Skin stimulation device and skin stimulation method

Abstract

A skin stimulation device that applies mechanical stimulation to skin, has an actuator element having an electroded body, and a first electrode and a second electrode provided to the electroded body, which is displaced in accordance with a drive voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, and a film-like base material that is wearable to the skin, which is provided with the actuator element and is stretchable and contractible, and an element array in which a plurality of the actuator elements are connected in a column along a surface of the base material is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a skin stimulation device and a skin stimulation method. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, actuator elements employing dielectrics have been developed. The device described in Patent Document 1 has multiple stacked actuator elements and is capable of large displacements.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-103713 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, Patent Document 1 does not provide any guidance on applying multiple stacked actuator elements to a skin stimulation device. Assuming that multiple actuator elements are stacked vertically relative to the skin surface, the end in contact with the skin remains stationary while only the end opposite the skin moves. As a result, insufficient stimulation may be applied to the skin.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a skin stimulation device and a skin stimulation method capable of applying sufficient skin stimulation.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a skin stimulation device is provided, which is a skin stimulation device for applying mechanical stimulation to the skin, comprising: an actuator element having a dielectric and a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the dielectric, which is displaced according to a driving voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode; and a membrane-like substrate that can be worn on the skin, the substrate having the actuator element disposed thereon and being stretchable; and a plurality of the actuator elements being longitudinally connected along the surface of the substrate to form an element array.

[0011] The present invention provides a skin stimulation method, which is a method for applying mechanical stimulation to the skin, comprising: a step of displacing an actuator element, the actuator element having an insulator and a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the insulator, wherein the actuator element is displaced according to a driving voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode; and a step of enabling the stretching and contraction of a membrane-like substrate that can be fitted onto the skin by means of the actuator element; wherein a plurality of the actuator elements are longitudinally connected along the surface of the substrate to form an element array.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, a skin stimulation device and a skin stimulation method capable of applying sufficient skin stimulation can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the skin stimulation system in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the skin-wearing portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a top view of a portion of the skin-wearing part in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the skin stimulation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an example of the waveform of the driving voltage in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 This is an example of the user terminal's operation screen in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a top view of the skin-wearing part in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of the skin stimulation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the skin stimulation method in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a top view of the skin-wearing part in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a top view of the skin-wearing part in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 13 This is an example of the waveform of the driving voltage in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 14 This is an example of the waveform of the driving voltage in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals refer to substantially the same constituent elements.

[0029] [First Implementation]

[0030] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the configuration of the skin stimulation system of the present invention. The skin stimulation system includes a skin stimulation device 1 and a user terminal 5. The skin stimulation device 1 has a skin-wearing part 2 and a control part 3 for controlling the skin-wearing part 2. The skin-wearing part 2 has an actuator element for applying mechanical stimulation to the patient's skin. The skin-wearing part 2 has an adhesive surface that is adhesive and can be worn on the skin, and can have a shape corresponding to areas such as the face, hands, and feet. For example, when the skin-wearing part 2 is worn on the face, the skin-wearing part 2 has a shape that sufficiently covers the face and has openings at the positions of the eyes, nose, and mouth.

[0031] The control unit 3 is electrically connected to the skin-wearing unit 2 to control the skin-wearing unit 2. The control unit 3 has a user-operated touch display and drives the skin-wearing unit 2 according to the user's operation. The control unit 3 can also be operated via a user terminal 5 and is communicatively connected to the user terminal 5.

