Beauty device and beauty method

Abstract

To provide a beauty device and a beauty method which can keep a heating temperature without complicatedly repeating ON / OFF of a pulse current and can perform treatment with intonation and rapid heating.SOLUTION: The beauty machine configured to heat the skin of a treated person, comprises a pulse drive part 36 which sets a pulse period, a pulse width, and a PWM duty ratio of each of a first RF output and a second RF output with a different polarity from the first RF output, and alternately outputs the first RF output and the second RF output, or outputs any one of the first RF output or the second RF output, with the set PWM duty ratio.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a beauty device and a beauty method. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A skin treatment device has been proposed that includes a plurality of linearly arranged electrodes that can apply RF (Radio Frequency) energy to the skin of a user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] This skin treatment device is configured to raise the temperature of moisture contained in the skin by applying RF output, i.e., a predetermined pulse current, for a predetermined period of time while multiple electrodes are placed on the skin.

[0004] In this case, if the current continues to flow, the skin temperature will rise too much, so after the temperature has risen to a certain level, it is necessary to repeatedly turn the pulse current on and off to maintain a constant skin temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,844,682 B2 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the method of repeatedly turning the pulse current on and off results in a treatment that continues with a monotonous heating sensation. Furthermore, to miniaturize the above-mentioned conventional devices, the electrodes also need to be made smaller. However, as the electrode volume decreases, the heat capacity of the electrode also decreases, so the electrode cools down quickly when the pulse current is turned off, and the user senses that heating has stopped due to the cold feeling of the electrode. On the other hand, rapid heating is required when starting treatment or when changing the treatment area.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a beauty device and beauty method that can maintain the heating temperature by suppressing cooling of the electrodes regardless of the size of the electrodes, and that allows for treatment with a sense of rhythm and rapid heating. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means. The cosmetic device according to the present invention is a cosmetic device that heats the biological tissue of a subject, and is equipped with a pulse driver that sets the pulse period, pulse width, and PWM duty ratio of a first RF output and a second RF output having a polarity different from that of the first RF output, and alternately outputs the first RF output and the second RF output at the set PWM duty ratio, or outputs either the first RF output or the second RF output.

[0009] In addition, the beauty device of the present invention includes a time measurement unit that measures the treatment time for the biological tissue, a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the biological tissue, and a moisture content calculation unit that calculates the moisture content in the biological tissue from the elapsed time and the temperature.

[0010] In addition, in the beauty device according to the present invention, the pulse driving unit sets the pulse period, the pulse width, and the PWM duty ratio of each of the first RF output and the second RF output based on the calculated moisture content.

[0011] Furthermore, a cosmetic method according to the present invention is a cosmetic method for heating living tissue of a subject using a computer, and includes the steps of setting a pulse period, pulse width, and PWM duty ratio of a first RF output and a second RF output having a polarity different from that of the first RF output, and alternately outputting the first RF output and the second RF output at the set PWM duty ratio, or outputting either the first RF output or the second RF output.

[0012] In addition, the cosmetic method of the present invention includes a time measurement step of measuring the treatment time for the biological tissue, a temperature detection step of detecting the temperature of the biological tissue during the elapsed time, and a moisture content calculation step of calculating the moisture content in the biological tissue based on the elapsed time and the temperature.

[0013] Furthermore, in the cosmetic method according to the present invention, in the step of setting the pulse period, the pulse width, and the PWM duty ratio, the pulse period, the pulse width, and the PWM duty ratio of each of the first RF output and the second RF output are set based on the calculated moisture content. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, regardless of the size of the electrode, it is possible to suppress cooling of the electrode and maintain the heating temperature, and it is possible to perform treatment that has a moderate feeling and allows for rapid heating. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing an overview of a cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an RF generating unit of a cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams showing the concepts of (a) AC mode, (b) DC1 mode, and (c) DC2 mode generated by an RF generating unit of a cosmetic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a control unit of the cosmetic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a PWM duty ratio of the cosmetic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for setting the RF output of the cosmetic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a temperature profile diagram showing treatment details performed by the beauty device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a flow diagram of a cosmetic method according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The facial beauty device (beauty device) 10 of this embodiment is a facial beauty device that heats the skin (biological tissue) of a person being treated (not shown), and is equipped with a main body 11 and a cap (not shown) that is detachable from the main body 11, and has a heating mode HM that heats the skin to a target temperature and an adaptation mode KM that maintains the skin temperature within a predetermined temperature range.

