Haptic face mask

Abstract

A face mask (10) comprising a structure (12) provided with a plurality of vibrating actuators (14) having a variable vibration amplitude, the mask comprising a controller (16) configured to modulate the vibration amplitude of one actuator differently from the vibration amplitude of another actuator. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Haptic face mask Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of cosmetics, care and well-being, and more particularly relates to a haptic facial mask. Such a mask can find its application for example in the care of skin or keratin materials, typically at the level of the face. Prior art

[0002] There is a wide variety of cosmetic masks for facial care. Various types of treatment are provided by these masks, for example light therapy (see for example patent document TWM600095), electrical stimulation (WO 2020 / 130454) or even mechanical vibration (WO 2018 / 139150).

[0003] However, vibrating masks currently do not allow for reproducing a comfortable and realistic massage sensation. There is therefore a need for a new type of face mask. Statement of the invention

[0004] To this end, the present disclosure relates to a face mask comprising a structure provided with a plurality of vibrating actuators having a variable vibration amplitude, the mask comprising a control device configured to modulate the vibration amplitude of one actuator differently from the vibration amplitude of another actuator.

[0005] A face mask is a mask intended to be placed on the face of a user. The mask may comprise a structure corresponding generally to the shape of the face, the structure being able to be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible, optionally articulated, to adapt to the morphology of the user. The face mask may cover all or part of the face, and optionally extend onto adjacent parts such as the neck, the skull, etc.

[0006] A vibrating actuator is a device capable of producing a mechanical vibration extending over a certain amplitude, and of transmitting this mechanical vibration to a contact surface of a user, typically the skin or keratin materials.

[0007] For the purposes of this disclosure, modulate means vary between two non-zero values, for example continuously, piecewise continuous or discontinuously. Thus, the actuators of the mask can vibrate according to several amplitude values. The vibration amplitude (or amplitude) of an actuator designates the distance between two extreme positions of a moving part of the actuator during a given vibration. Modulate the vibration amplitude of an actuator differently from the vibration amplitude of another actuator implies that the control device is able to control these actuators so that they do not vibrate with the same amplitude at the same time. Thus, the control device can be configured to vibrate one actuator at a certain amplitude value and, simultaneously, another actuator at another amplitude value, it being understood that the actuators each have a variable vibration amplitude within a certain range, and to vary the amplitude of each actuator within its respective range independently of the amplitude of the other actuator.

[0008] Thanks to these arrangements, the vibration amplitude of each actuator can be modulated individually, which makes it possible to improve the comfort and realism of the massage sensation, as well as the aesthetic effect on the skin, in particular in terms of smoothing fine lines, blood microcirculation, reduction in the volume of bags under the eyes or even opening the gaze.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the control device is configured to control the plurality of actuators according to at least one of the following modes: - a random mode in which the actuators are activated at times and / or for durations decorrelated from one another, optionally according to at least two vibration amplitude values; - a continuous mode in which the amplitude of a first actuator is modulated and the amplitude of a second actuator, adjacent to the first actuator, is modulated in the opposite direction, optionally in proportion to the variation in vibration amplitude of the first actuator.

[0010] In the random mode, the activation of the actuators may be pre-programmed (in particular pseudo-random) or not, in which case it may be determined in real time. The activation times, the activation durations, and / or where appropriate the vibration amplitudes of the actuators, may be chosen independently of each other. In this random mode, the actuators are controlled to reproduce, for example, the effect of rain on the face.

