KR20230035980A - System for complex stimulation of scalp using magnetic field and light for prevention and treatment of hair loss and method for simulation of scalp using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A scalp stimulation system comprises: one or more transducer devices which are arranged to face a head of a user and each include one or more light stimulation elements for applying light stimulation to the scalp of the user and one or more magnetic coils for applying a magnetic field to the scalp of the user; and a control device electrically connected to the one or more transducer devices and configured to control the operation of the one or more light stimulation elements and the one or more magnetic coils. The transducer device further includes a casing having a first compartment and a second compartment located on top of the first compartment. In this case, the one or more light stimulation elements are located in the first compartment to be exposed toward the scalp of the user. The one or more magnetic substances are located in the second compartment and are configured to apply the magnetic field and light stimulation to the scalp in a complicated manner to prevent and/or treat hair loss.

Description

Magnetic field and light stimulation complex scalp stimulation system for preventing and treating hair loss and scalp stimulation method using the same

Embodiments relate to a scalp stimulation system and a scalp stimulation method using the same. More specifically, embodiments relate to a scalp stimulation system and method configured to apply a magnetic field and light stimulation to the scalp in combination to prevent and/or treat hair loss.

In modern times, many men suffer from hair loss, and as the age at which hair loss starts is getting younger than in the past, recently men in their 20s and 30s can easily find men suffering from hair loss.

Although the exact cause of hair loss has not been identified, it is known that genetic factors, the action of male hormones, and stress work. Although male hormone itself does not cause hair loss, testosterone, a male hormone, is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) due to reductase and binds to the androgen receptor to reduce the function of dermal papilla and hair follicles and blood vessels. It is known to damage hair and cause hair loss.

Hair loss treatment is performed through various methods, and recently, a method of irradiating a scalp with a low-power laser has been used. For example, Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0069058 discloses a laser hair loss treatment device including laser elements arranged inside a helmet worn by a user. It is known that there are effects such as preventing hair loss and treating and preventing scalp diseases by inducing cell stimulation, blood vessel expansion, hair root cell activation, and blood circulation promotion by low-power laser irradiation.

However, since these conventional techniques simply depend on light treatment using a laser, the practical effect of preventing and treating hair loss is not high. A method of activating biological tissues of the scalp through negative pressure by performing vibration or ultrasound in parallel with light therapy is also used, but the combined effect of light and vibration or ultrasound is not large, so this method also has limited effects on promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. have

Publication No. 10-2016-0069058

According to one aspect of the present invention for solving the problems of the prior art as described above, a magnetic coil along with an optical stimulation device such as a low-power laser or a blue light emitting diode is installed inside a transducer device disposed toward the user's head. It is possible to provide a scalp stimulation system and a scalp stimulation method capable of stimulating the muscles and hair roots of the scalp by applying complex stimulation using a magnetic field by a coil together with light stimulation by laser and/or blue light.

A scalp stimulation system according to an aspect of the present invention is configured to be disposed facing a user's head, and includes at least one light stimulation element for applying light stimulation to the user's scalp and a magnetic field for applying a magnetic field to the user's scalp. one or more transducer devices each including one or more magnetic coils; and a control device electrically connected to the one or more transducer devices and configured to control operations of the one or more optical stimulation elements and the one or more magnetic coils.

In this case, the transducer device further includes a casing including a first compartment and a second compartment positioned above the first compartment, and the one or more optical stimulation devices are exposed toward the user's scalp. located in the first compartment, and the one or more magnetic bodies are located in the second compartment.

In one embodiment, the casing further includes a third compartment located on top of the second compartment, and the transducer device is located in the third compartment and exposed to the outside of the casing for exhaust. Including more fans.

In one embodiment, the transducer device further comprises one or more sensors configured to receive status information of the one or more coils or the user using the transducer device.

At this time, the control device may include a receiver configured to receive the state information from the one or more sensors; an operation mode determination unit configured to determine an operation mode of the transducer device based on the state information; and a controller configured to operate the one or more optical stimulation elements or the one or more magnetic coils based on the operation mode determined by the operation mode determination unit.

In one embodiment, the one or more sensors include an image sensor for obtaining an image of the user's scalp. At this time, the receiver is further configured to receive the scalp image. In addition, the operation mode determination unit generates hair loss condition information of the user based on the positions of the skin region and the skin boundary line extracted from the scalp image, and determines the operation mode of the transducer device based on the hair loss condition information. It is further configured to

In one embodiment, the one or more sensors include a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the magnetic coil and a second temperature sensor configured to measure a surface temperature of the transducer device. At this time, the receiver is further configured to receive temperature information from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, respectively. The operation mode determination unit may further determine whether to operate the one or more coils based on a result of comparing a difference between the temperature information of the first temperature sensor and the temperature information of the second temperature sensor with a preset threshold value. It consists of

In one embodiment, the one or more sensors include an infrared sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of a person within a preset distance from the transducer device. At this time, the receiver is further configured to receive an infrared signal from the infrared sensor. In addition, the operation mode determining unit is further configured to determine whether the one or more magnetic coils or the one or more optical stimulation elements operate based on the infrared signal.

