Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
  • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
  • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
  • A61N1/36014—External stimulators, e.g. with patch electrodes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/02—Details
  • A61N1/04—Electrodes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/02—Details
  • A61N1/04—Electrodes
  • A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
  • A61N1/0408—Use-related aspects
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/02—Details
  • A61N1/04—Electrodes
  • A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
  • A61N1/0408—Use-related aspects
  • A61N1/0428—Specially adapted for iontophoresis, e.g. AC, DC or including drug reservoirs
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/02—Details
  • A61N1/04—Electrodes
  • A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
  • A61N1/0408—Use-related aspects
  • A61N1/0452—Specially adapted for transcutaneous muscle stimulation [TMS]
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/02—Details
  • A61N1/04—Electrodes
  • A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
  • A61N1/0472—Structure-related aspects
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/02—Details
  • A61N1/04—Electrodes
  • A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
  • A61N1/0472—Structure-related aspects
  • A61N1/0476—Array electrodes (including any electrode arrangement with more than one electrode for at least one of the polarities)
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/02—Details
  • A61N1/08—Arrangements or circuits for monitoring, protecting, controlling or indicating
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
  • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
  • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
  • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
  • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
  • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
  • A61N1/36014—External stimulators, e.g. with patch electrodes
  • A61N1/3603—Control systems

Definitions

• This disclosure relates to a skin treatment device.
• a technique in which the low-frequency electrode pair alternates between periods of transmission during which a low-frequency voltage is applied and periods of pause during which no voltage is applied, and the high-frequency electrode pair applies a high-frequency voltage only during periods of pause related to the low-frequency electrode pair.
• the present disclosure therefore aims to achieve a continuous, appropriate combination of multiple output modes in a manner that effectively enhances the cosmetic effect.
• a skin treatment device in one aspect, includes a plurality of electrodes that can be brought into contact with the skin of a user, a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes, and a control device that realizes output through the plurality of electrodes in a plurality of output modes having mutually different output waveform characteristics, the plurality of output modes including a combination mode, and the combination mode including a first submode having the effect of penetrating an active ingredient into the skin and a second submode having the effect of applying an alternating current stimulus to the skin.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention
• 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a head portion of the skin treatment device of FIG 1.
• FIG. 2A is a front view showing the arrangement of a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of peripheral electrodes.
• FIG. 2B is a front view of the electrodes.
• FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating an example of an arrangement of a plurality of electrodes.
• FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating linear parallel output regions and equally spaced output regions of the electrodes of FIG. 2(B).
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control system according to an example.
• FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating functions realized by the control device of FIG. 5 .
• FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of setting values of various parameters stored in a parameter storage unit.
• FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an operation mode A1.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram comparing the penetration effects of an active ingredient depending on the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the iontophoresis mode M2.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram comparing the penetration effects of an active ingredient depending on the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the iontophoresis mode M2.
• 13 is a diagram comparing the penetration effect of the active ingredient due to differences in the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 in the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12.
• FIG. 11 is a diagram comparing the penetration effect of the active ingredient due to differences in the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 in the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a preferred example of an output waveform of the infiltration mode M1.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of an output waveform of the infiltration mode M1.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of an output waveform of the infiltration mode M1.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of an output waveform of the infiltration mode M1. This is an enlarged view of part Q6 in Figure 13C.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a preferred example of an output waveform for the iontophoresis mode M2.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a preferred example of an output waveform for the iontophoresis mode M2.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another preferred example of an output waveform for the iontophoresis mode M2.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another preferred example of an output waveform for the iontophoresis mode M2.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a preferred example of an output waveform of a high frequency mode M3.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram comparing the penetration effect of active ingredients by various output waveforms.
• FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effect according to the difference in frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13.
• FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effect according to the difference in current value of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13.
• FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effect according to the difference in the use time of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a skin treatment device 1 according to an embodiment, which is an example of a specific configuration of a skin treatment device according to the present invention.
• Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a head unit 3 of the skin treatment device 1 according to the embodiment.
• the skin processing device 1 in the embodiment is in the form of a facial beautifying device, and is configured to impart beauty-related effects to the skin on the user's face.
• the skin processing device 1 may be configured to impart a similar beauty-related effect to parts of the user's face other than the user's face, in addition to or instead of the user's face.
• the skin processing device 1 may also be used to impart effects other than beauty-related effects (for example, the effect of promoting transdermal absorption of medicines).
• the beauty-related effect is optional and may include the elimination of sagging, tightening, fat burning, lifting, facial slimming, improving skin firmness, radiance, moisture, or any combination of one or more of the above. Furthermore, the beauty-related effect may be a quantifiable effect or a non-quantifiable effect.
• the skin treatment device 1 of the embodiment is configured to impart beauty-related effects to the user's skin by applying various outputs via multiple electrodes that contact the user's skin.
• the skin treatment device 1 of the embodiment is a portable type that can be held by the user's hand, but it may also be applied as a movable type that is movably supported on a fixed device via an arm or the like.
• the skin treatment device 1 of the embodiment includes a grip portion 2 and a head portion 3.
• a user can apply various outputs from the skin treatment device 1 to a desired portion by gripping the grip portion 2 and placing the head portion 3 on the desired portion of the user's face or the face of another person (e.g., a patient).
• the grip portion 2 has a shape that is easy to grip in the 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, an intensity adjustment button, etc.
• the various buttons may be mechanical buttons or touch switches.
• the grip portion 2 may also be provided with a display unit (not shown) that displays the status of the skin treatment device 1, etc.
• the grip portion 2 may also be provided with an electrode (not shown) that comes into contact with the user's hand.
• the head portion 3 is provided at the end of the grip portion 2.
• the head portion 3 may be fixed to the grip portion 2, may be removable, or may be movable relative to the grip portion 2.
• the head portion 3 can come into contact with the user's skin and has a shape suitable for being in contact with the user's skin.
• the head portion 3 may have, for example, a substantially planar contact surface 3a (including a curved surface with a relatively large radius of curvature).
• the contact surface 3a is a plane whose extension direction (basic surface) can be approximated to a substantially straight line in a side view.
• the shape of the contact surface 3a in a front view i.e., the shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a
• the shape of the contact surface 3a in a front view is, for example, a circle as shown in FIG. 2(A).
• the center of the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3 when viewed from the front i.e., the center of gravity when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a
• the center C of the contact surface 3a is referred to as the "center C of the contact surface 3a”.
• the head unit 3 is provided with multiple electrode groups for each attribute; specifically, a first electrode group and a second electrode group are provided.
• the first electrode group includes a plurality of electrodes 30 arranged in an array on the contact surface 3a.
• the second electrode group includes a plurality of outer edge electrodes 33 arranged on the contact surface 3a in a mutually rotationally symmetrical form centered on the center C of the contact surface 3a (which is also the center of the first electrode group) so as to surround the plurality of electrodes 30.
• These electrodes 30 and outer edge electrodes 33 are formed so as to be easily in contact with the user's skin, and may be flush with the basic surface of the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3, or may be slightly protruding from the basic surface of the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3.
• the head portion 3 has seven electrodes 30 as the first electrode group, but the number of electrodes 30 in the first electrode group is not limited to seven and may be any number greater than or equal to two.
• the head portion 3 also has three outer edge electrodes 33 as the second electrode group, but the number of outer edge electrodes 33 in the second electrode group is not limited to three and may be any number greater than or equal to two.
• Each of the multiple electrodes 30 has an inner electrode 31 and an outer electrode 32 that is spaced apart from the inner electrode 31 and surrounds the inner electrode 31.
