JP7706769B2 - Facial beauty support system, facial beauty support method, and facial beauty support program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a facial beauty support system, a facial beauty support method, and a facial beauty support program.

Conventionally, there is known a facial beauty device that applies physical stimulation to the user's face to train the user's cheeks (see Patent Document 1). A facial beauty device is a device that performs muscle exercise by generating electrical stimulation called EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) or the like and directly applying low-frequency signals to the muscles to contract and relax them.

The user can improve sagging skin on the cheeks and the like by using this facial beauty device. Here, this beauty device is configured to be used alone or to use a device such as a smartphone to control the device. In this case, the effect of using the facial beauty device to perform a massage or the like is not specifically or objectively displayed to the user. As a result, it is difficult for the user to grasp the degree of effect, and the user is unlikely to be motivated to use the facial beauty device.

International Publication No. WO2020/012754

Thus, the inventor felt that using a facial beauty device alone was limited in that it was not possible to fully grasp the effects of facial beauty treatments on the user or to track the condition. In particular, the inventor felt that it was limited in that the user himself could not feel the changes in his face. One reason that motivates users to continue using a facial beauty device is that they can feel the changes in their face. If they are able to feel the changes in their face, they will be able to continue using the device, and as a result, they will be able to achieve better effects and results. It is also necessary to raise the user's awareness while using the facial beauty device.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and provides a facial beauty support system, a facial beauty support method, and a facial beauty support program that can complement the functions of the facial beauty device alone by combining the information input and processing functions of various terminals with the facial beauty device, thereby helping the user understand the effects of facial beauty treatments and raise awareness of the use of the device.

In other words, the facial beauty support system is characterized by having a facial beauty device including a stimulus applying unit that applies a stimulus based on predetermined stimulus conditions to the user's face and a device transmission unit that transmits the stimulus conditions; a mirror-type imaging unit that includes a mirror unit that reflects the user's face, an imaging unit that images the user's face, a transmission unit that transmits the captured image of the user's face, and an image display unit that displays the image; a facial beauty control device including a receiving unit that receives the stimulus conditions and the image of the user's face, a facial information receiving unit that receives facial information related to the appearance of the face from the user, a first change information generating unit that generates first change information that changes the stimulus conditions of the facial beauty device based on the facial information and the image of the user's face, and a control transmitting unit that transmits the first change information to the facial beauty device.

Furthermore, the facial beauty device may include a condition information generating unit that generates facial condition information by measuring the facial condition of either the skin or muscles or both of the user's face using a measuring unit, the device transmitting unit transmits the facial condition information to the facial beauty control device, and the facial beauty control device may include a second modification information generating unit that generates second modification information that modifies the stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device based on the facial condition information and an image of the user's face, and the control transmitting unit transmits the second modification information to the facial beauty device.

The facial beauty control device may include a control memory unit that stores changes over time in facial information or facial condition information, and a display unit that displays the changes over time.

The mirror-type imaging unit may include a mirror memory unit that stores changes over time in facial information or facial state information, and the changes over time may be displayed on the image display unit.

The mirror-type imaging unit may include an acquisition unit that acquires image information of the user's face captured by the imaging unit, and a comparison unit that generates comparison information by comparing the image information with previously acquired image information of the user or image information of the face of another person other than the user, the image display unit displays the comparison information, and the transmission unit transmits the comparison information to the facial beauty control device.

The facial beauty control device includes a suggestion presentation unit that presents facial beauty suggestions to the user based on the comparison information, and a suggestion transmission unit that transmits the facial beauty suggestions to a mirror-type imaging unit, and the mirror-type imaging unit may display the facial beauty suggestions on the video display unit.

The facial beauty control device may include a third change information generation unit that generates third change information for changing the stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device based on the comparison information, and the control transmission unit may transmit the third change information to the facial beauty device.

The facial beauty device is attached to the face of the user and includes a pair of left and right pad sections that come into contact with and cover the cheeks and the surrounding area of the user, and a connecting section that connects the pair of left and right pad sections together, and at least one of the pair of left and right pad sections may be provided with a measuring section.

