Haptic facial treatment mask

Abstract

A facial treatment mask (10) comprising a structure (12) provided with a plurality of vibrating actuators (14) having a variable vibration amplitude, the treatment mask comprising a control device (16) configured to modulate the vibration amplitude of one vibrating actuator in a different manner than the vibration amplitude of another vibrating actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the fields of cosmetics, skin care, and health care, and more specifically to haptic face masks. For example, such masks can be used for the care of skin or keratin materials typically applied to the face. Background Technology

[0002] Various beauty care masks for facial care are currently available. These masks provide different types of care, such as phototherapy (e.g., see patent document TWM600095), electrical stimulation (e.g., see patent document WO2020 / 130454), and mechanical vibration (e.g., see patent document WO2018 / 139150).

[0003] However, vibrating facial masks cannot yet reproduce the comfortable and realistic massage sensation. Therefore, a new type of facial mask is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, this disclosure relates to a facial care cover comprising a structure having a plurality of vibration actuators having variable vibration amplitudes, the cover including a control device configured to modulate the vibration amplitude of one actuator in a manner different from the vibration amplitude of another actuator.

[0005] A facial care cover is a care cover designed to be placed on a user's face. The cover may have a structure that generally corresponds to the shape of the face; this structure may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible, and may optionally be hinged to adapt to the user's facial features. The facial care cover may cover all or part of the face and may optionally extend over adjacent areas such as the neck or skull.

[0006] A vibration actuator is a device that generates mechanical vibrations with a certain amplitude and transmits these vibrations to a user's contact surface, which is typically skin or keratin material.

[0007] For the purposes of this disclosure, modulation refers to a variation between two non-zero values, such as a continuous variation, a piecewise continuous variation, or a discontinuous variation. Therefore, the nursing cover actuator can vibrate with multiple amplitude values. The vibration amplitude (or amplitude) of the actuator refers to the distance between two extreme positions of the moving part of the actuator during a given vibration. Modulating the vibration amplitude of one actuator in a manner different from that of another actuator means that the control device can control these actuators such that they do not vibrate simultaneously with the same amplitude. Therefore, the control device can be configured to, when each actuator has a variable vibration amplitude within a specific range, cause one actuator to vibrate with a specific amplitude value while causing another actuator to vibrate with a different amplitude value, and the control device can be configured to allow the amplitude of each actuator to vary within its respective range in a manner independent of the amplitude of the other actuator.

[0008] Through these arrangements, the vibration amplitude of each actuator can be individually modulated, thereby improving the comfort and realism of the massage sensation and enhancing the cosmetic effects on the skin, especially in reducing fine lines, promoting microcirculation, reducing eye bags, and improving the expression of the eyes.

[0009] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to control the plurality of actuators according to at least one of the following modes: - Random mode, in which the actuator may optionally be activated based on at least two vibration amplitude values ​​at times and / or for durations that are unrelated to each other; - A continuous mode in which the amplitude of the first actuator is modulated, and optionally the amplitude of the second actuator adjacent to the first actuator is modulated in the opposite direction in a manner proportional to the change in the amplitude of the vibration of the first actuator.

[0010] In random mode, actuator activation can be pre-programmed (especially in a pseudo-random manner) or not pre-programmed, in which case activation can be determined in real time. The actuator activation time, activation duration, and (where applicable) vibration amplitude can be selected independently of each other. In this random mode, the actuator can be controlled to reproduce, for example, the effect of raindrops falling on a face.

[0011] In continuous mode, two adjacent actuators are considered, and the vibration amplitude of one actuator is modulated in one direction, while the vibration amplitude of the second actuator is modulated in the opposite direction: for example, if the amplitude of the first actuator decreases, the amplitude of the second actuator increases, and vice versa. This helps to create for the user a sensation of a virtual actuator moving between the two actuators when the amplitudes of the two actuators are modulated. The virtual actuator can be positioned at the center of gravity of these actuators, weighted according to their respective amplitudes. Therefore, the user experiences a continuous massage sensation of moving between the first and second actuators.

