Skin Treatment Device

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a skin treatment device 100 for performing an operation such as hair removal. The device 100 includes an aerosol generation device 104, a flow stream generating element 105, and an operating parameter sensor 107 configured to measure skin operating parameters and skin treatment device operating parameters. Additionally, the skin treatment device 100 includes a control unit 108 communicatively coupled to the aerosol generation device 104, the flow stream generating element 105, and the operating parameter sensor 107. The control unit 108 is configured to selectively control the operation of the aerosol generation device 104 and / or the skin treatment tool 103 based on the operating parameters measured by the operating parameter sensor 107. This configuration of controlling the operation based on the operating parameters improves the efficiency of the skin treatment device since selectively controlling the aerosol generation device 104 and the skin treatment tool 103 conserves battery power of the skin treatment device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to devices for performing treatment operations on the skin of a subject, and more particularly to skin treatment operations in which operation of the skin treatment device is controlled based on operating parameters. [Background technology]

[0002] For aesthetic or personal reasons, many people find it desirable to treat the skin by removing unwanted hair from various areas of the human body. Various techniques for removing unwanted hair include shaving, electrolysis, plucking, laser treatment, and therapeutic antiandrogen injections. Usually, unwanted hair is removed by plucking, and various devices have been adapted for such hair removal techniques. However, such devices suffer from a fundamental drawback in that plucking hair is painful. This limits the widespread use of such devices, especially for sensitive skin surfaces.

[0003] In view of the above, hair removal devices with cooling capabilities have been developed. Such hair removal devices are structured to cool the skin prior to hair removal. However, such devices tend to overcool the skin, which causes the skin to become moist, resulting in undesirable and inefficient hair removal. Also, in typical skin treatment devices with integrated cooling mechanisms, the cooling action can be triggered either continuously or by user initiation. These options are relatively less efficient and / or effective. For example, the user / subject may be desensitized to the pain caused by mechanical hair removal. In this case, continuous or increased cooling of the skin leads to inefficient use of battery power. On the other hand, allowing the user / subject to manually control the function leads to instances where cooling is not initiated when needed, resulting in reduced pain relief.

[0004] Furthermore, currently available hair removal devices require the user to place the device on an area of ​​skin, with all components of the hair removal device (such as cooling delivery components) fully operational throughout the hair removal action, and then move the device to other areas of skin until the user or subject considers that portion of skin to be adequately treated. Users / subjects do not always operate the device at the correct speed. If used faster than desired, treatment may be incomplete. If used slowly (e.g., repeatedly over the same area), the skin may overheat and become irritated. As a result, users of hair removal devices face difficulties in using such devices efficiently and effectively over large areas of skin. These difficulties arise from the combination of relatively large areas of skin to be treated, lack of information on the correct use of hair removal devices, and lack of information on the parameters of the skin targeted for treatment and recommended treatment times for specific body parts. These user-dependent issues lead to large variations in compliance, treatment times, and ultimately treatment effectiveness.

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations set forth above, or any other limitations associated with devices known in the art.

[0006] WO2016 / 196915A1 discloses a device for delivering a fluid to a surface containing cells. In one embodiment, a fluid delivery device is provided including a housing, a fluid vaporizer disposed within the housing and configured to receive the fluid and produce an aerosol mist of liquid particles from the fluid, a trigger for triggering the fluid vaporizer, and a pump configured to accelerate the aerosol mist produced by the fluid vaporizer.

[0007] EP 2 103 232 A1 discloses an epilator comprising a vaporizing unit 10 for vaporizing an application material 50. It further comprises a cooling unit 13 or a heating unit 12 for cooling or warming the application material to enhance its effect on the skin. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The objective is to provide a skin treatment device for performing a treatment operation on the skin by (automatically) controlling the cooling effect on the treated skin and / or by controlling the speed of operation of the skin treatment tool based on the detected operating parameters, allowing the user to complete the treatment operation in an efficient and effective manner. For efficient operation of the skin treatment device, it is desirable to enable the skin treatment device to control the cooling effect and / or the speed of operation of the skin treatment tool based on operating parameters such as skin parameters (as non-limiting examples, skin temperature and humidity and skin tone) and parameters of the skin treatment device (e.g., skin treatment tool temperature). An effective way to cool the skin is by aerosol generation. There are other methods such as Peltier cooling in connection with skin treatment devices, but these are more expensive. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To better address one or more of these concerns, in a first aspect of the present disclosure, a skin treatment device is provided, the skin treatment device including an aerosol generating device and an operating parameter sensor, the aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol based on an operating parameter measured by the operating parameter sensor, and channelize the generated aerosol through a flow path of the skin treatment device.

