked to perform the necessary actions. Activation and / or deactivation of operation buttons 804A-804K includes clicking on an operation button using a mouse type input device and / or touching an operation button displayed on a touch screen type input device. This can be done by using any one of a plurality of user input methods.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the operation buttons 804A to 804K can control various functions related to the inductive two-dimensional image analysis. By activating each of the operation buttons 804H and 804K, a two-dimensional image is taken (acquired) using the two-dimensional camera, or a stored face image is retrieved from the database and read (read) )Is possible. The operator can sequentially select (identify) different face landmarks by activating the operation button 804A. The face landmark selected by the operator, such as the bottom of the earlobe 802 of the right ear, can be changed by activating the operation button 804I, or all of the face landmarks selected by the operator This can be changed by activating the operation button 804K. By activating the operation button 804D, it is possible to display all the history of the face landmark selected by the operator. By activating the operation button 804E, the image analysis GUI 800 of this time can be displayed. It is possible to print. The operator can continuously evaluate the face symmetry by activating the operation button 804C, or can execute the two-dimensional image analysis module by activating the operation button 804E. It is possible to cancel or exit the face treatment application 120 (exit) by activating the operation button 804G.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the two-dimensional guided image analysis module 520 further includes a plurality of analysis modules 704-718, which use the face image interface module 702. A plurality of face landmarks selected by the operator are compared with each other, and the two-dimensional guided image analysis module 704 corresponds to the left face landmark and the right face landmark. Evaluate the degree of symmetry. For example, a facial landmark 802 associated with the lower part of the patient's left ear lobe is compared with a facial landmark 802 associated with the patient's right ear lower part of the earlobe, thereby It is possible to evaluate the degree of symmetry of the earlobe of both ears.

  The reference axis assignment module 704 can determine a certain position on the two-dimensional image in association with the reference axis. The reference axis can be used to provide a standard geometric reference from which to determine all distances such as height or lateral separation from the face symmetry axis. is there. For example, the patient's nasal centerline can be assigned to the reference vertical axis, and a straight line perpendicular to the patient's nasal centerline can be assigned to the reference horizontal axis. Other patient landmarks that have non-exclusive eye pupils or any other facial landmarks selected by the operator are used to set one or more reference axes It is possible. The reference axes can be assigned relative to the patient's face, as described above, or relative to the absolute horizontal and / or vertical axis. For example, a patient's face image may have a reference scale, such as a ruler extending horizontally and / or a ruler extending vertically. In this example, the distance between a plurality of facial landmarks can be expressed as an absolute distance and / or a relative distance to other landmark feature points. For example, the lower position of the right ear lobe can be expressed as a relative horizontal and vertical distance from the origin specified by the operator, expressed in cm. Alternatively, the lower position of the right ear lobe can be expressed as a relative distance, such as a percentage of the interpupillary distance. Any known reference axis coordinate system can be used in the system 100, such as an orthogonal coordinate system, a polar coordinate system, and a conformal grid coordinate system. However, it is not limited to these.

  The eye comparison module 706 compares the position of the facial landmark associated with the patient's left eye with the position of the facial landmark associated with the right eye. For example, the eye comparison module 706 compares the lateral distance of each of the left and right pupils relative to the bridge of the nose with each other. In another example, the relative position of the corners of the left eye with respect to the left eyebrow, and the corners of the right eye with respect to the right eyebrow. Comparison with relative position is possible. In yet another example, the position and extent of the skin flap above each of the left and right folds can be compared to each other. In yet another example, the reflectance of the corneas of the left and right eyes can be compared with each other.

  Ear comparison module 708 compares the position of the facial landmark associated with the patient's left ear with the position of the facial landmark associated with the right ear. For example, it is possible to compare the positions of the left and right ear lobes of a patient with each other.

  The cheek comparison module 710 compares the position of the facial landmark associated with the patient's left cheek with the position of the facial landmark associated with the right cheek. For example, the position of the skin crease between the side of the nose and the cheek on each of the left and right sides of the patient's face can be compared to each other.

  The nose evaluation module 712 compares the position of the facial landmark associated with the patient's nose with the position of other facial landmarks of the same patient. For example, the position of the nose centerline can be compared to the patient's forehead centerline or the patient's chin center point.

  The mouth evaluation module 714 compares the position of the facial landmark associated with the patient's mouth with the position of other facial landmarks of the same patient. For example, the position and angle of each of the patient's left and right mouth angles can be compared to each other. In another example, the lip shape, thickness and / or length on each of the left and right sides of the mouth center can be compared to each other.

  The lower jaw contour evaluation module 716 compares the position of the facial landmark associated with the jaw on each of the left and right sides of the patient's face with each other. For example, the respective positions of the left and right corners of the patient's chin, or the angles of the patient's left and right jawline margins can be compared with each other.

Any difference (left-right difference) between the left position or angular orientation and the right position or angular orientation of any of the plurality of facial landmarks described above may be calculated by the comparison / evaluation module 706-716. In addition, it is possible to indicate a state in which the face landmark is asymmetric. Referring to FIG. 5, the face asymmetry display module 534 uses a display unit 112 (not shown) after completing the symmetry analysis of the two-dimensional face image, so that a plurality of asymmetry degrees between the left and right face landmarks is obtained. Any one of them can be displayed to the operator.

ii. 3D face symmetry evaluation module

Referring to FIG. 5 again, the face symmetry evaluation module 212 can further include a three-dimensional face symmetry evaluation module 504, and the three-dimensional face symmetry evaluation module 504 converts the three-dimensional face image. Between a plurality of selected face landmarks using a plurality of modules and methods similar to the corresponding modules and methods of the two-dimensional face symmetry evaluation module 502 The asymmetry degree is determined. The three-dimensional face symmetry evaluation module 504 includes a three-dimensional imaging module 524. The three-dimensional imaging module 524 is a three-dimensional camera, a stereoscopic camera, or any other three-dimensional image recording device or scanner. A device that operates using a three-dimensional camera interface module 526 is configured to capture a three-dimensional face image.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a 3D face image 900 that is captured using the 3D imaging module 524. In one aspect, the 3D face image 900 is a form of a virtual 3D representation that can be rotated about a selected axis to facilitate 3D image analysis. Can be displayed. In another aspect, this three-dimensional face image 900 can be displayed in the form of a series of two-dimensional displays corresponding to a plurality of different views of the three-dimensional image. There are side, rear, perspective, top and / or bottom views and / or any other two-dimensional display that can facilitate three-dimensional facial image analysis. It is not limited to.

  Referring to FIG. 5 again, the 3D image analysis module 528 includes a 3D guided image analysis module 530 and a 3D automatic image analysis module 532. The three-dimensional guided image analysis module 530 performs guided image analysis on the three-dimensional face image 900. In the guided image analysis, the operator uses the GUI (input / output screen) to display the three-dimensional face image 900 on the three-dimensional face image 900. You are prompted to select a series of facial landmarks, which are then analyzed to obtain a numerical representation that numerically represents the degree of asymmetry. The three-dimensional image analysis can evaluate the degree of asymmetry of the left face landmark and the right face landmark with respect to a plane of symmetry. For example, the plane of symmetry may correspond to a midsagittal plane that passes through the midline of the patient's nose. The facial landmarks analyzed by the three-dimensional guided image analysis module 530 are similar to those described above with respect to the facial landmarks analyzed by the two-dimensional guided image analysis module 520. Similar three-dimensional image analysis can be performed using the automatic face landmark recognition method and analysis method by using the three-dimensional automatic image analysis module 532.

The degree of asymmetry of the left face landmark and the right face landmark corresponding to each other, which is determined by the three-dimensional face symmetry evaluation module 504, is the asymmetry generated from the two-dimensional image analysis. Quantification using methods similar to those described above in relation to degree. On the other hand, the three-dimensional degree of asymmetry of each face landmark is determined using the face asymmetry display module 534 and using a method similar to that described above for displaying the two-dimensional degree of asymmetry. Can be displayed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the face symmetry evaluation module 212A. In this embodiment, at step 1002, acquisition and analysis of a two-dimensional face image can be selected. In step 1004, the two-dimensional image can be taken, and in step 1006, a guided image analysis can be performed on the two-dimensional image. In step 1008, instead of or in addition to this 2D image analysis, acquisition and analysis of 3D face images can be selected. In step 1010, the three-dimensional image can be acquired, and in step 1012, an automatic symmetry evaluation can be performed on the three-dimensional image. In step 1014, facial landmarks having a sufficiently high degree of asymmetry can be selected for display and subsequent analysis. In step 1016, the operator can exit the face symmetry analysis and return to the main treatment screen to select another action, such as applying a treatment to the patient's facial tissue. is there.

iii. Trigger point analysis module

  Referring again to FIG. 5, the numerically expressed asymmetries determined by the facial symmetry assessment module 502 can indicate a specific treatment procedure for one or more facial tissues. It is. This numerically expressed asymmetry is followed by a trigger point (trigger point, a hypersensitive point on the body surface that causes muscle pain, a painful point when pressed, that is, a tender point, a muscle stiffness site) analysis module It is also possible to identify several facial landmarks to be analyzed using 506. For example, if the patient's left mouth angle is raised more vertically than the corresponding right mouth angle, the asymmetry at this time may be muscle tone asymmetry, nerve activation pattern asymmetry and / or blood vessel It is possible to show asymmetry of the vascularization related to the position of the patient's mouth corner.

  The trigger point analysis module 506 can further evaluate the condition of the patient's facial tissue by measuring tissue characteristics, the tissue characteristic value being the electrical response of the facial tissue. Values, response values of the tissue to applied force impulses, or any other aspect of facial tissue related to or correlated with facial tissue health and condition, It is not limited. The trigger point analysis module 506 can use any known device to perform another assessment of the facial tissue condition, such as a face stimulator, myoelectric potential described below. Having, but not limited to, electrodes or any other known measuring device suitable for measuring facial tissue property values.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a trigger point analysis module 506A. The trigger point analysis module 506A includes an instrument interface module 1102 for providing a GUI or other interface used by an operator to perform measurements using one or more devices, and the one or more devices. A signal acquisition module 1104 for recording the measured value signal acquired by the signal, a signal analysis module 1106 for processing the signal from the device to detect a facial tissue condition, and a plurality of instrument control setting condition values instrument control settings module 1108 for providing (instrument control settings), and instrument control setting condition values include, for example, power setting value, frequency of tapping impact, applied electric pulse Voltage and / or waveform, applied Frequency of the pulses, as well as any other optional parameters are related to the treatment procedure has been selected.

  The trigger point analysis module 506A locates a certain facial landmark, and initializes an instrument that measures facial tissue characteristic values at positions near the facial landmark. , Obtaining one or more measurements using the instrument can be configured to guide the operator to be completed by the operator. An operator can be guided by the trigger point analysis module 506A so that multiple measurements for one or more facial landmarks are completed by the operator. The trigger point analysis module 506A can process measurements for each facial landmark characteristic value along with the degree of asymmetry for that facial landmark to determine a recommended treatment procedure. It is.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a trigger point analysis module 506B. In this embodiment, face stimulator 106, referred to as the shock wave subsystem in FIG. 12, is used to measure the tissue response to applied force impulses. . The face stimulator 106 is placed at the position of the identified facial landmark in step 1202. In one aspect, the identified face landmark can be selected as a landmark that has a relatively high degree of asymmetry by the face symmetry evaluation module 212. The face landmark to be subjected to the trigger point analysis can be displayed to the operator of the system 100 via the display unit 112. In step 1204, a force impulse is applied to the facial tissue, and in step 1206, a signal encoding the facial tissue reaction to the applied force impulse is collected by the signal acquisition module 1104. In step 1208, the signal analysis module 1106 analyzes the signal, and in step 1210, the plurality of instrument control setting condition values are determined by the instrument control setting module 1108. These instrument control setpoint values are used by one or more treatment modules 216-220 to apply a treatment to the patient's facial tissue.

  In one aspect, the signal analysis module 1106 can analyze one or more arbitrary characteristic values of the facial tissue that are responsive to force impulses applied by the facial treatment device 106, the characteristic values being Including, but not limited to, a facial tissue response value (response) waveform. A plurality of non-limiting aspects of the facial tissue response value waveform that can be analyzed by the signal analysis module 1106 are the peak amplitude, ie, maximum amplitude, peak time (peak time,) of the waveform. Elapsed time to reach peak value), rise time (rise time), fall time (fall time), frequency and area under the wave (the area under the wave, the area of the part existing under the waveform) . Peak time, as defined herein, means the elapsed time from the beginning of a waveform to the peak amplitude of that waveform. As defined in this specification, the rise time means an elapsed time until the amplitude of the waveform reaches 10% to 90% of the peak amplitude in the process of increasing the amplitude of the waveform to reach the peak amplitude. The fall time means an elapsed time until the waveform amplitude reaches 90% to 10% of the peak amplitude in the process in which the waveform amplitude decreases from the peak amplitude, as defined herein.

  Without being limited to any particular theory, there is complexity in the different shapes of the waveforms associated with the response value of the facial tissue to force impulses. In one aspect, the signal analysis module 1106 can generate a mathematical representation that mathematically represents the waveform of the facial tissue response value, and further, the mathematical representation can be converted to a facial tissue resistance value. It can be manipulated and interpreted to define the amount of fluidity, the amount of state, and / or other characteristic values.

  The signal analysis module 1106 is configured to analyze a relationship between all of the plurality of response factors, the facial tissue treatment and the measurement, ie, those related to the analysis result of the waveform. In general, because these response factors are related to facial tissue. The relationship, with respect to the stiffness characteristic value (waveform peak value), hysteresis function (wave shape) and frequency response, provides valuable information about the measured tissue condition.

  In one aspect, the measured waveform may be a sine wave, and the measured waveform may be affected by multiple tissue property values, such as tissue fluidity. (mobility) or resistance to fluidity, fascia tension, muscle tension, elasticity or inability of connective tissue, local edema, and any combination thereof, It is not limited to these. Each such waveform can be mathematically characterized by determining peak amplitude, peak time, rise time, fall time, and slew rate, and these physical quantities are characteristic of the waveform. It is possible to facilitate calculating the frequency response and certain ratios used to mathematically define the value. By analyzing the mathematical characteristic value of the waveform characteristic value, the state of the facial tissue can be evaluated using a predetermined relationship between the waveform characteristic value and the tissue state.

