Hair removal device and hair removal method

Abstract

This invention relates to a hair removal device and method that can suppress pain associated with hair removal treatment, regardless of the density of hair follicles. [Solution] A hair removal device that performs hair removal using a beam of light emitted from a light source, comprising a light source, a beam diameter control unit capable of changing the beam diameter of the beam light emitted onto a treatment area of ​​the skin, and an irradiation position identification unit that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light in the treatment area using the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit, wherein the beam diameter control unit is configured to selectively set the beam diameter of the beam light emitted onto the treatment area to at least a first beam diameter and a second beam diameter smaller than the first beam diameter, and the irradiation position identification unit has a first irradiation position identification unit that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light at the first beam diameter and a second irradiation position identification unit that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light at the second beam diameter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair removal device and a hair removal method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a hair removal device that performs a hair removal process by irradiating light on body hair existing on human skin has been known (Patent Document 1, etc.). In the hair removal device described in Patent Document 1, pores existing in the treatment target area of the skin are specified, and light is sequentially irradiated on each of the specified pores.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the hair removal device described in Patent Document 1, when performing a hair removal process in an area where pores are not dense, only one irradiation is performed on one pore, so there is an advantage that pain associated with the hair removal process can be suppressed. On the other hand, in the hair removal device described in Patent Document 1, when performing a hair removal process in an area where pores are dense, the light irradiated on one pore is also irradiated on other adjacent pores, so multiple irradiations are performed on one pore, and there is a risk that the pain associated with the hair removal process increases.

[0005] As described above, in the hair removal device described in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of suppressing pain associated with the hair removal process regardless of the pore density.

[0006] The present invention relates to a hair removal device and a hair removal method capable of suppressing pain associated with the hair removal process regardless of the pore density.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The hair removal device according to the present invention is a hair removal device that performs hair removal processing using beam light emitted from a light source, comprising: a light source; a beam diameter control unit capable of changing the beam diameter of the beam light emitted onto a treatment target area of ​​the skin; and an irradiation position identification unit that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light in the treatment target area using the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit, wherein the beam diameter control unit is configured to selectively set the beam diameter of the beam light emitted onto the treatment target area to at least a first beam diameter and a second beam diameter smaller than the first beam diameter, and the irradiation position identification unit has a first irradiation position identification unit that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light at the first beam diameter and a second irradiation position identification unit that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light at the second beam diameter.

[0008] In the hair removal device according to the present invention, the first irradiation position identification unit may identify a predetermined area including a plurality of hair follicles in the area to be treated as the irradiation position of beam light with a first beam diameter, and the second irradiation position identification unit may identify each hair follicle in the area to be treated as the irradiation position of beam light with a second beam diameter.

[0009] The hair removal device according to the present invention may include an imaging unit capable of imaging the area to be treated, and a beam diameter determination unit that, based on the image data of the area to be treated captured by the imaging unit, identifies the average distance between hair follicles or the density of hair follicles in the area to be treated, and selects either the first beam diameter or the second beam diameter based on the identified average distance between hair follicles or density of hair follicles.

[0010] The hair removal device according to the present invention may include a display panel capable of displaying the determination result of the beam diameter determination unit, and a selection button capable of selecting either the first beam diameter or the second beam diameter.

[0011] In the hair removal apparatus according to the present invention, the beam diameter control unit may set the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing target area to either the first beam diameter or the second beam diameter based on the determination result of the beam diameter determination unit.

[0012] In the hair removal device according to the present invention, the first irradiation position identification unit may identify as the irradiation position a predetermined region that does not overlap with the predetermined region identified as the irradiation position during the previous irradiation.

[0013] The hair removal device according to the present invention includes an adjustment lens for adjusting the beam diameter of the beam light emitted from the light source, and the beam diameter control unit may be configured to change the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the treatment area by moving the light source and the adjustment lens closer together or further apart from each other.

[0014] The hair removal device according to the present invention includes a light source control unit that controls the light source, and the light source control unit may be configured to adjust the emission interval of the beam light emitted from the light source based on the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit.

[0015] The hair removal method according to the present invention is a hair removal method that performs hair removal treatment using beam light irradiated from a light source, and includes a beam diameter control step that can change the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto a treatment area of ​​the skin, and an irradiation position identification step that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light in the treatment area using the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control step, wherein the beam diameter control step includes a step of selectively setting the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the treatment area to at least a first beam diameter and a second beam diameter smaller than the first beam diameter, and the irradiation position identification step includes a first irradiation position identification step that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light at the first beam diameter and a second irradiation position identification step that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light at the second beam diameter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the hair removal device and method of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the pain associated with the hair removal treatment regardless of the density of pores.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the hair removal device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the light source unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the light source unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the light source unit according to the modified example. [Figure 5] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the light source unit according to the modified example. [Figure 6] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the light source unit according to the modified example. [Figure 7] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the irradiation position control mechanism according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing the original image captured by the imaging unit according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing the state where pores are specified by the pore specifying unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing the state where the irradiation position of the beam light is specified by the first irradiation position specifying unit according to the present embodiment, FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing the state where the irradiation position that does not overlap with the previous irradiation position is specified by the first irradiation position specifying unit according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 10(c) is a diagram showing the state where the irradiation position is sequentially specified by the first irradiation position specifying unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing the image data in which pores are specified, and FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing the cut-out pore images cut out for each specified pore. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of the hair removal method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13A]This figure shows an example of hair removal treatment using the first beam diameter. [Figure 13B] This figure shows an example of hair removal treatment using the first beam diameter. [Figure 14A] This figure shows an example of hair removal treatment using a second beam diameter. [Figure 14B] This figure shows an example of hair removal treatment using a second beam diameter. [Figure 15A] This figure shows an example of thinning. [Figure 15B] This figure shows an example of thinning. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as defined in each claim, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. Furthermore, in these embodiments, the scale and dimensions of each component may be exaggerated, and some components may be omitted.

[0019] [Overall configuration of the hair removal device] The hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment is a hair removal device that performs hair removal using beam light emitted from a light source 21, which will be described later.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the hair removal device 1 comprises a housing 10 that can be grasped by the user, a light source unit 20 housed within the housing 10, an irradiation position control mechanism (for example, a control mechanism that can control the irradiation position of beam light in the XY direction by arranging a galvanometer scanner equipped with a rotating mirror in two axes XY direction) 30, and an imaging unit 40, and a control unit 100 (see Figure 8) that controls the light source unit 20 and the irradiation position control mechanism 30 based on image data captured by the imaging unit 40. The control unit 100 may be located within the housing 10, or it may be located within a separate terminal connected to the housing 10 via wired or wireless data communication.

