Systems and methods for skin treatment

Abstract

A skin treatment system comprising at least one skin treatment device operable by a user for treating skin in one or more treatment sessions, wherein the at least one skin treatment device comprises a housing comprising at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the housing moves across the user's skin during an ongoing treatment session, a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to the at least two electrodes in order to apply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin during an ongoing treatment session, and a device configured to measure in real time at least one parameter that exhibits one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin treatment device and the skin during an ongoing treatment session. A skin treatment system is provided, comprising: at least one skin treatment device including a sensing circuit; a user interface; and an analysis and feedback module configured to receive measurements of at least one parameter from the sensing circuit in real time, perform an analysis of the received measurements to determine one or more characteristics of the skin treatment device's interaction with the skin, and provide treatment feedback to the user via the user interface during an ongoing treatment session, which includes instructions guiding the user on how to modify the skin treatment device's interaction with the skin during the ongoing treatment session.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a treatment system for providing treatment feedback to a user, and more specifically, to a treatment system that provides real-time treatment feedback to a user and / or enables medical personnel to be updated about a treatment.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 10,045,820 to YOUNGQUIST et al. discloses that "a dermatological treatment and analysis system includes a portable treatment device having a portable body, a treatment radiation source for delivering a dermatological treatment to the skin, and a skin sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of one or more skin characteristics. A wireless transmitter is incorporated into the portable treatment device or a docking / charging station that receives the portable treatment device. The wireless transmitter is configured to receive skin-related data including a signal from at least one skin sensor and / or information obtained from such a signal, and to wirelessly transmit the received skin-related data for analysis by a remote data analysis system, which analyzes the received skin-related data to generate skin analysis data and can communicate the skin analysis data as feedback to a user of the portable treatment device via, for example, a website or application hosted on the user's Internet-connected device."

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, a skin treatment system comprising at least one skin treatment device operable by a user to treat skin in one or more treatment sessions, wherein the at least one skin treatment device comprises a housing including at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the housing moves across the user's skin during an ongoing treatment session, a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to the at least two electrodes to apply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin during an ongoing treatment session, and a device for measuring in real time at least one parameter that exhibits one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin treatment device and the skin during an ongoing treatment session. A skin treatment system is provided, comprising: at least one skin treatment device including a sensing circuit configured as follows; a user interface; and an analysis and feedback module configured to receive measurements of at least one parameter from the sensing circuit in real time, perform an analysis of the received measurements to determine one or more characteristics of the skin treatment device's interaction with the skin, and provide treatment feedback to the user via the user interface during an ongoing treatment session, which includes instructions to guide the user on how to modify the skin treatment device's interaction with the skin during the ongoing treatment session.

[0004] In another aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, a computer implementation method for assisting a user during an ongoing treatment session being performed by the user using a skin treatment system, wherein the skin treatment system comprises at least one skin treatment device operable by the user to perform one or more treatment sessions, the at least one skin treatment device comprising: a housing comprising at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the housing moves across the user's skin during an ongoing treatment session; a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to the at least two electrodes to apply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin during an ongoing treatment session; and a sensing circuit configured to measure in real time a parameter representing one or more characteristics of the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin during an ongoing treatment session. A computer implementation method is provided, comprising at least one skin treatment device, a user interface, and an analysis and feedback module, the method comprising: measuring at least one parameter in real time by a sensing circuit; receiving the measured value of at least one parameter in real time in the analysis and feedback module; performing an analysis of the received measured value in real time by the analysis and feedback module to determine one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device during an ongoing treatment session; and providing treatment feedback in real time by the analysis and feedback module via the user interface to the user, the treatment feedback including one or more instructions that guide the user on how to modify the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device during an ongoing treatment session.

[0005] The method and / or skin treatment system may include one or more of the following features, and the sensing circuit and analysis and feedback module of the skin treatment system may be configured to implement one or more corresponding features from the following: - Providing treatment feedback in real time includes providing treatment feedback before the end of an ongoing treatment session. - Providing real-time treatment feedback includes providing treatment feedback within 30 seconds of measuring at least one parameter. - Providing real-time treatment feedback includes providing treatment feedback within 10 seconds of measuring at least one parameter. - The treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to modify the speed at which the housing moves across the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. - The treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the range of movement of the housing across the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. - The treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the contact of at least two electrodes with the skin during the ongoing treatment session in order to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. -At least one parameter includes at least one of the following: skin impedance, conductivity between at least two electrodes, skin temperature, and ambient temperature. -One or more features of the interaction of the device with the skin include the area of ​​movement of the housing across the skin, the speed of movement of the housing across the skin, the direction of movement of the housing across the skin, and the conductive contact of at least two electrodes with the skin. - Measuring the at least one parameter in real time includes measuring the pattern of values ​​of the at least one parameter in real time over a predetermined period of time. - The analysis and feedback module determines, based on the analysis of received measurements, the deviation of the measured pattern of the values ​​of at least one parameter from a given pattern of the values ​​of at least one parameter during an ongoing treatment session. -The analysis and feedback module determines, based on the deviation, that the ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly. - The analysis and feedback module determines, based on the analysis of received measurements, the deviation of the measured pattern of the value of at least one parameter from a predetermined range of values ​​during an ongoing treatment session, and, based on the deviation, determines that the ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly. - The analysis and feedback module determines, based on the analysis of received measurements, the deviation of the measured pattern of the value of at least one parameter from a predetermined value of at least one parameter during an ongoing treatment session, and, based on the said deviation, determines that the ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly. - Treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user on how to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin in order to accurately perform the ongoing treatment session. - At least one parameter includes at least one of skin impedance and conductivity between at least two electrodes, and the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the conductive contact of at least two electrodes with the skin during the ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin, - Measuring by a sensing circuit includes measuring by at least two electrodes, - The sensing circuit includes at least one temperature sensor, and at least one parameter includes at least one skin temperature. -At least one temperature sensor includes a first temperature sensor for measuring a first skin temperature at a first location on the skin, and a second temperature sensor for measuring a second skin temperature at a second location on the skin spaced apart from the first location. -At least one parameter includes at least one of the following: a first temperature, a second temperature, the difference between the first and second temperatures, the average of the first and second temperatures, and a pattern of the difference between the first and second temperatures over a given period of time. - The first temperature sensor is positioned on the first electrode of at least two electrodes, and the second temperature sensor is positioned on the second electrode of at least two electrodes, and the first and second electrodes are spaced apart from each other. - One or more features of the interaction of the device with the skin include at least one of the following: a range of movement of the housing over skin larger or smaller than a given area, and a speed of movement of the housing over skin higher or lower than a given speed. - The treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust at least one of the following: the area of ​​movement of the housing across the skin, and the speed of movement of the housing across the skin. - The skin treatment device is configured to operate during the preheating phase and the treatment phase. - The skin treatment device is configured to operate in a preheating phase when the skin temperature is below the target value, and in a treatment phase when the skin temperature is above the target value. - During the treatment phase, maintain the skin temperature within the target value or a range including the target value. - Providing treatment feedback in real time includes providing treatment feedback in real time during at least one of the preheating phase and the treatment phase. -A given pattern of values ​​for at least one parameter is different in the preheating stage from a given pattern of values ​​for at least one parameter in the treatment stage. -A predetermined range of values ​​for at least one parameter is different in the preheating stage from a predetermined range of values ​​for at least one parameter in the treatment stage. -A predetermined value of at least one parameter is different in the preheating stage from a predetermined value of at least one parameter in the treatment stage. -Receive selections from the user via the user interface regarding the anatomical location of the skin targeted for treatment during the treatment session. - A given pattern of values ​​for at least one parameter is associated with a selected anatomical location in the skin. - A given value of at least one parameter is associated with a selected anatomical location of the skin, - A given value of at least one parameter is associated with a selected anatomical location of the skin, -The movement of the housing across the skin includes the periodic passage of the housing over different parts of the skin within a given region, and each instance of the housing passing over a certain region heats the region, and between two consecutive instances of passage, the temperature of the region decreases, and at least one parameter includes the decrease in temperature, and one or more features may include at least one of the region of movement of the housing across the skin and the speed of movement of the housing across the skin during an ongoing treatment session. - The treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust at least one of the following during an ongoing treatment session: the area of ​​movement of the housing across the skin, and the speed of movement of the housing across the skin. - At least one of the analysis and feedback module and the user interface constitutes part of the skin treatment device. - The skin treatment system further comprises a user device, and at least one of the analysis and feedback module and the user interface constitutes part of the user device. - The skin treatment device is configured to communicate with the user device via a wireless communication link. - The user device is a smartphone. - Wireless communication links include Bluetooth, - The user interface includes a display, and the action feedback includes visual feedback. - The user interface includes a speaker, and the treatment feedback includes voice feedback. - The skin treatment device is a portable device, and - The skin treatment device is a home-use skin treatment device.

[0006] In another aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure, a treatment system, the treatment system being a skin treatment system, comprising at least one skin treatment device operable by a user to perform one or more treatment sessions on the user's skin, wherein the at least one skin treatment device comprises a housing, which includes at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the housing moves across the skin during at least one treatment session, and a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to the at least two electrodes to apply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin during at least one treatment session. A treatment system is provided, comprising: a skin treatment system including at least one skin treatment device configured to calculate at least one session performance metric representing one or more characteristics of at least one treatment session and to transmit at least one session performance metric to a healthcare professional system; and a healthcare professional system located remotely from the skin treatment system and configured to receive at least one session performance metric.

[0007] A skin treatment system may, depending on various aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure, include one or more features of the skin treatment systems described herein. A skin treatment system may, depending on various aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure, be configured to carry out one or more steps of the methods described herein.

[0008] The treatment system may include one or more of the following features: - At least one session performance metric includes a session effectiveness score calculated based on cumulative data collected throughout the course of at least one treatment session. - One or more characteristics of at least one treatment session include at least one of the following: the number of times contact between the skin treatment device and the skin was lost during at least one treatment session; the number of times the skin temperature deviated from a predetermined value during at least one treatment session; the number of times at least one treatment session was paused during at least one treatment session; and the duration of at least one treatment session. - The session effectiveness score is calculated based on one or more characteristics of at least one treatment session. - The skin treatment system is configured to determine at least one treatment performance metric, which is calculated based on multiple session performance metrics. -At least one treatment performance metric includes a treatment effectiveness score, - The treatment effectiveness score is the average of multiple session effectiveness scores corresponding to multiple session performance metrics. - The healthcare professional system includes a healthcare professional user interface for displaying at least one session performance metric or its indication, - The healthcare professional system is configured to transfer treatment plans to the skin treatment system.

[0009] In a further aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, there is provided a skin treatment system, the skin treatment system comprising: a housing including at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the body moves across a treatment area of the skin; a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply a high-frequency electromagnetic signal to the at least two electrodes such that high-frequency electromagnetic energy is applied to the treatment area of the skin to heat the treatment area; at least one temperature sensor configured to measure at least one temperature of the skin; a user interface; and an analysis and feedback module configured to receive a measurement value from the at least one temperature sensor, perform an analysis of the received measurement value, and provide real-time treatment feedback to the user via the user interface based on the analysis. The treatment feedback may include, for example, visual feedback provided as a notification.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the skin treatment system comprises a skin treatment device and a separate user device, the skin treatment device including a housing, a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator, and at least one temperature sensor, and the user device including a user interface and an analysis and feedback module.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the skin treatment system comprises a skin treatment device, the skin treatment device including a housing, a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator, at least one temperature sensor, a user interface, and an analysis and feedback module.

[0012] In certain embodiments, at least one temperature sensor includes a first temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of the skin and a second temperature sensor configured to measure a second temperature of the skin, and the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are spaced apart such that the first temperature of the skin is measured at a location spaced from the location at which the second temperature of the skin is measured. The space between the electrodes and their corresponding temperature sensors allows the temperature sensed by each of the sensors to indicate the temperature at at least two partially spaced locations on the skin. Measuring the temperature at two spaced locations can indicate the size of the area of the skin that the device is contacting during treatment, thereby indicating movement of the device by the user across the skin and / or the rate at which the user moves the device across the skin.

[0013] In certain embodiments, analysis of the received measurements includes comparing the first temperature and the second temperature to determine characteristics of the treatment area.

[0014] In certain embodiments, comparing the first temperature and the second temperature includes calculating whether the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a threshold value, and treatment feedback includes that the size of the treatment area exceeds a target size when the difference exceeds the threshold value.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the skin treatment system is configured to heat the treatment area of the skin to a target temperature during an initial preheating stage, and analysis of the received measurements includes a preheating analysis that includes calculating a time variation of a preheating temperature indicator to determine characteristics of the initial preheating stage, and the analysis and feedback module is further configured to provide preheating feedback to the user via a user interface based on the preheating analysis.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, preheating analysis includes detecting a deviation of a preheating temperature indicator from a predetermined preheating temperature indicator pattern, and upon detection of a deviation, preheating feedback includes at least one of the following indications: that the size of the treatment area exceeds a target size and that the moving speed of the housing exceeds a target speed.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the preheating temperature indicator includes at least one of a first temperature during the preheating phase, a second temperature during the preheating phase, and / or a temperature comparison metric indicating a comparison between the first and second temperatures during the preheating phase.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, the temperature comparison criterion includes the difference between a first temperature and a second temperature, and detecting a deviation from a predetermined preheating temperature indicator pattern includes detecting that the difference exceeds a preheating temperature difference threshold over a predetermined period of time.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the preheating temperature indicator includes a first temperature during the preheating phase, a second temperature during the preheating phase, or their average, and detecting a deviation from a predetermined preheating temperature indicator includes a gradient of the first and / or second temperatures over time that falls below a predetermined gradient threshold over a predetermined period.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the skin treatment system is configured to maintain a range including a target temperature or target value of the skin during the treatment phase, and the analysis of received measurements includes determining whether a first temperature, a second temperature, and / or their average falls below the target temperature during the treatment phase, and the analysis and feedback module is configured to provide treatment feedback based on the analysis indicating the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0021] In a particular embodiment, the skin treatment system is configured to heat a treatment area of ​​the skin to a target temperature during an initial preheating phase, and the analysis of received measurements includes determining whether a first temperature, a second temperature, and / or their average falls below a minimum temperature threshold during the initial preheating phase.