[0010] In embodiments, the skin treatment device further comprises a flow stream generating element configured to generate a flow to further direct the aerosol through the flow path.

[0011] In an embodiment, the flow stream generating element is at least one of a blower and a suction fan.

[0012] In an embodiment, the flow path is defined by a space within a skin treatment tool of the skin treatment device.

[0013] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device is coupled to the head of the skin treatment device.

[0014] In an embodiment, the operating parameter sensor is an optical sensor.

[0015] In an embodiment, the operating parameter sensor is configured to measure at least one of a skin parameter and a skin treatment device parameter.

[0016] In an embodiment, the skin parameter is at least one of skin temperature, skin moisture, and skin tone.

[0017] In an embodiment, the skin treatment device parameter is temperature, mechanical force, and / or displacement of a skin treatment tool.

[0018] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a piezoelectric device.

[0019] In an embodiment, the skin treatment device further includes a plurality of operating parameter sensors, each of the plurality of operating parameter sensors disposed on an opposite side relative to a longitudinal axis of the skin treatment tool.

[0020] In an embodiment, the skin treatment device includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the operating parameter sensor and the aerosol generation device, the control unit configured to selectively control operation of the aerosol generation device and / or the skin treatment tool of the skin treatment device based on the operating parameter measured by the operating parameter sensor.

[0021] In an embodiment, the control unit is further communicatively coupled to the flow stream generating element and configured to operate the flow stream generating element independently of the aerosol generating device based on skin humidity measured by the operating parameter sensor.

[0022] In an embodiment, the skin treatment device includes a sign unit communicatively coupled to a control unit, the control unit configured to generate a warning signal through the sign unit based on a signal from the operating parameter sensor, and / or the warning signal is at least one of an auditory signal, a visual signal, an audiovisual signal, and a tactile signal.

[0023] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0024] The present invention is as set forth in the appended claims, but encompasses various modifications and claim equivalents that are conventional to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure itself, as well as its manner of use, further objects and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings in which like reference numerals represent like elements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the skin treatment device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit for controlling the operation of a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The figures depict embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. From the following description, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present disclosure described herein.

[0027] While embodiments of the present disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described below, however, it is to be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure should include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] It should be noted that those skilled in the art will be motivated by the present disclosure to modify various features of the skin treatment device. Accordingly, such modifications are part of the present disclosure. As such, the drawings show only specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0029] As used in this disclosure, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof, are intended to include a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly or unit that comprises a list of components does not include only those components, but may also include other components not expressly listed or inherent to those devices. In other words, one or more elements of a device preceded by "comprises" does not, without further constraints, preclude the presence of other or additional elements of the system or device.

[0030] In the following detailed description, embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part of this specification and which show by way of illustration and specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description should not be taken in a limiting sense.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a skin treatment device (100) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The skin treatment device (100) is a handheld device adapted to perform a treatment action on the skin of a subject by providing a selective cooling effect to the treated skin. The term "treated skin" refers to a portion of the skin that is subject to a treatment action by the skin treatment device (100). In an embodiment, the treatment action is hair removal, hair reduction, etc. As described herein, the skin treatment device (100) is operated or used by a "user" and the treatment action is performed on a "subject". In some cases, the user and the subject are the same person, i.e., the skin treatment device (100) is held in the hand and used by the user on himself (e.g., to treat skin such as the feet or hands). In other cases, the user and the subject are different, e.g., the skin treatment device (100) can be held in the hand and used by the user on another person.

[0032] The skin treatment device (100) may broadly include a head (101) and a handle (102) that are detachably coupled to one another. In an embodiment, the head (101) and the handle (102) are detachably coupled to one another by a coupling means, including, but not limited to, a threaded connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, or the like. The handle (102) is configured to house various components, including a power source, such as a battery, a drive unit (not shown), such as, but not limited to, an electric motor, a drive circuit, a user control (112), or the like. The skin treatment device (100) further includes a skin treatment tool (103) that is coupled to the drive unit. The skin treatment tool (103) is rotatably disposed in or on the head (101) such that the skin treatment tool (103) is positioned adjacent to or on (i.e., in contact with) the skin of a subject. In an embodiment, the skin treatment tool (103) includes a plurality of rotating elements that contact the skin to perform a treatment action as the skin treatment device (100) is traversed across the skin to be treated. The rotating elements function as tweezers to pinch and pluck hairs by their rotational motion. The rotating elements are made of suitable materials such as, but not limited to, polymers and metals.

