Skin treatment device and program

Abstract

To generate an output waveform that can act at different depths in skin.SOLUTION: A skin treatment device includes: multiple electrodes which can make contact with a user's skin; a power source electrically connected to the multiple electrodes; and an electric circuit unit that generates one or more output waveforms applicable to the skin via at least some of the multiple electrodes. One or more output waveforms include a first AC waveform having a first frequency higher than 20 kHz and a second AC waveform having a second frequency higher than the first frequency, alternately and continuously or alternately with a waveform of a different frequency in between.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a skin processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique is known that utilizes four concentric, annular electrodes to apply low and high frequency output waveforms to the skin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 167109 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, when applying output waveforms of various frequencies to the skin using a plurality of electrodes, it would be useful to expect good effects at different depths of the skin (eg, epidermis and dermis).

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to generate output waveforms that can act at different depths of the skin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, a sensor device includes a plurality of electrodes that can be contacted with a user's skin; a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes; and an electrical circuitry that generates, based on the power source, one or more output waveforms that can be applied to the skin via at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes; A skin treatment device is provided, wherein the one or more output waveforms include a first AC waveform at a first frequency greater than 20 kHz and a second AC waveform at a second frequency greater than the first frequency, alternating successively or alternatingly via waveforms of other frequencies. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure allows for the generation of output waveforms that can act at different depths of the skin. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a head portion of the skin treatment device, and is a front view showing the electrode arrangement. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control system according to an example. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of two types of output waveforms acting on the skin at different depths. [Diagram 5] 5 is an explanatory diagram of a change pattern of an output waveform generated by a high-frequency output generating unit. FIG. [Figure 5A] 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example of a change pattern of an output waveform generated by the high-frequency output generating unit. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an operation mode, in which the output waveform pattern (change pattern) is shown in time series with time on the horizontal axis. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the effect of the operation mode of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of another operation mode. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a division of a plurality of parts of a face. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of various facial muscles. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation mode in which a high-frequency output waveform and a low-frequency output waveform can be simultaneously applied to each specific target area. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of cooperation with real-time image processing. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrode arrangement according to a modified example. [Figure 12B] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrode arrangement according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a skin treatment device 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a head unit 3 of the skin treatment device 1, and is a front view showing the electrode arrangement.

[0011] The skin processing device 1 of this embodiment is in the form of a facial beautifying device and is configured to impart beauty-related effects to the skin of the user's face. However, in a modified example, the skin processing device 1 may be configured to impart a similar beauty-related effect to a part other than the user's face in addition to or instead of the user's face. The skin processing device 1 may also be used to impart an effect other than the beauty-related effect (for example, an effect of promoting transdermal absorption of medicines).

[0012] The beauty-related effect is optional and may include any combination of one or more of the following: elimination of sagging, tightening, burning fat, lifting, face slimming, firmness and radiance of skin, improved moisture, etc. The beauty-related effect may be a quantifiable effect or a non-quantifiable effect.

[0013] The skin processing device 1 of the present embodiment is configured to impart beauty-related effects to the user's skin by applying various outputs via a plurality of electrodes that come into contact with the user's skin.

[0014] The skin processing device 1 of the present embodiment is a portable type that can be held by the user's hand, but may also be applied to a movable type that is movably supported on a fixed device via an arm or the like.

[0015] The skin processing device 1 includes a grip portion 2 and a head portion 3. In this case, a user can apply various outputs from the skin processing device 1 to a desired portion by holding the grip portion 2 and applying the head portion 3 to the desired portion of the user's face or the face of another person (e.g., a patient).

[0016] The grip part 2 has a shape that is easily held by the user's hand. The grip part 2 may include a user interface 20 including various buttons such as a power on / off button, a mode switching button, and an intensity adjustment button. The various buttons may be mechanical buttons or touch switches. The grip part 2 may also be provided with a display unit (not shown) that displays the state of the skin treatment device 1. The grip part 2 may also be provided with an electrode (not shown) that comes into contact with the user's hand.

[0017] The head portion 3 is provided at an end of the grip portion 2. The head portion 3 may be fixed to the grip portion 2, may be detachable, or may be movable relative to the grip portion 2.

[0018] The head portion 3 can contact the skin of the user and has a shape suitable for contacting the skin of the user. For example, the head portion 3 may have a contact surface 3a that is substantially flat (including a curved surface with a relatively large radius of curvature). The contact surface 3a is a plane that can be approximated to a substantially straight line in a side view. The shape of the contact surface 3a in a front view (the shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a) may be any shape such as a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, etc., and in this embodiment, as an example, it is a circle as shown in FIG. 2.

[0019] The head portion 3 has a plurality of electrodes 30 arranged on the contact surface 3a. The plurality of electrodes 30 may be in a form that protrudes slightly from the basic surface of the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3 so as to easily contact the user's skin.

