JP2023164237A - Skin treatment device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To apply an optimum output waveform to each area to which a skin treatment device is applied.SOLUTION: A skin treatment device includes multiple electrodes which can abut on a user's skin, a power source electrically connected to the multiple electrodes, and an electric circuit part for creating one or more output waveforms applicable onto the skin through at least a part of the multiple electrodes. One or more output waveforms are different between the case where a treatment object area which is an area to which the multiple electrodes are applied or an area to which the multiple electrodes are to be applied is a first area, and the case where the treatment object area is a second area different from the first area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present disclosure relates to a skin treatment device and program.

A technique is known in which a low frequency output waveform and a high frequency output waveform are applied to the skin using four concentric annular electrodes.

International Publication No. 2021/167109 pamphlet

By the way, when applying an output waveform to the skin, it would be useful if the optimal output waveform could be applied to each area to which the skin treatment device is applied.

Therefore, the present disclosure includes making it possible to apply an optimal output waveform to each region to which the skin treatment device is applied.

In one aspect, a plurality of electrodes capable of contacting a user's skin;
a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes;
an electrical circuit that generates one or more output waveforms that can be applied to the skin via at least some of the plurality of electrodes based on the power source;
The one or more output waveforms may be used in cases where the treatment target area, which is the area to which the plurality of electrodes or the area of the skin to be applied is the first area, and a second area different from the first area. Different skin treatment devices are provided depending on the case where the skin treatment device has two parts.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to apply an optimal output waveform to each region to which the skin treatment device is applied.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the skin treatment device of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the head portion of the skin treatment device, and is a front view showing electrode arrangement. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control system according to an example. FIG. 3 is a conceptual illustration of two types of output waveforms that act on the skin at different depths. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a change pattern of an output waveform generated by a high-frequency output generation section. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of another example of a change pattern of an output waveform generated by a high-frequency output generation section. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an operation mode, in which output waveform patterns (change patterns) are shown in time series with time as the horizontal axis. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the effect of the operation mode of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of another operation mode. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of division of a plurality of parts of the face. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of various muscles of the face. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation mode in which a high-frequency output waveform, a low-frequency output waveform, etc. can be simultaneously applied to each specific target region. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of cooperation with real-time image processing. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrode arrangement according to a modified example. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrode arrangement according to another modification.

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the head portion 3 of the skin treatment device 1, and is a front view showing the electrode arrangement.

The skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment is in the form of a facial beauty device, and is configured to impart beauty-related effects to the skin of the user's face. However, in a modified example, the skin treatment device 1 may be configured to apply similar beauty-related effects to areas other than the user's face in addition to or instead of the user's face. Furthermore, the skin treatment device 1 may be used to provide effects different from beauty-related effects (for example, an effect of promoting transdermal absorption of pharmaceuticals).

The beauty-related effect is optional and may include eliminating sagging, tightening, fat burning, lifting, making the face smaller, improving skin firmness, luster, and moisture, or any combination of one or more of the above. . Moreover, the beauty-related effect may be an effect that can be quantified or may be an effect that cannot be quantified.

The skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment is configured to provide beauty-related effects to the user's skin by applying various outputs via a plurality of electrodes that come into contact with the user's skin.

The skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment is a portable type that can be held by a user's hand, but it may also be applied to a movable type that is movably supported by a fixed device via an arm or the like.

The skin treatment device 1 includes a grip section 2 and a head section 3. In this case, the user holds the grip part 2 and applies the head part 3 to a desired part of his or her own face or the face of another person (for example, a patient), thereby applying the skin treatment device to the desired part. Various outputs can be given.

The grip portion 2 has a shape that allows it to be easily gripped by a user's hand. The grip portion 2 may include a user interface 20 including various buttons such as a power on/off button, a mode switching button, a strength adjustment button, and the like. Note that the various buttons may be mechanical buttons or touch switches. Furthermore, the grip section 2 may be provided with a display section (not shown) that displays the status of the skin treatment device 1 and the like. Moreover, the grip part 2 may be provided with an electrode (not shown) that touches the user's hand.

The head portion 3 is provided at the end of the grip portion 2 . In addition, the head part 3 may be fixed to the grip part 2, may be removable, or may be movable with respect to the grip part 2.

The head portion 3 can be brought into contact with the user's skin and has a form suitable for being brought into contact with the user's skin. For example, the head portion 3 may have a substantially planar contact surface 3a (including a curved surface with a relatively large radius of curvature). The contact surface 3a is a plane that can be approximated to a substantially straight line when viewed from the side. The shape of the abutment surface 3a when viewed from the front (the shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the abutment surface 3a) is arbitrary, such as a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, etc., and this embodiment As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the shape is circular.

