JP7561166B2 - Skin treatment device and program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a skin treatment device and program.

A technique is known that uses four concentric, annular electrodes to apply low-frequency and high-frequency output waveforms to the skin.

International Publication No. 2021/167109

When applying an output waveform to the skin, it is useful to be able to apply the optimal output waveform to each area where the skin treatment device is placed.

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

In one aspect, a device includes a plurality of electrodes that can be brought into contact with a user's skin;
a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes;
and an electrical circuitry that generates, based on the power source, one or more output waveforms that can be applied to the skin via at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes;
A skin treatment device is provided in which the one or more output waveforms are different depending on whether the treatment target area, which is the area where the multiple electrodes contact or the area of the skin to which the multiple electrodes should be contacted, is a first area or a second area different from the first area.

According to this disclosure, it is possible to apply the optimal output waveform for each area where the skin treatment device is applied.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a head portion of the skin treatment device, and is a front view showing the electrode arrangement. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control system according to an example. 1A and 1B are conceptual explanatory diagrams of two types of output waveforms acting on the skin at different depths. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a change pattern of an output waveform generated by a high-frequency output generating unit. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example of a change pattern of an output waveform generated by the high-frequency output generating unit. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an operation mode, in which the output waveform pattern (change pattern) is shown in time series with time on the horizontal axis. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the effect of the operation mode of FIG. 6 . FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of another operation mode. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a division of a plurality of parts of a face. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of various facial muscles. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation mode in which a high-frequency output waveform and a low-frequency output waveform can be simultaneously applied to each specific target area. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of cooperation with real-time image processing. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrode arrangement according to a modified example. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrode arrangement according to another modified example.

Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

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

The skin processing device 1 of this 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. However, in a modified example, 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 an effect other than the beauty-related effect (for example, the effect of promoting transdermal absorption of medicines).

The beauty-related effect is optional and may include any combination of one or more of the following: elimination of sagging, tightening, fat burning, lifting, face slimming, skin firmness, radiance, and moisture improvement. Furthermore, the beauty-related effect may be a quantifiable effect or a non-quantifiable effect.

The skin treatment device 1 of this embodiment is configured to impart beauty-related effects to the user's skin by applying various outputs through multiple electrodes that contact the user's skin.

The skin treatment device 1 of this 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 includes a grip portion 2 and a head portion 3. In this case, the user can apply various outputs from the skin treatment device 1 to a desired area by holding the grip portion 2 and placing the head portion 3 on the desired area of the user's own 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. For example, the head portion 3 may have a contact surface 3a that is substantially planar (including a curved surface with a relatively large radius of curvature). The contact surface 3a is a plane that can be approximated as a substantially straight line in a side view. The shape of the contact surface 3a in a front view (the shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a) can be any shape such as a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, etc., and in this embodiment, as an example, it is a circle as shown in FIG. 2.

The head unit 3 has a plurality of electrodes 30 arranged on the contact surface 3a. The plurality of electrodes 30 may be slightly protruding from the base surface of the contact surface 3a of the head unit 3 so that they can easily contact the user's skin.

In this embodiment, the multiple electrodes 30 are arranged in an annular shape centered on the center C of the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3. Hereinafter, terms related to the radial and circumferential directions are based on a circle centered on the center C of the contact surface 3a when the contact surface 3a is viewed from the front (when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a). For example, the radial inner side refers to the side closer to the center C of the contact surface 3a in the radial direction. In addition, hereinafter, the number of multiple electrodes 30 and the unit of one electrode are defined as one continuous form.

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

As described below, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 form an electrode group (hereinafter also referred to as the "electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform") for applying a high-frequency output waveform having a warming effect (or heating effect, the same applies below) to the user's skin.

The first electrode 31 may be circular. The first electrode 31 may be arranged so that its center coincides with the center C.

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

The second electrode 32 is disposed radially outward of the first electrode 31, and the third electrode 33 is disposed radially outward of the second electrode 32. In this case, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 may be disposed concentrically with respect to the center C in the order of the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 from the radially inner side.

The difference between the distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction and the distance d2 between the third electrode 33 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction is preferably 10% or less of the distance d1. In this embodiment, as a preferred example, the distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction is equal to the distance d2 between the third electrode 33 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction (i.e., the difference between the distance d1 and the distance d2 is 0). Note that the distance d1 corresponds to the difference between the outer diameter of the first electrode 31 based on the center C and the inner diameter of the second electrode 32 based on the center C. Similarly, the distance d2 corresponds to the difference between the outer diameter of the second electrode 32 based on the center C and the inner diameter of the third electrode 33 based on the center C.