[0021] [Housing Configuration] As shown in Figure 1, the housing 10 comprises a gripping portion 11 that can be grasped by the user, and a head portion 12 that is continuously arranged on the tip side of the gripping portion 11. In the hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment, the light source unit 20 and the irradiation position control mechanism 30 are arranged in the gripping portion 11, and the imaging unit 40 is arranged in the head portion 12, but it is not limited to this. Furthermore, the configuration and shape of the housing 10 are not limited to the illustrated example and can be changed as desired.

[0022] The gripping portion 11 is formed in any shape, such as a cylindrical shape, having a diameter and longitudinal length that can be grasped by the user, and is designed with an external shape suitable for facing the skin-facing surface of the head portion 12 toward the skin to be treated. This makes it easy for the housing 10 to position the hair removal device 1 on the skin to be treated while gripping the gripping portion 11, and also makes it easy to move the hair removal device 1 from the treated area toward the untreated area. The gripping portion 11 is also provided with an irradiation button 18A for switching the irradiation of the light source 20 ON / OFF, a selection button 18B for selecting either the first beam diameter or the second beam diameter described later as the beam diameter of the beam light to be irradiated onto the skin to be treated area, and a selection button 18C for identifying the preferred beam diameter of the beam light to be irradiated onto the skin to be treated area from among the first beam diameter and the second beam diameter (see Figure 8).

[0023] The head unit 12 has an opening 13 on the skin-facing surface (the lower surface in this embodiment) that faces the skin to be treated during hair removal, and a cover member 14 is provided to cover the opening 13. The opening 13 is larger than the area of ​​skin to be treated in a single shot. The cover member 14 has dustproof properties that prevent dust and other particles from entering the housing 10, and light transmittance that does not interfere with the irradiation process by the light source unit 20 and the imaging process by the imaging unit 40. For example, a transparent glass plate can be used as the cover member 14, but it is not limited to this.

[0024] Furthermore, a dichroic mirror 17 is provided inside the head unit 12 to further reflect the beam light from the light source unit 20, which has been deflected by the irradiation position control mechanism 30, toward the outside of the aperture 13. The dichroic mirror 17 is positioned at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the aperture 13 and has a reflective surface that efficiently reflects the irradiation light, which is infrared light with a long wavelength. This reflective surface is configured to efficiently reflect the beam light from the light source unit 20, which has been deflected by the irradiation position control mechanism 30, toward the outside of the aperture 13 (the area of ​​skin to be treated). On the other hand, the dichroic mirror 17 is designed to transmit visible light, which has a shorter wavelength, with high transmittance relative to the irradiation light, and the imaging unit 40 is positioned on the side of this transmitting surface. As a result, the imaging unit 40 can image the area outside the aperture 13 (the area of ​​skin to be treated) with little loss via the dichroic mirror 17.

[0025] Furthermore, the head unit 12 is provided with an illumination means (not shown) capable of irradiating illumination light toward the opening 13. The illumination means is configured to light up when imaging is performed by the imaging unit 40 and to illuminate the area of ​​skin to be processed through the opening 13. Various arbitrary light sources, such as general-purpose LEDs, can be used as such illumination means.

[0026] Furthermore, the head unit 12 is equipped with a movement detection sensor 15 on the skin-facing surface for detecting the amount of movement of the hair removal device 1 relative to the skin to be treated. The movement detection sensor 15 is positioned so as not to be obscured by the user's hand when the user is holding the gripping unit 11, for example, near the opening 13. By providing such a movement detection sensor 15, it becomes possible to monitor vibrations (minute movements) during the treatment time in real time, and if the displacement exceeds a certain amount, it becomes possible to perform warning processing such as prompting re-irradiation with an alarm sound and display. As the movement detection sensor 15, for example, an optical mouse sensor, an accelerometer, or a gyroscope can be used, but is not limited to these.

[0027] Furthermore, the head unit 12 is provided with a display panel 16 on the side facing the user during hair removal (the top surface in this embodiment). The display panel 16 is configured to display real-time video (live image) captured by the imaging unit 40 when the hair removal device 1 is moved from a treated area to an untreated area. By displaying the live image on the display panel 16 in this way, it is possible to support the movement of the hair removal device 1 to the untreated area. In addition, when the specific button 18C described above is operated, the display panel 16 is configured to display the determination result of the beam diameter determination unit 112, which will be described later, that is, the preferred beam diameter of the beam light to be irradiated onto the skin treatment area, among the first beam diameter and the second beam diameter. The display panel 16 can be, for example, a liquid crystal panel, but is not limited to this.

[0028] [Configuration of the light source unit] As shown in Figure 2, the light source unit 20 includes a plurality of light sources 21 having different wavelengths (in this embodiment, a first light source 21a, a second light source 21b, and a third light source 21c), a plurality of magnifying lenses 22 (in this embodiment, a first magnifying lens 22a, a second magnifying lens 22b, and a third magnifying lens 22c) that enlarge the beam diameter of the beam light emitted from the plurality of light sources 21 (first light source 21a to third light source 21c), a wave combining means 23 for appropriately merging the beam light emitted from the plurality of light sources 21 (first light source 21a to third light source 21c), a reduction lens 24 that reduces the beam diameter of one or more beam lights emitted from the plurality of light sources 21 (first light source 21a to third light source 21c), and an adjustment lens 25 for adjusting the beam diameter of the beam light emitted from the light sources 21.

[0029] In the example shown in Figure 1, the light source unit 20 is located inside the gripping portion 11 of the housing 10, but it is not limited to this. It can be placed at any position inside the housing 10 as long as beam light can be emitted from the opening 13 of the housing 10 via the irradiation position control mechanism 30 or the like.

[0030] The first light source 21a, the second light source 21b, and the third light source 21c are beam-shaped high-brightness light sources with an irradiation intensity (energy density) that is sufficient to sufficiently damage hair follicles and remove hair permanently or over the long term (hair removal treatment). Various known light sources such as lasers, semiconductor lasers, semiconductor-pumped solid-state lasers, solid-state lasers, and ultra-high-brightness LEDs can be arbitrarily adopted as such light sources.

[0031] The beam light emitted from the first light source 21a, the second light source 21b, and the third light source 21c preferably has a diameter that is necessary and sufficiently large for a single hair follicle on the irradiation surface. That is, the beam diameter of the beam light emitted from the first light source 21a, the second light source 21b, and the third light source 21c is preferably set to be larger than the diameter of the hair follicle or pore, taking into account the image recognition accuracy and the positioning accuracy (positional deviation) of the scanner.

[0032] The first light source 21a is configured to emit a beam of light with a relatively short wavelength, for example, about 755 nm, which is easily absorbed by melanin pigment, which is abundant in hair. On the other hand, the third light source 21c is configured to emit a beam of light with a relatively long wavelength, for example, about 1064 nm, which is less absorbed by melanin pigment and gentler on the skin. The second light source 21b is configured to emit a beam of light with a wavelength between that of the first light source 21a and the third light source 21c, for example, about 810 nm.