[0032] User terminal 5 is used to operate skin stimulation device 1 and can communicate with skin stimulation device 1 via Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The wireless communication method between skin stimulation device 1 and user terminal 5 is not limited to Bluetooth; it can be any communication method such as NFC (Near Field Communication). User terminal 5 can be a portable terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device, or a fixed terminal such as a personal computer. Furthermore, user terminal 5 does not need to be separate from skin stimulation device 1; it can be integrated with skin stimulation device 1.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the skin-wearing part in this embodiment. Figure 2In this design, the direction approximately perpendicular to the skin surface is defined as the Z direction, and any orthogonal axis approximately parallel to the skin surface is defined as the X and Y directions. The skin-mounted part 2 includes a substrate 21, an insulating element 22, and an adhesive attachment 23. The substrate 21 is a flexible and insulating film, which may be made of, for example, silicone rubber or resin. Insulating elements 22a and 22b are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate 21, electrically insulating the substrate 21 from the skin. The insulating element 22 may be made of, for example, polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate. Because the actuator element 240 and the skin are electrically insulated by the insulating element 22, a large driving voltage can be applied to the element array 24. The adhesive attachment 23 covers the insulating element 22b on the lower surface side. The adhesive attachment 23 may be made of, for example, a mixture of polyacrylic acid copolymer, glycerin, or pure water. Furthermore, it is preferable that the adhesive attachment 23 is configured to be replaceable in case of deterioration.

[0034] An array of elements 24 is embedded within the substrate 21, along its surface. The element array 24 has multiple actuator elements 240 that are displaceable according to an applied voltage. These actuator elements 240 are longitudinally connected along the surface of the substrate 21, forming an elongated or fibrous element array 24. The cross-section of the element array 24 is typically circular, but it can also be elliptical to increase the cross-sectional area. Figure 2 For simplicity, five actuator elements 240 are shown in the diagram, but the number of actuator elements 240 constituting the element array 24 is not limited. Furthermore, the element array 24 extends in the X direction, but it can also extend in the Y direction.

[0035] The actuator element 240 consists of a first electrode 241, a second electrode 242, and a dielectric 243. Electrodes 241 and 242 are preferably of low rigidity, and may be, for example, thin-film metals such as gold or silver, graphite powder, or a mixture of silicone oil and graphite. The dielectric 243 may be, for example, a dielectric elastomer, ceramic, barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, zinc oxide, etc. Electrodes 241 and 242 are arranged alternately, and two adjacent actuator elements 240 share either electrode 241 or electrode 242.

[0036] Multiple electrodes 241 are electrically connected to each other via wiring 248, and multiple electrodes 242 are electrically connected to each other via wiring 249. Wiring 248 and 249 can be interconnected with electrodes 241 and 242 of other element arrays 24 (not shown). A driving voltage is applied to wiring 248 and 249 from the control unit 3.

[0037] When a driving voltage is applied to electrodes 241 and 242, an electrostatic force is generated between electrodes 241 and 242. Electrodes 241 and 242 attract each other by the electrostatic force, and thus the dielectric 243 contracts in the X direction. As a result, the actuator element 240 contracts in the X direction. When the driving voltage is no longer applied to electrodes 241 and 242, the electrostatic force generated between electrodes 241 and 242 disappears. Electrodes 241 and 242 attracted by the electrostatic force move away from each other, and thus the dielectric 243 expands in the X direction. As a result, the actuator element 240 expands in the X direction. That is, the actuator element 240 contracts and expands according to the driving voltage applied to electrodes 241 and 242.

[0038] In the present embodiment, since the plurality of actuator elements 240 are connected in series, the displacement of the entire element array 24 becomes larger. That is, by increasing the number of actuator elements 240 connected in series, the displacement of contraction and expansion of the element array 24 can be increased. In addition, the element array 24 can contract and expand starting from the central portion in the long side direction of the element array 24. In addition, since the plurality of actuator elements 240 are connected in series along the surface of the substrate 21, the skin mounting portion 2 can be made thin.