[0022] In a particular embodiment, the analysis and feedback module is further configured to receive conductivity measurements from at least two electrodes, and the analysis of the received measurements includes determining the characteristics of the conductive contact of the at least two electrodes with the skin.

[0023] In a particular embodiment, the analysis and feedback module is configured to provide a treatment score after the completion of the treatment, based on measurements received throughout the entire duration of the treatment.

[0024] Another aspect of the subject matter of this disclosure provides a (computer implementation) method that includes receiving measurements from at least one temperature sensor of a skin treatment system, performing an analysis of the received measurements, and providing real-time treatment feedback to a user through a user interface of the skin treatment system. Computer-readable computer programs for performing at least a portion of one or more methods of this disclosure are also contemplated herein.

[0025] A further aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure provides a treatment system comprising: a treatment system, the treatment system being a skin treatment system, the skin treatment system comprising: a housing, the housing including at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the skin of a user as the housing moves across a treatment area of ​​skin; and a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to the at least two electrodes so that high-frequency electromagnetic energy is applied to the treatment area of ​​skin to heat the treatment area, the skin treatment system being configured to determine at least one performance metric of a treatment, and the skin treatment system being configured to transmit at least one performance metric to a server via a computer network; and a healthcare professional system connected to the server via a computer network, the healthcare professional system being configured to access at least one performance metric from the server, and the healthcare professional system being configured to transfer a treatment plan to the skin treatment system via a computer network.

[0026] In yet another aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, a healthcare professional system is provided, the healthcare professional system comprising a healthcare professional user interface and a connection to a computer network including a remote server, and the healthcare professional system is configured to receive at least one performance metric from the server via the connection to the computer network, to display at least one performance metric or an indication thereof on the healthcare professional user interface, to perform healthcare professional user input via the user interface to construct a treatment plan, and to transfer the treatment plan to the server via the connection to the computer network.

[0027] In a further aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, a server is provided, the server comprising: a data store, the data store storing therein at least one database, the at least one database containing information relating to a plurality of patients and a plurality of corresponding treatment plans; and a connection to a computer network for communicating with a plurality of patient skin treatment systems and a healthcare worker system, the server being configured to receive a treatment plan from a healthcare worker system via the connection to the computer network,

[0028] In another aspect of the present invention, a skin treatment device is provided, comprising: a housing comprising at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the body moves across a skin treatment area; a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to the at least two electrodes so that high-frequency electromagnetic energy is applied to the skin treatment area to heat the treatment area; at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of at least one of the skin; and a transmitter configured to transmit the measurement from the at least one temperature sensor.

[0029] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a skin treatment device is provided, comprising: a treatment means configured to apply a treatment to a user's skin; at least one sensor for measuring the characteristics of the treatment; and a transmitter configured to transmit measurements from at least one sensor.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, at least one sensor is for measuring skin properties.

[0031] Embodiment More specific details will be provided in the detailed description, but the following are non-limiting examples of different embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. 1. A skin treatment system, A skin treatment device that is operable by a user to treat skin in one or more treatment sessions, wherein the at least one skin treatment device is A housing comprising at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the housing moves across the user's skin during an ongoing treatment session, A high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to at least two electrodes in order to apply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin during an ongoing treatment session, and A skin treatment device comprising at least one skin treatment device, including a sensing circuit configured to measure in real time at least one parameter that represents one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device during an ongoing treatment session, User interface and An analysis and feedback module, which provides real-time, To receive a measurement value of at least one parameter from the sensing circuit, The received measurements are analyzed to determine one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device, and A skin treatment system comprising: an analysis and feedback module configured to provide treatment feedback to the user via a user interface during an ongoing treatment session, the treatment feedback being based on the analysis and including instructions to guide the user on how to modify the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device during the ongoing treatment session. 2. The skin treatment system according to Embodiment 1, wherein an analysis and feedback module configured to provide real-time treatment feedback is configured to provide treatment feedback before the end of an ongoing treatment session. 3. The skin treatment system according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein an analysis and feedback module configured to provide real-time treatment feedback is configured to provide treatment feedback within 30 seconds of measuring at least one parameter. 4. The skin treatment system according to Embodiment 3, wherein the analysis and feedback module is configured to provide treatment feedback within 10 seconds of measuring at least one parameter. 5. A skin treatment system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to modify the speed at which the housing moves across the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. 6. A skin treatment system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the range of movement of the housing over the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. 7. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the contact of at least two electrodes with the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. 8. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein at least one parameter includes at least one of skin impedance, conductivity between at least two electrodes, skin temperature, and ambient temperature. 9. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein one or more features of the interaction of the device with the skin include a range of movement of the housing across the skin, a speed of movement of the housing across the skin, a direction of movement of the housing across the skin, and conductive contact of at least two electrodes with the skin. 10. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein a sensing circuit is configured to measure a pattern of values ​​of at least one parameter in real time over a predetermined period of time, and an analysis and feedback module is configured to determine, based on an analysis of the received measurements, a deviation of the measured pattern of values ​​of at least one parameter from a predetermined pattern of values ​​of at least one parameter during an ongoing treatment session, and the analysis and feedback module is configured to determine, based on the deviation, that the ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly. 11. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the analysis and feedback module is configured to determine, based on an analysis of received measurements, a deviation of the measured value of at least one parameter from a predetermined range of values ​​of at least one parameter during an ongoing treatment session, and the analysis and feedback module is configured to determine, based on the deviation, that the ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly. 12. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the analysis and feedback module is configured to determine, based on an analysis of received measurements, a deviation of the measured value of at least one parameter from a predetermined value of at least one parameter during an ongoing treatment session, and the analysis and feedback module is configured to determine, based on the deviation, that the ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly. 13. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 10 to 12, wherein treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user on how to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin in order to accurately carry out the ongoing treatment session. 14. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein at least one parameter includes at least one of skin impedance and conductivity between at least two electrodes, and treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the conductive contact of at least two electrodes with the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. 15. The skin treatment system according to Embodiment 14, wherein the sensing circuit includes at least two electrodes. 16. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the sensing circuit includes at least one temperature sensor, and at least one parameter includes at least one skin temperature. 17. At least one temperature sensor, A first temperature sensor for measuring a first skin temperature at a first location on the skin, and Includes a second temperature sensor for measuring a second skin temperature at a second location on the skin spaced apart from a first location, At least one parameter, First temperature, Second temperature, The difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, The average of the first temperature and the second temperature, and, The method according to Embodiment 16, comprising at least one of the patterns of the difference between a first temperature and a second temperature over a predetermined period of time. 18. The skin treatment system according to Embodiment 17, wherein a first temperature sensor is positioned on the first electrode of at least two electrodes, and a second temperature sensor is positioned on the second electrode of at least two electrodes, and the first and second electrodes are spaced apart from each other. 19. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein one or more features of the device interaction with the skin include at least one of a range of movement of the housing over skin larger or smaller than a predetermined area, and a speed of movement of the housing over skin higher or lower than a predetermined speed. 20. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 16 to 19, wherein treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust at least one of the range of movement of the housing over the skin and the speed of movement of the housing over the skin. 21. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the skin treatment device is configured to operate in a preheating stage and a treatment stage. 22. The skin treatment system according to Embodiment 21, wherein the skin treatment device is configured to operate in a preheating phase when the skin temperature is below a target value and to operate in a treatment phase when the skin temperature is above a target value. 23. The skin treatment system according to Embodiment 22, wherein the skin treatment system is configured to maintain the skin temperature within a target value or a range including the target value during the treatment stage. 24. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 21 to 23, wherein the analysis and feedback module is configured to provide treatment feedback in real time during at least one of the preheating stage and the treatment stage. 25. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 21 to 24, dependent on embodiment 10, wherein a predetermined pattern of values ​​for at least one parameter differs in the preheating stage from a predetermined pattern of values ​​for at least one parameter in the treatment stage. 26. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 21 to 25, dependent on embodiment 11, wherein a predetermined range of values ​​for at least one parameter differs in the preheating stage from a predetermined range of values ​​for at least one parameter in the treatment stage. 27. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 21 to 26, dependent on embodiment 12, wherein a predetermined value of at least one parameter differs in the preheating stage from a predetermined value of at least one parameter in the treatment stage. 28. A skin treatment system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 27, wherein a user interface allows the user to select an anatomical location of the skin to be treated in a treatment session. 29. The skin treatment system according to Embodiment 28, dependent on Embodiment 10, wherein a predetermined pattern of values ​​for at least one parameter is associated with a selected anatomical location on the skin. 30. A skin treatment system according to Embodiment 28 or 29, dependent on Embodiment 12, wherein a predetermined value of at least one parameter is associated with a selected anatomical location of the skin. 31. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 28 to 30, in which a predetermined value of at least one parameter is associated with a selected anatomical location of the skin, as dependent on embodiment 12. 32. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 31, wherein the movement of a housing across the skin includes the housing periodically passing over different parts of the skin within a region, and each instance in which the housing passes over a certain part heats the part, and between two consecutive instances of the passage, the temperature of the part decreases, and at least one parameter includes a decrease in temperature, and one or more features include at least one of the region of movement of the housing across the skin and the speed of movement of the housing across the skin during an ongoing treatment session. 33. The skin treatment system according to Embodiment 32, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust at least one of the area of ​​movement of the housing across the skin and the speed of movement of the housing across the skin during an ongoing treatment session. 34. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 33, wherein at least one of an analysis and feedback module and a user interface constitutes part of a skin treatment device. 35. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 33, further comprising a user device, wherein at least one of an analysis and feedback module and a user interface constitutes part of the user device. 36. The skin treatment system according to embodiment 35, wherein the skin treatment device is configured to communicate with a user device via a wireless communication link. 37. The skin treatment system according to Embodiment 36, wherein the user device is a smartphone and / or the wireless communication link includes Bluetooth. 38. A skin treatment system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 37, wherein the user interface includes a display and the treatment feedback includes visual feedback. 39. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 38, wherein the user interface includes a speaker and the treatment feedback includes voice feedback. 40. A skin treatment system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 39, wherein the skin treatment device is a portable device. 41. A computer implementation method for assisting a user during an ongoing treatment session being performed by the user using a skin treatment system, wherein the skin treatment system is A skin treatment device that is operable by a user to perform one or more treatment sessions, wherein the at least one skin treatment device is A housing comprising at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the housing moves across the user's skin during an ongoing treatment session, A high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to at least two electrodes in order to apply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin during an ongoing treatment session, and A skin treatment device comprising at least one skin treatment device, including a sensing circuit configured to measure in real time at least one parameter that represents one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device during an ongoing treatment session, User interface and It comprises an analysis and feedback module, The method is The sensing circuit measures at least one parameter in real time, The analysis and feedback module receives measurements of at least one parameter in real time, The analysis and feedback module performs real-time analysis of received measurements to determine one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device during the ongoing treatment session. A computer implementation method comprising providing treatment feedback, based on the analysis, to the user in real time via a user interface, through an analysis and feedback module, which includes one or more instructions guiding the user on how to modify the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device during an ongoing treatment session. 42. The method according to embodiment 41, wherein providing treatment feedback in real time includes providing treatment feedback before the end of an ongoing treatment session. 43. The method according to embodiment 41 or 42, wherein providing treatment feedback in real time includes providing treatment feedback within 30 seconds of measuring at least one parameter. 44. The method according to embodiment 43, wherein providing treatment feedback in real time includes providing treatment feedback within 10 seconds of measuring at least one parameter. 45. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 44, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to modify the speed at which the housing moves across the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. 46. ​​The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 45, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the range of movement of the housing over the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. 47. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 46, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the contact of at least two electrodes with the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. 48. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 47, wherein at least one parameter includes at least one of skin impedance, conductivity between at least two electrodes, skin temperature, and ambient temperature. 49. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 48, wherein one or more features of the interaction of the device with the skin include a range of movement of the housing across the skin, a speed of movement of the housing across the skin, a direction of movement of the housing across the skin, and conductive contact of at least two electrodes with the skin. 50. Measuring the at least one parameter in real time includes measuring a pattern of values ​​of the at least one parameter in real time over a predetermined period of time, and the method is The analysis and feedback module determines, based on the analysis of received measurements, the deviation of the measured pattern of at least one parameter value from a given pattern of the values ​​of at least one parameter during an ongoing treatment session, The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 49, further comprising determining, based on the deviation, that an ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly by an analysis and feedback module. 51. The method is The analysis and feedback module determines, based on the analysis of received measurements, the deviation of the measured pattern of the value of at least one parameter from a predetermined range of the values ​​of at least one parameter during an ongoing treatment session, The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 50, further comprising determining, based on the deviation, that an ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly by an analysis and feedback module. 52. The method is The analysis and feedback module determines, based on the analysis of received measurements, the deviation of the measured pattern of the value of at least one parameter from a given value of at least one parameter during an ongoing treatment session, The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 51, further comprising determining, based on the deviation, that an ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly by an analysis and feedback module. 53. The method according to any one of Embodiments 50 to 52, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user on how to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin in order to accurately carry out the treatment session in progress. 54. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 53, wherein at least one parameter includes at least one of skin impedance and conductivity between at least two electrodes, and the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the conductive contact of at least two electrodes with the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. 55. The method according to embodiment 54, wherein the measurement by the sensing circuit is performed by at least two electrodes. 56. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 55, wherein the sensing circuit includes at least one temperature sensor and at least one parameter includes at least one skin temperature. 57. At least one temperature sensor, A first temperature sensor for measuring a first skin temperature at a first location on the skin, and Includes a second temperature sensor for measuring a second skin temperature at a second location on the skin spaced apart from a first location, At least one parameter, First temperature, Second temperature, The difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, The average of the first temperature and the second temperature, and, The method according to Embodiment 56, comprising at least one of the patterns of the difference between a first temperature and a second temperature over a predetermined period of time. 58. The method according to Embodiment 57, wherein a first temperature sensor is positioned on the first electrode of at least two electrodes, and a second temperature sensor is positioned on the second electrode of at least two electrodes, and the first and second electrodes are spaced apart from each other. 59. The method according to any one of embodiments 56 to 58, wherein one or more features of the interaction of the device with the skin include at least one of a range of movement of the housing over skin larger or smaller than a predetermined area, and a speed of movement of the housing over skin higher or lower than a predetermined speed. 60. The method according to any one of embodiments 56 to 59, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust at least one of the area of ​​movement of the housing across the skin and the speed of movement of the housing across the skin. 61. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 60, wherein the skin treatment device is configured to operate during a preheating phase and a treatment phase. 62. The method according to Embodiment 61, wherein the skin treatment device is configured to operate in a preheating phase when the skin temperature is below a target value and in a treatment phase when the skin temperature is above a target value. 63. The method according to Embodiment 62, wherein the method includes maintaining the skin temperature at a target value or within a range including the target value during the treatment step. 64. The method according to any one of embodiments 61 to 63, wherein providing treatment feedback in real time includes providing treatment feedback in real time during at least one of the preheating stage and the treatment stage. 65. The method according to any one of embodiments 61 to 64, as dependent on embodiment 50, wherein a predetermined pattern of values ​​for at least one parameter differs in the preheating stage from a predetermined pattern of values ​​for at least one parameter in the treatment stage. 66. The method according to any one of embodiments 61 to 65, as dependent on embodiment 51, wherein a predetermined range of values ​​for at least one parameter is different in the preheating stage from a predetermined range of values ​​for at least one parameter in the treatment stage. 67. The method according to any one of embodiments 61 to 66, as dependent on embodiment 52, wherein a predetermined value of at least one parameter is different in the preheating stage from a predetermined value of at least one parameter in the treatment stage. 68. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 67, further comprising receiving from the user via a user interface a selection of an anatomical location of skin to be treated in a treatment session. 69. The method according to Embodiment 68, dependent on Embodiment 50, wherein a predetermined pattern of values ​​for at least one parameter is associated with a selected anatomical location on the skin. 70. The method according to Embodiment 68 or 69, as dependent on Embodiment 52, wherein a predetermined value of at least one parameter is associated with a selected anatomical location of the skin. 71. The method according to any one of embodiments 68 to 70, dependent on embodiment 52, wherein a predetermined value of at least one parameter is associated with a selected anatomical location of the skin. 72. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 71, wherein the movement of the housing across the skin includes the housing periodically passing over different parts of the skin within a region, and each instance in which the housing passes over a certain part heats the part, and between two consecutive instances of the passage, the temperature of the part decreases, and at least one parameter includes a decrease in temperature, and one or more features include at least one of the region of movement of the housing across the skin and the speed of movement of the housing across the skin during an ongoing treatment session. 73. The method according to Embodiment 72, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust at least one of the area of ​​movement of the housing across the skin and the speed of movement of the housing across the skin during an ongoing treatment session. 74. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 73, wherein at least one of an analysis and feedback module and a user interface constitutes part of a skin treatment device. 75. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 73, wherein the skin treatment system further comprises a user device, and at least one of an analysis and feedback module and a user interface constitutes part of the user device. 76. The method according to embodiment 75, wherein the skin treatment device is configured to communicate with a user device via a wireless communication link. 77. The method according to Embodiment 76, wherein the user device is a smartphone and / or the wireless communication link includes Bluetooth. 78. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 77, wherein the user interface includes a display and the treatment feedback includes visual feedback. 79. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 78, wherein the user interface includes a speaker and the treatment feedback includes voice feedback. 80. The method according to any one of embodiments 41 to 79, wherein the skin treatment device is a portable device. 81. A treatment system, wherein the treatment system is A skin treatment system comprising at least one skin treatment device operable by a user to perform one or more treatment sessions on the user's skin, wherein the at least one skin treatment device is A housing comprising at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the housing moves across the skin during at least one treatment session, and A high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to at least two electrodes in order to apply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin during at least one treatment session, A skin treatment system comprising at least one skin treatment device, configured to calculate at least one session performance metric representing one or more characteristics of at least one treatment session and to transmit at least one session performance metric to a healthcare professional system, A treatment system comprising: a healthcare worker system located remotely from the skin treatment system and configured to receive at least one session performance metric. 82. The treatment system according to Embodiment 81, wherein at least one session performance metric includes a session effectiveness score calculated based on cumulative data collected over the course of at least one treatment session. 83. At least one feature of one treatment session is, The number of times contact between the skin treatment device and the skin was lost during at least one treatment session, The number of times the skin temperature deviates from a predetermined value during at least one treatment session, The number of times at least one treatment session was interrupted during at least one treatment session, and A treatment system according to embodiment 81 or 82, comprising at least one of the durations of at least one treatment session. 84. The treatment system according to Embodiment 83, dependent on Embodiment 82, wherein the session effectiveness score is calculated based on one or more characteristics of at least one treatment session. 85. A treatment system according to any one of embodiments 81 to 84, wherein the skin treatment system is configured to determine at least one treatment performance metric calculated based on a plurality of session performance metrics. 86. The treatment system according to Embodiment 85, wherein at least one treatment performance metric includes a treatment effectiveness score. 87. The treatment system according to Embodiment 86, wherein the treatment effectiveness score is the average of multiple session effectiveness scores corresponding to multiple session performance metrics, as is the case with Embodiment 82. 88. A treatment system according to any one of embodiments 81 to 87, wherein the healthcare professional system includes a healthcare professional user interface for displaying at least one session performance metric or an indication thereof. 89. A treatment system according to any one of embodiments 81 to 88, wherein a healthcare professional system is configured to transfer a treatment plan to a skin treatment system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] Embodiments are described herein, as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it can actually be carried out. [Figure 1] This disclosure shows a treatment system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an example of a skin treatment device for the treatment system. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a typical block diagram of the electrical system of a skin treatment device. [Figure 4A] This is a flowchart showing the operation of a skin treatment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] This is a flowchart showing the operation of a skin treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing a treatment feedback algorithm according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows another treatment feedback algorithm according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing yet another processing feedback algorithm according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows a method for updating a treatment plan according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] Exemplary user interfaces with real-time action feedback are illustrated by different embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 9B] Exemplary user interfaces with real-time action feedback are illustrated by different embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 9C] Exemplary user interfaces with real-time action feedback are illustrated by different embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 10] An exemplary user interface illustrating session performance metrics according to one embodiment of this disclosure is provided. [Figure 11] An exemplary user interface for selecting a body area for treatment, according to embodiments of this disclosure, is provided. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] The following detailed description includes numerous specific details to provide a full understanding of the embodiments of the Disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the Disclosure can be implemented without these specific details. In other examples, well-known methods, procedures, components, modules, units, and / or circuits are not described in detail so as not to obscure the Disclosure.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a treatment system 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The skin treatment system 10 comprises several elements which may be arranged in different positions, as described below.