This is because the data is collected and recorded, and after all related mathematical calculations are completed, a summary display screen (summary display) 2500 about the waveform and the analysis result is displayed. As shown in FIG. 25, it can be displayed on the display unit 112. The summary display screen 2500 can have a graphic display screen of the waveform 2502 and the associated data 2504 and derived ratio 2506 can be evaluated by the operator during the trigger point analysis. Can be displayed. Data associated with the summary display screen 2500 can be stored in the database 122 for purposes of determining the appropriate treatment procedure and associated instrument control setting condition values. To be used by the treatment application 120. On the other hand, stored data related to trigger point analysis can be incorporated into a more comprehensive database, which includes clinical assumptions and statistical models. Used to develop and improve predictive disgnoses using multiple analysis methods that have non-exclusive. Normal values associated with healthy facial tissue waveform analysis results can be edited, stored, and used to compare normal and abnormal facial tissue to each other. The stored data can also be used to compare the facial tissue before treatment and the facial tissue after treatment with each other.

iv. Face asymmetry display module

  Referring again to FIG. 5, the asymmetry of the face landmark determined by the face symmetry evaluation module 212 can be processed for display to the operator using the face asymmetry display module 534. is there. The asymmetry degree of the face landmark can be expressed by using any one of numerical or graphical known formats. In one aspect, the asymmetry degree of each face landmark can be expressed as a numerical expression of the degree of asymmetry, and the numerical expression of the degree of asymmetry is described in this specification. Is defined as the numerical difference between the lateral displacements relative to the reference or the angular displacements relative to the reference of the left and right face landmarks corresponding to each other. The reference is, for example, the aforementioned axis of symmetry or plane of symmetry.

  The degree of asymmetry can be expressed in terms of an absolute difference between the left distance and the right distance of each of the plurality of face landmarks corresponding to each other or between the left angle and the right angle. Instead, a numerical representation of the degree of asymmetry is the difference between the left and right distances or the left and right angles of each of the corresponding face landmarks. Can be expressed as a percentage of the reference value, for example, the average value of the left distance and the right distance or the average value of the left angle and the right angle, or the left distance and the right side. It is the maximum or minimum value of the distance or the maximum or minimum value of the left angle and the right angle. In yet another aspect, a numerical representation of the degree of asymmetry is represented by each of a plurality of differences between a left distance and a right distance of a plurality of corresponding face landmarks. Divide each difference between left and right angles (each difference, left and right difference for each face landmark) by a constant (numerical constant). The constant can be normalized between, for example, the left and right distances or the left and right angles among all the face landmarks to be analyzed. Although the difference of the maximum or minimum is the maximum or minimum value.

In some other aspects, the two-dimensional face image 600 and the three-dimensional face image 900 can be analyzed using the face symmetry evaluation module 212 , and the two-dimensional symmetry analysis result and the three-dimensional It is possible to combine the result of symmetry analysis. For example, for each face landmark, the asymmetry obtained from the analysis result of the two-dimensional image and the asymmetry obtained from the analysis result of the three-dimensional image can be averaged. Alternatively, the minimum or maximum of these asymmetries can be selected for each facial landmark and displayed to the operator at each location, or from different sources Any other known method of combining a plurality of data can be used.

The face asymmetry display module 534 can display the asymmetry of the face landmark using any known format, which can be a list, table or graph or other Although it has an image display format, it is not limited to these. Non-limiting examples of suitable formats for displaying the asymmetry of the face landmarks include a list of face landmarks and numerical asymmetry for each face landmark, multiple faces A table of landmarks that includes numerical asymmetry, a bar bluff or other graph that outlines the numerical asymmetry of each face landmark, and multiple markers There is a two-dimensional face image superimposed at the position of each face landmark, where, for these markers, the number displayed in superposition, the color of the marker and / or the strength of the color for each face landmark. As an example, the degree of asymmetry of each face landmark is encoded.

v. Instrument control setting module

Referring to FIG. 5, the face symmetry evaluation module 212 can further include an instrument control setting module 508 that applies a treatment to the patient's facial tissue. Are configured to determine control settings for use of the instrument described above. The control setting condition value can be determined based on the degree of asymmetry of each facial landmark and another characteristic value of the facial tissue determined by the trigger point analysis module 506. In some embodiments, the instrument control settings module 508 can determine one or more control setting condition values for the face stimulator 106, which are applied to the tissue as a preload. Compression force applied, the magnitude and frequency of the force impulse, and the power and waveform of the electrical stimulation to be applied to the facial tissue. In another embodiment, the instrument control settings module 508 can determine one or more control setting condition values for the sound oscillator 108, which should be applied to the facial tissue. It has, but is not limited to, the amplitude and frequency of the sound pulse.

vi. Treatment selection module

Referring to FIG. 5, the face symmetry evaluation module 212 can further include a treatment selection module 510, which includes a two-dimensional face symmetry evaluation module 502 and / or a three-dimensional face. One or more treatment procedures are selected based on the analysis result of the asymmetry degree of the facial tissue determined by the symmetry evaluation module 504 and another characteristic value of the facial tissue determined by the trigger point analysis module 506. It is configured. In one aspect, a plurality of recommended treatment procedures can be displayed to an operator as a list of treatment procedure candidates. From the displayed list, one or more treatment procedures can be selected by the operator to begin applying one or more treatments to the patient's facial tissue.

vii. Face image storage module

Referring back to FIG. 5, the face symmetry evaluation module 212 may further include a face image storage module 512 that includes one or more face images and data associated therewith. Are stored in the database 122 (not shown). Non-limiting examples of facial images include a two-dimensional facial image 600 and a three-dimensional facial image 900 acquired before and / or after a facial tissue treatment. Non-limiting examples of data related to the one or more facial images to be stored by the facial image storage module 512 include: multiple facial landmarks, asymmetry degree of each facial landmark, trigger point There are other facial tissue characteristic values measured by the analysis module 506, instrument control setting condition values, and a history of past facial tissue treatments performed using the system 100. In one aspect, the information stored by the face image storage module 512 compares multiple effects of a facial treatment that affect the asymmetry or other characteristic values of the treated facial tissue. Can be used to In another aspect, stored treatment procedure information associated with the one or more facial images can be used to identify a next treatment for the same facial tissue.

c. Operator selected treatment module

  Referring again to FIG. 2, the treatment procedure selection module 208 has an operator selected treatment module 214 that has been identified by the operator via the input device 114. It is configured to develop and implement treatment procedures. In one aspect, the operator selected treatment module 214 is about applied voltage, stimulation frequency, force impulse amplitude, impulse generation frequency, and any other parameters related to the treatment procedure selected by the operator. Guidance in the form of multiple menus or multiple recommended ranges can be provided to the operator.

In one aspect, an operator can specify a specific treatment mode and a plurality of facial landmarks to be treated (specify). In this aspect, a face image can be displayed in a GUI display screen (GUI display) to display the plurality of selected face landmarks to be treated. When a particular facial landmark is selected, the GUI display screen displays to the operator a plurality of control setting condition values for the instrument used to provide the current treatment to the patient's facial tissue. Is possible. The operator can then specify a plurality of control setting condition values for the instrument via the GUI display screen. Alternatively, the GUI display screen can guide the operator to complete measurement for another characteristic value of the facial tissue, and can provide a plurality of control settings for the instrument. Condition values can be recommended to the operator based on the measured facial tissue condition. These instrument control setting condition values are used to configure the instrument used to apply the current treatment to the patient's facial tissue (configure, set the operating condition of the instrument).

IV. Multiple treatment modules

  Referring back to FIG. 2, the treatment procedure selection module 120A selects a treatment protocol for performing a treatment on the patient's facial tissue as described above. To perform the selected treatment procedure, the system 100A can utilize one or more modules that include a nerve treatment module 216, a muscle treatment module 218, and a circulatory system. A treatment module 220. In general, each of the treatment modules provides an interface that an operator uses to set the instrument so that the instrument can be used to treat a patient's facial tissue according to the selected treatment procedure. In addition, each of these treatment modules achieves the treatment specified by the selected treatment procedure with the objective that the operator places the device on the patient's selected facial landmark or landmarks. Step-by-step guidance can be provided to the operator for the purpose of operating the instrument used to do so.

  In one aspect, a post-treatment two-dimensional face image 600 and / or a three-dimensional face image 900 records changes in the state of the facial tissue generated by the treatment after completion of the treatment on the facial tissue (document, Can be obtained). In another aspect, other measurements of facial tissue status can be obtained that have non-exclusive values of facial tissue response to applied force impulses or electrical pulses. . In some embodiments, post-treatment images and measurements can be stored in the database 122.

The nerve treatment module 216, the muscle treatment module 218, and the circulatory system treatment module 220 will be described in detail later.

a. Nerve treatment module

  In one aspect, the nerve treatment module 216 guides the operator to complete facial nerve treatment by the operator according to the selected treatment procedure. In this aspect, the nerve treatment module 216 can apply percussive impacts to the facial nerve using the face stimulator 106. In some other embodiments, other treatment procedures can be implemented that have non-exclusively electrical stimulation and / or sound vibration applied to facial nerve tissue. .

  Without being limited to any particular theory, the multiple treatment procedures performed by the nerve treatment module 216 may target Golgi tendon organs in the patient's facial tissue. Is possible. The Golgi tendon spindles are encapsulated mechanoreceptors located at the myo-tendinous junction and the myo-aponeurosis junction. ). During muscle contraction, as the muscle fibers contract, the Golgi capsule containing the Golgi tendon spindle is distorted, and the contraction force of the fibers forming the Golgi capsule is the Golgi capsule. Stress is applied to encapsulated collagen fiber bundles in capsules that cause sensory nerve ending deformation. The Golgi tendon spindle has a very low threshold to overcome in order to activate, and even a single muscle fiber twitch may draw a discharge from the mechanoreceptor. . The discharge frequency of the Golgi tendon spindle controls the proprioceptive response. In long-term contraction of muscle fibers, for example, when the muscle is under static loading for a long time, the discharge frequency of the Golgi tendon spindle decreases, thereby reducing the proprioceptive response. Or disappear completely. When the proprioceptive response attenuates, the muscle activity of the main / antagonist muscles becomes spastic under static load (spastic and static). On the other hand, under long-term static loading conditions, the nociceptor stimulus response becomes hyperactivity, resulting in pain and other muscle spasms.

  The Golgi tendon spindle emits action potentials in a harmonic state (harmonically) for stimulation impulses up to 80 Hz, and in a subharmonic manner (1 / It is known to fire action potentials from 2 to 1/3). It is also known that (Ib) afferent (Ib fiber) of the Golgi tendon spindle shows an inverted action potential pattern with respect to firing (Ia) afferent (Ia fiber). It has been. As a result, the motor response is inversely proportional to the firing of the Golgi tendon spindle, ie, as the discharge frequency from the Golgi tendon spindle decreases (depresses), the motor response becomes more Become active. Thus, a decrease in the frequency of Golgi tendon spindle firing in situations where muscle contraction is long-term and static can induce motor response hyperactivity similar to muscle hypertonia. is there.

  Applying low oscillations to the Golgi tendon spindle within the known frequency response window of the Golgi capsule within the range of frequencies at which the Golgi tendon spindle launches in a harmonic state As a result, when the Golgi tendon spindle is stimulated, the discharge frequency generated in the Golgi tendon spindle responds to the induced vibration frequency in a harmonic state (harmonically), thereby , May induce an appropriate proprioceptive response. In particular, the applied force vibration elicits a harmonic response of the Ib afferent nerve of the Golgi tendon spindle, resulting in chemical stimuli, infection or inflammation in painful facial tissue. Without other factors, there is a reduction in nociceptor signaling and pain relief.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a nerve treatment module 216A. The nerve treatment module 216A includes a facial nerve image display module 1302 that generates a GUI (display screen) that is used to guide the operator through the treatment of facial nerve tissue. It is possible. The instrument configuration module 1304 can be used to identify a plurality of control setting condition values for the face stimulator used to perform facial nerve tissue treatments, and these control setting condition values include: There is, but is not limited to, the magnitude and frequency of the tapping force applied and the duration of the treatment. The trigger point frequency analysis module 1306 can guide the operator so that an analysis is completed by the operator, where the facial stimulator is used to apply the tapping force applied. A facial tissue response value over a plurality of frequency ranges is measured, and one or more instrument control setting condition values are determined based on an analysis result of the measured tissue response value. The instrument interface module 1308 provides a GUI or other interface used by an operator to operate the facial stimulator while performing a selected treatment procedure.

  An example of a facial nerve display screen (display, display result) 1400 is shown in FIG. The facial nerve display screen 1400 can include a neural image 1402, which can be used to assist the operator in locating a suitable site for treatment. Each position is illustrated. In one aspect, the position of each of the plurality of facial landmarks 1404A-1404F selected by the treatment procedure selection module 208 can be overlaid on the neural image 1402. The frequency at which the force impulse is applied to the facial nerve tissue is displayed and / or specified by using a GUI operation element (control element) such as a slider operation unit (control) 1408 shown in FIG. It is possible.

  The facial nerve display screen 1400 may further include a plurality of buttons 1406A-1406N, which are used to control various other aspects of facial nerve tissue treatment. By selecting one of the plurality of buttons 1406F-1406I, it is possible to specify the number of force impulses applied to each face landmark. By selecting any of the plurality of buttons 1406J-1406M, it is possible to designate the magnitude of the force impulse. By selecting button 1406E, trigger point analysis can be initiated. The operator can access useful reference information by selecting button 1406C. The operator moves between a plurality of facial landmarks to be treated by selecting the button 1406B, or restarts the current treatment by selecting the button 1406A, or selects the button 1406N. It is possible to finish the facial nerve tissue treatment.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a nerve treatment module 216B. In steps 1502 and 1504, the nerve image 1402 and a plurality of operation units (controls, setting operation units) for the face stimulator 106 can be displayed in the facial nerve screen 1400. At step 1506, the nerve treatment module 216B may determine whether an instrument control set condition value has been identified using the stored treatment procedure module 210 or the face symmetry evaluation module 212. If no device control setting condition value has been specified yet, in step 1508, the default value (initial value) is taken into the current device control setting condition value (populated with, the default value is given). ). When the default value is loaded, in step 1510, the neural treatment module 216B determines whether it is desirable to perform a trigger point analysis to correct the set condition value, which is the default value. If desired, in step 1512 a trigger point analysis is performed at the location of the current facial landmark.