[0039] Figure 3 It is a top view of a part of the skin mounting portion in the present embodiment, showing the arrangement of the element arrays 24. The element array groups 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d each include a plurality of element arrays 24. In the first element array groups 29a and 29d, the plurality of element arrays 24 extend in the X direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other at a predetermined interval along the Y direction. Therefore, the element array groups 29a and 29d contract and expand in the X direction. In addition, in the second element array groups 29b and 29c, the plurality of element arrays 24 extend in the Y direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other at a predetermined interval along the X direction. Therefore, the element array groups 29b and 29c contract and expand in the Y direction. The first element array groups 29a and 29d and the second element array groups 29b and 29c are arranged in a checkerboard pattern (Japanese: ichimatsu pattern. A traditional Japanese pattern, like a checkerboard) when viewed from above. In addition, the number of element arrays 24 constituting the element array group 29 is not particularly limited and may be one or more. By increasing the number of element arrays 24, a sufficiently strong stimulus can be applied to the skin. In addition, the number of element arrays 24 included in each of the element array groups 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d may be different from each other. Moreover, the lengths of the element arrays 24 included in each of the element array groups 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d may be different from each other.

[0040] In this way, by extending multiple element arrays 24 in different directions, stimulation in different directions can be applied to different parts of the skin. For example, by driving the first element array group 29a and 29d and disconnecting the second element array group 29b and 29c, stimulation in the X direction can be effectively applied to the skin. Furthermore, by disconnecting the first element array group 29a and 29d and driving the second element array group 29b and 29c, stimulation in the Y direction can be effectively applied to the skin. Moreover, the first element array group 29a and 29d and the second element array group 29b and 29c can be driven simultaneously. In this case, there is a possibility that the stimulation in the X and Y directions of the skin may weaken each other, but stimulation in both the X and Y directions can be applied to the skin simultaneously. Furthermore, the extension direction of the element array 24 is not limited to the two directions of X and Y; it can also be three directions at 60-degree intervals or four directions at 45-degree intervals.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the skin stimulation device in this embodiment, showing the skin fitting part 2 and the control part 3. The control part 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, a storage device 304, a display 305, a touch sensor 306, a WAN (Wide Area Network) 307, a LAN (Local Area Network) 308, a bus 310, an oscillation circuit 311, a boost circuit 315, and a switching circuit 330. The various parts of the control part 3 are interconnected via the bus 310.

[0042] CPU 301 controls various parts of the skin stimulation device 1 via an application program. ROM 302, composed of non-volatile memory, stores the application program used to control various parts of the skin stimulation device 1. RAM 303 provides the memory area required for the operation of CPU 301. Storage device 304 is composed of hard disk, semiconductor memory, etc. Display 305 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, etc. Touch sensor 306 is disposed on the surface of display 305. Touch sensor 306 has a capacitive or resistive detection circuit. Display 305 and touch sensor 306 can replace user terminal 5 for operating skin stimulation device 1. WAN 307 is a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data, enabling communication between skin stimulation device 1 and the Internet. Alternatively, WAN 307 can also enable communication between skin stimulation device 1 and user terminal 5 via a mobile communication network. Mobile communication networks can be, for example, 3G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, 5G, etc. LAN308 is a communication unit that transmits and receives data wirelessly, and can be configured to perform wireless communication such as Bluetooth (short-range wireless communication) and Wi-Fi (wireless LAN connection).

[0043] The oscillation circuit 311 generates multiple pulse signals to drive the switching circuit 330. The oscillation circuit 311 can independently control the frequency and pulse width of each pulse signal according to the instructions of the CPU 301.

[0044] Switching circuit 330 includes inverter 331, switches 332 and 333. Inverter 331 outputs an inverted signal, logically inverted, of the pulse signal input from oscillation circuit 311. Switches 332 and 333 are cascaded between the high voltage of boost circuit 315 and ground potential. An inverted pulse signal is input to the gate of switch 332, and a pulse signal is input to the gate of switch 333. Switches 332 and 333 are complementary in switching on or off, thereby generating a drive voltage that switches the high voltage of boost circuit 315. The drive voltage generated by switching circuit 330 is applied to element array group 29 via terminal 26.