[0035] Specifically, the treatment system 10 comprises a skin treatment system 100, a medical professional system 200, a computer network 300, and a server 400.

[0036] The skin treatment system 100 is configured to communicate with the server 400 via a computer network 300. For example, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the skin treatment system 100 may be configured to be connected to the Internet, which provides access to the computer network 300 and the server 400. Data (described in further detail below) may be transferred between the skin treatment system 100 and the server 400 via the computer network 300. As shown in Figure 1, data transfer is bidirectional, with data being transferred (uploaded) from the skin treatment system 100 to the server 400, and data being transferred (downloaded) from the server 400 to the skin treatment system 100.

[0037] The healthcare professional system 200 is configured to communicate with the server 400 via a computer network 300. For example, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the healthcare professional system 200 may be configured to be connected to the Internet, which provides access to the computer network 300 and the server 400. Data (described in further detail below) may be transferred between the healthcare professional system 200 and the server 400 via the computer network 300. As shown in Figure 1, data transfer is bidirectional, and data may be transferred (uploaded) from the healthcare professional system 200 to the server 400, and data may be transferred (downloaded) from the server 400 to the healthcare professional system 200.

[0038] The server 400 may include a datastore 410 configured to store data. The datastore 410 can take any form known to those skilled in the art, for example, the datastore 410 may be one or more non-volatile storage devices such as hard disk drives.

[0039] The data store 410 is configured to write data received from the skin treatment system 100 and the healthcare worker system 200 (either in raw or processed form). The data store 410 is also configured to be readable / accessible so that the data stored therein can be processed and / or transferred to the skin treatment system 100 and the healthcare worker system 200 via the computer network 300.

[0040] It should be understood that in certain embodiments described herein, the skin treatment system 100 and the healthcare worker system 200 may be configured to communicate directly, for example, via a computer network (e.g., computer network 300) for the transfer of data between them. The transfer of data may occur in both directions, with data being transferred from the healthcare worker system 200 to the skin treatment system 100, and data being transferred from the skin treatment system 100 to the healthcare worker system 200.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the skin treatment system 100 includes a skin treatment device 110 and a user device 190.

[0042] Further details of the skin treatment device 110 are provided below in relation to Figures 2 and 3.

[0043] In a particular embodiment, the healthcare worker system 200 may be connected (via a computer network 300) to a plurality of skin treatment systems 100 (and corresponding skin treatment devices 110). The plurality of skin treatment systems 100 may be used by different patients (for example, at different locations).

[0044] The user device 190 may be any computing device available to the patient / user (e.g., at the patient / user's home). The user device 190 may be separate from / independent of the skin treatment device 110. For example, the user device 190 may be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. The user device 190 includes a user interface that allows the patient / user to interact with the skin treatment device 110. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the user interface may include a screen, touch input, keyboard, mouse, and / or speaker.

[0045] The skin treatment device 110 is configured to connect to the user device 190 so that the skin treatment device 110 and the user device 190 can communicate with each other. The connection between the skin treatment device 110 and the user device 190 can be implemented in any way known to those skilled in the art, for example, by Bluetooth®.

[0046] The data (described in further detail below) can be transferred between the skin treatment device 110 and the user device 190. Data transfer is bidirectional; data can be transferred (uploaded) from the skin treatment device 110 to the user device 190, and data can be transferred (downloaded) from the user device 190 to the skin treatment device 110.

[0047] The user device 190 is configured to connect to a computer network 300, for example, via an internet connection. In this way, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the user device 190 can communicate with the server 400 via the computer network 300. In this embodiment, this connection from the user device 190 enables the aforementioned functions of the skin treatment system 100 to communicate with the server 400 via the computer network 300.

[0048] Therefore, the data (described in more detail below) can be transferred between the skin treatment device 110 and the server 400 (via the user device 190 and the computer network 300). Data transfer is bidirectional; data can be transferred (uploaded) from the skin treatment device 110 to the server 400, and data can be transferred (downloaded) from the server 400 to the skin treatment device 110.

[0049] The healthcare professional system 200 can also transfer and receive data to and from the server 400, so that data or its representation (as described in more detail below) can be transferred between the skin treatment device 110 and the healthcare professional system 200 (via the user device 190, the computer network 300, and the server 400). The transfer of data (or its representation) is bidirectional, so that data (or its representation) can be transferred (uploaded) from the skin treatment device 110 to the healthcare professional system 200, and data (or its representation) can be transferred (downloaded) from the healthcare professional system 200 to the skin treatment device 110. In certain embodiments, the user device 190 can communicate directly with the healthcare professional system 200, for example, via a computer network (e.g., computer network 300).