[0033] As seen in FIG. 1, the skin treatment device (100) may further include an aerosol generating device (104) disposed in or on the head (101) portion and electrically coupled to a power source of the skin treatment device (100). The aerosol generating device (104) is configured to generate an aerosol or mist from a skin treatment fluid, such as, but not limited to, water. The aerosol generating device (104) includes an inlet and an outlet defined at a suitable location, e.g., substantially on both sides, of the aerosol generating device (104). In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol generating device (104) is disposed on the head (101) parallel to the longitudinal axis (AA) of the skin treatment device (100). The above should not be construed as limiting, as the aerosol generating device (104) may be disposed at any location in or on the head (101) relative to the longitudinal axis (AA) of the skin treatment device (100). In embodiments, the skin treatment device (100) includes a reservoir (not shown) disposed adjacent to and fluidly coupled to the inlet of the aerosol generation device (104). In some embodiments, the aerosol generation device (104) includes the reservoir, i.e., the reservoir is an integral part of the aerosol generation device (104). The reservoir stores and provides a fluid into the aerosol generation device (104). The fluid enters the aerosol generation device (104) through the inlet, and an aerosol is generated. The generated aerosol exits the aerosol generation device (104) through the outlet. The generated aerosol is then directed from the skin treatment device (100) onto the skin to be treated, providing a cooling effect to the skin to be treated.

[0034] The skin treatment device (100) may further include a flow channel (106) coupled to the head (101). In some embodiments, the flow channel (106) may be sandwiched between the head (101) and the aerosol generation device (104) (as shown in FIG. 1) such that an outlet of the aerosol generation device (104) is in fluid communication with the flow channel (106). In embodiments, the flow channel (106) may be a passage integrally defined within the head (101) or a passage externally coupled to the head (101). In embodiments, the passage (and thus the flow channel (106)) may be a hollow structure having a substantially rectangular outline. However, the above should not be construed as limiting, as the hollow structure may have any other desired geometric outline, such as, but not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, a square, and any other polygonal shape. In some embodiments, the flow channel (106) may include a tapered configuration to facilitate effective directing of the aerosol onto the skin. In embodiments, the flow path (106) is a dedicated flow path and may include additional outlets positioned to eject the aerosol from the skin treatment device (100) and onto the skin. In other embodiments, the flow path may simply function to allow flow to be directed from the aerosol generation device (104) to the head (101) of the skin treatment device (100) for ejection of the aerosol through other suitable outlets.

[0035] In an embodiment, the flow path (106) may be defined by a space within the skin treatment tool (103). That is, the flow path (106) is defined by a space between the rotating elements of the skin treatment tool (103). This space allows the flow of aerosol from the skin treatment device (100) (and thus the head (101) of the skin treatment device (100)) onto the skin, thereby also acting as the further outlet. In this embodiment, the outlet of the aerosol generation device (104) may be disposed in fluid communication with the head (101). The aerosol exiting the outlet of the aerosol generation device (104) enters the head (101) and is then directed onto the skin through the space defined between the rotating elements of the skin treatment tool (103).