• the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 of each of the multiple electrodes 30 form a pair of electrodes for applying to the user's skin an output waveform of a predetermined frequency that has, for example, a beauty-related effect (specifically, the effect of applying an alternating current stimulus to the skin).
• the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 of each of the multiple electrodes 30 are paired to generate a desired output waveform.
• the output waveform may be any, for example, an AC waveform or a pulsed DC waveform.
• the frequency band of the output waveform is any, for example, a high frequency that has the effect of applying an AC stimulus to the skin.
• the multiple outer electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group By arranging the multiple outer electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group so as to surround at least a portion of the multiple electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group, it is possible to configure it so that a synergistic effect is achieved between the action provided by the first electrode group and the action provided by the second electrode group. Furthermore, by making the shape and arrangement of the multiple outer electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group conform to the overall shape of the assembly of the multiple electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group, it is possible to use the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3 without waste and ensure an appropriate (in other words, sufficient) area for the electrodes constituting the second electrode group. This makes it possible to prevent discomfort caused by a strong bodily sensation when a low-frequency current is passed through an electrode with a small area.
• the multiple outer electrodes 33 form a pair of electrodes for applying an output waveform of a predetermined frequency having, for example, a beauty-related effect (specifically, an electrical muscle stimulation effect) to the user's skin.
• a beauty-related effect specifically, an electrical muscle stimulation effect
• the outer electrodes 33 are paired together to generate a desired output waveform.
• the output waveform may be any, and may be, for example, an AC waveform or a pulsed DC waveform.
• the frequency band of the output waveform may be any, and may be, for example, a high frequency or low frequency that has an electrical muscular stimulation effect.
• each of the multiple electrodes 30 has an inner electrode 31 with an outer peripheral edge shaped like a regular hexagon, an outer electrode 32 with an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge shaped like a regular hexagon, and an outer electrode 32 with an outer peripheral edge shaped like a regular hexagon spaced apart from the inner electrode 31 and surrounding the inner electrode 31.
• the outer electrode 32 is disposed outside the outer periphery of the inner electrode 31 (in other words, radially outward) so that the center of the inner electrode 31 (center of gravity position when viewed from the front; same below) and the center of the outer electrode 32 (center of gravity position when viewed from the front; same below) coincide with each other.
• the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the shapes of the inner and outer peripheral edges of the outer electrode 32 of each of the multiple electrodes 30 are formed into a regular hexagon with rounded corners, so that the dimension d between the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 is constant throughout the entire space S between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 (see FIG. 2(B)).
• the symmetry and uniformity of the distance from the inner electrode 31 to the outer electrode 32 realizes uniform electrical application with suppressed electrical bias between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32.
• the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the shapes of the inner and outer peripheral edges of the outer electrode 32 may be formed into shapes that are not rounded.
• all of the multiple electrodes 30 have the same shape. However, some of the multiple electrodes 30 may have different shapes (in other words, some of the electrodes are the same shape), or all of the multiple electrodes 30 may have shapes different from one another. In other words, the multiple electrodes 30 may all be arranged to have the same shape, or may have two or more different types of electrodes with different shapes.
• One electrode 30 (reference number 30c in FIG. 2A) is arranged such that the center of the inner electrode 31 coincides with the center C of the contact surface 3a.
• six electrodes 30 (reference number 30a in FIG. 2A) are arranged at equal intervals around the electrode 30 (reference number 30c in FIG. 2A) arranged at the center C of the contact surface 3a, on a circumference centered on the center C of the contact surface 3a.
• the dimension Li between the opposite sides of the outer periphery of the inner electrode 31 is not limited to a specific value, but may be set to any value within the range of approximately 2 to 5 mm, by way of example only.
• the center-to-center dimension of the inner electrodes 31 of adjacent electrodes 30 is not limited to a specific value, but may be set to any value within the range of approximately 4 to 12 mm, by way of example only.
• each of the multiple electrodes 30 is configured such that the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 is formed into a regular hexagon (more specifically, a regular hexagon with rounded corners; the same applies below), and the inner and outer peripheral edges of the outer electrode 32 are formed into regular hexagons, and the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 are combined so that the center of the inner electrode 31 and the center of the outer electrode 32 coincide with each other.
• the multiple electrodes 30 are then arranged in an array with multiple outer electrodes 32 in close proximity to one another (see FIG. 3(A)), in contact (see FIG. 3(B)), or integrated (see FIG. 3(C) in this embodiment).
• the outer electrodes 32 of adjacent electrodes 30 may be integrated (in other words, overlap or be common), but are arranged so as not to intersect.
• the multiple electrodes 30 are arranged in such a manner that at least a portion of the outer electrodes 32 of adjacent electrodes 30 are common, i.e., in the manner shown in FIG. 3(C).
• the outer electrodes 32 are formed in a mesh shape when viewed from the front, specifically in a honeycomb shape.
• the outer edge of the outer electrodes 32 is formed in a regular hexagon, and the multiple electrodes 30 are arranged so that at least a portion of the outer electrodes 32 of adjacent electrodes 30 are integrated (in other words, overlapping or common), so that there are no gaps between the electrodes 30 (in other words, no wasted space), and the number and arrangement of the electrodes 30 are adjusted according to the size and shape of the contact surface 3a, and the electrodes 30 can be arranged to fill the entire surface of the contact surface 3a.
• the shape of the entire electrode assembly may be a shape that fills an approximately circular area as in this embodiment, a shape that fills an approximately elliptical area, a shape that fills an approximately rectangular area, or even a shape that fills an approximately gourd-shaped area.
• the distance between the pair of electrodes (i.e., the dimension d between the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32) can be adjusted to any value by changing the size of the inner electrode 31 or the outer electrode 32 or by changing the width of the outer electrode 32.
• the dimension d between the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 is not limited to a specific value, but is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.6 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and most preferably about 1.8 mm.
• the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the shape of the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 of the electrode 30 both have straight lines and parallel portions. By doing so, a uniform electrical application with better suppression of electrical bias is achieved.
• the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 of the electrode 30 and the shape of the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 are both straight and have a mutually parallel portion SP, and in the region between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 in this parallel portion SP (the "straight parallel output region" which is the dark gray shaded portion in FIG. 4), a uniform electrical application with suppressed electrical bias is realized.
• the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the shape of the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 are formed into a regular hexagon with rounded corners, so that the dimension d between the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode 32 is constant throughout the entire space S between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32, and a uniform electrical application with suppressed electrical bias is realized in the region between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 in the rounded portion (the "equidistant output region" which is the portion between the straight parallel output regions in FIG. 4).
• the ratio of the area of the outer electrode 32 to the area of the inner electrode 31 of each electrode 30 (referred to as the "ratio of inner and outer electrode areas") is preferably within a predetermined range.
• the ratio of the inner and outer electrode areas is preferably 0.8 to 1.2, more preferably 0.9 to 1.1, even more preferably 0.95 to 1.05, and most preferably 1.0.
• the ratio of the total area of the space S between the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 to the total area of the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 of the multiple electrodes 30 is preferably within a predetermined range.
• the ratio of the inter-electrode area to the electrode area is preferably 0.6 to 1.6, more preferably 0.6 to 1.2, even more preferably 0.7 to 1.1, and most preferably 0.9 to 1.0.
• the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 of each of the multiple electrodes 30 are paired to generate a variety of output waveforms having various functions
• the outer edge electrodes 33 are paired to generate a variety of output waveforms having various functions.