The facial beauty support system of the present invention includes a facial beauty device having a stimulus applying unit that applies a stimulus based on a predetermined stimulus condition to the user's face and a device transmission unit that transmits the stimulus condition, a mirror-type imaging unit that includes a mirror unit that reflects the user's face, an imaging unit that captures the user's face, a transmission unit that transmits the captured image of the user's face, and an image display unit that displays the image, a receiving unit that receives the stimulus condition and the image of the user's face, a facial information receiving unit that receives facial information from the user regarding the state of the face, a first change information generating unit that generates first change information that changes the stimulus condition of the facial beauty device based on the facial information and the image of the user's face, and a control transmitting unit that transmits the first change information to the facial beauty device. Therefore, by combining the information input and processing functions of various terminals with the facial beauty device, the functions of the facial beauty device alone can be complemented to contribute to the user's own awareness of using the device.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a facial beauty support system according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the shape of a pad portion as viewed from a side, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the shape of the pad portion as viewed from a bottom. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of how the facial beauty device is used. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a facial beauty device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mirror-type imaging unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a facial beauty control device. FIG. 2 is a first schematic diagram showing a state in which the mirror-type imaging unit is used. FIG. 2 is a second schematic diagram showing a state in which the mirror-type imaging unit is used. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the facial beauty device. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the mirror-type imaging unit. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the facial beauty control device.

The schematic diagram of FIG. 1 shows the main components constituting the facial beauty support system 1S of the embodiment. The facial beauty support system 1S has a facial beauty device 1 that a user U uses on his/her own face, a mirror-type image capture unit 40 that displays the user's own face, and a facial beauty control device 70 that transmits and receives data from the facial beauty device 1 and the mirror-type image capture unit 40 and executes calculations. The facial beauty device 1, the mirror-type image capture unit 40, and the facial beauty control device 70 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly. In the embodiment, they are connected to each other by wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The mirror-type image capture unit 40 is a device called a smart mirror. The facial beauty control device 70 is a device that can communicate with a smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, etc., execute calculations, etc. The facial beauty control device 70 of the embodiment employs a smartphone.

In the facial beauty support system 1S of the embodiment, the facial beauty device 1 is shaped like headphones, as shown in the schematic configuration diagram of FIG. 1 and the perspective view of FIG. 2. Of course, it is possible to use facial beauty devices in shapes other than the headphone shape. In the following explanation, the structure of the headphone-shaped facial beauty device 1 will be explained. The facial beauty device 1 has a pair of pad sections 10 provided on the left and right, and a connecting section 11 that connects the pair of pad sections 10. A power supply section 16 is provided in the connecting section 11. The connecting section 11 is a band member that curves and extends to cover the user's head or neck when used by the user.

<Configuration of facial beauty device 1>
As shown in the perspective view of Fig. 2, the facial beauty device 1 of the embodiment includes a connecting portion 11 including a headband 12 that covers the user's head, a pair of slider bands 13 that extend from both ends of the headband 12, and a pair of housings 14 that are connected to the slider bands 13. Instead of the headband 12 that covers the user's head, a neckband that covers the back of the user's neck may be used. In addition, when the pad portion 10 is configured to be attached to the contacting portion, the headband 12 can be omitted as long as each pad portion 10 and the power supply portion 16 can be connected.

In the following explanation, the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions are defined based on the orientation of the user using the facial beauty device 1.

As shown in the front view of FIG. 3, the thickness dimension of the headband 12 in the left-right direction varies depending on the position on the headband 12. The thickness dimension of the headband 12 gradually increases from the center toward both ends. A power supply unit 16 and an instrument transmission unit 17 (communication unit) are built into both ends of the headband 12. The thickness dimension of the headband 12 may be configured to be uniform.

As shown in the right side view of FIG. 4, the width dimension in the front-to-rear direction of the headband 12 is uniform over the entire area of the headband 12. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the width may be thickest near the top of the head and become thinner closer to the pad portion 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the left-right thickness dimension of the slider band 13 is smaller than the thickness dimension of the headband 12 and is uniform over the entire area of the slider band 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the front-rear width dimension of the slider band 13 is smaller than the width dimension of the headband 12 and is uniform over the entire area of the slider band 13.

