JP2022145873A - Head hair care device, head hair care method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate an adverse effect on hygiene in a head hair care treatment.

SOLUTION: A head hair care device includes a vibrator board including a concave curve surface, a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators arranged on the concave curve surface of the vibrator board, and a processor for controlling the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators. The processor drives the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators to radiate, from the plurality of ultrasonic vibrators, a converged ultrasonic wave that converges on a focal point determined by the shape of the concave curve surface, thereby contactlessly applying acoustic radiation pressure by the converged ultrasonic wave to a treatment part located at the focal point.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present disclosure relates to a hair care device, a hair care method, and a program.

By promoting hair growth or hair growth, the hair problem (thinning or hair loss) is eliminated. Various means are known for promoting hair growth or growth.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a hair growth and hair growth device that promotes hair growth or hair growth by attaching electrodes to the scalp of a subject.

JP 2015-134144 A

However, in the technique of Patent Literature 1, part of the device for hair growth and hair growth is brought into contact with the scalp, which may adversely affect hygiene.

An object of the present disclosure is to eliminate adverse effects on hygiene in hair care.

A hair care device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes:
a vibrator disc including a concave curved surface;
a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged on the concave curved surface of the transducer board;
a processor that controls the plurality of ultrasonic transducers,
The processor drives the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to cause the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to radiate focused ultrasonic waves focused on a focal point determined by the shape of the concave curved surface. Non-contact application of acoustic radiation pressure by the focused ultrasound to the treatment site located;
It is a hair care device.

According to the present disclosure, adverse effects on hygiene are eliminated in hair care.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hair care device according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration related to an ultrasonic transducer in the hair care device of the first embodiment; 1 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flowchart of hair care processing according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-1 of the hair care device of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-2 of the hair care device of the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-3 of the hair care device of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-4 of the hair care device of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-5 of the hair care device of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-6 of the hair care device of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-7 of the hair care device of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hair care device according to a second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration related to an ultrasonic transducer in the hair care device of the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the overview of the second embodiment; 9 is a flowchart of hair care processing according to the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the appearance of Configuration Example 2 of the hair care device of the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hair care device of Modification 1; 10 is a flowchart of hair care processing of Modification 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 3 of the hair care device of modification example 2; 14 is a flowchart of hair care processing of Modified Example 3. FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a hair care method of modification 4. FIG.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for describing the embodiments, in principle, the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

In the following description, the "X direction" is the horizontal direction of the radiation surface of at least one ultrasonic transducer described later, the "Y direction" is the vertical direction of the radiation surface, and the "Z direction" is It is the normal direction of the radiation surface, that is, the radiation direction of the ultrasonic waves.

(1) First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described.

(1-1) Configuration of Hair Care Apparatus The configuration of the hair care apparatus of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the hair care device of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration related to an ultrasonic transducer in the hair care device of the first embodiment.

The hair care device 1 of FIG. 1 is configured to provide ultrasonic hair care to a user's head (for example, the scalp, hair (including hair roots, hereinafter the same), or a combination thereof).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the hair care device 1 includes a storage device 11 , a processor 12 , an input/output interface 13 , a communication interface 14 and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 .

Storage device 11 is configured to store programs and data. The storage device 11 is, for example, a combination of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage (eg, flash memory or hard disk).

Programs include, for example, the following programs.
・OS (Operating System) program ・Driver application program for controlling the ultrasonic transducer 15 ・Application program for executing information processing

The data includes, for example, the following data.
・Databases referenced in information processing ・Data obtained by executing information processing (that is, execution results of information processing)

The processor 12 can be configured to realize the function of the controller of the hair care device 1 by activating the programs stored in the storage device 11 . Processor 12 is an example of a computer.

Processor 12 controls a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 . Specifically, the processor 12 controls the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 to emit ultrasonic waves.

The input/output interface 13 is configured to acquire a signal (for example, a user's instruction) from an input device connected to the hair care device 1 and output a signal to an output device connected to the hair care device 1. be.
Input devices are, for example, keyboards, pointing devices, touch panels, remote controllers, push buttons, switches, or combinations thereof.
Output devices are, for example, displays, speakers, vibration devices, optical guides, or combinations thereof.

The communication interface 14 is configured to control communication between the hair care device 1 and an external device (eg, server, user device (eg, smart phone, wearable device)) not shown.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 are arranged, for example, in an array on a transducer board 16 . A plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 are configured to be driven (ie, vibrate) under control by processor 12 .

As shown in FIG. 2B, the oscillator disc 16 includes a paraboloid (an example of a “concave curved surface”) 16S. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 are arranged on the paraboloid 16S.

(1-2) Outline of Embodiment An outline of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the first embodiment.

A processor 12 drives a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 simultaneously, for example. Each driven ultrasonic transducer 15 emits an ultrasonic beam in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the radiation surface (XY plane) of the ultrasonic transducer 15 . As shown in FIG. 3, ultrasonic beams (that is, focused ultrasonic waves) simultaneously emitted from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 are focused on a focal point FP determined by the shape of the paraboloid 16S. Therefore, when the treatment site (for example, scalp, hair, or a combination thereof) of the user U is positioned at the focal point FP, the ultrasonic beams radiated simultaneously from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15, for example, reach the treatment site of the user U. acoustic radiation pressure by focused ultrasound can be applied to Due to the applied acoustic radiation pressure, the treatment site of the user U receives pressing stimulation in the Z direction without coming into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15 .

The processor 12 intermittently drives the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 at a predetermined vibration frequency (10 Hz, for example). Specifically, the processor 12 drives the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 for a first period, and does not drive the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 for a second period following the first period. The acoustic radiation pressure that presses the treatment site of the user U during the first period disappears during the second period. When the acoustic radiation pressure disappears, a restoring force due to the elasticity of the scalp acts on the user U's treatment site. That is, by repeating the first period and the second period, the acoustic radiation pressure is intermittently applied to the treatment site of the user U, and the treatment site vibrates without coming into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15. vibrate at a frequency. When the user's scalp vibrates, telogen dermal papilla cells in the head transition to the anagen phase due to activation caused by the vibration. Growth of anagen dermal papilla cells is promoted by activation caused by vibration. As a result, it is possible to obtain the effect of promoting the user's hair growth or hair restoration without adversely affecting hygiene of the user.

As an example, the processor 12 may intermittently apply acoustic radiation pressure to the treatment site of the user U by causing the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 to emit focused ultrasonic waves modulated at a predetermined vibration frequency. . An example of modulation is amplitude modulation (AM). The processor 12 may cause the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 to radiate amplitude-modulated focused ultrasonic waves by applying PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)-modulated drive signals to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15. good.

(1-3) Hair Care Processing The hair care processing of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of hair care processing according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the hair care device 1 accepts a start instruction (S10).
Specifically, processor 12 receives a start instruction from user U via input/output interface 13 or communication interface 14 .