[0020] In this embodiment, the multiple electrodes 30 are arranged in an annular shape centered on the center C of the contact surface 3a of the head portion 3. Hereinafter, terms related to the radial direction and the circumferential direction are based on a circle centered on the center C of the contact surface 3a when the contact surface 3a is viewed from the front (when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a). For example, the radially inner side refers to the side closer to the center C of the contact surface 3a in the radial direction. In addition, hereinafter, the number of the multiple electrodes 30 and the unit of one electrode are defined as one continuous form.

[0021] In this embodiment, the multiple electrodes 30 include a first electrode 31, a second electrode 32, a third electrode 33, a fourth electrode , and a fifth electrode .

[0022] As described below, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 form an electrode group (hereinafter also referred to as an "electrode group for high frequency output waveform") for applying a high frequency output waveform having a warming effect (or heating effect, the same applies below) to the user's skin.

[0023] The first electrodes 31 may be circular in shape. The first electrodes 31 may be arranged in a center-centered manner about a center C.

[0024] The second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 may each have a circular ring shape. The second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 may be arranged concentrically with respect to a center C. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 each have a circular ring shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction, but may also have a circular ring shape that is locally divided in the circumferential direction (for example, a U-shape).

[0025] The second electrode 32 is disposed radially outward of the first electrode 31, and the third electrode 33 is disposed radially outward of the second electrode 32. In this case, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 may be disposed concentrically with respect to the center C in the order of the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 from the radially inner side.

[0026] The difference between the distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction and the distance d2 between the third electrode 33 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction is preferably 10% or less of the distance d1. In the present embodiment, as a preferred example, the distance d1 between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction is equal to the distance d2 between the third electrode 33 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction (i.e., the difference between the distance d1 and the distance d2 is 0). Note that the distance d1 corresponds to the difference between the outer diameter of the first electrode 31 based on the center C and the inner diameter of the second electrode 32 based on the center C. Similarly, the distance d2 corresponds to the difference between the outer diameter of the second electrode 32 based on the center C and the inner diameter of the third electrode 33 based on the center C.

[0027] The fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 form a pair of electrodes (hereinafter also referred to as the "electrode group for low-frequency output waveform") for applying a low-frequency output waveform having an electrical muscular stimulation effect to the user's skin.

[0028] The fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 may each have an annular shape. The fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 may be arranged concentrically with respect to a center C. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 each have an annular shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction, but may each have an annular shape that is locally divided in the circumferential direction.

[0029] The fourth electrode 34 is disposed radially outside the first electrode 31 and radially inside the second electrode 32. That is, the fourth electrode 34 is disposed between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 in the radial direction. The fifth electrode 35 is disposed radially outside the second electrode 32 and radially inside the third electrode 33. That is, the fifth electrode 35 is disposed between the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 in the radial direction.

[0030] In this embodiment, the distance d3 between the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 in the radial direction may be the same as the above-mentioned distance d1 and distance d2, or may be significantly different from the above-mentioned distance d1 and distance d2. Note that the distance d3 corresponds to the difference between the outer diameter of the fourth electrode 34 based on the center C and the inner diameter of the fifth electrode 35 based on the center C.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the control system 100 according to an example. FIG. 4 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of two types of output waveforms acting on the skin at different depths. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a change pattern of the output waveform generated by the high-frequency output generating unit 112. In FIG. 3, in addition to the control system 100, the first electrode 31 to the fifth electrode 35 on the output side and the user interface 20 on the input side are also shown. In FIG. 4, a cross section of the skin in contact with the head unit 3 is shown together with a cross section of the head unit 3. In addition, FIG. 4 shows the output waveforms (low-range RF waveform W1 and high-range RF waveform W2 described later) applied to the skin from the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. In FIG. 5, the change pattern of the output waveform is shown with the horizontal axis representing time.

[0032] The control system 100 includes a control device 110, a high-frequency output generating unit 112, and a low-frequency output generating unit 114. The control device 110 may be formed by a computer such as a microcomputer. The high-frequency output generating unit 112 and the low-frequency output generating unit 114 may be formed by an electric circuit electrically connected to a power source (not shown). The power source may be a power source built into the skin treatment device 1, or may be an external power source.

[0033] The control device 110 controls the high frequency output generating unit 112 and the low frequency output generating unit 114 based on user input from the user interface 20 to generate various output waveforms via the first electrode 31 to the fifth electrode 35.

[0034] The user interface 20 may include a user interface such as the various buttons described above. The user interface 20 may include an input device capable of gesture input and / or voice input as another user interface. The user interface 20 may also include a user interface in a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone). In this case, the control device 110 may acquire a user input between the user terminal and the control device 110 via communication conforming to, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. In this case, the user can operate the skin processing device 1 via the user terminal.

[0035] The high-frequency output generating unit 112 is electrically connected to the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. Under the control of the control device 110, the high-frequency output generating unit 112 generates an output waveform (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "high-frequency output waveform") that has a high-frequency output waveform having a heating effect and that can be applied to the user's skin via the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33.