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

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

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

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

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of the control system 100. Figure 4 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of two types of output waveforms acting on the skin at different depths. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the change pattern of the output waveform generated by the high-frequency output generating unit 112. In addition to the control system 100, Figure 3 also shows the first electrode 31 to the fifth electrode 35 on the output side, as well as the user interface 20 on the input side. Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-section of the head unit 3 and a cross-section of the skin in contact with the head unit 3. Figure 4 also shows schematic output waveforms (low-range RF waveform W1 and high-range RF waveform W2 described later) applied to the skin from the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. Figure 5 shows the change pattern of the output waveform with the horizontal axis representing time.

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

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

The user interface 20 may include a user interface such as the various buttons described above. The user interface 20 may include an input device capable of gesture input and/or voice input as another user interface. The user interface 20 may also include a user interface in a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone). In this case, the control device 110 may acquire user input between the user terminal and the control device 110 via communication compliant with, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, the user can operate the skin processing device 1 via the user terminal.

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

In this case, the high frequency output generating unit 112 preferably generates a high frequency output waveform using the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 as a first pair, and generates a high frequency output waveform using the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 as a second pair. That is, the high frequency output generating unit 112 preferably uses two pairs in a manner in which the second electrode 32 is shared, and simultaneously generates a high frequency output waveform through each pair. In this case, the high frequency output waveform is formed in a manner in which the phase at the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33 is inverted with respect to the phase at the second electrode 32. That is, the polarity of the high frequency output waveform at the second electrode 32 is opposite to the polarity at the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33. This allows a heating effect to be simultaneously exerted on a relatively wide area of the user's skin in response to the relatively wide area in which the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 are arranged.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction is equal to the distance d2 between the third electrode 33 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction. Due to this symmetry of the distances to the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33 with the second electrode 32 at the center, it is possible to apply a uniform heating effect to a relatively wide area of the user's skin.

The radio frequency output generating unit 112 generates two or more types of radio frequency output waveforms with different frequencies. In the present embodiment, as an example, the radio frequency output generating unit 112 generates two or more types of radio frequency output waveforms including a radio frequency output waveform of a first frequency (an example of a first AC waveform) and a radio frequency output waveform of a second frequency (an example of a second AC waveform). Hereinafter, for the sake of distinction, the radio frequency output waveform of the first frequency is also referred to as the "low range RF waveform W1", and the radio frequency output waveform of the second frequency is referred to as the "high range RF waveform W2".

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

However, when using a high-frequency output waveform in a frequency band higher than 20 kHz, the depth to which the skin effectively receives the heating effect tends to vary depending on the frequency. Specifically, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4 by the low-range RF waveform W1, a relatively low-frequency high-frequency output waveform tends to provide a heating effect on relatively deep areas of the skin (e.g., the dermis). In contrast, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4 by the high-range RF waveform W2, a relatively high-frequency output waveform tends to provide a heating effect on relatively shallow areas of the skin (e.g., the epidermis).

Therefore, according to this embodiment, as described above, by generating two or more types of high-frequency output waveforms with different frequencies, it is possible to provide a heating effect over a wide range in the depth direction (thickness direction) of the user's skin. As a result, it is possible to effectively increase the heating effect on the user's skin compared to, for example, a case in which a heating effect is provided only at a specific depth using only a high-frequency output waveform of a constant frequency.

From this perspective, the first frequency is preferably between 100 kHz and 1.5 MHz, and more preferably between 200 kHz and 1.0 MHz. In this case, the low-range RF waveform W1 can effectively apply a heating effect to a relatively deep region of the skin (e.g., the dermis).

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

Under the control of the control device 110, the high-frequency output generating unit 112 alternately and repeatedly generates a low-range RF waveform W1 and a high-range RF waveform W2, with the waveforms switching every predetermined period ΔT, as shown in FIG. 5. This allows the skin to be alternately heated in a relatively deep region (e.g., the dermis) and a relatively shallow region (e.g., the epidermis). As a result, the heating effect can be effectively enhanced.

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

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the duration of each low-range RF waveform W1 and each high-range RF waveform W2 is the same as the predetermined period ΔT, but in modified examples, they may be different. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the predetermined period ΔT is repeated at a constant rate, but the predetermined period ΔT may be changed. For example, a relatively long duration may be achieved only for the initial low-range RF waveform W1 and high-range RF waveform W2.