[0017] 1 to 3, the main body 11 is provided with an operation switch 12 operated by the practitioner or the patient. The main body 11 is provided with a treatment surface 16 on which are arranged a plurality of electrodes 13 that come into contact with the skin and output RF, and a temperature sensor 15 that measures the skin temperature. The main body 11 is also provided with an acceleration sensor (not shown) for detecting the movement of the main body 11.

[0018] The treatment surface 16 includes a first treatment surface 16A with a predetermined surface area that can contact a wide area such as the cheek or chin, and a second treatment surface 16B with a surface area smaller than that of the first treatment surface 16A that can contact a narrow area such as the area under the eyes or the corners of the eyes. When viewed from the operation switch 12 side, the first treatment surface 16A and the second treatment surface 16B are connected in a generally V-shape. A plurality of electrodes 13A-13H, each having a generally identical shape, are arranged side by side on the first treatment surface 16A and the second treatment surface 16B. A selection switch (not shown) is provided on the main body 11 to allow selection between the first treatment surface 16A and the second treatment surface 16B.

[0019] The facial beauty device 10 realizes or executes various information processing functions and actions during treatment using an RF generation unit 18 that generates RF output from a DC power supply (not shown), a control unit 20 realized by an integrated circuit such as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) (not shown), and a memory unit 21 realized by semiconductor memory elements such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory built into the MCU (Micro Controller Unit) (not shown).

[0020] 4, the RF generating unit 18 generates a square wave as an RF output via a transformer 25 by high-speed switching of the first transistor 22 and the second transistor 23. Here, the transformer 25 includes a first primary winding 26, a second primary winding 27 wound in the opposite direction to the first primary winding 26, and a secondary winding 28 disposed on the electrode 13 side. A first RF output RF1 generated by driving the first transistor 22 and a second RF output RF2 generated by driving the second transistor 23 are outputs of mutually opposite polarity.

[0021] 5, the RF generating unit 18 generates an AC wave AC from the first RF output RF1 and the second RF output RF2 by alternately driving the first transistor 22 and the second transistor 23 at a predetermined period in the AC mode, a square wave DC1 by driving only the first transistor 22 at a predetermined period in the DC1 mode, and a square wave DC2 by driving only the second transistor 23 at a predetermined period in the DC2 mode. In this embodiment, the pulse period is, for example, 1 microsecond.

[0022] The control unit 20 is a controller, and for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) or the like executes a program stored in the storage unit 21 using RAM as a work area. The internal configuration of the control unit 20 may be other configurations as long as they are capable of performing information processing, which will be described later.

[0023] 6, the control unit 20 includes a time measurement unit 31, a temperature detection unit 32, a moisture content calculation unit 33, and a pulse drive unit 36, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and actions described below. Note that the connection relationships between the units of the control unit 20 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 7, and other connection relationships may also be used.

[0024] The time measurement unit 31 includes a treatment time measurement unit 37 that measures the time elapsed from the start of treatment on the skin, a mode time measurement unit 38 that measures the time elapsed during the heating mode HM or adaptation mode KM period, and a moisture content time measurement unit 40 that measures the time elapsed from the time calculation of the moisture content of the skin began.

[0025] The temperature detection unit 32 calculates the temperature of the skin from the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor 15. The moisture content calculation unit 33 calculates the moisture content in the skin from the elapsed time and the skin temperature.

