MICRO-NEEDLE DISTANCE AND PENETRATION FORCE CONTROL

Abstract

MICRONEEDLE PENETRATION DISTANCE AND FORCE CONTROL A system includes a micro-piercing device communicating with a smartphone. The micro-piercing device includes an oscillator, a smart tag reader, a chip assembly connected to the oscillator, wherein the chip assembly includes a smart tag containing information readable with the smart tag reader. The chip assembly includes a plurality of micro-needles. A pressure sensor detects a force on the micro-needles and a controller adjusts the oscillator to keep the force within predetermined limits. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: CONTROL OF DISTANCE AND PENETRATION FORCE OF MICRONEEDLES ABSTRACT

[0001] A micro-perforation device comprises an oscillator; a chip assembly comprising a plurality of microneedles, wherein the chip assembly is connected to the oscillator; a pressure sensor that detects a force on the microneedles; and a controller that adjusts the oscillator to maintain the force within predetermined limits.

[0002] In one embodiment, the micro-perforation device further comprises a chip sensor and a reader; and the chip assembly includes a smart tag containing information readable with the chip sensor and the reader.

[0003] In one embodiment, the smart label includes information including the predetermined boundaries.

[0004] In one embodiment, the chip assembly includes a reservoir that contains a formulation.

[0005] In one embodiment, the pressure sensor is provided on the chip assembly

[0006] In one embodiment, the micro-perforation device further comprises wireless communication to transmit power to a smartphone.

[0007] In one embodiment, the predetermined limits of the force are from 0.1 N to 5 N.

[0008] In one embodiment, an oscillation frequency of the microneedles is 10 Hz to 40 kHz.

[0009] In one embodiment, the chip assembly includes an attachment to the oscillator that allows the chip assembly to be replaceable.

[0010] In one embodiment, the oscillator includes a rotary to linear converter including a camshaft, a cam on the camshaft, and first and second followers that contact the cam.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cam is an axial cam, the first and second followers make contact with a leading side and a trailing side of the axial cam, and the first and second followers are connected to a reciprocating drive arm.

[0012] In one embodiment, the oscillator includes an electromagnetic oscillator.

[0013] In one embodiment, the predetermined force limits are based on a microneedle size.

[0014] A system includes a micro-perforation device, including: an oscillator; a chip sensor and a reader; a chip assembly connected to the oscillator, in wherein the chip assembly includes a smart tag containing information readable by the chip sensor and the reader, wherein the chip assembly includes a plurality of microneedles; a pressure sensor that detects a force on the microneedles; and a controller that adjusts the oscillator to keep the force within predetermined limits; and a smartphone.

[0015] In one embodiment, the smartphone includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by at least one processor, cause the smartphone to: display a notification when the force exceeds a predetermined limit.

[0016] In one embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions stored thereon which, in response to execution by at least one processor, cause the smartphone to: send messages to accompany a user when the force exceeds the predetermined limit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by at least one processor, cause the smartphone to: provide a skin diagnosis.

[0018] In one embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by at least one processor, cause the smartphone to: provide a processing visualization.

[0019] In one embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by at least one processor, cause the smartphone to: monitor the use or origin of the chip assembly.

[0020] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in simplified form which are described more fully below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter or to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0021] The foregoing aspects and numerous related advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic illustration of a system including a device micro-perforation and a computer device;

[0023] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2A] is a schematic illustration of a mechanical oscillator;

[0024] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2B] is a schematic illustration of the mechanical oscillator of the [Fig.2A] ;

[0025] [Fig.2C] [Fig.2C] is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the mechanical oscillator of [Fig.2A];

[0026] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] is a schematic illustration of an electromagnetic oscillator;

[0027] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] is a schematic illustration of the electromagnetic oscillator of [Fig.3A];

[0028] [Fig.3C] [Fig.3C] is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the electromagnetic oscillator of [Fig.3A];

[0029] [Fig.4A] [Fig.4A] is a schematic illustration of an electromagnetic oscillator;

[0030] [Fig.4B] [Fig.4B] is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the electromagnetic oscillator of [Fig.4A];