In addition, in the operation mode shown in FIG. 5, the low-range RF waveform W1 and the high-range RF waveform W2 are generated alternately and continuously in a manner in which they are switched every predetermined period ΔT, but the low-range RF waveform W1 and the high-range RF waveform W2 may be generated alternately and discontinuously in a manner in which they are switched every predetermined period ΔT. For example, a high-frequency output waveform of another frequency may be generated between the low-range RF waveform W1 and the high-range waveform W2. In this case, the other frequency may be an intermediate frequency in a range higher than the first frequency and lower than the second frequency. In this case, the low-range RF waveform W1 and the high-range RF waveform W2 are generated alternately via a high-frequency output waveform of an intermediate frequency in a manner in which they are switched every predetermined period ΔT. As a result, even if the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is relatively large, switching between the first frequency related to the low-range RF waveform W1 and the second frequency related to the high-range RF waveform W2 can be realized via the intermediate frequency, so that the load on the electric circuit unit related to the high-frequency output generating unit 112 can be effectively reduced. In this case, the high frequency output waveform of the intermediate frequency per time has the same time as the above-mentioned predetermined period ΔT, but in a modified example, it may be different. In addition, a plurality of intermediate frequencies may be set within a range higher than the first frequency and lower than the second frequency. In this case, even if the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is relatively large, switching between the first frequency and the second frequency can be realized via a plurality of intermediate frequencies. For example, when three intermediate frequencies having a relationship of first intermediate frequency > second intermediate frequency > third intermediate frequency are used, as shown in FIG. 5A, the frequency of the high frequency output waveform may change for each of the above-mentioned predetermined periods ΔT in a manner changing from a high range RF waveform W2 to a low range RF waveform W1 via a high frequency output waveform of the first intermediate frequency (indicated as "first intermediate range" in FIG. 5A), a high frequency output waveform of the second intermediate frequency (indicated as "second intermediate range" in FIG. 5A), and a high frequency output waveform of the third intermediate frequency (indicated as "third intermediate range" in FIG. 5A). In this case, since abrupt switching from the second frequency to the first frequency can be avoided, the load on the electric circuitry associated with the high frequency output generating unit 112 can be effectively reduced. In the example shown in Fig. 5A, the mode of changing from the high range RF waveform W2 to the low range RF waveform W1 via the high frequency output waveform of the first intermediate frequency, the high frequency output waveform of the second intermediate frequency, and the high frequency output waveform of the third intermediate frequency is repeated, so that a direct switching from the low range RF waveform W1 to the high range RF waveform W2 occurs. In contrast, in a further modified example, the switching from the low range RF waveform W1 to the high range RF waveform W2 may be realized via the intermediate frequency in such a manner that the high range RF waveform W2 changes to the low range RF waveform W1 via the high frequency output waveform of the first intermediate frequency, the high frequency output waveform of the second intermediate frequency, and the high frequency output waveform of the third intermediate frequency, and then returns to the high range RF waveform W2 via the high frequency output waveform of the third intermediate frequency, the high frequency output waveform of the second intermediate frequency, and the high frequency output waveform of the first intermediate frequency. In this case, a sudden switch from the first frequency to the second frequency can be avoided, effectively reducing the load on the electrical circuitry associated with the high-frequency output generating unit 112.

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

Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an operating mode, showing the output waveform pattern (output mode change pattern) in a time series with time on the horizontal axis. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the effect of the operating mode of Figure 6. As with Figure 4 above, Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-section of the head unit 3 as well as a schematic cross-section of the skin in contact with the head unit 3. Figure 7 also shows a schematic low-frequency output waveform W3 applied to the skin from the fourth electrode 34 and fifth electrode 35, along with the high-frequency output waveforms applied to the skin from the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33.

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

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

The operation mode shown in FIG. 6 includes a main section A2 following the initial section A1. In the main section A2, the output mode M14 is continuously executed as the main operation related to the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. In the output mode M14, a high-frequency output waveform is generated in the manner described above with reference to FIG. 5. That is, the low-range RF waveform W1 and the high-range RF waveform W2 are repeatedly generated alternately in a manner that switches every predetermined period ΔT. Note that the output mode M14 may be continued until a stop command is input from the user, or may be automatically stopped after a predetermined duration has elapsed.

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

According to the operating mode shown in FIG. 6, in the main section A2, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7, in addition to the heating effect described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the muscle electrical stimulation effect by the low-frequency output waveform W3 via the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 can be simultaneously applied to the skin.