After step S10, the hair care device 1 performs treatment support (S11).
Specifically, processor 12 performs at least one of the following.
A process of guiding the user U to the position of the focal point FP A process of reproducing the content to be viewed by the user U during the hair care process A pass-through process (that is, omission of this step S11)

After step S11, the hair care device 1 controls the ultrasonic transducer (S12).
Specifically, the processor 12 intermittently drives the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 at a predetermined vibration frequency until a predetermined treatment time (for example, about 2 minutes to 60 minutes) ends. As an example, the processor 12 intermittently applies acoustic radiation pressure to the treatment site of the user U by causing the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 to radiate focused ultrasonic waves amplitude-modulated at a predetermined vibration frequency. good. The processor 12 simultaneously drives the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15, for example. That is, the driving timings of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 are the same.

(1-4) Configuration Example A configuration example of the hair care device of the first embodiment will be described.

(1-4-1) Configuration example 1-1
Configuration Example 1-1 is an example in which the hair care device 1 is configured to be of a handy type and to have an optical focus guide function. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-1 of the hair care device of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the hair care device 100 of Configuration Example 1-1 includes a mesh cover 101, a push button 102, an optical guide 103, and a grip 104. As shown in FIG. The treatment time of hair care device 100 is set to two minutes as an example.

Mesh cover 101 is connected with grip 104 . Mesh cover 101 is configured to accommodate a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 . The mesh cover 101 protects the multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 .

Push button 102 is located on grip 104 . Push button 102 is an example of an input device. The push button 102 is configured to receive an operation (for example, start instruction) from the user U.

The optical guide 103 is arranged on the mesh cover 101 . Optical guide 103 includes, for example, one or more light sources. The light source is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an infrared light source, or a semiconductor laser. Optical guide 103 is an example of an output device.

The optical guide 103 is configured to guide the user U to the position of the focal point FP. Specifically, the optical guide 103 emits visible light according to the position of the focal point FP. A first example of the optical guide 103 includes a single light source, and the visible light emitted from the light source is controlled to pass through the focal point FP. A second example of the optical guide 103 includes a plurality of light sources, and the visible light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources is controlled to pass through the focal point FP. That is, according to the second example of the optical guide 103, visible rays emitted from a plurality of light sources intersect at the focal point FP, so the user U can easily position the treatment site.

Grip 104 is connected to mesh cover 101 . The grip 104 is configured to support the mesh cover 101 and the contents of the mesh cover 101 (eg, multiple ultrasonic transducers 15). The grip 104 has a shape that can be gripped by the user U.

Since the hair care device 100 of the configuration example 1-1 has the optical guide 103, the user U can visually recognize where the focal point FP is and facilitate positioning of the treatment site. Further, since the hair care device 100 of the configuration example 1-1 has the grip 104, the user U can easily carry the hair care device 100. FIG.

(1-4-2) Configuration example 1-2
Configuration example 1-2 is an example in which the hair care device 1 is configured to have a stationary type and a physical focus guide function. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-2 of the hair care device of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the hair care device 110 of Configuration Example 1-2 includes a mesh cover 111, a base 115, and an arm . The treatment time of hair care device 110 is set to 20 minutes as an example.

Mesh cover 111 is connected to arm 116 . The mesh cover 111 is configured to accommodate multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 . The mesh cover 111 protects the multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 .

Base 115 is connected to arm 116 . The base 115 can be installed, for example, on a bed. The base 115 is configured to support the mesh cover 111 and the objects contained in the mesh cover 111 (for example, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15) via the arms 116. As shown in FIG.

The base 115 includes a physical guide 115a that physically guides the user U to the position of the focal point FP. The physical guide 115a fixes at least a portion (for example, the back of the head or the temporal region) of the user's U head (an example of a body part) to keep the user's U treatment site near the focal point FP. That is, the physical guide 115a physically guides the treatment site of the user U to the focal point FP. The physical guide 115a may include adjusters to accommodate individual differences in the shape and size of the user's head.

Arm 116 is connected to mesh cover 111 and base 115 . The arm 116 is configured to support the mesh cover 111 and the contents of the mesh cover 111 (for example, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15).

Since the hair care device 110 of the configuration example 1-2 has the physical guide 115a, it can physically guide the treatment site of the user U to the focal point FP. That is, according to the hair care device 110, the user U can receive the treatment only by determining the position of the treatment site using the physical guide 115a without being aware of the alignment of the treatment site and the focal point.

(1-4-3) Configuration example 1-3
Configuration example 1-3 is an example in which the hair care device 1 is configured to have a stationary type and a physical focus guide function. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-3 of the hair care device of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the hair care device 120 of Configuration Example 1-3 includes a mesh cover 121 and a base 125 . The treatment time of hair care device 120 is set to 20 minutes as an example.

The mesh cover 121 is connected with the base 125 . The mesh cover 121 is configured to accommodate multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 . The mesh cover 121 protects the multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 .

Base 125 is connected to mesh cover 121 . The base 125 can be installed, for example, on a tabletop. The base 125 is configured to support the mesh cover 121 and the contents of the mesh cover 121 (for example, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15).

The base 125 includes a physical guide 125a that physically guides the user U to the position of the focal point FP. The physical guide 125a fixes at least a portion (for example, the lower jaw) of the user's U jaw (an example of a "part of the body") to keep the user's U treatment site near the focal point FP. That is, the physical guide 125a physically guides the user U to the position of the focal point FP. Physical guide 125a may include adjusters to accommodate individual differences in the shape and size of the user's jaw.

Since the hair care device 120 of the configuration example 1-3 has the physical guide 125a, it can physically guide the treatment site of the user U to the focal point FP. That is, according to the hair care device 120, the user U can receive the treatment only by determining the position of the treatment site using the physical guide 125a without being aware of the alignment of the treatment site and the focal point.

(1-4-4) Configuration example 1-4
Configuration example 1-4 is an example in which the hair care device 1 is configured to be of a handy type and to have a physical focus guide function and a hair care agent application function. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-4 of the hair care device of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the hair care device 130 of Configuration Example 1-4 includes a mesh cover 131, a push button 132, a grip 134, and a plurality of physical guides 137. As shown in FIG. The treatment time of hair care device 130 is set to 2 to 5 minutes, for example.

Mesh cover 131 is connected with grip 134 . The mesh cover 131 is configured to accommodate multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 . The mesh cover 131 protects the multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 .

Push button 132 is located on grip 134 . Push button 132 is an example of an input device. The push button 132 is configured to receive an operation (for example, a start instruction) from the user U.

Grip 134 is connected with mesh cover 131 and a plurality of physical guides 137 . The grip 134 is configured to support the mesh cover 131 and the contents of the mesh cover 131 (eg, multiple ultrasonic transducers 15). The grip 134 has a shape that can be gripped by the user U.

A plurality of physical guides 137 are projections connected to the grip 134 and extending in the Z direction from the mesh cover 131 . The Z-direction size of the plurality of physical guides 137 is determined according to the position of the focal point FP. A plurality of physical guides 137 are configured to physically guide the user U to the position of the focal point FP. Specifically, the physical guide 137 physically guides the treatment site of the user U to the focal point FP by contacting the user U.

As an example, the plurality of physical guides 137 are aligned in the Z direction so that the ends of the plurality of physical guides 137 opposite to the grip 134 (hereinafter simply referred to as tips) are arranged in a circle around the focal point FP. may be determined. As a result, the user U can easily position the treatment site near the focal point FP by adjusting the position and posture of the hair care device 130 so that the ends of the plurality of physical guides 137 touch the periphery of the treatment site. .