[0036] In this case, the high frequency output generating unit 112 preferably generates a high frequency output waveform using the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 as a first pair, and generates a high frequency output waveform using the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33 as a second pair. That is, the high frequency output generating unit 112 preferably uses two pairs in a manner in which the second electrode 32 is shared, and simultaneously generates a high frequency output waveform through each pair. In this case, the high frequency output waveform is formed in a manner in which the phase at the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33 is inverted with respect to the phase at the second electrode 32. That is, the polarity of the high frequency output waveform at the second electrode 32 is opposite to the polarity at the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33. This allows a heating effect to be simultaneously exerted on a relatively wide area of ​​the user's skin in correspondence with the relatively wide area in which the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 are arranged.

[0037] In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the distance d1 in the radial direction between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 is equal to the distance d2 in the radial direction between the third electrode 33 and the second electrode 32. Due to the symmetry of the distances to the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33 with the second electrode 32 at the center, it is possible to uniformly apply a heating effect to a relatively wide area of ​​the user's skin.

[0038] The radio frequency output generating unit 112 generates two or more types of radio frequency output waveforms having different frequencies. In the present embodiment, as an example, the radio frequency output generating unit 112 generates two or more types of radio frequency output waveforms including a radio frequency output waveform of a first frequency (an example of a first AC waveform) and a radio frequency output waveform of a second frequency (an example of a second AC waveform). Hereinafter, for the sake of distinction, the radio frequency output waveform of the first frequency is also referred to as a "low range RF waveform W1", and the radio frequency output waveform of the second frequency is referred to as a "high range RF waveform W2".

[0039] In this embodiment, the first frequency is greater than 20 kHz, and the second frequency is significantly higher than the first frequency.

[0040] Incidentally, in the case of a high-frequency output waveform in a frequency band higher than 20 kHz, the depth of the skin to which the heating effect effectively reaches tends to differ depending on the difference in frequency. Specifically, as shown typically in Fig. 4 with a low-range RF waveform W1, a high-frequency output waveform with a relatively low frequency tends to have a heating effect on a relatively deep region of the skin (e.g., the dermis). In contrast, as shown typically in Fig. 4 with a high-range RF waveform W2, a high-frequency output waveform with a relatively high frequency tends to have a heating effect on a relatively shallow region of the skin (e.g., the epidermis).

[0041] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as described above, by generating two or more types of high-frequency output waveforms with different frequencies, it is possible to apply a heating effect over a wide range in the depth direction (thickness direction) of the user's skin. As a result, it is possible to effectively increase the heating effect on the user's skin compared to, for example, a case in which a heating effect is applied only to a specific depth using only a high-frequency output waveform of a certain frequency.

[0042] From this viewpoint, the first frequency is preferably between 100 kHz and 1.5 MHz, and more preferably between 200 kHz and 1.0 MHz, in which case the low-range RF waveform W1 can effectively exert a heating effect on a relatively deep region of the skin (e.g., the dermis).

[0043] On the other hand, the second frequency is preferably between 600 kHz and 5.0 MHz, and more preferably between 1.0 MHz and 3.0 MHz, in which case the high-range RF waveform W2 can effectively exert a heating effect on a relatively shallow region of the skin (e.g., the epidermis).

[0044] The high-frequency output generating unit 112, under the control of the control device 110, alternately and repeatedly generates a low-range RF waveform W1 and a high-range RF waveform W2 in a manner that switches every predetermined period ΔT, as shown in Fig. 5. This allows the skin to be alternately heated in a relatively deep region (e.g., the dermis) and a relatively shallow region (e.g., the epidermis). As a result, the heating effect can be effectively enhanced.

[0045] The predetermined period ΔT is arbitrary, but is preferably a relatively short time of 10 seconds or less, more preferably 2 seconds or less, and most preferably 1 second or less so that the above-mentioned two types of heating effects acting on different skin depths are substantially constantly maintained. By shortening the predetermined period ΔT, the above-mentioned two types of heating effects acting on different skin depths can be applied to the skin substantially simultaneously, and as a result, the heating effects can be effectively enhanced.

[0046] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the duration of each low-range RF waveform W1 and each high-range RF waveform W2 are the same as the predetermined period ΔT, but in a modified example, they may be different. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 5, the predetermined period ΔT is repeated at a constant rate, but the predetermined period ΔT may be changed. For example, a relatively long duration may be realized only for the initial low-range RF waveform W1 and high-range RF waveform W2.