In particular, according to this embodiment, as described above, the fourth electrode 34 is disposed between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, and the fifth electrode 35 is disposed between the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the range of the muscular electrical stimulation effect by the low-frequency output waveform W3 via the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 is included in the range of the warming effect on the skin by the high-frequency output waveform via the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. This makes it possible to more effectively apply the muscular electrical stimulation effect and the warming effect to the skin. However, in a modified example, the fifth electrode 35 may be disposed radially outward from the third electrode 33. In such a modified example, the fourth electrode 34 may be disposed between the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33. Alternatively, in another modified example, an additional electrode (not shown) forming an electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform may be disposed radially outward from the third electrode 33.

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

Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of another operating mode, showing the change pattern of the output mode in a time series with the horizontal axis representing time. Figure 9A is an explanatory diagram of the division of multiple parts of the face, and Figure 9B is an explanatory diagram of various muscles in the face. Figure 8 also illustrates the target parts associated with each output mode.

In the operation modes shown in FIG. 8, output modes M30 to M34 are executed in order, with durations T30 to T34, respectively. Each of output modes M30 to M34 is associated with a specific target part of the face or a specific target muscle of the face. As shown in FIG. 9A, each target part includes multiple parts of the face, specifically, the forehead, the corners of the eyes, the nose, the eye bags, the nasolabial fold (more precisely, the part where the nasolabial fold is formed), the face line (cheeks), and the chin (jaw). In addition, in a modified example, some of these seven parts (e.g., the corners of the eyes, the nose, the face line, the chin, etc.) may be omitted, other target parts may be added, or a coarser or finer granularity classification may be used. In addition, the corners of the eyes, the eye bags, the nasolabial fold, and the face line (cheeks) may be treated as separate parts on the left and right, in which case the face is classified into a total of 11 parts. As shown in FIG. 9B, each target muscle includes multiple types of facial muscles, specifically, three types: the masseter muscle, the mentalis muscle, and the orbicularis oculi muscle. In a modified example, some of these three types may be omitted, or other types of target muscles may be added.

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

The durations T30 to T34 may each be arbitrary and may be changeable by the user as appropriate. The passage of each of the durations T30 to T34 may be communicated to the user by a notification sound and/or vibration output from the skin processing device 1. In this case, the user can easily change the position of the face where the skin processing device 1 is placed in response to the notification sound, etc.

In this way, in the example shown in FIG. 8, an operating mode is realized in which output mode switching is controlled by time so that an output mode suited to each part of the face is formed. In a modified example, a means is provided for identifying (detecting) the part to which the skin processing device 1 is applied, and output mode switching may be automatically achieved according to the identification result for each part.

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

Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operating mode that allows high-frequency output waveforms and low-frequency output waveforms to be applied simultaneously to each specific target area.

In FIG. 10, the output modes M40 to M45 in the upper row are modes related to high-frequency output waveforms, and the output modes M50 to M57 in the lower row are modes related to low-frequency output waveforms or higher medium-frequency or high-frequency output waveforms (i.e., modes related to output waveforms for electrical muscle stimulation).

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

The output modes M50 and M51 are adapted to enhance the muscular electrical stimulation action on the face line. For example, the frequency of the output mode M50 may be about 50 Hz to 100 Hz, and the duration of the output mode M50 may be 3 seconds ± 20%. The frequency of the output mode M51 may be about 1 kHz to 10 kHz, and the duration of the output mode M51 may be 3 seconds ± 20%. The output modes M50 and M51 are executed in synchronization with the output mode M40, and are executed alternately within the duration T40. The frequency of the output modes M50 and M51 may vary within the above-mentioned range within each duration or for each duration. In the output mode M51, the application of the output waveform may be executed intermittently with a rhythm (interval frequency) of about 5 Hz to 20 Hz. In this case, the adjustment (variability) of the interval frequency can be expected to improve the skin treatment effect on the face line.

Output mode M41, and output modes M52 and M53 are associated with a portion of the cheek (e.g., between the jaw line and the nasolabial fold). Output mode M41 is adapted to enhance the heating effect in the portion of the cheek. For example, the frequency in output mode M41 may be about 1 MHz to 3 MHz, and the duration T41 of output mode M41 may be 110 seconds ± 20%.

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

Output modes M43, M44, and output modes M54, M55 are associated with the eyes. Output modes M43, M44 are adapted to enhance the heating effect around the eyes. For example, the frequency in output mode M43 may be about 1 MHz to 3 MHz, and the duration of output mode M43 may be 1 second ±20%. Output mode M44 may be a mode that stops the application of the output waveform. In this case, the duration of output mode M44 may be significantly longer than the duration of output mode M43, and may be 6 seconds ±20%. This allows for a heating effect that takes into account the unique characteristics of the eyes, where many users tend to be sensitive to heat.