[0011] In the continuous mode, two neighboring actuators are considered and the vibration amplitude of a first of these actuators is modulated in one direction while the vibration amplitude of a second of these actuators 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, the sensation of a virtual actuator that moves between the two aforementioned actuators as the amplitude is modulated. The virtual actuator can be positioned at a barycenter of the actuators weighted by their respective amplitudes. Thus, the user has the sensation of a continuous massage that moves between the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0012] This effect is reinforced when the amplitude modulation of the second actuator is in proportion to the amplitude modulation of the first actuator: in this case, the displacement of the virtual actuator between the two actuators is linear as a function of the amplitude modulation of the actuators, which improves the regularity of the sensation. For example, assuming that each actuator has a vibration amplitude varying between 0% and 100% of its desired maximum amplitude (which may be less than or equal to its theoretical maximum amplitude), the modulation of the vibration amplitude of the first actuator by X percentage points (X positive or negative) can be compensated by a modulation of the vibration amplitude of the second actuator by -X percentage points.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of actuators comprises pairs of actuators arranged symmetrically and the control device is configured to control the actuators of the same pair in the same way. For example, two actuators of the same pair may be symmetrical to each other with respect to a center line of the mask, typically a line separating the left and right parts of the face (and therefore of the mask). Controlling the actuators of the same pair in the same way makes the massage sensation symmetrical for the user. This may be the case in particular in the continuous mode defined above. Conversely, in the random mode or other modes, the control of the actuators may not be symmetrical.

[0014] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to modulate each of the vibration amplitude and vibration frequency of at least one of the actuators independently of each other. Thus, the controller can modulate the vibration amplitude according to at least two values ​​and, independently, modulate the vibration frequency according to at least two values. This results in finer and better controlled vibration control than in the prior art in which the vibration frequency and amplitude of the actuators are linked to each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one of the actuators comprises an electromagnetic actuator such as a linear resonant motor. The electromagnetic actuator may be oscillating. An electromagnetic actuator such as a linear resonant motor, or VCM, is a motor comprising a coil mounted coaxially to a magnet, the coil and the magnet being movable relative to each other and the current flowing through the coil causing a relative displacement of the coil relative to the magnet along their axis. This operation makes it possible, here, thanks to the intensity and the frequency of variation of the current, to control both the frequency of displacement of the actuator and its amplitude, independently of each other.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of actuators comprises between 15 and 25 actuators, preferably between 18 and 22 actuators. The number of actuators can thus be optimized to cover the entire face, i.e. a forehead area, a gaze area (under the eyes) and / or a lower face area (mouth and chin area), to the left and right of the face. Each of said areas can comprise between three and five actuators.

[0017] In some embodiments, the distance between two neighboring actuators is greater than or equal to 0.5 centimeters (cm), preferably 0.7 cm, more preferably 1 cm. Thus, two neighboring actuators are sufficiently far apart to globally limit the number of actuators and have a more economical and simpler mask, but also to avoid interference between two neighboring actuators.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the distance between two neighboring actuators is less than or equal to 10 cm, preferably 7 cm, more preferably 5 cm, more preferably 3 cm. Thus, two neighboring actuators are close enough to cover the entire face and provide a feeling of continuity when moving 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 a control signal to the actuators.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control device comprises a memory configured to store at least one activation sequence of the plurality of actuators. A memory may be any entity or system capable of storing an activation sequence, for example of the ROM type, magnetic or magneto-optical storage means, solid state storage, flash memory, etc. An activation sequence is a program defining the activation of the actuators over time, in particular in terms of vibration start time, vibration duration, frequency and / or amplitude, and this for each of the actuators.

[0021] Thanks to these characteristics, the actuators can be vibrated according to one or more sequences which can be pre-programmed and recorded in the memory. The mask can thus follow a more or less complex activation sequence, which can be optimized depending on the desired effect.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control device comprises an activation sequence selector. Thus, the user can choose a sequence from the available sequences, depending on his needs or desires. For example, the selector can be at least partly accessible from outside the mask, i.e. the part of the mask which is not intended to be placed against the user. Alternatively or in addition, the selector can be actuated from remotely, for example via a wireless signal received from a user terminal such as a remote control or smartphone.

[0023] In some embodiments, the control device comprises means for updating said memory. Thus, new sequences can be loaded to better match the needs of the user. The updating means can use a wired or wireless connection.