[0047] 5, the low-range RF waveform W1 and the high-range RF waveform W2 are generated alternately and continuously in a manner in which they are switched every predetermined period ΔT, but the low-range RF waveform W1 and the high-range RF waveform W2 may be generated alternately and discontinuously in a manner in which they are switched every predetermined period ΔT. For example, a high-frequency output waveform of another frequency may be generated between the low-range RF waveform W1 and the high-range waveform W2. In this case, the other frequency may be an intermediate frequency in a range higher than the first frequency and lower than the second frequency. In this case, the low-range RF waveform W1 and the high-range RF waveform W2 are generated alternately via a high-frequency output waveform of an intermediate frequency in a manner in which they are switched every predetermined period ΔT. As a result, even if the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is relatively large, the switching between the first frequency related to the low-range RF waveform W1 and the second frequency related to the high-range RF waveform W2 can be realized via the intermediate frequency, so that the load on the electric circuit unit related to the high-frequency output generating unit 112 can be effectively reduced. In this case, the intermediate frequency output waveform per time has the same time as the above-mentioned predetermined period ΔT, but in a modified example, it may be different. In addition, a plurality of intermediate frequencies may be set within a range higher than the first frequency and lower than the second frequency. In this case, even if the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is relatively large, switching between the first frequency and the second frequency can be realized via a plurality of intermediate frequencies. For example, when three intermediate frequencies having a relationship of first intermediate frequency>second intermediate frequency>third intermediate frequency are used, as shown in FIG. 5A, the frequency of the high-range RF waveform W2 may change for each of the above-mentioned predetermined periods ΔT in a manner changing to a low-range RF waveform W1 via a high-range RF waveform of the first intermediate frequency (indicated as "first intermediate range" in FIG. 5A), a high-range RF waveform of the second intermediate frequency (indicated as "second intermediate range" in FIG. 5A), and a high-range RF waveform of the third intermediate frequency (indicated as "third intermediate range" in FIG. 5A). In this case, since abrupt switching from the second frequency to the first frequency can be avoided, the load on the electric circuitry associated with the high frequency output generating section 112 can be effectively reduced.5A, the change from the high-range RF waveform W2 to the low-range RF waveform W1 via the high-frequency output waveform of the first intermediate frequency, the high-frequency output waveform of the second intermediate frequency, and the high-frequency output waveform of the third intermediate frequency is repeated, so that the low-range RF waveform W1 is directly switched to the high-range RF waveform W2. In contrast, in a further modified example, the change from the high-range RF waveform W2 to the low-range RF waveform W1 via the high-frequency output waveform of the first intermediate frequency, the high-frequency output waveform of the second intermediate frequency, and the high-frequency output waveform of the third intermediate frequency is followed by the high-range RF waveform W2 via the high-frequency output waveform of the third intermediate frequency, the high-frequency output waveform of the second intermediate frequency, and the high-frequency output waveform of the first intermediate frequency, so that the switching from the low-range RF waveform W1 to the high-range RF waveform W2 may be realized via the intermediate frequency. In this case, since the sudden switching from the first frequency to the second frequency can be avoided, the load on the electric circuit unit related to the high-frequency output generating unit 112 can be effectively reduced.

[0048] The low-frequency output generating unit 114 is electrically connected to the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35. Under the control of the control device 110, the low-frequency output generating unit 114 generates an output waveform (hereinafter also simply referred to as "low-frequency output waveform W3") that has a low-frequency output waveform having an electrical muscular stimulation effect and that can be applied to the user's skin via the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35. Specifically, the low-frequency output generating unit 114 generates one or more types of low-frequency output waveforms including a low-frequency output waveform W3 of a third frequency (an example of a third AC waveform). The third frequency is lower than 20 kHz.

[0049] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an operation mode, and shows the output waveform pattern (output mode change pattern) in a time series with the horizontal axis being time. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the effect of the operation mode of Fig. 6. As in Fig. 4 described above, Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross section of the head unit 3 as well as a schematic cross section of the skin in contact with the head unit 3. Fig. 7 also shows a schematic low-frequency output waveform W3 applied to the skin from the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 as well as a schematic high-frequency output waveform applied to the skin from the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33.

[0050] The operation mode shown in Fig. 6 includes an initial section A1. In the initial section A1, as initial operations related to the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33, an output mode M11 is executed for a duration T11, an output mode M12 is executed for a duration T12, and an output mode M11 is executed for a duration T13. In this case, in the output mode M11, the frequency of the high-frequency output waveform may be, for example, about 2 MHz, and in the output mode M12, the frequency of the high-frequency output waveform may be, for example, about 1 MHz. The durations T11, T12, and T13 may be, for example, about 30 seconds, 10 seconds, and 10 seconds, respectively.

[0051] In the initial section A1, the output mode M21 is executed for a duration T21, the output mode M22 is executed for a duration T22, and the output mode M21 is executed for a duration T23 as the initial operation related to the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35. In this case, in the output mode M21, the frequency of the low-frequency output waveform W3 may be between 71 Hz and 100 Hz, for example. In the output mode M22, the frequency of the low-frequency output waveform W3 may be, for example, about 1 kHz. In this case, in the output mode M22, the low-frequency output waveform W3 may be generated intermittently at a frequency of, for example, about 10 Hz during the duration T22. The durations T21, T22, and T23 may be about 30 seconds, 10 seconds, and 10 seconds, respectively.