In one embodiment, the control device further includes an input unit configured to receive a user input for controlling an operation of the transducer device from the user using the transducer device. At this time, the control unit is further configured to control the operation of the one or more optical stimulation elements and the one or more magnetic coils based on the user input.

In one embodiment, the one or more light stimulating devices include a laser diode or a blue light emitting diode (Light-Emitting Diode; LED).

The scalp stimulation system according to an embodiment further includes a connection device configured to fix the transducer device to a chair for the user to sit on.

The connecting device may include a fixing bracket mounted on the chair; a connecting bracket movably inserted into the fixing bracket; and a rotation arm hinged to the connection bracket and coupled to the transducer device so as to adjust an angle with respect to the connection bracket.

A scalp stimulation method according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to face a user's head, and includes a casing including a first compartment and a second compartment located on top of the first compartment, toward the user's scalp. electrically connecting one or more transducer devices each including one or more optical stimulation elements disposed in the first compartment to be exposed and one or more magnetic coils disposed in the second compartment to a control device; supplying power to the one or more transducer devices by the control device; and applying, by the transducer device, at least one of light stimulation by the one or more light stimulating elements or magnetic field by the one or more magnetic coils to the user's scalp.

In one embodiment, the applying may include receiving, by the control device, state information of the user or the one or more coils from one or more sensors of the transducer device; and determining, by the control device, an operation mode of the transducer device based on the received state information.

In one embodiment, the state information may include a scalp image of the user using the transducer device, a heating temperature of the magnetic coil, an operation signal of the optical stimulation sensor, and an infrared signal within a preset distance from the transducer device. includes one or more of

According to the scalp stimulation system and method according to one aspect of the present invention, a magnetic field by a magnetic coil along with light stimulation by a low-power laser and/or blue light in a transducer device that can be disposed toward the user's head By applying a complex stimulus containing the present invention to the scalp, there is an advantage in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth by stimulating the muscles and hair roots of the scalp.

In addition, in the scalp stimulation system and method according to one aspect of the present invention, the control device is electrically connected to a plurality of transducer devices to control the transducer devices, so that the scalp stimulation system can be used to treat multiple patients simultaneously. This is possible, and there is an advantage in that a plurality of patients can be individually monitored in a control device using a display unit for each transducer device.

Furthermore, when the scalp stimulation system and method according to one aspect of the present invention is used, state information such as the patient's hair loss progress or the patient's departure is grasped using an image sensor or an infrared sensor provided in the transducer device, and the identified The operation mode of the transducer device may be controlled according to the state information. For example, by controlling the operation of the transducer device in any one of current stimulation mode, laser stimulation mode, blue light stimulation mode, magnetic stimulation mode, or a combination mode thereof according to the progress of the patient's hair loss, a protocol optimized for the patient can be obtained. It has the advantage of being able to stimulate the scalp.

1 is a conceptual diagram of a scalp stimulation system and a block diagram of a control device of the scalp stimulation system according to an embodiment.
2 is a conceptual diagram of a control device of a scalp stimulation system according to an embodiment.
3 is a side view illustrating that a transducer device of a scalp stimulation system according to an embodiment is mounted on a chair.
4 is a side view showing an internal configuration of a transducer device of a scalp stimulation system according to an embodiment.
5A to 5C are plan views illustrating arrangement of elements in each compartment inside the transducer device of the scalp stimulation system according to an exemplary embodiment.
6 is a flowchart showing each step of a scalp stimulation method according to an embodiment.
7A to 7C are graphs showing exemplary forms of stimulation applied to the scalp by a scalp stimulation method according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, look at the embodiments of the present invention in detail.

1 is a conceptual diagram of a scalp stimulation system and a block diagram of a control device of the scalp stimulation system according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a control device of the scalp stimulation system according to an embodiment.

1 and 2, the scalp stimulation system according to the present embodiment includes a transducer device 2 and one or more transducer devices 2 configured to be disposed toward the head of users such as hair loss patients. It is electrically connected and includes control devices 3 for controlling their operation. In one embodiment, the transducer device 2 may be fixed to a chair 1 on which a user can sit by using a mechanical coupling means such as a movable arm.

In one embodiment, the scalp stimulation system is disposed on the chair 1 on which the user sits and may further include an input unit 10 for allowing the user to directly control the operation mode of the transducer device 2.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the control device 3 may be electrically connected to one or more transducer devices 3 by an electrical connection means such as a cable 320 . Through this, it is possible to perform simultaneous procedures on multiple patients using one scalp stimulation system. Although three transducer devices 2 are shown in the drawing for convenience of description, this is exemplary and is not intended to limit the actual number of transducer devices connectable to the control device 3 in the scalp stimulation system. It will be readily understood by the technician.