[0045] The boost circuit 315 boosts the power supply voltage VDD, such as 5V or 12V, to generate a high DC voltage of tens to hundreds of V. This generated high voltage is supplied to the switching circuit 330 to define the on-state voltage of the drive voltage. Furthermore, the boost circuit 315 can control the high voltage according to instructions from the CPU 301. For example, when stronger stimulation is needed on the skin, the boost circuit 315 can generate a high voltage of 500V; when less stimulation is needed, it can generate a high voltage of approximately 100V.

[0046] By providing switching circuits 330 to each element array group 29, the control unit 3 can independently control multiple element array groups 29. As a result, the skin stimulation device 1 can apply skin stimulation with different displacements according to the location on the skin surface.

[0047] Figure 5 This is an example of the waveform of the driving voltage in this embodiment, showing the driving voltage changing over time. Figure 5 In the waveform, the displacement of the element array 24 increases during periods of large amplitude of the driving voltage. During periods of high frequency of the driving voltage, the period of displacement of the element array 24 shortens. After applying small-amplitude driving voltages to the element array 24 over multiple cycles, pulses of large-amplitude driving voltages are applied to the element array 24. In this way, the driving voltage changes repeatedly with different driving modes (driving patterns), thereby applying various stimuli to the skin.

[0048] Furthermore, the amplitude and frequency of the driving voltage can be appropriately varied depending on the application site. For example, a large-amplitude driving voltage can be applied to the element array 24 in areas close to the bone, such as the forehead, temples, and around the eyes. In areas far from the bone, such as the cheeks, a smaller-amplitude driving voltage can be applied to the element array 24. Additionally, the frequency is preferably 60Hz or less, but the frequency can be appropriately varied depending on the application site.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of the user terminal in this embodiment. The user terminal 5 includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, storage device 504, display 505, touch sensor 506, first wireless communication unit 507, second wireless communication unit 508, camera unit 509, and bus 510. All components are interconnected via the bus 510.

[0050] CPU 501 controls various parts of user terminal 5 through an application program. ROM 502 is composed of non-volatile memory and stores the application program used to control various parts of user terminal 5. RAM 503 provides the storage area required for the operation of CPU 501. Storage device 504 may be non-volatile memory, external memory, etc.

[0051] The display 505 may be composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an OLED display, or an LED display. A touch sensor 506 is disposed on the surface of the display 505. The touch sensor 506 has a capacitive or resistive detection circuit.

[0052] The first wireless communication unit 507 is a communication unit that performs wireless communication in a mobile communication network, and can perform, for example, 3rd generation mobile communication, LTE, 4th generation mobile communication, 5th generation mobile communication, etc.

[0053] The second wireless communication unit 508 is a communication unit that transmits and receives data via wireless communication, and is configured to perform short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, wireless LAN connection such as Wi-Fi, infrared wireless communication, etc.

[0054] The imaging unit 509 is, for example, an area sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. Furthermore, the skin stimulation device 1 or the user terminal 5 can analyze the image captured by the imaging unit 509 and determine the amplitude, frequency, etc., of the driving voltage based on the image.

[0055] User terminal 5 can obtain information such as the user's age and gender, as well as an image of their face, through an application. Before the user uses the skin stimulation device 1, this information and the image of their face can be used to easily set the skin stimulation method of the skin stimulation device 1.

[0056] Figure 7 This is an example of the user terminal's operation screen in this embodiment. The skin stimulation device 1 can determine the amplitude and frequency of the driving voltage based on the user's age, gender, and skin images.

[0057] If the user starts the application, the user terminal 5 will display on the monitor 505. Figure 7 The screen shown in (A) allows users to input information such as gender and age by operating the touch sensor 506 configured on the display 505. Furthermore, the information input here is not limited to... Figure 7 The example shown in (A) could also include selections such as skin irritation tolerance, skin intolerance, and the area where stimulation is to be applied. The user inputs information and touches the "Next" button, causing the user terminal 5 to display on the monitor 505. Figure 7 The image shown in (B) is shown.