[0012] The above effect is further enhanced when the amplitude modulation of the second actuator is proportional to that of the first actuator: in this case, the movement of the virtual actuator between the two actuators is linearly related to the amplitude modulation of these actuators, thereby improving the uniformity of the sensation. For example, assuming that the vibration amplitude of each actuator varies between 0% and 100% of its desired maximum amplitude (which may be less than or equal to the theoretical maximum amplitude), then the modulation of the vibration amplitude of the first actuator by X percentage points (X being a positive or negative value) can be compensated by the modulation of the vibration amplitude of the second actuator by -X percentage points.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of actuators comprises pairs of symmetrically arranged actuators, and the control device is configured to control the actuators in each pair in the same manner. For example, the two actuators in a pair may be symmetrical about the center line of the treatment cover, which is typically the line that divides the face (and the treatment cover) into left and right sides. By controlling the actuators in a pair in the same manner, a symmetrical massage sensation can be provided to the user. This is particularly possible in the continuous mode defined above. Conversely, in random mode or other modes, the control of the actuators may not be symmetrical.

[0014] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to modulate each of the vibration amplitude and vibration frequency of at least one actuator independently. Therefore, the control device is capable of modulating the vibration amplitude to at least two values ​​and independently modulating the vibration frequency to at least two values. This enables finer and more precise vibration control compared to the prior art where the vibration frequency and vibration amplitude of the actuator are correlated.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one actuator includes an electromagnetic actuator, such as a linear resonant motor. The electromagnetic actuator can be oscillating. An electromagnetic actuator, such as a linear resonant motor (also known as a voice coil motor or VCM), is a motor comprising a coil mounted coaxially with a magnet. The coil and magnet are capable of movement relative to each other, and the current flowing through the coil causes the coil to move relative to the magnet along their axes. This operation is here achieved by simultaneously and independently controlling the frequency and amplitude of the actuator's movement through variations in current intensity and frequency.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of actuators includes 15 to 25 actuators, preferably 18 to 22 actuators. Thus, the number of actuators can be optimized to cover the entire face on both sides, namely the forehead region, the periorbital region (below the eyes), and / or the lower facial region (mouth and chin region). Each of these regions may include 3 to 5 actuators.

[0017] In some embodiments, the distance between two adjacent actuators is greater than or equal to 0.5 cm, preferably greater than or equal to 0.7 cm, and more preferably greater than or equal to 1 cm. Therefore, there is sufficient spacing between two adjacent actuators to reduce the overall number of actuators, making the care cover structure more economical and simpler, while also preventing interference between two adjacent actuators.

[0018] In some embodiments, the distance between two adjacent actuators is less than or equal to 10 cm, preferably less than or equal to 7 cm, more preferably less than or equal to 5 cm, and even more preferably less than or equal to 3 cm. Therefore, the two adjacent actuators are close enough to cover the entire face and provide a continuous sensation as movement moves from one actuator to the other.

[0019] In some embodiments, the control device is an electronic device and optionally includes a processor configured to send control signals to the actuator.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control device includes a memory configured to store at least one activation sequence for the plurality of actuators. The memory can be any entity or system capable of storing activation sequences, such as ROM, magnetic or magneto-optical storage devices, solid-state storage, flash memory, etc. The activation sequence is a program used to define the activation of the actuators over time, specifically defining the vibration activation time, vibration duration, frequency, and / or amplitude for each actuator.

[0021] With these features, the actuator can vibrate according to one or more sequences that can be pre-programmed and stored in memory. Therefore, the nursing cover can follow activation sequences of varying complexity, which can be optimized according to the desired effect.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control device includes an activation sequence selector. This allows the user to select a sequence from a plurality of available options based on their needs or preferences. For example, the selector may be operated at least partially from the outside of the nursing cover, i.e., that portion of the nursing cover is not intended to fit the user. Alternatively or as a supplement, the selector may be operated remotely, for example, via wireless signals received from a user terminal such as a remote control or smartphone.

[0023] In some embodiments, the control device includes means for updating the memory. Therefore, a new activation sequence can be loaded to better meet user needs. The updating means can be wired or wireless.

[0024] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to control the actuator to vibrate at a fundamental frequency and an amplitude that varies periodically according to the pulse frequency, and / or control the actuator to perform point vibration, and / or control the actuator to vibrate with a constant amplitude.