If the instrument control setting condition value is specified in step 1506, the instrument control setting condition value is loaded into the facial nerve screen 1400 in step 1514. In step 1516, the facial landmark to be treated is displayed on the facial nerve screen 1400. If a trigger point analysis has been performed, recommended instrument control setting condition values are loaded into the facial nerve screen 1400 at step 1518 and the current treatment is performed at step 1520.

b. Muscle treatment module

  Referring again to FIG. 2, the muscle treatment module 218 follows the selected treatment procedure so that the operator can complete one or more facial muscle treatments associated with one or more facial landmarks. It is comprised so that it may induce. In this aspect, the muscle treatment module 218 can use the face stimulator 106 to apply a tapping impact and / or electrical stimulation to the facial muscle. In some other embodiments, other treatment procedures can be implemented that have non-exclusive sound vibrations applied to the facial muscles. In various embodiments, sound (voice) vibrations can take the form of pulse-modulated RF and / or amplitude-modulated RF, which include square waves or sine waves.

  In one aspect, multiple treatment procedures performed by the muscle treatment module 218 reduce fluid stagnation, thereby reducing muscle inflammation due to altered chemical environment and tissue metabolism. It is possible to promote the health of facial muscles. In some other aspects, the muscle treatment module 218 can implement a tendon vibration treatment that can stimulate mechanoreceptors and has muscle relaxation.

  Facial muscle relaxation induced by multiple treatment procedures performed by the muscle treatment module 218 can reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles associated with long-term contraction of one or more facial muscles It is. Some non-limiting examples of facial wrinkle types whose appearance may decline after facial muscle treatment include horizontal forehead associated with frontalis muscle contraction. lines, glabellar frown lines associated with the contraction of the corrugator mucles and procerus muscles, and the lateral outer eyelid associated with the movement of the orbicularis oculi Crow's feet, perioral lines related to the contraction of the orbicularis oris sphincter of the mouth, and contraction of the depressor anguli oris muscle There are marionette folds associated with, plyatysma bands associated with contraction of the platysma muscles, and any combination thereof.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a muscle treatment module 218A. The muscle treatment module 218A has a facial muscle image display module 1602 that generates a GUI (display screen, display result) that is used to guide the operator so that facial muscle tissue treatment is completed by the operator. Is possible. The instrument configuration module 1604 can be used to identify a plurality of control setting condition values for the face stimulator 106 used to perform facial muscular tissue treatments, including: There are, but are not limited to, the magnitude and frequency of the applied force impulse and the duration of the treatment. The trigger point frequency analysis module 1606 can guide the operator to be completed by the operator, in which analysis the applied force impulse is used by using the face stimulator. A facial tissue response value over a plurality of frequency ranges is measured, and one or more instrument control setting condition values are determined based on an analysis result of the measured tissue response value. The instrument interface module 1608 provides a GUI or other interface used by an operator to operate the facial stimulator during execution of a selected treatment procedure.

  An example of a facial muscle display screen (display, display result) 1700 is shown in FIG. The facial muscle display screen 1700 can include a muscle image 1702, which can be used to assist the operator in locating a suitable site for treatment. Is illustrated. In one aspect, the position of each of the plurality of facial landmarks 1704A-1704F selected by the treatment procedure selection module 208 can be overlaid on the muscle image 1702. The frequency at which the force impulse is applied to the facial muscle tissue is displayed and / or specified using a GUI operation element (control element) such as a slider operation unit (control) 1708 shown in FIG. It is possible.

  The facial muscle display screen 1700 can further include a plurality of buttons 1706A-1706N, which are used to control various other aspects of facial muscle tissue treatment. By selecting any of the plurality of buttons 1706F-1706I, it is possible to specify the number of force impulses applied to each face landmark. By selecting one of a plurality of buttons 1706J-1706M, it is possible to specify the magnitude of the force impulse. By selecting button 1706E, trigger point analysis can be initiated. The operator can access useful reference information by selecting button 1706C. The operator moves between a plurality of facial landmarks to be treated by selecting button 1706B, or restarts the current treatment by selecting button 1706A, or selects button 1706N. It is possible to finish the facial nerve tissue treatment.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a muscle treatment module 218B. In steps 1802 and 1804, a muscle image 1702 and a plurality of operation units (controls, setting operation units) for the face stimulator 106 can be displayed in the facial muscle screen 1700. In step 1806, the muscle treatment module 218B can determine whether an instrument control set condition value has been identified using the stored treatment procedure module 210 or the face symmetry evaluation module 212. If no device control setting condition value has been specified yet, in step 1808, the default value is taken into the current device control setting condition value (populated with, the default value is given). When the default value is loaded, in step 1810, the muscle treatment module 218B determines whether it is desirable to perform a trigger point analysis to modify the set condition value, which is the default value. If desired, in step 1812 a trigger point analysis is performed at the current facial landmark location.

If the appliance control setting condition value is specified in step 1806, the appliance control setting condition value is loaded into the facial muscle screen 1700 in step 1814. In step 1816, the facial landmark to be treated is displayed on the facial muscle screen 1700. If a trigger point analysis has been performed, the recommended instrument control set condition values are loaded into the facial muscle screen 1700 at step 1818 and the current treatment is performed at step 1820.

c. Cardiovascular treatment module

  Referring again to FIG. 2, the circulatory system treatment module 220 ensures that the treatment of one or more facial circulatory vessels associated with one or more facial landmarks is completed by the operator according to the selected treatment procedure. It is configured to guide the operator. In this aspect, the circulatory treatment module 220 can use the sound oscillator 108 to apply sound pulses to the facial circulation blood vessels. In some other embodiments, other treatment procedures can be performed that have non-exclusive force impulses and / or electrical stimulation applied to the facial annulus.

  The treatment procedure performed by the circulatory system treatment module 220 can stimulate improved blood flow through the facial tissue, thereby improving the health and appearance of the facial tissue.

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a circulatory treatment module 220A. The circulatory system treatment module 220A includes a facial muscle image display module 1902 that generates a GUI (screen) that is used to guide the operator to complete facial vascular treatment. It is possible. The instrument configuration module 1904 can be used to identify a plurality of control setting condition values for the sound oscillator used to perform facial vascular tissue treatment, and these control setting condition values include: There are, but are not limited to, the amplitude and frequency of the applied sound pulse and the duration of the treatment. Instrument interface module 1908 provides a GUI or other interface used by the operator to operate the sound oscillator during the performance of a selected treatment procedure.

  The trigger point frequency analysis module 1906 can guide through an operator to complete an analysis, in which the facial stimulator 106 is used to treat the treatment. At various facial landmark positions selected for, facial tissue response values over multiple frequency ranges of the applied tapping force are measured, and based on the analysis results of the measured tissue response values, One or more instrument control setting condition values are determined. For example, the trigger point frequency analysis module 1906 can determine the resonance frequency for each facial landmark by using the tissue response value measured by the face stimulator 106. The resonant frequency can be used as a basis for the treatment frequency protocol, which is applied to each facial landmark at the location of each facial landmark. Specify the frequency of multiple sound pulses.

  In one aspect, the treatment frequency protocol can be a sweep concentration frequency protocol, in which the plurality of sound pulses are programmed. It is provided in the form of a programmable duty cycle type transmit wave. In this aspect, the sound pulses have a vibration frequency that is in a range between about 800 KHz and about 1 MHz and are generated at a pulse rate that is in a range between about 3 Hz and about 300 Hz. It is possible. In this aspect, the pulse rate is within the frequency range of harmonics (harmonics, harmonics) and subharmonics (subharmonics) for the resonant frequency determined by the trigger point frequency analysis module 1906. (Concentrated within, the range of frequencies being the target frequency). This pulse can be generated as a burst or in the form of amplitude modulation.

In another aspect, the treatment frequency protocol may be a harmonic sweep concentration frequency protocol, where the pulse rate is true to the resonant frequency determined by the trigger point frequency analysis module 1906. Except that the pulse rate is first set to a frequency that matches and then the pulse rate increases and decreases within the harmonic range (the harmonic range and the subharmonic frequency range). Common with the concentration frequency protocol.

In another aspect, the treatment frequency protocol may be a resonant concentration frequency protocol , where the pulse rate is determined by the specific resonance frequency determined by the trigger point frequency analysis module 1906. Common to the sweep concentration frequency protocol and the harmonic sweep frequency protocol, except that the frequency is initially set and the pulse rate is maintained thereafter.

An example of a circulatory blood vessel display screen (display, display result) 2000 is shown in FIG. Their circulating blood vessel display screen 2000, the circulation vessel image 2002 can have a, its circulating blood vessel image 2002 locates the appropriate site for the treatment (The locate) the circulation vessel to assist an operator when The position of is shown. In one aspect, the position of each of the plurality of facial landmarks 2004A-2004F selected by the treatment procedure selection module 208 can be overlaid on the circulatory vessel image 2002. The frequency at which the sound pulse train is applied to the facial circulatory tissue is displayed and / or designated using a GUI operation element (control element) such as a slider operation unit (control, setting operation unit) 2008 shown in FIG. It is possible.

  Circulating vessel display screen 2000 may further include a plurality of buttons 2006A-2006N, which are used to control various other aspects of facial circulatory tissue treatment. By selecting one of the plurality of buttons 2006F-2006I, it is possible to designate the number of sound pulses applied to each face landmark. By selecting any one of the plurality of buttons 2006J-2006M, it is possible to designate the amplitude of the sound pulse. By selecting the button 2006E, trigger point analysis can be started. The operator can access useful reference information by selecting button 2006C. The operator moves between a plurality of facial landmarks to be treated by selecting the button 2006B, or restarts the current treatment by selecting the button 2006A, or by selecting the button 2006N. It is possible to finish the facial circulatory tissue treatment.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a circulatory treatment module 220B. In steps 2102 and 2104, the circulating blood vessel image 2002 and a plurality of operation units (controls, setting operation units) for the sound oscillator 108 can be displayed in the facial circulation blood vessel screen 2000. In step 2106, the circulatory treatment module 220B can determine whether an instrument control set condition value has been identified using the stored treatment procedure module 210 or the face symmetry evaluation module 212. If no device control setting condition value has been specified yet, in step 2108, the default value is taken into the current device control setting condition value (populated with, the default value is given). When the default value is loaded, in step 2110, the circulatory system treatment module 220B determines whether it is desirable to perform a trigger point analysis in order to correct the set condition value, which is the default value. If desired, in step 2112 a trigger point analysis is performed at the location of the current facial landmark.

If the instrument control setting condition value is specified in step 2106, the instrument control setting condition value is loaded into the circulatory blood vessel screen 2000 in step 2014. In step 2116, the facial landmark to be treated is displayed on the facial circulation blood vessel screen 2000. If a trigger point analysis has been performed, recommended instrument control set condition values are loaded into the facial circulatory vessel screen 2000 at step 2118 and the current treatment is performed at step 2120.

V. The database

Referring back to FIG. 1, the database 122 may store various data for use by the facial treatment system 100 to provide treatment to the patient's facial tissue. In one aspect, the database 122 includes a plurality of entries related to stored treatment procedures 124, stored patient data 126, and a plurality of measurement related instrument control setting condition values 132. It is possible to save. In one aspect, the stored patient data 126 can include a plurality of stored facial images 128 and a plurality of patient-specific treatment procedures 130. The items stored in the database 122 can be accessed by the modules of the facial treatment application 120 for the purpose of assisting in the analysis of the patient's facial tissue condition and for certain treatment procedures. Selection, specification of one or more instrument control setting condition values associated with the selected treatment procedure and / or measured facial tissue property values, and implementation of facial tissue treatment by the system 100.

a. Stored treatment procedure

In an aspect, the stored treatment procedures 124 provide a plurality of instrument control setting condition values, a plurality of facial landmarks, and / or any other information that identifies a treatment procedure. Is possible. FIG. 23 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a stored treatment procedure 124A. In this aspect, a stored treatment procedure 124A has a list of a plurality of pain diagnostic items 2302 and a plurality of treatment procedures 2304 associated therewith. These pain diagnosis items 2302 may be any of a plurality of pains related to the facial tissue described above. Non-limiting examples of these pain diagnostics 2302 include subdermal fat aging and erosion related appearance changes, thinning of the skin. skin, elasticity and tone loss, wrincles or jowls, changes or irregularities in skin coloration, and multiple facial tissue abnormalities Diseases include any of these, and facial tissue abnormalities include hemifacial spasm, reduced movement control, chronic migraines, facial neuralgia (trigeminal neuralgia) , Facial nerve injuries and facial tissue abnormalities, related to systemic disorders such as muscular dystrophy There is something.

b. Stored patient data

In another aspect, the database 122 includes stored patient data 126, patient information such as age, height, weight and medical history, analysis results on the patient's facial tissue, It includes, but is not limited to, multiple treatments performed on facial tissue, operator notes and comments, and multiple treatment schedules to be performed in the future. Information contained within the stored patient data 126 provides information used to select a treatment, evaluates the efficacy of the treatment performed, and / or selects a future treatment procedure, Provides information used by an operator of the system 100. Patient analysis results and treatment histories are compiled and used to discuss (discuss) the patient's condition and progress and the justification for continuing treatment and rehabilitation. Is possible.

i. Saved face image

In another aspect, multiple facial images acquired before, during and / or after a treatment can be stored in the stored facial image 128. The face images can be the aforementioned two-dimensional face image and / or three-dimensional face image. The facial images can be stored for one or more treatments and can be used to evaluate the efficacy of multiple treatments over time. In another aspect, additional information such as multiple facial landmarks, analysis results, calculated asymmetry data, and previously recommended treatments are associated with multiple facial images and stored faces. It can be stored in the image 128.

ii. Patient-specific treatment procedures

In yet another aspect, a set of treatment procedures customized for a particular patient can be stored in the stored patient data 126 as a plurality of patient-specific treatment procedures 130. The multiple items within these patient-specific treatment procedures are: multiple facial landmarks to be treated, the type of treatment to be performed, multiple instrument control settings associated with the treatment procedure, and certain Including, but not limited to, defining a treatment procedure and any other information useful for performing the treatment. In one aspect, a plurality of patient-specific treatment procedures 130 are accessed by the operator and can be used to evaluate the facial tissue of the patient without requiring facial tissue symmetry assessment results or other measurements of the patient's facial tissue status. It can be used to perform a treatment. In another aspect, the plurality of patient-specific treatment procedures 130 can have a plurality of treatment procedures for a plurality of treatments to be performed according to a schedule generated by an operator.

iii. Stored instrument control setting condition value

  In yet another aspect, a plurality of items in one or more tables used to determine one or more instrument control setting condition values based on one or more measurements for facial tissue conditions. What has to be stored in the measurement-related instrument control set condition value 132. The plurality of items are modules of the face treatment application, including trigger point analysis, dynamic adjustment of control setting condition values (dynamic adjustment, adjustment performed in real time during treatment), It can be accessed by the implementation of treatment procedures, and others related to the same. Any instrument control setting value for any of the instruments described herein may be used as a function of any measurement for facial tissue within the measurement-related instrument control setting value 132. Can be stored (in association with the measurement).