The head portion 3 has a plurality of electrodes 30 arranged on the contact surface 3a. The plurality of electrodes 30 may be in a form that slightly protrudes from the basic surface of the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3 so that they can easily contact the user's skin.

In this embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 30 are arranged in an annular shape centered on the center C of the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3. Hereinafter, the terms related to the radial direction and the circumferential direction will be used with respect to the center C of the abutting surface 3a when the abutting surface 3a is viewed from the front (when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the abutting surface 3a). Based on the circular shape. For example, the radially inner side refers to the side closer to the center C of the contact surface 3a in the radial direction. Further, in the following, the number of the plurality of electrodes 30 and the unit of one electrode are assumed to be one continuous form.

In this embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 30 include a first electrode 31 , a second electrode 32 , a third electrode 33 , a fourth electrode 34 , and a fifth electrode 35 .

The first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 are a group of electrodes for applying a high-frequency output waveform having a warming effect (or heating effect, hereinafter the same) to the user's skin, as described later. (hereinafter also referred to as "electrode group for high frequency output waveform").

The first electrode 31 may have a circular shape. The first electrode 31 may be arranged such that its center coincides with the center C.

The second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 may each have an annular shape. The second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 may be arranged concentrically with respect to the center C. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 each have a circular ring shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction, but have a circular ring shape that is locally divided in the circumferential direction (for example, It may be U-shaped.

The second electrode 32 is arranged radially outward of the first electrode 31 , and the third electrode 33 is arranged radially outward of the second electrode 32 . In this case, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 are arranged relative to the center C in order from the inside in the radial direction. They may be arranged concentrically.

The difference between the distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction and the distance d2 between the third electrode 33 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction is preferably the distance d1 less than 10% of In this embodiment, as a preferable example, the distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction is equal to the distance d2 between the third electrode 33 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction ( In other words, the difference between distance d1 and distance d2 is 0). Note that the distance d1 corresponds to the difference between the outer diameter of the first electrode 31 with the center C as a reference and the inner diameter of the second electrode 32 with the center C as a reference. Similarly, the distance d2 corresponds to the difference between the outer diameter of the second electrode 32 with the center C as a reference and the inner diameter of the third electrode 33 with the center C as a reference.

The fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 are a pair of electrodes (hereinafter also referred to as "electrode group for low frequency output waveform") for applying a low frequency output waveform having a muscle electrical stimulation effect to the user's skin. ) to form.

The fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 may each have an annular shape. The fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 may be arranged concentrically with respect to the center C. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 each have a circular ring shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction, but they may have a circular ring shape that is locally divided in the circumferential direction. It's okay.

The fourth electrode 34 is arranged radially outside the first electrode 31 and inside the second electrode 32 in the radial direction. That is, the fourth electrode 34 is arranged between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction. The fifth electrode 35 is arranged radially outside the second electrode 32 and inside the third electrode 33 in the radial direction. That is, the fifth electrode 35 is arranged between the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 in the radial direction.

In this embodiment, the distance d3 between the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 in the radial direction may be the same as the distance d1 and the distance d2 described above, or may be different from the distance d1 and the distance d2 described above. may be significantly different. Note that the distance d3 corresponds to the difference between the outer diameter of the fourth electrode 34 with the center C as a reference and the inner diameter of the fifth electrode 35 with the center C as a reference.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the control system 100 according to an example. FIG. 4 is a conceptual illustration of two types of output waveforms that act on the skin at different depths. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a change pattern of the output waveform generated by the high-frequency output generation section 112. In addition to the control system 100, FIG. 3 also shows the first to fifth electrodes 31 to 35 on the output side and the user interface 20 on the input side. FIG. 4 schematically shows a cross section of the head portion 3 as well as a cross section of the skin that contacts the head portion 3. Further, FIG. 4 schematically shows output waveforms (low-range RF waveform W1 and high-range RF waveform W2, which will be described later) applied to the skin from the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. . FIG. 5 shows a change pattern of the output waveform, with the horizontal axis representing time.

Control system 100 includes a control device 110, a high frequency output generation section 112, and a low frequency output generation section 114. Control device 110 may be formed by a computer such as a microcomputer. The high frequency output generation section 112 and the low frequency output generation section 114 may be formed by an electric circuit electrically connected to a power source (not shown). Note that the power source may be a power source built into the skin treatment device 1, or may be an external power source.

The control device 110 generates various output waveforms via the first electrode 31 to the fifth electrode 35 by controlling the high frequency output generation section 112 and the low frequency output generation section 114 based on user input from the user interface 20. generate.