The slider band 13 is arranged so that it can be stored inside the headband 12, and its length can be adjusted by pulling it out from the headband 12 according to the position of the pad section 10 selected by the user. Because the length of the slider band 13 is adjustable, the pad section 10 can be brought into contact with the position of the user's choice.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 14 is connected to the lower end of the slider band 13. The housing 14 accommodates the lower end of the slider band 13 and holds the pad portion 10. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pad portion 10 is connected to the housing 14 via a support shaft 15. The support shaft 15 supports the pad portion 10 rotatably relative to the housing 14, which is both ends of the connecting portion 11, and is provided inside the housing 14. In FIG. 3, the housing 14 is rectangular, but the shape of the housing 14 is not limited to a rectangular shape as long as it contains the support shaft 15 and accommodates the lower end of the slider band 13.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pad section 10 has a rectangular shape. FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing the shape of the pad section as viewed from the side, and FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing the shape of the pad section as viewed from the bottom. Note that, although the pad section 10 is rectangular here, the shape of the pad section 10 is not limited to this, and may be circular, for example. Two of the four sides of the pad section 10 are curved. The front edge section of the periphery of the pad section 10, which is located at the front, is curved so that the center in the up-down direction protrudes toward the rear. The rear edge section of the periphery of the pad section 10, which is located at the rear, is curved so that the center in the up-down direction protrudes toward the rear. The pad section 10 is provided with a plurality of electrodes 20.

The multiple electrodes 20 shown in FIG. 5(a) are provided with two pairs of positive electrodes (+) and negative electrodes (-) on the pad section 10. In the illustrated example, one pair of positive electrodes and negative electrodes is provided on the front side of the pad section 10, and one pair of positive electrodes and negative electrodes is provided on the rear side of the pad section 10. The arrangement of the electrodes 20 can be changed as desired. For example, the electrodes 20 may be provided with only one pair of positive electrodes (+) and negative electrodes (-), or three or more pairs.

The electrode 20 is a stimulation unit that applies electrical stimulation to the user's skin. Furthermore, the operation of the electrode 20 is executed based on predetermined stimulation conditions. The stimulation conditions are current and voltage states under the control of the appliance control unit 27 described below. A number of types of stimulation conditions (current and voltage states) are prepared in advance according to the level of stimulation and stored in the appliance memory unit 26, and new stimulation conditions may be added afterwards by being sent from the facial beauty control device 70.

The pad section 10 of the facial beauty device 1 is also provided with a measuring section 25 (see FIG. 2) that measures the facial condition of either or both of the user's facial skin and muscles. The facial condition refers to the moisture and sebum of the user's skin, the elasticity of the muscles, and the state of blood flow. In this embodiment, the measuring section 25 is provided on both of the pair of left and right pad sections 10. Of course, the measuring section 25 may be provided on one side.

A known skin electrical conductivity meter is used to measure skin moisture. An indirect measurement based on light transmittance is used to measure sebum. A known hardness meter is used to measure facial muscle elasticity, in which a probe moves forward and backward to measure the hardness of the facial muscles from the load. A known infrared measurement sensor is used to measure the blood flow rate in facial muscles, which measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood based on the amount of infrared light reflected.

The moisture content of the user's skin, sebum, muscle elasticity, and blood flow rate (facial condition) are measured by the measuring unit 25, and then the device control unit 27 (condition information generating unit 28) described later generates facial condition information (so-called numerical data) from each facial condition. Specifically, this numerical data includes skin moisture content aaa, skin sebum content bbb, skin elasticity ccc, skin blood flow rate ddd, etc. This facial condition information is sent from the facial beauty device 1 to the facial beauty control device 70 (see Figure 1).

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of how the facial beauty device 1 is used. As shown in Figure 6, the slider band 13 is stretched, and the pad section 10 is rotated relative to the slider band 13 around the support shaft 15. As a result, the portion of the pad section 10 on which the electrode 20 is provided comes into contact with a portion of the user's face that is located on the inside of the face in the left-right direction from the center of the eye.

At this time, the facial beauty device 1 can be used with the pad section 10 covering not only the orbicularis oculi, zygomatic major, and buccinator muscles, but also at least a portion of the orbicularis oris and levator labii superioris muscles. This allows stimulation from the electrodes 20 to be applied to a wider range of the face. As a result, the facial muscles of the user are tightened (pumped up), and sagging cheeks and the like can be eliminated, with the expected effect of making the face look smaller.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the facial beauty device 1. As shown in Fig. 7, the facial beauty device 1 includes a device control unit 27, a device memory unit 26, an electrode 20, and a power supply unit 16. The facial beauty device 1 may also include a communication unit 17 (device transmission unit), an input unit 18, and a measurement unit 25. Each unit of the facial beauty device 1 is controlled by the device control unit 27.

The communication unit 17 (appliance transmission unit) has a function of communicating with an external device such as the facial beauty control device 70. The information transmitted by the communication unit 17 includes stimulation conditions (current and voltage conditions), facial condition information, and the like. The communication unit 17 may also receive control commands for controlling the facial beauty device 1 from an external device such as the facial beauty control device 70. The communication unit 17 transmits the control commands received from the external device to the appliance control unit 27.