[0036] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device (104) is, but is not limited to, a piezoelectric device. The piezoelectric device generates ultra-fine, high-volume mist or vapor particles from the incoming fluid from the reservoir. The ultra-fine mist or vapor generated by the piezoelectric device is easily channeled away from the skin treatment device (100), thus facilitating effective cooling to the skin being treated. The ultra-fine particle size of the aerosol generated by the piezoelectric device further aids in cooling the skin without wetting it.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the skin treatment device (100) may include a flow stream generating element (105) disposed within or adjacent to the head (101) and coupled to a drive unit. In an embodiment, the flow stream generating element (105) may be coupled to the same drive unit to which the skin treatment tool (103) is coupled, or may be coupled to a separate drive unit. The flow stream generating element (105) is configured to generate a fluid flow, in particular an air flow, for further directing the generated aerosol through the flow passage (106) onto the skin to be treated. That is, the flow stream generating element (105) generates a fluid stream to push the generated aerosol out of the skin treatment device (100) through the flow passage (106). The generated stream may be exhausted from the skin treatment device (100) either through the space of the rotating element (103) or through a dedicated flow passage (106) via the further outlet mentioned above. In an embodiment, the flow stream generating element (105) is at least one of a blower and a suction fan (not shown). The blower is disposed at a position lower than the outlet of the aerosol generating device (104) so ​​that the aerosol exiting the outlet is pushed or forced out of the skin treatment device (100) and onto the skin through the flow path (106). The suction fan is disposed at a position higher than the outlet of the aerosol generating device (104) so ​​that the aerosol exiting the outlet of the aerosol generating device (104) is drawn through the flow path (106) by the suction force or negative pressure generated by the suction fan.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, the skin treatment device (100) includes an operating parameter sensor (107) disposed in or on the head (101). Although FIG. 3 shows two operating parameter sensors (107), it is also possible to practice the invention with a single sensor. The operating parameter sensor (107) is configured to measure at least one of a skin parameter and a skin treatment device parameter. In an embodiment, the skin parameter is at least one of a skin temperature (particularly a skin surface temperature), a skin moisture (particularly a skin surface moisture), and a skin tone / pigmentation. Furthermore, the skin treatment device parameter is at least a temperature of the skin treatment tool (103), a mechanical force, and / or a displacement of the skin treatment tool (103). FIG. 3 will now be described with reference to an embodiment related to temperature sensing.

[0039] In an embodiment, the operating parameter sensor (107) includes one or more temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the skin and / or the temperature of the skin treatment tool (103) before and after treatment of the skin. In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in Figures 3a and 3b, a plurality of temperature measurement sensors, such as but not limited to non-contact temperature sensors (i.e. sensors that do not need to contact the skin to measure the temperature of the skin), such as but not limited to infrared (IR) thermal sensors, are positioned adjacent to the skin treatment tool (103) on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (BB) of the skin treatment tool (103) to obtain temperature measurements before and after skin treatment. The plurality of operating parameter sensors (and thus the IR sensors) extend away from the head (101) and are configured to measure the temperature of a portion of the skin and / or the skin treatment tool (103) before and after treatment of the skin. In Figures 3a and 3b, sensor 107-1 measures the temperature of the skin at a location before it is treated. Sensor 107-2 measures the temperature at the same location after it is treated. Alternatively, each of the multiple temperature sensors may be a contact temperature sensor (i.e., a sensor that must contact the skin to measure the skin temperature), such as a thermocouple, thermistor, or resistance temperature detector (RTD).

[0040] In other embodiments, the skin parameter may be an optical property of the skin, for example, an optical property of the skin that changes in response to an incident energy pulse. The optical property may be, for example, scattering, reflectance, etc., and each operational parameter sensor (107) may be an optical sensor disposed on or in the head (101). The optical sensor is configured to measure light reflected or scattered from the skin. In some embodiments, the optical sensor may be disposed on or in the head (101) with a light guide, such as a mirror or prism. The optical sensor emits light into or on the skin with the light guide directing the light emitted on the skin. Furthermore, the optical sensor measures the reflection or scattering of that light. Those skilled in the art will recognize various techniques that may be used to measure the optical properties of the skin, including, for example, hyperspectral imaging, polarization imaging, and speckle imaging.

[0041] In other embodiments, the skin parameter is an acoustic property of the skin, e.g., an acoustic property of the skin that changes in response to an incident energy pulse. The acoustic property may be, for example, acoustic impedance, speed of sound, etc., and the operational parameter sensor (107) may be an acoustic sensor, e.g., an ultrasonic sensor. In some embodiments, the operational parameter sensor (107) includes an acoustic source for emitting sound to the skin, and the acoustic sensor measures the sound to determine the acoustic skin property.

[0042] In other embodiments, the skin parameter may be an electrical property of the skin, such as an electrical property of the skin that changes in response to an incident energy pulse. The electrical property may be, for example, a radio frequency (RF) impedance, capacitance, etc., and each operational parameter sensor (107) may be an RF sensor, an impedance sensor, or a capacitance sensor.

[0043] In another embodiment, the operating parameter sensor (107) includes one or more humidity sensors disposed in or on the head (101). The one or more humidity sensors are configured to measure the skin humidity, in particular the skin surface humidity, as said skin parameter. By way of example, the humidity sensor may be, but is not limited to, a capacitive humidity sensor, a resistive humidity sensor, and a thermal conductivity humidity sensor.