[0031] [Fig.4C] [Fig.4C] is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the electromagnetic oscillator of [Fig.4A];

[0032] [Fig.4D] [Fig.4D] is an exploded schematic illustration of the electromagnetic oscillator of [Fig.4A];

[0033] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic illustration of a chip assembly containing microneedles;

[0034] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a flowchart of a method for controlling the force of pe microneedle penetration;

[0035] [Fig.7A] [Fig.7A] is a flowchart of a process performed by a system including a micro-perforation device and a smartphone;

[0036] [Fig.7B] [Fig.7B] is a schematic illustration of an application in a smartphone; and

[0037] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic illustration of a computing device. Detailed description

[0038] Micropuncture includes a process of using small needles to make tiny punctures in a keratinous surface, such as the skin and lips. Micropuncture is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, scars, wrinkles, etc. Micropuncture can also be combined with the application of topical formulations and cosmetics to enhance the effects of the formulations by delivering the formulations deeper into the skin or to provide longer-lasting cosmetic effects.

[0039] Micro-punching is offered to clients of spas and clinics, for example, by trained professionals. Micro-punching devices are offered for use at home by consumers outside of specialized spas or clinics. Regardless of the level of experience or training of the individual performing the micro-punching procedure, there is a need to be able to determine if the micro-punching procedure may be too aggressive, potentially resulting in adverse effects. This disclosure describes the use of force sensor control to prevent such effects and to ensure that the micro-needle tip is not damaged and does not pose safety concerns.

[0040] The force control according to the disclosure can enhance the effectiveness of actives and formulations (reduce wrinkles, reduce fine lines, firmness, smooth texture). The micro-perforation device has a frequency range of 10 Hz to 40 kHz, or 50 Hz to 40 kHz, or 60 Hz to 40 kHz. The micro-perforation device has a penetration force range of 0.1N to 5N.

[0041] Referring to [Fig.l], the disclosure relates to a micro-puncture system that monitors the penetration force of microneedles to ensure proper penetration and avoid adverse effects. The system includes a micro-puncture device 100 and a smartphone 102. The micro-puncture device 100 communicates with the smartphone 102 using low-power wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, Wifi, and the like. The system provides customers with a closed-loop micro-puncture experience, from guidance and diagnosis to coaching and treatment.

[0042] The system includes a micro-perforation device 100 with a pressure sensor system 104 and a smartphone 102 with a combined hardware and software application. In the system, a consumer interacts with, for example, a smartphone 102. However, other computing devices may be used in place of the smartphone 102, including, but not limited to, a tablet computing device or a laptop computing device. The smartphone 102 includes a display device 210 and is capable of running an application (“App”), as described in more detail below.

[0043] The micro-perforation device 100 includes micro-needles 504. The micro-needles 504 are connected to any type of oscillator 108. The micro-needles 504 are caused to oscillate in a linear reciprocating motion by the oscillator 108. When the oscillating micro-needles 504 are pressed against a keratinous surface, such as skin and lips, the micro-needles 504 are able to penetrate the keratinous surface.

[0044] The microneedles 504 experience a force “F” which resists the penetration of the microneedles 504. The force F is measured by the pressure sensor 104 and com communicated to a controller 110, which then adjusts the oscillator 108 to maintain the penetration force F within a predetermined range. The force F is correlated to a depth of penetration. When the force F exceeds an upper limit, indicative of deep penetration, the oscillator 108 lowers the power and / or frequency to remain within the predetermined force limits. When the force F falls below a lower limit, indicative of insufficient penetration, the oscillator 108 raises the power and / or frequency to remain within the predetermined force limits.

[0045] The micro-perforation device 100 is configured to accept a replaceable chip assembly 502 to which the micro-needles 504 are attached. The micro-perforation device may be used with a formulation. The chip assembly 502 may include a formulation in a reservoir. The chip assembly 502 does not require a formulation when the formulation is applied via another applicator, such as a sprayer, roller ball, hand application, etc. The chip assembly 502 includes a smart tag, such as RFID, microchip, light identification, pattern recognition, QR code, bar code, etc., that provides the device 100 with information, such as the oscillation frequency, the type of formulation, if any, the use and origin of the chip assembly, and other useful information regarding the chip assembly 502.