[0033] The same number of magnifying lenses 22 as the number of light sources 21 are provided. The first magnifying lens 22a is configured to enlarge the beam diameter of the beam light emitted from the first light source 21a. Similarly, the second magnifying lens 22b is configured to enlarge the beam diameter of the beam light emitted from the second light source 21b, and the third magnifying lens 22c is configured to enlarge the beam diameter of the beam light emitted from the third light source 21c. As such first magnifying lenses 22a, second magnifying lenses 22b, and third magnifying lenses 22c, for example, plano-convex lenses can be used, in which the incident surface is formed in a planar shape and the exit surface is formed in a convex shape.

[0034] The wave-combining means 23 is a means for combining light of multiple wavelengths. In this embodiment, it includes a first wavelength-selective mirror 23a capable of transmitting the beam light from the first light source 21a and reflecting the beam light from the second light source 21b and the third light source 21c, and a second wavelength-selective mirror 23b capable of reflecting the beam light from the second light source 21b and transmitting the beam light from the third light source 21c. That is, the first wavelength-selective mirror 23a is configured to combine the beam light from the first light source 21a with the beam light from the second light source 21b and the third light source 21c. The second wavelength-selective mirror 23b is configured to combine the beam light from the second light source 21b with the beam light from the third light source 21c. In addition to the wavelength-selective mirror (dichroic mirror) described above, the wave-combining means 23 can employ various known means such as wave-combining using a wavelength-selective prism (dichroic prism), wave-combining using a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) (polarization synthesis), and wave-combining using a polarizing plate (polarization synthesis).

[0035] The reduction lens 24 is configured to reduce the beam diameter of one or more beams of light (single or combined light from the first light source 21a, the second light source 21b, and the third light source 21c) that have been transmitted through or reflected by the first wavelength-selective mirror 23a and the second wavelength-selective mirror 23b. As such a reduction lens 24, for example, a plano-convex lens can be used, in which the incident surface is formed in a convex shape and the exit surface is formed in a planar shape.

[0036] The adjustment lens 25 is configured to move closer to or further away from the light source 21 by a moving mechanism (not shown), thereby allowing the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the skin treatment area to be changed. As such an adjustment lens 25, for example, a plano-convex lens with a flat incident surface and a convex exit surface, or a plano-concave lens with a flat incident surface and a concave exit surface can be used.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, when the adjustment lens 25 is a plano-convex lens, the adjustment lens 25 is configured to reduce the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area by moving closer to the light source 21, and to increase the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area by moving further away from the light source 21. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, when the adjustment lens 25 is a plano-concave lens, the adjustment lens 25 is configured to increase the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area by moving closer to the light source 21, and to decrease the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area by moving further away from the light source 21.

[0038] The light source unit 20 according to this embodiment is configured to allow adjustment of the irradiation intensity (power, dose) of the first light source 21a, the second light source 21b, and the third light source 21c, thereby allowing the irradiation intensity of the beam light emitted from the light source unit 20 (single or combined light from the first light source 21a, the second light source 21b, and the third light source 21c) to be within a predetermined range, for example, 1 to 100 J / cm². 2 It is configured to be adjustable within a certain range. This allows the light source unit 20 to irradiate desired beam light according to the first beam diameter and the second beam diameter, which will be described later. Various known methods, such as controlling the power output itself or controlling the pulse width, can be used to control the irradiation intensity of the first light source 21a to the third light source 21c.

[0039] Furthermore, the light source unit 20 according to this embodiment is equipped with multiple light sources 21 (first light source 21a, second light source 21b, and third light source 21c) and a wave combining means 23, making it possible to irradiate with multiple light sources of different wavelengths combined at any desired intensity. As a result, the light source unit 20 is configured to irradiate beam light by selecting not only the irradiation intensity corresponding to the first beam diameter and second beam diameter described later, but also the optimal combination of wavelengths.

[0040] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the light source unit 20 has three light sources 21 has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the light source unit 20 may have one light source 21 (see light source unit 20' in Figure 4, and light source units 20'' in Figures 5 and 6), or it may have four or more light sources 21.

[0041] If there is only one light source 21, the light source unit 20' may consist only of an adjustment lens 25, as shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, if there is only one light source 21, the light source unit 20'' may consist of a magnifying lens 22, a reducing lens 24, and an adjustment lens 25, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0042] In all cases shown in Figures 4 to 6, the adjustment lens 25 is configured to change the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the skin treatment area by moving closer to or further away from the light source 21. For example, a biconvex lens with convex incident and exit surfaces can be used as the adjustment lens 25 in the light source unit 20' (see Figure 4). For example, a plano-convex lens with a flat incident surface and a convex exit surface can be used as the adjustment lens 25 in the light source unit 20'' (see Figure 5), or a plano-concave lens with a flat incident surface and a concave exit surface can be used (see Figure 6).

[0043] In this specification, the light source 21 that approaches or separates from the adjustment lens 25 means a single light source 21 if there is only one light source 21, and if there are multiple light sources 21, it means a light source 21 that is coaxial with the adjustment lens 25 (in this embodiment, the first light source 21a). Furthermore, in this specification, "coaxial" includes both perfectly coaxial (when the two axes coincide) and substantially coaxial (when the two axes coincide substantially).

[0044] [Configuration of the irradiation position control mechanism] The irradiation position control mechanism 30 is a beam deflection means (scanning means) for positioning the beam light emitted from the light source unit 20 to an arbitrary position (X,Y) on the skin treatment area (the XY plane which is the treatment area). Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 7, the irradiation position control mechanism 30 includes an X-direction deflection unit 34 for moving the beam light emitted from the light source unit 20 in the X direction (first direction) on the skin treatment area, and a Y-direction deflection unit 32 for moving the beam light in the Y direction (second direction perpendicular to the first direction) on the skin treatment area.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the Y-direction deflection unit 32 and the X-direction deflection unit 34 each include reflectors 32a and 34a capable of reflecting beam light, and drive units 32b and 34b for changing the tilt angle of the reflectors 32a and 34a. The Y-direction deflection unit 32 is positioned to reflect the beam light emitted from the light source unit 20 toward the X-direction deflection unit 34, and the X-direction deflection unit 34 is positioned to further reflect the beam light reflected by the Y-direction deflection unit 32 toward the dichroic mirror 17. Furthermore, the Y-direction deflection unit 32 and the X-direction deflection unit 34 are positioned such that the rotation axis of the reflector 32a of the Y-direction deflection unit 32 and the rotation axis of the reflector 34a of the X-direction deflection unit 34 are orthogonal to each other. With this configuration, the irradiation position control mechanism 30 is configured to position the beam light emitted from the light source unit 20 at any position (X,Y) on the skin treatment area (the XY plane which is the treatment area) by controlling the inclination angles of the reflectors 32a and 34a of the X-direction deflection unit 34 and the Y-direction deflection unit 32, respectively.