[0025] The pulse frequency can define the discrete time of amplitude variation, or the periodic envelope (continuous, piecewise continuous, or discontinuous) of amplitude variation over time; within this envelope, the actuator vibrates at the fundamental frequency. Typically, the fundamental frequency is higher than the pulse frequency. Point vibration is vibration that lasts for a single period corresponding to the fundamental frequency. Constant amplitude vibration is vibration that lasts for multiple periods or quasi-periodic periods with a given amplitude, which can be the actuator's maximum amplitude or any desired intermediate amplitude.

[0026] In some embodiments, in addition to point vibration, the vibration time of the actuator can be between 0.5 seconds and 10 seconds, preferably between 1 second and 5 seconds.

[0027] In some embodiments, the actuator is positioned to vibrate laterally (e.g., vertically) relative to the care cover, or even laterally relative to the user's face.

[0028] In some embodiments, the vibration amplitude is characterized by a peak-to-peak acceleration of the moving part of the actuator of 0.5g to 2g, preferably 0.75g to 1.25g, where g represents the acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.81 m / s²). In fact, given a vibration frequency and without end-of-stroke limits, the amplitude of the moving part depends on the acceleration it experiences, and the amplitude increases with increasing acceleration. Typically, the vibration amplitude can be between 1 micrometer (μm) and 1 millimeter (mm), preferably between 3 micrometers (μm) and 100 micrometers (μm), and more preferably between 5 micrometers (μm) and 10 micrometers (μm). As an example, the vibration amplitude can be greater than or less than 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm.

[0029] In some embodiments, the vibration frequency is between 10 Hz and 1000 Hz, preferably between 50 Hz and 200 Hz.

[0030] In some embodiments, the treatment cover includes an impregnable layer configured to be positioned between the plurality of actuators and the user's skin. The impregnable layer may be configured to contain cosmetics, typically liquid or cream-based. Typically, the impregnable layer may include a porous coating suitable for retaining the cosmetics. In this case, the actuators have the additional function of facilitating the penetration of the cosmetics into the user's skin. The impregnable layer may be permanent or removable, and where applicable, may be washable or disposable. Alternatively, the impregnable layer may be replaced by a smooth layer that does not have special retention properties. Preferably, both the impregnable layer and the smooth layer are sufficiently flexible to transmit the movement of the actuators to the user's face.

[0031] This disclosure also relates to a massage method comprising: applying a care cover as described above to a user's skin; and activating a control device to cause the plurality of actuators to vibrate. The care cover may have all or some of the features described above. The massage effect is particularly effective for the user, especially for the user's face, using this care cover. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a front view of a face care cover according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 This is an example of the activation sequence of the actuator, illustrating the change of vibration amplitude over time.

[0035] Figure 3 The illustration schematically shows the progressive actuation of the actuator according to a continuous mode. Detailed Implementation

[0036] refer to Figures 1 to 3 To illustrate, a face care cover 10 (or care cover 10) according to one embodiment is described. The care cover 10 includes a structure 12 that forms the body of the care cover 10 and is designed to fit all or part of a user's face. In this case, as... Figure 1 As shown, the structure 12 is generally shaped like a face and may include openings or notches to appropriately avoid obscuring the eyes, nose, and mouth. The structure 12 may include, but is not shown, means for securing it to the user's head.

[0037] Multiple vibration actuators 14 are mounted on the structure 12 to transmit vibrations to the user's skin when the user wears the protective cover 10. Thereafter, unless otherwise explicitly stated or obvious from the context, actuators 14 will be referred to collectively in the plural form to refer to all or part of the actuators 14 or to refer to each actuator 14.

[0038] The actuator 14 has a variable vibration amplitude, that is, its amplitude can take at least two non-zero values, preferably at least three non-zero values.

[0039] Actuator 14 includes a fixed portion connected to structure 12 and a movable portion. The movable portion can move along the vibration direction, typically linearly; therefore, the movable portion can be configured to reciprocate along the vibration direction. Actuator 14 can be mounted on structure 12 to vibrate in a direction transverse to structure 12 (e.g., partially vertical) to generate a tapping sensation on the user's skin. The movable portion of actuator 14 can move toward the interior of the care cover 10, i.e., toward the side of the care cover 10 intended to conform to the user's face.

[0040] In one example, one or more actuators 14 include electromagnetic actuators, such as linear resonant motors or VCMs. In one embodiment, each actuator 14 is formed by such a VCM. However, other actuators are conceivable.