In one embodiment, the control device 3 may have a device configuration in which various electrical parts are accommodated in the body 300, and the surface of the body 300 is used to confirm the operation of the transducer device 2 by the patient or operator. An input unit 310 for controlling the operation of one or more display elements 330 and the transducer device 2 may be located. For example, as many display elements 330 as the number of transducer devices 2 connectable to the control device 3 are provided in the control device 3, the treatment state through each transducer device 3 is displayed correspondingly. It may be possible to individually check through the display element 330 that does.

As shown in FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the control device 3 includes a control unit 31 , a receiver unit 32 and an operation mode determination unit 35 . In one embodiment, the control device 3 further comprises a display portion 33 having one or more display elements 330 described above. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the control device 3 further comprises an input unit 34 .

The devices described herein may be entirely hardware, or may have aspects that are part hardware and part software. For example, the scalp stimulation system 3 and each of the systems, devices, servers, and units included in or related thereto collectively refer to a device for exchanging data in a specific format and content in an electronic communication method and software related thereto. can In this specification, terms such as "unit", "module", "server", "system", "platform", "device" or "terminal" refer to a combination of hardware and software driven by the hardware. it is intended to For example, the hardware herein may be a data processing device including a CPU or other processor. Also, software driven by hardware may refer to a running process, an object, an executable file, a thread of execution, a program, and the like.

In addition, in this specification, each unit constituting the scalp stimulation system 3 is not necessarily intended to refer to a separate physically separated component. That is, although each part 31 to 35 constituting the scalp stimulation system 3 in FIG. 1 is shown as a separate block that is distinguished from each other, it functionally divides the scalp stimulation system 3 by the operation executed by it. it did Depending on embodiments, some or all of the aforementioned units 31 to 35 may be integrated into the same device, or one or more units may be implemented as separate devices physically separated from other units. For example, each part 31 to 35 of the scalp stimulation system 3 may be components communicatively connected to each other under a distributed computing environment.

The control unit 31 converts power for operating one or more optical stimulation elements, magnetic coils, and current stimulation elements provided in the transducer device 2 into an appropriate waveform and size, and supplies the power to the transducer device 2. At the same time, it functions to control the operation of each element through whether power is supplied to each element, the size or type of power supplied, or a control signal transmitted to each element. At this time, operation control by the controller 31 may be performed based on the operation mode of the transducer device 2 determined by the operation mode determination unit 35 .

The receiver 32 transmits the transducer device 2 or more from one or more sensors such as an image sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, or a temperature sensor provided in the transducer device 2 or each element provided in the transducer device 2. Receives status information capable of grasping the status of a user who uses it. For example, the condition information may be information for grasping the user's hair loss state and hair loss progress information, such as a scalp image of the user. Alternatively, the state information may be information for detecting whether a user is using the transducer device 2, such as an infrared signal. Furthermore, the state information may be information for confirming the operating state of the transducer device 2, such as temperature information. Various uses of state information will be described later in detail.

The operation mode determination unit 35 may determine an operation mode for determining the type of stimulation by the transducer device 2 based on the state information received by the receiver 32 . In the scalp stimulation system according to embodiments, the transducer device 2 is configured to apply a light stimulation signal and a magnetic field in a complex manner. In one embodiment, the transducer device 2 is provided with one or more electrodes to A microcurrent may be applied. At this time, the operation mode is for determining the type, size, frequency, period, waveform, etc. of complex stimulation to be applied by the transducer device 2.

For example, the operation mode determiner 35 may determine an operation mode for the transducer device 2 to selectively apply a magnetic field, microcurrent, laser, or blue light, or to apply them in combination. In one embodiment, a patient or operator using the scalp stimulation system may select an operation mode of the transducer device 2 through a user interface on the input unit 310 using the input unit 310 provided in the control device 3. . In addition, in one embodiment, the patient may directly select the operating mode of the transducer device 2 using the input unit 10 disposed on the chair 1.

However, in another embodiment, the operation mode determining unit 35 may be configured to generate optical stimulation by each transducer device 2 based on information received from each of one or more transducer devices 2 electrically connected to the control device 3. , current stimulation and/or an operation mode for controlling stimulation may be automatically determined, which will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 4 .

3 is a side view illustrating that a transducer device of a scalp stimulation system according to an embodiment is mounted on a chair.

Referring to FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the scalp stimulation system further includes a connection device 11 for fixing the transducer device 2 to a chair 1 on which a user sits. The connection device 11 has a structure in which the height and angle of the transducer device 2 can be changed so that the position of the transducer device 2 can be adjusted according to the user's body shape while the transducer device 2 is mounted on the chair 1.