[0046] The X-direction deflection section 34 and the Y-direction deflection section 32 can be any of the following: a galvanometer scanner (electromagnetic method), a servo motor (electromagnetic method), a MEMS mirror (electromagnetic or electrostatic force), or any other deflector that tilts a mirror using electromagnetic or electrostatic force. It is also possible to adopt various known configurations such as an AO (Acousto-Optics) deflector (acousto-optical means).

[0047] [Configuration of the imaging unit] As shown in Figure 1, the imaging unit 40 is positioned on the transmissive side of the dichroic mirror 17 and is configured to image the skin treatment area via the dichroic mirror 17 and the aperture 13. The imaging unit 40 is preferably a 4K camera with 4K resolution, but is not limited to this, and can be any camera with a sufficient number of pixels to image pores in the field of view with sufficient resolution. Various known imaging means such as a CMOS sensor, CCD sensor, array sensor, and imaging tube can be arbitrarily adopted as the imaging unit 40.

[0048] [Configuration of the control unit] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 100 includes external interfaces 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 for connecting to devices such as the imaging unit 40, the motion detection sensor 15, the irradiation button 18A, the selection button 18B, and the specific button 18C; a main control unit 110 that performs calculation processing for operating the hair removal device 1; a control mechanism drive control unit 122 that controls the irradiation position control mechanism 30; a light source control unit 124 that controls the light source unit 20; a display control unit 126 that controls the display panel 16; and a storage unit 130 that stores various data and information necessary for hair removal processing. The control unit 100 also includes a communication processing unit (not shown) that can communicate with an external network.

[0049] External interface 101 is an interface for connecting to the imaging unit 40, external interface 102 is an interface for connecting to the motion detection sensor 15, external interface 103 is an interface for connecting to the irradiation button 18A, external interface 104 is an interface for connecting to the selection button 18B, and external interface 105 is an interface for connecting to the specific button 18C. Note that the external interfaces provided in the hair removal device 1 are not limited to these interfaces and can be arbitrarily provided depending on the equipment to be connected. Furthermore, since these external interfaces 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105 can use known interfaces depending on the equipment to which they are connected, a detailed explanation of them is omitted.

[0050] The memory unit 130 is, for example, a memory composed of RAM, ROM, etc., and stores programs that include instructions for operating the main control unit 110, and learning result data for setting learned learners (beam diameter determination unit 112, irradiation position determination unit 116, and emission condition determination unit 118, which will be described later). The memory unit 130 may also be composed of the RAM and ROM included in the main control unit 110, which will be described later.

[0051] The main control unit 110 includes a hardware processor such as a CPU, RAM, and ROM. It is configured to implement the functions of the beam diameter determination unit 112, beam diameter control unit 114, irradiation position identification unit 116, and emission condition identification unit 118, which will be described later, by loading the program stored in the storage unit 130 into the RAM, and interpreting and executing it using the CPU. Preferably, the CPU is a high-performance processor (high-speed CPU) capable of performing DL (Deep Learning). The main control unit 110 may also include multiple hardware processors, and these hardware processors may consist of a GPU (including a CPU-integrated GPU), FPGA, etc.

[0052] <Beam diameter determination unit> The beam diameter determination unit 112 is configured to determine the average distance between pores or the density of pores in the processing area based on the image data of the processing area captured by the imaging unit 40, and to select either the first beam diameter or the second beam diameter, as described later, based on the determined average distance between pores or the density of pores. In other words, the beam diameter determination unit 112 is configured to determine, based on the image data of the processing area captured by the imaging unit 40, the preferred beam diameter among the first beam diameter and the second beam diameter as the beam diameter of the beam light to be irradiated onto the processing area of ​​the skin.

[0053] First, the beam diameter determination unit 112 is configured to identify pores present in the processing area based on image data of the processing area captured by the imaging unit 40. Specifically, the beam diameter determination unit 112 acquires image data I of the processing area TA captured by the imaging unit 40 via the external interface 101 (see Figure 9(a)), preprocesses the acquired image data I as necessary, and then extracts candidate pores (pore candidates P) present in the processing area TA from the image data I through image analysis (see Figure 9(b)).

[0054] Preprocessing includes, but is not limited to, processes such as applying a minimum filter to a 4K image to emphasize pores, or removing unnecessary information to create a 2K image to reduce the burden on subsequent processing. In the following, when "image data I" (when the symbol "I" is attached to "image data"), it includes not only the original image data captured by the imaging unit 40, but also processed image data preprocessed by the beam diameter determination unit 112, the first irradiation position identification unit 116a (described later), the second irradiation position identification unit 116b (described later), etc.

[0055] Here, the extraction of pore candidates P by the beam diameter determination unit 112 is preferably performed by image processing (AI image recognition) using AI such as DL (Deep Learning), but is not limited to this. Specifically, the original image data is a huge image such as 4K x 2K pixels and is not suitable for DL ​​processing as is, so the image is divided into small regions (cells) such as 256 x 256 pixels and inference is performed. The beam diameter determination unit 112 is equipped with a trained learner (neural network) that has been trained to minimize an objective function consisting of the inferred values ​​of the XY coordinates of pores in the small region and the inferred value of the confidence level that they are pores. The learner is sequentially input images of small regions (cells) obtained by dividing the image data I of the processing target region TA captured by the imaging unit 40, and the confidence level and coordinates of pore candidates with a high confidence level that they are pores included in the images of the small regions are obtained from the learner, thereby extracting pore candidates P. This method does not involve any image processing using the conventional binarization technique, so its detection accuracy is less affected by the brightness of the captured image and the orientation of the pores, making it possible to accurately detect pores of various different shapes and sizes. By extracting pore candidates P using AI image recognition in this way, it becomes possible to recognize even small pores (such as vellus hairs) with low contrast that are difficult to detect, let alone measure, with general image processing.

[0056] In this embodiment, a pre-trained learner is exemplified by a convolutional neural network (e.g., ResNet-50) that has been trained on ImageNet and then fine-tuned, but is not limited to this.

[0057] Furthermore, for thick, dark pores with sufficient contrast, the beam diameter determination unit 112 can optionally employ methods such as extracting pore candidates P by binarization processing or threshold determination of the image data I of the processing target area TA captured by the imaging unit 40, instead of using AI image recognition to extract pore candidates P.