[0041] As an example, the plurality of actuators includes 15 to 25 actuators, preferably 18 to 22 actuators.

[0042] exist Figure 1 In one embodiment, twenty actuators 14 are provided, which are labeled A through T. These actuators 14 may be placed on the structure 12 while following all or some of the following considerations.

[0043] (1) The actuators 14 can be grouped according to facial regions to massage one or more specific regions. Typically, the actuators 14 can be set for the following regions respectively: forehead region and / or upper eye contour (actuators R, D, P, H, F, Q, I, S); eye region and / or lower eye contour (actuators K, E, O, C, G, L); and / or chin and lower face region (actuators A, T, B, J, M, N).

[0044] (2) A given area may include at least three actuators 14 (e.g., C, G, L or A, T, M) on each side of the face, thereby ensuring both the authenticity of the massage effect and a certain actuator density, the function of which will be further explained later.

[0045] (3) More generally, within a region and / or at the interface between two regions, the distance between two adjacent actuators 14 may be between 0.5 cm and 5 cm, or even between 1 cm and 3 cm.

[0046] (4) The actuators 14 can be arranged in pairs, each pair comprising two actuators symmetrically arranged about the face. More specifically, the actuators 14 can be arranged symmetrically about an axis passing through the nose and mouth (or corresponding openings). For example, actuators A and J are symmetrical to each other, actuators P and Q are symmetrical to each other, and so on. Thus, actuators can be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the face, and even massage can be performed symmetrically.

[0047] The nursing cover 10 also includes a control device 16 configured to control the actuation of the actuators 14. As previously described, the control device 16 can be configured to modulate the vibration amplitude of one actuator 14 in a manner different from that of the other actuator 14. It should be noted that the vibration amplitude refers to the distance between the two extreme positions of the moving part of the actuator 14. Preferably, the amplitude of each actuator 14 can be controlled independently to decouple the vibrations of each actuator from each other and to allow for fine-tuning of the generated vibrations, as detailed below.

[0048] Furthermore, the control device 16 can also be configured to modulate each of the vibration amplitude and vibration frequency of at least one actuator 14 in an independent manner. It should be noted that the vibration frequency refers to the frequency at which the moving part of the actuator 14 returns to the same position in the same direction.

[0049] The control device 16 can be configured to cause a given actuator 14 to vibrate at least two frequency values, or even at least three frequency values, with a fixed amplitude, and / or vibrate at at least two amplitude values, or even at least three amplitude values, with a fixed frequency. Therefore, in the frequency-amplitude diagram, the set of operating points of the actuator 14 (i.e., the set of all achievable frequency-amplitude pairs) defines a two-dimensional set (i.e., with non-zero components in both the frequency and amplitude dimensions); this contrasts with conventional mechanisms, where frequency and amplitude are associated through a one-dimensional relationship, and the operating points lie on a single line (which can be straight or non-straight). The two-dimensional set can be either a continuous set or a regular grid formed by intermediate operating points.

[0050] Therefore, the amplitude can be progressively modulated from one value to another (continuously or in stages) without affecting the frequency. Similarly, the frequency can be progressively modulated from one value to another (continuously or in stages) without affecting the amplitude.

[0051] For example, the vibration amplitude of actuator 14 can be characterized by a peak-to-peak acceleration of approximately 1g in the moving part of the actuator. Furthermore, the vibration frequency of actuator 14 can be between 50Hz and 200Hz.

[0052] In order to take advantage of the symmetrical arrangement of actuators 14 (see consideration (4) above, if applicable), control device 16 may be configured to control the actuators in the same pair in the same manner. In other words, actuators 14 in the same pair may vibrate at the same time and / or with the same amplitude and / or with the same frequency.

[0053] The control device 16 may be an electronic device, and in particular may have a computer hardware architecture, which typically includes a processor and one or more memory units, all or part of which are arranged on one or more electronic circuit boards. Optionally, a communication device may be provided for receiving information from a user (e.g., wireless information defining the desired type of vibration) or for sending information to the user (e.g., notifications (e.g., sound, visual, or tactile notifications)).