[0050] The user device 190 is entirely optional. In an alternative embodiment, the skin treatment system 100 does not include the user device 190. Instead, the skin treatment device 110 may itself perform the functions of the user device 190. For example, the skin treatment device 110 may be configured to connect to a computer network 300, for example, via an internet connection. In this way, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the skin treatment device 110 itself may communicate with the server 400 via the computer network 300. In this embodiment, this connection from the skin treatment device 110 enables the aforementioned functions of the skin treatment system 100 to communicate with the server 400 via the computer network 300. For example, in a particular embodiment where the skin treatment system 100 can communicate directly with the healthcare professional system 200, the skin treatment device 110 itself may communicate with the healthcare professional system 200, and in such an embodiment, a connection from the skin treatment device 110 enables the aforementioned functions of the skin treatment system 100 to communicate with the healthcare professional system 200 via the computer network 300. The skin treatment device 110 may include a user interface that allows a patient / user to interact with the skin treatment device 110. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the user interface may include a screen, touch input, keyboard, mouse, and / or speaker. In this specification, for the purposes of this description, any reference to a user interface should be considered to include, unless otherwise specified, either or both of the user interface of the user device 190 and the user interface of the skin treatment device 110. For example, in a particular embodiment in which the skin treatment system 100 does not include a user device and some or all of the functions of the user device can be performed by the skin treatment device itself, the user interface of the skin treatment device may be configured to perform some or all of the functions of the user interface of the user device, as described herein.

[0051] The above configuration of treatment system 10 enables improved functionality compared to existing treatment systems. Specific forms (and representations) of the data are described in detail below.

[0052] For example, a potential benefit of a system such as the one described herein, in which the portable treatment device communicates at least indirectly with a healthcare provider system, may include assisting healthcare providers in determining whether a home treatment has been performed correctly. Another potential benefit is that healthcare providers can select or adjust treatment plans and transfer those plans to the portable treatment device.

[0053] First, we refer to Figures 2 and 3, which are used to illustrate the data that can be measured by the skin treatment device 110 and the general operating principle of the skin treatment device 110. The skin treatment device 110 is just one form of skin treatment device suitable for use with the treatment system 10. Therefore, other skin treatment devices may be used with the treatment system 10 instead. In general, the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented with any energy-emitting home skin treatment device that is positioned in contact with the skin to perform the treatment.

[0054] The skin treatment device 110 includes a housing 111. The housing 111 may be ergonomically shaped so that the skin treatment device 110 can be held by a user with one hand, and thus may be a portable device. In this specification, it should be understood that a skin treatment device being a portable device is intended to include within its scope that the skin treatment device is a home-use device for a user to perform topical skin treatments at home. The shape of the housing 111 may be configured to allow the skin treatment device 110 to be held and moved over the skin to be treated.

[0055] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the massage arm 112 extends from the end of the skin treatment device 110, which is configured to be positioned in contact with the skin to be treated. However, the massage arm 112 is entirely optional, and in alternative embodiments, the skin treatment device 110 does not include any massage arm. In the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, the massage arm 112 is configured to move. Therefore, when positioned in contact with the skin, the movement of the massage arm 112 can result in a massage of the skin between the massage arm 112. In alternative embodiments, the massage arm may be fixed.

[0056] The material of the outer surface of each massage arm 112 may be selected to avoid skin irritation or abrasion. Before or during use, a lubricating fluid, gel, or cream may be applied to each massage arm 112 and / or the user's skin. The lubricating fluid, gel, or cream may be conductive.

[0057] The flexible sleeve 113 of the skin treatment device 110 may be made from a flexible material such as flexible plastic or rubber. The flexibility of the flexible sleeve 113 may allow the housing 111 to remain sealed while allowing the massage arm 112 to move.

[0058] Part or all of the external surface of each massage arm 112 may include or be made from a conductive material. For example, the conductive material may include a metal, a conductive plastic, or another conductive material that is suitable for inclusion within the external surface of the massage arm 112. The conductive material acts as an electrode that can facilitate the electrical coupling of the massage arm 112 to the skin to be treated. Thus, the skin treatment device 110 includes two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the housing 111 moves across the treatment area of ​​the skin, for example, when the user performs a treatment or part thereof (treatment session) on the skin.

[0059] The skin treatment device 110 may include a user interface 114. The user interface 114 may include one or more control units. For example, the control unit may include one or more push buttons, switches, levers, dial wheels, or knobs (as shown). The user may operate the control unit to control the operation of the skin treatment device 110. For example, the operation of the control unit may cause the skin treatment device 110 to be turned on or off, to be connected to a user device 190 (e.g., via Bluetooth® connection), to be set to a treatment output, or to be put into standby status. The operation of the user interface 114 may indicate the selection of an operating mode for the skin treatment device 110.

[0060] The user interface 114 may include one or more indicators 116. For example, the indicators 116 may include luminous indicators or other visible indicators of the status of the skin treatment device 110, such as whether the power is on / off and / or whether it has a connection to a user device 190 (e.g., whether it has a Bluetooth® connection with the user device 190). For example, in certain embodiments in which the skin treatment system does not include a user device, the user interface 114 may include a display (e.g., a screen) on which data or a representation thereof (as described in more detail below) can be displayed to the user. In such examples, some or all of the functions of the user interface of the user device described herein may be performed by the user interface 114 of the skin treatment device.

[0061] The skin treatment device 110 may include one or more connectors 118. The connectors 118 may be configured to connect to corresponding connectors on appropriate cables. For example, the connectors 118 may be configured to allow connection of the skin treatment device 110 to an external power source (e.g., an electrical trunk line or power grid, or a power adapter, converter, or transformer) via an appropriate output cable. Additionally / alternatively, the connectors 118 may connect to a user device 190 to form a wired connection to the user device 190 (or, alternatively, any wireless connection between the skin treatment device 110 and the user device 190).

[0062] In certain embodiments, the skin treatment device 110 may include a cell / battery. The skin treatment device 110 may be powered by the cell / battery. The cell / battery may optionally be rechargeable using a connector 118.

[0063] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the electrical system 120 of the skin treatment device 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] The electrical system 120 may include a controller 140 for controlling the operation of the skin treatment device 110. The controller 140 may represent one or more interconnection units configured to coordinate among various components of the electrical system 120. The controller 140 may include one or more processors configured to operate by programmed instructions. In another example, the controller 140 may include circuits (e.g., in the form of an integrated control circuit) configured to operate the components of the skin treatment device 110.

[0065] The controller 140 may communicate with the data storage unit 142. The data storage unit 142 may include one or more volatile or non-volatile data storage devices, or may represent the data storage function of a device. For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the data storage unit 142 may include a non-volatile data storage device for storing programmed instructions or data for the operation of the skin treatment device 110. The data storage unit 142 may be used by the controller 140 in the form of a processor to store data generated during the operation of the skin treatment device 110.

[0066] The controller 140 may be configured to detect the operation of the user interface 114. The controller 140 may be operated by the detected operation of one or more control units of the user interface 114 by the user.

[0067] The controller 140 acts as an analysis and feedback module, configured to execute various action feedback algorithms described below with respect to at least Figures 4A, 4B, 5, 6, and 7.

[0068] The controller 140 may be configured to operate one or more indicators 116. For example, the indicators 116 may operate to show the current state or status of the operation of the controller 140 or components of the electrical system 120.

[0069] The controller 140 can communicate with components and circuits for generating high-frequency electromagnetic signals. Specifically, the controller 140 can control a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator 144. The high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator 144 is configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to electrodes 145 so that high-frequency electromagnetic energy is applied to the skin. The high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator 144 may represent one or more components or modules of the controller 140, or it may include components that are separate from the controller 140, or both. The high-frequency electromagnetic signals generated by the high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator 144 may be conducted to one or more massage arms 112 and ultimately to each electrode 145 of the massage arms 112, inducing a high-frequency current to flow in the skin in contact with the electrodes 145.

[0070] The controller 140 and / or the high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator 144 may be configured to measure the impedance between the electrodes 145, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Thus, the electrodes 145 may be used during operation to measure the skin impedance between the electrodes 145.

[0071] The electrical system 120 may be connected to or communicate with at least one sensing circuit 130. In some embodiments, the at least one sensing circuit may include one or more temperature sensors. The temperature sensors may be mounted on the massage arm 112. In some embodiments, temperature sensors may be provided to each of the massage arms 112. Each temperature sensor may sense the temperature of the skin at each corresponding point of contact between the massage arm 112 and the skin. Thus, the temperature sensors are configured to sense the temperature of the skin at the contact points where an electromagnetic high-frequency signal is provided to the skin, thereby ensuring better accuracy in sensing the temperature of the skin at the contact points receiving the electromagnetic high-frequency signal. In some embodiments, the at least one sensing circuit may include one or more sensors capable of sensing (or measuring) the impedance and / or conductivity of the skin between electrodes 145. In some embodiments, the at least one sensing circuit may be at least partially composed of at least one of the electrodes.

[0072] In a particular embodiment, at least one of one or more temperature sensors can be positioned in any part of the housing other than the massage arm.

[0073] The controller 140 can control the high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator 144 to select a high-frequency electromagnetic signal based on user operation of the user interface 114, measurements from the temperature sensor, measurements of impedance between the electrodes 145, program instructions stored on the data storage 142, and any other measurements executed by the skin treatment device 110.

[0074] The controller 140 can communicate with components and circuits for controlling the movement of moving components such as the massage arm 112. The motion controller 148 may be configured to operate the motor 122. For example, the motion controller 148 may be configured to adjust the current supplied to the drive motor 122 so that the drive motor 122 operates at a specific speed. The operation of the drive motor 122 may move the massage arm 112 in a predetermined manner.

[0075] The electrical system 120 may include a power supply unit 150. The power supply unit 150 may provide output for the operation of the controller 140 or for the operation of another component of the electrical system 120. The power supply unit 150 may include a replaceable or rechargeable power source, such as a replaceable or rechargeable battery or cell. The power supply unit 150 may be connected via a connector 118 to an external power source, such as a power grid, generator, or power supply device.

[0076] The electrical system 120 may further comprise a communication module 160. The controller 140 may act to control the communication module 160 to communicate with the user device 190, as described herein. The communication module 160 may enable Bluetooth® connectivity with the user device 190. For example, in a particular embodiment in which the skin treatment system does not include a user device, the communication module 160 may enable the skin treatment device to communicate with the healthcare professional system 200, either directly or via a server 400, for example, via a computer network 300.

[0077] The skin treatment device 110 is configured to operate according to a treatment plan (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as a treatment protocol and / or treatment). The treatment plan may be stored in the skin treatment device 110 and / or the user device 190. A treatment may include one or more treatment sessions that require interaction between the skin treatment device, e.g., skin treatment device 110, and the user's skin. For example, a treatment session may include the user interacting the skin treatment device 100 with the skin of an area to be treated (hereinafter generally referred to as the treatment area). A treatment may include treatment sessions to be performed at a specific time interval, e.g., several hours, one day, several days, one week, or several weeks. Certain operating criteria of the skin treatment device 110 for each treatment session (e.g., duration of treatment, output of treatment, size of treatment area, etc.) may be automatically set according to the treatment plan.

[0078] For example, the treatment plan may be configured by the healthcare professional system 200, as further described below. For example, a healthcare professional using the healthcare professional system 200 may define an initial treatment plan (treatment protocol or treatment), which may be updated (remotely) based on treatment results, treatment frequency, or any other information measured by the skin treatment device 110 or reported by the user. If the treatment plan is updated remotely, the user may receive an alert (e.g., a push alert) via, for example, the user device 110. In a particular embodiment, the healthcare professional and the healthcare professional system 200 may periodically monitor the treatment in progress and / or receive automated alerts via the healthcare professional system 200 based on irregularities, deviations, outlier information, etc., detected by the computer system.

[0079] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating an operation 500 of a skin treatment system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that in this specification, operation 500 illustrates an operation of the skin treatment system 100, including the user's operation of the skin treatment device 110 to perform a treatment session of treatment on the user's skin. For example, a treatment session performed by a user at any given time is referred to herein as an ongoing treatment session. For example, a treatment session that has been started and has not yet ended is referred to herein as an ongoing treatment session. Operation 500 illustrates a computer implementation method (at least part of which is performed by a computer processor, e.g., a controller 140) for assisting the user during an ongoing treatment session performed by the user using the skin treatment system.

[0080] The user initiates a treatment session by turning on the skin treatment device 110 and starting the interaction of the skin treatment device 110 with the skin, for example by touching the massage arm to the skin and moving the housing across the skin. The electrodes make conductive contact with the user's skin. A lubricating fluid, gel, or cream may be applied to the massage arm and / or the user's skin. The lubricating fluid, gel, or cream may be conductive. A high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator supplies high-frequency electromagnetic signals to the electrodes, which apply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin. The high-frequency electromagnetic energy heats the skin. In some embodiments, the user can select the part of the user's body on which the treatment session should be performed, as shown in the exemplary user interface screen of Figure 11, thereby defining the anatomical location of the skin being treated.

[0081] In step 510, the sensing circuit 130 measures in real time at least one parameter that represents one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device during the ongoing treatment session. For the purposes of this description, it should be understood that "the function is performed in real time" is intended to mean at least while the ongoing treatment session is taking place and while the ongoing treatment session has not yet ended.

[0082] At least one parameter may include at least one of the following: skin impedance, conductivity between at least two electrodes, skin temperature, and ambient temperature. One or more features of the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin include the range of movement of the housing across the skin, the speed of movement of the housing across the skin, the direction of movement of the housing across the skin, and the conductive contact of at least two electrodes with the skin. The measured parameters can generally indicate the quality of contact between the device and the skin surface.