[0044] In other embodiments, the skin treatment device parameters relate to the force or tension applied to the skin by the head (101), or the distance moved by the head (101), and the corresponding time it takes to complete a treatment action.

[0045] In an embodiment, the skin treatment device (100) may further include additional components to those illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. The skin treatment device (100) includes power components (wires and plugs) to enable the skin treatment device (100) to be connected to a mains power source. Furthermore, the skin treatment device (100) includes a sign unit (not shown) communicatively coupled to the control unit (108). Based on the signal from the operating parameter sensor (107), a warning signal is generated by the control unit (108) through the sign unit. The warning signal is at least one of a visual indication (e.g., a light using a light source or a visual signal on a display screen located on either the head (101) or the handle (102) of the skin treatment device (100) and visible to a user during use), an auditory signal (e.g., a sound such as a beep using an audio source such as a loudspeaker), an audiovisual signal, and a tactile signal (e.g., a vibration generated using a vibration element located inside the body).

[0046] 4, the skin treatment device (100) includes a control unit (108) communicatively coupled to each of the operating parameter sensor (107), the aerosol generation device (104), the flow stream generating element (105), and the skin treatment tool (103). The control unit (108) is configured to control the operation of the skin treatment device (100). In an embodiment, controlling the operation of the skin treatment device (100) includes controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device (104) and the flow stream generating element (105), as well as controlling the operation of the skin treatment tool (103) based on the operating parameters (i.e., skin parameters and skin treatment tool (103) parameters) measured by the operating parameter sensor (107).

[0047] In an embodiment, "operational control" corresponds to adjusting the operational capabilities of at least one of the aerosol generation device (104), the flow stream generating element (105), and the skin treatment tool (103) in response to the determined operational parameters.

[0048] For example, the control unit (108) or a corresponding method may obtain the difference between the sensor output signals of the sensor 107-1 and the sensor 107-2 and calculate the increase in the skin parameter / skin treatment device parameter due to the treatment. Based on a comparison of the increase with a pre-defined value, the control unit (108) may transmit a trigger signal to control the operation of at least one of the aerosol generating device (104), the flow stream generating element (105), and the skin treatment tool (103). In case of implementing a single operating parameter sensor, the operating parameter measurement obtained after the treatment may be compared to a stored pre-treatment reference value.

[0049] In an embodiment, the control unit (108) or a corresponding method controls the operation of the aerosol generation device (104) by transmitting a trigger signal for activating the aerosol generation device (104) regardless of whether the flow stream generation element (105) is activated. In another embodiment, the control unit (108) controls the operation of the flow stream generation element (105) by transmitting a trigger signal for activating the flow stream generation element (105) regardless of whether the aerosol generation device (104) is activated. For example, for smaller differences above a threshold, it is sufficient to trigger the drying cooling action promoted by the flow stream generation element (105). The operation of the flow stream generation element (105) independent of the aerosol generation device (104) further aids in conserving battery power.

[0050] Correspondingly, if the increase is determined to be less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit (108) controls the operation of the aerosol generating device (104) by transmitting a trigger signal to stop or inhibit the aerosol generating device (104) and / or the flow stream generating element (105).

[0051] In an embodiment, the control unit (108) or corresponding method may control the operation of the skin treatment tool (103) by transmitting a trigger signal to adjust (increase or decrease) the rotation speed and / or the force applied by the skin treatment tool, e.g., by an internally disposed clamping element in the case of a mechanical epilator. In an embodiment, the control unit (108) or corresponding method may provide indications to the user for manually adjusting treatment application parameters such as force or speed of operation.

[0052] The control unit (108) may be implemented in several ways using software and / or hardware to perform the various functions described herein. The control unit (108) includes one or more microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs) that are programmed with software or computer program code to perform the required functions and / or to control the components of the control unit (108) to perform the required functions. The control unit (108) may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware (e.g., amplifiers, preamplifiers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and / or digital-to-analog converters (DACs)) to perform some functions and processors (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors, controllers, microcontrollers, DSPs, and associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Examples of components employed in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, DSPs, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0053] Referring to Fig. 5, the control unit (108) includes an input signal processing unit (109), a microcontroller unit (MCU) (110), an output signal processing unit (111), and a memory unit (114). The microcontroller unit (110) is connected or coupled to each of the input signal processing unit (109), the output signal processing unit (111), and the memory unit (114). The input signal processing unit (109) receives an input signal in the form of a voltage signal, performs an analog-to-digital conversion of the voltage signal, and sends the digitized signal to the MCU (110). In particular, the input signal processing unit (109) receives respective operating parameter signals from the operating parameter sensors (107). The MCU (110) performs logic operations, sends and receives data to and from the memory unit (114), and sends output signals to the output signal processing unit (111). The output signals sent to the output signal processing unit (111) include signals for controlling the operation of the skin treatment device (100).