[0058] exist Figure 7In screen (B), a guide for capturing the user's face is displayed as a dashed frame. The image captured by the capturing unit 509 is displayed inside the guide. Additionally, a circular capture button is displayed at the bottom of the screen. The user places their face inside the guide and touches the capture button to capture an image of their face. The skin stimulation device 1 or the user terminal 5 can analyze the captured image of the user's face and determine the amplitude, frequency, etc., of the driving voltage based on the image. The user captures an image of their face, which is then displayed on the display 505 by the user terminal 5. Figure 7 The image shown in (C) is shown.

[0059] exist Figure 7 In screen (C), user terminal 5 urges the user to place the skin-wearing part 2 on their face. The user places the skin-wearing part 2 on a predetermined position on their face. By touching the "OK" button, the component array 24 of the skin-wearing part 2 is activated to apply mechanical stimulation to the skin.

[0060] As described above, according to this embodiment, by connecting actuator elements longitudinally along the substrate, sufficient skin stimulation can be applied. Furthermore, the skin stimulation device determines the amplitude and frequency of the driving voltage for skin stimulation based on the user's gender, age, the location of the skin to be stimulated, and an image of the face. Therefore, optimal skin stimulation can be applied according to the specific location on the skin surface.

[0061] [Second Implementation]

[0062] Next, the skin stimulation device of this embodiment will be described. The skin stimulation device of this embodiment differs from the skin stimulation device of the first embodiment in that it has an array of elements for detecting the displacement of the substrate. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration that differs from the first embodiment.

[0063] Figure 8This is a top view of the skin-wearing portion in this embodiment. In addition to the driving element array 24, the element array group 29 also includes a detection element array 28. The detection element array 28 can output a detection voltage corresponding to displacement. The detection element array 28 is arranged along the substrate surface in the same manner as the element array 24. For example, in element array groups 29a and 29d, the detection element array 28 extends in the X direction and is arranged approximately parallel to the element array 24 along the Y direction at predetermined intervals. In element array groups 29b and 29c, the detection element array 28 extends in the Y direction and is arranged approximately parallel to the element array 24 along the X direction at predetermined intervals. In element array groups 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d, the detection element array 28 may, for example, be arranged in the center of the element array group 29, but is not limited thereto. Multiple detection element arrays 28 may also be arranged at both ends of the element array group 29. Furthermore, the number of detection element arrays 28 included in the element array group 29 may vary depending on the element array group 29. Furthermore, the lengths of the detection element arrays 28 contained in the element array group 29 can be different from each other. If a driving voltage is applied to the element array 24, the substrate 21 and the element array 24 will move together, and the detection element array 28 will also move in the same way. The detection element array 28 outputs a detection voltage corresponding to the amount of displacement.

[0064] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of the skin stimulation device in this embodiment, showing the skin-wearing part 2 and the control part 3. In the skin-wearing part 2, in addition to the element array 24, a detection element array 28 is also provided. The detection element array 28 is configured in a manner substantially similar to the element array 24, including electrodes 281 and 282 and a dielectric 283. Electrodes 281 and 282 are, for example, made of a thin film of metal such as gold or silver, graphite powder, silicone oil, or a mixture of graphite. The dielectric 283 is disposed between electrodes 281 and 282 and is, for example, made of a dielectric elastomer, ceramic, barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, or zinc oxide. Furthermore, although not shown, the detection element array 28, like the element array 24, can also include multiple elements arranged in a column. That is, electrodes 281 and 282 are arranged alternately, and two adjacent elements share an electrode 281 or electrode 282. Thus, by employing the detection element array 28 with multiple elements arranged in a column, the displacement of the substrate 21 can be detected with high sensitivity.

[0065] In this embodiment, the control unit 3, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, also includes an amplifier 321 and an AD converter 322. The amplifier 321 includes a differential amplifier circuit that amplifies the weak detection voltage output from the detection element array 28. The AD converter 322 includes a comparator circuit and a reference voltage generation circuit, converting the detection voltage amplified by the amplifier 321 into a digital signal. The AD converter 322 outputs the digital signal to the CPU 301 via the bus 310. Furthermore, the amplifier 321 and the AD converter 322 are arranged according to the detection element array 28.