Note that the user interface 20 may include a user interface such as the various buttons described above. Note that the user interface 20 may include an input device capable of gesture input and/or voice input as another user interface. Further, the user interface 20 may include a user interface on a user terminal (eg, a smartphone). In this case, the control device 110 may acquire the user input via communication based on, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like with the user terminal. In this case, the user can operate the skin treatment device 1 via the user terminal.

The high frequency output generation section 112 is electrically connected to the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. Under the control of the control device 110, the high-frequency output generation unit 112 generates a high-frequency output waveform that has a warming effect and is applied to the user's skin via the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. An output waveform (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "high frequency output waveform") that can be applied is generated.

In this case, the high frequency output generation unit 112 preferably generates the high frequency output waveform using the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 as a first pair, and the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 as a second pair. , generates a high frequency output waveform. That is, the high-frequency output generation unit 112 preferably uses two pairs that share the second electrode 32 and simultaneously generates high-frequency output waveforms via the respective pairs. In this case, the high frequency output waveform is formed in such a manner that the phase at each of the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33 is inverted with respect to the phase at the second electrode 32. That is, the polarity of the high frequency output waveform at the second electrode 32 is opposite to the polarity at each of the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously exert a warming effect on a relatively wide range of the user's skin, corresponding to the relatively wide range in which the first electrode 31, second electrode 32, and third electrode 33 are arranged. .

Further, in this embodiment, as described above, the distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction is the distance d2 between the third electrode 33 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction. equal. Due to the symmetry of the distances from the second electrode 32 to the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33, it is possible to uniformly apply a warming effect to a relatively wide range of the user's skin. can.

The high frequency output generation section 112 generates two or more types of high frequency output waveforms having different frequencies. In the present embodiment, as an example, the high-frequency output generation unit 112 generates two high-frequency output waveforms including a high-frequency output waveform of a first frequency (an example of a first AC waveform) and a high-frequency output waveform of a second frequency (an example of a second AC waveform). Generates more than one type of high-frequency output waveform. Hereinafter, for distinction, the high frequency output waveform of the first frequency will also be referred to as the "low range RF waveform W1", and the high frequency output waveform of the second frequency will be referred to as the "high range RF waveform W2".

In this embodiment, the first frequency is higher than 20kHz and the second frequency is significantly higher than the first frequency.

By the way, in the case of a high-frequency output waveform in a frequency band higher than 20 kHz, the depth of the skin to which the warming effect is effectively applied tends to vary depending on the difference in frequency. Specifically, as schematically shown by the low-range RF waveform W1 in FIG. 4, in the case of a high-frequency output waveform with a relatively low frequency, a heating effect tends to be exerted on relatively deep regions of the skin (for example, the dermis). There is. On the other hand, as schematically shown by the high-range RF waveform W2 in FIG. 4, in the case of a high-frequency output waveform with a relatively high frequency, a heating effect tends to be exerted on relatively shallow areas of the skin (e.g., the epidermis). There is.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as described above, by generating two or more types of high-frequency output waveforms with different frequencies, a warming effect can be exerted over a wide range in the depth direction (thickness direction) of the user's skin. can be affected. As a result, the heating effect on the user's skin can be more effectively enhanced than, for example, when the heating effect is applied only to a specific depth using only a high-frequency output waveform of a constant frequency.

From this point of view, the first frequency is preferably between 100 kHz and 1.5 MHz, more preferably between 200 kHz and 1.0 MHz. In this case, the low range RF waveform W1 can effectively exert a warming effect on a relatively deep region of the skin (for example, the dermis).

On the other hand, the second frequency is preferably between 600kHz and 5.0MHz, more preferably between 1.0MHz and 3.0MHz. In this case, the high range RF waveform W2 can effectively exert a warming effect on a relatively shallow region of the skin (for example, the epidermis).

Under the control of the control device 110, the high-frequency output generation unit 112 alternately and repeatedly generates a low-range RF waveform W1 and a high-range RF waveform W2 in a manner that switches at every predetermined period ΔT, as shown in FIG. Thereby, a warming effect on a relatively deep area of the skin (for example, the dermis) and a warming effect on a relatively shallow area of the skin (for example, the epidermis) can be alternately exerted on the skin. As a result, the warming effect can be effectively enhanced.

The predetermined period ΔT is arbitrary, but is preferably a relatively short period of 10 seconds or less so that both of the above-mentioned two types of warming effects acting on different skin depths are maintained substantially all the time. , more preferably 2 seconds or less, and most preferably 1 second or less. By shortening the predetermined period ΔT, the two types of warming effects that act on different skin depths described above can be applied to the skin at the same time, and as a result, the warming effects can be effectively enhanced. can.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the duration time of the low range RF waveform W1 per time and the duration time of the high range RF waveform W2 per time are each the same time as the predetermined period ΔT, but in a modified example, they are different. Good too. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the predetermined period ΔT is constant and repeated, but the predetermined period ΔT may change. For example, only the first low range RF waveform W1 and high range RF waveform W2 may have a relatively long duration.