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

[0025] The pulse frequency may define discrete instants of amplitude change or a periodic envelope of variation (continuous, piecewise continuous or discontinuous) of the amplitude as a function of time, the actuator then vibrating at the fundamental frequency within this envelope. The fundamental frequency is normally higher than the pulse frequency. A point vibration is a vibration during a single period associated with the fundamental frequency. A vibration according to a constant amplitude is a vibration during a plurality of periods or pseudo-periods at a given amplitude which may be the maximum amplitude of the actuator or any desired intermediate amplitude.

[0026] In some embodiments, the vibration duration of an actuator, except for a point vibration, may be between 0.5 and 10 seconds, preferably between 1 and 5 seconds.

[0027] In some embodiments, the actuator is positioned so as to vibrate transversely (for example perpendicularly) to the mask, or even transversely to the user's face.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the vibration amplitude is characterized by a peak-to-peak acceleration of a moving part of the actuator of between 0.5 g and 2 g, preferably between 0.75 g and 1.25 g, where g denotes the acceleration of gravity (g = 9.81 m.s2). Indeed, at a given vibration frequency and in the absence of an end-of-travel stop, the amplitude of the moving part depends on the acceleration to which it is subjected, the amplitude increasing with the acceleration. Typically, the vibration amplitude may be between 1 micrometer (pm) and 1 millimeter (mm), preferably between 3 micrometer (pm) and 100 micrometer (pm), preferably between 5 micrometer (pm) and 10 micrometer (pm). According to one example, the vibration amplitude may be greater than or less than 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm.

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

[0030] In some embodiments, the mask comprises an impregnable layer configured to be positioned between the plurality of actuators and the user's skin. The impregnable layer may be configured to receive a cosmetic product, typically liquid or pasty. Typically, the impregnable layer may comprise a porous coating capable of retaining the cosmetic product. The actuators then have the additional function of promoting the penetration of the product into the user's skin. The impregnable layer may be permanent or removable, and if necessary, washable or disposable. Alternatively, the impregnable layer could be replaced by a smooth layer, which does not have any particular retention property. The impregnable layer and the smooth layer are preferably sufficiently flexible to transmit the movement of the actuators to the user's face.

[0031] The present disclosure also relates to a massage method, comprising the affixing of a mask as previously described on the skin of a user, and the activation of the control device so as to vibrate the plurality of actuators. The mask may have all or part of the aforementioned characteristics. Thanks to the mask, the massage action on the user, in particular his face, is particularly effective. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Other characteristics and advantages of the subject of the present disclosure will emerge from the following description of embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended figures.

[0033] [Fig.l] is a front view of a face mask according to one embodiment.

[0034] [Fig.2] is an example of an actuator activation sequence, in a diagram representing vibration amplitude as a function of time.

[0035] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the progressive actuation of the actuators according to the continuous mode. Detailed description

[0036] A face mask 10 (or mask 10) according to one embodiment is described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The mask 10 comprises a structure 12 forming the body of the mask 10 and intended to adapt to all or part of the face of a user. In this case, as is apparent from [Fig.l], the structure 12 has a general face shape and may comprise openings or recesses to avoid covering the eyes, nose and mouth where appropriate. The structure 12 may comprise means for attachment to the head of a user, which are not illustrated here.

[0037] A plurality of vibrating actuators 14 are mounted on the structure 12, so as to transmit a vibration to the skin of a user when the user wears the mask 10. Subsequently, unless explicitly indicated otherwise or apparent from the context, will refer generically to the actuators 14, in the plural, to designate all or part of the actuators 14, or each actuator 14.

[0038] The actuators 14 have a variable vibration amplitude, that is to say that the amplitude can take at least two non-zero values, preferably at least three non-zero values.