[0054] The memory can be configured to store at least one activation sequence of the actuators 14. This activation sequence defines the amplitude and / or frequency values ​​that each actuator 14 must employ when oscillating over time under the control of the processor. The amplitude and frequency values ​​may also be associated with the trigger time and / or the duration of vibration. Optionally, the aforementioned communication device can also be used to update the memory, such as by adding, modifying, or deleting one or more activation sequences.

[0055] Although users can select the desired vibration type via a wireless terminal, as an alternative or supplementary solution, an accessible activation sequence selector can also be provided on the care cover 10, particularly on its outer surface. The selector can take any suitable form, such as a slider, knob, touch button, optical reader, microphone for voice control, etc.

[0056] The nursing cover 10 may include a battery specifically housed within the structure 12 for powering the actuator 14 and / or control device 16.

[0057] In addition, the care cover 10 may also include an impregnable layer 18 configured to be positioned between the plurality of actuators 14 and the user's skin. The impregnable layer 18 defines the inner surface of the care cover 10 for direct contact with the user's skin. As previously mentioned, the impregnable layer 18 can help retain cosmetic or skincare products or formulations applied to the skin. The impregnable layer 18 may have surface states, porous structures, and / or materials conducive to maintaining solid, powder, liquid, or paste products. For example, the impregnable layer 18 may include a woven or non-woven textile substrate configured to retain cosmetic or facial skincare compositions. The impregnable layer 18 may be non-removable or removable, and / or washable or disposable.

[0058] Under the action of actuator 14, the impregnable layer 18 vibrates relative to the user's skin, thereby promoting the desired product to penetrate the skin.

[0059] In addition, the care shroud 10 may include an isolation layer to prevent cosmetic or care formulas from contacting the actuator 14. If necessary, the isolation layer may be placed between the actuator 14 and the impermeable layer 18. For example, the isolation layer may be impermeable. Besides protecting the actuator 14, the isolation layer also facilitates the cleaning and disinfection of the care shroud 10.

[0060] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the different possible actuations of the actuator 14 by the control device 16. The figure shown illustrates the variation of the vibration amplitude over time.

[0061] According to the first drive type 20, the control device 16 controls the actuator 14 to vibrate at a fundamental frequency and with an amplitude that varies periodically according to the pulse frequency. In other words, the actuator 14 vibrates at a frequency called the fundamental frequency. The vibration amplitude is not constant, but varies periodically according to a second frequency called the pulse frequency. In practical applications, the pulse frequency is lower than the fundamental frequency. Although Figure 2Only one cycle of the first drive type 20 is shown in the figure, but the first drive type 20 can be implemented over multiple cycles, even over a non-integer number of cycles. Furthermore, although the amplitude variation in the figure is illustrated as a sine wave, any periodic function, whether symmetrical or not, can be used, including square wave functions, piecewise linear functions, etc. The function can be chosen to be continuous or discontinuous. As shown in the figure, the minimum amplitude of the periodic function can be zero or a non-zero value. Specifically, Figure 2 The amplitude is shown to vary sinusoidally around a reference position with an average amplitude of 0.5 (arbitrary units), where the maximum amplitude is 1 and the minimum amplitude is 0.

[0062] According to the second drive type 22, the control device 16 controls the actuator 14 to vibrate in a point vibration manner. During point vibration, the moving part of the actuator 14 moves monotonically from a first position to a second position and then returns to the first position. The vibration amplitude (i.e., the distance between the first and second positions) can be selected as needed: although Figure 2 The maximum amplitude case is shown, but intermediate amplitudes can also be selected. Figure 2 The diagram shows three consecutive point vibrations for the second drive type 22, but any number of point vibrations can be used.

[0063] According to the third drive type 24, the control device 16 controls the actuator to vibrate with a constant amplitude. This third drive type 24 can be understood as repeating the second drive type 22 for a desired duration while maintaining the same amplitude from one vibration to the next. The vibration frequency can be constant, or as... Figure 2 The frequency of vibration shown is variable. In this case, the vibration frequency that varies with time can follow a pattern known as a "chirp" pattern, that is, the vibration frequency changes by increasing, for example, in a linear or nonlinear manner.

[0064] Different types of drives can be combined to form activation sequences. For example, a relaxation sequence can be obtained by using a first type of drive with a fundamental frequency between 50 Hz and 100 Hz (e.g., 70 Hz) and a pulse frequency between 0.5 Hz and 2 Hz (e.g., 1 Hz).