Further, in the operation mode shown in FIG. 5, the low range RF waveform W1 and the high range RF waveform W2 are alternately and continuously generated in a manner that switches every predetermined period ΔT, but the low range RF waveform W1 and the high range RF waveform W2 are They may occur alternately and discontinuously in a manner that switches every predetermined period ΔT. For example, a high frequency output waveform of another frequency may be generated between the low range RF waveform W1 and the high range waveform W2. In this case, the other frequency may be an intermediate frequency within a range higher than the first frequency and lower than the second frequency. In this case, the low range RF waveform W1 and the high range RF waveform W2 are alternately generated via the high frequency output waveform of the intermediate frequency in a manner that they are switched at every predetermined period ΔT. As a result, even if the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is relatively large, switching between the first frequency related to the low range RF waveform W1 and the second frequency related to the high range RF waveform W2 is performed via the intermediate frequency. Since this can be realized, the load on the electric circuit section related to the high-frequency output generation section 112 can be effectively reduced. In this case, the high frequency output waveform of the intermediate frequency per time is the same time as the above-mentioned predetermined period ΔT, but in a modified example, it may be different. Further, a plurality of intermediate frequencies may be set within a range higher than the first frequency and lower than the second frequency. In this case, even if the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is relatively large, switching between the first frequency and the second frequency can be realized via a plurality of intermediate frequencies. For example, when using three intermediate frequencies having a relationship of first intermediate frequency>second intermediate frequency>third intermediate frequency, as shown in FIG. 5A, from the high range RF waveform W2, the high frequency output waveform of the first intermediate frequency is (denoted as "first intermediate range" in FIG. 5A), high-frequency output waveform of the second intermediate frequency (denoted as "second intermediate range" in FIG. 5A), and high-frequency output waveform of the third intermediate frequency (denoted as "second intermediate range" in FIG. 5A) In this case, the frequency of the high-frequency output waveform may change every predetermined period ΔT as described above, in such a manner that the high-frequency output waveform changes to the low-range RF waveform W1 via the “third intermediate range”. In this case, abrupt switching from the second frequency to the first frequency can be avoided, so the load on the electric circuit section related to the high-frequency output generation section 112 can be effectively reduced. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the high range RF waveform W2 is transferred to the low range RF waveform W1 via the high frequency output waveform of the first intermediate frequency, the high frequency output waveform of the second intermediate frequency, and the high frequency output waveform of the third intermediate frequency. Since the changing mode is repeated, a direct switching from the low range RF waveform W1 to the high range RF waveform W2 occurs. On the other hand, in a further modified example, the high range RF waveform W2 is converted to the low range RF waveform W1 via the high frequency output waveform of the first intermediate frequency, the high frequency output waveform of the second intermediate frequency, and the high frequency output waveform of the third intermediate frequency. After changing, the low range RF waveform W1 returns to the high range RF waveform W2 via the high frequency output waveform of the third intermediate frequency, the high frequency output waveform of the second intermediate frequency, and the high frequency output waveform of the first intermediate frequency. The switching to waveform W2 may also be realized via an intermediate frequency. In this case, abrupt switching from the first frequency to the second frequency can be avoided, so the load on the electric circuit section related to the high-frequency output generation section 112 can be effectively reduced.

The low frequency output generation section 114 is electrically connected to the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35. The low-frequency output generation unit 114 generates a low-frequency output waveform having a muscle electrical stimulation effect that can be applied to the user's skin via the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 under the control of the control device 110. output waveform (hereinafter also simply referred to as "low frequency output waveform W3"). Specifically, the low frequency output generation unit 114 generates one or more types of low frequency output waveforms including the low frequency output waveform W3 of the third frequency (an example of the third AC waveform). The third frequency is lower than 20kHz.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the operation mode, and shows the output waveform pattern (change pattern of the output mode) in time series with the horizontal axis as time. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the effect of the operation mode of FIG. 6. Similar to FIG. 4 described above, FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross section of the head portion 3 as well as a cross section of the skin that contacts the head portion 3. FIG. 7 also shows high-frequency output waveforms applied to the skin from the first electrode 31, second electrode 32, and third electrode 33, as well as low-frequency output waveforms applied to the skin from the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35. Waveform W3 is schematically shown.

The operation mode shown in FIG. 6 includes an initial section A1. In the initial section A1, as initial operations related to the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33, the output mode M11 has a duration T11, the output mode M12 has a duration T12, and the output mode M11 has a duration T13. Each is executed. In this case, in the output mode M11, the frequency of the high-frequency output waveform may be, for example, about 2 MHz, and in the output mode M12, the frequency of the high-frequency output waveform may be, for example, about 1 MHz. The durations T11, T12, and T13 may be approximately 30 seconds, 10 seconds, and 10 seconds, respectively.