[0039] The actuators 14 comprise a fixed part connected to the structure 12 and a movable part. The movable part can move in a vibration direction, typically rectilinear; the movable part can therefore be configured to perform a back-and-forth movement along the vibration direction. The actuators 14 can be mounted on the structure 12 so as to vibrate in a direction transverse to the structure 12 (for example locally perpendicular), in order to generate tapping on the user's skin. The movable part of the actuators 14 can be directed towards the inside of the mask 10, that is to say the side of the mask 10 intended to be applied against the user's face.

[0040] According to one example, one or more of the actuators 14 comprise an electromagnetic actuator such as a linear resonant motor or VCM. According to one embodiment, each of the actuators 14 may be formed from such a VCM. However, other actuators may be envisaged.

[0041] According to one example, the plurality of actuators comprises between 15 and 25 actuators, preferably between 18 and 22 actuators.

[0042] In the embodiment of [Fig.l], twenty actuators 14 are provided, referenced from A to T. The actuators 14 can be placed on the structure 12 by following all or part of the following considerations.

[0043] (1) The actuators 14 can be grouped by area of ​​the face, in order to massage a or several particular zones. Typically, actuators 14 may be provided for the forehead area and / or the upper contour of the eyes (actuators R, D, P, H, F, Q, I, S), the gaze area and / or the lower contour of the eyes (actuators K, E, O, C, G, L) and / or the chin and lower face area (actuators A, T, B, J, M, N).

[0044] (2) A given zone may comprise at least three actuators 14 on each side of the face (for example C, G, L or A, T, M) in order to ensure good massage fidelity but also a certain density of actuators, the usefulness of which will appear more clearly later.

[0045] (3) More generally, the distance between two neighboring actuators 14 can be between 0.5 cm and 5 cm, or even between 1 cm and 3 cm, within an area and / or at the interface between two areas.

[0046] (4) The actuators 14 may be provided in pairs, each pair comprising two actuators arranged symmetrically with respect to the face. More specifically, the actuators 14 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis passing through the nose and mouth (or the corresponding orifices). For example, actuator A is symmetrical to actuator J, actuator P is symmetrical to actuator Q, etc. The left and right parts of the face can therefore be equipped, or even massaged, symmetrically.

[0047] The mask 10 further comprises a control device 16 configured to control the actuation of the actuators 14. As indicated previously, the control device 16 can be configured to modulate the vibration amplitude of an actuator 14 differently from the vibration amplitude of another actuator 14. It is recalled that the vibration amplitude designates the distance separating two extreme positions of the mobile part of an actuator 14. Preferably, each actuator 14 can be amplitude-controlled independently in order to decorrelate the vibrations of the actuators and to be able to finely vary the vibrations produced, as will be detailed later.

[0048] Furthermore, the control device 16 can be configured to modulate each of the vibration amplitude and the vibration frequency of at least one of the actuators 14 independently of one another. It is recalled that the vibration frequency designates the frequency at which the moving part of an actuator 14 returns to the same position in the same direction.

[0049] The control device 16 can be configured to vibrate a given actuator 14, at fixed amplitude, according to at least two frequency values, or even at least three frequency values, and at fixed frequency, according to at least two amplitude values, or even at least three amplitude values. The set of operating points of this actuator 14 in a frequency-amplitude diagram, that is to say the set of accessible frequency-amplitude value pairs, therefore defines a two-dimensional set (that is to say having non-zero components according to the two dimensions of frequency and amplitude), as opposed to conventional mechanisms in which the frequency and the amplitude are linked by a one-dimensional relationship and the operating points are located on a single line (rectilinear or not). The two-dimensional set can be a continuous set or meshed regularly by intermediate operating points.

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

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

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

[0053] The control device 16 may be an electronic device, and in particular have the hardware architecture of a computer, typically comprising a processor and one or more memories, all or part of these components being able to be arranged on one or more electronic cards. Optionally, communication means may be provided to receive information from the user, for example wireless information defining the desired type of vibration, or to transmit information to the user, for example notifications (for example sound, visual or haptic).