[0026] The pulse driver 36 performs PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control and sets the pulse waveform (pulse period and pulse width) to be generated by varying the PWM duty ratio as shown in Fig. 7. In this embodiment, for example, if the pulse period is 1 microsecond, the PWM duty ratio can be changed in 2% increments within a range of 50 microseconds.

[0027] 8, the pulse driver 36 sets an AC mode in which the first RF output RF1 and the second RF output RF2 are alternately output, or a DC mode in which the DC1 mode in which the first RF output RF1 is output and the DC2 mode in which the second RF output RF2 is output alternately, at a PWM duty ratio set per 50 microseconds, and outputs the set signals to the RF generator 18. In this embodiment, the AC mode and the DC mode can be switched in 1 millisecond increments.

[0028] The memory unit 21 stores information defining the relationship between the temperature profile P during treatment as shown in Fig. 9 and the pulse period, pulse width, and PWM duty ratio of the RF output according to the moisture content of the skin as shown in Tables 1 to 4. The temperature profile P according to this embodiment has three set patterns: strong, medium, and weak (the strong temperature profile is shown). The temperature profile P is a combination of a first heating mode HM1 and a second heating mode HM2 as the heating mode HM, and a first adaptation mode KM1 and a second adaptation mode KM2 as the adaptation mode KM, and the temperature can be set according to the RF output in each mode.

[0029] Table 1 shows pulse drive data for the first heating mode HM1. In the table, ON control refers to the control content when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 15 is lower than the temperature set in the temperature profile P. Furthermore, OFF control refers to the control content when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 15 is higher than the temperature set in the temperature profile P. In the first heating mode HM1, rapid heating is possible regardless of the moisture content of the skin, for example, by setting the pulse width to 340 nanoseconds, the PWM duty ratio to 90% during ON control, and 0% during OFF control.

[0030] Tables 2 and 3 show pulse drive data for the first adaptation mode KM1 and the second adaptation mode KM2. A warm feeling with a modulated tone is achieved by repeating the contents shown in Table 2 or Table 3 at a regular interval. In the first adaptation mode KM1 and the second adaptation mode KM2, during OFF control, the RF output is not stopped, but the PWM duty ratio is set to the value in the table to prevent the user from feeling a cold sensation.

[0031] Table 4 shows pulse drive data for the second heating mode HM2. In the second heating mode HM2, rapid heating is not necessary because the skin is already sufficiently warm, and settings can be changed according to the moisture content of the skin.

[0032] [Table 1]

[0033] [Table 2]

[0034] [Table 3]

[0035] [Table 4]

[0036] Next, the information processing and operation of the facial beauty device 10 according to this embodiment will be described along with the beauty method shown in Fig. 10. First, as preparation, the operation switch 12 is pressed for a short time to select one of the heating temperature profiles P (strong, medium, or weak), and a selection switch (not shown) is operated to select either the first treatment surface 16A or the second treatment surface 16B.

[0037] Then, with the first treatment surface 16A or the second treatment surface 16B in contact with the skin, the operation switch 12 is pressed for a long time to start the treatment. After that, the main body 11 is moved relative to the skin, and an acceleration sensor (not shown) detects the movement of the main body 11, and a time measurement step (S01) and a temperature measurement step (S02) are carried out.

[0038] In the time measurement step (S01), the treatment time measurement unit 37, the mode time measurement unit 38, and the moisture content time measurement unit 40 each start measuring the elapsed time from the start of treatment. In the temperature measurement step (S02), the temperature detection unit 32 starts measuring the skin temperature using the temperature sensor 15. Measurement of the treatment time by the treatment time measurement unit 37 and temperature detection by the temperature detection unit 32 are always performed during the treatment.

[0039] At the same time, the first heating mode HM1 is started. This first heating mode HM1 includes a first heating RF driving step (S11) and a moisture content calculation step (S12).