In the initial section A1, as initial operations related to the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35, the output mode M21 is executed for a duration T21, the output mode M22 is executed for a duration T22, and the output mode M21 is executed for a duration T23, respectively. be done. In this case, in the output mode M21, the frequency of the low frequency output waveform W3 may be, for example, between 71 Hz and 100 Hz. Further, in the output mode M22, the frequency of the low frequency output waveform W3 may be, for example, about 1 kHz. At this time, in the output mode M22, the low frequency output waveform W3 may be intermittently generated at a frequency of, for example, about 10 Hz during the duration T22. The durations T21, T22, and T23 may be approximately 30 seconds, 10 seconds, and 10 seconds, respectively.

The operation mode shown in FIG. 6 includes a main section A2 following the end of the initial section A1. In the main section A2, the output mode M14 is continuously executed as the main operation related to the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. In output mode M14, a high frequency output waveform is generated in the manner described above with reference to FIG. That is, the low range RF waveform W1 and the high range RF waveform W2 are alternately and repeatedly generated in a manner that they are switched at every predetermined period ΔT. Note that the output mode M14 may be maintained until a stop instruction is input from the user, or may be automatically stopped after a predetermined duration has elapsed.

Further, in the main section A2, as main operations related to the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35, the output mode M22 is executed for a duration T24, and the output mode M21 is executed for a duration T25, respectively. In this case, the output mode M21 and the output mode M22 are as described above. The durations T24 and T25 may be approximately 2 seconds and 3 seconds, respectively. Output mode M21 and output mode M22 may be repeatedly executed while main section A2 continues.

According to the operation mode shown in FIG. 6, in the main section A2, as schematically shown in FIG. 7, the fourth electrode 34 and the At the same time, the muscle electrical stimulation effect by the low frequency output waveform W3 via the five electrodes 35 can be exerted on the skin.

In particular, according to this embodiment, as described above, the fourth electrode 34 is arranged between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, and the fifth electrode 35 is arranged between the second electrode 32 and the third electrode. It is located between 33. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the range where the muscle electrical stimulation effect is applied by the low frequency output waveform W3 via the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 is limited to the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. This includes the range in which the heating effect of the high-frequency output waveform via the skin reaches the skin. Thereby, the muscle electrical stimulation effect and the warming effect can be more effectively exerted on the skin. However, in a modified example, the fifth electrode 35 may be arranged radially outward from the third electrode 33. In such a modification, the fourth electrode 34 may be arranged between the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33. Alternatively, or in other variations, additional electrodes (not shown) forming the electrode group for the low frequency output waveform may be arranged radially outward of the third electrode 33.

Note that although FIG. 6 shows an example of an operation mode that the skin treatment device 1 may have, the skin treatment device 1 may have other operation modes instead of or in addition to this operation mode.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of another operation mode, and shows a change pattern of the output mode in a time series with time as the horizontal axis. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of division of a plurality of parts of the facial region, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of various muscles of the facial region. Further, in FIG. 8, target parts associated with each output mode are illustrated.

In the operation mode shown in FIG. 8, output mode M30 to output mode M34 are executed in order from duration T30 to duration T34, respectively. Each output mode from output mode M30 to output mode M34 is associated with a specific target part of the face or a specific target muscle of the face. As shown in FIG. 9A, each target region includes multiple parts of the face, specifically, the forehead, the outer corners of the eyes, the nose, the eye bags, and the nasolabial folds (more precisely, the nasolabial folds are formed). Includes 7 areas: face line (cheeks), chin (jaw). In addition, in the modified example, some of these seven parts (for example, the outer corners of the eyes, nose, face line, chin, etc.) may be omitted, other target parts may be added, or rougher or more Finer granularity classification may also be utilized. Further, the outer corners of the eyes, eye bags, nasolabial folds, and face lines (cheeks) may be treated as separate parts on the left and right, and in this case, the face is classified into a total of 11 parts. As shown in FIG. 9B, each target muscle includes multiple types of facial muscles, and specifically includes three types: masseter muscle, mentalis muscle, and orbicularis oculi muscle. Note that in a modified example, some of these three types may be omitted, or other types of target muscles may be added.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, output modes M30 to M34 are respectively associated with face lines, nasolabial folds, masseter muscles, eye bags, and forehead, and output waveforms suitable for each are generated. In the example shown in FIG. 8, only the output mode M32 is associated with a specific target muscle (ie, masseter muscle), and the other output modes are associated with specific target parts. Note that each target region may be associated with an output mode in advance, and/or each target muscle may be associated with an output mode in advance. Furthermore, the user may be able to change the target region and/or target muscle as appropriate.