[0046] The device 100 ensures the safety of the penetration of the microneedles 504 with a pressure sensor 104 to maintain a force range of 0.01N to 5N for example. The pressure sensor 104 is a strain gauge. The pressure sensor 104 is placed on any of the reciprocating drive arms that experiences the rearward force of the microneedles 504. The pressure sensor 104 can be placed on the microneedles 504 or on the chip assembly 502 as long as the pressure sensor 104 can experience the force of the microneedles.

[0047] The device 100 uses a mechanical oscillator to ensure the movement frequency in a range of 10 Hz to 40 kHz or the device 100 uses an electromagnetic oscillator to ensure the movement frequency in a range of 10 Hz to 40 kHz. The device 100 uses a mechanical oscillator to ensure the movement frequency in a range of 50 Hz to 40 kHz or the device 100 uses an electromagnetic oscillator to ensure the movement frequency in a range of 50 Hz to 40 kHz.

[0048] Depending on the type of oscillator 108 used, the oscillator includes a dedicated controller 110 that controls the power and frequency of the microneedles 504 so that the force F is within acceptable limits. The controller 110 includes a memory and a processor. The processor is capable of comparing the force detected by the pressure sensor 104 and adjusting the power and / or the frequency to lower the detected force or raise the power and / or frequency to increase the detected force within the predetermined force limits. The predetermined force range is stored in a memory in the controller 110, and the force range may be changed depending on the particular chip assembly or application or formulation, or other parameter of the microneedles.

[0049] The allowable force range varies depending on different chip assemblies. Different chip assemblies may have different microneedles requiring different penetration depths, or different chip assemblies may have different formulations requiring different penetration depths.

[0050] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are schematic illustrations of a mechanical oscillator 108(1). The oscillator 108(1) includes an electric motor 200 of variable power and variable frequency. A camshaft 202 is rotated by the motor 200. The front and rear ends of the camshaft 202 are placed within a front radial bearing 204 and a rear radial bearing 206.

[0051] The camshaft 202 includes an axial cam 208 rigidly fixed to the camshaft 202, such that the axial cam 208 rotates with the camshaft 202. The axial cam 208 has lobes extending in the axial direction. For comparison, a radial cam has a lobe extending in the radial direction. In [Fig.2C], it can be seen that the axial cam 208 has a lobe extending from the front side and a lobe extending from the rear side at 180 degrees to the front lobe. The lobes result from the axial cam 208 being a disc that has parallel front and rear surfaces, and the disc being fixed at an angle to the camshaft 202.

[0052] A drive arm 214 is parallel to the camshaft 202 and is caused to perform a linear reciprocating motion due to the rotation of the camshaft 202. A converter of rotary motion to linear motion is described.

[0053] A first front follower 210 and a second rear follower 212 extend from the drive arm 214 toward the axial cam 208. The front follower 210 contacts the front surface of the axial cam 208, and the rear follower 212 contacts the rear surface of the axial cam 208. The front follower 210 and the rear follower 212 may include a roller that contacts the axial cam 208.

[0054] The front follower 210 and the rear follower 212 are rigidly attached to the drive arm 214. Therefore, when the camshaft 202 rotates the axial cam 208, the front follower 210 and the rear follower 212 follow the lobes of the axial cam 208, which causes a forward and rearward reciprocating movement of the drive arm 214 as the engine shaft rotates. The drive arm 214 may terminate in a connector 216 which may be attached to a chip assembly 502 containing the microneedles.

[0055] The mechanical oscillator 108(1) may however use other rotary to linear converters.

[0056] Oscillator 108 is an electromagnetic oscillator. Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic illustrations of an electromagnetic oscillator 108(2) as illustrated and described in U.S. Patent No. 5,263,218.