Specifically, in one embodiment, the connecting device 11 includes a fixed bracket 114, an extension bracket 113 and a rotating arm 112. The fixing bracket 114 is mounted on the rear surface of the chair 1 through screw coupling or the like, and has a structure in which the extension bracket 113 can slide with respect to the fixing bracket 114 . The extension bracket 113 is coupled to the fixing bracket 114 so as to be movable up and down, and the height of the transducer device 2 can be adjusted by lifting the extension bracket 113. For example, each of the fixing bracket 114 and the extension bracket 113 is a hollow polygonal column or cylindrical member, and the extension bracket 113 has a smaller cross-sectional diameter than the fixing bracket 114, and the extension bracket 113 ) may have a form that is partially inserted into the fixing bracket 114. However, the mechanism for adjusting the height of the transducer device 2 is not limited thereto.

The rotary arm 112 is hingedly coupled to the extension bracket 113 such that one end thereof is rotatable around the rotary shaft 115, and the transducer device 2 is moved to the chair by rotating the rotary arm 112. (1) It is configured to be able to move in the front-back direction (ie, the left-right direction in FIG. 3) from the back side.

In one embodiment, the other end of the rotary arm 112 is also coupled to the transducer device 2 in a hinged manner, thereby rotating the transducer device 2 relative to the rotary arm 112, thereby transducer device 2 ) It is also possible to configure the connection device 11 so that the angle can be adjusted. In this case, the rotary arm 112 may be directly hinged to the transducer device 2 or hinged to a separate fixing member 111 coupled to the transducer device 2 .

4 is a side view showing an internal configuration of a transducer device of a scalp stimulation system according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 5A to 5C are plan views showing the arrangement of elements in each compartment inside the transducer device of the scalp stimulation system according to an embodiment. am.

Referring to FIG. 4 , in the scalp stimulation system according to an exemplary embodiment, the transducer device includes a casing 200 constituting an external shape of the device and accommodating other elements therein. The casing 200 may be made of a lightweight material such as synthetic resin. In one embodiment, the casing 200 may have a helmet-like shape so that the user can wear the transducer device on the head, but is not limited thereto. It may be arranged to apply a stimulation signal at a location a certain distance away from the head.

In one embodiment, the space inside the casing 200 is divided into a plurality of compartments, and in this embodiment, the casing includes a first compartment 21, a second compartment 22, and a third compartment 23 therein. (200) is described.

In this specification, the first to third compartments 21-23 divide the space inside the casing 200 according to the types of elements located in the space, and each compartment 21-23 is an electrical or mechanical component. It may be a separate layer separated by a structure such as a partition wall, a support plate, or a locking jaw capable of supporting each part in order to arrange the parts in the corresponding compartments 21 to 23. However, this is illustrative, and in other embodiments, each part may be disposed without a separate structure that physically separates the space inside the casing 200. In this case, each of the first to third compartments 21 to 23 is a casing (200) It may be that the interior space is merely conceptually divided and referred to.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5A , one or more light stimulation devices 210 may be disposed in the first compartment 21 of the casing 200 . The light stimulator 210 may be exposed and disposed toward the lower portion of the casing 200 so that light stimulation, such as a laser, may be applied to the scalp of a user using the transducer device. The light stimulator 210 is an element that irradiates light having a preset wavelength band so that treatment and prevention effects for hair loss can be expected by stimulating the muscles or hair roots of the scalp, for example, a laser diode, a laser optical fiber, and blue light. It may be a light emitting diode (LED) or the like.

In one embodiment, the laser diode irradiates a low-power laser having a wavelength of 600 to 900 nm and/or a light intensity of 10 to 1000 mW to increase the production of capillaries, increase the oxygen carrying amount of blood, It can induce effects such as promoting the production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), increasing the activity of lymph nodes, promoting tissue granulation, and activating phagocytosis.

In another embodiment, the blue light LED may emit light of a wavelength band corresponding to blue. For example, the blue light LED may emit light having a wavelength of 380 to 500 nm and/or a light intensity of 10 to 1000 mW.

In addition, the intensity of a laser irradiated by a laser diode or a blue light irradiated by a blue light LED may be adjusted using a pulse width modulation (PWM) method. This will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 7A.

Although not shown in FIG. 5A , one or more sensors 211 may be further disposed in the first compartment 210 of the casing 200 . Each sensor 211 may be an infrared sensor for determining whether a user using the transducer device exists. Alternatively, each sensor 211 may be an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) for capturing an image of the user's scalp using the transducer device. Furthermore, each sensor 211 may be a temperature sensor for measuring the surface temperature of the transducer device to detect overheating of the device. Utilization of sensor information will be described later in detail.

Also, in one embodiment, one or more electrodes 212 may be further disposed in the first compartment 210 of the casing 200 . When electrical stimulation is used in combination with optical stimulation and/or magnetic field according to the operation mode of the transducer device, the electrode 212 contacts the scalp of a user using the transducer device and applies a microcurrent to the scalp, thereby applying a microcurrent to the scalp muscles. It can also function to stimulate hair roots. The output and control method of the microcurrent will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 7C.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5B , one or more magnetic coils 221 may be positioned in the second compartment 22 of the casing 200 . The magnetic coil 221 includes a magnetic core and a winding coil surrounding the magnetic core, and functions to generate a magnetic field by current flowing in the coil by receiving power from a control device. For example, the strength of the magnetic field generated by each of the magnetic coils 221 is applied to the magnetic coil 221 such that it is about 0.1 mT (Tesla) to 1.2 mT when measured at the head position of a user using the transducer device. The amount of power can be controlled. In addition, the control device may apply AC power having a frequency of 8 to 30 Hz to the magnetic coil 221 to generate a magnetic field.