  An example of the table 132A is shown in FIG. In this table 132A, a plurality of instrument control setting condition values 2702 associated with a certain electrical stimulus are expressed as a function of the measured frequency response of the facial tissue in response to a force impulse applied by the facial stimulator 106 of, associated with the measurement). In addition, the instrument control setpoint values 2702 can be stored (in relation to as a function of) as a function of another measured facial tissue characteristic value 2706.

Another example of the table 132B is shown in FIG. In this table 132B, a plurality of instrument control setting condition values 2802 that are related to electrical stimulation are electrical response values 2804 that are generated in the facial tissue in response to electrical pulses applied by the face stimulator 106. It is stored as a function of the measurement of change (in relation to as a function of). In addition, the plurality of instrument control setpoint values 2802 can be stored as a function of another measured facial tissue characteristic value 2706 (in relation to as a function of).

VI. camera

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the face treatment system 100 may have one or more cameras that capture the patient's face image to be analyzed to determine the symmetry of the plurality of facial landmarks. . The facial images can be taken before, during and / or after the treatment of the patient's facial tissue using the facial treatment system 100. The analysis results of these facial images are used to determine the recommended treatment procedure, and to evaluate the treatment effect of facial tissues by comparing the analysis results before the treatment with the analysis results after the treatment. And / or by comparing two or more analysis results acquired over a period of time with each other for the purpose of monitoring the state of facial tissue.

There may be any device in the system 100 capable of acquiring digital images that is compatible with the computing device 102 and, in particular, the facial treatment application 120. In one aspect, one or more cameras 104 can be remotely operated by using multiple modules of the facial treatment application 120 . Any known device capable of recording facial images in digital format can be present in the system 100, including 2D cameras, stereoscopic cameras, and 3D scanning. -Although it has a device (3D scanning devices), it is not limited to these. Non-limiting examples of 3D scanning devices include time-of-flight 3D laser scanners, triangulation 3D laser scanners, LIDAR There are scanners, structured-light 3D scanners, modulated light 3D scanners, CT scanners, MRI scanners and any other known 3D scanning device. In another aspect, several other devices can be used to capture other types of facial images that are added, such as infrared imaging devices and There is an ultrasonic scanner, but it is not limited to these.

VII. Facial stimulator

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the patient's facial tissue treatment can be performed using one or more instruments having a facial stimulator 106. The facial stimulator 106 can be configured to deliver mechanical force impulses and / or electrical stimuli to facial tissue. In addition, the facial stimulator 106 can be configured to measure a facial tissue response value that results from applying force impulses and / or electrical stimulation to the patient's facial tissue.

  FIG. 22 is a side view of the face stimulator 106 in one aspect. The face stimulator 106 includes an impulse and sensing head 2202, and the impulse and sensing head 2022 includes a plurality of mechanical force impulses. And / or contact the patient's facial tissue to deliver multiple electrical pulses. The impulse and sensing head 2202 has a probe 2204, which has one or more tips 2216 that contact the patient's facial tissue. A piezoelectric sensor 2206 is securely attached to the probe 2204, and an anvil 2208 is securely attached to the piezoelectric sensor 2206 (firmly, rigidly). A solenoid assembly 2220 has a armature 2212 therein, and the armature 2212 is inserted into the electromagnetic coil 2210 without being fixed. The solenoid assembly 2220 is also an impulse and sensing head 2202. Exists within. When the pressure sensor 2214 is mounted on the impulse and sensing head 2202 and the probe 2204 is pressed against the patient's facial tissue and the pressing force reaches a preset pressure, the pressure sensor 2214 causes electromagnetic The pressure sensor 2214 is configured such that a release of a burst of current for energizing the coil 2210 is performed. When the electromagnetic coil 2210 is energized, the armature 2212 impacts the anvil 2208 and is thereby accelerated to produce a force impulse that travels past the piezoelectric sensor 2206 and the probe 2204. Thus, the force impulse is transmitted to the patient's facial tissue in contact with the probe 2204.

As shown in FIGS. 24A to 24D, various probes 2204 having different configurations can be employed together with the impulse and sensing head 2202. For example, as shown in FIG. 24A , a dual-tipped probe 2204A has a generally horseshoe-like shape with two distal ends 2216B and 2216C terminated at the sides. The tip portions 2216B and 2216C can be made of a soft material. The tips 2216B and 2216C can be attached to the stem 2402A. Of the two ends of the stem 2402A, the end opposite to the tip portions 2216B and 2216C can be connected to a piezoelectric sensor 2206 (not shown) during use. Each of the tip portions 2216B and 2216C can be terminated with electrodes 2218C and 2218D attached thereto. The tips 2216B and 2216C of the dual tip probe 2204A can each extend from the body 2202A with generally equal lengths. As shown in FIG. 24B, another embodiment, a double tip type probe 2204B has tip portions 2216D and 2216E, and the tip portions 2216D and 2216E extend from the main body portion 2402B with equal lengths, respectively. Not.

  In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24C, a single-tipped probe 2204C can have a single tip 2216F, the tip 2216F being a body portion. It extends from 2402C and terminates in the state of a single electrode 2218E. In this embodiment, electrode patches or other conductors as separate electrodes can be mounted in the patient's skin near a certain facial landmark. The single tip probe 2204C is pressed to apply electrical stimulation to the facial landmark. In another embodiment, the single tip type probe 2204D has a single tip portion 2216G, and a pair of electrodes 2218F and 2218G are connected to the tip portion 2216G of the tip portion 2216G. It is attached at a position opposite to the position where it is attached to the 2216G main body 2402D. In this embodiment, electrical stimulation can be applied by the single tip probe 2204D without the need for separate electrode patches or separate conductors.

  In general, the specific shape and dimensions of the probe 2204 can vary from one embodiment to another. In one aspect, the tips 2216B and 2216C of the dual-tipped probe 2204A can extend longer or shorter than shown in FIG. 24A away from the body 2402A. Or can be laterally separated from each other by longer or shorter distances than those shown in FIG. 24A. In another aspect, the length difference between tips 2216D and 2216E can be greater or less than that shown in FIG. 24B. In another aspect, the length, width and cross-sectional shape of the tip 2216F of the single tip probe 2204C and the position of the electrode 2218E can be different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 24C. In yet another plurality of aspects, the shape of each end of the plurality of tips 2218 can generally differ from each other in at least the plurality of shapes, which shapes are shown in FIGS. 24C and 24D. Flat ended tip as shown, rounded or hemispherical tip as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, and any other known tip shape Have

  Referring again to FIG. 22, the impulse and sensing head 2202 can further include an elongated and generally cylindrical housing 2228 that is generally conical at the front end 2232. In this way, an insertion portion (insert, a part inserted into the housing 2228) 2230 is provided. A closed end 2234 (closed end) that is closed in a cylindrical shape is attached to the other end of the housing 2228. The housing 2228 and the closed end 2234 are detachably connected by a screw screw connection, the purpose of which is to provide access to the interior of the housing 2228 and for repair, replacement, and the like. The parts of the stimulator 106 are separated from each other. When the housing 2228 is rotated and removed from the closed end 2234, the housing 2228 slides backward (back, away from the closed end 2234), and the insertion portion 2230 is also rotated and removed from the housing 2228. Is possible.

  The probe 2204 can further include one or more electrodes 2218A and 2218B that are in contact with the patient's skin to deliver electrical stimulation to the facial tissue. In this manner, one or more tip portions 2216 are attached. The electrical stimulation unit 2222 can employ a high-frequency oscillator 2224 and a power amplifier 2226 to generate a series of high-frequency electrical pulses that contact the patient's skin after the generation. Are delivered to the patient's facial tissue via electrodes 2218A and 2218B.

  The design of face stimulator 106 also provides the ability to monitor force impulses and electrical stimuli as they are applied to facial tissue. Piezoelectric sensor 2206 is capable of monitoring a force impulse as it is applied to evaluate the patient's facial tissue response to the application of the force impulse. The plurality of signals can be output to the computing device 102 for processing by the facial treatment application 120. The pressure sensor 2214 computes data representing the pressure of the probe 2204 in contact with the facial tissue (contact pressure of the probe 2204 with respect to the facial tissue). Output to device 102 for processing by face treatment application 120.

  Face stimulator 106 can obtain power from computing device 102 via electrical cable 2236. Alternatively, electrical power can be supplied through a separate electrical cord (not shown) that is electrically connected to an external power source, a suitable electrical outlet, or the like. And the electrical cord extends into the interior of the housing 2228.

In one aspect, the face stimulator 106 receives a plurality of signals from the computing device 102, which are used with the plurality of modules of the face treatment application 120 as described herein above. Control generation and delivery of force impulses and / or electrical stimuli according to one treatment procedure selected and identified. The design structure of this face stimulator 106 will be described in detail later with respect to the delivery of force impulses and electrical stimuli.

a. Force impulse generation

  In one aspect, the face stimulator 106 generates a series of force impulses and delivers them to the patient's face tissue, resulting in a tapping massage therapy. It is configured. By repeatedly oscillating armature 2212 to provide armature 2212 to anvil 2208 at a controlled frequency and for a predetermined length of time, probe 2204 of face stimulator 106 is It can be vibrated. A plurality of control signals received by the face stimulator 106 from the computing device 102 via an electrical cable 2236 or other signal transmission method controls one or more characteristic values of the plurality of force impulses. Non-limiting examples of the plurality of characteristic values of the plurality of force impulses include the frequency of production of the force impulses (the frequency of production of the force impulses), There is a peak force of each force impulse and a duration of the force impulse train.

  In another aspect, the frequency at which the plurality of force impulses are generated can be in a range between about 0.1 Hz and about 12 Hz. In another aspect, the frequency at which the plurality of force impulses are generated can vary according to a predetermined schedule received from the facial treatment application 120. For example, the frequency at which the plurality of force impulses are generated can gradually increase from about 4 Hz to about 12 Hz in steps of about 0.1 Hz. In yet another aspect, the frequency at which the plurality of force impulses are generated is continuous based on an analysis of facial tissue response measurements for the plurality of force impulses performed by the facial treatment application. It is possible to change things.

  In another aspect, the plurality of force impulses can be delivered by the face stimulator 106 in conjunction with the delivery of electrical stimuli (in synchronization with coordination with). For example, at the same moment when the armature 2212 is accelerated and a force impulse is generated, an electrical stimulus, such as an electrical pulse, is generated and delivered to the patient via the plurality of electrodes 2218A and 2218B. Is possible. Coordination between the delivery of multiple force impulses and electrical stimulation can be controlled using multiple signals received by the facial stimulator 106 from the facial treatment application 120.

  The plurality of force impulses are delivered to the facial tissue by a plurality of tips 2216 of a probe 2204 located at the front end 2232 of the housing 2228. In one aspect, the plurality of tips 2216 can be mitigated when contacting the soft tissue to be treated. The probe 2204 can be constructed of a hard material such as metal, plastic or the like. The probe 2204 can be screwed into the piezoelectric sensor 2206 or inserted by friction. A plurality of probes 2204 having different shapes can be used in accordance with a target function to be realized by the face stimulator 106. For example, when the face stimulator 106 measures the response value of the facial tissue to a plurality of force impulses, it is possible to use a probe having a different shape from the probe 2204 used to perform the facial tissue treatment. is there. Electrodes 2218A and 2218B may be supported on probe tip 2216 to provide sufficient electrical contact with skin 4 when probe 2204 is used on a patient.

  The housing 2228 houses the solenoid assembly 2220. The assembly 2220 includes an electromagnetic coil 2210 and an armature 2212 mounted in the electromagnetic coil 2210 so as to be capable of reciprocating in an axial direction without contact. The armature 2212 is configured such that one end of the armature 2212 collides with the anvil 2208 when the electromagnetic coil 2210 is excited. The anvil 2208 is attached to one of the two sides of the piezoelectric sensor 2206. Due to the collision, one force impulse is generated, and the force impulse travels through the piezoelectric sensor 2206 to cause the piezoelectric sensor 2206 to generate a waveform (waveform).

  When any of the various probes 2204 is placed against the patient's facial tissue, the ends of the probe 2204 opposite to the patient face the piezoelectric sensor 2206. The piezoelectric sensor 2206 is now firmly positioned against the anvil 2208 (reside firmly against). In one aspect, a pressure sensor 2214 is housed within the housing 2228 and sandwiched between the closed end 2234 of the housing 2228 and the solenoid assembly 2228, the pressure sensor 2214 having a single force. It is possible to control the start of the impulse. The pressure sensor 2214 is a current burst that excites the electromagnetic coil 2210 when the pressing force on the patient's facial tissue exceeds a predetermined threshold, until the armature 2212 strikes the anvil 2208. It operates in cooperation with each of several other components so that the pressure sensor 2214 outputs a signal indicating the release of what triggers the acceleration of the armature 2212 within the coil 2210.

  When the armature 2212 collides with the anvil 2208, one force impulse is generated to travel past the piezoelectric sensor 2206 in a direction that substantially matches the direction of movement of the armature 2212 just prior to the collision. In one aspect, the direction of travel of the force impulse may be affected by the resistance of the probe 2204 applied to the portion of the piezoelectric sensor 2206 opposite the anvil 2208. The resistance is due to the contact force between the probe 2204 and the patient's skin.

  Due to the kinetic energy at the time the armature 2212 collides with the anvil 2208, the piezoelectric sensor 2206 emits an electronic waveform, which is an electro-mechanical system ( Represents all of the multiple force-producing vectors (electro-mechanical conversion system) of an electromechnical system, in which the force is described by a vector and the force is controlled by controlling that vector) The electro-mechanical system is disposed on the anvil side portion of the piezoelectric sensor 2206 and is opposed to the patient's facial tissue disposed on the probe side portion of the piezoelectric sensor 2206. The electronic waveform is received and processed by a plurality of modules of the facial treatment application 120 and further stored in the database 122.