[0083] The analysis and feedback module (e.g., controller 140) receives a measurement of at least one parameter in real time (from the sensing circuit). For the purposes of this description, it should be understood that, for the purposes of this description, when the analysis and feedback module receives a measurement of at least one parameter in real time, it is intended to mean that the analysis and feedback module receives a measurement of at least one parameter while an ongoing treatment session is being performed and that the ongoing treatment session has not yet ended. For the purposes of this description, it should be understood that, for the purposes of this description, when the analysis and feedback module receives a measurement of at least one parameter in real time, it is intended to mean that the analysis and feedback module receives a measurement of at least one parameter within a maximum of 30 seconds, 25 seconds, 20 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, 5 seconds, 3 seconds, 2 seconds, or 1 second after the sensing circuit has measured at least one parameter.

[0084] In step 520, the analysis and feedback module performs real-time analysis of the received measurements to determine one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device during the ongoing treatment session. For the purposes of this description, it should be understood that "the analysis and feedback module performs real-time analysis of the received measurements" is intended to mean that the analysis and feedback module performs the analysis while the ongoing treatment session is in progress and the ongoing treatment session has not yet ended. Furthermore, for the purposes of this description, it should be understood that "the analysis and feedback module performs real-time analysis of the received measurements" is intended to mean that the analysis and feedback module performs the analysis within a maximum of 30 seconds, 25 seconds, 20 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, 5 seconds, 3 seconds, 2 seconds, or 1 second after receiving the measurements.

[0085] Generally, the analysis of received measurements to determine one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and a skin treatment device may include comparing the measured value (or multiple measured values) of at least one parameter to a predetermined (stored) value (or multiple values) of at least one parameter in order to determine if the measured value deviates from a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be stored in memory, for example, as part of a treatment plan defined by a healthcare professional. The predetermined value of at least one parameter may be associated with the value of at least one parameter at a given time during a treatment session, which is desired for accurate (e.g., within acceptable limits) performance of the treatment session. Thus, the measured value (or multiple measured values) of at least one parameter at a given time is compared to the predetermined value of at least one parameter at that given time during the treatment session. Any given time may be, for example, a predetermined time after the start of the treatment session.

[0086] In some cases, the deviation can be compared to a predetermined threshold, and based on the deviation, one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device are determined, as described in more detail below.

[0087] A deviation of a measured value from a predetermined value (or, in some cases, a deviation exceeding a threshold) may indicate that an ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly. For the purposes of this specification, it should be understood that an incorrectly performed treatment session means that the treatment session is not being performed by a healthcare professional in the manner prescribed in the treatment plan.

[0088] In some embodiments, analysis of received measurements to determine one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device may include comparing the measured value (or multiple measured values) of at least one parameter to a predetermined range of values ​​for at least one parameter in order to determine if the measured value deviates from a predetermined range. The predetermined range of values ​​may be stored in memory, for example, as part of a treatment plan defined by a healthcare professional. The predetermined range of values ​​for at least one parameter may be associated with a range of values ​​for at least one parameter at a given time during a treatment session, which is desired for accurate (e.g., within acceptable limits) performance of the treatment session. Thus, the measured value (or multiple measured values) of at least one parameter at a given time is compared to a predetermined range of values ​​for at least one parameter at that given time during the treatment session. Any given time may be, for example, a predetermined time after the start of the treatment session. A deviation of the measured value from a predetermined range of values ​​(or, in some examples, a deviation exceeding a threshold) may indicate that the treatment session in progress is being performed incorrectly. In this specification, it should be understood that a deviation of a measured value from a given range of values ​​(or, in some examples, a deviation exceeding a threshold) may mean that the measured value is outside the given range of values.

[0089] In some embodiments, at least one sensing circuit may be configured to measure in real time a pattern of values ​​of at least one parameter over a predetermined period. The pattern may be a time variation pattern of at least one parameter over the predetermined period. For example, at least one sensing circuit may be configured to measure the value of at least one parameter continuously (or at short, pre-set time intervals) over a predetermined period, and the measured values ​​constitute a pattern of values ​​of at least one parameter. An analysis and feedback module may be configured, for example, to determine the deviation of the measured pattern of values ​​of at least one parameter from a predetermined pattern of values ​​of at least one parameter during an ongoing treatment session, based on an analysis of the received measurements. The predetermined pattern of values ​​may be stored in memory, for example, as part of a treatment plan defined by a healthcare professional. The predetermined pattern of values ​​of at least one parameter may be associated with a desired pattern for accurate (e.g., within acceptable limits) performance of the treatment session. Thus, a deviation of the measured pattern from a predetermined pattern (or, in some examples, a deviation exceeding a threshold) may indicate that the ongoing treatment session is being performed inaccurately. In some embodiments, the pattern of measured values ​​constitutes a gradient (curve or graph) of the measured values ​​with respect to time. In such embodiments, a given pattern can constitute a gradient (curve or graph) of a given value with respect to time.

[0090] In some embodiments, predetermined values ​​and / or patterns can be associated with the anatomical location (based on the body part) of the skin being treated during an ongoing treatment session. Thus, the analysis can take into account the anatomical location of the skin being treated, thereby potentially enhancing the effectiveness of the overall process. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the user can select the body part to be treated in the treatment session at the start of the treatment session, thereby selecting the anatomical location of the skin. Therefore, for that treatment session, the analysis and feedback module can perform the analysis according to predetermined values ​​and / or patterns associated with the anatomical location of the skin.

[0091] In some embodiments, the above comparison of measured values ​​and / or patterns with predetermined values, ranges, and / or patterns can be performed continuously, and the deviation can be determined as an indication that the ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly only if the deviation is observed over a predetermined period of time. For example, if the deviation is observed over a period of less than the predetermined time, the deviation can be ignored and may not indicate that the ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly.

[0092] In step 530, the analysis and feedback module provides the user with analysis-based treatment feedback in real time via the user interface of the skin treatment system (the user interface may be that of the skin treatment device and / or the user device). The treatment feedback includes one or more guidance instructions that instruct the user on how to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin during the ongoing treatment session. For the purposes of this description, it should be understood that for the purposes of this description, when the analysis and feedback module provides treatment feedback in real time, it is intended to mean that the analysis and feedback module provides treatment feedback while the ongoing treatment session is being performed and the ongoing treatment session has not yet ended. For the purposes of this description, it should be understood that when the analysis and feedback module provides treatment feedback in real time, it is intended to mean that the analysis and feedback module provides treatment feedback within a maximum of 30 seconds, 25 seconds, 20 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, 5 seconds, 3 seconds, 2 seconds, or 1 second from the measurement of at least one parameter.

[0093] In some embodiments, the “real-time” duration for providing feedback may vary, for example, based on the type of guidance instructions given to the user and / or based on at least one parameter measured by the sensing circuit. For example, if the treatment feedback relates to the loss of contact with the skin, the “real-time” duration may be less than 5 seconds, and if the treatment feedback relates to the movement of the device on the skin, the “real-time” duration may be less than 15 seconds, 30 seconds, or 20 seconds.

[0094] In some embodiments, the skin treatment system may include a user device, for example, user device 190, and either or both of the user interface and / or analysis and feedback modules may constitute part of the user device. In some examples, the analysis and feedback modules may constitute part of the user device, and the user interface may constitute part of the skin treatment device. In some examples, the user interface may constitute part of the user device, and / or the analysis and feedback modules may constitute part of the skin treatment device. In some examples, both the user interface and / or the analysis and feedback modules may constitute part of the user device.

[0095] In some embodiments, the skin treatment system may not include a user device, and both the user interface and the analysis and feedback module may constitute part of the skin treatment device.

[0096] In some embodiments, the user interface may include a display, and the treatment feedback may include visual feedback. In some embodiments, the user interface may include a speaker, and the treatment feedback may include audio feedback.

[0097] In some embodiments, the treatment feedback may include one or more guidance instructions that instruct the user to change the speed at which the housing moves across the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin.

[0098] In some embodiments, the treatment feedback may include one or more guidance instructions that instruct the user to adjust the range of movement of the housing across the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin.

[0099] In some embodiments, the treatment feedback may include one or more guidance instructions that instruct the user to adjust the conductive contact of at least two electrodes with the skin during an ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. For example, the treatment feedback may include instructions that instruct the user to change the orientation of the skin treatment device with respect to the skin. For example, the treatment feedback may include instructions that instruct the user to press more firmly against the skin.

[0100] In some embodiments, treatment feedback may include one or more guidance instructions for the user related to improving the effectiveness of the ongoing treatment session.

[0101] In some embodiments, the treatment feedback may include one or more guidance instructions that instruct the user on how to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin to ensure the treatment session in progress is performed correctly. For example, if it is determined that the treatment session in progress is not performed correctly, as detailed above, the treatment feedback may include one or more guidance instructions that instruct the user on how to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin to ensure the treatment session in progress is performed correctly. The inaccuracies in the treatment session in progress and the instructions that instruct the user on how to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin to ensure the treatment session in progress is performed correctly may be based on measured parameters and the characteristics of the treatment session in progress indicated by the measured parameters, as detailed below.

[0102] In some embodiments, at least one parameter may include at least one of skin impedance and conductivity between at least two electrodes. For example, the value or pattern of skin impedance and / or conductivity between at least two electrodes at a given time may be measured. The measured value and / or pattern may be compared to a predetermined value or range of values ​​and / or a predetermined pattern at a given time to determine a deviation, as described above. The deviation may indicate that the measured value and / or pattern of at least one of skin impedance and conductivity between at least two electrodes is not the expected value and / or pattern. Thus, this deviation may indicate that the contact of the electrodes with the skin is not accurate. For example, skin impedance and conductivity between at least two electrodes may deviate from a predetermined value and / or pattern if one or both electrodes are not in proper contact with the skin. Therefore, treatment feedback may include one or more guidance instructions that instruct the user to adjust the conductive contact of at least two electrodes with the skin during the ongoing treatment session. For example, as shown in Figure 9A, the instruction may instruct the user to “press the device more firmly” against the skin. In some embodiments, the instructions may instruct the user to "adjust the orientation of the device" relative to the skin.

[0103] In some embodiments, a predetermined value of the expected skin impedance and / or conductivity is associated with the anatomical skin area being treated. For example, in areas where the skin surface is curved, such as on the face, the device may be configured to "allow" more loss of contact compared to less curved skin surfaces, such as the thigh. In another example, a predetermined value of the expected skin impedance and / or conductivity is associated with the expected texture of the skin in the treatment area. For example, the skin on the legs or feet may be rougher and more uneven than, for example, the skin on the face, and therefore, when the electrodes are in contact, this may affect the expected skin impedance and / or conductivity.

[0104] In this specification, skin impedance and / or conductivity between at least two electrodes can be measured by electrodes, and therefore, in some examples, electrodes can constitute at least partially a sensing circuit.

[0105] In some embodiments, at least one sensing circuit may include at least one temperature sensor, and at least one parameter may include at least one skin temperature.

[0106] In some practical embodiments, at least one temperature sensor may include a first temperature sensor for measuring a first skin temperature at a first location on the skin, and a second temperature sensor for measuring a second skin temperature at a second location on the skin spaced apart from the first location. At least one parameter may include at least one of the following: first temperature, second temperature, the difference between the first and second temperatures, the average of the first and second temperatures, and a pattern of the difference between the first and second temperatures over a given period of time. In some embodiments, the pattern of the difference between the first and second temperatures over a given period of time may constitute a gradient (curve or graph) of the difference between the first and second temperatures with respect to time. For the sake of brevity and ease of understanding, it should be understood that in this specification, all of the following are collectively referred to as skin temperature: first temperature, second temperature, the difference between the first and second temperatures, the average of the first and second temperatures, and the pattern of the difference between the first and second temperatures. The difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, as well as the average of the first and second temperatures, are collectively referred to in this specification as the comparative measurement criteria for the first and second temperatures.

[0107] In a particular embodiment, a first temperature sensor may be positioned on the first electrode of at least two electrodes, and a second temperature sensor may be positioned on the second electrode of at least two electrodes, and the first and second electrodes may be spaced apart from each other.

[0108] Therefore, the value or pattern of skin temperature at a given time can be measured. The measured value and / or pattern can be compared to a predetermined value or range of values ​​and / or pattern at a given time in order to determine the deviation, as described above. The deviation can indicate that the measured value and / or pattern of skin temperature is not the expected value and / or pattern. Therefore, the deviation can indicate that the contact of the electrodes with the skin is not accurate, that the area of ​​movement of the housing across the skin is larger or smaller than a predetermined area, and / or that the speed of movement of the housing across the skin is higher or lower than a predetermined speed. For example, if the skin temperature does not rise to a predetermined temperature at a given time, this may indicate that the contact of the electrodes with the skin is not accurate, that the area of ​​movement of the housing across the skin is larger than a predetermined area, and / or that the speed of movement of the housing across the skin is faster than a predetermined speed. For example, if the skin temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature at a given time, this may indicate that the area of ​​movement of the housing across the skin is smaller than a predetermined area, and / or that the speed of movement of the housing across the skin is lower than a predetermined speed.