• multiple types of output modes with different output waveform characteristics are realized via the multiple electrodes 30 (specifically, inner electrodes 31 and outer electrodes 32) that make up the first electrode group and the multiple outer edge electrodes 33 that make up the second electrode group.
• the multiple types of output modes are referred to as follows. Examples of output waveforms in each output mode will be described later.
• the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 may be paired with each other and the outer peripheral electrodes 33 may be paired with each other, or at least one of the inner electrode 31, the outer electrode 32, and the outer peripheral electrode 33 may be one electrode (group) and at least one of the remaining electrodes may be the other electrode (group) to generate a pair, but the combination of electrodes is not limited to these.
• ion introduction mode M2 An output mode in which the inner electrode 31 and outer electrode 32 constituting the first electrode group form a pair to generate an output waveform having the action (second action) of introducing ions (i.e., ions related to active ingredients) into the skin is called "ion introduction mode M2" (an example of the second output mode).
• high-frequency mode M3 An output mode in which the inner electrode 31 and outer electrode 32 constituting the first electrode group form a pair to generate a high-frequency output waveform that has the effect of applying an AC stimulus to the skin is called "high-frequency mode M3" (an example of the third output mode).
• An output mode in which the outer electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group are paired to generate a high-frequency or low-frequency output waveform having an electrical muscle stimulation effect is referred to as "electrical muscle stimulation mode M4" (an example of the fourth output mode).
• microcurrent mode M5 The output mode in which the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 constituting the first electrode group form a pair to apply a weak current (microcurrent) is called "microcurrent mode M5.”
• the output mode in which the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 constituting the first electrode group form a pair to generate an output waveform that has the effect of extracting ions (ions related to dirt, etc.) from within the skin is called "ion extraction mode M6.”
• Control system The configuration of a control system of the skin treatment device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
• FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of a control system 100.
• FIG. 6 is a block diagram explaining the functions realized by the control device 110 of FIG. 5.
• FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the setting values of various parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 116.
• FIG. 5 also shows a power supply 150.
• the power supply 150 may be, for example, a DC power supply. Although several power supplies 150 are shown in FIG. 5, they may be a common power supply.
• control system 100 includes a control device 110, drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122, output waveform generating units 130, 131, and 132, and switching circuit units 140 and 141.
• the control device 110 includes a computer and may be formed, for example, by a microcomputer.
• the control device 110 may operate based on power from the power source 150.
• the control device 110 selectively forms various modes such as the above-mentioned infiltration mode M1 and electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, and controls the multiple electrodes 30 and multiple outer edge electrodes 33 via the drive circuit units 120, 121, 122, the output waveform generating units 130, 131, 132, and the switching circuit units 140, 141 so that a corresponding output waveform is generated in each mode.
• the control device 110 includes a user input acquisition unit 111, a mode setting unit 112, a control parameter setting unit 113, a control signal generation unit 114, a switching control unit 115, and a parameter storage unit 116, as shown in FIG. 6.
• Each unit from the user input acquisition unit 111 to the switching control unit 115 can be realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) of the control device 110 executing one or more programs in a storage device (not shown) of the control device 110.
• the parameter storage unit 116 can be realized by the storage device (not shown) of the control device 110.
• the user input acquisition unit 111 acquires various user inputs from the user via the above-mentioned user interface 20.
• the various user inputs may include power on/off, mode selection input, intensity adjustment input, etc.
• the mode setting unit 112 sets the operation mode desired by the user based on the user input transmitted from the user input acquisition unit 111.
• the mode setting unit 112 may set the operation mode based on other parameters instead of or in addition to the user input.
• Various operation modes may be prepared, and the number and types are arbitrary. In this embodiment, as an example, multiple operation modes are prepared, including operation mode A0 and operation mode A1.
• Operation mode A0 is one of the various modes such as the infiltration mode M1 and the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 described above that is realized alone.
• operation mode A0 may be electrical muscle stimulation mode M4.
• operation mode A0 while operation mode A0 is formed, only electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 is continuously realized.
• multiple operation modes A0 may be set according to each of the infiltration mode M1, electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, etc.
• Operation mode A1 is a mode realized by combining two or more of various modes such as the infiltration mode M1 and the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 described above.
• a plurality of operation modes A1 may be prepared with different combinations.
• operation mode A1 may be a combination of two modes, the infiltration mode M1 and the high frequency mode M3, or a combination of three modes, the infiltration mode M1, the ion introduction mode M2, and the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4.
• the combination may be arbitrary and may be set (customizable) by the user. Specific examples of operation mode A1 will be described later.
• each mode is repeated periodically to output a corresponding output waveform over its respective duration.
• the output waveform output during one duration preferably includes a continuous waveform that changes periodically two or more times, unlike a single pulse.
• the output waveform is a pulsed DC waveform
• the output waveform output during one duration includes two or more pulses (when one pulse is taken to extend from a rising/falling edge to a falling/rising edge).
• the output waveform is a sinusoidal AC waveform
• the output waveform output during one duration includes two or more cycles of a sine wave.
• a predetermined pause time when transitioning from one mode to another mode, may be set from the end timing of the output waveform related to that one mode to the start timing of the output waveform related to that other mode.
• the predetermined pause time may be set relatively short in such a manner that the time required for the switching operation in switching circuit units 140, 141 described below (e.g., 1 millisecond to 2 milliseconds) is secured.
• the predetermined pause time may be shorter than the shortest duration of each mode, for example, about 5 milliseconds.
• the control parameter setting unit 113 sets the values of various control parameters to realize a corresponding output waveform according to the operation mode set by the mode setting unit 112.
• the various control parameters may include a first parameter indicating whether the waveform is AC or DC, a second parameter indicating a frequency, a third parameter indicating a duration, and a fourth parameter indicating a pair of electrodes that generate the output waveform.
• the duration corresponds to the output time of the output waveform related to the mode, and corresponds to the continuous output time from the start point to the end point of the corresponding output waveform.
• the third parameter may be used only in the above-mentioned operation mode A1, and may not be used in operation mode A0. In operation mode A0, the duration may be, for example, until the power is turned off, or may be determined by other requirements (for example, requirements based on temperature information from a thermistor not shown).
• the control parameter setting unit 113 may set the values of various control parameters for realizing a corresponding output waveform based on the setting values of each parameter in the parameter storage unit 116.
• FIG. 7 shows an example of the setting values of various parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 116.
• the setting values of various parameters correspond to each mode, such as the infiltration mode M1 and the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4.
• the value "1" of the first parameter represents an AC waveform
• the value "0" represents a DC waveform.
• the values PT1 to PT4, PT20, and PT21 of the fourth parameter may represent a change pattern of the electrode pair that generates the output waveform.
• the electrode pair that generates the output waveform may be a pair in a one-to-one relationship or a pair in a one-to-many relationship.
• the control signal generating unit 114 generates a control signal in the form of a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the values of various parameters set by the control parameter setting unit 113.
• the control signal generating unit 114 provides the generated control signal to the corresponding drive circuit unit among the drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122.
• the control system 100 has three drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122.
• the drive circuit unit 120 generates various output waveforms via the second electrode group (i.e., the multiple outer electrodes 33), and the drive circuit units 121 and 122 generate various output waveforms via the first electrode group (i.e., the inner electrode 31 and the outer electrode 32 of each of the multiple electrodes 30).