[0057] Since the electromagnetic oscillator 108(2) is described in the reference patent, only a brief description is provided. The electromagnetic oscillator 108(2) includes an elongated lever arm 300 that is mounted on pivot members 302 extending on both sides and perpendicular to the lever arm 300, allowing the lever arm 300 to oscillate forward and backward. The pivot members 302 are mounted on the device housing. A spring is connected between the lever arm 300 and the housing to bias the lever arm 300 into a central position between its two extremes of oscillatory motion.

[0058] The front end of the lever arm 300 includes a connector 304 that accepts the chip assembly 502 with microneedles.

[0059] A permanent magnet assembly 306 is placed at the rear end of the lever arm 306.

[0060] The electromagnetic oscillator 108(2) also includes an electromagnet 308 powered by a battery (not shown). The electromagnet 308 includes a core having an upper leg 310, a middle leg 312, and a lower leg 314. A coil of wire 316 is wound around the middle leg 312. A conventional battery powers a frequency generator that produces an operating signal having a selected operating frequency, the operating signal being applied to the coil 316.

[0061] The permanent magnet assembly 306 includes an upper magnet element 318 and a lower magnet element 320 that diverge in a V-shape toward the electromagnet 308. The rear ends of two magnet elements 318 and 320 are polarized oppositely, for example, the upper magnet element 318 has a north polarity, and the lower magnet element 320 has a south polarity.

[0062] When the drive signal has a first polarity, the upper 310 and lower 314 legs of the electromagnet 308 have north polarities, while the central leg 312 has a south polarity. During the reverse polarity of the drive signal, the relative polarities of the electromagnet 308 polarize oppositely, that is, the upper 310 and lower 314 legs have south polarities, while the central leg 312 has a north polarity. There is therefore an alternating polarity at the tips of the three legs of the electromagnet 308 because the drive signal applied to the coil 36 alternates in polarity.

[0063] The flux from the tips of the three legs of the electromagnet 308 flows through the gap between adjacent legs. The flux in the gap creates an instantaneous combination of retracting and repulsive forces on the permanent magnet elements 318 and 320 which, in turn, create a torque on the lever arm 300 about the pivot member 302, thereby causing the connector 304 and the chip assembly 502 to oscillate.

[0064] Referring to Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, the oscillator 108 is an electromagnetic oscillator 108(3). The oscillator 108(3) includes a magnet coil 400 and a reciprocating shaft 402. The magnet coil 400 is energized by the battery 416, creating a magnetic field that attracts the reciprocating shaft 402. De-energizing the magnet coil 400 returns the reciprocating shaft 402 to the initial position via a spring.

[0065] The magnet coil 400 includes a first coil 426 and a second coil 428 parallel to the first coil 426. The first coil 426 and the second coil 428 include a wire wound around a core, such as a core of ferromagnetic material that can increase the magnetic force.

[0066] The electromagnetic oscillator 108(3) includes a reciprocating shaft 402 that is centered between the first coil 426 and the second coil 428. The ends of the shaft 402 are supported by a front bearing 404 and a rear bearing 406.

[0067] A flange 408 extending radially from the shaft 402 is located approximately at the midpoint of the shaft 402. A front spring 410 is positioned forward of the flange 408 and between the flange 408 and a front spring seat 430. A rear spring 412 is positioned behind the flange 408 and between the flange 408 and a rear spring seat 432.

[0068] The rear end of shaft 402 includes a bifurcated structure having a first permanent magnet 422 directly opposite first coil 426 but separated by a gap and a second permanent magnet 424 directly opposite second coil 428 but separated by a gap.

[0069] A circuit controller 416 controls the energization frequency of the first coil 426 and the second coil 428. The magnetic field acts against the tail spring 412 by compressing the tail spring 412. When the coils are de-energized, the magnetic field is de-energized and the energy of the tail spring 412 is released by expansion and returns the reciprocating shaft 402 to its initial position. The shaft 402 is caused to oscillate with the energization and de-energization of the coils 426, 428.

[0070] A pressure sensor 434 is in contact with the shaft 402 to detect the force on the shaft caused by the microneedles contacting the skin.