[0052] 6 includes an initial section A1 followed by a main section A2. In the main section A2, an output mode M14 is continuously executed as a main operation related to the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. In the output mode M14, a high-frequency output waveform is generated in the manner described above with reference to FIG. 5. That is, a low-range RF waveform W1 and a high-range RF waveform W2 are alternately and repeatedly generated in a manner in which they are switched every predetermined period ΔT. Note that the output mode M14 may be continued until a stop command is input from the user, or may be automatically stopped after a predetermined duration has elapsed.

[0053] In the main section A2, the output mode M22 is executed for duration T24, and the output mode M21 is executed for duration T25 as the main operations related to the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35. In this case, the output modes M21 and M22 are as described above. The durations T24 and T25 may be about 2 seconds and 3 seconds, respectively. The output modes M21 and M22 may be executed repeatedly while the main section A2 continues.

[0054] According to the operating mode shown in FIG. 6, in the main section A2, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7, in addition to the heating effect described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, an electrical muscle stimulation effect can be simultaneously exerted on the skin by the low-frequency output waveform W3 via the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35.

[0055] In particular, according to this embodiment, as described above, the fourth electrode 34 is disposed between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, and the fifth electrode 35 is disposed between the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the range of the electrical muscle stimulation effect by the low-frequency output waveform W3 via the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 is included in the range of the warming effect on the skin by the high-frequency output waveform via the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33. This makes it possible to more effectively apply the electrical muscle stimulation effect and the warming effect to the skin. However, in a modified example, the fifth electrode 35 may be disposed radially outward from the third electrode 33. In such a modified example, the fourth electrode 34 may be disposed between the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33. Alternatively, in another modified example, an additional electrode (not shown) forming an electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform may be disposed radially outward from the third electrode 33.

[0056] Although FIG. 6 shows an example of the operation modes that the skin processing device 1 may have, the skin processing device 1 may have other operation modes instead of or in addition to the above operation modes.

[0057] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of another operation mode, and shows a change pattern of the output mode in a time series with the horizontal axis being time. Fig. 9A is an explanatory diagram of the division of a plurality of parts of the face, and Fig. 9B is an explanatory diagram of various muscles of the face. Fig. 8 also shows the target parts associated with each output mode.

[0058] In the operation modes shown in FIG. 8, output modes M30 to M34 are executed in order with durations T30 to T34, respectively. Each of the output modes M30 to M34 is associated with a specific target part of the face or a specific target muscle of the face. As shown in FIG. 9A, each target part includes a plurality of parts of the face, specifically, the seven parts of the forehead, the corners of the eyes, the nose, the eye bags, the nasolabial fold (more precisely, the part where the nasolabial fold is formed), the face line (cheeks), and the chin (jaw). In a modified example, some of these seven parts (for example, the corners of the eyes, the nose, the face line, the chin, etc.) may be omitted, other target parts may be added, or a coarser or finer granularity classification may be used. In addition, the corners of the eyes, the eye bags, the nasolabial fold, and the face line (cheeks) may be treated as separate parts on the left and right sides, in which case the face is classified into a total of 11 parts. As shown in Fig. 9B, each target muscle includes a plurality of types of facial muscles, specifically, the masseter muscle, the mentalis muscle, and the orbicularis oculi muscle. In a modified example, some of these three types may be omitted, or other types of target muscles may be added.

[0059] In the example shown in Fig. 8, output modes M30 to M34 are associated with the face line, nasolabial folds, masseter muscles, eye bags, and forehead, respectively, and output waveforms suitable for each are generated. In the example shown in Fig. 8, only output mode M32 is associated with a specific target muscle (i.e., masseter muscles), and the other output modes are associated with specific target parts. Each target part may be associated with an output mode in advance, and / or each target muscle may be associated with an output mode in advance. Also, the user may be able to change the target part and / or target muscle as appropriate.

[0060] The durations T30 to T34 may be arbitrary and may be appropriately changed by the user. The passage of each of the durations T30 to T34 may be communicated to the user by a notification sound and / or vibration output from the skin processing device 1. In this case, the user can easily change the position of the face to which the skin processing device 1 is applied in response to the notification sound or the like.

[0061] In this way, in the example shown in Fig. 8, an operation mode is realized in which the switching of the output mode is controlled by time so that an output mode suited to each part of the face is formed. In a modified example, a means for identifying (detecting) the part to which the skin processing device 1 is applied may be provided, and the switching of the output mode may be automatically realized according to the identification result of each part.

