Skin stimulation device and skin stimulation method

Abstract

Provided is a skin stimulation device and skin stimulation method which make it possible to determine whether or not mask pressure is appropriate. Said device is equipped with: a mounting unit which can be mounted onto skin; a biasing unit for biasing the mounting unit against the skin surface at a prescribed pressure; a drive unit which is provided to the mounting unit and applies a mechanical stimulus to the skin surface; and a detection unit for detecting said pressure and outputting a signal which corresponds to said pressure.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, skin stimulation devices that can be worn on the face have been devised. The skin stimulation device described in Patent Document 1 includes a face-shaped mask, a belt attached to the mask, and a vibration element attached to the mask. The stimulation applied to the skin can be changed according to the user's settings, and a variety of stimulations can be applied to the skin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-530640 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The skin stimulation device described in Patent Document 1 applies mechanical stimulation to the skin by transmitting vibrations from a vibration element through a mask. Therefore, the mechanical stimulation applied to the skin by the skin stimulation device varies depending on how well the mask is worn by the user. If the mask does not fit the skin tightly, the mechanical stimulation applied to the skin from the vibration element is weakened. On the other hand, if the mask is too tight on the skin, inflammation or congestion of the skin may occur.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a skin stimulation device and a skin stimulation method that can determine whether the mask pressure is appropriate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a skin stimulation device comprising: an attachment section that can be attached to the skin; a biasing section that biases the attachment section against the skin surface with a predetermined pressure; a driving section that is provided on the attachment section and applies a mechanical stimulus to the skin surface; and a detection section that detects the pressure and outputs a signal corresponding to the pressure.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a skin stimulation method comprising the steps of: using a biasing unit to bias an attachment unit that can be attached to the skin surface against the skin surface with a predetermined pressure; using a driving unit provided in the attachment unit to apply mechanical stimulation to the skin surface; and using a detection unit to detect the pressure and output a signal corresponding to the pressure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a skin stimulation device and a skin stimulation method that can determine whether the mask pressure is appropriate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a skin stimulation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the mask according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the mask according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram of a skin stimulation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a user terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] 4 is an example of an operation screen of a user terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 6B] 4 is an example of an operation screen of a user terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 6C] 4 is an example of an operation screen of a user terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 6D]4 is an example of an operation screen of a user terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 6E] 4 is an example of an operation screen of a user terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart of a skin stimulation method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a learning model of the skin stimulation device in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of learning in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a skin stimulation method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of an operation screen of a user terminal in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a top view of a mask according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a mask according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a skin stimulation device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart of a skin stimulation method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a top view of a mask according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is an example of a waveform of a driving voltage in the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Elements having common functions throughout the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] [First embodiment] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a skin stimulation system according to the present invention. The skin stimulation system includes a skin stimulation device 1 and a user terminal 4. The skin stimulation device 1 includes a mask 2 that can be attached to the skin and a control unit 3 that controls the mask 2. The mask 2 includes actuator elements and is used to apply mechanical stimulation to the user's skin.

[0012] The control unit 3 is electrically connected to the mask 2 and controls the mask 2. The control unit 3 has a touch display that is operated by a user, and drives the mask 2 in response to the user's operation. The control unit 3 can also be operated by a user terminal 4, and is connected to the user terminal 4 so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0013] The user terminal 4 is used to operate the skin stimulation apparatus 1 and can communicate with the skin stimulation apparatus 1 via Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The wireless communication method between the skin stimulation apparatus 1 and the user terminal 4 is not limited to Bluetooth, and can be any communication method such as NFC (Near Field Communication). The user terminal 4 can be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or wearable terminal, or a stationary terminal such as a personal computer. The user terminal 4 does not necessarily need to be provided separately from the skin stimulation apparatus 1, and can be configured integrally with the skin stimulation apparatus 1.

[0014] 2 is a top view of the mask 2 in this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the mask 2 is the Z direction, and any orthogonal axes substantially parallel to the surface of the mask 2 are the X direction and the Y direction.

[0015] 2, the mask 2 has a wearing section 21, a belt (urging section) 22, a driving section 25, and a detecting section 26. The wearing section 21 is capable of adhering to the skin, is flexible, and can have a shape corresponding to parts of the body such as the face, hands, and feet. For example, when the mask 2 is worn on the face, the wearing section 21 has an outer shape that sufficiently covers the face and has openings at the positions of the eyes, nose, and mouth.

[0016] The belts 22 are attached to both sides of the wearing unit 21 and press the wearing unit 21 against the skin surface with a predetermined pressure. The belt 22 is made of an elastic material such as nonwoven fabric, plastic film, or rubber, and may be a pair of strings that are hooked onto the user's ears. The user can wear the wearing unit 21 on their face by hanging the belt 22 around their left and right ears while stretching the belt 22. At this time, the belt 22 can press the wearing unit 21 against the skin surface with a predetermined pressure. Although not shown, the belt 22 may be configured to be stretchable by a user's operation. In this case, the user can change the pressure of the wearing unit 21 as needed by adjusting the length of the belt 22. The belt 22 may be made of the same material as the wearing unit 21, or a different material.