[0071] Each of the different types of oscillators 108 includes a control device that varies the frequency of the oscillations.

[0072] [Fig.5] illustrates a chip assembly 502 which is suitable for connection to any of the oscillators 108 (1) to (3). The chip assembly 502 includes a fastener 516 that uses threads or snaps as a means of connecting the chip assembly 502 to the oscillator 108. The chip assembly 502 includes microneedles 504 provided on the front side of the chip 502. The pressure sensor 104 may be placed on the back side of the chip 502. The chip assembly 502 may optionally include a formulation. The chip assembly 502 includes a reservoir 570 for holding one or more formulations that are simultaneously applied to the skin during oscillation of the microneedles 504.

[0073] The chip assembly 502 includes a smart tag 506 or an electronic device, such as a microchip, light identification, pattern recognition, QR code, bar code, etc., configured to perform storage and transmission / reception of data (such as NFC, RFID or a contact device). The smart tag 506 contains information relating to the mode, microneedles, formulation, operating parameters and other information useful to the operator of the device 100. The device 100 includes a chip sensor reader 508 for reading the information from the smart tag 506. The smart tag 506 can be placed on the chip assembly 502 at any convenient location which is read upon attachment of the chip assembly 502 to the device 100.

[0074] Depending on the smart tag 506. The chip sensor reader 508 is configured to read the smart tag 506. The chip sensor reader 508 is an RFID reader, a near-field reader, or the like, which is positioned in the oscillator 100 so that when the chip assembly 502 is connected thereto, the chip sensor reader reads the smart tag 506.

[0075] The information on the smart tag 506 is used by the device 100 to control the mode and frequency, and the information is also communicated to the smartphone 102 or other computing device. Depending on the type of chip assembly, the oscillator changes the frequency and mode according to the type of capsule detected.

[0076] Generally, the formulations include dermatological formulations and cosmetic formulations or combinations of both. Among the formulations that can be applied to the skin by the micro-perforation device are: dyes, pigments, humectants or moisturizers, anti-aging substances, in particular "anti-wrinkle" substances, antioxidants, fat restructuring substances, substances acting on micro-circulation, biologically active substances, and formulations including, but not limited to, a) econazole b) flavones such as flavone, apigenin, chrysin, flavanone, quercetin; and c) retinoic acid.

[0077] The chip assembly 502 is provided with a device cap 512. The device cap Device 512 includes a cleaning mechanism 514. The cleaning mechanism 514 may use UV light, for example. With the device cap 512 on the chip assembly 502, UV light may be used to sterilize the chip assembly 502 and the microneedles 504. The device box 100 may use ultrasonic waves to clean the chip assembly 502 and the microneedles.

[0078] The microneedle chip assembly 502 and the microneedles 504 are designed to repeatedly make contact with the surface of the keratinous substance, such as the skin and lips. The chip assembly 502 may be configured to dispense the formulation simultaneously during the oscillations. However, the formulations may be dispensed by other means.

[0079] The type, number and size of the microneedles 504 may affect the limits of the allowable force.

[0080] The microneedles 504 are present on the front surface of the chip assembly 502. The microneedles are spaced apart from each other. The microneedles may occupy from 20% to 90% of the surface area of ​​the front side of the chip assembly 502. The microneedles may be present on 50% or more, preferably 70% or more, and more preferably 90% or more of the front surface of the chip assembly 502.

[0081] A microneedle 504 may be of any size and shape suitable for puncturing at least the stratum corneum of a skin surface. The size of the microneedles may be used to determine appropriate force limits. It may be preferable for the microneedles to be designed to pierce and penetrate the stratum corneum. Microneedles may be able to create openings or passages in the stratum corneum.

[0082] If necessary, the height of the micro-needles 504 can be adjusted so as to allow penetration of the epidermis and / or the dermis of the skin, preferably of the epidermis, and more preferably of one of the layers of the epidermis.

[0083] The shape of the microneedles 504 is not limited. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the microneedles 504 may take any reasonable shape, including, but not limited to, pyramids, cones, rods, and / or pillars. As such, the microneedles 504 may have the same diameter at the tip as at the base or may have a tapered diameter in the direction from the base to the tip.