However, this is just an example, and the size of the current applied to the magnetic coil 221 and the strength of the magnetic field generated thereby are not limited to the above-mentioned values. The shape of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic coil 221 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 7B.

Also, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5C , one or more cooling fans 231 may be disposed in the third compartment 23 of the casing 200 . The third compartment 23 is located on the upper part of the second compartment 22 and corresponds to the top of the helmet shape, and the cooling fan 231 is located in the third compartment 23 and at least partially covers the casing for intake. (231) May be exposed to the outside. For example, when the cooling fan 231 operates, the hot air heated by the magnetic coil 221 moves by the air flow formed by the cooling fan 231 and opens an opening (not shown) formed in the casing 200. can be discharged to the outside.

In the element arrangement form for each compartment described above, since the magnetic field applied by the magnetic coil 221 is not shielded by other elements of the transducer device, the user's scalp is stimulated by the magnetic field while being adjacent to the user's scalp. This is to enable complex use of light stimulation by the light stimulation element 211 that needs to be positioned. In addition, since heat inevitably generated from the magnetic coil 221 when a magnetic field is generated is discharged to the outside for the operation of the cooling fan 231, durability of device use can be improved and user safety can be promoted while applying complex magnetic poles. there is.

In one embodiment, one or more temperature sensors 222 may be further disposed in the second compartment 22 . The temperature sensor 222 stops other functions of the scalp stimulation system except for the cooling device when the temperature of the magnetic coil 221 reaches a preset temperature or higher to protect the user, where the magnetic coil 221 is located. It serves to measure the temperature of the second compartment (22).

In one embodiment, whether the magnetic coil 221 is overheated may be determined using a difference between the internal temperature of the casing 200 measured in the second compartment 22 and the surface temperature of the transducer device. To this end, a temperature sensor (or also referred to as a first temperature sensor) for measuring the internal temperature of the casing 200 and a temperature sensor (or referred to as a second temperature sensor) for measuring the surface temperature of the casing 200 requires two sensors. For example, the control device of the scalp stimulation system includes the temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 211 located in the first compartment 21 of the transducer device and exposed to the outside of the device and the magnetic coil in the second compartment 22. Calculate the difference between the temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 222 that directly measures the temperature of 221, and if the difference is greater than a preset threshold value, the function of the scalp stimulation system excluding the cooling fan 231 may be stopped. there is.

6 is a flowchart showing each step of a scalp stimulation method according to an embodiment. The scalp stimulation method according to embodiments of the present invention may be performed using a scalp stimulation system according to embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, the scalp stimulation system may receive an input for selecting an operation mode from a patient using a transducer device or an operator using a control device (S1). For example, a patient or an operator may select any one of light stimulation mode, magnetic stimulation mode, and current stimulation mode, or select a combination stimulation thereof.

In one embodiment, the scalp stimulation system may automatically determine an operating mode of the transducer device based on state information measured using sensors included in the transducer device. For example, the control device of the scalp stimulation system receives an image of the user's scalp captured by the image sensor of the transducer device (S2), analyzes the current state and progress of the user's hair loss in the scalp image, and according to the analysis result An operation mode can be determined (S3). An example of a method of determining an operation mode according to status information will be described later in detail.

Next, according to the selected operation mode, the scalp stimulation system may apply stimulation to the scalp by operating one or more of light stimulation elements, magnetic coils, and microcurrent applying electrodes provided in the transducer device. In FIG. 6, the step of applying current and light stimulation (S4) and the step of applying magnetic stimulation (S5) are shown as separate steps, but these are exemplary for convenience of explanation, and light stimulation, magnetic stimulation and current One of the stimuli or a plurality of stimuli may be applied simultaneously or alternately.

If a user input for emergency stop or operation mode change is received from the user using the transducer device during scalp stimulation (S6), the control device stops the operation of the transducer device or changes the operation mode according to the corresponding input. It can be changed (S8). For example, the user stops the operation of the device by pressing the emergency button in an emergency situation using the input unit 10 (FIG. 1) detachably provided to the chair 1 (FIG. 1) on which the user sits, or stops the operation of the device. You can change the mode to the stimulation mode you want.