[0058] Next, the beam diameter determination unit 112 is configured to determine the average distance between pores or the density of pores in the processing area. When determining the average distance between pores in the processing area, the beam diameter determination unit 112 is configured to determine the position of each pore candidate P extracted from the image data I of the processing area TA, and to determine the average distance between pores using the positions of each identified pore candidate P. On the other hand, when determining the density of pores in the processing area, the beam diameter determination unit 112 is configured to determine the number of pore candidate P extracted from the image data I of the processing area TA, and to calculate the density of pores using the number of identified pore candidate P and the area of ​​the processing area TA according to the following formula. "Pore density (number / mm 2 )" = "Number of potential pores P (items)" / "Area of ​​the area to be treated TA (mm²)" 2 )"

[0059] Finally, the beam diameter determination unit 112 is configured to determine a preferred beam diameter from among the first beam diameter and the second beam diameter, based on the average distance or density of the identified hair follicles, as the beam diameter of the beam light to be irradiated onto the skin treatment area.

[0060] Specifically, the beam diameter determination unit 112 is configured to select a first beam diameter if the average distance of the hair follicles is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and to select a second beam diameter if the average distance of the hair follicles is longer than the predetermined threshold.

[0061] On the other hand, the beam diameter determination unit 112 is configured to select a first beam diameter if the density of hair follicles is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and to select a second beam diameter if the density of hair follicles is less than the predetermined threshold, when the density of hair follicles is identified.

[0062] In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold when using the average distance of pores is the length of the second beam diameter, and the predetermined threshold when using the density of pores is 25 pores / mm 2 However, this is not the only example.

[0063] <Beam diameter control unit> The beam diameter control unit 114 is configured to change the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area. Specifically, the beam diameter control unit 114 is configured to set the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area to either a first beam diameter or a second beam diameter smaller than the first beam diameter, based on the beam diameter selected by the selection button 18B.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first beam diameter is set to 4 mm or more and 6 mm or less, from the viewpoint of irradiating multiple hair follicles with beam light in a single irradiation. On the other hand, the second beam diameter is set to 2 mm or more and 3 mm or less, from the viewpoint of irradiating a single hair follicle with the necessary and sufficient beam light. Note that the first and second beam diameters are not limited to these and may be set to any length.

[0065] The beam diameter control unit 114 according to this embodiment is configured to change the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area by moving the light source 21 and the adjustment lens 25 closer together or further apart from each other.

[0066] When the adjustment lens 25 is a plano-convex lens, the beam diameter control unit 114 controls a moving mechanism (not shown) via the light source control unit 124 to move the adjustment lens 25 closer to the light source 21, thereby changing the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area to a second beam diameter, and to move the adjustment lens 25 further away from the light source 21, thereby changing the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area to a first beam diameter.

[0067] On the other hand, if the adjustment lens 25 is a plano-concave lens, the beam diameter control unit 114 controls a moving mechanism (not shown) via the light source control unit 124 to move the adjustment lens 25 closer to the light source 21, thereby changing the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area to a first beam diameter, and to move the adjustment lens 25 further away from the light source 21, thereby changing the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area to a second beam diameter.

[0068] <Irradiation position identification part> The irradiation position identification unit 116 is configured to identify the irradiation position of the beam light in the processing area using the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit 114 (i.e., the beam diameter selected by the selection button 18B).

[0069] Specifically, the irradiation position identification unit 116 includes a first irradiation position identification unit 116a that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light in a first beam diameter, and a second irradiation position identification unit 116b that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light in a second beam diameter.

[0070] The first irradiation position identification unit 116a is configured to identify pores present in the processing target area based on image data of the processing target area captured by the imaging unit 40. The same method as that used by the beam diameter determination unit 112 can be used to identify the pores.

[0071] Subsequently, the first irradiation position identification unit 116a is configured to identify a predetermined region PA containing multiple pores in the area to be treated as the irradiation position of the beam light at the first beam diameter. In other words, the first irradiation position identification unit 116a is configured to identify any region (predetermined region PA) in the area to be treated where the identified pores exist as the irradiation position. Furthermore, the first irradiation position identification unit 116a is configured to identify a predetermined region (for example, predetermined region PA2 shown in Figure 10(b)) that does not overlap with the predetermined region PA identified as the irradiation position during the previous irradiation (for example, predetermined region PA1 shown in Figure 10(a)) as the irradiation position. The identification of the irradiation position by the first irradiation position identification unit 116a is performed sequentially. Figure 10(c) shows, as an example, the state in which predetermined regions PA1 to PA7 have been identified as irradiation positions (the process of identifying the irradiation position).

[0072] The second irradiation position identification unit 116b, like the first irradiation position identification unit 116a, is configured to identify pores present in the processing target area based on image data of the processing target area captured by the imaging unit 40. The method for identifying pores is the same as that used by the beam diameter determination unit 112, as with the first irradiation position identification unit 116a.

[0073] Subsequently, the second irradiation position identification unit 116b is configured to identify each pore in the processing area as the irradiation position of the beam light with the second beam diameter. Furthermore, the second irradiation position identification unit 116b is configured to identify a different pore as the irradiation position than the pore identified as the irradiation position during the previous irradiation.

[0074] <Emission condition specification section> The emission condition identification unit 118 is configured to identify the emission conditions (irradiation intensity, wavelength, etc.) for the beam light emitted from the light source 21, based on the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit 114 (i.e., the beam diameter selected by the selection button 18B).

[0075] When the beam diameter of the beam light specified by the beam diameter control unit 114 is the first beam diameter, the emission condition specification unit 118 is configured to specify the emission conditions of the beam light emitted from the light source 21 as the emission conditions (irradiation intensity, wavelength, etc.) of the beam light that have been pre-stored in the storage unit 130 as emission conditions (irradiation intensity, wavelength, etc.) when using the first beam diameter.

[0076] On the other hand, when the beam diameter of the beam light identified by the beam diameter control unit 114 is the second beam diameter, the emission condition identification unit 118 is configured to identify the emission conditions (irradiation intensity and wavelength, etc.) of the beam light from the light source unit 20 for each pore (pore candidate P) identified by the second irradiation position identification unit 116b. Specifically, as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the emission condition identification unit 118 first extracts an image (extracted pore image CI) from the image data I for each pore (pore candidate P) identified by the second irradiation position identification unit 116b, and then classifies the extracted pore image CI into one of several standard model images with different pore sizes, hair colors, and skin colors around the pores, with the highest confidence level. In this specification, the term "pore size" includes the size (thickness) of the pore itself, the thickness of the hair, and the combined size of the pore and hair.

[0077] Here, each cropped pore image CI is formed so that the pore candidate P is positioned approximately in the center, and skin is present around the pore candidate P. Similarly, the standard model image is an image that includes one or more pores and the skin surrounding the pores, just like the cropped pore images CI. Multiple standard model images with different pore sizes, hair colors, and surrounding skin colors are prepared in advance and stored in the memory unit 130, etc. Each standard model image is associated with and registered the beam light emission conditions (irradiation intensity and wavelength, etc.) that are most suitable from the standpoint of hair removal efficiency and safety (burn risk), etc., for a treatment target with the pore size, hair color, and surrounding skin color of that standard model image. The irradiation intensity tends to be set to a larger value the wider the pore, the lighter the hair color, and the lighter the skin color, and the wavelength tends to be set to a shorter wavelength the wider the pore, the lighter the hair color, and the lighter the skin color.