[0062] 8, output modes M30 to M34 are disclosed, but various modifications are possible. For example, other output modes may be realized instead of output modes M31 and M32. In this case, duration T30 of output mode M30 may be about 60 seconds, duration of other modes replacing output modes M31 and M32 may be about 110 seconds, duration T33 of output mode M33 may be about 70 seconds, and duration T34 of output mode M34 may be about 60 seconds.

[0063] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation mode in which a high-frequency output waveform and a low-frequency output waveform can be simultaneously applied to each specific target portion.

[0064] In FIG. 10, output modes M40 to M45 in the upper row are modes related to high-frequency output waveforms, and output modes M50 to M57 in the lower row are modes related to low-frequency output waveforms or higher medium-frequency or high-frequency output waveforms (i.e., modes related to output waveforms for electrical muscular stimulation).

[0065] The output mode M40, and the output modes M50 and M51 are associated with the face line. The output mode M40 is adapted to enhance the heating effect on the face line. For example, the frequency in the output mode M40 may be about 1 MHz to 3 MHz, and the duration T40 of the output mode M40 may be 60 seconds ± 20%.

[0066] The output modes M50 and M51 are adapted to enhance the electrical muscular stimulation action on the face line. For example, the frequency of the output mode M50 may be about 50Hz to 100Hz, and the duration of the output mode M50 may be 3 seconds ±20%. The frequency of the output mode M51 may be about 1kHz to 10kHz, and the duration of the output mode M51 may be 3 seconds ±20%. The output modes M50 and M51 are executed in synchronization with the output mode M40, and are executed alternately within the duration T40. The frequency of the output modes M50 and M51 may vary within the above-mentioned range within each duration or for each duration. In the output mode M51, the application of the output waveform may be executed intermittently with a rhythm (interval frequency) of about 5Hz to 20Hz. In this case, the adjustment (variability) of the interval frequency can be expected to improve the skin treatment effect on the face line.

[0067] The output mode M41, and the output modes M52 and M53 are associated with a part of the cheek (e.g., between the face line and the nasolabial fold). The output mode M41 is adapted to enhance the heating effect on the part of the cheek. For example, the frequency in the output mode M41 may be about 1 MHz to 3 MHz, and the duration T41 of the output mode M41 may be 110 seconds ± 20%.

[0068] The output modes M52 and M53 are adapted to enhance the electrical myoelectric stimulation action in a part of the cheek. In this case, the output modes M52 and M53 may be adapted to enhance the electrical myoelectric stimulation action on the masseter or zygomatic muscle, which is a target muscle included in the part of the cheek. For example, the frequency of the output mode M52 may be about 1 kHz to 10 kHz, and the duration of the output mode M52 may be 5 seconds ± 20%. Furthermore, the frequency of the output mode M53 may be about 50 Hz to 100 Hz, and the duration of the output mode M53 may be 4 seconds ± 20%. The output modes M52 and M53 are executed in synchronization with the output mode M41, and are executed alternately within the duration T41. The frequencies of the output modes M52 and M53 may vary within the above-mentioned range within each duration or for each duration. Furthermore, in the output mode M52, the application of the output waveform may be executed intermittently at a rhythm (interval frequency) of about 10 Hz.

[0069] The output modes M43, M44, and the output modes M54, M55 are associated with the eyes. The output modes M43, M44 are adapted to enhance the heating effect around the eyes. For example, the frequency in the output mode M43 may be about 1 MHz to 3 MHz, and the duration of the output mode M43 may be 1 second ±20%. Also, the output mode M44 may be a mode in which the application of the output waveform is stopped. In this case, the duration of the output mode M44 may be significantly longer than the duration of the output mode M43, and may be 6 seconds ±20%. This allows for a heating effect that takes into account the unique characteristics of the eyes, where many users tend to feel heat easily.

[0070] The output modes M54 and M55 are adapted to enhance the electrical muscle stimulation effect in a part of the eye area. In this case, the output modes M54 and M55 may be adapted to enhance the electrical muscle stimulation effect on the orbicularis oculi, which is a target muscle included in the eye area. For example, the output mode M54 may be a mode that stops the application of the output waveform, and the output mode M55 is a mode that stops the application of the output waveform at a frequency of 10k. The frequency may be about 50 Hz to 200 kHz. The output modes M54 and M55 are executed in synchronization with the output modes M43 and M44, and are executed alternately within the duration T42. In this case, the duration T42 may be 70 seconds ±20%. The output modes M54 and M55 are preferably executed in a manner in which they are synchronized with the output modes M43 and M44, respectively (the output modes M43 and M54 form a pair, and the output modes M44 and M55 form a pair). This makes it possible to apply a warming stimulus while preventing the output mode M44 from becoming too hot. The frequency of the output mode M55 may vary within the above-mentioned range within each duration or for each duration. In the output mode M55, the application of the output waveform may be executed intermittently at a rhythm (interval frequency) of about 5 Hz to 100 Hz. In this case, the adjustment (variability) of the interval frequency can be expected to improve the skin treatment effect on the eyes.