• the drive circuit unit 121 generates an output waveform of an AC waveform (e.g., an output waveform for the high frequency mode M3)
• the drive circuit unit 122 generates an output waveform of a DC waveform (e.g., an output waveform for the iontophoresis mode M2).
• FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of the waveforms of some of the control signals CT1 and CT2.
• the control signals CT1 and CT2 may be provided to the drive circuit units 120 and 121 via separate control lines L1 and L2, respectively.
• the frequency (duty ratio) of the control signals CT1 and CT2 may be determined in accordance with the setting value of the second parameter.
• FIG. 5 also shows a schematic representation of the waveform of some of the control signal CT3.
• the control signal CT3 may be provided to the drive circuit unit 122 via control line L3.
• the frequency (duty ratio) of the control signal CT3 may be determined in accordance with the setting value of the second parameter.
• control signals CT1, CT2 and therefore the control lines L1, L2
• the control signal CT3 may be determined according to the set value of the first parameter associated with that mode. For example, for a certain mode, when the set value of the first parameter is "1", both the control signals CT1 and CT2 may be output, and when the set value of the first parameter is "0", the control signal CT3 may be output. Furthermore, when a certain mode is realized, the duration of the control signals CT1, CT2, CT3 associated with that mode may be determined according to the set value of the third parameter.
• the drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122 include drivers that drive a number of switching elements Tr, which will be described later.
• the drive circuit units 120, 121, and 122 generate drive signals for turning on/off the switching elements Tr of the output waveform generating units 130, 131, and 132, respectively, in response to control signals CT1, CT2, and CT3 from the control signal generating unit 114, and provide the generated drive signals to the corresponding switching elements Tr.
• the output waveform generating units 130, 131, and 132 each generate an output waveform based on the power supply 150, which is a DC power supply.
• the output waveform generating unit 130 includes a pair of switching elements Tr and a transformer 135.
• the output waveform generating unit 131 includes a pair of switching elements Tr and a transformer 136.
• the output waveform generating unit 132 includes a switching element Tr and a transformer 137.
• the pair of switching elements Tr are switching elements such as transistors, one of which is connected to the terminal Ta of the transformer 135, and the other is connected to the terminal Tb of the transformer 135.
• the power supply 150 is connected to the terminal Tc related to the center tap of the transformer 135.
• the transformer 135 may be adapted to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3 based on settings (adjustments) such as changing the setting multiplier of the peripheral circuit and the material and degree of adhesion of the ferrite core (an internal component of the transformer 135).
• the pair of switching elements Tr are switching elements such as transistors, one of which is connected to terminal Ta of the transformer 136 and the other is connected to terminal Tb of the transformer 136.
• the power supply 150 is connected to terminal Tc related to the center tap of the transformer 136.
• the transformer 136 has a frequency specification that is adapted to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3. Therefore, in this case, the output waveform generating units 130, 131 may be composed of the same parts. The same applies to the drive circuit units 120, 121.
• the switching element Tr is, for example, a switching element such as a transistor, and is connected to the terminal Tb of the transformer 137.
• the power source 150 is connected to the terminal Ta of the transformer 137.
• the transformer 137 may have a frequency specification adapted to the frequency of the ion introduction mode M2.
• the switching circuit unit 140 switches the connection destination of the output terminals Td, Te of the output waveform generating unit 130 (i.e., the output terminals of the transformer 135) among the multiple outer electrodes 33 in response to a control signal from the switching control unit 115, thereby controlling the electrode pair that generates the output waveform among the multiple outer electrodes 33.
• the switching circuit unit 140 may control the electrode pair that generates the output waveform based on the setting value of the fourth parameter.
• the switching circuit unit 141 switches the connection destination of the output terminals Td, Te of the output waveform generating unit 131 (i.e., the output terminals of the transformer 136) and the connection destination of the output terminals Td, Te of the output waveform generating unit 132 (i.e., the output terminals of the transformer 137) within the multiple electrodes 30 (specifically, between the multiple inner electrodes 31 and the outer electrode 32) in response to a control signal from the switching control unit 115, thereby controlling the electrode pairs that generate the output waveform within the multiple electrodes 30.
• the switching circuit unit 141 may control the electrode pairs that generate the output waveform based on the setting value of the fourth parameter.
• a series for applying an output waveform via the first electrode group i.e., the inner electrodes 31 and outer electrodes 32 of each of the multiple electrodes 30
• a series for applying an output waveform via the second electrode group i.e., the multiple outer edge electrodes 33
• the output waveform via the first electrode group and the output waveform via the second electrode group are configured independently, so it is possible to simultaneously generate (in other words, output) an output waveform via the first electrode group and an output waveform via the second electrode group. Therefore, it is also possible to combine the output waveform via the first electrode group and the output waveform via the second electrode group in various ways on the time axis, and it is also possible to efficiently increase the variation in the output of the skin treatment device 1.
• control system 100 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and may be modified as appropriate according to requirements such as the type of output waveform to be generated, whether or not the first electrode group and the second electrode group are used simultaneously, and costs.
• the drive circuit unit 122 and the output waveform generating unit 132 may be omitted.
• the connection destination of the output terminals Td and Te of the output waveform generating unit 130 i.e., the output terminals of the transformer 135) may be switched by time division within the multiple outer electrodes 33 or within the multiple electrodes 30.
• connection destination of the output terminals Td and Te of the output waveform generating unit 130 may be switched by time division in a manner in which one or more of the multiple outer electrodes 33 and one or more of the multiple electrodes 30 are paired.
• FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of operation mode A1, with combination patterns (change patterns) shown in a time series with time on the horizontal axis.
• a circled "+” and a circled "-” are associated with paired electrodes among the multiple electrodes 30 that make up the first electrode group and the multiple outer edge electrodes 33 that make up the second electrode group.
• the electrode associated with the circled "+” and the electrode associated with the circled "-” form a pair.
• the combination patterns (change patterns) of each mode are shown on the lower side in association with the picture of the head unit 3.
• the operating mode A1 is a combination mode of the infiltration mode M1, the ion introduction mode M2, the radio frequency mode M3, and the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4.
• the operating mode A1 includes the combination modes M11 and M12, the repeat mode M9, and the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4, and the first combination mode M11, the repeat mode M9, the second combination mode M12, and the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 are periodically repeated in this order without overlapping with each other.
• the first combination mode M11 is a combination mode of the infiltration mode M1 and the high frequency mode M3. That is, the first combination mode M11 includes the infiltration mode M1 as a first sub-mode having the effect of penetrating the active ingredient into the skin, and the high frequency mode M3 as a second sub-mode having the effect of applying an alternating current stimulus to the skin.
• the two submodes i.e., the first submode and the second submode
• the two submodes can be realized simultaneously by using the control system 100 described above with reference to FIG. 5. That is, the first submode can be realized simultaneously and independently by using the system (drive circuit unit 120, etc.) related to the second electrode group in the control system 100 shown in FIG. 5, and the second submode can be realized simultaneously and independently by using the system (drive circuit unit 121, etc.) related to the first electrode group in the control system 100 shown in FIG. 5.
• the two submodes may be realized in a time-division manner. In this case, the first submode and the second submode may be realized alternately once or multiple times within the duration of the first combination mode M11.
• the infiltration mode M1 and the high frequency mode M3 in the first combination mode M11 may be applied simultaneously, or may be applied once each in a time-division manner, or may be applied alternately and repeatedly.
• all of the multiple outer electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group may be used simultaneously, in which case an output waveform having the effect of penetrating the active ingredient into the skin is applied to the user's skin via each pair.