[0078] The emission condition identification unit 118 is configured to identify the beam light emission conditions (irradiation intensity, wavelength, etc.) that are set in advance for the classified standard model image, as the beam light emission conditions (irradiation intensity, wavelength, etc.) for the pores (pore candidate P) of the cropped pore image CI.

[0079] Furthermore, it is preferable that the classification by the emission condition identification unit 118 is performed by image processing (AI image recognition) utilizing AI such as DL (Deep Learning). Specifically, the emission condition identification unit 118 may be configured to include a trained learner (neural network) that has been trained to minimize an objective function consisting of inferred values ​​indicating hair thickness (pore size), inferred values ​​indicating hair color, and inferred values ​​indicating skin color, and to classify the extracted pore image CI into one of the multiple standard model images that is most similar overall by inputting the extracted pore image CI into the learner and obtaining information from the learner about the standard model image with the highest confidence (highest score) for the pore candidate P contained in the extracted pore image CI. In this case, if all standard model images are significantly below a predetermined confidence level, the learner may determine that there are no images that approximate the extracted pore image CI among the pre-prepared standard model images (unclassifiable) and execute a process to determine that the pore candidate P in the extracted pore image CI is not a pore (error determination).

[0080] The control mechanism drive control unit 122 is configured to control the irradiation position control mechanism 30 so that the beam light emitted from the light source 21 is irradiated to the irradiation position identified by the irradiation position identification unit 116. Specifically, the control mechanism drive control unit 122 is configured to control the tilt angles of the reflector 32a of the Y-direction deflection unit 32 and the reflector 34a of the X-direction deflection unit 34 so that the beam light emitted from the light source 21 is irradiated to the irradiation position identified by the irradiation position identification unit 116.

[0081] Thus, in the hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment, the irradiation position control mechanism 30 is controlled so that the beam light is irradiated to the irradiation position identified by the irradiation position identification unit 116, thereby improving efficiency and safety.

[0082] The light source control unit 124 is configured to control the light source unit 20 so that a beam of light having a beam diameter set by the beam diameter control unit 114 (i.e., the beam diameter selected by the selection button 18B) and an emission condition specified by the emission condition specification unit 118 is irradiated onto the processing area. Specifically, the light source control unit 124 is configured to perform control (control of a movement mechanism not shown) to move the adjustment lens 25 closer to or further away from the light source 21 so that a beam of light having a beam diameter (first beam diameter or second beam diameter) set by the beam diameter control unit 114 is irradiated onto the processing area.

[0083] Furthermore, the light source control unit 124 is configured to select and control the output of the light sources 21 (first light source 21a, second light source 21b, and third light source 21c) to emit light, so that a beam of light having the emission conditions (irradiation intensity, wavelength, etc.) specified by the emission condition specification unit 118 is irradiated onto the processing target area.

[0084] Furthermore, the light source control unit 124 is configured to adjust the emission interval of the beam light emitted from the light source 21 based on the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit 114. When the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit 114 is the first beam diameter, it is preferable to set the emission interval of the beam light emitted from the light source 21 to a range of 0 seconds or more and 0.4 seconds or less. On the other hand, when the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit 114 is the second beam diameter, it is preferable to set the emission interval of the beam light emitted from the light source 21 to 0 seconds. By setting such an emission interval, there is an advantage in that pain associated with hair removal treatment can be suppressed.

[0085] The light source control unit 124 may also be capable of controlling an illumination means (not shown) that can irradiate illumination light toward the aperture 13.

[0086] The display control unit 126 is configured to transfer and display real-time video (live image) captured by the imaging unit 40 and the determination results of the beam diameter determination unit 112 onto the display panel 16. Since various known control methods can be employed for such a display control unit 126, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0087] [Hair removal methods] Next, a hair removal method using the hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a flowchart that schematically shows the flow of the hair removal method according to this embodiment. The hair removal method described below is executed by a program and learned result data stored in the storage unit 130 of the hair removal device 1.

[0088] The hair removal method according to this embodiment is, in general terms, a hair removal method that performs hair removal using beam light emitted from a light source 21, and includes a beam diameter control step (S3) that can change the beam diameter of the beam light emitted to the area of ​​skin to be treated, and an irradiation position identification step (S8) that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light in the area to be treated using the beam diameter of the beam light set in the beam diameter control step. The details of the hair removal method including these steps will be described below.

[0089] To begin the hair removal method according to this embodiment, first, the main power supply of the hair removal device 1 is turned ON to start the hair removal device 1. When the hair removal device 1 is started, real-time video (live image) captured by the imaging unit 40 is displayed on the display panel 16. This allows the area to be treated to be visually confirmed by the live image on the display panel 16, even when the opening 13 is pressed against the skin (while the person is moving the shot). The hair removal device 1 may be operated by the person being treated, or by someone other than the person being treated (such as a medical professional). Hereinafter, the person operating the hair removal device 1 will be referred to as the "user".

[0090] With the hair removal device 1 activated, the user positions the hair removal device 1 so that the opening 13 of the housing 10 is located in the area to be treated (S1). After positioning is complete, the user operates the selection button 18B to select either the first beam diameter or the second beam diameter (S2). The selection of the beam diameter may be made at the user's discretion or based on the determination result of the beam diameter determination unit 112. If the beam diameter is selected based on the determination result of the beam diameter determination unit 112, the user operates the specific button 18C. When the specific button 18C is operated, the beam diameter determination unit 112 of the main control unit 110 identifies the preferred beam diameter from the first beam diameter and the second beam diameter as the beam diameter of the beam light to be irradiated onto the area to be treated on the skin, and the identified beam diameter is displayed on the display panel 16.

[0091] When the beam diameter is selected by operating the selection button 18B, the beam diameter control unit 114 of the main control unit 110 changes the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area to the beam diameter selected by the selection button 18B (S3: Beam diameter control process).

[0092] Subsequently, the user turns on the irradiation button 18A (S4). When the irradiation button 18A is turned on, the display panel 16 turns off (S5), and the imaging unit 40 images the area of ​​skin to be treated (S6: imaging process). The image data captured by the imaging unit 40 is then transmitted to the main control unit 110 of the control unit 100, and the irradiation position identification unit 116 of the main control unit 110 identifies the pores (pore candidates P) present in the area to be treated (S7), and the irradiation position of the beam light according to the beam diameter set by the beam diameter control unit 114 of the main control unit 110 is identified (S8: irradiation position identification process).

[0093] Furthermore, the output condition identification unit 118 of the main control unit 110 identifies the beam light output conditions corresponding to the beam diameter set by the beam diameter control unit 114 of the main control unit 110 (S9), and the process proceeds to the irradiation process (S10). Note that the identification of the irradiation position (S8) and the identification of the output conditions (S9) may be performed in reverse order or simultaneously.