[0040] In the first heating RF drive step (S11), the pulse driver 36 references the data shown in Table 1 stored in the memory unit 21 and sets a predetermined pulse period, pulse width, and PWM duty ratio in the first heating mode HM1. Also, the pulse driver 36 references the data for ON control shown in Table 1 and sets a predetermined output mode in the first heating mode HM1, and issues a command to the pulse generator 18, causing the pulse generator 18 to generate RF output.

[0041] The RF output generated in this way is supplied to the skin via electrodes 13, heating the moisture contained within the skin. At this time, the temperature of the skin is detected by temperature detection unit 32. If the skin temperature exceeds the temperature on the temperature profile even during heating, pulse driver 36 refers to the data for OFF control shown in Table 1 and stops the RF output from RF generator 18.

[0042] In the moisture content calculation step (S12), the moisture content is calculated by the moisture content calculation unit 33 based on the skin temperature data detected by the temperature detection unit 32. The moisture content is calculated by multiplying the difference between the actually measured skin temperature and the temperature on the temperature profile P during the time elapsed since the start of treatment by a predetermined coefficient.

[0043] However, if the elapsed time from the start of treatment measured by the moisture time measurement unit 40 at the start of the moisture content calculation step (S12) has not reached the specified time, the moisture content calculation unit 33 determines that it is not possible to calculate the moisture content based on the detected temperature, does not perform this step, and does not calculate the moisture content from the detected skin temperature.

[0044] When a predetermined time has elapsed and the skin temperature exceeds the start temperature of the second heating mode HM2, the mode transitions to the first adaptation mode KM1. The first adaptation mode KM1 includes a first adaptation RF driving step (S21).

[0045] In this first adaptation RF driving step (S21), different control is performed depending on whether or not the moisture amount calculation step (S12) is performed.

[0046] When the moisture content is calculated in the moisture content calculation step (S12), a step is performed in which the pulse driver 36 alternately references the data for ON control and OFF control shown in Table 2 or Table 3 stored in the memory unit 21 at regular intervals based on the moisture content calculated by the moisture content calculator 33, and sets a predetermined PWM duty ratio for the first adaptation mode KM1. At the same time, the pulse driver 36 sets a predetermined pulse period, pulse width, and output mode for the first adaptation mode KM1.

[0047] Then, a step is performed in which the pulse driver 36 commands the pulse generator 18 to generate RF power, and the generated RF power heats the electrode 13 so that the temperature of the electrode 13 is maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

[0048] On the other hand, if the moisture content calculation step (S12) has not been performed, a step is performed in which pulse driver 36 sets a PWM duty ratio for a moisture content of, for example, 20 to 30% in Table 2 or Table 3. At the same time, pulse driver 36 alternately references data for moisture contents of, for example, 20 to 30% in Table 2 or Table 3 at regular intervals to set a pulse period, pulse width, and output mode. Then, electrode 13 is heated by RF output generated by pulse generator 18 so that the temperature thereof is maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

[0049] After a predetermined time has elapsed, if the skin temperature is higher than the temperature at the start of the first adaptation mode KM1, the second heating mode HM2 is initiated. The second heating mode HM2 includes a second heating RF driving step (S31).

[0050] In the second heating RF drive step (S31), if the moisture content has been calculated in the moisture content calculation step (S12), a step is performed in which the pulse driver 36 sets a predetermined PWM duty ratio in the second heating mode HM2 by referencing the data for ON control shown in Table 4 stored in the memory unit 21 based on the moisture content calculated by the moisture content calculation unit 33. At the same time, the pulse driver 36 sets a predetermined pulse period, pulse width, and output mode in the second heating mode HM2 by referencing the data shown in Table 4. Then, a step is performed in which the pulse driver 36 issues a command to the pulse generator 18, causing the pulse generator 18 to generate RF output.