[0071] The output mode M45, and the output modes M56 and M57 are associated with the forehead. The output mode M45 is adapted to enhance the heating effect on the forehead. For example, the frequency in the output mode M45 may be about 1 MHz to 3 MHz, and the duration T43 of the output mode M45 may be 60 seconds ± 20%.

[0072] The output modes M56 and M57 are adapted to enhance the electrical muscle stimulation action in the forehead. For example, the frequency of the output mode M56 may be about 1 kHz to 10 kHz, and the duration of the output mode M56 may be 16 seconds ± 20%. The frequency of the output mode M57 may be about 50 Hz to 100 Hz, and the duration of the output mode M57 may be 4 seconds ± 20%. The output modes M56 and M57 are executed in synchronization with the output mode M45, and are executed alternately within the duration T43. The frequency of the output modes M56 and M57 may vary within the above-mentioned range within each duration or for each duration. In the output mode M56, the application of the output waveform may be executed intermittently at a rhythm (interval frequency) of about 5 Hz to 10 Hz.

[0073] 10, at least any of the output modes M40 to M45 may use a combination of the low-range RF waveform W1 and the high-range RF waveform W2 described above with reference to Figures 4, 5, etc. Also, the output modes M40 to M45 may have the same frequency of about 1 MHz to 3 MHz except for the output mode M43, but the frequencies of some output modes may be different from the frequencies of other output modes within the range of 1 MHz to 3 MHz.

[0074] 10, similarly to the case of the operation mode described above with reference to Fig. 8, the passage of each of the durations T40 to T43 may be communicated to the user by output of a notification sound and / or vibration from the skin processing device 1. In this case, the user can easily change the position of the face to which the skin processing device 1 is applied in response to the notification sound or the like.

[0075] Alternatively, the user may use the beauty device 4 while viewing his / her own face on the screen of the user terminal 2 using a camera (e.g., an in-camera) of the user terminal 2, as shown in FIG. 11. In this case, a facial image is generated in real time by the camera of the user terminal 2 while the beauty device 4 is being used. The facial image may be processed by a computer in the user terminal 2 or an external server (not shown) and used to identify the position of the face to which the skin processing device 1 is applied. In this case, the output mode may be automatically changed based on the result of identifying the position to which the skin processing device 1 is applied. In addition, a guide display may be output (superimposed) on the facial image or a similar image on the screen of the user terminal 2, in accordance with the lapse of each of the durations T40 to T43, to guide the position of the face to which the skin processing device 1 is applied in the next operation mode.

[0076] Although each embodiment has been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. In addition, it is also possible to combine all or a plurality of the components of the above-described embodiments.

[0077] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 generate a high-frequency output waveform such as a low-range RF waveform W1, but in other operation modes, a low-frequency output waveform or other DC waveforms may be generated. For example, a low-frequency output waveform may be generated via the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33, which are relatively far apart in the radial direction. The same applies to the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35. In addition, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 may form a pair of electrodes with the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 in various combinations.

[0078] In the above embodiment, two types of high frequency output waveforms, a low range RF waveform W1 of a constant first frequency and a high range RF waveform W2 of a constant second frequency, are generated through the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33, but this is not limited to the above. For example, a low range RF waveform W1 of a first frequency that fluctuates within the above-mentioned preferable range and a high range RF waveform W2 of a second frequency that fluctuates within the above-mentioned preferable range and in a range higher than the maximum value of the fluctuation range of the first frequency may be generated. That is, high frequency output waveforms of three or more types of frequencies may be generated. For example, in the case of N types (N≧3), output for each period may be repeated in a manner in which high frequency output waveforms of each corresponding frequency are generated within a time in which one period is divided into N portions.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the first electrode 31 to the fifth electrode 35 are used as five electrodes arranged concentrically, but the number and arrangement of the electrodes can be changed in various ways. For example, one or more additional annular electrodes may be arranged radially outward from the third electrode 33. The one or more additional annular electrodes may be in the form of a continuous annular shape in the circumferential direction, or may be in the form of a locally divided annular shape in the circumferential direction. The one or more additional annular electrodes may be arranged concentrically with the first electrode 31, etc. The one or more additional annular electrodes may cooperate with the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 to form an electrode group for the above-mentioned high-frequency output waveform. For example, when one additional annular electrode is arranged radially outward from the third electrode 33, the polarity of the high-frequency output waveform at the third electrode 33 may be opposite to the polarity at the second electrode 32 and the third electrode 33. In this manner, one or more additional annular electrodes may be added radially outward. In this case, the fifth electrode 35 may be disposed radially outward from the outermost electrode of the one or more additional annular electrodes. In this case, the radial separation distance in the electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform can be efficiently widened. Alternatively, the fifth electrode 35 may be disposed radially inward from the outermost electrode of the one or more additional annular electrodes. In addition, when two or more additional annular electrodes are added, the electrodes forming the electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform and the electrodes forming the electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform may be disposed alternately in the radial direction, as in the above-mentioned embodiment. In these modified examples, a part of each electrode forming the electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform may form an electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform in another mode, or may generate another DC waveform, etc. In addition, a part of each electrode forming the electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform may form an electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform in another mode, or may generate another DC waveform, etc.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the first electrode 31 to the fifth electrode 35 are in the form of a ring, but may be in other forms such as an ellipse or a polygon, or may be a combination of various forms. For example, the first electrode 31 to the fifth electrode 35 may be realized as the first electrode 31A to the fifth electrode 35A arranged in a straight line parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 12A. Note that FIG. 12A (as well as FIG. 12B described later) shows a schematic view of the electrode configuration when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 3a of the head unit 3. Alternatively, the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33 forming the electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform may be realized as the first electrode 31B, the second electrode 32B, and the third electrode 33B arranged in a straight line parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 12B. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 12B, the second electrode 32B and the third electrode 33B are arranged on both sides of the first electrode 31B (on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first electrode 31B). In this case, one or more electrodes forming the electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform, such as the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35, may be disposed between the first electrode 31B, the second electrode 32B, and the third electrode 33B. Also, in the case of the modified example shown in FIG. 12A or FIG. 12B, a part of each electrode forming the electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform may form an electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform in another mode, or may generate another DC waveform, etc. Also, a part of each electrode forming the electrode group for the low-frequency output waveform may form an electrode group for the high-frequency output waveform in another mode, or may generate another DC waveform, etc.