The duration time T30 to the duration time T34 are each arbitrary and may be changeable by the user as appropriate. The progress of each of the durations T30 to T34 may be communicated to the user by notification sound and/or vibration output from the skin treatment device 1. In this case, the user can easily change the position of the face to which the skin treatment device 1 is applied in response to the notification sound or the like.

In this way, in the example shown in FIG. 8, an operation mode is realized in which switching of output modes is controlled by time so that an output mode tailored to each part of the face is formed. In addition, in a modified example, a means for specifying (detecting) the region to which the skin treatment device 1 is applied may be provided, and switching of the output mode may be automatically realized according to the result of specifying each region.

Note that in the example shown in FIG. 8, output modes M30 to M34 are disclosed, but various changes are possible. For example, other output modes may be implemented instead of output mode M31 and output mode M32. In this case, the duration T30 of the output mode M30 may be about 60 seconds, the duration of other modes replacing the output mode M31 and output mode M32 may be about 110 seconds, and the duration T30 of the output mode M33 may be about 110 seconds. The time T33 may be about 70 seconds, and the duration T34 of the output mode M34 may be about 60 seconds.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation mode in which a high frequency output waveform, a low frequency output waveform, etc. can be simultaneously applied to each specific target region.

In FIG. 10, the output modes M40 to M45 in the upper row are modes related to a high frequency output waveform, and the output modes M50 to M57 in the lower row are modes related to a low frequency output waveform or a higher medium frequency or high frequency output waveform. This is the mode (that is, the mode related to the output waveform for electrical muscle stimulation).

Output mode M40 and output modes M50 and M51 are associated with face lines. Output mode M40 is adapted to enhance the warming effect on the face lines. For example, the frequency in output mode M40 may be about 1 MHz to 3 MHz, and the duration T40 of output mode M40 may be 60 seconds ± 20%.

Output modes M50, M51 are adapted to enhance the muscle electrical stimulation effect on the face line. For example, the output mode M50 may have a frequency of about 50 Hz to 100 Hz, and the duration of the output mode M50 may be 3 seconds ± 20%. Further, the frequency of the output mode M51 may be approximately 1 kHz to 10 kHz, and the duration of the output mode M51 may be 3 seconds±20%. Output modes M50 and M51 are executed in synchronization with output mode M40, and are executed alternately within duration T40. The output modes M50, M51 may vary in frequency within the above-mentioned range within or for each duration. Further, in the output mode M51, the application of the output waveform may be intermittently performed at a rhythm (interval frequency) of about 5 Hz to 20 Hz. In this case, it is expected that the skin treatment effect on the face line will be improved by adjusting (variable) the interval frequency.

The output mode M41 and the output modes M52 and M53 are associated with a part of the cheek (for example, between the face line and the nasolabial fold). Output mode M41 is adapted to increase the warming effect on a part of the cheek. For example, the frequency in the output mode M41 may be about 1 MHz to 3 MHz, and the duration T41 of the output mode M41 may be 110 seconds±20%.

Output modes M52, M53 are adapted to enhance the myoelectrical stimulation effect in a part of the cheek. In this case, the output modes M52 and M53 may be adapted to enhance the muscle electrical stimulation effect on the masseter muscle or zygomaticus muscle, which is a target muscle included in a part of the cheek. For example, the output mode M52 may have a frequency of about 1 kHz to 10 kHz, and the duration of the output mode M52 may be 5 seconds ± 20%. Further, the frequency of the output mode M53 may be approximately 50 Hz to 100 Hz, and the duration of the output mode M53 may be 4 seconds ± 20%. Output modes M52 and M53 are executed in synchronization with output mode M41, and are executed alternately within duration T41. The output modes M52, M53 may vary in frequency within the above-mentioned range within or for each duration. Further, in the output mode M52, the application of the output waveform may be intermittently performed at a rhythm (interval frequency) of about 10 Hz.

Output modes M43 and M44 and output modes M54 and M55 are associated with the eyes. Output modes M43, M44 are adapted to enhance the warming effect in the eye area. For example, the frequency in output mode M43 may be about 1 MHz to 3 MHz, and the duration of output mode M43 may be 1 second ± 20%. Further, the output mode M44 may be a mode in which application of the output waveform is stopped. In this case, the duration of output mode M44 is significantly longer than the duration of output mode M43, which may be 6 seconds ± 20%. This makes it possible to realize a warming effect that takes into account the unique characteristics of the eye area, where many users tend to feel heat.