The nozzle 137a is attached to at least one tip of the plurality of physical guides 137. As shown in FIG. Nozzle 137a is configured to be able to eject a hair care agent. The nozzle 137a applies a hair care agent to at least one of the user's U scalp and hair at least one of before, during, and after treatment.

In the following description, a hair care agent is defined as a liquid containing water and hair care ingredients. Hair care agents include, for example, shampoos, dry shampoos, conditioners, rinse-in shampoos, treatments, hair color treatments, hair coloring agents, hair styling agents, hair oils, pomades, hair tonics, liquids for perms, liquids for straightening hair, and hair growth agents. , a hair regrowth agent, or a combination thereof. Thereby, the effect derived from the hair care component can be imparted to at least one of the scalp and hair.

The hair care component acts on at least one of the scalp and hair (e.g., improving hair quality, repairing the inside of hair, improving touch feeling, cleaning dirt from hair, changing hair color, restoring hair, growing hair, or combinations thereof). Hair care ingredients include cleansing ingredients, conditioning ingredients, hair protecting ingredients, coloring ingredients, hair growth ingredients, hair growth ingredients, or combinations thereof. Hair care ingredients include, for example, hair-protecting protein ingredients, hair-protecting amino acid ingredients, oil-based conditioning ingredients, lipid-based conditioning ingredients, silicon-based conditioning ingredients, polymer-based conditioning ingredients, surface-active ingredients, minoxidil, and the like. obtain.

A physical guide 137 comprising nozzles 137a may be attachable to a cartridge holding a hair care agent to be ejected from the nozzles 137a. Holding the hair care agent in a cartridge makes it easier to properly use or replenish the hair care agent, and to keep the hair care agent hygienic without the trouble of cleaning, as compared with the case of holding the hair care agent in a tank. There are advantages such as

Since the hair care device 130 of the configuration example 1-4 has a plurality of physical guides 137, the user U can recognize where the focal point FP is by tactile sense and can easily position the treatment site. Further, since the hair care device 130 of the configuration example 1-4 has the nozzle 137a, it is possible to apply the hair care agent to the user U, improve the hair care effect, and save the user U the trouble of hair care. Furthermore, since the hair care device 130 of the configuration example 1-4 has the grip 134, the user U can easily carry the hair care device 130. FIG.

(1-4-5) Configuration example 1-5
Configuration Example 1-5 is an example in which the hair care device 1 is configured to be of a handy type and to have a function of forming a mist of a hair care agent. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-5 of the hair care device of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the hair care device 140 of Configuration Example 1-5 includes a mesh cover 141, a grip 144, and a nozzle 148. As shown in FIG. The treatment time of hair care device 140 is set to two minutes as an example.

Mesh cover 141 is connected with grip 144 . The mesh cover 141 is configured to accommodate multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 . The mesh cover 141 protects the multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 .

Grip 144 is connected to mesh cover 141 . The grip 144 is configured to support the mesh cover 141 and the contents of the mesh cover 141 (eg, multiple ultrasonic transducers 15). The grip 144 has a shape that can be gripped by the user U.

The nozzle 148 is arranged on the traveling path of the ultrasonic waves radiated from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 in the mesh cover 141 . Nozzle 148 is configured to be able to eject a hair care agent. Specifically, nozzle 148 ejects a hair care agent at least one of before and during treatment. The hair care agent ejected from the nozzle 148 is misted by the ultrasonic waves, reaches the focal point FP, and is applied to the treatment site of the user U positioned near the focal point FP. The misted hair care agent can also be expected to have the effect of visually guiding the user U to the position of the focal point FP. Unlike the nozzle 137a, the nozzle 148 does not need to come into contact with the body (for example, the head) of the user U, so it is easy to keep it sanitary.

Mesh cover 141 may be able to accommodate a cartridge holding hair care agent to be discharged from nozzle 148 . Holding the hair care agent in a cartridge makes it easier to properly use or replenish the hair care agent, and to keep the hair care agent hygienic without the trouble of cleaning, as compared with the case of holding the hair care agent in a tank. There are advantages such as

Since the hair care device 140 of the configuration example 1-5 has the nozzle 148, the hair care agent in mist form is applied to the user U to enhance the hair care effect (for example, the penetration effect of the hair care agent into the treatment site), You can save time and effort on hair care. Furthermore, since the hair care device 140 of the configuration example 1-5 has the grip 144, the user U can easily carry the hair care device 140. FIG.

(1-4-6) Configuration example 1-6
Configuration example 6 is an example in which the hair care device 1 is configured to be wearable and have a physical focus guide function. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-6 of the hair care device of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the hair care device 150 of Configuration Example 1-6 includes a mesh cover 151 and an arm 155 . The treatment time of hair care device 150 is set to 10 minutes as an example.

Mesh cover 151 is connected with arm 155 . The mesh cover 151 is configured to accommodate multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 . The mesh cover 151 protects the multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 .

Arm 155 is connected to mesh cover 151 . The arm 155 can be installed on the user U's head, for example. The arm 155 is configured to support the mesh cover 151 and the contents of the mesh cover 151 (for example, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15).

The arm 155 includes a physical guide 155a that physically guides the user U to the position of the focal point FP. The physical guide 155a stabilizes the positional relationship between the mesh cover 151 and the treatment site of the user U by fixing the hair care device 150 to the user's head (an example of "a part of the body"). The treatment site of U stays near the focal point FP. That is, the physical guide 155a can physically guide the treatment site of the user U to the focal point FP. Physical guide 155a may include adjusters to accommodate individual differences in the shape and size of the user's head. Furthermore, since the physical guide 155a fixes the hair care device 150 to the user's U head, the user U can move during the treatment.

The hair care device 150 of the configuration example 1-6 has a physical guide 155a that fixes the hair care device 150 to the user's head. can be physically guided to the focal point FP. That is, according to the hair care device 150, the user U can receive treatment without being restricted in movement. Furthermore, according to the hair care device 150, the user U can receive the treatment only by determining the position of the treatment site using the physical guide 155a without being aware of the alignment of the treatment site and the focal point.

(1-4-7) Configuration example 1-7
Configuration example 1-7 is an example in which the hair care device 1 is configured to be a handy type and to have a physical focus guide function and a hair care agent application function. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 1-7 of the hair care device of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, the hair care device 160 of Configuration Example 1-7 includes a mesh cover 161, a grip 164, and a physical guide 167. As shown in FIG. The treatment time of hair care device 160 is set to two minutes as an example.

Mesh cover 161 is connected with grip 164 . Mesh cover 161 is configured to accommodate ultrasonic transducer 15 . The mesh cover 161 protects the multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 .

The grip 164 is connected with the mesh cover 161 . The grip 164 is configured to support the mesh cover 161 and the contents of the mesh cover 161 (eg, multiple ultrasonic transducers 15). The grip 164 has a shape that can be gripped by the user U.

The physical guide 167 is a projection arranged on the mesh cover 161 and extending in the Z direction from the mesh cover 161 . A nozzle 167a is attached to the end of the physical guide 167 opposite to the mesh cover 161 (hereinafter simply referred to as the tip). The size of the physical guide 167 in the Z direction is determined according to the position of the focal point FP. The physical guide 167 is configured to physically guide the user U to the position of the focal point FP. Specifically, the physical guide 167 physically guides the treatment site of the user U to the focal point FP by contacting the user U.