[0081] Incidentally, when applying an output waveform to the skin, it is useful to be able to apply an optimum output waveform to each area where the skin treatment device is placed.

[0082] Therefore, another object of the present disclosure includes making it possible to apply an optimal output waveform to each area where the skin treatment device is placed.

[0083] In this case, in one aspect, a plurality of electrodes that can be brought into contact with the skin of a user; a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes; and an electrical circuitry that generates, based on the power source, one or more output waveforms that can be applied to the skin via at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes; A skin treatment device is provided in which the one or more output waveforms are different when the treatment target area, which is the area where the multiple electrodes contact or the area of ​​the skin to which the multiple electrodes should be contacted, is a first area (e.g., one or more of the target areas shown in Figure 9A) and when it is a second area different from the first area (e.g., another one or more of the target areas shown in Figure 9A).

[0084] In this case, preferably, the duration during which the one or more output waveforms can be applied may differ between when the treatment target area is the first area and when the treatment target area is the second area.

[0085] In this case, preferably, the one or more output waveforms include an output waveform for electrical muscle stimulation, and the output waveform for electrical muscle stimulation may be adapted according to the characteristics of the muscle included in the processing target area.

[0086] In this case, preferably, the one or more output waveforms include a high-frequency output waveform and an output waveform for electrical muscle stimulation, The high-frequency output waveform and the output waveform for electrical muscular stimulation may be changed to output waveforms with different characteristics in response to a change in the area to be treated, in a manner synchronized with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Skin treatment device 2 Grip part 3 Head section 3a Contact surface 20 User Interface 30 electrodes 31 1st electrode 32 2nd electrode 33 Third electrode 34 4th electrode 35 5th electrode 100 Control System 110 Control device 112 High frequency output generator 114 Low-frequency output generator

Claims

1. A plurality of electrodes that can be brought into contact with the skin of a user; a power source electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes; and an electrical circuitry that generates, based on the power source, one or more output waveforms that can be applied to the skin via at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes; the one or more output waveforms include a first AC waveform at a first frequency greater than 20 kHz and a second AC waveform at a second frequency greater than the first frequency, alternating in succession or alternation through waveforms of other frequencies; the plurality of electrodes includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode; the second electrode is located between the first electrode and the third electrode in a predetermined direction; The first AC waveform and the second AC waveform are generated in a manner that can be applied via the first electrode and the second electrode over a predetermined period of time, and are also generated in a manner that can be applied via the second electrode and the third electrode over the same predetermined period of time.

2. The first AC waveform is generated in a manner in which a phase at each of the first electrode and the third electrode is inverted with respect to a phase at the second electrode; The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the second AC waveform is generated in such a manner that a phase at each of the first electrode and the third electrode is inverted with respect to a phase at the second electrode.

3. The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode in the predetermined direction is equal to a distance between the third electrode and the second electrode in the predetermined direction.

4. the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are concentrically arranged; The skin treatment device of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined direction corresponds to a radial direction.

5. the plurality of electrodes includes a fourth electrode and a fifth electrode concentric with the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode; the fourth electrode is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; the fifth electrode is disposed between the second electrode and the third electrode; the one or more output waveforms further include a third AC waveform at a third frequency less than 20 kHz; The skin treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the third AC waveform is generated in a manner that the third AC waveform can be applied via the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode.

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