[0065] According to another example, a toning sequence can be obtained by juxtaposing a first drive type 20 (once or more), a second drive type 22 (once or more), and a third drive type 24 (once or more), preferably in this order. The maximum amplitude of the different drive types can be the same.

[0066] The vibration frequency used for the lifting sequence can be primarily or even entirely higher than 100 Hz. Specifically, for the first drive type, the fundamental frequency can be 120 Hz, and the pulse frequency can be 1.33 Hz; for the second drive type, the period of the point vibration can be 15 milliseconds (ms); and for the third drive type, the frequency can vary linearly between 80 Hz and 220 Hz. As an example, the acceleration of actuator 14 for the lifting sequence can be greater than or equal to 1 g.

[0067] In addition to driving a given actuator, the driving of different actuators 14 can also be synchronized by a control device to create a holistic haptic experience for the user.

[0068] Therefore, as previously described, the control device 16 can be configured to control the plurality of actuators 14 in a random mode; in this mode, the actuators 14 may optionally be activated at times and / or durations unrelated to each other, based on at least two vibration amplitude values. For example, the actuators 14 may be driven according to the second drive type (point vibration) described above, wherein, for each drive, the amplitude, activation time, and / or duration of the vibration are selected in a manner independent of the other actuators, for example, in a random or pseudo-random manner (including in a manner following a given probability distribution). This random mode enables the user to experience a tactile effect of "raindrops falling on the face." In one embodiment, when selected based on Poisson noise, the actuators 14 are randomly activated to produce point vibrations with random durations and amplitudes.

[0069] Furthermore, as an alternative or supplementary solution, the control device 16 can be configured to control the plurality of actuators 14 in a continuous mode; in this mode, the amplitude of the first actuator is modulated, and the amplitude of the second actuator adjacent to the first actuator is modulated in the opposite direction. (Reference) Figure 3 This will help in a better understanding of the pattern. Figure 3 Five actuators, A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5, are shown, and their positioning is arbitrary. In this example, the aim is to provide the user with a continuous massage sensation from actuator A1 to actuator A3 and then to actuator A4. The core idea is to reconstruct a virtual actuator A6 that moves between actuators A1, A3, and A4 by modulating the vibration amplitude of the different actuators. In a sense, the relevant actuators 14 are activated sequentially with a cross-gradient effect.

[0070] Figure 3The relationship between the amplitude of the actuator and the position of the virtual actuator A6 is also shown. As can be seen in this example, when the virtual actuator A6 travels 85% of the distance from A1 to actuator A3, this can be simulated by driving actuator A1 at 15% of its desired amplitude and actuator A3 at 85% of its desired amplitude, wherein the desired amplitude is adjusted such that when the position of the virtual actuator A6 coincides with the position of one of the real actuators A1, A3, or A4, its amplitude is 100% of the desired amplitude.

[0071] Therefore, when the virtual actuator A6 moves from actuator A1 to actuator A3, the amplitude of actuator A1 decreases, while the amplitude of actuator A3 is modulated in the opposite direction, i.e., increases. Conversely, when the virtual actuator A6 moves from actuator A1 to actuator A3, the amplitude of actuator A3 increases, while the amplitude of actuator A1 is modulated in the opposite direction, i.e., decreases. Each of these amplitudes passes through at least two non-zero values, preferably at least three non-zero values. In this case, as... Figure 3 As shown, the amplitude modulation is continuous.

[0072] As mentioned earlier, the amplitude change of one actuator relative to the other can be proportional. Therefore, the user will perceive a constant vibration amplitude from the virtual actuator A6. In a variation, the vibration amplitude of the virtual actuator A6, which is a combination of the vibration amplitudes of actuators A1 and A3, can also follow any desired curve, and actuators A1 and A3 can be controlled accordingly.

[0073] When virtual actuator A6 moves between actuators A1 and A3, the vibration amplitude of actuator A4 can be zero. Furthermore, the amplitudes of actuators A2 and A5, as well as any actuators not involved in defining virtual actuator A6, can also be zero.

[0074] When the virtual actuator A6 subsequently moves between actuators A3 and A4, actuators A3 and A4 are modulated as described above, while the amplitudes of actuators A1, A2, and A5 are zero.