• an output waveform having the effect of penetrating the active ingredient into the skin is applied to the user's skin via each pair.
• two outer electrodes 33 that are in phase with the AC waveform may be paired with another outer electrode 33 (electrode associated with a circled "-”) (i.e., a total of two pairs may be formed).
• the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the first combination mode M11 is an AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the first combination mode M11 is preferably 10 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less, more preferably 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less. It is preferable that the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the first combination mode M11 is lower than the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 of the first combination mode M11.
• all of the multiple electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group may be used simultaneously, in which case an output waveform having the effect of applying an AC stimulus to the skin is applied to the user's skin via each pair.
• each of the inner electrodes 31 (electrodes associated with a circled "+") in phase with the AC waveform may be paired with an outer electrode 32 (electrode associated with a circled "-").
• the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 of the first combination mode M11 is a high frequency AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 of the first combination mode M11 is preferably 100 kHz or more and 250 kHz or less, more preferably 150 kHz or more and 200 kHz or less. It is preferable that the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 of the first combination mode M11 is higher than the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the first combination mode M11.
• the duration of the first combination mode M11 is preferably between 5 and 25 seconds, more preferably between 10 and 20 seconds, and most preferably about 15 seconds.
• the repeat mode M9 is an alternating repeat mode of the infiltration mode M1 and the ion introduction mode M2. Specifically, in the repeat mode M9, the infiltration mode M1 and the ion introduction mode M2 are switched between in this order in a non-overlapping manner and are periodically repeated.
• all of the electrodes of the multiple electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group and the multiple outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group may be used at the same time, and in this case, an output waveform having the effect of penetrating the active ingredient into the skin is applied to the user's skin through each pair.
• an output waveform having the effect of penetrating the active ingredient into the skin is applied to the user's skin through each pair.
• each of the inner electrodes 31 (electrodes associated with a circled “+”) of the multiple electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group that have the same phase of the AC waveform, and two outer edge electrodes 33 (electrodes associated with a circled “+") of the three outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group that have the same phase of the AC waveform may be paired with the outer electrode 32 (electrode associated with a circled "-") constituting the first electrode group and the other outer edge electrodes 33 (electrodes associated with a circled "-") constituting the second electrode group.
• the inner electrodes 31 and outer electrodes 32 constituting the first electrode group may be paired, and the outer electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group may be paired, or at least one of the inner electrodes 31, outer electrodes 32, and outer electrodes 33 may be one electrode (group) and at least one of the remaining electrodes may be the other electrode (group) to generate a pair, but the electrode combinations are not limited to these.
• the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the repetition mode M9 is an AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the repetition mode M9 is preferably 10 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less, and more preferably 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less.
• the frequency of the output waveform of the first electrode group and the frequency of the output waveform of the second electrode group may be the same or different from each other.
• each of the inner electrodes 31 (electrodes associated with a circled "+") of the same polarity may be paired with an outer electrode 32 (electrode associated with a circled "-").
• a continuous waveform that changes periodically at least twice within one duration is generated.
• the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 of the repeat mode M9 is a pulsed DC waveform
• the frequency of the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 of the repeat mode M9 is determined so that at least two pulsed DC waveforms are generated within one duration, and is preferably 1.5 kHz or more and 10 kHz or less.
• the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2 in the repetition mode M9 are preferably the same, and each is preferably at least 1 second, and more preferably about 1 second.
• the duration of the repeat mode M9 is preferably between 5 and 25 seconds, more preferably between 10 and 20 seconds, and most preferably about 14 seconds.
• the duration of the repeat mode M9 is preferably 14 seconds in total, with the infiltration mode M1 and the ion introduction mode M2 both alternated for the same duration of 1 second or more, and more specifically, it is preferably 1 second for the infiltration mode M1 and 1 second for the ion introduction mode M2, alternating 7 times each, for a total of 14 seconds.
• the second combination mode M12 is a combination mode of the infiltration mode M1 and the high frequency mode M3. That is, the second combination mode M12 includes the infiltration mode M1 as a first sub-mode having the effect of penetrating the active ingredient into the skin, and the high frequency mode M3 as a second sub-mode having the effect of applying an alternating current stimulus to the skin.
• the two submodes (i.e., the first submode and the second submode) of the second combination mode M12 can be realized simultaneously by using the control system 100 described above with reference to FIG. 5, as already explained in relation to the first combination mode M11.
• the infiltration mode M1 and the high frequency mode M3 in the second combination mode M12 may be applied simultaneously, or may be applied once each in a time-division manner, or may be applied alternately and repeatedly, as already explained in relation to the first combination mode M11.
• all of the multiple outer electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group may be used simultaneously, in which case an output waveform having the effect of penetrating the active ingredient into the skin is applied to the user's skin via each pair.
• an output waveform having the effect of penetrating the active ingredient into the skin is applied to the user's skin via each pair.
• two outer electrodes 33 that are in phase with the AC waveform may be paired with another outer electrode 33 (electrode associated with a circled "-”) (i.e., a total of two pairs may be formed).
• the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the second combination mode M12 is an AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the second combination mode M12 is preferably 10 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less, more preferably 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less. It is preferable that the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the second combination mode M12 is lower than the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 of the second combination mode M12.
• all of the multiple electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group may be used simultaneously, in which case an output waveform having the effect of applying an AC stimulus to the skin is applied to the user's skin via each pair.
• each of the inner electrodes 31 (electrodes associated with a circled "+") in phase with the AC waveform may be paired with an outer electrode 32 (electrode associated with a circled "-").
• the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 of the second combination mode M12 is a high frequency AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 of the second combination mode M12 is preferably 100 kHz or more and 250 kHz or less, more preferably 150 kHz or more and 200 kHz or less.
• the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 of the second combination mode M12 is preferably higher than the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 of the second combination mode M12.
• the duration of the second combination mode M12 is preferably between 4 and 12 seconds, more preferably between 6 and 10 seconds, and most preferably about 8 seconds.
• the duration of the second combination mode M12 may be shorter than the duration of the first combination mode M11.
• the sum of the duration of the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12 in the operation mode A1 is preferably 15 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less, and more preferably 20 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less.
• the ratio of the duration of the entire operation mode A1 to the sum of the duration of the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12 is preferably 1/3 or more and 2/3 or less, and more preferably 4/9 or more and 2/3 or less.
• all of the multiple outer electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group may be used simultaneously, in which case a high-frequency or low-frequency output waveform having an electrical muscle stimulation effect is applied to the user's skin via each pair.
• a high-frequency or low-frequency output waveform having an electrical muscle stimulation effect is applied to the user's skin via each pair.
• two outer electrodes 33 (electrodes associated with a circled "+") that have the same phase of the AC waveform may be paired with another outer electrode 33 (electrode associated with a circled "-”) (i.e., a total of two pairs may be formed).
• the output waveform of electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 is an AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 is preferably 10 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less.
• the duration of electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 is preferably between 4 and 12 seconds, more preferably between 6 and 10 seconds, and most preferably about 8 seconds.
• the output mode after the second combination mode M12 is not limited to the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 as in the example shown in FIG. 8, and other types of output modes may be performed.
• the infiltration mode M1 may be performed by simultaneously using all of the electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group and the outer edge electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group.
• the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 when performed after the second combination mode M12 is an AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform is preferably 10 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less, more preferably 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less.