[0084] For example, the shape of the microneedle 504 may be a triangular pyramid, a square pyramid, or a pentagonal pyramid. Alternatively, the microneedle 504 may be in the form of a cylinder, preferably with a tip that may be formed by cutting the cylinder diagonally. The cross-section of the microneedle 504 may take any geometric shape, including circular, triangular, square, rectangular, polyhedral, regular, or irregular shapes, and if millimeters. In one embodiment, a group of microneedles may take the form of hollow microcapillaries. However, for the present disclosure, solid (non-hollow) microneedles 504 may be preferable.

[0085] The height or length of the microneedle 504 is from 10 to 500 microns, preferably from 30 to 300 microns, and more preferably from 50 to 150 microns.

[0086] The microneedle 504 is in the form of a cone. The height or length of the cone of the microneedle 504 may be from 10 to 500 microns, preferably from 30 to 300 microns, and more preferably from 50 to 150 microns.

[0087] The base of the cone of the micro-needle 504 may have a diameter or a width of 10 to 500 microns, preferably 10 to 300 microns, and more preferably 10 to 100 microns. If the base of the cone of the micro-needle 504 is oval or elliptical in shape, the length of the major axis or the width of the oval may be 10 to 500 microns, preferably 10 to 300 microns, and more preferably 10 to 100 microns.

[0088] The microneedle 504 is capable of penetrating a keratinous substance, such as skin and lips, to a depth of 200 microns or less, preferably 180 microns or less, and more preferably 160 microns or less.

[0089] A narrow pitch (distance between any two adjacent microneedles) of the microneedles 504 may not provide the microneedles with sufficient surface area so that the microneedles may not penetrate the skin. On the other hand, too wide a pitch may also result in a problem that an individual microneedle may not receive enough pressure for penetration. Thus, the pitch of the microneedles 504 is 400 to 700 microns, and more preferably 400 to 500 microns.

[0090] The microneedle chip assembly 502 and the microneedles 504 are from distinct materials or made from distinct and different materials. The microneedle chip assembly 502 and the microneedles 504 are made of a single monolithic material. The chip assembly 502 may be made of a composite of a plurality of smaller chips, each of the smaller chips containing one or more microneedles. The number of smaller chips comprising the chip assembly 502 is variable to allow the surface area or contour shape of the chip assembly 502 to be changed to suit certain applications.

[0091] The outer contour of the front and back surfaces of the chip assembly 502 is a square, disc, rectangular, multi-sided, or similar shape. The outer contour dimension of the chip assembly 502 may vary depending on the number of smaller chips assembled together. The shape of the microneedle chip assembly 502 is a shape suitable for application under the eyes, around the lips, depending on the application target of the microneedle sheet. For example, the shape may be a crescent shape. The chip assembly 502 is a disc.

[0092] There is no limitation on how to prepare the microneedle chip assembly 502 for use. The microneedle chip assembly 502 can be made using conventional technology such as molding, 3D printing, metal processing, and the like.

[0093] [Fig. 6] is a flowchart of a process performed by the system of [Fig. 1]. The process is performed during the micro-perforation process, block 602.

[0094] At block 604, the device 100 includes a pressure sensor 104 that measures the force against the microneedles 504. The pressure sensor is placed, for example, at the rear end of any of the reciprocating shafts in the oscillators 108(1), (2), or (3). The pressure sensor 104 may be a strain gauge, for example, whose resistance varies with the applied force. The pressure sensor 104 converts the force, pressure, tension, weight, etc., into a change in electrical resistance that can then be measured by the controller 110. The controller 110 includes a memory that stores predetermined force limits for the given chip assembly 502.

[0095] The chip assemblies 502 are interchangeable and different chip assemblies 502 are configured for different skin conditions or different applications. Therefore, each different chip assembly 502 may have different upper and lower limits for the allowable force. However, in general, the force limits are 0.1 N to 5 N, and the oscillation frequency is 10 Hz to 40 kHz, or 40 Hz to 40 kHz, or 50 Hz to 40 kHz, or 60 Hz to 40 kHz.