The input unit 18 accepts input from the user of the facial beauty device 1. The input unit 18 may be provided, for example, as a hard key or soft key on the headband 12, and can specify stimulation conditions such as the frequency and voltage intensity of the voltage applied to the pad unit 10, and can specify an operation mode. The input unit 18 transmits the input contents to the device control unit 27. The input unit 18 may also include a power button for starting/shutting down the facial beauty device 1. Note that when the communication unit 17 is provided and operations are accepted from an external device such as a facial beauty control device 70, the input unit 18 can be omitted.

The device control unit 27 is a processor (CPU, etc.) that has the function of controlling each part of the facial beauty device 1. The device control unit 27 executes various programs stored in the device storage unit 26 (ROM, RAM, SSD, etc.) to realize the functions that the facial beauty device 1 should perform.

The device control unit 27 includes a status information generating unit 28 as a functional unit. The status information generating unit 28 generates various numerical values of facial status information from the moisture of the user's skin, sebum, muscle elasticity, and blood flow status (facial status) measured through the measuring unit 25.

The device memory unit 26 is a storage medium having the function of storing various programs and data for controlling each part of the facial beauty device 1. Specifically, these are stimulation conditions that change the state of the current and voltage supplied to the electrode 20 in a time series, operating conditions for the measurement unit 25, etc. As an example, the device memory unit 26 can be realized by a flash memory, but is not limited to this.

The power supply unit 16 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery. If it is a secondary battery, the facial beauty device 1 may be provided with a charging terminal that allows charging of the power supply unit 16.

<Configuration of mirror-type imaging unit 40>
The mirror-type imaging unit 40 is, for example, called a smart mirror, and as can be seen from Fig. 1, includes a mirror surface unit 41 that reflects the face of the user, an imaging unit 42 that images the face of the user, a communication unit 43 (transmission unit) that transmits the image of the captured face of the user (see Fig. 8), and an image display unit 44 that displays the image. In addition, switches for a power supply system, an input system, etc. may be provided.

The mirror surface 41 functions as a mirror, and partially incorporates a one-way mirror to enable the image display unit 44 to display images.

The imaging unit 42 is equipped with a known camera, such as a CCD camera or a CMOS image sensor. The imaging unit 42 captures video or still images of the user's face.

The video display unit 44 is formed as part of the mirror surface unit 41 and is an image display device that uses liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (EL) or the like.

Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mirror-type imaging unit 40. As shown in Figure 8, the mirror-type imaging unit 40 includes an imaging unit 42, a communication unit 43 (transmission unit), an image display unit 44, a mirror control unit 45, a mirror memory unit 48, etc. The imaging unit 42, the communication unit 43 (transmission unit), the image display unit 44, the mirror memory unit 48, etc. are controlled by the mirror control unit 45. The mirror-type imaging unit 40 is also appropriately equipped with a power source (not shown).

The mirror control unit 45 is a processor (CPU, etc.) that has the function of controlling each part of the mirror-type imaging unit 40. The mirror control unit 45 realizes the functions to be performed by the mirror-type imaging unit 40 by executing various programs stored in the mirror memory unit 48 (ROM, RAM, SSD, etc.). Furthermore, the mirror control unit 45 has an acquisition unit 46 and a comparison unit 47 as functional units.

The acquisition unit 46 acquires image information of the user's face captured by the imaging unit 42. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 10, the user's face is captured by the imaging unit 42, and the image of the user's face is stored as image information in the mirror body memory unit 48.

The comparison unit 47 generates comparison information by comparing the image information with previously acquired image information of the user or image information of the face of a person other than the user.

For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 11, the previous image of the user's face (previous image information) is displayed on the right side of the page, and the currently acquired image of the user's face (current image information) is displayed on the left side of the page for comparison. The result of this comparison is the comparison information. In the illustrated example, the same person is used. Alternatively, an image of the face of another person (not shown) that the user wishes to use as reference may be generated. The comparison information, which is the result of the comparison, is then displayed by the video display unit 44.

The communication unit 43 (transmission unit) transmits the comparison information, which is the result of the comparison, to the facial beauty control device 70.