Output modes M54, M55 are adapted to enhance the myoelectric stimulation effect in a part of the eye area. In this case, the output modes M54 and M55 may be adapted to enhance the myoelectric stimulation effect on the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is a target muscle included in the eye area. For example, the output mode M54 may be a mode in which application of the output waveform is stopped, and the output mode M55 may be a mode in which the frequency is 10k.
The frequency may be about Hz to 200kHz. Output modes M54 and M55 are executed in synchronization with output modes M43 and M44, and are executed alternately within duration T42. In this case, the duration T42 may be 70 seconds±20%. Further, output modes M54 and M55 are preferably executed in a manner that is synchronized with each of output modes M43 and M44 (a manner in which output modes M43 and M54 form a pair, and output modes M44 and M55 form a pair). be done. This makes it possible to apply a stimulus with a warm sensation while preventing it from becoming too hot using the output mode M44. The output mode M55 may vary in frequency within the above-mentioned range within each single duration or from duration to duration. Further, in the output mode M55, application of the output waveform may be performed intermittently at a rhythm (interval frequency) of about 5 Hz to 100 Hz. In this case, it is expected that the skin treatment effect on the eye area will be improved by adjusting (variable) the interval frequency.

Output mode M45 and output modes M56 and M57 are associated with the forehead. Output mode M45 is adapted to increase the warming effect on the forehead. For example, the frequency in output mode M45 may be about 1 MHz to 3 MHz, and the duration T43 of output mode M45 may be 60 seconds ± 20%.

Output modes M56, M57 are adapted to enhance the myoelectric stimulation effect in the forehead. For example, the output mode M56 may have a frequency of about 1 kHz to 10 kHz, and the duration of the output mode M56 may be 16 seconds ± 20%. Further, the frequency of the output mode M57 may be approximately 50 Hz to 100 Hz, and the duration of the output mode M57 may be 4 seconds ± 20%. Output modes M56 and M57 are executed in synchronization with output mode M45, and are executed alternately within duration T43. The output modes M56, M57 may vary in frequency within the above-mentioned range within or for each duration. Further, in the output mode M56, the application of the output waveform may be performed intermittently at a rhythm (interval frequency) of about 5 Hz to 10 Hz.

Regarding the operation modes shown in FIG. 10, in at least one of the output modes M40 to M45, the combination of the low range RF waveform W1 and the high range RF waveform W2 described above with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, etc. is used. It's okay. In addition, output modes M40 to M45 can have the same frequency of about 1 MHz to 3 MHz, except for output mode M43, but within the range of 1 MHz to 3 MHz, the frequency of some output modes may differ from the frequency of other output modes. May be different.

Here, in the case of the operation mode shown in FIG. 10, as in the case of the operation mode described above with reference to FIG. and/or may be transmitted to the user by a vibrational output. In this case, the user can easily change the position of the face to which the skin treatment device 1 is applied in response to the notification sound or the like.

Alternatively, the user may use the beauty device 4 while viewing his or her own face on the screen of the user terminal 2 using the camera (for example, an in-camera) of the user terminal 2, as shown in FIG. In this case, the facial image is generated in real time by the camera of the user terminal 2 while the beauty device 4 is being used. The facial image may be subjected to image processing by a computer within the user terminal 2 or an external server (not shown) and used to identify the position of the face to which the skin processing device 1 is applied. At this time, the output mode may be automatically changed based on the result of specifying the position where the skin treatment device 1 is applied. In addition, the facial image or similar image on the screen of the user terminal 2 shows the position of the face to which the skin treatment device 1 will be applied in the next operation mode, depending on the elapse of the duration time T40 to the duration time T43. A guidance display to guide the user may be output (superimposed display).

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or a plurality of the components of the embodiments described above.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 generate a high frequency output waveform such as the low range RF waveform W1, but in other operation modes, the low frequency output waveform or other DC waveforms may be generated. For example, a low frequency output waveform may be generated via the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33 that are relatively far apart in the radial direction. This also applies to the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35. Further, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 may be combined with the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 in various combinations to form a pair of electrodes.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, two of the low range RF waveform W1 of a constant first frequency and the high range RF waveform W2 of a constant second frequency are transmitted via the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. The present invention generates various kinds of high-frequency output waveforms, but is not limited thereto. For example, a low range RF waveform W1 of a first frequency fluctuates within the above-mentioned preferred range, and a high range RF waveform W2 of a second frequency fluctuates within the preferred range described above and within a range higher than the maximum fluctuation width of the first frequency. may be generated. That is, high frequency output waveforms may be generated at three or more types of frequencies. For example, in the case of N (N≧3) types, the output for each cycle may be repeated in such a manner that a high-frequency output waveform of each corresponding frequency is generated within a time period obtained by dividing one cycle into N pieces.