[0075] Although the description illustrates the case where the virtual actuator A6 moves in a straight line between the two actuators, the above principle can be extended to any point in space, which can be represented as the center of gravity of the actual actuator 14. Therefore, it can also be extended to any trajectory of the virtual actuator within the area defined by the actuator 14. Thus, in general, the virtual actuator A6 can be reconstructed as the center of gravity of at least two real actuators 14.

[0076] Even though the actuators 14 occupy discrete positions on the care cover 10, the virtual actuators A6 still allow users to experience a more realistic continuous massage sensation, thanks to the differential modulation of amplitude between different actuators.

[0077] Refer again Figure 1 For example, to massage the lower facial area, actuators M and N can be activated, followed by actuators A and J, then actuators K and L, and finally actuators R and S, thus simulating the presence of virtual actuators that gradually move between actuators M, A, K, R and N, J, L, S, respectively. The activation duration and actuation type of each actuator 14 depend on the desired effect, such as relaxation or lifting.

[0078] As described above, this type of activation sequence can be stored in the memory of the control device 16. One or more activation sequences can be defined for each facial region.

[0079] Furthermore, activation sequences can be combined into more complex sequences, such as defining links of multiple sequences, their durations, their intensities (i.e., corresponding amplitudes), pauses between two consecutive sequences, etc.

[0080] The treatment cover 10 can be used according to a massage method, which includes applying the treatment cover 10 to a user's skin and activating a control device 16 to vibrate the plurality of actuators 14. The user wearing the treatment cover 10 can interact with the control device 16 themselves or delegate the operation to someone else, such as a beauty salon worker. Skincare products (e.g., cosmetic formulas) can be applied to the treatment cover 10, particularly to the impregnable layer 18 where applicable, and / or to the skin prior to applying the treatment cover 10 to the user's face.

[0081] Although this specification refers to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art can modify it without departing from the overall scope of the invention. Furthermore, the various features shown or described in different embodiments can be combined in other embodiments. Therefore, this specification and the accompanying drawings should be understood as exemplary rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A facial care cover (10) comprising a structure (12) having a plurality of vibration actuators (14) having variable vibration amplitudes, the cover comprising a control device (16) configured to modulate the vibration amplitude of one of the actuators (14) between two non-zero values ​​in a manner different from the vibration amplitude of the other actuator (14).

2. The nursing cover according to claim 1, wherein, The control device (16) is configured to control the plurality of actuators (14) according to at least one of the following modes: In a random mode, the actuator (14) may optionally be activated based on at least two vibration amplitude values ​​at times and / or for durations that are unrelated to each other. In a continuous mode, the amplitude of the first actuator (A1) is modulated, and optionally, the amplitude of the second actuator (A3) adjacent to the first actuator is modulated in the opposite direction in a manner proportional to the change in the vibration amplitude of the first actuator (A1).

3. The nursing cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of actuators (14) include pairs of symmetrically arranged actuators, and the control device (16) is configured to control the actuators in the same pair in the same manner.

4. The nursing cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control device (16) is configured to modulate each of the vibration amplitude and vibration frequency of at least one of the actuators (14) in an independent manner.

5. The nursing cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, At least one of the actuators (14) includes an electromagnetic actuator, such as a linear resonant motor.

6. The nursing cover according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The plurality of actuators (14) includes 15 to 25 actuators, preferably 18 to 22 actuators.

7. The nursing cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The distance between two adjacent actuators (14) is greater than or equal to 0.5 cm, preferably greater than or equal to 1 cm, and / or less than or equal to 10 cm, preferably less than or equal to 3 cm.

8. The nursing cover according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The control device (16) includes a memory configured to store at least one activation sequence of the plurality of actuators (14); and optionally, the care cover includes a vibration sequence selector and / or means for updating the memory.

9. The nursing cover according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The control device (16) is configured to control the actuator (20) to vibrate at a fundamental frequency and an amplitude that varies periodically according to the pulse frequency, and / or control the actuator (22) to perform point vibration, and / or control the actuator (24) to vibrate with a constant amplitude.

10. The nursing cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising an impregnable layer (18) configured to be positioned between the plurality of actuators (14) and the user's skin.

11. A massage method comprising: The nursing cover (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is applied to the user's skin, and the control device (16) is activated to cause the plurality of actuators (14) to vibrate.

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