The image displayed by the video display unit 44 in the schematic diagram of FIG. 11 also includes suggestions to the user. Comparing the left and right, the user's current face appears to be slightly puffy. In order to restore the face to its previous state, it is considered necessary to remove the swelling and strengthen the cheek muscles. For example, in the schematic diagram of FIG. 11, shaded areas A1 and A2 in the shape of inverted triangles are displayed below the currently acquired image of the user's face (current image information) and the previous image of the face (previous image information), respectively. This is a display that clearly shows the areas of the face that are the focus of beauty treatment when carrying out facial beauty treatment. This information is transmitted from the beauty control device 70.

In other words, the mirror-type imaging unit 40 displays visualized facial beauty suggestions on the image display unit 44. This makes it possible to provide the user with accurate information on which areas they should focus on using the facial beauty device 1.

<Configuration of facial beauty control device 70>
The facial beauty control device 70 of the embodiment is generally called a smartphone or the like, and as can be seen from Fig. 1, a display unit 71 is provided on one side of the device, and various information, images, videos, etc. can be displayed, and instructions from the user can be input from the display unit 71. The display unit 71 is an image display device using liquid crystal or organic EL, etc., and also serves as a touch panel.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the facial beauty control device 70. As shown in Fig. 9, the facial beauty control device 70 includes a display unit 71, a communication unit 72 (receiving unit), a control unit 73, and a memory unit 74 (control memory unit). The display unit 71, the communication unit 72 (receiving unit), and the memory unit 74 (control memory unit) are controlled by the control unit 73. The facial beauty control device 70 is also appropriately equipped with a power source (not shown).

The communication unit 72 serves as a receiving unit by receiving the stimulation conditions transmitted from the facial beauty device 1 and the image of the user's face transmitted from the mirror-type imaging unit 40.

The control unit 73 is a processor (CPU, etc.) that has the function of controlling each part of the facial beauty control device 70. The control unit 73 executes various programs stored in the memory unit 74 (control memory unit) (ROM, RAM, SSD, etc.) to realize the functions to be performed by the facial beauty control device 70. Furthermore, the control unit 73 has, as functional units, a facial information receiving unit 80, a first change information generating unit 81, a second change information generating unit 82, a third change information generating unit 83, a proposal presenting unit 84, a proposal transmitting unit 85, etc.

The facial information receiving unit 80 receives facial information on the facial condition from the user. The facial information received at this point is the facial condition self-reported by the user, and is displayed as items in a selection format on the display unit 71. For example, the items include puffy cheeks, swollen eyelids, loose jaw, etc., and the degree of each item is displayed on a scale of three to five. The user can then respond in a selection format via the display unit 71.

The first change information generating unit 81 generates first change information that changes the stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device 1 based on the facial information input by the user and the image of the user's actual face transmitted from the mirror-type imaging unit 40.

When the initial stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device 1 are conditions for gently electrically stimulating the cheeks, and it is input in the facial information that swelling in the cheeks has increased, the stimulation conditions are changed from the initial gentle to a moderate level with increased stimulation so as to strengthen the stimulation to the cheeks and eliminate the swelling. Information regarding such a change in the stimulation conditions is the first change information.

The second change information generating unit 82 generates second change information that changes the stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device based on the facial condition information transmitted from the facial beauty device 1 and the image of the user's face transmitted from the mirror-type imaging unit 40.

In the case of the second change information, the information that causes the change is composed of a combination of the measurement values from the measurement unit 25 of the facial beauty device 1 and an image of the user's actual face. For example, the stimulation conditions are changed based on muscle stiffness and changes in blood flow that the user himself may not be aware of. It is therefore possible to detect that cheek swelling that the user perceives as simply swelling is actually caused by muscle stiffness. In this case, the stimulation conditions are changed from the initial gentle state to increasing the stimulation while lengthening the interval between increases and decreases in stimulation. This type of information regarding changes to the stimulation conditions is the second change information.

The third change information generating unit 83 generates third change information that changes the stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device 1 based on the comparison information generated and transmitted by the mirror-type imaging unit 40.

In the case of the third change information, the basis for the change is comparative information between the user's own face now and in the past, or comparative information between the user's own face now and the face of a third party for reference. Thus, based on a comparison such as that shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 11, the stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device 1 are automatically changed to determine which areas should be massaged intensively. For example, if the comparison information indicates that the wrinkles at the corners of the eyes are the areas to be massaged with emphasis, the stimulation conditions are changed from the initial gentleness to a weaker stimulation and a longer interval between increases and decreases in stimulation. Such information regarding changes in the stimulation conditions is the third change information.

The first change information, second change information, and third change information described above are merely examples. In addition, an appropriate table (not shown) is used, for example, to combine the input conditions and the information related to changes in the output stimulation conditions. In addition, when exploring the combination methods, it is also possible to enrich the population and use deep learning.