[0109] Furthermore, the skin treatment device moves across the skin within a region, for example. During its movement, the skin treatment device periodically passes over different regions of the skin within that region. Each instance in which the skin treatment device passes over a region heats that region (by RF electromagnetic energy). The region tends to cool down until the skin treatment device passes over it again. For example, between consecutive instances in which the skin treatment device passes over a region, the region cools down at least slightly. This temperature drop between consecutive instances can constitute a parameter indicating the speed at which the skin treatment device moves across the skin. For example, the slower the speed of movement, the greater the temperature drop in the region while the skin treatment device passes over it. If the temperature drop is greater than a given value, this can indicate that the region is larger than specified and / or the speed of movement is slower than specified, and therefore the treatment feedback can include instructions to guide the user to reduce the area of ​​movement and / or increase the speed. If the temperature drop is less than a predetermined value, this may indicate that the area is smaller than specified and / or the movement speed is higher than specified, and therefore the action feedback may include instructions to guide the user to increase the movement area and / or decrease the speed.

[0110] Therefore, treatment feedback may include one or more guidance instructions that instruct the user to adjust at least one of the following: the area of ​​movement of the housing across the skin, the speed of movement of the housing across the skin, and the contact of the skin treatment device with the skin. For example, as shown in Figure 9B, the instructions may instruct the user to adjust the area of ​​movement of the skin treatment device to "draw smaller circles" on the skin. In some embodiments, the instructions may instruct the user to "slow down" to adjust the speed of movement of the skin treatment device.

[0111] Real-time treatment feedback allows the user to follow instructions in the feedback in real time to adjust the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin. For example, the user can operate the device with one hand while holding the user interface with the other and following the instructions. In some embodiments, the user interface can be located on the skin treatment device in a position where the user does not need to hold the device for operation. In general, real-time feedback and continuous determination of at least one parameter allows for immediate detection of inaccuracies in the manner of the user's operation of the device, enabling the user to perform the treatment accurately, specifically by operating the device accurately, with real-time assistance (within a few seconds, or even less than a second). In some embodiments, the user interface is continuously synchronized with the treatment device, enabling the issuance of immediate notifications and instructions to the user.

[0112] In this specification, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the measured value and / or pattern of at least one parameter may not deviate from a predetermined value and / or pattern, thereby indicating that the ongoing treatment session is being performed correctly. Therefore, for example in step 540, the treatment feedback may include guideline instructions that instruct the user to continue the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin without any changes. For example, as shown in Figure 9C, the instructions may instruct the user to continue by, for example, notifying the user that "it's going well."

[0113] In step 550, it is determined whether the ongoing treatment session is complete (i.e., finished). If the ongoing treatment session is not complete, the process moves to step 510 to continue the measurement, analysis, and real-time treatment feedback loop. If the ongoing treatment session is complete, the process terminates in step 560.

[0114] It should be understood that, in this specification, skin treatment devices may be configured to operate in a preheating phase and a treatment phase. For example, a skin treatment device may be configured to operate in a preheating phase until the skin temperature falls below a predetermined (target) value and to operate in a treatment phase when the skin temperature rises above a predetermined (target) value. An analysis and feedback module may be configured to provide treatment feedback in real time in at least one of the preheating phase and the treatment phase, as further described below in this specification.

[0115] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating the operation 1000 of a skin treatment device 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] In step 1100, the skin treatment device 110 is turned on by the user. In this step, as described above, the user can use the user interface 114 to set various user settings for the skin treatment device 110, and the treatment settings can be received from the data storage 142.

[0117] In a particular embodiment, the treatment device 110 receives treatment settings directly from the server 400 via a computer network. For example, the data storage 142 is optional and therefore can be omitted from the treatment device 110 (or in an alternative embodiment, the data storage 142 may have limited capacity). In such a situation, the treatment device 110 can receive treatment settings from the server 400 without storing the settings on the data storage 142.

[0118] In step 1200, the skin treatment device 110 is configured to operate in an initial preheating phase, with the aim of raising the temperature of the treatment area to a target temperature. The skin treatment device 110 comes into contact with the user's skin, and the controller 140 controls the high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator 144 to supply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to heat the skin. The treatment area of ​​the skin is heated to the target temperature during the initial preheating phase 1200. Throughout the treatment, the user moves the skin treatment device 110 around the treatment area of ​​the skin.

[0119] As detailed below, during the initial preheating stage 1200, the skin treatment device 110 is configured to measure at least one parameter of the treatment session. For example, the at least one measured parameter may include at least one measurement of skin temperature by a temperature sensor and a measurement of conductivity between electrodes 145. In step 1290 (used collectively for 1290a and 1290b), the measured data is analyzed, and treatment feedback is provided to the user in real time using a user interface in step 1290, for example, as detailed above.

[0120] When the temperature of the skin treatment area adequately reaches the target temperature (for example, for a predetermined amount of time), the skin treatment device 110 is configured to proceed to treatment stage 1300. In this case as well, the controller 140 controls the high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator 144 to supply high-frequency electromagnetic energy (typically at a lower output than during the initial preheating stage 1200) to heat the skin. In this way, the skin treatment area is maintained at the target temperature during treatment stage 1300. Throughout the entire treatment, the user moves the skin treatment device 110 around the skin treatment area.

[0121] As detailed below, during treatment step 1300, the skin treatment device 110 is configured to measure at least one parameter of the treatment. For example, the at least one measured parameter may include at least one measurement of skin temperature by a temperature sensor and a measurement of conductivity between electrodes 145. In step 1390 (used collectively for 1290a and 1290b), the measured data is analyzed, and treatment feedback is provided to the user in real time using the user interface in step 1390.

[0122] Once treatment step 1300 is complete, the treatment session is finished, as the device may be turned off in step 1400.

[0123] Various treatment feedback algorithms (and corresponding measured parameters) are used during the initial preheating phase 1200 and the treatment phase 1300, respectively, to provide the user with adjusted treatment feedback.

[0124] Figure 5 is a flowchart of such a treatment feedback algorithm 1210. The skin treatment system 100 is configured to execute the treatment feedback algorithm 1210, and the skin treatment device 110 and user device 190 optionally perform various steps as described below. In some embodiments, the user device steps can be performed by the skin treatment device itself. The treatment feedback algorithm 1210 is configured to be executed during the initial preheating stage 1200 described above.

[0125] In step 1211, the skin treatment device 110 is configured to measure at least one parameter, such as at least one of a first temperature and a second temperature. The first and second temperatures may be measured using temperature sensors. Specifically, the first temperature sensor of the temperature sensor is configured to measure the first temperature of the skin. The second temperature sensor of the temperature sensor is configured to measure the second temperature of the skin. The first and second temperature sensors are spaced apart so that the first temperature of the skin is measured at a location spaced apart from the location where the second temperature of the skin is measured. The parameter may be measured over a period of time during the initial preheating stage 1200.

[0126] In step 1212, the preheating temperature indicator is determined based on at least one of a first temperature, a second temperature, and a comparative metric showing a comparison between the first and second temperatures. The time variation of the preheating temperature indicator is determined based on the preheating temperature indicator over different time points. The preheating temperature indicator and / or the time variation of the preheating temperature indicator may be calculated by the skin treatment device 110 (e.g., by the controller 140) or by the user device 190 (e.g., after receiving the parameters measured from the skin treatment device 110).

[0127] In step 1213, the time variation of the preheating temperature indicator is compared with a predetermined preheating temperature indicator pattern. The predetermined preheating temperature indicator pattern may be stored in the skin treatment device 110 (e.g., in data storage 142) and / or in the user device 190. The comparison of the time variation of the preheating temperature indicator and the predetermined preheating temperature indicator pattern includes determining whether a deviation exists between the preheating temperature indicator and the predetermined preheating temperature indicator pattern. For example, it may be determined whether the deviation between the preheating temperature indicator and the predetermined preheating temperature indicator pattern exceeds a preheating temperature difference threshold over a predetermined period of time.

[0128] If, for example, no difference is detected between the preheating temperature indicator and a predetermined preheating temperature indicator pattern over a predetermined period of time, in step 1290a, corresponding treatment feedback is provided via the user interface of the user device 190. For example, the user interface of the user device 190 may display a message stating that the treatment is being performed correctly, that the size of the treatment area is correct, and / or that the movement speed of the skin treatment device 110 is correct. Step 1290a is purely optional, and instead, if no difference is detected between the preheating temperature indicator and a predetermined preheating temperature indicator pattern, the treatment feedback algorithm 1210 may immediately proceed to step 1214.

[0129] In step 1213, if a difference between the preheating temperature indicator and a predetermined preheating temperature indicator pattern is detected, for example, over a predetermined period of time, in step 1290b, corresponding treatment feedback is provided via the user interface of the user device 190. For example, the user interface of the user device 190 may display a message describing that the treatment was not performed correctly, that the size of the treatment area is too large, and / or that the movement speed of the skin treatment device 110 is too high.

[0130] In a particular embodiment, the preheating temperature indicator includes a first temperature and / or a second temperature, and detecting a deviation from a predetermined preheating temperature indicator includes a time-dependent gradient of the first temperature and / or the second temperature that falls below a predetermined gradient threshold over a predetermined period of time.

[0131] If action feedback is provided in either step 1290a or step 1290b, the action feedback algorithm 1210 moves to step 1214. The corresponding action feedback provided in step 1290a or step 1290b may be maintained on the user interface of the user device 190 until updated action feedback is provided (for example, in the next instance of step 1290a or step 1290b).

[0132] In step 1214, the treatment feedback algorithm 1210 checks whether the initial preheating stage 1200 is complete. If the initial preheating stage 1200 is not complete, the treatment feedback algorithm 1210 optionally loops back to step 1211 with a time delay.

[0133] If the initial preheating stage 1200 is completed, the treatment feedback algorithm 1210 terminates in step 1215.

[0134] Figure 6 is a flowchart of another treatment feedback algorithm 1220. The skin treatment system 100 is configured to execute the treatment feedback algorithm 1220, and the skin treatment device 110 and user device 190 optionally execute various steps as described below. In some embodiments, the user device steps can be performed by the skin treatment device itself. The treatment feedback algorithm 1220 is configured to be executed during the initial preheating stage 1200 described above. The treatment feedback algorithm 1220 may be executed concurrently with the treatment feedback algorithm 1210.

[0135] In step 1221, the skin treatment device 110 is configured to measure at least one temperature from a temperature sensor. For example, the skin treatment device 110 may be configured to measure a first temperature and / or a second temperature using a temperature sensor. Specifically, the first temperature sensor of the temperature sensor is configured to measure a first temperature of the skin. The second temperature sensor of the temperature sensor is configured to measure a second temperature of the skin. The first and second temperature sensors are spaced apart so that the first temperature of the skin is measured at a position spaced apart from the position where the second temperature of the skin is measured.

[0136] In step 1222, it is determined whether the first temperature, the second temperature, and / or their average fall below a predetermined minimum temperature threshold during the initial preheating phase. The predetermined minimum temperature threshold may be stored in the data storage 142 of the skin treatment device 110 or in the user device 190.

[0137] If the first temperature, the second temperature, and / or their average are not below a predetermined minimum temperature threshold, corresponding action feedback is provided via the user interface of the user device 190. For example, the user interface of the user device 190 may display a message indicating that the action has been performed correctly. Step 1290a is purely optional, and instead, if the first temperature, the second temperature, and / or their average are not below a predetermined minimum temperature threshold, the action feedback algorithm 1220 may immediately proceed to step 1223.

[0138] In step 1222, if the first temperature, the second temperature, and / or their average falls below a predetermined minimum temperature threshold, corresponding treatment feedback is provided via the user interface of the user device 190. For example, the user interface of the user device 190 may display a message indicating that the treatment was not performed correctly and / or that the skin temperature is too low.

[0139] If action feedback is provided in either step 1290a or step 1290b, the action feedback algorithm 1220 moves to step 1223. The corresponding action feedback provided in step 1290a or step 1290b may be maintained on the user interface of the user device 190 until updated action feedback is provided (for example, in the next instance of step 1290a or step 1290b).

[0140] In step 1223, the treatment feedback algorithm 1220 checks whether the initial preheating stage 1200 is complete. If the initial preheating stage 1200 is not complete, the treatment feedback algorithm 1220 optionally loops back to step 1221 with a time delay.

[0141] If the initial preheating stage 1200 is completed, the treatment feedback algorithm 1220 terminates in step 1224.

[0142] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the treatment feedback algorithm 1310. The skin treatment system 100 is configured to execute the treatment feedback algorithm 1310, and the skin treatment device 110 and user device 190 perform various steps as described below. The treatment feedback algorithm 1310 is configured to be executed during the treatment step 1300 described above.

[0143] In step 1311, the skin treatment device 110 is configured to measure first and second temperatures 1311 using temperature sensors. Specifically, the first temperature sensor of the temperature sensor is configured to measure the first temperature of the skin. The second temperature sensor of the temperature sensor is configured to measure the second temperature of the skin. The first and second temperature sensors are spaced apart so that the first temperature of the skin is measured at a position spaced apart from the position where the second temperature of the skin is measured.

[0144] In step 1312, the difference between the measured first temperature and the measured second temperature is determined. The difference may be calculated by the skin treatment device 110 (e.g., by the controller 140) or by the user device 190 (e.g., after receiving the measured first temperature and the measured second temperature from the skin treatment device 110).

[0145] In step 1313, it is determined whether the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a threshold. The threshold is predetermined and can be stored in the data storage 142 of the skin treatment device 110 or in the user device 190.

[0146] If the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature does not exceed a threshold, in step 1390a, corresponding treatment feedback is provided via the user interface. For example, the user interface of user device 190 may display a message stating that the treatment is being performed correctly and / or that the size of the treatment area is correct. Step 1390a is purely optional, and instead, if the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature does not exceed a threshold, the treatment feedback algorithm 1310 may immediately proceed to step 1314.