As an example, the size of the physical guide 167 in the Z direction may be determined so that the nozzle 167a matches the position of the focal point FP. Accordingly, the user U can easily position the treatment site near the focal point FP by adjusting the position and posture of the hair care device 160 so that the nozzle 167a hits the treatment site.

The nozzle 167 a is attached to the tip of the physical guide 167 . Nozzle 167a is configured to be able to eject a hair care agent. The nozzle 167a applies a hair care agent to at least one of the user's U scalp and hair at least one of before, during, and after treatment.

The nozzle 167a includes a cartridge holding a hair care agent to be discharged from the nozzle 167a. Holding the hair care agent in a cartridge makes it easier to properly use or replenish the hair care agent, and to keep the hair care agent hygienic without the trouble of cleaning, as compared with the case of holding the hair care agent in a tank. There are advantages such as

Since the hair care device 160 of the configuration example 1-7 has the physical guide 167, the user U can tactilely recognize where the focal point FP is and facilitate positioning of the treatment site. Further, since the hair care device 160 of the configuration example 1-7 has the nozzle 167a, it is possible to apply the hair care agent to the user U to enhance the hair care effect and save the user U the trouble of hair care. Furthermore, since the hair care device 160 of the configuration example 1-7 has the grip 164, the user U can easily carry the hair care device 160. FIG.

As described above, the hair care device 1 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 on the parabolic surface 16S of the transducer board 16. As shown in FIG. Therefore, according to the hair care device 1, by simultaneously driving the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15, for example, the ultrasonic beam can be focused on the focal point FP determined by the shape of the paraboloid 16S. That is, the hair care device 1 does not need to individually control the driving timing of the ultrasonic transducers 15 . When the user U aligns the treatment site with the focal point FP, the treatment site can receive pressure stimulation by the acoustic radiation pressure of the ultrasonic beam without coming into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15 (i.e., without contact). . In particular, by intermittently driving the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15, acoustic radiation pressure is intermittently applied to the treatment site of the user U, and the treatment site is brought into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15. vibrate at the above vibration frequency. When the scalp of the user U vibrates, dermal papilla cells in the telogen phase of the head shift to the anagen phase due to the activation caused by the vibration. Growth of anagen dermal papilla cells is promoted by activation caused by vibration. As a result, the effect of promoting hair growth or hair restoration of the user U can be obtained without giving the user U an adverse effect on hygiene.

In addition, the activation caused by the vibration improves the firmness and elasticity of the hair. This makes the hair look better.

Moreover, by using the non-contact hair care device 1, hair care can be performed without contacting the user's U body (for example, the head). This facilitates maintenance of the hair care device 1 . As a result, the hygiene of the hair care device 1 is better maintained.

(2) Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described.

(2-1) Configuration of Hair Care Device The configuration of the hair care device of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the hair care device of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an ultrasonic transducer in the hair care device of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the hair care device 1A includes a storage device 11, a processor 12, an input/output interface 13, a communication interface 14, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15, and an image sensor .

Image sensor 18 is connected to processor 12 via input/output interface 13 . The image sensor 18 may be a monocular camera, a stereo camera, or a ToF (Time of Flight) camera. The image sensor 18 is configured to generate an image (moving or still image) by, for example, photographing the user U in response to instructions from the processor 12 . An image is RGB data or RGBD data as an example.

As shown in FIG. 13A, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 are arranged, for example, in an array on a transducer board 16A. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 are configured to be driven (ie, vibrate) under control by processor 12 .

As shown in FIG. 13B, oscillator plate 16A includes planar surface 16SA. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 are arranged on the surface 16SA.

(2-2) Outline of Embodiment An outline of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the second embodiment.

A processor 12 drives a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 with a time difference corresponding to the position of the focal point FP. Each driven ultrasonic transducer 15 radiates ultrasonic beams having different phases in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the radiation surface (XY plane) of the ultrasonic transducer 15 . As shown in FIG. 14, ultrasonic beams (that is, focused ultrasonic waves) radiated from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 with a time difference are focused on the focal point FP. Therefore, when the treatment site (for example, the scalp, hair, or a combination thereof) of the user U is positioned at the focal point FP, the ultrasonic beams radiated from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 with a time difference are applied to the user U. Acoustic radiation pressure by focused ultrasound can be applied to the treatment site. Due to the applied acoustic radiation pressure, the treatment site of the user U receives pressing stimulation in the Z direction without coming into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15 .

The processor 12 intermittently drives the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 at a predetermined vibration frequency (10 Hz, for example). Specifically, the processor 12 drives the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 for a first period, and does not drive the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 for a second period following the first period. The acoustic radiation pressure that presses the treatment site of the user U during the first period disappears during the second period. When the acoustic radiation pressure disappears, a restoring force due to the elasticity of the scalp acts on the user U's treatment site. That is, by repeating the first period and the second period, the acoustic radiation pressure is intermittently applied to the treatment site of the user U, and the treatment site vibrates without coming into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15. vibrate at a frequency. When the user's scalp vibrates, telogen dermal papilla cells in the head transition to the anagen phase due to activation caused by the vibration. Growth of anagen dermal papilla cells is promoted by activation caused by vibration. As a result, the effect of promoting the user's hair growth or hair restoration can be obtained.

As an example, the processor 12 may intermittently apply acoustic radiation pressure to the treatment site of the user U by causing the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 to emit focused ultrasonic waves modulated at a predetermined vibration frequency. . An example of modulation is amplitude modulation (AM). The processor 12 may cause the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 to radiate amplitude-modulated focused ultrasonic waves by applying PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)-modulated drive signals to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15. good.

(2-3) Hair Care Processing The hair care processing of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of hair care processing according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, the hair care device 1A accepts a start instruction (S10) (FIG. 4).
Specifically, processor 12 receives a start instruction from user U via input/output interface 13 or communication interface 14 .

After step S10, the hair care device 1A acquires reference information (S21).
Specifically, the processor 12 acquires information (reference information) referred to for determining the position of the focal point FP.
In a first example of obtaining reference information (S21), the processor 12 instructs the image sensor 18 to shoot and receives an image of the user U. FIG.
In a second example of obtaining reference information (S21), the processor 12 receives an operation of the user U (for example, an operation indicating at least one of the absolute coordinates of the focal point or the direction of movement relative to the default coordinates, and the amount of movement). . The user's operation may indicate the absolute coordinates of the position that the user U wants to set as the focus, or at least one of the movement direction and the movement amount from a predetermined initial focus to the position that the user U wants to set as the focus. There may be.

After step S21, the hair care device 1A executes focus determination (S22).
Specifically, the processor 12 determines the position of the focal point FP based on the reference information received in step S21.
In a first example of focus determination (S22), the hair care device 1A identifies the relative position of the treatment site with respect to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 by analyzing the image as the reference information. Processor 12 determines the position of focal point FP with reference to the specified relative position.
In a second example of focus determination (S22), the hair care device 1A determines the position of the focus FP according to the details of the operation as the reference information.
By determining the focus (S22), the user U can match the focus FP to the treatment site of the user U instead of adjusting the treatment site to the position of the focus FP. The processor 12 calculates drive timings for each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 according to the determined position of the focal point FP.