[0054] The memory may be configured to store at least one activation sequence of the actuators 14. This sequence defines amplitude and / or frequency values ​​at which the actuators 14, on command from the processor, must vibrate over time. The amplitude and frequency values ​​may be associated with a triggering time and / or a vibration duration. Optionally, the aforementioned communication means may be used to update the memory, for example adding, modifying or deleting one or more activation sequences.

[0055] Although the user can select the desired type of vibration via a wireless terminal, alternatively or in addition, it is possible to provide that an activation sequence selector is accessible on the mask 10, in particular on its outer surface. The selector can take any suitable form, for example a slider, a wheel, a touch button, an optical reader, a microphone for voice control, etc.

[0056] The mask 10 may comprise a battery, in particular housed in the structure 12, to power the actuators 14 and / or the control device 16.

[0057] Furthermore, the mask 10 may comprise an impregnable layer 18 configured to be positioned between the plurality of actuators 14 and the user's skin. The impregnable layer 18 may define the inner surface of the mask 10, intended to be in direct contact with the user's skin. As indicated previously, the impregnable layer 18 may facilitate the retention of a cosmetic or care product or formula for its application to the skin. The impregnable layer 18 may have a surface condition, a porosity and / or a composition conducive to the retention of a solid, powdery, liquid or pasty product. For example, the impregnable layer 18 may comprise a textile support, woven or not, configured to retain a cosmetic or facial care composition. The impregnable layer 18 can be removable or not, or washable or disposable.

[0058] Under the action of the actuators 14, the impregnable layer 18 is itself set into vibration against the user's skin, which promotes the penetration of the desired product.

[0059] Furthermore, the mask 10 may comprise an insulating layer in order to avoid contact between the cosmetic or care formula and the actuators 14. If necessary, the insulating layer may be placed between the actuators 14 and the impregnable layer 18. For example, the insulating layer may be impermeable. Beyond protecting the actuators 14, the insulating layer may facilitate the cleaning and disinfection of the mask 10.

[0060] [Fig.2] illustrates different possible actuations of an actuator 14 by the control device 16. The illustrated diagram shows the vibration amplitude as a function of time.

[0061] According to a first type of actuation 20, the control device 16 controls the actuator 14 to vibrate according to a fundamental frequency and an amplitude that varies periodically at a pulse frequency. In other words, the actuator 14 vibrates at a certain frequency called the fundamental frequency. The vibration amplitude is not constant, but varies periodically at a second frequency called the pulse frequency. In practice, the pulse frequency is lower than the fundamental frequency. Although [Fig. 2] illustrates only one period for the first type of actuation 20, the first type of actuation 20 can be implemented for several periods, or even for a non-integer number of periods. Furthermore, although the amplitude variation is illustrated as sinusoidal, any periodic function, symmetrical or not, can be used, in particular a square-wave function, a piecewise affine function, etc.The function can be chosen to be continuous or not. The minimum amplitude of a periodic function can be zero, as shown, or non-zero. [Fig.2], specifically, illustrates a sinusoidal variation of the amplitude around an average amplitude of 0.5 (arbitrary unit) around a reference position, with the maximum amplitude being 1 and the minimum amplitude being 0.

[0062] According to a second type of actuation 22, the control device 16 controls the actuator 14 to vibrate according to a point vibration. During a point vibration, the movable part of the actuator 14 moves monotonically from a first position to a second position and then returns to its first position. The vibration amplitude, i.e. here the distance separating the first position from the second position, can be chosen as required: although a maximum amplitude has been illustrated in [Fig. 2], an intermediate amplitude can also be selected. [Fig. 2] illustrates, for the second type of actuation 22, three successive point vibrations, however any number of point vibrations can be retained.

[0063] According to a third type of actuation 24, the control device 16 controls the actuator to vibrate at a constant amplitude. The third type of actuation 24 can be seen as repeating the second type of actuation 22 for a desired duration, while maintaining the same amplitude from one vibration to the next. The vibration frequency can be constant or, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], variable. In this case, the vibration amplitude as a function of time can follow a so-called "chirp" shape, that is to say that the vibration frequency varies, for example by increasing, in a linear or non-linear manner.