[0054] In embodiments, the memory unit (114) stores data, information, and / or signals for use by the control unit (108) in controlling the operation of the skin treatment device (100) (and thus the control of the aerosol generating device (104)), the flow stream generating element (105), and the skin treatment tool (103), and / or in performing or carrying out the operations described herein. In some implementations, the memory unit (114) stores computer readable code that may be executed by the control unit (108) to cause the control unit (108) to perform one or more functions, including the operations described herein. The memory unit (114) comprises any type of non-transitory machine-readable medium, such as a cache or system memory including volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), implemented in the form of memory chips, optical disks (such as compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), or Blu-ray disks), hard disks, tape storage solutions, or solid-state devices including memory sticks, solid-state drives (SSDs), memory cards, and the like.

[0055] In an embodiment, the MCU (110) and the output signal processing unit (111) may output user indicator signals to indicate to a user (or subject) the status of the treatment operation based on the operating parameters determined by the operating parameter sensor (107), for example, whether the skin treatment operation is efficient. The user indicator signals are used to control or drive user interface components such as lights, display screens, loudspeakers, or haptic / tactile (e.g. vibration) elements. The indication signals generated by the control unit (108) may correspond to the skin treatment device (100) being pressed hard against the skin or not being displaced / moved across the skin at a prescribed speed, resulting in the generation of heat, which in turn causes an increase in the temperature or other changes in properties of the skin, causing inconvenience to the subject and reduced efficiency of operation of the skin treatment device (100).

[0056] In an operational embodiment, i.e. during use of the skin treatment device (100) for performing a skin treatment such as hair removal or reduction, the skin treatment device (100) is traversed over the skin with the skin treatment tool (103) in contact with the skin. The operational embodiment is described below considering the skin temperature as an operational parameter. However, the above cannot be construed as limiting, since the skin treatment operation is performed taking into account other operational parameters of the skin, such as optical, acoustic and electrical properties of the skin before and after the treatment. During the traversal of the skin treatment device (100) over the subject's skin, the operational parameter sensor (107) (i.e. the skin temperature determination sensor) determines the skin temperature before the skin treatment and the skin temperature after the skin treatment and generates a first signal. The first signal is received by the input signal processing unit (109), which converts the signal into the preferred form as described above. The converted signal is sent to the MCU (110), which analyzes the signal and determines the temperature difference of the skin before and after the skin treatment. Furthermore, when analyzing the temperature difference of the skin, the control unit (108) compares the determined value with a predefined value stored in the memory unit (114). Upon comparison, if the temperature difference exceeds a predefined threshold, the MCU (110) generates a signal sent to the output signal processing unit (111). The signal corresponds to controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device (104) and the flow stream generating element (105) as well as controlling the rotational speed (i.e., RPM) of the skin treatment tool (103) in one or more of the manners described above. In particular, the signal sent to the output signal processing unit (111) corresponds to interruption or variation of the voltage supply to the aerosol generation device (104), the flow stream generating element (105), and the skin treatment tool (103) for controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device (104), the flow stream generating element (105), and the skin treatment tool (103). Such a configuration of the skin treatment device (100), in which the operation of the skin treatment device (100) is controlled based on the operating parameters determined by the operating parameter sensor (107), assists in improving the operating efficiency (i.e., longer operating time) of the skin treatment device (100).

[0057] In an embodiment, if the temperature difference of the skin before and after the skin treatment is within a threshold limit, the skin treatment may further operate under normal operating conditions, meaning that the aerosol generating device (104), the flow stream generating element (105), and the skin treatment tool (103) are operated in accordance with their capabilities.

[0058] In some embodiments, the input signal processing unit (109) may also receive a second signal from the humidity sensor. The MCU (110) analyzes the second signal, and if the value of the second signal exceeds a threshold, the output signal processing unit (111) generates a signal corresponding to the activation of the flow stream generating element (105) independent of the aerosol generating device (104). Here, the output signal processing unit (111) generates a signal to inhibit or stop the operation of the aerosol generating device (104). The activation of the flow stream generating element (105) helps to reduce humidity by pushing dry air onto the skin, further aiding in efficient skin treatment, since excess humidity can dampen the skin and lead to inefficient skin treatment.