After step S22, the hair care device 1A performs treatment support (S11A).
Specifically, processor 12 performs at least one of the following.
・Image of the treatment site of the user U ・Determination of the state of the treatment site of the user U based on the captured image ・Referring to the determined state of the treatment site of the user U, treatment parameters (for example, At least one of the radiation sound pressure of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15, the vibration frequency applied to the treatment site of the user U, and the treatment time) is determined. , a process of changing the position of the focal point FP determined in step S22 (for example, a process of changing the position of the focal point FP determined in step S21 to a position where the condition is particularly bad among the treatment sites).
- A process of guiding the user U to the position of the focal point FP determined in step S22 - A process of reproducing the content that the user U is allowed to view during the hair care process - A pass-through process (that is, omission of this step S11A)

After step S11A, the hair care device 1A controls the ultrasonic transducer (S12A).
Specifically, the processor 12 intermittently drives the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 at a predetermined vibration frequency until a predetermined treatment time (for example, about 2 minutes to 20 minutes) is over. As an example, the processor 12 intermittently applies acoustic radiation pressure to the treatment site of the user U by causing the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 to radiate focused ultrasonic waves amplitude-modulated at a predetermined vibration frequency. good. The processor 12 determines drive timing for each of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 according to the determination in step S22. As a result, the ultrasonic waves emitted from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 have phase differences. As a result, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 radiate focused ultrasonic waves that are focused on focal points according to the phase difference.

(2-4) Configuration Example A configuration example (hereinafter referred to as configuration example 2) of the hair care device of the second embodiment will be described.

Configuration example 2 is an example in which the hair care device 1A is of a stationary type and is configured to have a variable focus function, a condition adaptive treatment function, and a content reproduction function. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the appearance of Configuration Example 2 of the hair care device of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16 , the hair care device 200 of Configuration Example 2 includes a mesh cover 201 , a push button 202 and a base 205 . The treatment time of hair care device 200 is set to 10 minutes as an example.

The mesh cover 201 is connected with the base 205 . The mesh cover 201 is configured to accommodate multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 . The mesh cover 201 protects the multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 .

The mesh cover 201 is provided with a support portion 201a (an example of a “support portion”) that detachably supports the user device UD, for example. The support 201a may include adjusters to accommodate different user device UD shapes and sizes. The user device UD can be connected to the processor 12 via the communication interface 14 using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark).

A user device UD is any electronic device (eg a smart phone) that has at least one of the following:
- An image sensor - A content output device that outputs content (for example, at least one of a display and a speaker)

In the acquisition of reference information (S21), the processor 12 can instruct the image sensor mounted on the user device UD to shoot instead of the image sensor 18, and receive the user U's image. The processor 12 performs focus determination (S22) based on the image acquired from the user device UD (focus variable function). In support of treatment (S11A), the processor 12 calculates the state of the user U based on the image acquired from the user device UD (for example, the state of the treatment site (for example, the ratio of hair per unit area) and the state of the scalp (for example , at least one of the amount of sebum) is determined, and at least one of the following processes is performed (condition adaptive treatment function).
- A process of determining treatment parameters of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 with reference to the determined state of the user U - With reference to the determined state of the user U, the position of the focal point FP determined in step S22 change

In supporting the treatment (S11A), the processor 12 outputs the content to be viewed by the user U during the hair care process (that is, the control of the ultrasonic transducer (S12A)) to the content output device mounted on the user device UD. output (content playback function).

Push button 202 is located on base 205 . Push button 202 is an example of an input device. The push button 202 is configured to receive an operation (for example, a start instruction) from the user U.

Base 205 is connected to mesh cover 201 . The base 205 can be installed on a table, for example. The base 205 is configured to support the mesh cover 201 and its contents (eg, multiple ultrasound transducers 15) and attachments (eg, user device UD).

The hair care device 200 of Configuration Example 2 uses an image sensor mounted on the user device UD to provide a variable focus function. The user U can receive the treatment without being conscious of alignment between the treatment site and the focal point.

The hair care device 200 of the configuration example 2 provides state-adaptive treatment using an image sensor mounted on the user device UD. As a result, a treatment suitable for the state of the treatment site of the user U can be performed.

The hair care device 200 of configuration example 2 can provide a content reproduction function using a content output device installed in the user device UD. This makes it possible to provide entertainment to the user U through content, teach knowledge (for example, hair care knowledge), or present advertisements by utilizing the hair care processing time.

In configuration example 2, instead of attaching the user device UD equipped with the image sensor 18 to the hair care device 200 , the mesh cover 201 or the base 205 may be provided with the image sensor 18 . The image sensor 18 may be exposed from the mesh cover 201 or the base 205 , or may be accommodated inside the mesh cover 201 and photographed through the mesh cover 201 . Accordingly, the hair care device 200 can acquire an image of the user U without imposing a psychological burden on the user U being photographed.

In configuration example 2, instead of attaching the user device UD equipped with the content output device to the hair care device 200, the mesh cover 201 or the base 205 may be provided with the content output device. The content output device may be housed inside the mesh cover 201 and output content through the mesh cover 201 . Thereby, the content can be viewed by the user U while maintaining the uniformity of the design of the mesh cover 201 .

As described above, the hair care device 1A of the second embodiment applies a time difference according to the position of the focal point FP to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 provided on the planar surface 16SA of the transducer board 16A. By driving with , the ultrasonic beam can be focused on the focal point FP. That is, if the relative position of the treatment site of the user U with respect to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 can be specified, the hair care device 1A can refer to the relative positions and adjust the focus FP to the treatment site of the user U. can. The hair care device 1A adjusts the focal point FP to the treatment site, so that the treatment site is subjected to pressure stimulation by acoustic radiation pressure of the ultrasonic beam without contacting any ultrasonic transducers 15 (i.e., non-contact). be able to. In particular, by intermittently driving the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15, acoustic radiation pressure is intermittently applied to the treatment site of the user U, and the treatment site is brought into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15. vibrate at the above vibration frequency. When the scalp of the user U vibrates, telogen dermal papilla cells in the head transition to the anagen phase due to activation caused by the vibration. Growth of anagen dermal papilla cells is promoted by activation caused by vibration. Thereby, the effect of promoting hair growth or hair restoration of the user U can be obtained. That is, according to the non-contact hair care device 1A, it is possible to eliminate adverse effects on hygiene in hair care using the hair care device 1A.

Moreover, by using the non-contact hair care device 1, hair care can be performed without contacting the user's U body (for example, the head). This facilitates maintenance of the hair care device 1 . As a result, the hygiene of the hair care device 1 is better maintained.

(3) Modification A modification of the present embodiment will be described.

(3-1) Modification 1
Modification 1 will be described. Modification 1 is an example in which the vibrator board of the hair care device of the first embodiment is configured to be movable by electric control.
(3-1-1) Configuration of hair care device

The configuration of the hair care device of Modification 1 will be described. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the hair care device of Modification 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 17, the hair care device 1B includes a storage device 11, a processor 12, an input/output interface 13, a communication interface 14, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15, and a movable portion 19.