[0064] The different types of actuation may be combined to form an activation sequence. For example, a relaxing sequence may be obtained by following the first type of actuation, with a fundamental frequency between 50 and 100 Hz (e.g. 70 Hz) and a pulse frequency between 0.5 and 2 Hz (e.g. 1 Hz).

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

[0066] The vibration frequencies used for the toning sequence may be predominantly, or even exclusively, greater than 100 Hz. In particular, for the first type of actuation, the fundamental frequency may be 120 Hz and the pulse frequency 1.33 Hz; for the second type of actuation, the period of the punctual vibrations may be 15 milliseconds (ms); for the third type of actuation, the frequency may vary linearly from 80 Hz to 220 Hz. According to one example, the accelerations of the actuators 14 used for the toning sequence may be greater than or equal to 1 g.

[0067] Beyond the actuation of a given actuator, the actuation of different actuators 14 can be synchronized by the control device in order to create an overall sensation for the user.

[0068] Thus, as indicated previously, the control device 16 can be configured to control the plurality of actuators 14 according to a random mode in which the actuators 14 are activated at times and / or for durations decorrelated from each other, optionally according to at least two vibration amplitude values. For example, the actuators 14 can be actuated according to the second type of actuation described previously (point vibration), the amplitude, the activation time and / or the duration of the vibration being chosen for each actuator independently of the other actuators, for example in a random or pseudorandom manner (which includes the monitoring of a given probability distribution, the case (if applicable). This random mode helps to give the user the sensation of rain falling on the face. According to one embodiment, the actuators 14, chosen according to a Poisson noise, are activated randomly according to punctual vibrations of random duration and amplitude.

[0069] Furthermore, alternatively or in addition, the control device 16 can be configured to control the plurality of actuators 14 according to a continuous mode in which the amplitude of a first actuator is modulated and the amplitude of a second actuator, adjacent to the first actuator, is modulated in the opposite direction. The continuous mode will be better understood with reference to [Fig. 3], which illustrates five actuators A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 whose positioning is here arbitrary. In this example, the aim is to provide the user with the sensation of a massage going continuously from actuator A1 to actuator A3 then to actuator A4. The underlying idea consists of modulating the vibration amplitude of the different actuators to reconstitute a virtual actuator A6 moving between actuators A1, A3 and A4. In a way, the actuators 14 concerned are activated successively in a cross-fade.

[0070] The diagram in [Fig.3] further illustrates the actuation amplitude of the actuators as a function of the position of the virtual actuator A6. As can be seen in this example, when the actuator A6 has traveled 85% of the distance from the actuator A1 to the actuator A3, it can be simulated by actuating the actuator A1 at 15% of its desired amplitude and the actuator A3 at 85% of its desired amplitude, the desired amplitude being adjusted so that the amplitude of the virtual actuator A6 is 100% of the desired amplitude when its position coincides with one of the real actuators A1, A3, A4.

[0071] Thus, as the virtual actuator A6 moves from the actuator A1 to the actuator A3, the amplitude of the actuator A1 is decreased while the amplitude of the actuator A3 is modulated in the opposite direction, i.e. here increased. Conversely, as the virtual actuator A6 moves from the actuator A1 to the actuator A3, the amplitude of the actuator A3 is increased while the amplitude of the actuator A1 is modulated in the opposite direction, i.e. here decreased. Each of these amplitudes passes through at least two non-zero values, preferably at least three non-zero values. In this case, as shown in the diagram of [Fig.3], the amplitude modulation is continuous.

[0072] The variation in amplitude of one actuator relative to the other can be done proportionally, as explained previously. Thus, the user has the sensation that the virtual actuator A6 has a constant vibration amplitude. According to a variant, the vibration amplitude of the virtual actuator A6, resulting from the vibration amplitudes of the actuators A1 and A3, could follow any desired profile, and actuators Al and A3 could be ordered accordingly.