Also, in one embodiment, the scalp stimulation system may control an operating state of the transducer device according to a change in state information measured using sensors included in the transducer device. For example, the transducer device may transmit temperature information measured by a first temperature sensor for measuring an internal temperature and a second temperature sensor for measuring a surface temperature of the device to the control device. The control device detects that the inside of the transducer device (eg, the second compartment where the magnetic coil is located) is overheated through the fact that the temperature difference between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (S7), and Operations of other elements of the transducer device except for the cooling fan 231 (FIG. 4) may be stopped until heat is generated (S8).

As another example, the transducer device includes an infrared sensor capable of detecting a person or object located within a preset distance, and the control device receives an infrared signal received by the infrared sensor so that a user using the transducer device It is possible to detect whether or not it deviated (S7). When it is detected that the user has left, the control device may stop the operation of the transducer device for the safety of the user and surrounding people (S8).

Alternatively, the control device may change the operating mode of the transducer device when user departure is detected (S8). For example, even when it is confirmed that the user has left the device by an infrared sensor, this may not mean that the user has completely stopped using the device, but may have turned or tilted his or her upper body for a while. Therefore, when the user's departure is detected, the control device stops the light stimulation and current stimulation that can cause damage to the eyes or skin of the user and surrounding people for a preset time (eg, 30 seconds) after detection, and magnetic stimulation. is maintained, and if the user is not detected after a predetermined period of time, the operation of the transducer device may be completely stopped. For example, even if user departure is detected, only operations of laser diodes and electrodes that may cause damage may be stopped for a certain period of time, and blue light LEDs and magnetic coils may maintain their existing operating states.

The scalp stimulation system according to embodiments of the present invention is configured to apply a combination of light stimulation (laser or blue light) and magnetic stimulation, and also to additionally apply current stimulation. However, since continuous application of stronger than necessary stimulation may cause damage to the scalp and go against the treatment and prevention of hair loss, which is the original purpose of the present invention, in one embodiment, the scalp stimulation system uses sensors provided in the transducer device to An operation mode using light stimulation, magnetic stimulation, and current stimulation in combination may be appropriately determined according to the measured user's hair loss condition and progress.

For example, the light stimulating element of the transducer device is integrally configured with a light emitting element and an optical receiver capable of receiving reflected light applied for stimulation and reflected from the user's scalp, and information on the user's hair loss state is transmitted through the transducer. It can be determined using image information measured by the image sensor of the device and intensity information of the reflected light received by the optical receiver.

First, when the user's hair loss progress is identified from the user's scalp image, the proportion of the area corresponding to the skin color in the flat area of the user's head increases as the hair loss progresses. If the area of the pixel area in the image corresponding to the user's head is A ₁ , and the area of the pixel area corresponding to the skin color is A ₂ , the ratio of the hair loss area can be defined as A=A ₂ /A ₁ there is.

In addition, as the amount of hair loss progresses, the hair loss portion of the user's scalp has a bright color due to the death of the hair roots, so that the difference in pixel brightness from the hair portion outside the hair loss area in the image becomes clear. Therefore, the boundary of the hair loss region is detected from the user's scalp image, and the brightness B ₁ of pixels of the hair loss region located within a preset distance from the boundary and the brightness B ₂ of pixels of the hair loss region located within a preset distance from the boundary are determined. The brightness difference compared to each other can be defined as B=B ₁ -B ₂ .

At this time, since there is a difference in hair color for each person, it is preferable to replace the pixel brightness B ₁ and B ₂ with normalized values rather than using the pixel brightness in the image as it is. For example, by calculating the average value of the brightness of the pixel areas corresponding to the entire head of the user and using the values of B ₁ and B ₂ normalized to the relative size of the average value, errors due to differences in individual hair colors are prevented. can do.

Furthermore, as the amount of hair loss progresses, the hairless area on the user's scalp increases, so it can be expected that the rate at which laser or blue light applied for light stimulation is reflected from the scalp increases. The intensity of reflected light measured by the optical receiver due to reflection from the scalp can be defined as C.

At this time, the scalp stimulation system according to an embodiment uses a combination of ratio A of the hair loss area on the user's head, B representing the degree of sharpness of the boundary of the hair loss area, and C representing the intensity of reflected light from the scalp to prevent the user from losing hair. State values can be derived. For example, the hair loss state value is a value obtained by adding or multiplying the above information items A, B, and C, or by multiplying each information item by a predetermined weight (e.g., each weight value can be referred to as a, b, and c). In this case, aA, bB, cC) may be added or multiplied together.

In one embodiment, the control device of the scalp stimulation system may automatically determine an operation mode to change the type and/or intensity of stimulation to be applied through the transducer device according to the above-described range of hair loss condition values.