[0051] On the other hand, if the moisture content calculation step (S12) has not been performed, a step is performed in which pulse driver 36 sets the PWM duty ratio when the moisture content in Table 4 is, for example, 20 to 30%. At the same time, pulse driver 36 sets the pulse period, pulse width, and output mode by referring to the data in Table 4 when the moisture content is, for example, 20 to 30%. Then, electrode 13 is heated by the RF output generated by pulse generator 18 so that the temperature thereof is maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

[0052] In this way, the RF output generated by RF generator 18 is supplied to the skin via electrode 13, heating the moisture contained within the skin. If the skin temperature exceeds the temperature on the temperature profile even during heating, pulse driver 36 refers to the data for OFF control shown in Table 4 and stops the RF output by RF generator 18.

[0053] After a predetermined time has elapsed, when the skin temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, the mode shifts to the second adaptation mode KM2. The second adaptation mode KM2 includes a second adaptation RF driving step (S41).

[0054] In this second adaptation RF driving step (S41), control is performed in the same manner as in the first adaptation RF driving step (S21). Thus, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of treatment, the pulse driver 36 stops the RF output, thereby ending the treatment. Note that, in each step, when the movement of the main body 11 relative to the skin is stopped with the first treatment surface 16A or the second treatment surface 16B in contact with the skin, an acceleration sensor (not shown) detects the stoppage of movement of the main body 11, and the pulse driver 36 stops the RF output. Also, in each step, when the movement of the main body 11 relative to the skin is resumed with the first treatment surface 16A or the second treatment surface 16B in contact with the skin, an acceleration sensor (not shown) detects the movement of the main body 11, and the pulse driver 36 resumes the RF output.

[0055] This facial beauty device 10 and beauty method allow switching between the pulse period, pulse width, and output mode of the first RF output RF1 and the second RF output RF2 according to the heating mode HM and the adaptation mode KM. Furthermore, by setting the duty ratio of the RF output according to the moisture content of the skin calculated from the actual skin temperature detected for the temperature profile P, the pulse waveform can be changed, allowing for the temperature rise curve during heating to be changed, enabling rapid heating and treatment with a more gradual change in tone. Furthermore, heating can be continued with less energy during warmth retention, and treatment can be performed without a cold sensation even with small electrodes.

[0056] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, although the RF output is generated based on a square wave, it may be generated based on a general pulse waveform. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10 Facial beauty devices (beauty devices) 31 Time measurement section 32 Temperature detection unit 33 Moisture content calculation unit 36 Pulse drive unit RF1 First RF output RF2 Second RF output

Claims

1. A beauty device that heats the living tissue of a patient, A cosmetic device including a pulse driver that sets the pulse period, pulse width, and PWM duty ratio of a first RF output and a second RF output having a polarity different from that of the first RF output, and alternately outputs the first RF output and the second RF output at the set PWM duty ratio, or outputs either the first RF output or the second RF output.

2. a time measurement unit that measures the treatment time for the biological tissue; a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the biological tissue; a water content calculation unit that calculates the water content in the biological tissue from the elapsed time and the temperature; The cosmetic device according to claim 1 .

3. The beauty device according to claim 2, wherein the pulse driving unit sets the pulse period, the pulse width, and the PWM duty ratio of each of the first RF output and the second RF output based on the calculated moisture content.

4. A cosmetic method for heating living tissue of a subject by a computer, comprising: setting a pulse period, a pulse width, and a PWM duty ratio of each of a first RF output and a second RF output having a polarity opposite to that of the first RF output; alternately outputting the first RF output and the second RF output at the set PWM duty ratio, or outputting either the first RF output or the second RF output; A beauty method that includes:

5. a time measurement step of measuring a treatment time for the biological tissue; a temperature detection step of detecting the temperature of the living tissue during the elapsed time; a water content calculation step of calculating a water content in the biological tissue based on the elapsed time and the temperature; The cosmetic method according to claim 4, comprising:

6. 6. The cosmetic method according to claim 5, wherein in the step of setting the pulse period, the pulse width, and the PWM duty ratio, the pulse period, the pulse width, and the PWM duty ratio of each of the first RF output and the second RF output are set based on the calculated moisture content.

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