[0147] In step 1313, if the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature exceeds a threshold, in step 1390b, corresponding corrective feedback is provided via the user interface of the user device 190. For example, the user interface may display a message indicating that the procedure was not performed correctly and / or that the size of the treatment area is too large or too small.

[0148] If action feedback is provided in either step 1390a or step 1390b, the action feedback algorithm 1310 moves to step 1314. The corresponding action feedback provided in step 1390a or step 1390b ​​may be maintained on the user interface until updated action feedback is provided (for example, in the next instance of step 1390a or step 1390b).

[0149] In step 1314, the treatment feedback algorithm 1310 checks whether treatment step 1300 has been completed. If treatment step 1300 has not been completed (for example, if the pre-set time for the treatment step has not elapsed), the treatment feedback algorithm 1310 optionally loops back to step 1311 with a time delay.

[0150] If the treatment step 1300 is completed, the treatment feedback algorithm 1310 terminates in step 1315.

[0151] In this specification, it should be understood that a predetermined pattern of values ​​for at least one parameter, a predetermined range of values, and / or a predetermined value differ between the preheating stage and the treatment stage.

[0152] During a treatment session, the skin treatment system 100 may measure one or more characteristics of device interaction with the skin and calculate one or more session performance metrics based on these characteristics. The skin treatment system 100 may provide the user with a treatment effectiveness index (e.g., a score out of 100) via a user interface. The treatment effectiveness index may be provided at the end of the treatment session or periodically throughout the treatment. The treatment effectiveness index (score) may be calculated based on cumulative data collected throughout the treatment session. In some cases, the collected data is recorded and optionally stored in memory.

[0153] In a particular embodiment, during a treatment session, the treatment effectiveness index may be weighted, for example, by the difference from the target temperature and the time spent above / below the target temperature, based on a determination of whether the first temperature, the second temperature, and / or their average decreases below the target temperature.

[0154] Various treatment feedback algorithms can be executed separately or simultaneously, and various forms of treatment feedback can be presented to the user throughout the treatment. Real-time treatment feedback can be used by the user to improve the treatment to enhance its effectiveness.

[0155] The treatment system 10 may be used by healthcare professionals to further improve the effectiveness of the treatment. Generally, as detailed below, the treatment plan may first be set by healthcare professionals (based on the healthcare professionals' experience, comparisons with other treatments on other patients (e.g., using artificial intelligence / machine learning), etc.), and then updated as the user applies the treatment (e.g., over periods of several days, weeks, and months).

[0156] For example, Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating how a treatment plan is updated by a treatment system, for example, treatment system 10. Treatment system 10 comprises a skin treatment system 100 and a healthcare worker system 200. The skin treatment system 100 and the healthcare worker system 200 are configured to perform corresponding steps of the methods described below in this specification.

[0157] In step 2100, the skin treatment system 100 is used to carry out at least one treatment session of an initial treatment plan. The initial treatment plan may be constructed based on the healthcare professional's prior knowledge / experience and / or using comparisons with previous treatments (e.g., using artificial intelligence / machine learning). The initial treatment plan may take into account certain patient characteristics, such as any combination of age, sex, skin type, skin impedance, skin condition, patient goals, and patient availability for treatment.

[0158] The user initiates at least one treatment session by turning on the skin treatment device 110 and starting the interaction of the skin treatment device 110 with the skin, for example by positioning the massage arm on the skin surface (while holding the body of the device) and moving the housing across the skin. The electrodes make conductive contact with the user's skin, and the high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator supplies high-frequency electromagnetic signals to the electrodes, which apply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin, thereby heating the skin.

[0159] The skin treatment system 100 is configured, for example, by an analysis and feedback module to determine at least one session performance metric that represents one or more characteristics of at least one treatment session, and to transmit at least one session performance metric to a healthcare professional system.

[0160] In certain embodiments, at least one session performance metric may include a session effectiveness score. For example, a session effectiveness score may indicate how effectively a treatment session was performed. In certain embodiments, one or more features of at least one treatment session may include at least one of the following: the number of times contact between the skin treatment device and the skin was lost during at least one treatment session; the number of times the skin temperature deviated from a predetermined value during at least one treatment session; the number of times at least one treatment session was paused during at least one treatment session; and the duration of at least one treatment session.

[0161] In this specification, it should be understood that if contact between the skin treatment device and the skin is frequently lost, for example, more than a predetermined number of times, during at least one treatment session, the treatment session cannot be expected to be performed effectively. Similarly, if the skin temperature deviates frequently, for example, more than a predetermined number of times, during at least one treatment session, the treatment session cannot be expected to be performed effectively. Furthermore, if the session is frequently interrupted, for example, more than a predetermined number of times, during at least one treatment session, the treatment session cannot be expected to be performed effectively. In addition, if the total duration of the treatment session differs from the specified duration, the treatment session cannot be expected to be performed effectively.

[0162] Based on some or all of the above characteristics, a session effectiveness score for one or more treatment sessions is calculated and transmitted to the healthcare provider system. In certain embodiments, the session effectiveness score can be shown to the user, for example, through a user interface (of a user device or skin treatment device). For example, as shown in Figure 10, the user interface can display the session effectiveness score and thereby notify the user that “repeated loss of contact” has been detected.

[0163] In a particular embodiment, the skin treatment system 100 may be configured to indirectly transmit at least one session performance metric to the healthcare worker system 200, for example, via a server 400 on a computer network 300.

[0164] For example, at least one session performance metric (or its representation) can be uploaded to server 400 via computer network 300.

[0165] Server 400 may include a database stored in data store 410. The database may include a list of patients and corresponding patient data. In step 2200, at least one received session performance metric may be matched with one of the patients stored in the database. The data store may include data containing multiple use events associated with multiple different patients, each use event associated with a skin treatment device, use event type (e.g., home treatment, specialist treatment, low-power treatment, high-power treatment, maintenance treatment), and one or more parameters of the use event. The use event parameters may include a performance metric, the time and / or date of the use event. The use event parameters may also include the duration of the use event. Server 400 may then transfer one or more performance metrics, along with the associated patient data, to the healthcare professional system 200 via the computer network 300. The healthcare professional system may, for example, enable the provision of a prioritized and filtered list of multiple patients using a dedicated graphical user interface, based on a comparison of use events, use event types, and use event parameters associated with the same patient. A healthcare professional system may be configured to compare different subsets of usage events with each other, for example, different subsets of usage events may be associated with the same user. For example, a healthcare professional system may determine whether the number of usage events associated with the same user and usage event type is relatively less or more than the number of usage events in different, non-overlapping subsets of usage events associated with the same user and usage event type. In some examples, different, non-overlapping subsets of usage events may be associated with different date ranges but with the same usage event type and time. This may enable the detection of usage patterns. For example, a healthcare professional system may be configured to determine which users, among a subset of users, have had an increase of more than X% in usage events over a certain period for a particular usage event type, compared to a different period (e.g., last week).The healthcare professional system can also be configured to prioritize user lists, showing first the users with the fewest or most usage events of a particular usage event type (e.g., over a specific time period such as one month).

[0166] In addition to the above, patient data contained in the data store 410 may be used in process 2100 to determine (at least partially) an initial treatment plan. For example, artificial intelligence / machine learning may be used in conjunction with existing patient data to recommend an initial treatment plan for review by healthcare professionals. Furthermore, healthcare professionals may suggest changes to treatment based on lessons learned from other existing treatments in the patient data.

[0167] In certain embodiments, at least one of the skin treatment system 100 and the medical personnel system 200 may be configured to perform some or all of the functions of the server 400. In certain embodiments, the skin treatment system 100 and the medical personnel system 200 may be configured to communicate directly, for example, via a computer network 300.

[0168] In step 2300, a healthcare professional may use the healthcare professional system 200 and its user interface (healthcare professional user interface) to review at least one session performance metric received from the skin treatment system 100. Based on the at least one session performance metric, the healthcare professional may construct a revised treatment plan and transmit the revised treatment plan to the skin treatment system 100 (directly or via the server 400). The healthcare professional system may be capable of communicating reminders to user devices over the network.

[0169] In step 2400, the skin treatment system 100 can be updated with an updated treatment plan via the computer network 300.

[0170] In step 2500, the user may then perform another action according to the updated action plan. There may be a time delay (e.g., one day, one week, or one month) between step 2400 and step 2500.

[0171] In certain embodiments, a skin treatment system may be configured to determine at least one treatment performance metric that represents one or more characteristics of the treatment. In certain embodiments, the at least one treatment performance metric may include a treatment effectiveness score. For example, the treatment effectiveness score may indicate how effectively the treatment was performed. The treatment effectiveness score may be calculated based on multiple session performance metrics, for example, by calculating the average of multiple session effectiveness scores corresponding to multiple session performance metrics.

[0172] In this way, healthcare professionals can review the progress of home care procedures performed by patients / users and provide updated treatment plans based on the progress being made. This can improve the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0173] Furthermore, basing the initial treatment plan on existing patient data allows for improvements to the initial treatment plan using previous treatments, thus improving the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

[0174] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the detailed description above, it should be understood that a vast number of variations exist.

[0175] For example, the skin treatment device 110 may measure various treatment parameters such as impedance, movement speed / direction, contact, pre-treatment skin temperature, and ambient temperature. Any combination of these parameters may be used in any of the methods described herein to provide treatment feedback to the user and / or to be monitored by a healthcare professional using the healthcare professional system 200.

[0176] Furthermore, although the skin treatment device 110 is described as being configured to supply a high-frequency electromagnetic signal to heat the treatment area, this is purely optional, and any other skin treatment device is applicable to the methods disclosed herein.

[0177] Additionally, in certain embodiments, the healthcare worker system 200 may be connected (via a computer network 300) to a plurality of skin treatment systems 100 (and corresponding skin treatment devices 110). The plurality of skin treatment systems 100 may be used by different patients (e.g., at different locations).

[0178] Furthermore, it should be recognized that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit in any way the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure. Rather, the above detailed description provides a useful roadmap for those skilled in the art to realize the exemplary embodiments or a number of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A skin treatment system, A skin treatment device that is user-operable for treating skin in one or more treatment sessions, wherein the at least one skin treatment device is A housing comprising at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the housing moves across the user's skin during an ongoing treatment session, During the ongoing treatment session, a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to at least two electrodes in order to apply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin, and A skin treatment device comprising at least one skin treatment device including a sensing circuit configured to measure in real time at least one parameter representing one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device during the ongoing treatment session, User interface and An analysis and feedback module, which provides real-time, The sensing circuit receives a measured value of at least one parameter. The received measurement values ​​are analyzed to determine one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device, and A skin treatment system comprising: an analysis and feedback module configured to provide treatment feedback to the user via the user interface during the ongoing treatment session, the treatment feedback being based on the analysis, and including instructions to guide the user on how to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin during the ongoing treatment session.

2. The skin treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis and feedback module, configured to provide the treatment feedback in real time, is configured to provide the treatment feedback before the end of the ongoing treatment session.

3. The skin treatment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the analysis and feedback module configured to provide the treatment feedback in real time is configured to provide the treatment feedback within 30 seconds of the measurement of the at least one parameter.

4. The skin treatment system according to claim 3, wherein the analysis and feedback module is configured to provide the treatment feedback within 10 seconds of the measurement of the at least one parameter.

5. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to modify the speed at which the housing moves across the skin during the ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin.

6. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the range of movement of the housing over the skin during the ongoing treatment session in order to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin.

7. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the contact of the at least two electrodes with the skin during the ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin.

8. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of skin impedance, conductivity between the at least two electrodes, skin temperature, and ambient temperature.

9. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one or more features of the interaction of the device with the skin include a region of movement of the housing over the skin, a speed of movement of the housing over the skin, a direction of movement of the housing over the skin, and the conductive contact of the at least two electrodes with the skin.

10. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sensing circuit is configured to measure a pattern of values ​​of the at least one parameter in real time over a predetermined period of time, the analysis and feedback module is configured to determine, based on the analysis of the received measurements, the deviation of the measured pattern of values ​​of the at least one parameter from a predetermined pattern of values ​​of the at least one parameter during the ongoing treatment session, and the analysis and feedback module is configured to determine, based on the deviation, that the ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly.

11. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the analysis and feedback module is configured to determine, based on the analysis of the received measurements, a deviation of the measured value of the at least one parameter from a predetermined range of values ​​of the at least one parameter during the ongoing treatment session, and the analysis and feedback module is configured to determine, based on the deviation, that the ongoing treatment session is being performed improperly.

12. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the analysis and feedback module is configured to determine, based on the analysis of the received measurements, a deviation of the measured value of the at least one parameter from a predetermined value of the at least one parameter during the ongoing treatment session, and the analysis and feedback module is configured to determine, based on the deviation, that the ongoing treatment session is being performed improperly.

13. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user on how to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin in order to accurately carry out the ongoing treatment session.

14. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of skin impedance and conductivity between the at least two electrodes, and the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the conductive contact of the at least two electrodes with the skin during the ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin.

15. The skin treatment system according to claim 14, wherein the sensing circuit includes at least two electrodes.

16. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the sensing circuit includes at least one temperature sensor, and the at least one parameter includes at least one temperature of the skin.