[0059] In some embodiments, the control unit (108) may determine feedback for the user regarding use of the skin treatment device (100) based on the information determined about the speed and / or displacement of the skin treatment device (100). The feedback may be, for example, that the user should move the skin treatment device (100) more quickly or apply less pressure to the skin to improve the efficiency of the overall treatment action.

[0060] With respect to the use of virtually any plural and / or singular term herein, one of skill in the art may convert from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural as appropriate to the context and / or application. For clarity, the various singular / plural permutations are expressly set forth herein.

[0061] In general, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that the terms used herein, and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those of skill in the art that where a specific number of introduced claim recitations are intended, such intent will be clearly set forth in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent exists. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims include the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce the claim recitations. However, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" as well as an indefinite article such as "one," the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that the introduction of a claim recitation with the indefinite article "one" limits any particular claim that includes the claim recitation so introduced to an invention that includes only one such recitation (e.g., "one" should typically be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"), and the same is true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that even if a particular number of introduced claim recitations is expressly recited, such recitation is typically construed to mean at least the recited number (e.g., "two recitations" literally means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations, in the absence of other modifiers).Furthermore, in instances where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, such a structure is generally intended to mean that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B and C together, etc.). In instances where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, such a structure is generally intended to mean that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that virtually any disjunction and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A", "B", or "A and B". While various aspects and embodiments are disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims. For example, while an example of hair removal is described herein, the present invention may be applied to other types of skin treatments that benefit from skin cooling, such as hair dyeing, tattooing, skin rejuvenation, skin cell regeneration, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 100 Skin treatment device 101 Head 102 Handle 103 Skin treatment tools 104 Aerosol generating device 105 Fluid Stream Generation Elements 106 Flow Path 107 Operating Parameter Sensor 108 Control Unit 109 Input signal processing unit 110 Microcontroller Unit 111 Output signal processing unit 112 User Control 114 Memory Unit

Claims

**Claim 1** A skin treatment device, a head, an aerosol generation device disposed on the head and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the skin treatment device, and an operation parameter sensor, wherein the aerosol generation device generates an aerosol based on operation parameters measured by the operation parameter sensor and conducts the aerosol through a flow path of the skin treatment device to the skin to be treated from the skin treatment device to provide a cooling effect on the skin. **Claim 2** The skin treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising a flow stream generation element for generating a flow for further conducting the aerosol through the flow path. **Claim 3** The skin treatment device according to claim 2, wherein the flow stream generation element is at least one of a blower and a suction fan. **Claim 4** The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow path is defined by a space in a skin treatment tool of the skin treatment device. **Claim 5** The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flow path is a passage defined within the skin treatment device or coupled to the skin treatment device. **Claim 6** The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operation parameter sensor is an optical sensor. **Claim 7** The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the operation parameter sensor measures at least one of skin parameters and skin treatment device parameters. **Claim 8** The skin treatment device according to claim 7, wherein the skin parameter is at least one of skin temperature, skin humidity, and skin color. **Claim 9** The skin treatment device according to claim 7, wherein the skin treatment device parameter is at least one of the temperature of the skin treatment tool, mechanical force, and displacement. **Claim 10** The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a plurality of operation parameter sensors, each of the plurality of operation parameter sensors being disposed on the opposite side with respect to the longitudinal axis of a skin treatment tool of the skin treatment device. **Claim 11** The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol generation device is a piezoelectric device. **Claim 12** The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a control unit communicably coupled to the motion parameter sensor and the aerosol generation device, wherein the control unit selectively controls the operation of the aerosol generation device and / or the skin treatment tool of the skin treatment device based on the motion parameters measured by the motion parameter sensor.

13. The skin treatment device according to claim 12, which depends on claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit is communicably coupled to the fluid stream generating element, and operates the fluid stream generating element independently of the aerosol generation device based on the humidity of the skin measured by the motion parameter sensor.

14. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a signal unit communicably coupled to the control unit, wherein the control unit generates a warning signal through the signal unit based on a signal from the motion parameter sensor, and / or the warning signal is at least one of an auditory signal, a visual signal, an audiovisual signal, and a tactile signal.

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