The output modes M54 and M55 are adapted to enhance the electrical muscle stimulation effect in a part of the eye area. In this case, the output modes M54 and M55 may be adapted to enhance the electrical muscle stimulation effect on the orbicularis oculi, which is a target muscle included in the eye area. For example, the output mode M54 may be a mode that stops the application of the output waveform, and the output mode M55 may be a mode that stops the application of the output waveform at a frequency of 10k.
Hz to 200 kHz. The output modes M54 and M55 are executed in synchronization with the output modes M43 and M44, and are executed alternately within the duration T42. In this case, the duration T42 may be 70 seconds ± 20%. The output modes M54 and M55 are preferably executed in a manner in which they are synchronized with the output modes M43 and M44, respectively (the output modes M43 and M54 form a pair, and the output modes M44 and M55 form a pair). This makes it possible to apply a warming stimulus while preventing the output mode M44 from becoming too hot. The frequency of the output mode M55 may vary within the above-mentioned range within each duration or for each duration. In the output mode M55, the application of the output waveform may be executed intermittently with a rhythm (interval frequency) of about 5 Hz to 100 Hz. In this case, the adjustment (variability) of the interval frequency can be expected to improve the skin treatment effect on the eyes.

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

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

Note that, with respect to the operating modes shown in FIG. 10, at least any of the output modes M40 to M45 may utilize a combination of the low-range RF waveform W1 and the high-range RF waveform W2 described above with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 5, etc. Also, the output modes M40 to M45 may have the same frequency of about 1 MHz to 3 MHz except for the output mode M43, but the frequency of some output modes may be different from the frequency of other output modes within the range of 1 MHz to 3 MHz.

Here, in the case of the operation mode shown in FIG. 10, as in the case of the operation mode described above with reference to FIG. 8, the passage of each of the durations T40 to T43 may be communicated to the user by output of a notification sound and/or vibration from the skin processing device 1. In this case, the user can easily change the position of the face where the skin processing device 1 is placed in response to the notification sound, etc.

Alternatively, the user may use the beauty device 4 while viewing his/her own face on the screen of the user terminal 2 using a camera (e.g., an in-camera) of the user terminal 2, as shown in FIG. 11. In this case, a facial image is generated in real time by the camera of the user terminal 2 while the beauty device 4 is being used. The facial image may be processed by a computer in the user terminal 2 or an external server (not shown) and used to identify the position of the face to which the skin processing device 1 is applied. At this time, the output mode may be automatically changed based on the result of identifying the position to which the skin processing device 1 is applied. In addition, a guide display may be output (superimposed) on the facial image or a similar image on the screen of the user terminal 2, in accordance with the lapse of each of the durations T40 to T43, to guide the user to the position of the face to which the skin processing device 1 is applied in the next operating mode.

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

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 generate a high-frequency output waveform such as a low-range RF waveform W1, but in other operating modes, a low-frequency output waveform or other DC waveforms may be generated. For example, a low-frequency output waveform may be generated via the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33, which are relatively far apart in the radial direction. The same applies to the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35. In addition, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 may form paired electrodes with the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 in various combinations.

In the above embodiment, two types of high-frequency output waveforms, a low-range RF waveform W1 of a constant first frequency and a high-range RF waveform W2 of a constant second frequency, are generated through the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33, but this is not limited to the above. For example, a low-range RF waveform W1 of a first frequency that fluctuates within the above-mentioned preferred range and a high-range RF waveform W2 of a second frequency that fluctuates within the above-mentioned preferred range and in a range higher than the maximum value of the fluctuation range of the first frequency may be generated. That is, high-frequency output waveforms may be generated at three or more types of frequencies. For example, in the case of N types (N≧3), output for each period may be repeated in a manner in which high-frequency output waveforms of each corresponding frequency are generated within a time in which one period is divided into N portions.