Further, in the embodiment described above, five concentrically arranged first to fifth electrodes 31 to 35 are used, but the number and arrangement of the electrodes can be changed in various ways. For example, one or more additional annular electrodes may be arranged radially outward with respect to the third electrode 33. The one or more additional annular electrodes may be continuous in the circumferential direction, or may be locally divided in the circumferential direction. One or more additional annular electrodes may be arranged concentrically with respect to the first electrode 31, etc. One or more further annular electrodes may cooperate with the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 to form an electrode group for the high frequency output waveform described above. For example, when one additional annular electrode is disposed radially outward of the third electrode 33, the polarity of the high frequency output waveform at the third electrode 33 is different from that at each of the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33. The polarity may be reversed. In this way, one or more additional annular electrodes may be added radially outwardly. In this case, the fifth electrode 35 may be arranged radially outward from the outermost electrode of the one or more additional annular electrodes. In this case, the radial separation distance in the electrode group for low frequency output waveforms can be efficiently increased. Alternatively, the fifth electrode 35 may be arranged radially inward than the outermost electrode of the one or more further annular electrodes. In addition, when two or more annular electrodes are added, each electrode forms an electrode group for low frequency output waveforms and an electrode group for high frequency output waveforms, similarly to the above embodiment. Each electrode may be arranged radially alternatingly. In the case of these modifications, some of the electrodes forming the electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform may also form the electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform in other modes, or may form the electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform in other modes. etc. may be generated. Also, in other modes, some of the electrodes that form the electrode group for high-frequency output waveforms may form electrode groups for low-frequency output waveforms, or may generate other DC waveforms. good.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the first electrode 31 to the fifth electrode 35 have an annular shape, but they may have other shapes such as an ellipse or a polygon, or a combination of various shapes. It may be. For example, the first electrode 31 to the fifth electrode 35 may be realized as the first electrode 31A to the fifth electrode 35A arranged in a straight line parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 12A. Note that FIG. 12A (as well as FIG. 12B, which will be described later) schematically shows the electrode configuration when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12B, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 forming the electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform are arranged in parallel to each other in a straight line. It may be realized as two electrodes 32B and a third electrode 33B. In the example shown in FIG. 12B, the second electrode 32B and the third electrode 33B are arranged on both sides of the first electrode 31B (on both sides in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first electrode 31B). . Also in this case, one or more electrodes forming the electrode group for low frequency output waveforms, such as the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35, are the first electrode 31B, the second electrode 32B, and the third electrode 33B. It may be placed between the two. Also, in the case of the modified example shown in FIG. 12A or FIG. 12B, some of the electrodes forming the electrode group for high-frequency output waveforms form the electrode group for low-frequency output waveforms in other modes. Alternatively, other DC waveforms or the like may be generated. Also, in other modes, some of the electrodes that form the electrode group for low-frequency output waveforms may form electrode groups for high-frequency output waveforms, or may generate other DC waveforms. good.

1 Skin treatment device 2 Grip section 3 Head section 3a Contact surface 20 User interface 30 Electrode 31 First electrode 32 Second electrode 33 Third electrode 34 Fourth electrode 35 Fifth electrode 100 Control system 110 Control device 112 High frequency output generation section 114 Low frequency output generation section

Claims (5)

multiple electrodes that can be brought into contact with the user's skin;
a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes;
an electrical circuit that generates one or more output waveforms that can be applied to the skin via at least some of the plurality of electrodes based on the power source;
The one or more output waveforms may be used in cases where the treatment target area, which is the area to which the plurality of electrodes or the area of the skin to be applied is the first area, and a second area different from the first area. A skin treatment device that is different depending on whether it has two parts or not. The skin treatment according to claim 1, wherein the duration during which the one or more output waveforms can be applied is different depending on whether the treatment target region is the first region or the second region. Device. The one or more output waveforms include an output waveform for electrical muscle stimulation, and the output waveform for electrical muscle stimulation is adapted according to characteristics of muscles included in the processing target region. The skin treatment device described. The one or more output waveforms include a high frequency output waveform and an output waveform for electrical muscle stimulation,
1 . The high-frequency output waveform and the muscle electrical stimulation output waveform are controlled in a mutually synchronized manner so as to change into output waveforms with different characteristics in response to changes in the processing target region, respectively. The skin treatment device described in . A program for controlling a skin treatment device having a plurality of electrodes that can come into contact with a user's skin,
A computer that controls the operation of the skin treatment device,
identifying a treatment target region that is a region to which the plurality of electrodes are applied or a region of the skin to which the plurality of electrodes should be applied;
One or more output waveforms that can be applied to the skin via at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes, in which the treatment target region is a first region and a second region different from the first region. A program that causes a process to generate the one or more output waveforms to be performed in a different manner depending on the case.