[0073] While the virtual actuator A6 moves between the actuators A1 and A3, the vibration amplitude of the actuator A4 may be zero. Furthermore, the amplitudes of the actuators A2, A5 may also be zero, as may the amplitude of any actuator that does not contribute to defining the virtual actuator A6.

[0074] When the virtual actuator A6 then moves between the actuators A3 and A4, the amplitudes of the actuators A3 and A4 can be modulated as previously explained, the amplitudes of the actuators A1, A2 and A5 being zero.

[0075] Although the case of a virtual actuator A6 moving in a straight line between two actuators has been described, the above principles generalize to any point in space that can be written as a barycenter of real actuators 14, and therefore to any trajectory of a virtual actuator in the zone marked by the actuators 14. Thus, in general, the virtual actuator A6 can be reconstituted as the barycenter of at least two real actuators 14.

[0076] The virtual actuator A6 makes it possible to give the user the more realistic sensation of a continuous massage, even though the actuators 14 occupy a discreet position on the mask 10, thanks to the amplitude modulation which differs from one actuator to another.

[0077] Referring again to [Fig. 1], for example, to massage the lower face area, actuators M and N can be activated, then A and J, then K and L, then R and S again, and this in a progressive manner by simulating the presence of virtual actuators moving between actuators M, A, K, R and N, J, L, S, respectively. The duration of activation and the type of actuation of each actuator 14 depend on the desired effect, for example relaxing or toning.

[0078] This type of activation sequence can be recorded in the memory of the control device 16, as previously explained. One or more activation sequences can be defined for each area of ​​the face.

[0079] Furthermore, the activation sequences can themselves be combined into more complex sequences defining the sequence chain, their durations, their intensities (therefore the corresponding amplitudes), any pauses between two successive sequences, etc.

[0080] The use of the mask 10 can be done according to a massage method comprising the affixing of the mask 10 to the skin of a user, and the activation of the control device 16 so as to vibrate the plurality of actuators 14. The user who wears the mask 10 can interact himself with the control device 16, or entrust this task to someone else, for example an employee of a beauty salon. A care product, for example a cosmetic formula, can be applied to the mask 10, in particular to the impregnable layer 18 if applicable, and / or to the skin before placing the mask 10 against the user's face.

[0081] Although the present description refers to specific exemplary embodiments, modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated or mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and the drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

Claims

1. A face mask (10) comprising a structure (12) provided with a plurality of vibrating actuators (14) having a variable vibration amplitude, the mask comprising a controller (16) configured to modulate the vibration amplitude of one actuator differently from the vibration amplitude of another actuator.

2. Mask 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: - a random mode in which the actuators (14) are activated at times and / or for durations decorrelated from each other, optionally according to at least two vibration amplitude values; - a continuous mode in which the amplitude of a first actuator (A1) is modulated and the amplitude of a second actuator (A3), adjacent to the first actuator, is modulated in the opposite direction, optionally in proportion to the variation in vibration amplitude of the first actuator (A1).

3. A mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of actuators (14) comprises pairs of symmetrically arranged actuators and the controller (16) is configured to control the actuators of a same pair in the same way.

4. A mask 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) independently of each other.

5. A mask according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the actuators (14) comprises an electromagnetic actuator such as a linear resonant motor.

6. Mask according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of actuators (14) comprises between 15 and 25 actuators, preferably between 18 and 22 actuators.

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

8. A mask according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control device (16) comprises a memory configured to storing at least one activation sequence of the plurality of actuators (14), and optionally wherein the mask comprises a vibration sequence selector and / or means for updating said memory.

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

10. A mask 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 skin of the user.

11. A method of massaging, comprising applying a mask (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to the skin of a user, and activating the control device (16) so as to vibrate the plurality of actuators (14).

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