The mass of the armature 2212 is substantially the same as the mass of the anvil 2208 so that when the armature 2212 collides with the anvil 2208, the reaction force induced by the collision of the armature 2212 causes the anvil 2208, the piezoelectric sensor 2206, and the mounting. And transmitted to the patient's facial tissue. The initial separation distance between the armature 2212 and the anvil 2208 is such that its kinetic energy and resulting impact force only changes by changing the velocity of the armature 2212 upon impact with the anvil 2208. It can be determined by design. The speed of the armature 2212 is such that the inductive force of the electromagnetic coil 2210 on the armature 2212 is changed by changing the length of the excitation time (excitation time) of the electromagnetic coil 2210 while the voltage and current are constant. It is possible to change by changing .

  In one aspect, the measured value from the pressure sensor 2214 is processed, and when the measured pressure matches or exceeds the aforementioned threshold pressure value, the solenoid assembly 2220 is driven to drive the solenoid assembly. 2220 can be driven. The pressure sensor 2214 can be any known pressure sensing device that includes, but is not limited to, a load cell.

In another aspect, the relative movement of the housing 2228 relative to the solenoid assembly 2220 that is generated by pressing the probe tip 2216 against the patient's skin can drive the solenoid assembly 2220. . This movement can be configured to complete an electrical circuit that provides power to the solenoid assembly 2220 when the probe tip pressure matches or exceeds the set pressure. is there. In one aspect, the relative movement of the housing 2228 relative to the probe tip can be achieved, for example, by incorporating a spring-like elastic element disposed between the structure of the housing 2228 and the support structure of the solenoid assembly 2220. It is possible to change the preset pressure by changing the resistance value. In another aspect, changing the set pressure by changing the distance of relative movement required to complete the electrical circuit that provides power to the solenoid assembly 2220. Is possible.

b. Electrical stimulation function

  In one aspect, the face stimulator 106 generates an electrical stimulus having a series of electrical pulses and delivers it to the patient's facial tissue through electrodes 2218A and 2218B mounted on the probe tip, thereby delivering the electrical stimulus. It is configured to provide the used therapy to the facial tissue. A plurality of control signals received by the face stimulator 106 from the computing device 102 via the electrical cable 2236 or other signal transmission method controls one or more characteristic values of the electrical stimulation. Non-limiting examples of the characteristic values of the electrical stimulus include a pulse frequency, a frequency at which the electrical pulses are generated, a waveform of the electrical pulses, a current or voltage of the electrical pulses, and a series of There is a duration of electrical pulses.

  This electrical stimulation is within the known range typically used for this type of therapy. For example, the frequency at which multiple electrical pulses are generated can be in a range between about 0.1 Hz and about 150 Hz (be varied between). Non-limiting examples of waveforms suitable for multiple electrical pulses used for electrical stimulation include high voltage mono-phasic, high voltage biphasic (high voltage bi-phasic, high voltage alternating pulse), Russian symmetrical bi-phase type (Russian symmetrical bi-phasic), square wave unit phase type (square wave mono-phasic, square wave non-alternating pulse), There are square wave bi-phasic types and combinations thereof. In another aspect, the electrical response value of facial tissue during treatment is monitored via electrodes 2218A and 2218B, and the amount of change in electrical response value of facial tissue resulting from the treatment is calculated. Can be processed by multiple modules of the facial treatment application 120. The calculated value of the change in the electrical response value of the facial tissue during the treatment can be used to determine whether or how the electrical stimulation of the treatment changes. The electrical response value is continuously monitored during the current treatment, measured at discrete times prior to the current treatment, and / or discrete after the current treatment. It is possible to measure in a different time zone.

  Electrical stimulation applied to facial tissue by the facial stimulator 106 can be generated using a high frequency oscillator 2224 and a power amplifier 2226 electrically connected to the electrodes 2218A and 2218B. When pressed against the patient's skin, current is transmitted from electrode 2218 to the patient's facial tissue. In one embodiment, the delivery of the electrical stimulus is synchronized with the delivery of the plurality of force impulses generated by one or more modules of the facial treatment application 120. The maximum amplitude of the electrical stimulation can be limited by patient comfort during the treatment. The smaller the maximum amplitude of the electrical pulse, the higher the patient can withstand the electrical stimulation delivered by the electrode 2218.

In one aspect, applying electrical stimulation to facial tissue presses a pair of electrodes 2218A and 2218B attached to a plurality of probe tips 2216 against the patient's skin, and a pulse of current is applied to one electrode 2218A. To the current pulse to flow through the facial tissue and back to the other electrode 2218B. In another aspect, applying electrical stimulation to the facial tissue presses the single electrode 2218 against the patient's skin, and a pulse of current is applied from the electrode 2218 to the electrode patch or other attached to the facial tissue. This is related to causing the current pulse to flow through the conductor. In this aspect, the electrode patch or other conductor described above can be attached to the patient's skin by gluing or other methods in the vicinity of the facial landmark against which the electrode is pressed.

VIII. Sound oscillator (RF generator modulated by sound (voice) modulator)

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the facial tissue treatment of the patient 110 can be performed using the sound oscillator 108. The sound oscillator 108 can be configured to deliver a series of sound pulses to the patient's facial tissue. The operation of this sound oscillator can typically be controlled by a GUI or other graphical display screen generated by the facial treatment application 120.

One embodiment of the sound oscillator 108A is shown in FIG. The sound oscillator can have a transducer 2602 electrically connected to a coupler 2604 with a bandpass filter. Electrical oscillator 2608 and amplifier 2606 can provide an oscillating electrical signal that is used to drive transducer 2602 at a target frequency and target amplitude. An electrical cable 2612 electrically connected to the computing device 102 provides power to the sound oscillator. In addition, the electrical cable 2612 carries a plurality of signals encoding data between the sound oscillator and the facial treatment application 120 resident on the computing device 102. A housing 2610 can accommodate a coupler 2604 with a bandpass filter, an electric oscillator 2608, and an amplifier 2606. On the other hand, the converter 2602 can be mounted on one end of the housing 2610.

  In one aspect, the sound oscillator 108 receives a plurality of signals from the computing device 102, and the signals are selected and identified using the plurality of modules of the face treatment application 120 described above. Control generation and transmission of multiple sound pulses according to the procedure. The sound oscillator 108 can receive a plurality of instrument control setting condition values generated by the face treatment application 120A. The instrument control setting condition values include a sound wave type, a sound wave frequency, and one sound. There are, but are not limited to, the sound wave amplitude within the pulse, the frequency at which multiple sound pulses are generated, the duration of the series of sound pulses, and any other relevant instrument control setting values.

  In one aspect, the sound oscillator 108 can generate a plurality of RF pulses having a frequency that is in a range between about 500 kHz and about 1.5 MHz. In another aspect, the sound oscillator 108 can generate a plurality of sound pulses having a frequency of about 800 kHz. The form of the generated RF pulse can be any known RF waveform, which has a sinusoidal waveform, but is not limited thereto.

  In another aspect, the pulse generation rate of the plurality of sound pulses can be in a range between about 1 Hz and about 300 Hz. In another aspect, the amplitude or intensity of sound pulses generated by the sound oscillator can correspond to sonic or supersonic vibrations.

In yet another aspect, the system 100 can further include a pulse monitoring device (not shown) that monitors the pulse, the pulse monitoring device comprising a patient's arm, finger, Pulse monitor mounted on chest or other site, electrocardiogram (EKG) device, echocardiography device, blood pressure cuff or other blood pressure measurement device, and any other known pulse monitor Device, but is not limited thereto. In this aspect, the patient's pulses can be monitored by the system 100, and in order to enhance the effect of multiple sound pulses, the application of those sound pulses is performed each heartbeat of the patient's heart. Can be performed at a preset timing before, during or after. In yet another aspect, a sound-transmitting gel, such as an aqueous gel compound, can be applied to the patient's skin to increase the efficiency with which the sound pulses are transmitted to the patient's facial tissue.

XI. A method of applying RF energy at an optimum RF frequency and an optimum pulse frequency for tissue.

  In one embodiment of the system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes any of the features described above, and further includes a pressure wave system or pressure wave module, the pressure of which The wave system or pressure wave module is part of the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and is used with the sound oscillator 108. Specifically, the pressure wave module is added to or used in place of the face stimulator 106 and the devices and algorithms that support the operation of the face stimulator 106. . Such a pressure wave system or pressure wave module 5010 is shown schematically in FIG. In one embodiment, the pressure wave module 5010 and associated methods may apply pressure waves (eg, sound waves) 20 to the patient's skin tissue (eg, the patient's face, neck, etc.) to apply the neural stimulation. (Skin tissue on the part) 25 is delivered in the form of a plurality of pulses having a frequency range from 1 Hz to 300 Hz. That is, in one embodiment, a tissue in which a burst of pressure wave energy 20 is a target among a plurality of tissues on the patient's face is a burst, intermittent, intermittent or discontinuous delivery at intervals. 25.

  As can be seen from FIG. 29, which is a schematic diagram showing the system 5010 in use with the patient 15, the system includes a display 5030, an input 5035, a central processing unit (CPU) 5040, It has a memory 5045 and at least one pressure wave (RF energy) generator (eg, a sound wave generator) 108. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other type of screen that displays information related to the use of the system 5010 in treating the patient 15. For example, the display unit 5030 may display the patient's age, face, name, medical history, treatment duration, timing sequences and procedures, pressure wave shape, frequency, and the like.

  The input unit 5035 is in electrical communication with the display unit 5030 and may have a keyboard, touch screen, mouse, stylus and / or other type of input mechanism. This input is configured to accept information related to the patient's treatment, such as patient age, skin tissue condition and location, target treatment duration, timing sequences, procedures, etc. Has been.

  The CPU 5040 is in a state of electrically communicating with the display unit 5030, the input unit 5035, and the memory 5045. The memory 5045 may have a plurality of treatment parameters and treatment procedures associated with the patient's treatment, such as, for example, for each patient type, the patient's skin tissue type. Pressure wave type, frequency, magnitude, etc. for each and every type of skin tissue condition.

  The pressure wave generator 108 is in electrical communication with the CPU 5040 and applies pressure waves (eg, sound waves) to the tissue 25 of the patient 15, eg, the face, neck or other cosmetically treated patient. It is configured to be delivered to the site. The pressure wave generator 108 can have the form of a hand-held wand, as shown, or a strap or other device for tying the pressure generator 108 to the patient 15. Can be equipped. The pressure generator 108 may be capable of generating pressure energy (eg, sound energy) over a wide range, and the pressure energy may range from super energy (eg, ultrasound) and short to long wavelength waves. Have. In one embodiment, the pressure energy 20 generated by the pressure wave generator 108 is a long wavelength pressure wave.

  In general, a conductive gel is applied to the patient's skin tissue 25 to facilitate the transmission of pressure waves to the patient's skin and underlying tissue and muscle. The pressure wave generator 108 is configured to deliver a pressure wave having a frequency between 500 kHz and 1.5 MHz. In one preferred embodiment, the pressure wave generator 108 delivers an 800 kHz pressure wave to the patient 15. Desirably, the pressure wave has a sinusoidal waveform, but other waveforms and other wave profiles may be generated.

  In various embodiments, the pressure wave generated by the pressure wave generator 108 can be modulated to transmit the pressure wave throughout the patient's skin and underlying tissues and muscles. It is. For example, the pressure wave can be pulsed at a lower frequency. In one example, a pressure wave having a frequency between 500 kHz and 1.5 MHz is pulsed at a lower frequency, between 1 Hz and 300 Hz, to induce a neural potential. Can be done. This pulsation of the pressure wave also reduces the heat generated in the tissue, and the plurality of low frequency parts (the plurality of parts having the above-mentioned low frequency among the pressure waves). Is intended to increase the mechanical effect on the tissue and / or nerve.

  The CPU 5040 causes the pressure wave generator 108 to generate a pressure wave having a target frequency, a target magnitude (magnitude) and a target duration (duration, pulse width) in order to realize neural stimulation. For example, the pressure wave is achieved by introducing a pulsed pressure wave, which pulsed an 800 MHz transmission wave in a sweep pattern within a frequency range from 1 Hz to 300 Hz, Thereby, all of the plurality of frequencies belonging to the frequency range are introduced within a time interval that can be controlled by a program. This pressure wave can be continuously generated and modulated. FIG. 35 shows two types of patterns including amplitude modulation. A square or sine wave can be generated by the device.

  Various embodiments for the system 5010 may have more or fewer features depending on the intended use and / or the user scheduled for the system. For example, one embodiment of the system 5010 can be configured for use at home by a patient. This embodiment for system 5010 may not have extensive monitoring facilities. Conversely, another embodiment of the system 5010 can be provided for use in a clinic. Clinic embodiments for the system 5010 may have all the monitoring devices described herein and other monitoring equipment or medical equipment as desired by a medical professional. Regardless of whether the device is configured for home use or clinic use, the systems and methods disclosed herein stimulate the nervous and circulatory systems, thereby providing an It is advantageous in terms of improving function and appearance, which is generally emphasized by treatments for the health and beauty of the skin, for example the face, the neck and other parts of the body and the muscles and tissues below it By the way.

  In one embodiment, the systems and methods disclosed herein provide RF energy to a patient's tissue at an RF frequency determined to have the highest transmittance in that tissue, and to maximize muscle. It is possible to have an injection at a pulse frequency (frequency at which RF energy is pulsed) determined such that a potential measurement occurs. As a result, such RF energy input is performed at an RF frequency that will cause the RF energy to travel through the patient's tissue at the maximum distance, and such RF energy input may be neuronal. The stimulation is performed separately so that the maximum effect is realized.

As can be understood from FIG. 29, the system further includes an evaluation RF head 5200, a pressure wave generator 108, an RF antenna 5210, and an myoelectric potential (EMG) sensor. The pressure wave generator 108 may have a form of a plurality of treatment RF heads 5205a to 5205e, which are collectively referred to as 5202. Evaluation RF head 5200 and RF antenna and / or sound measurement device 5210 may be placed in electrical communication with CPU 5040.

  As shown in FIG. 30, which is a schematic diagram of the system 5010 using the evaluation RF head 5200 and the RF antenna 5210, the evaluation RF head 5200 has an array 5203 composed of a plurality of piezoelectric transducers 5220a-5220e. The piezoelectric transducers 5220a-5220e are electrically connected to a multiplexer or pulse control 5225, which is electrically connected to an automatic gain control amplifier (AGC amplifier) 5230, The AGC amplifier 5230 is electrically connected to the sweep oscillator generator 5235. The evaluation RF head 5200 is electrically connected to a comparator 5237, and the comparator 5237 is electrically connected to the CPU 5040 and the display unit 5030.