[0096] At block 606, if the measured force is greater than the predetermined limit or less than the predetermined limit, the controller 110 automatically adjusts, for example, the power or the frequency or both the power and the frequency to bring the measured force within the upper and lower limits predetermined at block 608.

[0097] At block 610, the controller 110 optionally communicates the force measurements to a smartphone 102. The smartphone 102 obtains data from the pressure sensor via a wireless solution, such as Bluetooth Low Energy or WiFi. The smartphone 102 includes a software application that provides notifications regarding the force and may further provide useful information to assist the user when the force is above or below the threshold.

[0098] [Fig. 7A] is a flowchart of a process performed by the system of [Fig. 1]. In addition to a pressure sensor 104, the device 100 includes a chip sensor reader 508. The device 100 operates with a replaceable chip assembly 502 of [Fig. 5].

[0099] At block 702, a user connects a chip assembly 502 to the device 100. The chip assembly 502 includes a tag 506 at a location that can be automatically detected by the chip sensor reader 508 of the device 100.

[0100] The chip assembly 502 includes instructions for force limits and frequency that are communicated to the controller 110 on the device 100. The controller 110 recognizes the chip assembly 502 and automatically adjusts the operating conditions. The controller 110 also communicates with the smartphone 102. The smartphone 102 includes an application 712 ([Fig.7B]) that provides a number of functions.

[0101] Referring to [Fig.7B], the application 712 performs a skin diagnosis 722. A skin diagnosis may be performed by taking a selfie or a series of photos from different angles using the camera capability of the smartphone 102. The application 712 performs an analysis of the user's skin to detect skin features, such as dark spots, wrinkles, firmness, pores, fine lines, dullness, etc. Methods may be used such as those described in the applicant's application US 2023 / 0169566. The skin diagnosis may include a skin tone or skin profile diagnosis. This diagnosis determines one or more appropriate colors for the user based on an imaging operation performed on the user's face.

[0102] The application 712 performs a treatment visualization 724. The treatment visualization may refer to visualizing the penetration and recovery process. The treatment visualization may refer to augmented reality software that allows for modification of digital images of faces. For example, MODIFACE® is downloadable software for the smartphone 102 that provides users with tips and information regarding the application of cosmetic products. The software allows consumers to virtually try on the cosmetics. The treatment visualization may refer to identifying treatment areas and contours, such as facial features. Reference may be made to Applicant's published US application 2022 / 0370822 expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.In brief, such methods can develop a polygonal mesh including a treatment data tensor for both surface and volumetric treatments. The treatment design represents an exemplary visualization of a cosmetic treatment design, including multiple polygons, where each polygon represents a unit of the digital representation, similar to a pixel in a digital image. When the system implementing the described processes can project the design onto a surface mapping of a user's face.

[0103] The application 712 performs a pressure detection 726 and an accompaniment 730. Pressure sensing is described herein in association with [Fig. 6]. “Guidance” may refer to guiding the consumer to receive the correct treatment mode with the corresponding capsule. Guidance may refer to instructions and training on how to use the device 100. Guidance may refer to soliciting information from the operator to provide a personalized coaching session. Guidance may include machine learning through repeated use of the device over time. Guidance may refer to developing a dedicated product routine, guidance on gestures, for example, how the user moves or applies the device to the skin. Guidance may refer to an interactive interface that provides the user with gesture suggestions and the application area on the face.

[0104] The application 712 performs encryption and monitoring 728 of the chip assembly, for example, by keeping track of the usage time of the chip assembly. The application logs the usage times and routines. The chip assembly 502 includes a smart tag, which stores information regarding the chip assembly 502, the microneedles, the formulation, if applicable, and other useful information such as the expiration date, the manufacturing date, the lot number, and the like.

[0105] [Fig.8] is a block diagram that illustrates aspects of an exemplary computing device, such as smartphone 102. Exemplary computing device 102 depicts various elements common to many different types of computing devices.