[0094] When the process moves to the irradiation step (S10), the irradiation position control mechanism 30 is controlled by the control mechanism drive control unit 122 so that the beam light emitted from the light source 21 is irradiated to the irradiation position specified by the irradiation position specification unit 116. In addition, the light source control unit 124 controls the light source unit 20 so that the beam light having the beam diameter specified by the beam diameter control unit 114 and the emission conditions specified by the emission condition specification unit 118 is irradiated onto the processing target area, and the beam light is irradiated from the light source unit 20 onto the processing target area (S10).

[0095] If the beam diameter selected by the selection button 18B is the first beam diameter, the beam light is sequentially irradiated to each predetermined region PA identified as an irradiation position by the function of the first irradiation position identification unit 116a, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B. When the beam light is irradiated with the first beam diameter, the hair follicles present in the predetermined region PA of the treatment area are heated and removed permanently or over the long term. In Figures 13A and 13B, symbols BI1 to BI10 indicate irradiated beam light, dashed lines indicate irradiated beam light, and solid lines indicate beam light currently being irradiated.

[0096] If the beam diameter selected by the selection button 18B is the second beam diameter, the beam light is sequentially irradiated to each hair follicle (hair follicle candidate P) identified as an irradiation position by the function of the second irradiation position identification unit 116b, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B. When the beam light is irradiated with the second beam diameter, the hair roots (hair roots corresponding to hair follicle candidate P) present in the treatment area are heated and removed permanently or over the long term. In Figures 14A and 14B, symbols BI1 to BI4 indicate irradiated beam light, dashed lines indicate irradiated beam light, and solid lines indicate beam light currently being irradiated.

[0097] Then, once processing is complete for all predetermined areas PA or pore candidates P, the irradiation button 18A turns OFF (S11), as shown in Figure 12, and the real-time video (live image) captured by the imaging unit 40 is displayed again on the display panel 16 (S12).

[0098] [Advantages of the hair removal device according to this embodiment] The hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment is a hair removal device that performs hair removal using beam light emitted from a light source 21, and comprises a light source 21, a beam diameter control unit 114 that can change the beam diameter of the beam light emitted to a treatment area of ​​the skin, and an irradiation position identification unit 116 that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light in the treatment area using the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit 114, wherein the beam diameter control unit 114 is configured to selectively set the beam diameter of the beam light emitted to the treatment area to at least a first beam diameter and a second beam diameter smaller than the first beam diameter, and the irradiation position identification unit 116 has a first irradiation position identification unit 116a that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light at the first beam diameter and a second irradiation position identification unit 116b that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light at the second beam diameter.

[0099] With the hair removal device 1 having such a configuration, the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the treatment area can be changed to at least one of the first beam diameter and the second beam diameter, so that pain associated with hair removal can be suppressed regardless of the density of hair follicles.

[0100] Furthermore, with the hair removal device 1 having the above configuration, the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the treatment area can be changed to at least one of the first beam diameter and the second beam diameter. Therefore, for example, sufficient hair removal effect can be obtained even for areas where thick hair is densely concentrated, such as beards and VIO. In other words, in the hair removal device described in Patent Document 1, a beam light with a small beam diameter is irradiated onto thick hair. However, with a beam light with a small beam diameter, the effect of scattering under the skin is large, so sufficient irradiation energy cannot reach the hair follicle, resulting in a low hair removal effect. In contrast, with the hair removal device 1 having the above configuration, in areas where thick hair is densely concentrated, such as beards and VIO, irradiation can be performed with a first beam diameter with a large beam diameter, thus reducing the effect of scattering under the skin. As a result, sufficient irradiation energy can reach the hair follicle of thick hair such as beards and VIO, thus achieving a high hair removal effect.

[0101] In the hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment, the first irradiation position identification unit 116a identifies a predetermined area including multiple hair follicles in the area to be treated as the irradiation position of beam light with a first beam diameter, and the second irradiation position identification unit 116b identifies each hair follicle in the area to be treated as the irradiation position of beam light with a second beam diameter. With the hair removal device 1 having such a configuration, when the density of hair follicles in the area to be treated is high, identifying a predetermined area including multiple hair follicles as the irradiation position prevents beam light irradiated to one hair follicle from irradiating other adjacent hair follicles, thereby suppressing pain associated with hair removal treatment. On the other hand, when the density of hair follicles in the area to be treated is low, identifying each hair follicle as the irradiation position allows for efficient hair removal treatment while suppressing pain associated with hair removal treatment.

[0102] The hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment includes an imaging unit 40 capable of imaging a treatment target area, and a beam diameter determination unit 112 that, based on image data I of the treatment target area imaged by the imaging unit 40, identifies the average distance between hair follicles or the density of hair follicles in the treatment target area, and selects either a first beam diameter or a second beam diameter based on the identified average distance between hair follicles or density of hair follicles. With a hair removal device 1 having such a configuration, it is possible to identify a preferred beam diameter among the first beam diameter and the second beam diameter as the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the treatment target area of ​​the skin, thereby enabling more appropriate hair removal treatment. As a result, pain associated with hair removal treatment can be further suppressed.

[0103] The hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment includes a display panel 16 capable of displaying the determination result of the beam diameter determination unit 112, and a selection button 18B that allows the user to select either a first beam diameter or a second beam diameter. With a hair removal device 1 having such a configuration, the user can select the beam diameter after confirming the determination result of the beam diameter determination unit 112, thus providing high convenience.

[0104] In the hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment, the first irradiation position identification unit 116a identifies a predetermined area as the irradiation position that does not overlap with the predetermined area identified as the irradiation position during the previous irradiation. With a hair removal device 1 having such a configuration, it is possible to prevent multiple irradiations from being performed on a single hair follicle, and thus pain associated with hair removal treatment can be suppressed.

[0105] The hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment includes an adjustment lens 25 for adjusting the beam diameter of the beam light emitted from the light source 21, and the beam diameter control unit 114 is configured to change the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the treatment area by moving the light source 21 and the adjustment lens 25 closer together or further apart from each other. With a hair removal device 1 having such a configuration, the beam diameter of the beam light can be changed with a simple configuration.

[0106] The hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment includes a light source control unit 124 that controls the light source 21. The light source control unit 124 is configured to adjust the emission interval of the beam light emitted from the light source 21 based on the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit 114. With a hair removal device 1 having such a configuration, the emission interval of the beam light can be adjusted according to the beam diameter of the beam light, thereby suppressing pain associated with hair removal treatment.

[0107] [Differentiation] The hair removal apparatus and hair removal method according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention.