[0066] When the skin stimulation device 1 applies a driving voltage to the element array 24, the element array 24 contracts, and the substrate 21 displaces. The skin is stimulated by this displacement of the substrate 21. Simultaneously, the detection element array 28 outputs a detection voltage based on the displacement of the substrate 21. The amount of displacement of the substrate 21 varies depending on the skin's condition, and the skin stimulation may change. For example, when the skin is highly supple, the displacement of the substrate 21 is greater, providing sufficient stimulation. In this case, the detection voltage of the detection element array 28 increases. Conversely, when the skin is tight, the displacement of the substrate 21 is less, resulting in less skin stimulation. In this case, the detection voltage of the detection element array 28 decreases. Thus, by estimating the skin's tightness, suppleness, etc., based on the detection voltage of the detection element array 28, the element array 24 can be optimally driven according to the skin's condition.

[0067] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the skin stimulation method in this embodiment, showing the skin stimulation performed by the element array 24 and the voltage detection performed by the detection element array 28.

[0068] First, the user starts the application and sets the duration of skin stimulation (step S201). The user can also specify the area of ​​the face to be stimulated. Next, the user places the skin-wearing part 2 onto the predetermined position on the face (step S202). The user operates the application to start skin stimulation with the skin stimulation device 1 (step S203).

[0069] Upon receiving a user's command, the skin stimulation device 1 sets the amplitude and frequency of the driving voltage according to the area of ​​the skin (step S210). Furthermore, the skin stimulation device 1 applies the set driving voltage to the element array 24 (step S211) to stimulate the skin. When the skin stimulation device 1 applies a driving voltage to the element array 24, the element array 24 stimulates the skin by contracting and expanding. At this time, the detection element array 28 detects the displacement of the substrate 21 and outputs a detection voltage (step S212).

[0070] The skin stimulation device 1 determines whether to end the skin stimulation (step S213). For example, if the user-set action time has not elapsed ("No" in step S213), the CPU 301 executes the processing in step S214. The skin stimulation device 1 feeds back the detection voltage from the detection element array 28 as the displacement of the skin to the control unit 3. The CPU 301 calculates the deviation between the feedback displacement and the desired displacement (step S214). The CPU 301 determines the driving voltage to make the deviation close to zero (step S210).

[0071] When the amount of feedback displacement is small for a predetermined amplitude of the driving voltage, it is assumed that the user's skin does not have sufficient softness. In this case, by increasing the amplitude of the driving voltage and changing the frequency to make the amount of feedback displacement the same as the desired amount of displacement, the skin stimulation device 1 applies sufficient stimulation to the skin. On the other hand, when the amount of feedback displacement is large for a given amplitude of the driving voltage, it is assumed that the skin has sufficient softness. In this case, by decreasing the amplitude of the driving voltage and changing the frequency to make the amount of feedback displacement the same as the desired amount of displacement, the skin stimulation device 1 can avoid applying excessive stimulation to the skin.

[0072] In this way, the voltage detected by the detection element array 28 in the skin-wearing part 2 is fed back to the control unit 3 as the amount of skin displacement. By making the amount of displacement detected by the detection element array 28 close to the desired amount of displacement, the skin stimulation device 1 can determine the amplitude, frequency, etc. of the driving voltage used for skin stimulation.

[0073] If the user-defined time has elapsed (Yes in step S213), the skin stimulation device 1 stops stimulating the skin. Furthermore, the skin stimulation device 1 displays the skin's condition on the display 305 based on the displacement detected by the detection element array 28 (step S220). Once the above processing is complete, the skin stimulation device 1 disconnects from the main power supply.

[0074] As described above, according to this embodiment, the skin stimulation device estimates the skin condition based on the detection voltage of the detection element array. The skin stimulation device determines the amplitude, frequency, etc., of the driving voltage based on the estimated skin condition, and can apply appropriate skin stimulation according to the location of the skin. Furthermore, the user can grasp the skin condition based on the amount of displacement detected by the detection element array.