  Each piezoelectric transducer 5220a-5220e belonging to array 5203 is tuned to generate RF energy at a frequency different from that of other piezoelectric transducers belonging to the same array. The piezoelectric transducers 5220a to 5220e constituting the array 5203 of the evaluation RF head 5200 cover a range covering a plurality of RF energy frequencies different from each other over a range between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz. It is realized to be engraved with a step size between about 50 KHz and about 200 KHz. For example, the first piezoelectric transducer 5220a is tuned to 500 KHz, the second piezoelectric transducer 5220b is tuned to 600 KHz, and so on up to the rest of the piezoelectric transducers, so that the array 5203 is RF energy. Can be realized in a range between about 500 KHz and 1.5 MHz, with the range being engraved with a step size of 100 KHz, resulting in 11 individually tuned piezoelectrics. An array 5203 with transducers is created. Thus, the array 5203 is configured to generate RF energy over a frequency range that is not possible with a single piezoelectric transducer.

  As can be seen from FIG. 30, the RF receiver antenna 5210 is electrically coupled to a bandpass filter 5240, which is electrically coupled to a linear amplifier 5245, which is The level detector 5250 is electrically connected to the level detector 5250, and the level detector 5250 is electrically connected to the comparator 5237. 29 and 30, the evaluation RF head 5200 is used for patient tissue, and the RF receiver antenna and / or sound measurement device 5210 includes the evaluation RF head 5200 of the patient tissue. Used at another location away from the location currently used for the patient tissue. The RF receiver antenna is configured to detect RF energy transmitted from the evaluation RF head 5200 and transmitted through the patient tissue. For example, in FIG. 29, the tissue target position where the current treatment is performed is wrinkels called crow's feet outside the lower eyelid, and the target position is the side of both eyes of the patient. In this case, the RF receiver antenna 5210 can be mounted on the patient's skin (skin) above the forehead above the eyebrows and the cheek below the eyes. is there.

  When the evaluation RF head 5200 and the RF receiver antenna 5210 are used in patient tissue, the system 5010 uses a sweep oscillator generator 5235 and a multiplexer 5225 to transmit multiple RF energy to the patient tissue. The sweep oscillator generator 5235 is configured to input a series of frequencies (a series of frequencies, a plurality of frequencies different from each other) step by step. , And across the range of frequencies covered by the array 5203, and the multiplexer 5225 has a discrete step frequency (appropriate stepped frequency) suitable for the sweep oscillator generator 5235. a discrete frequency corresponding to a-5220e), the piezoelectric transducers 5220a-5220e (appropriate piezoelectric transducers) among the plurality of piezoelectric transducers 5220a-5220e are suitable. To the one corresponding to the frequency). As the array 5203 of evaluation RF heads 5200 is swept to pass a plurality of different frequencies as described above, the RF receiver antenna 5210 is transmitted RF energy and transmitted through the patient. Is detected. The comparator 5237, in cooperation with the CPU 5040, identifies the RF frequency having the highest transmittance that passes through the patient from a plurality of RF frequency ranges input to the patient via the array 5203 of the evaluation RF head 5200. . The system 5010 uses, as the treatment RF head, a treatment RF head that can provide the specified RF frequency among a plurality of treatment RF heads 5205a to 5205e collectively referred to as 5202 via the display unit 5030, for example. Recommend.

  29, each of the treatment RF heads 5205a-5205e is different from the natural frequency of the other treatment RF heads 5205a-5205e. It has a piezoelectric transducer tuned to frequency. Therefore, the plurality of treatment RF heads 5205a to 5205e, which are collectively referred to as 5202, can be constituted by a plurality of treatment RF heads that are sufficiently diverse so as to cover a plurality of RF frequency ranges in stages. Is possible. For example, each of the plurality of treatment RF heads 5205a to 5205e generically designated by 5202 has a different frequency from the other treatment RF heads 5205a to 5205e of the plurality of treatment RF heads 5205a to 5205e generically designated by 5202. Individually tuned to generate RF energy. A plurality of treatment RF heads 5205a-5205e, collectively referred to as 5202, span a range of different RF energy frequencies that range between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz, the ranges being about 50 KHz and about 200 KHz. It is realized to be engraved with a step width between. For example, the first treatment RF head 5205a can have a piezoelectric transducer tuned to 500 KHz, and the second treatment RF head 5205b can have a piezoelectric transducer tuned to 600 KHz. The same is done up to the rest of the treatment RF heads, so that the plurality of treatment RF heads 5205a-5205e, generically designated 5202, can have RF energy of about 500 KHz and 1.5 MHz. Can be realized with a frequency range between and with a step width of 100 KHz, resulting in a treatment RF having eleven treatment RF heads individually tuned A head aggregate 5202 is created. Thus, certain treatment RF heads 5205a-5205e are adapted from the treatment RF head assembly 5202 to the RF frequency specified via the array 5203 and the comparator 5237, as described above with reference to FIG. Can be selected.

  When a treatment RF head 5205a-5205e that matches the specified RF frequency is selected from the treatment RF head assembly 5202, the selected treatment RF head is shown in FIG. Are electrically connected to each other. For example, using array 5203 and comparator 5237 as described above with reference to FIG. 29, a frequency of 600 KHz is determined to have the highest transmission from patient tissue 25 so that system 5010 can be used for treatment. A treatment RF head 5205b from the RF head assembly 5202 is recommended. As shown in FIG. 31, the treatment RF head 5205 b is electrically connected to the system 5010, and the myoelectric potential sensor 5215 is electrically connected to the system 5010. The treatment RF head 5205 b and the myoelectric potential sensor 5215 are both used for the patient tissue 25.

The system 5010 is currently shown schematically in FIG. Specifically, the selected treatment RF head 5205b includes a piezoelectric transducer 5300, which is electrically coupled to a pulse control 5225, which is controlled by a pulse control 522. The pulse amplifier 5230 is electrically connected to the sweep oscillator generator 5235. The pulse amplifier 5230 is electrically connected to the amplifier 5230. The treatment RF head 5205b is electrically connected to a comparator 5237, and the comparator 5237 is electrically connected to the CPU 5040 and the display unit 5030 described above with reference to FIG.

  As can be understood from FIG. 32, the myoelectric potential sensor 5215 having a plurality of electrodes is electrically connected to the band-pass filter 5240, and the band-pass filter 5240 is electrically connected to the linear amplifier 5245, The amplifier 5245 is electrically connected to the level detector 5250, and the level detector 5250 is electrically connected to the comparator 5237. As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the treatment RF head 5205b is used for the patient tissue 25, and the myoelectric potential sensor 5215 includes the treatment RF head 5205b currently in the patient tissue. Used at another location away from the location being used. The myoelectric potential sensor is configured to detect the myoelectric potential generated in the patient tissue 25 due to the RF energy input to the patient tissue via the treatment RF head 5205b. For example, in FIG. 31, the tissue target position where the current treatment is performed is wrinkels called crow's feet outside the lower eyelid, and the target position is the side of both eyes of the patient. As shown in FIG. 31, the myoelectric potential sensor 5215 is attached to the forehead above the eyebrows and the cheek below the eyes, as shown in FIG. Is possible.

  When the treatment RF head 5205b and the myoelectric potential sensor 5215 are used in patient tissue, the system 5010 causes the treatment RF head 5205b to deliver RF energy to the patient tissue at the specified RF frequency (600 KHz in this example). In addition, the sweep oscillator generator 5235 and the pulse control 5225 are used to input a pulse frequency range that is a range of a plurality of pulse frequencies for pulsing. At this time, the sweep oscillator is used. The generator 5235 generates a series of pulse frequencies (a series of pulse frequencies), and the pulse control 5225 generates an RF energy of 600 KHz to be applied to the series of frequencies (a series of frequencies, a plurality of frequencies different from each other) in a stepwise manner so as to cross a range of a plurality of pulse frequencies generated by the sweep oscillator generator 5235. In one embodiment, the treatment RF head 5205b provides RF energy to the patient at the specified RF frequency (in this example, 600 KHz) and at a plurality of pulse frequencies between about 1 Hz and about 300 Hz. Sweep oscillator generator 5235 is configured to input over a range such that the range is engraved with a step size, which, in one embodiment, is between about 1 Hz and about 30 Hz by a user. Is defined in the software by an algorithm that makes it possible to determine the scan time (scan time, time to collect image data, data collection time). Optimal multiple scan times are set from heuristic data in the database for each tissue type and / or for each part, such as face, neck, etc. For example, the database stored in the memory of the system can be used to preset the scan time based on the target tissue or the target area input to the interface of the system. The type or area of interest is associated with a plurality of specific scan times in the database.

  As the sweep oscillator generator 5235 sweeps the treatment RF head 5205b to pass a plurality of different frequencies as described above, the myoelectric potential sensor 5215 detects the myoelectric potential generated in the patient. In cooperation with the CPU 5040, the comparator 5237 has a pulse with the maximum measured value of the patient's myoelectric potential out of a plurality of pulse frequency ranges input to the patient via the sweep oscillator generator 5235 and the treatment RF head 5205b. Specify the frequency. The system 5010 uses, for example, a treatment pulse frequency that can be used for using the treatment RF head 5205b via the sweep oscillator generator 5235 among the plurality of pulse frequencies via the display unit 5030. Recommended as a setting condition. For example, the myoelectric sensor and the comparator cooperate with each other to determine a 20 Hz pulse frequency that results in a maximum patient myoelectric potential measurement. Accordingly, the system 5010 treats the RF head 5205b for treatment to input 600 KHz RF energy at a pulse frequency of 20 Hz (i.e., the 600 KHz RF energy is pulsed at 20 Hz during application to patient tissue). It is recommended to use FIG. 34 shows a graph of an RF energy that, as used in this example, was applied at the specified (optimum) RF frequency of 600 KHz, and the RF of 20 Hz. It is injected at the specified (optimum) pulse frequency. FIG. 35 is an example of a pulsed output signal similar to that shown in FIG. FIG. 36 is an example of a modulated output signal. In some embodiments of the system, RF energy is applied at a specified (optimum) RF frequency (eg, 600 Hz) and the RF energy is pulsed in the same manner as shown in FIG. Thus, it is possible to pulse at a specified (optimal) pulse frequency (eg, 20 Hz). In some implementations, RF energy at a specified RF frequency can be modulated at a specified pulse frequency in a manner similar to that shown in FIG.

  As can be understood from the above description with respect to FIGS. 29-32, RF energy is applied to the patient tissue at a more permeable RF frequency and, consequently, a pulse frequency that results in the highest myoelectric potential measurement. This method is disclosed herein. For example, as can be understood from FIG. 33, RF energy is applied to the patient via the transducer array 5203 of the evaluation RF head 5200 over an RF frequency range that is a range of multiple RF frequencies (block 6000). . The input RF energy is detected via an RF receiver antenna and / or sound measurement device 5210 (block 6005). The CPU 5040 and the comparator 5237 identify the RF frequency having the highest transmittance that passes through the patient among the plurality of RF frequencies belonging to the RF frequency range (block 6010). Display 5030 recommends the identified RF frequency for use in subsequent treatments with RF energy on the patient (block 6015). An available treatment RF head 5205b corresponding to the identified RF frequency is selected from a plurality of treatment RF heads, generically designated 5202, and coupled to the system 5010 (block 6020). A baseline myoelectric detection value is collected from the patient using the myoelectric sensor 512 (block 6022), and then RF energy is delivered to the patient by using the selected RF treatment head 5205b. The frequency is input over a range of pulse frequencies (block 6025). A myoelectric potential sensor 5215, a comparator 5237, and a CPU 5040 are used to identify a pulse frequency that results in the maximum myoelectric potential detection value of the patient among a plurality of pulse frequencies belonging to the pulse frequency range (block 6030). In addition, the display 5030 recommends the identified pulse frequency for use in subsequent treatments with RF energy on the patient (block 6035). The selected treatment RF head 5205b is then used to deliver RF energy to the patient at the specified RF frequency and at the specified pulse frequency (block 6040).

  The embodiment for the system described above in connection with FIGS. 29-33 applies to patient tissue RF energy having a specified RF frequency and a specified pulse frequency, In some embodiments, the system 5010 does not apply the identified RF frequency over a range of stepped pulse frequencies, rather than a plurality of stepped pulse frequencies. It is applied over a range of step amplitudes (stepped amplitudes). Thus, when a particular step amplitude is identified that will produce the greatest myoelectric potential measurement, RF energy has the identified RF frequency and the identified amplitude in the patient tissue. Can be applied.

  By injecting RF energy into the patient tissue to have a specified RF frequency and a specified pulse frequency, the RF energy is maximized as indicated by the detection value of the myoelectric sensor. It can be tailored to travel through the patient tissue at a distance that is as maximal as possible at the pulse frequency to achieve the effect, and the detection value of the myoelectric potential sensor is It shows the instantaneous feedback on the therapeutic impact of RF energy, which is the instantaneous response value to the measured value of tissue temperature, the degree of tissue oxygenation Is unlikely to be obtained by other measurements or other measurements. Over time and during the treatment by the system 10, the characteristic value of the patient tissue may change with respect to the RF frequency and / or pulse frequency that is considered optimal for obtaining a therapeutic effect. Therefore, the method outlined in FIG. 33 is again used to identify a new optimal RF frequency that requires selecting a new treatment RF head from the treatment RF head assembly. It is possible to use. The new treatment RF head and the method described above can also be used to identify a new optimal pulse frequency. The system can then be used to inject RF energy into patient tissue to have the new optimal RF frequency and the new optimal pulse frequency.

  Applying pulsed RF energy to patient tissue is a corresponding plurality of waves, where the energy of the waves is, for example, highly sensitive to fascia, muscle, tendon or bone This is advantageous in that it produces something that progresses through patient tissue to be released in multiple boundary layers. Thus, releasing mechanical energy in those boundary layers stimulates the nervous and vascular systems, thereby providing a therapeutic effect for the tissue, which typically has traditional health and The treatment for beauty was the focus. Pulsing RF energy having an optimal RF frequency also leads to a reduction in the amount of heat generated in the tissue as compared to continuously applying RF energy having an optimal RF frequency.