• the duration of the operation mode A1 shown in FIG. 8 is considered to be 45 seconds in total, specifically, 15 seconds for the first combination mode M11, 14 seconds for the repeat mode M9, 8 seconds for the second combination mode M12, and 8 seconds for the electrical muscle stimulation mode M4 (or other output mode such as the infiltration mode M1). Operation mode A1 may be repeated two or more times.
• Such an operating mode A1 is suitable for the penetration of various ingredients such as whitening ingredients (e.g., kojic acid), anti-inflammatory ingredients (e.g., dipotassium glycyrrhizinate), and anti-aging ingredients (e.g., tocopherol acetate). Furthermore, an even better penetration effect can be expected in operating mode A1 by executing a first combination mode M11 (i.e., simultaneous or alternating application of infiltration mode M1 and high frequency mode M3) and a second combination mode M12 (i.e., simultaneous or alternating application of infiltration mode M1 and high frequency mode M3) before and after a repeating mode M9 in which infiltration mode M1 and ion introduction mode M2 are alternately repeated.
• whitening ingredients e.g., kojic acid
• anti-inflammatory ingredients e.g., dipotassium glycyrrhizinate
• anti-aging ingredients e.g., tocopherol acetate.
• the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 included in the operation mode A1 may be selected and set by the user according to the type and characteristics of the component (for example, the component contained in the cosmetics or application agent used together when using the skin treatment device 1) to be infiltrated by the penetration effect of the active ingredient, which is the action related to the infiltration mode M1. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the infiltration mode M1 of the first combination mode M11, the infiltration mode M1 of the repeat mode M9, and the infiltration mode M1 of the second combination mode M12, and the frequency of the output waveform of at least one of the infiltration modes M1 when the infiltration mode M1 is performed after the second combination mode M12 may be selected and set by the user.
• the component for example, the component contained in the cosmetics or application agent used together when using the skin treatment device 1
• one operation mode A1 may include both the infiltration mode M1 (also referred to as the "customized output mode") in which the frequency of the output waveform is selected and set by the user, and the infiltration mode M1 in which the frequency of the output waveform is not selected and set by the user.
• the frequency of the output waveform in the customized output mode is adjusted according to the type and characteristics of the component to be infiltrated, specifically within the range of 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less, which is the preferred frequency range for the output waveform in the infiltration mode M1.
• a plurality of frequencies corresponding to each type of component to be infiltrated may be provided in advance in the skin processing device 1 (in other words, stored), and the user may select the type of component to be infiltrated or the frequency corresponding to the type of component to be infiltrated via the user interface 20.
• the skin processing device 1 sets and controls the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 to be customized (i.e., the customized output mode) to a frequency associated with the type of component selected by the user, or sets and controls it to a frequency selected by the user.
• the skin processing device 1 may be configured to be capable of communicating with a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, and an app for controlling the skin processing device 1 may be installed on the mobile information terminal.
• a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone
• an app for controlling the skin processing device 1 may be installed on the mobile information terminal.
• the user selects the type of component to be infiltrated on the app and selects execution of frequency customization, whereby information (specifically, a control signal for the frequency of the output waveform of infiltration mode M1) is transmitted from the mobile information terminal to the skin processing device 1.
• the skin processing device 1 sets and controls the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 (i.e., the customized output mode) to be customized according to the information transmitted from the mobile information terminal.
• the duration of the infiltration mode M1 i.e., the customized output mode for which the frequency of the output waveform is selected and set by the user (if there are multiple customized output modes in one operation mode A1, the total duration of these customized output modes) preferably accounts for 50% or more of the entire duration of one operation mode A1, more preferably accounts for 60% or more, even more preferably accounts for 70% or more, and even more preferably accounts for 80% or more.
• the stratum corneum of the application site is peeled off with adhesive tape (a keratin checker commercially available under the product name "D-Squame (registered trademark)"), and the amount of VCPMg (L-ascorbyl magnesium phosphate) contained in the 2nd to 10th tapes is quantified.
• adhesive tape a keratin checker commercially available under the product name "D-Squame (registered trademark)"
• test conditions T11 to T14 were set to verify the difference in effect depending on the duration of the infiltration mode M1 and the duration of the ion introduction mode M2.
• Test condition T11 is a condition where no output waveform is generated from the skin treatment device 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "output non-use condition").
• the skin treatment device 1 was used with its power turned off (i.e., a skin treatment device 1 in a state where no output waveform is being generated at all), and a circular motion was performed on the sample at a speed of one rotation per second for 60 seconds.
• test condition T12 the duration of infiltration mode M1 was 1 second and the duration of ion introduction mode M2 was 1 second, and the output waveform was applied to the skin alternately 30 times for a total of 60 seconds.
• Test condition T12 is a condition in which the duration of infiltration mode M1 and the duration of ion introduction mode M2 are the same and each is 1 second.
• test condition T13 the duration of infiltration mode M1 was 1.6 seconds and the duration of iontophoresis mode M2 was 0.4 seconds, and the output waveform was applied to the skin alternately 30 times for a total of 60 seconds.
• Test condition T13 is a condition in which the ratio of the duration of infiltration mode M1 to the duration of iontophoresis mode M2 is 4:1, and the duration of infiltration mode M1 is 1 second or more while the duration of iontophoresis mode M2 is less than 1 second.
• test condition T14 the duration of infiltration mode M1 was 0.3 seconds and the duration of ion introduction mode M2 was 0.3 seconds, and the output waveforms were applied to the skin 100 times in alternation for a total of 60 seconds.
• Test condition T14 is a condition in which the duration of infiltration mode M1 and the duration of ion introduction mode M2 are the same and each is less than 1 second.
• the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 is an AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 is 130 kHz.
• the output waveform of ion introduction mode M2 is a pulsed DC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of ion introduction mode M2 is 1 to 10 kHz.
• Figure 9 is a diagram comparing the penetration effect of the active ingredient depending on the duration of infiltration mode M1 and the duration of iontophoresis mode M2.
• the vertical axis shows the amount of absorption ⁇ [ ⁇ g] in the stratum corneum for tapes 2-10 (i.e., the total of tapes 2-10; the same applies below), and the horizontal axis shows the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for each of the test conditions T11 to T14.
• test condition T21 the duration of infiltration mode M1 was 1 second and the duration of ion introduction mode M2 was 1 second, and the output waveform was applied to the skin alternately 30 times for a total of 60 seconds.
• Test condition T21 is a condition in which the duration of infiltration mode M1 and the duration of ion introduction mode M2 are the same and each is 1 second.
• test condition T22 the duration of infiltration mode M1 was 2 seconds and the duration of ion introduction mode M2 was 2 seconds, and the output waveform was applied to the skin alternately 15 times for a total of 60 seconds.
• Test condition T22 is a condition in which the duration of infiltration mode M1 and the duration of ion introduction mode M2 are the same and are each 2 seconds.
• the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 is an AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of infiltration mode M1 is 130 kHz.
• the output waveform of ion introduction mode M2 is a pulsed DC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of ion introduction mode M2 is 1 to 10 kHz.
• Figure 10 is a diagram comparing the penetration effect of the active ingredient depending on the duration of infiltration mode M1 and the duration of iontophoresis mode M2.
• the vertical axis shows the amount of absorption into the stratum corneum ⁇ [ ⁇ g] for tapes 2 to 10
• the horizontal axis shows the amount of absorption into the stratum corneum under each of the test conditions T21 and T22.
• the following test conditions T31 to T33 were set. Then, a verification test of the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum was carried out according to the above-mentioned verification test procedure.
• the frequency of the output waveform (specifically, AC waveform) from the multiple outer electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group relating to infiltration mode M1 is 70 kHz; similarly, under test condition T32 it is 130 kHz, and under test condition T33 it is 180 kHz.