In the above embodiment, the first electrode 31 to the fifth electrode 35 are used in a concentric arrangement of five layers, but the number and arrangement of the electrodes can be changed in various ways. For example, one or more additional annular electrodes may be arranged radially outward from the third electrode 33. The one or more additional annular electrodes may be in the form of a continuous annular shape in the circumferential direction, or in the form of a locally divided annular shape in the circumferential direction. The one or more additional annular electrodes may be arranged concentrically with the first electrode 31, etc. The one or more additional annular electrodes may cooperate with the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 to form an electrode group for the above-mentioned high-frequency output waveform. For example, when one additional annular electrode is arranged radially outward from the third electrode 33, the polarity of the high-frequency output waveform at the third electrode 33 may be opposite to the polarity at the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33. In this way, one or more additional annular electrodes may be added radially outward. In this case, the fifth electrode 35 may be disposed radially outward from the outermost electrode of the one or more additional annular electrodes. In this case, the radial separation distance in the electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform can be efficiently increased. Alternatively, the fifth electrode 35 may be disposed radially inward from the outermost electrode of the one or more additional annular electrodes. In addition, when two or more additional annular electrodes are added, the electrodes forming the electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform and the electrodes forming the electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform may be disposed alternately in the radial direction, as in the above-mentioned embodiment. In these modified examples, a part of each electrode forming the electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform may form an electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform in another mode, or may generate another DC waveform, etc. In addition, a part of each electrode forming the electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform may form an electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform in another mode, or may generate another DC waveform, etc.

In the above embodiment, the first electrode 31 to the fifth electrode 35 are in the form of a ring, but may be in other forms such as an ellipse or a polygon, or may be a combination of various forms. For example, the first electrode 31 to the fifth electrode 35 may be realized as the first electrode 31A to the fifth electrode 35A arranged in a straight line parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 12A. Note that FIG. 12A (as well as FIG. 12B described later) shows a schematic diagram of the electrode configuration when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a of the head unit 3. Alternatively, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 forming the electrode group for the high frequency output waveform may be realized as the first electrode 31B, the second electrode 32B, and the third electrode 33B arranged in a straight line parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 12B. In the example shown in FIG. 12B, the second electrode 32B and the third electrode 33B are arranged on both sides of the first electrode 31B (on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first electrode 31B). In this case, one or more electrodes forming an electrode group for a low-frequency output waveform, such as the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35, may be arranged between the first electrode 31B, the second electrode 32B, and the third electrode 33B. In addition, in the case of the modified example shown in FIG. 12A or FIG. 12B, a part of each electrode forming an electrode group for a high-frequency output waveform may form an electrode group for a low-frequency output waveform in another mode, or may generate another DC waveform, etc. In addition, a part of each electrode forming an electrode group for a low-frequency output waveform may form an electrode group for a high-frequency output waveform in another mode, or may generate another DC waveform, etc.

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

Claims (6)

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 an electrical circuitry that generates, based on the power source, one or more output waveforms that can be applied to the skin via at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes;
applying two or more types of output waveforms in a time-division manner when the treatment target area is a first area, and applying two or more types of output waveforms in a time-division manner when the treatment target area is a second area different from the first area;
A skin treatment device, wherein the two or more types of output waveforms applied to the first portion include an output waveform type that is not included in the two or more types of output waveforms applied to the second portion, and the two or more types of output waveforms applied to the second portion include an output waveform type that is not included in the two or more types of output waveforms applied to the first portion. The skin treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the duration of application of the two or more types of output waveforms to the first region differs when the treatment target region is the first region and when the treatment target region is the second region. The skin treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the two or more types of output waveforms applied to the first area include an output waveform for electrical muscle stimulation, and the output waveform for electrical muscle stimulation is adapted according to the characteristics of the muscle included in the treatment target area. The two or more types of output waveforms applied to the first and second parts include a high-frequency output waveform and an output waveform for electrical muscular stimulation,
The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the high-frequency output waveform and the output waveform for electrical muscle stimulation are controlled to change to output waveforms with different characteristics in a manner synchronized with each other in response to changes in the treatment target area. The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the two or more types of output waveforms applied to the second portion include one output waveform output via a common electrode among the plurality of electrodes. A program for controlling a skin treatment device having a plurality of electrodes that can be brought into contact with a user's skin,
A computer that controls the operation of the skin treatment device
Identifying a treatment target area, which is an area where the plurality of electrodes contact or a skin area where the plurality of electrodes should be contacted;
executing a process of applying two or more types of output waveforms in a time-division manner when the treatment target area is a first area, and applying two or more types of output waveforms in a time-division manner when the treatment target area is a second area different from the first area;
A program, wherein the two or more types of output waveforms applied to the first portion include an output waveform type that is not included in the two or more types of output waveforms applied to the second portion, and the two or more types of output waveforms applied to the second portion include an output waveform type that is not included in the two or more types of output waveforms applied to the first portion.