The movable portion 19 is configured to change at least one of the position and orientation of the oscillator plate 16 of the first embodiment in response to an electrical signal (eg, control signal from the processor 12). Movable part 19 may include an actuator.

The processor 12 may issue a control signal in response to an operation from the user U, identify the relative position of the treatment site with respect to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 based on the image of the user U, and display the identified relative position. A control signal may be issued in response to the

(3-1-2) Hair Care Processing The hair care processing of Modification 1 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flow chart of hair care processing of Modification 1. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 18, the hair care device 1B receives a start instruction (S10), acquires reference information (S21), and determines a focus (S22) (FIG. 15).

After step S22, the hair care device 1B executes control of the movable section (S31).
Specifically, the processor 12 issues a control signal according to the position of the focal point FP determined in step S22 and transmits the control signal to the movable section 19 . The movable part 19 changes at least one of the position and orientation of the vibrator board 16 according to the control signal.

After step S31, the hair care device 1B executes control of the ultrasonic transducer (S12) (FIG. 4).

As described above, the hair care device 1B of Modification 1 can change at least one of the position and orientation of the vibrator board 16 by electrically controlling the movable part 19. Therefore, for example, the position of the focal point FP can be changed by the user. It can be moved to fit the treatment site of U.

(3-2) Modification 2
Modification 2 will be described. Modification 2 is an example in which the vibrator board of the hair care device of the first embodiment is configured to be movable by manual control.

(3-2-1) Configuration of Hair Care Device The configuration of the hair care device of Modification 2 will be described.

The hair care device of Modification 2 includes a movable part (not shown) in addition to the hair care device 1 of the first embodiment.

The movable part is configured to change at least one of the position and orientation of the transducer board 16 according to an external force (for example, force received from the hand of the user U or the operator).

As described above, the hair care device of Modification 2 can change at least one of the position and orientation of the vibrator board 16 by manually controlling the movable part. can be moved to fit the treatment site.

(3-2-2) Configuration Example A configuration example (hereinafter referred to as configuration example 3) of the hair care device of Modification 1 will be described.
Configuration example 3 is an example in which the hair care device of modification 2 is configured to be of a stationary type and to have an optical focus guide function. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the appearance of configuration example 3 of the hair care device of modification example 2. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 19 , hair care device 300 of configuration example 3 includes mesh cover 301 , push button 302 , optical guide 303 , base 305 , and arm 306 .

Mesh cover 301 is connected with arm 306 . The mesh cover 301 is configured to accommodate multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 . The mesh cover 301 protects the multiple ultrasonic transducers 15 .

Push button 302 is located on base 305 . Push button 302 is an example of an input device. The push button 302 is configured to receive an operation (for example, a start instruction) from the user U.

The optical guide 303 is arranged on the mesh cover 301 . Optical guide 303 includes, for example, one or more light sources. The light sources are, for example, LEDs, infrared light sources, or semiconductor lasers. Optical guide 303 is an example of an output device.

The optical guide 303 is configured to guide the user U to the position of the focal point FP. Specifically, the optical guide 303 emits visible light according to the position of the focal point FP. A first example of optical guide 303 includes a single light source, and visible light emitted from the light source is controlled to pass through focal point FP. A second example of optical guide 303 includes a plurality of light sources, and the visible light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources is controlled to pass through focal point FP. That is, according to the second example of the optical guide 303, the visible rays emitted from the plurality of light sources intersect at the focal point FP, so the user U can easily position the treatment site.

Base 305 is connected with arm 306 . The base 305 can be installed, for example, on a tabletop. The base 305 is configured to support the mesh cover 301 and the objects contained in the mesh cover 301 (for example, multiple ultrasonic transducers 15) via the arms 306. FIG.

Arm 306 is connected with mesh cover 301 and base 305 . The arm 306 is configured to support the mesh cover 301 and the contents of the mesh cover 301 (eg, multiple ultrasonic transducers 15).

The arm 306 incorporates the movable part of Modification 2, and is configured to rotate the vibrator board 16 according to an external force (for example, a force received from the hand of the user U or the practitioner).

Since the hair care device 300 of the configuration example 3 has the optical guide 103, the user U can visually recognize where the focal point FP is and facilitate positioning of the treatment site. Further, since the hair care device 300 of the configuration example 3 has the movable portion 19, for example, the user U or another person can confirm the position of the focal point FP guided by the optical guide 103 and operate the focal point FP. can be matched to the treatment site of the user U.

(3-3) Modification 3
Modification 3 is an example in which the position of the focal point FP of the hair care device 1A of the second embodiment is fixed.

The hair care device of Modification 3 has a configuration obtained by removing the image sensor 18 from the hair care device 1A of the second embodiment.

(3-3-1) Hair Care Processing The hair care processing of Modification 3 will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart of hair care processing according to Modification 3. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 20, the hair care device of Modification 3 executes reception of a start instruction (S10) and support of treatment (S11) (FIG. 4).

After step S11, the hair care device of modification 3 executes control of the ultrasonic transducer (S12A).
Specifically, the processor 12 intermittently drives the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 at a predetermined vibration frequency until a predetermined treatment time (for example, about 2 minutes to 20 minutes) is over. The processor 12 drives the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 with a predetermined time difference. The difference in driving timing of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 can be calculated in advance based on the relative position of the focal point FP with respect to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 .

According to the hair care device of Modification 3, since the position of the focal point FP is fixed, there is no need to calculate the drive timings of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 15 each time.

(3-4) Modification 4
Modification 4 is an example of a hair care method using the hair care devices of the first embodiment, second embodiment, and modifications 1 to 3. FIG.

(3-4-1) Overview of Modifications Modification 4 combines the radiation of ultrasonic waves to the treatment site of the user U and the application of a hair care agent to the treatment site, thereby achieving hair growth by radiating ultrasonic waves. Alternatively, at the same time as obtaining the effect of promoting hair growth, the hair care ingredients contained in the hair care agent are allowed to effectively permeate the treatment site.

(3-4-2) Hair Care Method The hair care method of Modification 4 will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the hair care method of Modification 4. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 21, in the hair care method of Modification 4, application of a hair care agent (S40) is performed. Specifically, the operator or the user U may apply the hair care agent to the treatment site of the user U using a hand or a tool, or use a hair care device (for example, the hair care device 130 or the hair care device described above). 140 or hair care device 160) may apply a hair care agent to the user U's treatment site.

After step S40, in the hair care method of Modification 4, the practitioner performs treatment (S41) using the hair care device. For example, the hair care device can perform the hair care process of FIG. 4 or FIG.

The execution order of application of the hair care agent and treatment using the hair care device may be reversed from that in FIG.

As described above, the hair care method of Modification 4 applies the hair care agent to the treatment site of the user U and performs treatment using any of the hair care devices described above. Therefore, according to this hair care method, in addition to the effect of promoting hair growth or hair restoration by ultrasonic wave radiation, it is possible to increase the penetration of the hair care ingredients contained in the hair care agent into the treatment site of the user U.

(4) Other Modifications Storage device 11 may be connected to hair care device 1 via network NW.