  The embodiments of the system described above in connection with FIGS. 1-36 can also be used as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, in which the system is It is possible to use a part for use by a physician at the clinic (ie, the clinic part) and a part used after returning to the patient's home (ie, the home use part). Specifically, the clinic department diagnoses a patient, assembles a treatment for the patient, treats the patient, and stores treatment data related to the treatment actually performed on the patient. In addition, it is used by doctors in the clinic. The home use department is also provided with the assembled treatment and, in some cases, the stored treatment data, which is sent back to the patient's home with the patient, thereby allowing the clinic to go to the clinic. The treatment can be continued at the patient's home without having to return. For example, data and treatment information can be downloaded from the clinic section to the home use section. In one embodiment, the clinic section can be configured in the same manner as any of the plurality of embodiments for the system described above, and the home use section can be configured in the same manner. However, in a more portable configuration, it can probably be configured so that it eventually has fewer features and can establish a data link with the clinic. It is.

  As can be understood from FIGS. 37 and 38, in one embodiment, the home use section 400 and the clinic section 410 can be connected to each other by a data link 420. The data link 420 may have a connection between the home use unit 400 and the clinic unit 410, which connection may include a treatment operation performed in the home use unit 400 and / or It is possible to upload data related to the result value. The data link 420 may have any means for connecting the home use section 400 to the clinic section 410 or a server, file storage system, or database readable by the clinic section 410. For example, as shown in FIG. 37, the data link has a network connection 430, such as an Ethernet connection or a Wi-Fi connection, a mobile phone connection or any other network connection. It is also possible to connect to the clinic part 410 directly or via an intermediate medium such as the Internet or any other network. The data link 420 can then upload data representing the work and / or result values to the clinic 410 for analysis.

  In various embodiments, the data link 420 may have an I / O port that can communicate with the intermediate device 440 that is in communication with the clinic portion 410. For example, as shown in FIG. 38, the intermediate device 440 can have a portable data storage device that is physically transported to the clinic 410. Or connected to a device in electrical communication with the clinic 410. This data storage device can have a universal serial bus (USB) port, which can work with a generic USB flash drive, external hard disk or other USB Connected to a USB drive such as a simple storage device. The USB drive can be connected to the home use unit 400 and data links to data related to the operation and / or result values of treatments performed in the home use unit 400. It is possible to receive from 420. This USB drive can then be physically transported to the location of the clinic unit 410 and the data is uploaded to the clinic unit 410 via the data link 420. In other various embodiments, the USB drive can be connected to a home computer or any other internet-enabled device and the data uploaded to the clinic 410. Can be done.

  In various embodiments, the data link 420 can be configured to automatically transmit data representing the work and / or result values to the clinic. This automatic transmission can be performed every time the home / use department completes a treatment, every time a set time interval elapses, when a request is received from the clinic department, or according to a treatment result. is there. In one example, the data link may automatically upload data representing the work and / or result values every weekend. In another example, the data link may automatically upload data representing the work and / or result value when a result value exceeds a threshold in some way. The result value can have any of a number of related comparison results. For example, in addition to tracking multiple outcome values for a user's treatment, the home use department can also track multiple average outcome values and standard deviations. If a user's multiple outcome values are unsatisfactory when averaged over a period of time, it may be necessary to make changes to the user's treatment, and the data link is bad. With respect to an average value of a certain result value, data representing the work and / or the result value can be automatically transmitted to the clinic unit. Similarly, if the user sets multiple out-of-standard (outlier) result values that are located outside the standard deviation from the mean value, upload those result values. Is possible. In the case of a communication link that is not connected by a network, the user connects the intermediate device to the system of the home use department and uploads the data to the clinic department or is responsible for the intermediate device. There is a possibility that the system of the home use department will prompt you to bring it to a doctor.

According to the present invention, the following several aspects are also provided.

(Aspect 1)
  A system for cosmetically treating a patient's tissue for the purpose of at least one of improving skin appearance, reducing skin wrinkles, improving skin tone or improving skin function,
  A display having a liquid crystal display or other type of screen configured to display information related to the treatment of the tissue;
  An input unit in electrical communication with the display unit and having a keyboard, touch screen or other type of input mechanism and configured to receive information related to the treatment of the tissue And
  A CPU in electrical communication with the input unit;
  A memory in electrical communication with the CPU having treatment parameters associated with the treatment of the tissue;
  A first RF head capable of being placed in electrical communication with the CPU, comprising an array of a plurality of piezoelectric transducers, which is not possible with a single piezoelectric transducer. Configured to generate RF over a range of frequencies;
  An RF receiver antenna capable of being placed in electrical communication with the CPU and configured to detect RF energy transmitted through the tissue from the first RF head; ,
  A plurality of second RF heads, each second RF head having a piezoelectric transducer tuned to a natural frequency and capable of being placed in electrical communication with the CPU;
  An myoelectric potential (EMG) sensor capable of being placed in electrical communication with the CPU and configured to detect myoelectric potential in the tissue;
  Including
  With the first RF head and RF receiver antenna used for the tissue, the system includes:
a) causing the first RF head to apply RF energy to the tissue over an RF frequency range that is a range of multiple RF frequencies;
b) causing the RF receiver antenna to detect the input RF energy transmitted through the tissue;
c) Identifying the RF frequency having the highest transmittance through the tissue among the plurality of RF frequencies belonging to the RF frequency range input to the tissue,
d) configured to recommend a second RF head capable of providing the specified RF frequency among the plurality of RF heads;
  With the recommended second RF head and myoelectric sensor used in the tissue, the system
a) causing the recommended second RF head to apply RF energy to the tissue at the specified RF frequency and over a pulse frequency range that is a range of frequencies for pulsing;
b) causing the myoelectric potential sensor to detect myoelectric potential generated in the tissue because the RF energy has been applied to the tissue over the pulse frequency range;
c) identifying the pulse frequency at which the myoelectric potential detection value in the tissue is maximum among the plurality of pulse frequencies belonging to the pulse frequency range input to the tissue;
d) A system configured to treat the tissue using the recommended second RF head and at the specified RF frequency and at the specified pulse frequency.
  (Aspect 2)
  The system of aspect 1, wherein the array is configured to generate RF over a range between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz.
  (Aspect 3)
  In aspect 2, wherein the arrangement is configured to generate RF over a range between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz, the range being inscribed with a step size between about 50 KHz and about 200 KHz. The described system.
  (Aspect 4)
  The plurality of piezoelectric transducers belonging to the array include a first piezoelectric transducer, a second piezoelectric transducer, and a third piezoelectric transducer, the first piezoelectric transducer, the second piezoelectric transducer, and the third piezoelectric transducer. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the generators generates RF at frequencies that do not overlap each other.
  (Aspect 5)
  The plurality of second RF heads includes a plurality of second RF heads different from each other, each tuned to a different natural frequency, each natural frequency being between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the system is within range.
  (Aspect 6)
  The pulse frequency range is between about 1 Hz and about 300 Hz when the recommended second RF head causes the patient to apply RF energy at the specified RF frequency over the pulse frequency range. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the system is within range.
  (Aspect 7)
  The recommended second RF head stores the range of RF energy to the patient at the specified RF frequency over the pulse frequency range that is within a range between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz. The system according to aspect 6, wherein the plurality of procedures are controlled by the program and are made to be input so as to be cut at an optimum step size for the tissue type.
  (Aspect 8)
  In addition, including an impulse head,
  The impulse head can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU and has a solenoid driven anvil configured to deliver mechanical impulse energy to the tissue;
  The system of claim 1, wherein the impulse head further comprises a transducer sensor that detects a wave generated in the tissue as the mechanical impulse energy is applied to the tissue.
  (Aspect 9)
  Furthermore, including an electrode,
  The electrode can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU and is configured to apply an electrical stimulus to the tissue and read an electrical property value of the tissue that responds to the electrical stimulus. The system of claim 1 provided.
  (Aspect 10)
  The system of claim 9, wherein the electrode is supported by the impulse head.
  (Aspect 11)
  In addition, including a camera,
  The camera can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU and is configured to take an image of the tissue,
  The system according to aspect 1, wherein the system is configured to compare the images of the tissues taken before and after performing the treatment by itself with each other.
  (Aspect 12)
  A method of cosmetically treating a patient's tissue for the purpose of at least one of improving skin appearance, reducing skin wrinkles, improving skin tone or improving skin function,
  Injecting RF energy into the tissue over an RF frequency range that is a range of multiple RF frequencies;
  Detecting the input RF energy;
  Identifying the RF frequency having the highest transmittance through the tissue among the plurality of RF frequencies belonging to the RF frequency range;
  Recommending the identified RF frequency to be used for subsequent treatment with RF energy performed on the tissue;
  Injecting the RF energy into the tissue at the specified RF frequency and over a pulse frequency range that is a range of frequencies for pulsing;
  Identifying the pulse frequency at which the myoelectric potential detection value in the tissue is maximum among the plurality of pulse frequencies belonging to the pulse frequency range;
  Recommending the identified pulse frequency to be used for subsequent treatment with RF energy performed on the tissue;
  Injecting the RF energy into the tissue at the specified RF frequency and at the specified pulse frequency;
  Including methods.
  (Aspect 13)
  The step of injecting the RF energy into the tissue over the frequency range is performed using an RF head, the RF head having an array of a plurality of piezoelectric transducers, each piezoelectric transducer having its own characteristic. 13. The method of aspect 12, wherein the arrangement is tuned to frequency and the array is configured to generate RF over a range between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz.
  (Aspect 14)
  The step of injecting the RF energy into the tissue over the frequency range spans a range between about 500 KHz and about 1.5 MHz, such that the range is engraved with a step size between about 50 KHz and about 200 KHz. The method according to embodiment 12, wherein the method is performed.
  (Aspect 15)
  The step of recommending the identified pulse frequency to be used for a subsequent treatment with RF energy performed on the tissue includes, among a plurality of RF heads, the recommended RF frequency. A method according to aspect 12, comprising the step of identifying a particular RF head configured to achieve
  (Aspect 16)
  Applying the RF energy to the tissue at the specified RF frequency and over a pulse frequency range that is a range of frequencies for pulsing is a pulse that is in a range between about 1 Hz and about 300 Hz. A method according to aspect 12, wherein the method is controlled by a program and is optimized for a tissue type by a plurality of stored procedures over a frequency range.
  (Aspect 17)
  Applying the RF energy to the patient at the specified RF frequency and over a pulse frequency range that is a range of frequencies for pulsing is a pulse frequency that is within a range between about 1 Hz and about 30 Hz. A method according to aspect 12, wherein the method is performed over a range.
  (Aspect 18)
  A system for treating a patient's facial tissue,
  A display and an input device;
  At least one camera;
  At least one device selected from a facial stimulator and a sound oscillator, wherein the facial stimulator performs a tapping massage with one or more force impulses and / or an electrical stimulation comprising one or more electrical pulses Responsive to either one of the plurality of applied force impulses or the plurality of applied electrical pulses to apply to the facial tissue and evaluate the condition of the facial tissue. Measuring a response value generated in the facial tissue, the sound oscillator applying a sound stimulus having one or more sound pulses to the facial tissue;
  At least one processor;
  A database comprising at least one treatment procedure stored, stored patient data, and at least one measurement-related instrument control setting condition value, wherein the stored patient data is stored at least Having one facial image and at least one patient-specific treatment procedure;
  A facial treatment application executed by the processor;
  Including
  The face treatment application is
  Photographing at least one face image using the at least one camera;
  Evaluating the symmetry of one or more facial landmarks from the at least one facial image;
  Selecting a treatment procedure having one or more instrument control setting condition values and one or more facial landmarks to be treated;
  Performing one or more treatments on the facial tissue according to one or more selected treatment procedures by manipulating the at least one instrument using a graphical display screen;
  Is what
  The graphical display screen guides the operator to complete the treatment on the one or more facial landmarks by an operator of the system;
  The one or more treatments are:
  A neural treatment having one or more tapping massages and / or one or more electrical stimuli for one or more facial landmarks associated with the facial nerves;
  A muscle treatment having one or more tapping massages and / or one or more electrical stimuli for one or more facial landmarks associated with facial muscles;
  A circulatory treatment having one or more sound stimuli for one or more facial landmarks associated with facial circulatory vessels;
  System selected from.
  (Aspect 19)
  The system of aspect 18, wherein the input device is a touch screen device.
  (Aspect 20)
  The system according to aspect 18, wherein the at least one face image is a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image.
  (Aspect 21)
  The stored at least one face image includes at least one face image, one or more face landmarks selected from the face image, and each face evaluated by the face treatment application. 21. The system according to aspect 20, comprising landmark asymmetry.
  (Aspect 22)
  The at least one stored facial image includes a first facial image that is taken before the one or more treatments are performed on the facial tissue, and the one or more treatments on the facial tissue. The system according to aspect 21, including a second face image that is shot after being executed.
  (Aspect 23)
  The stored at least one treatment procedure includes at least one item;
  19. The system of aspect 18, wherein each of the at least one item includes a diagnostic result for a facial tissue abnormality and a treatment procedure associated with the diagnostic result.
  (Aspect 24)
  The selection of the treatment procedure is as follows:
  Selecting any one of the stored treatment procedures;
  Selecting any of the plurality of patient-specific treatment procedures;
  Selecting a treatment procedure based on a tissue abnormality identified by a result of evaluating the symmetry of the one or more facial landmarks of the facial image;
  Manually inputting the certain treatment procedure via the input device;
  19. A system according to aspect 18, performed by any of the above.
  (Aspect 25)
  The plurality of instrument control setting condition values are:
  A plurality of tapping massage control parameters, a frequency at which the one or more force impulses are generated, a peak value of each force of the one or more force impulses, and a duration of the tapping massage What is selected
  A plurality of electrical stimulation control parameters, a frequency at which the one or more electrical pulses are generated, a waveform of each of the one or more electrical pulses, a current of each of the one or more electrical pulses, or Selected from the peak value of voltage, the frequency of each of the one or more electrical pulses, and the duration of the electrical stimulation;
  A plurality of sound stimulation control parameters, each of the one or more sound pulses, a frequency of each of the one or more sound pulses, and each of the one or more sound pulses. Selected from amplitude, frequency at which multiple sound pulses are generated, and duration of the sound stimulus;
  The system of aspect 18, comprising at least one of the following:
  (Aspect 26)
  26. The system of aspect 25, wherein the frequency at which the one or more force impulses are generated is in a range between about 0.1 Hz and about 12 Hz.
  (Aspect 27)
  26. The system of aspect 25, wherein the frequency at which the one or more electrical pulses are generated is in a range between about 0.1 Hz and about 150 Hz.
  (Aspect 28)
  The waveform of each of the one or more electric pulses includes a high voltage mono-phasic type, a high voltage bi-phasic type, and a high voltage bi-phasic type. Russian symmetrical bi-phasic (Russian symmetrical bi-phasic), square wave mono-phasic (square wave non-alternating pulse), square wave bi-phasic (square wave bi-phasic) , Rectangular wave alternating pulses) and combinations thereof.
  (Aspect 29)
  26. The system of aspect 25, wherein the frequency at which the one or more sound pulses are generated is in a range between about 1 Hz and about 300 Hz.
  (Aspect 30)
  26. The system of aspect 25, wherein the frequency of each of the one or more sound pulses is in a range between about 500 kHz and about 1.5 MHz.
  (Aspect 31)
  The graphical display screen used to guide the operator to complete the treatment for the one or more facial landmarks by the system operator;
  Of the plurality of face images, one or a plurality of symbols are displayed so that each symbol displays a certain face landmark;
  A list of instrument control setting condition values,
  At least one operation button and
  Including
  The system according to aspect 18, wherein the treatment function is executed by selecting one operation button on the display unit.
  (Aspect 32)
  32. The system according to aspect 31, wherein the one or more symbols incorporate a display that displays the asymmetry of each facial landmark, selected from colors, graphs, and numerical overlays.
  (Aspect 33)
  The treatment function for one operation button is
  Initiating the treatment for a face landmark;
  Stopping the treatment;
  Resuming the treatment;
  Moving to the next facial landmark,
  Correcting any of the plurality of instrument control setting condition values;
  Exiting the graphical display screen;
  32. The system according to aspect 31, selected from:
  (Aspect 34)
  Performing the one or more treatments further comprises:
  Manipulating the at least one instrument to measure the response value of the facial tissue;
  Analyzing the response value of the facial tissue, thereby estimating the state of the facial tissue;
  Adjusting one or more of the plurality of instrument control setting condition values based on the estimated facial tissue state;
  A system according to aspect 18, comprising:
  (Aspect 35)
  The response value of the facial tissue is
  A waveform of the response value of the facial tissue to the applied force impulse, selected from a maximum amplitude, a peak time, a rise time, a fall time, a frequency, and an area under the waveform;
  A galvanic skin response value to the applied electrical pulse;
  35. The system according to aspect 34, selected from:
  (Aspect 36)
  Adjusting the plurality of instrument control setting condition values is performed at one or more discrete timings, the timing being determined by the operator of the system and the timing before the one or more treatments are performed. 36. The system according to aspect 35, selected from the selected timing.
  (Aspect 37)
  36. The system of aspect 35, wherein adjusting the plurality of instrument control setting condition values is performed substantially continuously during execution of the one or more treatments.
  (Aspect 38)
  A method of treating a patient's facial tissue,
  Photographing at least one face image using at least one camera;
  Evaluating the symmetry of one or more facial landmarks from the at least one facial image;
  Selecting a treatment procedure having one or more instrument control set condition values and one or more facial landmarks to be treated;
  Manipulating at least one instrument selected from a face stimulator and a sound oscillator using a graphical display screen that guides the operator to complete the treatment for the one or more facial landmarks. Performing one or more treatments on the facial tissue in accordance with the selected one or more treatment procedures;
  Including
  The one or more treatments are:
  A neural treatment having one or more tapping massages and / or one or more electrical stimuli for one or more facial landmarks associated with the facial nerves;
  A muscle treatment having one or more tapping massages and / or one or more electrical stimuli for one or more facial landmarks associated with facial muscles;
  A circulatory treatment having one or more sound stimuli for one or more facial landmarks associated with facial circulatory vessels;
  Method selected from.
  (Aspect 39)
  A system for treating a patient's facial tissue,
  A memory having at least one treatment procedure stored, stored patient data, and at least one measurement-related instrument control setting condition value, wherein the stored patient data is stored at least Having one facial image and at least one patient-specific treatment procedure;
  At least one camera;
  At least one device selected from a facial stimulator and a sound oscillator, wherein the facial stimulator performs a tapping massage with one or more force impulses and / or an electrical stimulation comprising one or more electrical pulses Responsive to either one of the plurality of applied force impulses or the plurality of applied electrical pulses to apply to the facial tissue and evaluate the condition of the facial tissue. Measuring a response value generated in the facial tissue, the sound oscillator applying a sound stimulus having one or more sound pulses to the facial tissue;
  A plurality of modules executing on at least one processor;
  Including
  These modules are
  The stored patient data, the analysis result of the state of the facial tissue, one or more of the stored treatment procedures, and one of the stored patient-specific treatment procedures. Or a treatment procedure selection module that selects one or more treatment procedures based on at least one of a plurality and a treatment procedure identified by an operator;
  A neural treatment module for performing a neural treatment having one or more tapping massages and / or one or more electrical stimuli on one or more facial landmarks associated with the facial nerve;
  A muscle treatment module for performing a muscle treatment having one or more tapping massages and / or one or more electrical stimuli on one or more facial landmarks associated with facial muscles;
  A circulatory treatment module for performing a circulatory treatment having one or more sound stimuli for one or more facial landmarks associated with facial circulatory vessels;
  Including system.
  (Aspect 40)
  The treatment procedure selection module further includes:
  Saved treatment module,
  A face symmetry evaluation module;
  Trigger point analysis,
  A treatment selection module,
  Face image storage module and
  Including
  The stored treatment module is
  A treatment procedure selection module for displaying a menu of a plurality of stored treatment procedures and receiving a result of selecting a stored treatment procedure from the displayed menu;
  An instrument control setting module that initializes the control setting condition value for the at least one instrument to match the instrument control setting condition value for the selected stored treatment procedure;
  A treatment selection module that initializes execution of the treatment module identified by the selected stored treatment procedure;
  Including
  The face symmetry evaluation module includes:
  An imaging module having a camera interface module that captures a face image using the camera;
  An image analysis module that identifies one or more facial landmarks and evaluates the symmetry of the facial landmarks;
  Including
  The image analysis module is
  Displaying the face image and prompting an operator of the system to identify one or more face landmarks using a first display screen (GUI), and symmetry of the face landmarks identified by the operator An inductive image analysis module for analyzing
  An automatic image analysis module that automatically identifies one or more facial landmarks and analyzes the symmetry of the identified facial landmarks;
  Including
  The trigger point analysis prompts the operator to acquire another measurement using the face stimulator at the position of one or more facial landmarks of the facial tissue,
  The another measurement is selected from a facial tissue response value to an applied force impulse and a facial tissue response value to an applied electrical pulse;
  The treatment selection module is configured to determine one or more treatment procedures based on one or more of the symmetry of the analyzed one or more facial landmarks and the another measurement for the facial tissue. Select
  40. The system of aspect 39, wherein the face image storage module stores a face image in the one or more face images stored for the stored patient data.
  (Aspect 41)
  The guided image analysis module further includes:
  A reference axis assignment module for setting a symmetry axis or a symmetry plane for the one or more face images;
  A face image interface module for displaying the first display screen (GUI) and receiving an input signal from an operator via the first display screen (GUI);
  An eye comparison module that evaluates the symmetry of multiple facial landmarks associated with the left and right eyes of the patient;
  An ear comparison module that evaluates the symmetry of multiple facial landmarks associated with the patient's left and right ears;
  A cheek comparison module that evaluates the symmetry of multiple facial landmarks associated with the patient's left and right cheeks;
  A nose evaluation module that evaluates the symmetry of multiple facial landmarks associated with the patient's nose;
  A mouth evaluation module that evaluates the symmetry of multiple facial landmarks associated with the patient's mouth;
  A lower jaw contour evaluation module for evaluating the symmetry of multiple facial landmarks related to the patient's lower jaw contour;
  41. The system according to aspect 40, comprising:
  (Aspect 42)
  The trigger point analysis module further includes:
  An instrument interface module that uses a second display screen (GUI) to guide the operator to obtain another measurement of the facial tissue response value;
  A signal acquisition module for receiving said another measurement;
  A signal analysis module that analyzes the other measurement value to estimate the state of the facial tissue;
  An instrument control setting module for determining the instrument control setting condition value to be used for the selected treatment procedure;
  41. The system according to aspect 40, comprising:
  (Aspect 43)
  The nerve treatment module further includes:
  A facial nerve image display module that generates a third display screen (GUI) to guide the nerve treatment to be completed by the operator;
  An instrument configuration module that receives and implements the plurality of instrument control setting condition values;
  Triggering to acquire and analyze another measurement value for the facial tissue, thereby estimating a state of neural tissue and adjusting the plurality of instrument control setting condition values based on the estimated state of the neural tissue Point frequency analysis module,
  An instrument interface module for receiving an input signal for operating the instrument to perform the neural treatment from an operator via the third display screen (GUI);
  40. The system of aspect 39, comprising:
  (Aspect 44)
  The muscle treatment module further includes:
  A facial muscle image display module that generates a fourth display screen (GUI) for guiding the muscle treatment to be completed by the operator;
  An instrument configuration module that receives and implements the plurality of instrument control setting condition values;
  Trigger to obtain and analyze another measurement value for the facial tissue, thereby estimating a state of muscle tissue, and adjusting the plurality of instrument control setting condition values based on the estimated state of muscle tissue Point frequency analysis module,
  An instrument interface module for receiving an input signal for operating the instrument to perform the muscle treatment from an operator via the fourth display screen (GUI);
  40. The system of aspect 39, comprising:
  (Aspect 45)
  The circulatory treatment module further includes:
  A facial circulatory system image display module for generating a fifth display screen (GUI) for guiding the circulatory system treatment to be completed by the operator;
  An instrument configuration module that receives and implements the plurality of instrument control setting condition values;
  A trigger that obtains and analyzes another measurement for the facial tissue, thereby estimating a state of the circulatory tissue and adjusting the plurality of instrument control setting condition values based on the estimated state of the circulatory tissue; Point frequency analysis module,
  An instrument interface module for receiving an input signal for operating the instrument to perform the circulatory treatment from the operator via the fifth display screen (GUI);
  40. The system of aspect 39, comprising:

  The above is merely illustrative of the gist of the present invention. Various modifications and variations to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Thus, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that although not illustrated or described in text herein, many that embody the gist of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is possible to devise a system, apparatus and method. It will be understood by those skilled in the art from the foregoing textual description and drawings that the specific embodiments are illustrated and described in text and are for illustration purposes only. It is not intended to limit the scope of. Reference to specific embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims (11)

A system for cosmetically treating a patient's tissue for the purpose of at least one of improving skin appearance, reducing skin wrinkles, improving skin tone or improving skin function,
A display configured to display information related to the treatment of the tissue ;
An input unit in electrical communication with the display unit configured to receive information related to the treatment of the tissue ;
A CPU in electrical communication with the input unit;
A memory in electrical communication with the CPU having treatment parameters associated with the treatment of the tissue;
A first RF head capable of being placed in electrical communication with the CPU, comprising an array of a plurality of piezoelectric transducers, which is not possible with a single piezoelectric transducer. Configured to generate RF over a range of frequencies;
An RF receiver antenna capable of being placed in electrical communication with the CPU and configured to detect RF energy transmitted through the tissue from the first RF head; ,
A plurality of second RF heads, each second RF head having a piezoelectric transducer tuned to a natural frequency and capable of being placed in electrical communication with the CPU;
A myoelectric potential (EMG) sensor capable of being placed in electrical communication with the CPU and configured to detect myoelectric potential in the tissue;
With the first RF head and RF receiver antenna used for the tissue, the system includes:
a) causing the first RF head to apply RF energy to the tissue over an RF frequency range that is a range of multiple RF frequencies;
b) causing the RF receiver antenna to detect the input RF energy transmitted through the tissue;
c) Identifying the RF frequency having the highest transmittance through the tissue among the plurality of RF frequencies belonging to the RF frequency range input to the tissue,
d) configured to recommend a second RF head capable of providing the identified RF frequency among the plurality of second RF heads;
With the recommended second RF head and myoelectric sensor used in the tissue, the system
a) causing the recommended second RF head to apply RF energy to the tissue at the specified RF frequency and over a pulse frequency range that is a range of frequencies for pulsing;
b) causing the myoelectric potential sensor to detect myoelectric potential generated in the tissue because the RF energy has been applied to the tissue over the pulse frequency range;
c) identifying the pulse frequency at which the myoelectric potential detection value in the tissue is maximum among the plurality of pulse frequencies belonging to the pulse frequency range input to the tissue;
d) A system configured to treat the tissue using the recommended second RF head and at the specified RF frequency and at the specified pulse frequency. The system of claim 1, wherein the array is configured to generate RF over a range between 500 KHz and 1.5 MHz. The array is configured to generate RF over a range between 500 KHz and 1.5 MHz, the range being inscribed with a step size between 50 KHz and 200 KHz. The system described in.   The plurality of piezoelectric transducers belonging to the array include a first piezoelectric transducer, a second piezoelectric transducer, and a third piezoelectric transducer, the first piezoelectric transducer, the second piezoelectric transducer, and the third piezoelectric transducer. The system of claim 1, wherein each generates RF at a frequency that does not overlap each other. The plurality of second RF heads includes a plurality of second RF heads different from each other, each tuned to a different natural frequency, each natural frequency being between 500 KHz and 1.5 MHz The system of claim 1, which is in range. When the recommended first 2RF head is caused to perform to put over the pulse frequency range to the patient at RF frequencies the identified RF energy, the pulse frequency range between 1 Hz and 300 Hz The system of claim 1 in the range of The recommended second RF head stores RF energy over the pulse frequency range that is within the range between 500 KHz and 1.5 MHz to the patient at the specified RF frequency, and the range is stored. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of procedures are controlled by a program and are made to be engraved with a step size that is optimal for the tissue type. In addition, including an impulse head,
The impulse head can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU and has a solenoid driven anvil configured to deliver mechanical impulse energy to the tissue;
The system of claim 1, wherein the impulse head further comprises a transducer sensor that detects a wave generated in the tissue as the mechanical impulse energy is applied to the tissue. Furthermore, including an electrode,
The electrode can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU and is configured to apply an electrical stimulus to the tissue and read an electrical property value of the tissue that responds to the electrical stimulus. The system of claim 1. Furthermore, including an electrode,
The electrode can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU and is configured to apply an electrical stimulus to the tissue and read an electrical property value of the tissue that responds to the electrical stimulus. And
The system of claim 8 , wherein the electrode is supported on the impulse head. In addition, including a camera,
The camera can be placed in electrical communication with the CPU and is configured to take an image of the tissue,
The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to compare the images of the tissue taken before and after performing the treatment by itself with each other.