• the frequency of the output waveform (specifically, AC waveform) from the multiple electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group in the high-frequency mode M3 is 165 kHz.
• the infiltration mode M1 and the high-frequency mode M3 were applied simultaneously for 60 seconds.
• Figure 11 is a diagram comparing the penetration effect of the active ingredient depending on the difference in the frequency of the output waveform (AC waveform) of the infiltration mode M1 in the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12.
• the vertical axis shows the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum ⁇ [ ⁇ g] for tapes 2 to 10
• the horizontal axis shows the various test conditions T31 to T33, with the same amount of absorption in the stratum corneum being associated with each of the test conditions T31 to T33.
• test conditions T41 and T42 were set. Then, a verification test of the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum was carried out according to the above-mentioned verification test procedure.
• the frequency of the output waveform (specifically, AC waveform) from the multiple electrodes 30 constituting the first electrode group associated with high frequency mode M3 is 165 kHz, and similarly, under test condition T42, it is 3000 kHz.
• the frequency of the output waveform (specifically, AC waveform) from the multiple outer electrodes 33 constituting the second electrode group related to the infiltration mode M1 was 130 kHz.
• the infiltration mode M1 and the high frequency mode M3 were applied simultaneously for 60 seconds.
• Figure 12 is a diagram comparing the penetration effect of the active ingredient depending on the frequency of the output waveform (AC waveform) of the high frequency mode M3 in the first combination mode M11 and the second combination mode M12.
• the vertical axis shows the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum ⁇ [ ⁇ g] for tapes 2-10
• the horizontal axis shows the various test conditions T41 and T42, with the same amount of absorption in the stratum corneum under each of the test conditions T41 and T42.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a preferred example of an output waveform of the infiltration mode M1.
• the output waveform (time series waveform) of the infiltration mode M1 is shown with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing voltage value.
• ⁇ T1 represents the section (range) equivalent to one period of the output waveform.
• the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is an AC waveform and has multiple peak voltage values during a half cycle ( ⁇ T/2).
• the multiple peak voltage values include a first peak voltage value Vp1 and one or more second peak voltage values Vp2.
• the first peak voltage value Vp1 is the peak voltage value that appears at the beginning of a half cycle
• the second peak voltage value Vp2 appears after the first peak voltage value Vp1 and is smaller in magnitude than the first peak voltage value Vp1.
• the second peak voltage value Vp2 may occur multiple times in a gradually decreasing manner, as shown in FIG. 13.
• the second peak voltage value Vp2 is preferably smaller than half the magnitude of the first peak voltage value Vp1.
• the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is preferably 10 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less, and more preferably 10 kHz or more and 150 kHz or less.
• the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is preferably lower than the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3.
• FIG. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing other output waveforms that may be used instead of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 shown in FIG. 13.
• FIG. 13D is an enlarged view of the Q6 portion of FIG. 13C.
• the examples shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13C are mainly different from the output waveform shown in FIG. 13 in that the second peak voltage value Vp2 does not exist.
• the voltage value of the output waveform for half a cycle changes in a manner that maintains a substantially constant value (a substantially constant voltage value) from the first peak voltage value Vp1.
• the substantially constant value may be at a level similar to the second peak voltage value Vp2.
• the substantially constant value may be at a level slightly smaller than the second peak voltage value Vp2, as shown in FIG. 13C.
• the peak waveform related to the first peak voltage value Vp1 has an effect like electroporation, and the subsequent electrical stimulation (a section of a substantially constant value) can be expected to have an effect of promoting penetration.
• the term "approximately constant value” refers to a concept that allows for an error that occurs in a relatively small sawtooth waveform as shown in Fig. 13D, for example, an error from the constant value of 10% or less.
• B Vp1 represents the magnitude (amplitude) of the first peak voltage value Vp1
• ⁇ represents the fluctuation width of the approximately constant value.
• Fig. 13D is a diagram for explaining the approximately constant value in Fig. 13C, the same applies to Fig. 13A.
• the example shown in FIG. 13B differs from the output waveform shown in FIG. 13 mainly in that the first peak voltage value Vp1 does not appear at the beginning of a half cycle, but appears midway through.
• the second peak voltage value Vp2 may appear at the beginning of a half cycle.
• the first peak voltage value Vp1 appears near the middle of the half cycle, but it may appear significantly later (for example, at the end) or significantly earlier than the middle.
• the first peak voltage value Vp1 does not necessarily have to appear at the beginning of a half cycle, but may appear midway through or at the end of the half cycle.
• ⁇ T Vp1 ⁇ 1/5 ⁇ ( ⁇ T/2 - ⁇ T Vp1 ).
• the duration ( ⁇ T Vp1 ) of the first peak voltage value Vp1 may be measured as the period during which 80% or more of the magnitude of the first peak voltage value Vp1 is maintained.
• the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is significantly different from the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 shown in FIG. 17, but can be generated using the same hardware resources as the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3.
• the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 and the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 can both be generated via the output waveform generating units 130 and 131 of the control system 100 shown in FIG. 5.
• the only difference between generating the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 and generating the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 is the frequency of the control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generating unit 114.
• the frequency of the control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generating unit 114 corresponds to the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1
• the frequency of the control signals CT1 and CT2 from the control signal generating unit 114 corresponds to the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3.
• the transformer 136 (as well as the transformer 135) has a frequency specification adapted to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3, so that for the control signals CT1 and CT2 corresponding to the frequency of the high frequency mode M3, a sinusoidal output waveform of the desired frequency (frequency of the high frequency mode M3) as shown in FIG. 17 can be generated.
• the transformer 135 (as well as the transformer 136) cannot generate a sinusoidal output waveform as shown in FIG. 17 (a sinusoidal output waveform corresponding to the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1) for the control signals CT1 and CT2 corresponding to the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 that is lower than the frequency of the high frequency mode M3.
• the transformer 135 can generate an output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13 for the control signals CT1 and CT2 corresponding to the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 that is lower than the frequency of the high frequency mode M3.
• an output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13 may be generated through the first electrode group (specifically, the multiple inner electrodes 31 and the outer electrode 32) instead of or in addition to the second electrode group (specifically, the multiple outer electrodes 33).
• an output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 as shown in FIG. 17 may be generated through the second electrode group (specifically, the multiple outer electrodes 33) instead of or in addition to the first electrode group (specifically, the multiple inner electrodes 31 and the outer electrode 32).
• 17 can be selectively generated by simply changing the frequency of the control signals CT1 and CT2 using a common drive circuit unit and output waveform generating unit (for example, in the case of the second electrode group, the drive circuit unit 120 and the output waveform generating unit 130 in FIG. 5).
• a common drive circuit unit and output waveform generating unit for example, in the case of the second electrode group, the drive circuit unit 120 and the output waveform generating unit 130 in FIG. 5.
• This allows a variety of output waveforms (output waveforms having various actions as described above or below) to be applied through a variety of electrodes while keeping the circuit scale of the control system 100 to a minimum.
• FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a preferred example of the output waveform of ion introduction mode M2.
• FIG. 14 shows the output waveform (time series waveform) of ion introduction mode M2, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing voltage value.
• ⁇ T2 represents the section (range) equivalent to one period of the output waveform.
• iontophoresis mode M2 a continuous waveform that periodically changes at least twice within one duration is generated.