In the first and second embodiments, the processor 12 intermittently drives a plurality of ultrasonic transducers over the treatment time. However, the processor 12 may steadily drive multiple ultrasound transducers over the duration of the treatment. Thereby, the pressure stimulation by the acoustic radiation pressure is continuously given to the treatment site of the user U located at the focal point FP.

In the second embodiment, the processor 12 controls the ultrasonic transducer (S12A) after imaging the user (S21) and determining the focus (S22). However, the processor 12 may repeatedly photograph the user (S21) and determine the focus (S22) during the treatment. Thereby, the treatment can be performed robustly against the positional fluctuation of the treatment site of the user U.

In the above description, various operations are performed by the user U, but the operator or another third party may perform the operations without the user U himself/herself.

Application of the hair care agent may be performed by attaching a pack (for example, a hair pack) to the treatment site.

In this embodiment, an example in which a practitioner performs hair care processing has been shown, but the scope of this embodiment is not limited to this. This embodiment can also be applied to an example in which a non-practitioner performs his/her own hair care process.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Also, the above embodiments can be modified and modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. Also, the above embodiments and modifications can be combined.

(5) Supplementary Notes Items described in the embodiments are additionally noted below.

(Appendix 1)
a vibrator disc (16) including a concave curved surface (16S);
a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (15) arranged on the concave curved surface of the transducer disc;
a processor (12) for controlling a plurality of ultrasonic transducers;
The processor drives the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to radiate focused ultrasonic waves (USW) focused (FP) on a focal point determined by the shape of the concave curved surface. Non-contact application of acoustic radiation pressure by focused ultrasound to the treatment site located in
A hair care device (1).

According to (Appendix 1), when the user U adjusts the treatment site to the focus FP, the treatment site does not come into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15 (i.e., non-contact), and the acoustic radiation pressure of the ultrasonic beam is reduced. can receive a pressure stimulus from

(Appendix 2)
a vibrator plate (16A) comprising a planar surface (16SA);
a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (15) arranged on the surface of the transducer board;
a processor (12) for controlling a plurality of ultrasonic transducers;
The processor emits focused ultrasound (USW) focused on the focal point (FP) from the plurality of ultrasound transducers, thereby applying acoustic radiation pressure by the focused ultrasound to the treatment site located at the focal point in a non-contact manner.
A hair care device (1A).

According to (Appendix 2), the hair care device 1A adjusts the focal point FP to the treatment site, so that the treatment site is exposed to the ultrasonic beam without contacting any ultrasonic transducers 15 (i.e., without contact). A pressure stimulus can be received by acoustic radiation pressure. Acoustic radiation pressure is intermittently applied to the treatment site of the user U, and the treatment site vibrates at the vibration frequency without coming into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15 . When the scalp of the user U vibrates, telogen dermal papilla cells in the head transition to the anagen phase due to activation caused by the vibration. Growth of anagen dermal papilla cells is promoted by activation caused by vibration. As a result, the effect of promoting hair growth or hair restoration of the user U can be obtained without giving the user U an adverse effect on hygiene.

(Appendix 3)
The processor identifies the relative position of the treatment site with respect to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers based on the user's image captured by the image sensor, and refers to the relative position to determine the position of the focus.
The hair care device according to appendix 2.

According to (Appendix 3), the user U can receive treatment without being conscious of alignment between the treatment site and the focal point.

(Appendix 4)
3. The processor intermittently applies acoustic radiation pressure to the treatment site by emitting focused ultrasonic waves modulated at a predetermined vibration frequency from the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. hair care device.

According to (Appendix 4), acoustic radiation pressure is intermittently applied to the treatment site of the user U, and the treatment site vibrates at the vibration frequency without coming into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15 . When the scalp of the user U vibrates, dermal papilla cells in the telogen phase of the head shift to the anagen phase due to the activation caused by the vibration. Growth of anagen dermal papilla cells is promoted by activation caused by vibration. As a result, the effect of promoting hair growth or hair restoration of the user U can be obtained without giving the user U an adverse effect on hygiene.

(Appendix 5)
5. The hair care device according to appendix 4, wherein the processor causes the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to emit amplitude-modulated focused ultrasonic waves.

According to (Appendix 5), acoustic radiation pressure is intermittently applied to the treatment site of the user U, and the treatment site vibrates at the vibration frequency without coming into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15 . When the scalp of the user U vibrates, dermal papilla cells in the telogen phase of the head shift to the anagen phase due to the activation caused by the vibration. Growth of anagen dermal papilla cells is promoted by activation caused by vibration. As a result, the effect of promoting hair growth or hair restoration of the user U can be obtained without giving the user U an adverse effect on hygiene.

(Appendix 6)
The processor provides pulse width modulated drive signals to the plurality of ultrasound transducers to cause them to emit amplitude modulated focused ultrasound waves.
The hair care device according to appendix 5.

According to (Appendix 6), acoustic radiation pressure is intermittently applied to the treatment site of the user U, and the treatment site vibrates at the vibration frequency without coming into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15 . When the scalp of the user U vibrates, dermal papilla cells in the telogen phase of the head shift to the anagen phase due to the activation caused by the vibration. Growth of anagen dermal papilla cells is promoted by activation caused by vibration. As a result, the effect of promoting hair growth or hair restoration of the user U can be obtained without giving the user U an adverse effect on hygiene.

(Appendix 7)
7. The hair care device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, further comprising a movable part (19) that changes at least one of the position and orientation of the vibrator board.

According to (Appendix 7), the position of the focal point FP can be moved so as to match the user U's treatment site.

(Appendix 8)
8. The hair care device according to appendix 7, wherein the processor controls the movable part according to the position of the treatment site.

According to (Appendix 8), the position of the focal point FP can be moved so as to match the treatment site of the user U.

(Appendix 9)
The processor
Determining the state of the treatment site based on the user's image captured by the image sensor (18),
Refer to the state of the treatment site to determine the treatment parameters that specify the treatment content,
9. The hair care device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8.

According to (Appendix 9), treatment suitable for the state of the treatment site of the user U is possible.

(Appendix 10)
The hair care device according to appendix 3 or appendix 9, further comprising a support (201a) that detachably supports an electronic device equipped with an image sensor.

According to (Appendix 10), an image sensor mounted on the user device UD can be used.

(Appendix 11)
11. A hair care device according to any one of appendices 1 to 10, further comprising means (103, 115a, 125a, 137, 155a, 167, 303) for guiding the position of focus to the user.

According to (Supplementary Note 11), the user U can receive treatment without being conscious of alignment between the treatment site and the focal point.

(Appendix 12)
12. A hair care device according to appendix 11, wherein the means for guiding the position of the focal point includes an optical guide (103, 303) for irradiating visible light according to the position of the focal point.

According to (Appendix 12), the user U can receive treatment without being conscious of alignment between the treatment site and the focal point.

(Appendix 13)
13. The hair care device according to appendix 11 or appendix 12, wherein the means for guiding the position of the focal point includes a physical guide (115a, 125a, 137, 155a, 167) that guides the treatment site to the focal point by contacting the user.

According to (Supplementary note 13), the user U can receive the treatment without being conscious of alignment between the treatment site and the focal point.

(Appendix 14)
14. The hair care device according to appendix 13, further comprising nozzles (137a, 167a) attached to the physical guide and capable of ejecting a hair care agent.