The communication unit 72 also serves as a control transmission unit and transmits the first change information, the second change information, and the third change information to the facial beauty device 1.

The suggestion presentation unit 84 presents facial beauty suggestions to the user based on the comparison information. In other words, it is a facial beauty suggestion such as which area or part of the user's face should be electrically stimulated using the facial beauty device 1. For example, it may be something like "Use a strong stimulation setting around the parotid gland for 10 minutes at a time."

The suggestion sending unit 85 sends the facial beauty suggestions to the mirror-type imaging unit 40. The mirror-type imaging unit 40, which receives the suggestion, displays on the video display unit 44 text such as, for example, "Apply the strong stimulation setting to the area around the parotid gland for 10 minutes at a time."

When making suggestions for facial beauty treatments, the results of measurements made by the measuring unit 25 are also taken into consideration. For example, if the skin has a low moisture content, a milky lotion (product name) that is suitable for the user's skin may also be suggested at the same time. In addition, massage techniques and the like may also be suggested separately.

In addition, an advantage of using the facial beauty support system 1S is that it clearly conveys to the user the effects of using the facial beauty device 1 and practicing other beauty techniques such as massage.

The memory unit 74 of the facial beauty control device 70 stores changes over time in facial information or facial condition information. Therefore, changes over time in the items of facial information input by the user at any time, or changes over time in facial condition information, are stored for a predetermined period of time. The record of these changes over time is displayed on the display unit 71 of the facial beauty control device 70.

Alternatively, the mirror memory unit 48 of the mirror-type imaging unit 40 stores changes over time in facial information or facial condition information. Therefore, changes over time in the items of facial information input by the user at any time, or changes over time in facial condition information, are stored for a predetermined period of time. The record of these changes over time is displayed on the video display unit 44 of the mirror-type imaging unit 40.

The record of change over time displayed on either or both of the display unit 71 and the image display unit 44 may be, for example, a time-series graph organized into appropriate categories. Since the user can visually check the record of change over time as a graph, the user can more easily experience the effects of the facial beauty device 1 and can be encouraged to continue using the device.

<How to use: Proposal example>
The results of the facial beauty support system 1S are reflected in categories such as, for example, "(a) effective" and "(b) no effective", "(c) actually using the device" and "(d) not using the device", "(e) immediately after starting (within one month)" and "(f) two months or later", etc.

In the case of "(a) seeing results"-"(c) actually using the device"-"(e) just started using the device (within one month)", a video (a video from the mirror-type imaging unit 40 that creates anticipation for continued use) is presented to the user as a facial beauty suggestion.
In the case of "(a) seeing results"-"(c) actually using the device"-"(f) after two months", a video (a product explanation video for another facial beauty device 1 from the mirror-type imaging unit 40) is presented to the user as a facial beauty treatment suggestion.

In the case of "(a) seeing results"-"(d) not using the device"-"(e) just started (within one month)", a video (a product explanation video for the facial beauty device 1 from the mirror-type imaging unit 40) is presented to the user as a facial beauty treatment suggestion.
In the case of "(a) Effective"-"(d) Device not being used"-"(f) After 2 months": A store guide recommending the facial beauty device 1 is displayed on the mirror-type image pickup unit 40 or the like.

In the case of "(b) no effect"-"(c) actually using the device"-"(e) just started (within one month)", a video (a video from the mirror-type imaging unit 40 that creates anticipation for continued use) is presented to the user as a facial beauty suggestion.
In the case of "(b) no effect"-"(c) the device is actually being used"-"(f) after two months", a store guide for product information, counseling, etc. is displayed on the mirror-type imaging unit 40, etc.

In the case of "(b) no effect"-"(d) no use of the device"-"(e) just started (within one month)", a video (a video from the mirror-type imaging unit 40 that creates anticipation for continued use) is presented to the user as a facial beauty suggestion.
In the case of "(b) no effect"-"(d) device not being used"-"(f) after two months", a video (a product explanation video for another facial beauty device 1 from the mirror-type imaging unit 40) is presented to the user as a facial beauty treatment suggestion.