For example, the intensity of the stimulus applied through the transducer device may vary depending on the type of stimulus, and the control device may change the type of stimulus applied to the scalp according to the size of the user's hair loss state value. can If the stimuli that can be applied through the transducer device are arranged from strong to weak in terms of their effect on the scalp, current stimulation, laser stimulation, blue light stimulation, and magnetic stimulation are assumed, the control device has a numerical range of the user's hair loss condition value According to this, the state of stimulation can be automatically determined as shown in Table 1 below.

hair loss status value whether it works current stimulation laser stimulation blue light stimulation self stimulation 1st scope O O O 2nd range O O O 3rd scope O O 4th range O O

As illustrated in Table 1, the control device classifies the numerical range of the hair loss state value into first to fourth ranges in order from the largest to the smallest in size of the hair loss state value, and in each numerical range, a corresponding stimulus is applied However, a complex stimulation mode may be configured such that as the hair loss state value increases, a stimulus having a greater effect on the scalp is applied, and as the hair loss state value decreases, a stimulus having a smaller effect on the scalp is applied.

As another example, in another embodiment, the control device applies one type of stimulation to the scalp at a time while alternating various types of stimulation with each other. The length of the interval is increased and the length of the time interval in which the stimulus having a small effect on the scalp is applied is reduced. It is also possible to increase the length of a time interval in which a stimulus having a small effect on is applied. Table 2 below shows an example of such an operation mode determination method.

hair loss status value Operating time (seconds) within 200 seconds of unit time current stimulation laser stimulation blue light stimulation self stimulation 1st range 50 50 50 50 2nd scope 40 45 55 60 3rd scope 30 40 60 70 4th scope 20 35 65 80

On the other hand, the operation modes described in Tables 1 and 2 assume that the order of current stimulation, laser stimulation, blue light stimulation, and magnetic stimulation when the effect on the scalp is listed from strong to weak, and each stimulation is actually scalp The configuration of the operation mode described in Table 1 is merely illustrative because the effect on may vary depending on the strength of the current supplied to the stimulation element.

7A to 7C are graphs showing exemplary forms of stimulation applied to the scalp by a scalp stimulation method according to an embodiment.

7A shows an exemplary waveform of a PWM signal for adjusting the intensity of light stimulation. Referring to FIG. 7A , in the scalp stimulation method according to an embodiment, laser and blue light corresponding to optical stimulation may be output in a manner of controlling a PWM duty ratio as shown in the drawing.

For example, in one embodiment, the laser diode may irradiate a laser having a wavelength of 660 nm and a light intensity of 5 mW, and the tolerance range of the wavelength and light intensity may be ±10%. Also, in one embodiment, the blue light LED may emit blue light having a wavelength of 465 nm and light intensity of 5 mW, and the tolerance range of the wavelength and light intensity may be ±10%.

At this time, the length of the entire time period (T ₃ ) to which the laser stimulation is applied is 1 to 20 minutes, and by adjusting the length of the on (ON) period (T ₁ ) and off (OFF) period (T ₂ ) during that time A desired light intensity (eg, 1 to 5 mW) of laser or blue light may be achieved by adjusting the duty ratio. For example, the graph shown in FIG. 7A illustrates a case where the duty ratio is 50%, but the duty ratio may be appropriately set by a user and is not limited to a specific value.

Next, FIG. 7B shows an exemplary waveform of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic body coil.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the magnitude and waveform of the power applied to the magnetic coil are adjusted such that the strength (A ₂ ), period (T ₄ ), and frequency (F ₄ ) of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic coil are within a desired numerical range. can For example, the length of the entire time period (T ₅ ) to which magnetic stimulation is applied is 1 to 20 minutes, and has an intensity of more than 0 and less than 0.7 mT (Tesla) during that time, and a period (T ₄ ) of 180 μs, frequency (F ₄ ) It is possible to control the magnitude and waveform of the power applied to the magnetic coil so that a magnetic field having a frequency of 1 to 30 Hz is generated. At this time, the error range of each value of the intensity, period and frequency of the magnetic field may be ± 5%. there is.

Next, FIG. 7C shows an exemplary waveform of a microcurrent generated by an electrode.

Referring to FIG. 7C , the current form may be controlled so that a microcurrent in the form of a pulse is periodically applied at regular time intervals (T ₇ ), and during the time period during which the current is applied, the current is turned on (T 6 ) and off (T ₆ ). It may have a pulse-type waveform having a frequency (F ₂ ) including a period (T ₉ ). For example, the length of the entire time interval (T ₈ ) to which the microcurrent is applied is 1 to 20 minutes, and during that time, the magnitude and frequency (F ₂ ) of more than 0 to 200 ㎂ and the pulse-type microcurrent having 1 to 10 Hz The current is applied at 30-second time intervals (T ₃ ), and the microcurrent in the form of a pulse is the magnitude and waveform of the power applied to the electrodes so that the lengths of the on-period (T ₆ ) and the off-period (T ₉ ) are 100 μs, respectively. can control. In this case, the error range of each numerical value of the intensity and frequency of the microcurrent may be ±10%, and the error range of each length of the on/off section of the microcurrent may be ±5%.

However, the numerical values and waveforms of light stimulation, magnetic stimulation, and current stimulation described above with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C are exemplary, and a patient or operator using the scalp stimulation system according to the embodiments may use a control device to stimulate desired stimulation. The frequency, output, operation time, etc. of can be set, and the number of stimuli that can be generated by the transducer device according to the embodiments is not limited to the above-described example.