17. The at least one temperature sensor, A first temperature sensor for measuring the first temperature of the skin at a first location on the skin, and Includes a second temperature sensor for measuring the second temperature of the skin at a second location on the skin spaced apart from the first location, The aforementioned at least one parameter is The first temperature, The second temperature, The difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, The average of the first temperature and the second temperature, and The skin treatment system according to claim 16, comprising at least one of the patterns of the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature over a predetermined period of time.

18. The skin treatment system according to claim 17, wherein the first temperature sensor is positioned on the first electrode of the at least two electrodes, the second temperature sensor is positioned on the second electrode of the at least two electrodes, and the first and electrodes are spaced apart from each other.

19. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein one or more features of the interaction of the device with the skin include at least one of a range of movement of the housing over the skin that is larger or smaller than a predetermined area, and a speed of movement of the housing over the skin that is higher or lower than a predetermined speed.

20. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust at least one of the range of movement of the housing over the skin and the speed of movement of the housing over the skin.

21. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the skin treatment device is configured to operate in a preheating stage and a treatment stage.

22. The skin treatment system according to claim 21, wherein the skin treatment device is configured to operate in the preheating stage when the skin temperature is below a target value, and to operate in the treatment stage when the skin temperature is above the target value.

23. The skin treatment system according to claim 22, wherein the skin treatment system is configured to maintain the skin temperature within the target value or a range including the target value during the treatment step.

24. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the analysis and feedback module is configured to provide treatment feedback in real time during at least one of the preheating stage and the treatment stage.

25. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 21 to 24, in which case the predetermined pattern of values ​​of the at least one parameter is different in the preheating stage from the predetermined pattern of values ​​of the at least one parameter in the treatment stage, as dependent on claim 10.

26. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 21 to 25, in which case the predetermined range of the value of the at least one parameter is different in the preheating stage from the predetermined range of the value of the at least one parameter in the treatment stage, as dependent on claim 11.

27. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 21 to 26, in which case the predetermined value of the at least one parameter is different in the preheating stage from the predetermined value of the at least one parameter in the treatment stage, as dependent on claim 12.

28. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the user interface enables the user to select the anatomical location of the skin to be treated in the treatment session.

29. The skin treatment system according to claim 28, in which the predetermined pattern of values ​​of at least one parameter is associated with the selected anatomical location of the skin, as dependent on claim 10.

30. A skin treatment system according to claim 28 or 29, in which the predetermined value of the at least one parameter is associated with the selected anatomical location of the skin, as dependent on claim 12.

31. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 28 to 30, in which the predetermined value of the at least one parameter is associated with the selected anatomical location of the skin, as dependent on claim 12.

32. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the movement of the housing over the skin includes the housing periodically passing over different parts of the skin within a region, each instance of the housing passing over a part heats the part, and between two consecutive instances of the pass, the temperature of the part decreases, the at least one parameter includes the decrease in temperature, and one or more features include at least one of the region of movement of the housing over the skin and the speed of movement of the housing over the skin during the ongoing treatment session.

33. The skin treatment system according to claim 32, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust at least one of the area of ​​movement of the housing over the skin and the speed of movement of the housing over the skin during the ongoing treatment session.

34. A skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein at least one of the analysis and feedback module and the user interface constitutes part of the skin treatment device.

35. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 33, further comprising a user device, wherein at least one of the analysis and feedback module and the user interface constitutes part of the user device.

36. The skin treatment system according to claim 35, wherein the skin treatment device is configured to communicate with the user device via a wireless communication link.

37. The skin treatment system according to claim 36, wherein the user device is a smartphone and / or the wireless communication link includes Bluetooth.

38. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the user interface includes a display, and the treatment feedback includes visual feedback.

39. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the user interface includes a speaker and the treatment feedback includes voice feedback.

40. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the skin treatment device is a portable device.

41. A computer implementation method for assisting a user during an ongoing treatment session performed by the user using a skin treatment system, wherein the skin treatment system is A skin treatment device that is operable by a user to perform one or more treatment sessions, wherein the at least one skin treatment device is A housing comprising at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the housing moves across the user's skin during an ongoing treatment session, During the ongoing treatment session, a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to at least two electrodes in order to apply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin, and A skin treatment device comprising at least one skin treatment device including a sensing circuit configured to measure in real time at least one parameter representing one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device during the ongoing treatment session, User interface and It comprises an analysis and feedback module, The method described above is The sensing circuit measures the at least one parameter in real time, The analysis and feedback module receives the measured values ​​of at least one parameter in real time, The analysis and feedback module performs real-time analysis of the received measurements to determine one or more characteristics of the interaction between the skin and the skin treatment device during the ongoing treatment session, A computer implementation method comprising providing the user in real time via the user interface, by the analysis and feedback module, treatment feedback based on the analysis, which includes one or more instructions guiding the user on how to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin during the ongoing treatment session.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein providing the treatment feedback in real time includes providing the treatment feedback before the end of the ongoing treatment session.

43. The method according to claim 41 or 42, wherein providing the treatment feedback in real time includes providing the treatment feedback within 30 seconds of the measurement of the at least one parameter.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein providing the treatment feedback in real time includes providing the treatment feedback within 10 seconds of measuring the at least one parameter.

45. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to modify the speed at which the housing moves across the skin during the ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin.

46. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the range of movement of the housing over the skin during the ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin.

47. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 46, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the contact of the at least two electrodes with the skin during the ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin.

48. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of skin impedance, conductivity between the at least two electrodes, skin temperature, and ambient temperature.

49. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 48, wherein one or more features of the interaction of the device with the skin include a region of movement of the housing over the skin, a speed of movement of the housing over the skin, a direction of movement of the housing over the skin, and the conductive contact of the at least two electrodes with the skin.

50. Measuring the at least one parameter in real time includes measuring the pattern of the values ​​of the at least one parameter in real time over a predetermined period, and the method is The analysis and feedback module determines, based on the analysis of the received measurements, the deviation of the measured pattern of the values ​​of the at least one parameter from a predetermined pattern of the values ​​of the at least one parameter during the ongoing treatment session, The method according to any one of claims 41 to 49, further comprising determining, based on the deviation, that the ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly by the analysis and feedback module.

51. The method described above is The analysis and feedback module determines, based on the analysis of the received measurements, the deviation of the measured pattern of the value of the at least one parameter from a predetermined range of the values ​​of the at least one parameter during the ongoing treatment session, The method according to any one of claims 41 to 50, further comprising determining, based on the deviation, that the ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly by the analysis and feedback module.

52. The method described above is The analysis and feedback module determines, based on the analysis of the received measurements, the deviation of the measured pattern of the value of the at least one parameter from a predetermined value of the at least one parameter during the ongoing treatment session, The method according to any one of claims 41 to 51, further comprising determining, based on the deviation, that the ongoing treatment session is being performed incorrectly by the analysis and feedback module.

53. The method according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user on how to modify the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin in order to accurately carry out the ongoing treatment session.

54. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 53, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of skin impedance and conductivity between the at least two electrodes, and the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust the conductive contact of the at least two electrodes with the skin during the ongoing treatment session in order to change the interaction of the skin treatment device with the skin.

55. The method according to claim 54, wherein the measurement by the sensing circuit includes measurement by the at least two electrodes.

56. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 55, wherein the sensing circuit includes at least one temperature sensor, and the at least one parameter includes at least one temperature of the skin.

57. The at least one temperature sensor, A first temperature sensor for measuring the first temperature of the skin at a first location on the skin, and Includes a second temperature sensor for measuring the second temperature of the skin at a second location on the skin spaced apart from the first location, The aforementioned at least one parameter is The first temperature, The second temperature, The difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, The average of the first temperature and the second temperature, and The method according to claim 56, comprising at least one of the patterns of the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature over a predetermined period of time.

58. The method according to claim 57, wherein the first temperature sensor is positioned on the first electrode of the at least two electrodes, the second temperature sensor is positioned on the second electrode of the at least two electrodes, and the first and electrodes are spaced apart from each other.

59. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 58, wherein one or more features of the interaction of the device with the skin include at least one of a range of movement of the housing over the skin that is greater than or less than a predetermined area, and a speed of movement of the housing over the skin that is higher than or lower than a predetermined speed.

60. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 59, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust at least one of the range of movement of the housing over the skin and the speed of movement of the housing over the skin.

61. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 60, wherein the skin treatment device is configured to operate in a preheating stage and a treatment stage.

62. The method according to claim 61, wherein the skin treatment device is configured to operate in the preheating stage when the skin temperature is below a target value, and to operate in the treatment stage when the skin temperature is above the target value.

63. The method according to claim 62, wherein the method includes maintaining the skin temperature at the target value or within a range including the target value during the treatment step.

64. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 63, wherein providing the treatment feedback in real time includes providing the treatment feedback in real time during at least one of the preheating step and the treatment step.

65. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 64, dependent on claim 50, wherein a predetermined pattern of values ​​for the at least one parameter is different in the preheating stage from the predetermined pattern of values ​​for the at least one parameter in the treatment stage.

66. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 65, in which a predetermined range of the values ​​of the at least one parameter is different in the preheating stage from a predetermined range of the values ​​of the at least one parameter in the treatment stage, as dependent on claim 51.

67. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 66, dependent on claim 52, wherein a predetermined value of the at least one parameter is different in the preheating stage from the predetermined value of the at least one parameter in the treatment stage.

68. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 67, further comprising receiving from the user via the user interface a selection of the anatomical location of the skin to be treated in the treatment session.

69. The method according to claim 68, wherein the predetermined pattern of values ​​of at least one parameter is associated with the selected anatomical location of the skin, as dependent on claim 50.

70. The method according to claim 68 or 69, wherein the predetermined value of the at least one parameter is associated with the selected anatomical location of the skin, as dependent on claim 52.

71. The method according to any one of claims 68 to 70, wherein the predetermined value of the at least one parameter is associated with the selected anatomical location of the skin, as dependent on claim 52.

72. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 71, wherein the movement of the housing over the skin includes the housing periodically passing over different parts of the skin within a region, each instance of the housing passing over a region heats the region, and between two consecutive instances of the passage, the temperature of the region decreases, the at least one parameter includes the decrease in temperature, and one or more features include at least one of the region of movement of the housing over the skin and the speed of movement of the housing over the skin during the ongoing treatment session.

73. The method according to claim 72, wherein the treatment feedback includes one or more instructions that guide the user to adjust at least one of the area of ​​movement of the housing over the skin and the speed of movement of the housing over the skin during the ongoing treatment session.

74. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 73, wherein at least one of the analysis and feedback module and the user interface constitutes part of the skin treatment device.

75. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 73, wherein the skin treatment system further comprises a user device, and at least one of the analysis and feedback module and the user interface constitutes part of the user device.

76. The method according to claim 75, wherein the skin treatment device is configured to communicate with the user device via a wireless communication link.

77. The method according to claim 76, wherein the user device is a smartphone and / or the wireless communication link includes Bluetooth.

78. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 77, wherein the user interface includes a display and the treatment feedback includes visual feedback.

79. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 78, wherein the user interface includes a speaker and the treatment feedback includes voice feedback.

80. The method according to any one of claims 41 to 79, wherein the skin treatment device is a portable device.

81. A treatment system, wherein the treatment system is A skin treatment system comprising at least one skin treatment device operable by the user to perform one or more treatment sessions on the user's skin, wherein the at least one skin treatment device is A housing comprising at least two electrodes configured to make conductive contact with the user's skin as the housing moves across the skin during at least one treatment session, and The system includes a high-frequency electromagnetic signal generator configured to supply high-frequency electromagnetic signals to at least two electrodes in order to apply high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin during the at least one treatment session, A skin treatment system comprising at least one skin treatment device, configured to calculate at least one session performance metric representing one or more characteristics of the at least one treatment session and to transmit the at least one session performance metric to a healthcare professional system, A treatment system comprising: a healthcare worker system located remotely from the skin treatment system and configured to receive the at least one session performance metric.

82. The treatment system according to claim 81, wherein the at least one session performance criterion includes a session effectiveness score calculated based on cumulative data collected over the course of the at least one treatment session.

83. The one or more features of the at least one treatment session are, The number of times contact between the skin treatment device and the skin is lost during at least one treatment session, The number of times the skin temperature deviates from a predetermined value during at least one of the treatment sessions, The number of times the at least one treatment session was paused during the at least one treatment session, and The treatment system according to claim 81 or 82, comprising at least one of the duration of at least one treatment session.

84. The treatment system according to claim 83, wherein the session effectiveness score is calculated based on one or more characteristics of the at least one treatment session, as dependent on claim 82.

85. The skin treatment system according to any one of claims 81 to 84, wherein the skin treatment system is configured to determine at least one treatment performance criterion calculated based on a plurality of session performance criterions.

86. The treatment system according to claim 85, wherein the at least one treatment performance criterion includes a treatment effectiveness score.

87. The treatment system according to claim 86, wherein the treatment effectiveness score is the average of a plurality of session effectiveness scores corresponding to the plurality of session performance measurement criteria, as is dependent on claim 82.

88. The treatment system according to any one of claims 81 to 87, wherein the healthcare professional system includes a healthcare professional user interface for displaying the at least one session performance metric or its indication.

89. The treatment system according to any one of claims 81 to 88, wherein the medical professional system is configured to transfer a treatment plan to the skin treatment system.

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