<Usage example>
Here, an example of how the facial beauty support system 1S is used will be described.
First, the user takes an image of his or her own face through the mirror-type imaging unit 40 as shown in FIG.
Then, based on the captured image, comparison with a database, comparison with a reference value, comparison of real time series transitions, etc. are performed as shown in Fig. 11. In the illustrated example, the currently acquired image of the user's face (current image information) is compared with a previous image of the face (previous image information). A target (previous self) to be aimed for by the user is then set.
If necessary, numerical information on priority beauty areas on the face, daily or weekly record accumulations and changes therein, etc. may be displayed on the image display unit 44. The display format may also be a time-series graph format.

Next, a beauty solution program (massage videos, product suggestions, etc.) based on the results of the comparison is performed through the mirror-type imaging unit 40.
Specifically, it is the display etc. described in "How to use: Proposal example" above. By combining both the change over time and the solution program, the user can easily find the meaning of continuing, and the loss of motivation such as stopping midway or continuing aimlessly can be avoided.
Furthermore, the stimulation conditions such as the strength and frequency of the electrical stimulation of the facial beauty device 1 are updated based on the results of the comparison.
In this way, with each device working together, users can achieve effective facial beauty treatments.

The facial beauty support method and facial beauty support program in the facial beauty support system 1S will now be described with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 12 to 14. The facial beauty support method is executed by the device control unit 27 of the facial beauty device 1, the mirror control unit 45 of the mirror-type imaging unit 40, and the control unit 73 of the facial beauty control device 70 based on the facial beauty support program.

The facial beauty support program enables the facial beauty device 1 to realize a measurement function, a status information generation function, and a transmission function, enables the mirror-type imaging unit 40 to realize an acquisition function, a comparison function, a control storage function, a display function, and a transmission function, and enables the facial beauty control device 70 to realize various functions such as a reception function, a facial information reception function, a first change condition generation function, a second change condition generation function, a third change condition generation function, a proposal presentation function, a proposal transmission function, a control transmission function, a storage function, and a display function.

The flowchart in FIG. 12 shows the main processing of the facial beauty device 1, and includes a measurement step (S110), a status information generation step (S120), and a transmission step (S130). The measurement function measures the facial condition of either the skin or muscles or both of the user's face (S110; measurement step). The status information generation function generates facial status information from measurements made by the measurement unit (S120; status information generation step). The transmission function transmits various types of information from the facial beauty device 1 to the facial beauty control device 70 (S130; transmission step).

The flowchart in FIG. 13 shows the main processing of the mirror-type imaging unit 40, and includes an acquisition step (S410), a comparison step (S420), a control storage step (S430), a display step (S440), and a transmission step (S450). The acquisition function acquires image information of the user's face captured by the imaging unit, as well as other instructions from the user (S410; acquisition step). The comparison function generates comparison information by comparing previously acquired image information of the user or image information of the face of a person other than the user (S420; comparison step). The control storage function stores changes over time in facial information or facial condition information (S430; control storage step). The display function displays changes over time (S440; display step). The transmission function transmits various information from the mirror-type imaging unit 40 to the facial beauty control device 70 (S450; transmission step).

The flowchart in FIG. 14 shows the main processing of the facial beauty control device 70, and includes a receiving step (S710), a facial information receiving step (S720), a first change condition generating step, a second change condition generating step, and a third change condition generating step (S730), a proposal presenting step (S740), a transmitting step (S750), a storing step (S760), and a display step (S770). Of course, the various steps necessary for the operation of the facial beauty support system 1S itself are naturally included.

The receiving function receives the stimulation conditions and an image of the user's face (S710; receiving step). The facial information receiving function receives facial information on the appearance of the face from the user (S720; facial information receiving step). The first change condition generating function, the second change condition generating function, and the third change condition generating function generate first change information for changing the stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device 1 based on the facial information and the image of the user's face, or generate second change information for changing the stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device 1 based on the facial condition information and the image of the user's face, or generate third change information for changing the stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device 1 based on the comparison information (S730; first change condition generating step, second change condition generating step, and third change condition generating step). The suggestion presenting function presents a facial beauty suggestion to the user based on the comparison information (S740; suggestion presenting step). The transmission function transmits the first change information, the second change information, or the third change information to the facial beauty device 1 (S750). The memory function stores the changes over time in the facial information or facial state information (S760; memory step). The display function displays the changes over time on the video display unit (S770; display step).

In the above embodiment, the method of controlling the voltage in the facial beauty device 1 is to have the processor of the device execute a control program or the like to control the voltage, but this may also be achieved by a logic circuit (hardware) or dedicated circuit formed in an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)) or the like in the facial beauty device 1. Furthermore, these circuits may be achieved by one or more integrated circuits, and the functions of the multiple functional units shown in the above embodiment may be achieved by one integrated circuit. LSIs are sometimes called VLSIs, super LSIs, ultra LSIs, etc., depending on the degree of integration.