• the output waveform of iontophoresis mode M2 is a pulsed DC waveform. Note that instead of the waveform shown in FIG. 14, a waveform with inverted polarity as shown in FIG. 15 may be used.
• the frequency of the output waveform of iontophoresis mode M2 is determined so that at least two or more pulsed DC waveforms are generated within one duration, and is preferably 1.5 kHz or more and 10 kHz or less.
• the output waveform of the iontophoresis mode M2 may be composed of multiple pulse-shaped DC waveforms with the same amplitude (voltage value), but preferably may include one or more specific pulses whose amplitude (voltage value) is significantly larger than the others.
• FIG. 16 shows an example of an output waveform of the iontophoresis mode M2 that includes only one specific pulse PL2 within one duration.
• the specific pulse has the function of enhancing the effect of the iontophoresis mode M2 by generating a temporary hole in the skin by pulse stimulation (electroporation).
• the specific pulse may differ not only in amplitude (voltage value) but also in frequency from pulses other than the specific pulse (hereinafter referred to as "mesoporation pulses" for distinction) in the output waveform of the iontophoresis mode M2.
• the mesoporation pulse may have a peak voltage value of less than 10V and a frequency of 1.5kHz or more and 10kHz or less, while the specific pulse may have a peak voltage value of 10V or more and a low frequency of about 2Hz or more and 10Hz or less.
• mesoporation pulses which have the effect of applying a high voltage to push active ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin with ions (mesoporation)
• mesoporation pulses it can be useful to apply the mesoporation pulse immediately after applying a specific pulse that has the function of generating temporary pores in the skin through pulse stimulation. This is because the temporary pores tend to close up quickly.
• a mesoporation pulse is generated immediately after the application of a specific pulse, so the effect of ion introduction mode M2 can be effectively enhanced.
• FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a preferred example of the output waveform of high frequency mode M3.
• FIG. 17 shows the output waveform (time series waveform) of high frequency mode M3, with time on the horizontal axis and voltage value on the vertical axis.
• ⁇ T3 represents the section (range) equivalent to one period of the output waveform.
• the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 is a high frequency AC waveform, and the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 is preferably 100 kHz or more and 250 kHz or less, and more preferably 150 kHz or more and 200 kHz or less.
• the frequency of the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 is preferably higher than the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1.
• Figure 18 is a diagram comparing the penetration effect of active ingredients by various output waveforms.
• the vertical axis shows the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum ⁇ [ ⁇ g] for tapes 2-5
• the horizontal axis shows the various test conditions C1 to C5, with the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for each of the test conditions C1 to C5.
• the vertical axis shows the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum ⁇ [ ⁇ g] for tapes 6-10
• the horizontal axis shows the various test conditions C1 to C5, with the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for each of the test conditions C1 to C5.
• Test condition C1 corresponds to a condition in which no output waveform is generated from the skin treatment device 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "output non-use condition")
• test conditions C2 to C5 correspond to conditions in which the skin treatment device 1 is used, with test condition C2 corresponding to a condition in which only the output waveform of the high frequency mode M3 is applied to the skin, test condition C3 corresponding to a condition in which only the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 (the positive output waveform shown in FIG. 14) is applied to the skin, and test condition C4 corresponding to a condition in which only the output waveform of the ion introduction mode M2 (the negative output waveform shown in FIG. 15) is applied to the skin.
• test condition C5 corresponds to a condition in which only the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in FIG. 13 is applied to the skin.
• This test was carried out according to the following procedure. 1) First, to check skin homeostasis, the forearm was washed and allowed to acclimate for 15 minutes, and the amount of water evaporation from the application sites (5 locations) was measured and it was confirmed that there were no significant fluctuations in the values or wounds. 2) Next, quantitative measurements were performed using the facial beauty device as follows. 2-1: Apply a drop of the sample to the forearm. 2-2: After the process of 2-1, the skin treatment device 1 is used in a circular motion at a speed of one rotation per second for 1.5 minutes from above the sample.
• Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effect according to the difference in frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in Figure 13.
• the vertical axis represents the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum ⁇ [ ⁇ g]
• the horizontal axis corresponds to various test conditions C10 to C12 and C1
• the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for each of the test conditions C10 to C12 and C1 is shown divided into the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for tapes 2 to 5 (see symbol 2301), the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for tapes 6 to 10 (see symbol 2302), and the sum of these (the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for tapes 2 to 10) (see symbol 2303).
• Test conditions C10 to C12 correspond to conditions where the frequencies of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 are 50 kHz, 70 kHz, and 156 kHz, respectively, and test condition C1 is the above-mentioned output non-use condition (a condition where no output waveform is generated from the skin treatment device 1).
• the test procedure is as described above with reference to FIG. 18.
• Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effect according to the difference in the current value of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in Figure 13.
• the vertical axis represents the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum ⁇ [ ⁇ g]
• the horizontal axis corresponds to various test conditions C20, C21, and C1
• the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for each of the test conditions C20, C21, and C1 is shown divided into the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for tapes 2-5 (see symbol 2301), the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for tapes 6-10 (see symbol 2302), and the sum of these (the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for tapes 2-10) (see symbol 2303).
• Test conditions C20 and C21 each correspond to a condition where the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is 70 kHz, and test condition C20 is the same as test condition C21 except that the current value is twice that of test condition C21.
• Test condition C1 is the above-mentioned condition where no output is used.
• Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram of the difference in effect according to the difference in the use time of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in Figure 13.
• the vertical axis represents the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum ⁇ [ ⁇ g]
• the horizontal axis corresponds to various test conditions C30, C31, and C1
• the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for each of the test conditions C30, C31, and C1 is shown divided into the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for tapes 2-5 (see symbol 2301), the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for tapes 6-10 (see symbol 2302), and the sum of these (the amount of absorption in the stratum corneum for tapes 2-10) (see symbol 2303).
• Test conditions C30 and C31 correspond to conditions where the frequency of the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 is 70 kHz, with test condition C30 corresponding to a usage time of 90 seconds and test condition C31 corresponding to a usage time of 15 seconds.
• Test condition C1 corresponds to the above-mentioned non-output usage condition.
• the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and the present invention also includes modifications and changes to the above-mentioned embodiments that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. It is also possible to combine all or some of the components of the above-mentioned embodiments.
• the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 of each of the multiple electrodes 30 is formed into a regular hexagon, and the inner and outer peripheral edges of the outer electrode 32 are formed into regular hexagons.
• the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode 31 and the inner and outer peripheral edges of the outer electrode 32 are not limited to a regular hexagon, and may be a vertically or horizontally elongated hexagon, or another regular polygon having a triangle or more, or a vertically or horizontally elongated polygon, or may be a circle or an ellipse.
• the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the inner electrode and the shape of the inner peripheral edge of the outer electrode are polygons or ellipses that are similar to each other, they may also be polygons or ellipses that are not similar to each other.
• the output waveform of the infiltration mode M1 as shown in Figure 13 is suitable for promoting the penetration of useful substances contained in topical skin preparations, and the substance carrier can be used for any purpose, such as medicines, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, etc., as long as it is a topical skin preparation.
• the substance carrier can be used for any purpose, such as medicines, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, etc., as long as it is a topical skin preparation.
• it is effective not only for cosmetics and quasi-drugs, but also for promoting the percutaneous absorption of medicines that have been broken down in the liver and have not been able to fully exert their effectiveness.
• topical preparations to be absorbed percutaneously is arbitrary, and the purpose of percutaneous absorption of topical preparations is not important, including analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, whitening agents, moisturizing agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antibacterial agents, and antiviral agents.

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