[0075] [Third Implementation]

[0076] Next, the skin stimulation device of this embodiment will be described. The skin stimulation device of this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the element array. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration that differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0077] Figure 11 This is a top view of a portion of the skin-wearing unit in this embodiment. The element arrays 24a to 24h have equal lengths and are arranged radially in top view. Furthermore, the lengths of the element arrays 24 can vary. For example, the element array 24 extending in the X or Y direction may be longer than the others. Additionally, the number of element arrays 24 is not limited to 8 in a group; it can be less than 8 or more. Moreover, the detection element array 28 described in the second embodiment can also be arranged, in which case the skin's state can be fed back to the control unit 3.

[0078] If a driving voltage is applied to the plurality of element arrays 24, the plurality of element arrays 24 contract respectively. If the driving voltage is no longer applied to the plurality of element arrays 24, the plurality of element arrays 24 extend to the state before the driving voltage was applied. When the ends of the plurality of element arrays 24 on the radial center side are arranged close to each other, the plurality of element arrays 24 contract and extend from the ends on the center side. That is, if the plurality of element arrays 24 contract and extend, skin stimulation is applied radially from the center of the radial direction of the plurality of element arrays 24. In addition, by driving the opposing element arrays 24, skin stimulation can be applied more effectively. For example, by driving element arrays 24a and 24e, X-direction stimulation can be applied to the skin more effectively.

[0079] As described above, according to this embodiment, the skin stimulation device can apply stimulation to the skin radially by arranging an array of elements in a radial pattern. Furthermore, by driving a portion of the radially arranged array of elements, sufficient skin stimulation can be applied in a predetermined direction.

[0080] [Fourth Implementation]

[0081] Next, the skin stimulation device of this embodiment will be described. The skin stimulation device of this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the element array. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration that differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0082] Figure 12This is a top view of the skin-wearing part in this embodiment. The element array 24 is arranged spirally with a predetermined curvature in top view. If a driving voltage is applied to the element array 24, the element array 24 contracts along the spiral. When the element array 24 contracts, it contracts from the outside of the spiral towards the center in top view. If no driving voltage is applied to the element array 24, it extends back to the state before the driving voltage was applied. If the element array 24 extends, it extends from the center of the spiral towards the outside. Through the spiral contraction and extension of the element array 24, the skin stimulation device 1 can apply stimulation to the skin similar to pinching the skin.

[0083] Alternatively, the element array 24 in this embodiment and the detection element array 28 described in the second embodiment can be arranged side by side. By arranging the detection element array 28, the skin stimulation device 1 can estimate the state of the skin. Furthermore, the element array 24 can be formed in a ring shape, and multiple element arrays 24 with different diameters can be arranged in concentric circles.

[0084] As described above, according to this embodiment, the skin stimulation device applies skin stimulation by spirally extending and retracting an array of elements. Thus, the skin stimulation device can apply stimulation to the skin in a manner similar to pinching the skin.

[0085] [Fifth Implementation]

[0086] Next, the skin stimulation device of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the waveform of the driving voltage is different from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the configuration that differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0087] Unlike the first embodiment, the oscillation circuit 311 generates a high-frequency pulse signal, for example, above the audible frequency band, to drive the switching circuit 330. Since the multiple element arrays 24 are connected to the switching circuit 330, they can be considered as capacitive loads connected to the switching circuit 330. Therefore, by varying the pulse width of the pulse signal along with time, the driving voltage output from the switching circuit 330 has a waveform variation that integrates the pulse signal. Therefore, by appropriately changing the pulse width of the pulse signal, a driving voltage with the desired voltage and waveform can be generated. Furthermore, by outputting different pulse signals to the multiple switching circuits 330 respectively by the oscillation circuit 311, driving voltages with different waveforms can be applied to each element array group 29 simultaneously. Therefore, as described later, different stimuli can be applied to different parts of the skin simultaneously.