The control program may be recorded on a processor-readable recording medium, and the recording medium may be a "non-transient tangible medium" such as a tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, or programmable logic circuit. The control program may be supplied to the processor via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the control program (such as a communications network or broadcast waves). The present invention may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the control program is embodied by electronic transmission.

The control program can be implemented using, for example, a scripting language such as ActionScript or JavaScript (registered trademark), an object-oriented programming language such as Objective-C or Java (registered trademark), or a markup language such as HTML5, but is not limited to these.

1S Facial beauty support system 1 Facial beauty device 10 Pad unit 11 Connection unit 12 Headband 17 Communication unit (device transmission unit)
20 Electrode 25 Measuring section 26 Memory section 27 Tool control section 28 Status information generating section 40 Mirror-type imaging section 41 Mirror surface section 42 Imaging section 43 Communication section (transmission section)
44 Image display unit 45 Mirror body control unit 46 Acquisition unit 47 Comparison unit 48 Mirror body storage unit 70 Beauty control device 71 Display unit 72 Communication unit (receiving unit)
73 Control unit 74 Storage unit 80 Facial information reception unit 81 First change information generation unit 82 Second change information generation unit 83 Third change information generation unit 84 Proposal presentation unit 85 Proposal transmission unit U User

Claims (3)

A stimulating unit that applies a stimulus based on a predetermined stimulating condition to a face of a user;
An instrument transmission unit that transmits the stimulation conditions;
A facial beauty device comprising:
A mirror portion that reflects the face of the user;
An imaging unit that images the face of the user;
A transmitter for transmitting the captured image of the user's face;
a video display unit for displaying a video;
A mirror-type imaging unit comprising:
a receiving unit for receiving the stimulus conditions and an image of the user's face;
a facial information receiving unit that receives facial information relating to the appearance of the face from the user;
a first modification information generating unit that generates first modification information for modifying the stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device based on the facial information and an image of the user's face;
A control transmission unit that transmits the first change information to the facial beauty device;
A facial beauty control device comprising:
The image display unit displays facial beauty suggestions in the form of text or graphs .
A facial beauty support system. A stimulating unit that applies a stimulus based on a predetermined stimulating condition to a face of a user;
A facial beauty device including an appliance transmission unit that transmits the stimulation conditions;
A mirror portion that reflects the face of the user;
An imaging unit that images the face of the user;
A transmitter for transmitting the captured image of the user's face;
a mirror-type imaging unit including an image display unit that displays an image;
A facial beauty control device including a receiving unit for receiving the stimulation conditions and an image of the user's face;
A facial beauty support method in a facial beauty support system having
The control unit of the facial beauty control device is
receiving the stimulus conditions and an image of the user's face;
a facial information receiving step of receiving facial information regarding the face from the user;
a suggestion presentation step of suggesting facial beauty treatment using characters or graphs on the image display unit;
a control transmission step of transmitting the stimulation condition to be changed to the facial beauty device so as to change the stimulation condition of the facial beauty device based on the facial information and the image of the user's face;
a first modification information generating step of generating first modification information for modifying the stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device based on the facial information and an image of the user's face;
and a control transmission step of transmitting the first change information to the facial beauty device . A stimulating unit that applies a stimulus based on a predetermined stimulating condition to a face of a user;
A facial beauty device including an appliance transmission unit that transmits the stimulation conditions;
A mirror portion that reflects the face of the user;
An imaging unit that images the face of the user;
A transmitter for transmitting the captured image of the user's face;
a mirror-type imaging unit including an image display unit that displays an image;
A facial beauty control device including a receiving unit for receiving the stimulation conditions and an image of the user's face;
A facial beauty support program in a facial beauty support system having
A control unit of the facial beauty control device,
A receiving function for receiving the stimulation conditions and an image of the user's face;
a facial information receiving function for receiving facial information regarding the face from the user;
a suggestion presentation function for suggesting facial beauty treatments using characters or graphs on the image display unit;
A control transmission function of transmitting a stimulation condition to be changed to the facial beauty device so as to change the pre-stimulation condition of the facial beauty device based on the facial information and the image of the user's face;
a first modification information generating function for generating first modification information for modifying the stimulation conditions of the facial beauty device based on the facial information and an image of the user's face;
and a control transmission function of transmitting the first change information to the facial beauty device .

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