[0106] In its most basic configuration, the smartphone 102 includes at least a processor 802 and system memory 804 connected by a communication bus 806. Depending on the exact configuration and device type, the system memory 804 may be volatile or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), EEPROM, flash memory, or similar memory technology. Those skilled in the art and others will recognize that the system memory 804 typically stores data and / or program modules that are immediately accessible to and / or being operated by the processor 802. In this regard, the processor 802 may serve as the computing center of the smartphone 102 by supporting the execution of instructions.

[0107] As illustrated in more detail in [Fig. 8], the smartphone 102 may include a network interface 810 comprising one or more components for communicating with other devices on a network. The network interface 810 may also include a wireless network interface configured to communicate via one or more wireless communication protocols, such as WiFi, 2G, 3G, LTE, WiMAX, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, and / or the like. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the network interface 810 illustrated in [Fig. 8] may represent one or more of the wireless interfaces or physical communication interfaces described and illustrated above with respect to particular components of the smartphone 102.

[0108] In the exemplary embodiment shown in [Fig. 8], the smartphone 102 also includes a storage medium 808. However, it is possible to access the services using a computing device that does not include means for persisting data on a local storage medium. The storage medium 808 may be volatile or non-volatile, removable or non-removable, implemented using any technology capable of storing information such as, but not limited to, a hard drive, an SSD, a CD-ROM, a DVD or other disk storage medium, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, a magnetic disk storage medium and / or the like.

[0109] As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology capable of storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. In this regard, the system memory 804 and storage medium 808 shown in [Fig. 8] are only examples of computer-readable media.

[0110] Suitable implementations of computing devices that include a processor 802, system memory 804, a communication bus 806, a storage medium 808, and a network interface 810 are known and commercially available. For ease of illustration and because it is not important to understanding the claimed subject matter, [Fig. 8] does not show some of the typical components of many computing devices. In this regard, the smartphone 102 may include input devices, such as a camera, a keypad, a mouse, a microphone, a touch input device, a touchscreen, and / or the like. Similarly, the smartphone 102 may also include output devices such as a display, speakers, etc. Since these devices are well known in the art, they are not illustrated or described in further detail herein.

[0111] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A micro-perforation device (100), comprising: an oscillator (108); a chip assembly (502) comprising a plurality of micro-needles (504), wherein the chip assembly (502) is connected to the oscillator (108); a pressure sensor (104) which detects a force (F) on the micro-needles (504); and a controller (110) which adjusts the oscillator (108) to keep the force within predetermined limits.

2. The micro-perforation device (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a chip sensor and a reader (502); and the chip assembly (502) includes a smart tag (506) containing information readable by the chip sensor and the reader (502).

3. The micro-perforation device (100) of claim 2, wherein the smart tag (506) includes information including the predetermined boundaries.

4. The micro-perforation device (100) of claim 2, wherein the chip assembly (502) includes a reservoir (570) that contains a formulation; and wherein the pressure sensor (104) is provided on the chip assembly (502).

5. A micro-perforation device (100) according to claim 1, comprising wireless communication for transmitting the force (F) to a smartphone (102).

6. A micro-perforation device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined limits of the force (F) are from 0.1 N to 5 N.

7. The micro-perforation device (100) according to claim 1, wherein an oscillation frequency of the micro-needles (504) is 10 Hz to 40 kHz.

8. The micro-perforation device (100) of claim 1, wherein the chip assembly (502) includes an attachment (516) to the oscillator (108) that allows the chip assembly (502) to be replaceable.

9. The micro-drilling device (100) of claim 1, wherein the oscillator (108) includes a rotary-to-linear converter including a camshaft (202), a cam (208) on the camshaft (202), and first and second followers (210, 212) that engage contact with the cam (208); and wherein the cam (208) is an axial cam, the first and second followers (210, 212) make contact with a front side and a rear side of the axial cam, and the first and second followers (210, 212) are connected to a reciprocating drive arm (214).

10. The micro-perforation device (100) of claim 1, wherein the oscillator (108) includes an electromagnetic oscillator.

Images