The operation by the scalp stimulation method according to the embodiments described above can be at least partially implemented as a computer program and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media on which programs for implementing operations by methods according to embodiments are recorded include all types of recording devices in which computer-readable data is stored. Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage devices. In addition, computer-readable recording media may be distributed in computer systems connected through a network, and computer-readable codes may be stored and executed in a distributed manner. In addition, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing this embodiment can be easily understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs.

Further, each block or each step shown in the flowcharts herein may represent a module, segment or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for executing specified logical function(s). Also, in some alternative embodiments, it is possible for the functions mentioned in the blocks or steps to occur out of order. For example, two blocks or steps shown in succession may in fact be performed substantially concurrently, or the blocks or steps may sometimes be performed in reverse order depending on their function.

The present invention reviewed above has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but this is only exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible therefrom. However, such modifications should be considered within the technical protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (12)

One or more transducers configured to be disposed facing the user's head and including one or more optical stimulation elements for applying optical stimulation to the user's scalp and one or more magnetic coils for applying a magnetic field to the user's scalp, respectively. Device; and
A control device electrically connected to the one or more transducer devices and configured to control the operation of the one or more optical stimulation elements and the one or more magnetic coils,
The transducer device further includes a casing including a first compartment and a second compartment positioned above the first compartment,
The one or more light stimulating elements are located in the first compartment so as to be exposed toward the user's scalp,
The one or more magnetic bodies are located in the second compartment scalp stimulation system.
According to claim 1,
The casing further includes a third compartment located above the second compartment,
The transducer device further comprises one or more cooling fans located in the third compartment and exposed to the outside of the casing for exhaust.
According to claim 1,
The transducer device further comprises one or more sensors configured to receive status information of the user or the one or more coils using the transducer device;
The control device,
a receiver configured to receive the state information from the one or more sensors;
an operation mode determination unit configured to determine an operation mode of the transducer device based on the state information; and
and a control unit configured to operate the one or more optical stimulation elements or the one or more magnetic coils based on the operation mode determined by the operation mode determination unit.
According to claim 3,
The one or more sensors include an image sensor for obtaining an image of the user's scalp,
The receiver is further configured to receive the scalp image,
The operation mode determination unit further generates hair loss condition information of the user based on the positions of the skin region and the skin boundary line extracted from the scalp image, and determines an operation mode of the transducer device based on the hair loss condition information. Configured scalp stimulation system.
According to claim 3,
the one or more sensors include a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the magnetic coil and a second temperature sensor configured to measure a surface temperature of the transducer device;
The receiver is further configured to receive temperature information from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, respectively;
The operation mode determination unit is further configured to determine whether to operate the at least one coil based on a result of comparing the difference between the temperature information of the first temperature sensor and the temperature information of the second temperature sensor with a preset threshold value. stimulation system.
According to claim 3,
wherein the one or more sensors include an infrared sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of a person within a predetermined distance from the transducer device;
The receiver is further configured to receive an infrared signal from the infrared sensor,
The operation mode determining unit is further configured to determine whether the one or more magnetic coils or the one or more optical stimulation elements operate based on the infrared signal.
According to claim 3,
The control device further includes an input unit configured to receive a user input for controlling an operation of the transducer device from the user using the transducer device,
The control unit is further configured to control the operation of the one or more optical stimulation elements and the one or more magnetic coils based on the user input.
According to claim 1,
The one or more light stimulating devices scalp stimulation system comprising a laser diode or a blue light emitting diode.
According to claim 1,
Further comprising a connection device configured to fix the transducer device to a chair for the user to sit on,
The connection device is
a fixing bracket mounted on the chair;
a connecting bracket movably inserted into the fixing bracket; and
A scalp stimulation system comprising a rotary arm hinged to the connection bracket and coupled to the transducer device so as to be able to adjust an angle with respect to the connection bracket.
A casing configured to be disposed facing a user's head, the casing including a first compartment and a second compartment located above the first compartment, one or more lights disposed in the first compartment to be exposed toward the user's scalp. electrically connecting one or more transducer devices each comprising a magnetic pole element and one or more magnetic coils disposed in the second compartment to a control device;
supplying power to the one or more transducer devices by the control device; and
and applying, by the transducer device, at least one of optical stimulation by the one or more light stimulating elements or magnetic field by the one or more magnetic coils to the scalp of the user.
According to claim 10,
In the step of applying,
receiving, by the control device, state information of the user or the one or more coils from one or more sensors of the transducer device; and
and determining, by the control device, an operation mode of the transducer device based on the received state information.
According to claim 11,
The state information includes at least one of a scalp image of the user using the transducer device, a heating temperature of the magnetic coil, an operation signal of the light stimulation sensor, and an infrared signal within a predetermined distance from the transducer device. scalp stimulation method.

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