[0108] In the embodiments described above, the beam diameter control unit 114 was described as being configured to selectively set the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area to at least a first beam diameter and a second beam diameter. However, it is not limited to this, and may be configured to selectively set to three or more beam diameters, such as a third beam diameter.

[0109] In the embodiment described above, the beam diameter control unit 114 was described as setting the beam diameter of the beam light to be irradiated onto the processing area based on the beam diameter selected by the selection button 18B. However, it is not limited to this, and may also be set based on the determination result of the beam diameter determination unit 112. That is, the beam diameter control unit 114 may set the beam diameter of the beam light to be irradiated onto the processing area to either the first beam diameter or the second beam diameter based on the determination result of the beam diameter determination unit 112. With a hair removal device 1 having such a configuration, the user does not need to select the beam diameter, and a series of processes from imaging the processing area to irradiating it with beam light can be performed automatically, which has the advantage of enabling efficient hair removal.

[0110] In the embodiments described above, the main control unit 110 was described as including a beam diameter determination unit 112, but it is not limited to this, and the beam diameter determination unit 112 may not be included.

[0111] In the embodiments described above, the beam diameter control unit 114 was described as changing the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area by moving the light source 21 and the adjustment lens 25 closer together or further apart from each other. However, it is not limited to this, and the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area may also be changed by controlling the light source 21 to change the beam diameter of the beam light emitted from the light source 21. Alternatively, the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area may also be changed by switching the adjustment lens 25.

[0112] In the embodiments described above, the light source control unit 124 was described as adjusting the emission interval of the beam light emitted from the light source 21 based on the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit 114. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the emission interval of the beam light may be kept constant.

[0113] In the embodiment described above, the second irradiation position identification unit 116b was described as identifying a hair follicle different from the hair follicle identified as the irradiation position during the previous irradiation as the irradiation position. In addition to this, a position located a predetermined distance away from the previous irradiation position may be identified as the next irradiation position. This further prevents multiple irradiations from being performed on a single hair follicle. The "predetermined distance" can be, for example, half the length (radius) of the second beam diameter or more.

[0114] In this case, the second irradiation position identification unit 116b does not need to identify all hair follicles in the treatment area as irradiation positions. Specifically, as shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the second irradiation position identification unit 116b may identify only some of the hair follicles in the treatment area as irradiation positions, and after the shot is completed, identify the remaining hair follicles in the treatment area as irradiation positions. In other words, the hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment may perform multiple shots in the same treatment area. This allows for thinning, which further reduces the pain associated with hair removal. The irradiation position identification by the second irradiation position identification unit 116b may be performed two or more times. In Figures 15A and 15B, the symbol FS indicates the first shot in the same treatment area, the symbol SS indicates the second shot in the same treatment area, the dashed line indicates the irradiated beam light, and the solid line indicates the beam light being irradiated.

[0115] It is clear from the claims that the above-mentioned modifications are included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1: Hair removal device 10: Housing 11: Grip part 12: Head section 13:Aperture 14: Cover component 15: Motion detection sensor 16: Display Panel 17: Dichroic mirror 18A: Irradiation button 18B: Select button 18C: Specific button 20, 20', 20'': Light source section 21:Light source 21a: 1st light source 21b:Second light source 21c: 3rd light source 22: Magnifying lens 22a: First magnifying lens 22b: Second magnifying lens 22c: Third magnifying lens 23: Multiplexing means 23a: First wavelength selective mirror 23b: Second wavelength selective mirror 24: Reduction lens 25: Adjustable lenses 30: Irradiation position control mechanism 32:Y direction deflection section 32a:Reflector 32b: Drive unit 34:X direction deflection section 34a:Reflector 40: Imaging Unit 100: Control Unit 101: External Interface 102: External Interface 103: External Interface 104: External Interface 105: External Interface 110: Main Control Unit 112: Beam diameter determination unit 114: Beam diameter control unit 116: Irradiation position identification part 116a: First irradiation position identification part 116b: Second irradiation position identification part 118:Emission condition specification section 122: Control mechanism drive control unit 124: Light source control unit 126: Display Control Unit 130: Storage section CI: Cutout pore image I: Image data P: Pore candidates PA: predetermined area TA: Processing area

Claims

1. A hair removal device that performs hair removal using a beam of light emitted from a light source, The aforementioned light source, A beam diameter control unit capable of changing the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the skin treatment area, An irradiation position identification unit that uses the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit to identify the irradiation position of the beam light in the processing target area. Equipped with, The beam diameter control unit is configured to selectively set the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing target area to at least a first beam diameter and a second beam diameter smaller than the first beam diameter. The irradiation position identification unit includes a first irradiation position identification unit that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light in the first beam diameter, and a second irradiation position identification unit that identifies the irradiation position of the beam light in the second beam diameter. Hair removal device.

2. The first irradiation position identification unit identifies a predetermined region including a plurality of pores in the processing target region as the irradiation position of the beam light with the first beam diameter, The second irradiation position identification unit identifies each pore in the processing target area as the irradiation position of the beam light with the second beam diameter. The hair removal device according to claim 1.

3. An imaging unit capable of imaging the processing target area, A beam diameter determination unit determines the average distance between pores or the density of pores in the processing area based on the image data of the processing area captured by the imaging unit, and selects either the first beam diameter or the second beam diameter based on the determined average distance between pores or density of pores. Equipped with The hair removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A display panel capable of displaying the determination result of the beam diameter determination unit, A selection button that allows selection of either the first beam diameter or the second beam diameter. Equipped with The hair removal device according to claim 3.

5. The beam diameter control unit sets the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing target area to either the first beam diameter or the second beam diameter based on the determination result of the beam diameter determination unit. The hair removal device according to claim 3.

6. The first irradiation position identification unit identifies a predetermined region as the irradiation position that does not overlap with the predetermined region identified as the irradiation position during the previous irradiation. The hair removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The light source is equipped with an adjustment lens for adjusting the beam diameter of the beam light emitted from the light source, The beam diameter control unit is configured to change the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing area by moving the light source and the adjustment lens closer together or further apart from each other. The hair removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The light source control unit controls the aforementioned light source, The light source control unit is configured to adjust the emission interval of the beam light emitted from the light source based on the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control unit. The hair removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A hair removal method that performs hair removal using a beam of light emitted from a light source, A beam diameter control process that allows the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the skin treatment area to be changed, A beam diameter control step involves using the beam diameter of the beam light set by the beam diameter control step to determine the irradiation position of the beam light in the processing target area. Includes, The beam diameter control step includes a step of selectively setting the beam diameter of the beam light irradiated onto the processing target area to at least a first beam diameter and a second beam diameter smaller than the first beam diameter. The irradiation position identification step includes a first irradiation position identification step for identifying the irradiation position of the beam light in the first beam diameter, and a second irradiation position identification step for identifying the irradiation position of the beam light in the second beam diameter. Hair removal methods.

Images