[0088] Figure 13 This is an example of the waveform of the driving voltage in this embodiment. Figure 13In the diagram, solid lines represent pulse signals, and dashed lines represent driving voltages. If the pulse width of the pulse signal varies with time, the waveform of the driving voltage becomes a sine wave corresponding to the integral value of the pulse signal. By appropriately changing the pulse width of the pulse signal, driving voltages of waveforms other than rectangular waves, such as sine waves and sawtooth waves, can be generated.

[0089] Figure 14 This is an example of the waveform of the driving voltage in this embodiment. Figure 14 (a) shows the driving voltage of the sine wave. Figure 14 (b) shows the driving voltage of the sawtooth wave. Figure 14 The driving voltage shown in (a) is applied to a group of element arrays 29, while Figure 14 (b) The driving voltage shown is applied to the other element array groups 29. In this way, by driving each of the multiple element array groups 29 in different driving modes, different skin stimuli can be applied according to the site.

[0090] As described above, according to this embodiment, the skin stimulation device can generate a driving voltage with arbitrary waveforms. Furthermore, different driving voltages can be generated for each of the multiple element array groups. Therefore, the skin stimulation device can apply optimal stimulation according to the treatment area.

[0091] Label Explanation

[0092] 1: Skin irritation device

[0093] 2: Skin-wearing part

[0094] 21: Substrate

[0095] 22: Insulating components

[0096] 23: Attach attachments

[0097] 24: Component Array

[0098] 28: Detection element array

[0099] 29: Component Array Group

[0100] 3: Control Department

[0101] 5: User terminal

Claims

1. A skin stimulation device for applying mechanical stimulation to the skin of a subject's face, characterized in that, have: An actuator element having a dielectric and a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the dielectric, displaced according to a driving voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode; as well as A mask-like substrate, which can be worn along the face, and is equipped with the actuator element and is flexible and retractable; A plurality of the actuator elements are arranged in a longitudinal array on the surface of the substrate along a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, such that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged and two adjacent actuator elements share the first electrode or the second electrode.

2. The skin stimulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the element array, multiple first electrodes are electrically connected to each other, and multiple second electrodes are electrically connected to each other.

3. The skin stimulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a control unit for driving the actuator element; The control unit drives the actuator element according to the element array.

4. The skin stimulation device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit drives the actuator elements according to the array of multiple elements.

5. The skin stimulation device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit generates a rectangular wave driving voltage.

6. The skin stimulation device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit generates a sinusoidal driving voltage.

7. The skin stimulation device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit generates the sawtooth wave driving voltage.

8. The skin stimulation device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit causes the driving voltage to vary at a frequency of 60Hz or less.

9. The skin stimulation device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit causes at least one of the amplitude, frequency, and waveform of the driving voltage to change over time in a predetermined driving mode.

10. The skin stimulation device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The control unit determines the driving mode based on at least one of the patient's age, gender, and the location of the skin.

11. The skin stimulation device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The control unit determines the driving mode based on the image of the skin.

12. The skin stimulation device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, It also has a detection element capable of outputting a detection voltage corresponding to the displacement of the substrate; The control unit determines the driving mode based on the detected voltage.

13. The skin stimulation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The dielectric includes either a dielectric elastomer or a ceramic.

14. The skin stimulation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The dielectric includes any one of barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, and zinc oxide.

15. A non-therapeutic skin stimulation method, which is a skin stimulation method that applies mechanical stimulation to the skin of a subject's face, characterized in that... include: A process for displacing an actuator element, the actuator element having a dielectric and a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the dielectric, wherein the actuator element is displaced according to a driving voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode; as well as The process of stretching and contracting a mask-like substrate that is applied along the face via the actuator element; A plurality of the actuator elements are arranged in a longitudinal array on the surface of the substrate along a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, such that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged and two adjacent actuator elements share the first electrode or the second electrode.

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