According to (Appendix 14), it is possible to apply a hair care agent to the user U to enhance the hair care effect and to save the user U the trouble of hair care.

(Appendix 15)
15. The hair care device according to appendix 14, wherein the physical guide can be attached with a cartridge holding a hair care agent to be discharged from the nozzle.

According to (Appendix 15), compared to holding the hair care agent in a tank, it is easier to properly use or replenish the hair care agent, and it is easier to keep the hair care agent hygienic without cleaning. There are advantages.

(Appendix 16)
16. A hair care device according to any one of appendices 1 to 15, further comprising a grip (104, 134, 144, 164) for gripping the hair care device by a user.

According to (Appendix 16), the user U can easily carry the hair care device.

(Appendix 17)
17. The hair care device according to any one of appendices 1 to 16, further comprising a physical guide (115a, 125a) that guides a treatment site to a focal point by fixing a part of the user's body.

According to (Supplementary Note 17), the user U can receive treatment without being conscious of alignment between the treatment site and the focal point.

(Appendix 18)
18. The hair care device according to any one of appendices 1 to 17, further comprising a physical guide (155a) for guiding the treatment site to the focal point by fixing the hair care device to a part of the user's body.

According to (Supplementary Note 18), the user U can receive treatment without being conscious of alignment between the treatment site and the focal point.

(Appendix 19)
19. The hair according to any one of appendices 1 to 18, further comprising a nozzle (148) arranged on the traveling path of the ultrasonic waves emitted from at least one of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and ejecting the hair care agent. care device.

According to (Supplementary Note 19), a misty hair care agent can be applied to the user U to enhance the hair care effect (for example, the penetration effect of the hair care agent into the treatment site) and to save the user U the trouble of hair care. can.

(Appendix 20)
19. The hair care device according to any one of appendices 1 to 19, further comprising a content output device that outputs content while the processor causes the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to emit ultrasonic waves.

According to (Appendix 20), it is possible to provide entertainment to the user U with content, teach knowledge (for example, hair care knowledge), or present advertisements by utilizing the hair care processing time.

(Appendix 21)
21. The hair care device according to any one of appendices 1 to 20, further comprising a support section (201a) detachably supporting an electronic device equipped with an output device for outputting content.

According to (Appendix 21), a content output device mounted on the user device UD can be used.

(Appendix 22)
a step of radiating focused ultrasonic waves to the treatment site by the hair care device according to any one of appendices 1 to 21 (S41);
A hair care method comprising a step (S40) of applying a hair care agent to a treatment site.

According to (Appendix 22), in addition to the effect of promoting hair growth or hair restoration by the emission of ultrasonic waves, it is possible to increase the penetration of the hair care ingredients contained in the hair care agent into the treatment site of the user U.

(Appendix 23)
A program for causing a computer (12) to function as each means according to any one of appendices 1 to 21.

According to (Appendix 23), when the user U adjusts the treatment site to the focal point FP, the treatment site does not come into contact with any of the ultrasonic transducers 15 (i.e., non-contact). can receive a pressure stimulus from

1: hair care device 11: storage device 12: processor 13: input/output interface 14: communication interface 15: ultrasonic transducer 16: transducer board 18: image sensor 19: movable part 100: hair care device 101: mesh cover 102 : Push button 103 : Optical guide 104 : Grip 110 : Hair care device 111 : Mesh cover 115 : Base 116 : Arm 120 : Hair care device 121 : Mesh cover 125 : Base 125a : Physical guide 130 : Hair care device 131 : Mesh cover 132: Push button 134: Grip 137: Physical guide 137a: Nozzle 140: Hair care device 141: Mesh cover 144: Grip 148: Nozzle 150: Hair care device 151-1: Mesh cover 155: Arm 160: Hair care device 161: Mesh cover 164 : Grip 167 : Physical guide 167a : Nozzle 200 : Hair care device 201 : Mesh cover 202 : Push button 205 : Base 300 : Hair care device 301 : Mesh cover 302 : Push button 303 : Optical guide 305 : Base 306 : arm

Claims (23)

a vibrator disc including a concave curved surface;
a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged on the concave curved surface of the transducer board;
a processor that controls the plurality of ultrasonic transducers,
The processor drives the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to cause the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to radiate focused ultrasonic waves focused on a focal point determined by the shape of the concave curved surface. Non-contact application of acoustic radiation pressure by the focused ultrasound to the treatment site located;
Hair care device. a vibrator disc including a planar surface;
a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged on the surface of the transducer board;
a processor that controls the plurality of ultrasonic transducers,
The processor causes the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to radiate focused ultrasonic waves focused on a focal point, thereby applying acoustic radiation pressure from the focused ultrasonic waves to the treatment site located at the focal point in a non-contact manner.
Hair care device. The processor identifies the relative position of the treatment site with respect to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers based on the image of the user captured by the image sensor, and refers to the relative position to determine the position of the focal point.
The hair care device according to claim 2. The processor intermittently applies the acoustic radiation pressure to the treatment site by causing the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to emit focused ultrasonic waves modulated at a predetermined vibration frequency. 4. The hair care device according to any one of 3. 5. The hair care device of claim 4, wherein the processor causes the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to emit amplitude-modulated focused ultrasonic waves. The processor causes the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to emit the amplitude-modulated focused ultrasonic waves by applying pulse-width-modulated drive signals.
The hair care device according to claim 5. 7. The hair care device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a movable part that changes at least one of the position and orientation of the oscillator board. The hair care device according to claim 7, wherein the processor controls the movable part according to the position of the treatment site. The processor
Determining the state of the treatment site based on the user's image captured by the image sensor,
Referencing the state of the treatment site to determine treatment parameters that specify treatment content;
The hair care device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. The hair care device according to claim 3 or 9, further comprising a support for detachably supporting an electronic device on which said image sensor is mounted. 11. The hair care device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising means for guiding the position of said focal point to a user. 12. The hair care device according to claim 11, wherein the means for guiding the position of the focal point includes an optical guide for irradiating visible light according to the position of the focal point. 13. The hair care device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the means for guiding the position of the focal point includes a physical guide that guides the treatment site to the focal point by contacting the user. 14. The hair care device according to claim 13, further comprising a nozzle attached to said physical guide and capable of ejecting a hair care agent. 15. The hair care device according to claim 14, wherein said physical guide can be attached with a cartridge holding a hair care agent to be discharged from said nozzle. 16. The hair care device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a grip for a user to hold said hair care device. 17. The hair care device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a physical guide that guides the treatment site to the focal point by fixing a part of the user's body. 18. The hair care device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a physical guide that guides the treatment site to the focal point by fixing the hair care device to a part of the user's body. 19. The hair according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a nozzle arranged on a traveling path of ultrasonic waves emitted from at least one of said plurality of ultrasonic transducers and ejecting a hair care agent. care device. 20. The hair care device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a content output device for outputting content while said processor causes said plurality of ultrasonic transducers to emit ultrasonic waves. 21. The hair care device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a support for detachably supporting an electronic device equipped with an output device for outputting content. radiating the focused ultrasonic waves to the treatment site by the hair care device according to any one of claims 1 to 21;
A hair care method comprising the step of applying a hair care agent to the treatment site. A program for causing a computer to function as each means according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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