[0017] The driving unit 25 can be placed in a position on the attachment unit 21 that corresponds to a desired body part, such as the cheek, corner of the eye, or chin. The driving unit 25 can apply a mechanical stimulus to the skin surface in response to an applied voltage. In the top view of FIG. 2, the driving unit 25 has, for example, a circular shape, but it may also have an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, a regular polygonal shape, or the like. Furthermore, the number of driving units 25 is not limited to four, and any number of driving units 25 may be provided.

[0018] The detection unit 26 is disposed in a position close to the skin surface in the attachment unit 21, and is capable of detecting the pressure that the attachment unit 21 applies to the skin surface. The detection unit 26 is disposed in a position where it is easy to detect the pressure of the attachment unit 21, for example, near the belt 22. If the pressure in the attachment unit 21 is not uniform, the detection unit 26 may be disposed in multiple positions, such as near an opening where the pressure tends to be weaker or near the belt 22 where the pressure tends to be stronger. The shape of the detection unit 26 is not limited, and may be an ellipse, a rectangle, a regular polygon, or the like when viewed from above. Furthermore, the number of detection units 26 is not limited to two, and any number of detection units 26 may be provided.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mask 2 according to this embodiment, taken along line III-III' in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the mask 2 further includes a substrate 23 and insulating materials 24a and 24b. The substrate 23 is a stretchable and insulating thin film, and may be made of a material such as silicone rubber or resin. The insulating materials 24a and 24b are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate 23 and electrically insulate the substrate 23 from the skin 5. The insulating materials 24a and 24b may be made of a material such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate. The insulating materials 24a and 24b ensure insulation between the driving unit 25 and the skin 5, allowing a large driving voltage to be applied to the driving unit 25.

[0020] The driving section 25 is embedded inside the substrate 23. The driving section 25 has a plurality of driving elements 250 that can be displaced in response to an applied voltage. The plurality of driving elements 250 are stacked in the Z direction.

[0021] The driving element 250 includes an electrode 251, an electrode 252, and a dielectric 253. The electrodes 251 and 252 preferably have low rigidity and may be made of, for example, a thin metal film using gold or silver, graphite powder, or a mixture of silicone oil and graphite. The dielectric 253 is formed between the electrodes 251 and 252 and may be made of, for example, a dielectric elastomer, ceramic, barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, zinc oxide, or the like. The electrodes 251 and 252 are alternately arranged, and two adjacent driving elements 250 share the same electrode 251 or electrode 252. The multiple electrodes 251 are electrically connected to each other via wiring 258, and the multiple electrodes 252 are electrically connected to each other via wiring 259. The wiring 258 and 259 may be connected to the electrodes 251 and 252 of other driving units 25. A driving voltage is applied to the wiring 258 and 259 from the control unit 3.

[0022] When a drive voltage is applied to electrodes 251 and 252, an electrostatic force is generated between electrodes 251 and 252. Electrodes 251 and 252 attract each other due to the electrostatic force, causing dielectric 253 to contract in the Z direction. As a result, wearing unit 21 contracts in the Z direction. When drive voltage is no longer applied to electrodes 251 and 252, the electrostatic force generated between electrodes 251 and 252 disappears. Electrodes 251 and 252, which attract each other due to the electrostatic force, move away from each other, causing dielectric 253 to expand in the Z direction. As a result, wearing unit 21 expands in the Z direction. That is, wearing unit 21 contracts and expands in accordance with the drive voltage applied to electrodes 251 and 252, and driving unit 25 can apply a mechanical stimulus to the user's skin surface via wearing unit 21.

[0023] Since multiple drive elements 250 are stacked, the overall displacement of drive unit 25 increases. That is, by increasing the number of stacked drive elements 250, it is possible to increase the contraction and extension displacement of drive unit 25. In FIG. 3, three drive elements 250 are stacked, but the number of drive elements 250 constituting drive unit 25 is not limited. Furthermore, the stacking direction of drive elements 250 is not limited to the Z direction, but may be the X direction or the Y direction. When drive elements 250 are stacked in the X direction or the Y direction, drive unit 25 can apply a mechanical stimulus that causes a horizontal displacement to the surface of skin 5.

[0024] Detection unit 26 is configured in substantially the same manner as drive unit 25, and includes electrodes 261, 262, and dielectric 263. That is, electrodes 261, 262 are made of a thin film metal such as gold or silver, graphite powder, or a mixture of silicone oil and graphite, and dielectric 263 may be a dielectric elastomer, ceramic, barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, zinc oxide, or the like. When pressure is applied to dielectric 263, a detection voltage may be generated between electrodes 261, 262. Therefore, it is possible to detect the pressure that attachment unit 21 applies to skin 5 based on the detection voltage output from detection unit 26.

[0025] It is desirable that detection unit 26 be disposed in a position close to skin 5 so as to easily detect the pressure applied by attachment unit 21 to skin 5. In FIG. 3, detection unit 26 is disposed between substrate 23 and insulating material 24b on the lower surface side, but it may also be disposed between insulating material 24b and skin 5.

[0026] Note that detection unit 26 may include multiple elements stacked in the Z direction, similar to drive unit 25. That is, electrodes 261, 262 may be arranged alternately, and two adjacent elements may share electrode 261 or electrode 262. Multiple electrodes 261 are electrically connected to each other via wiring 268, and multiple electrodes 262 are electrically connected to each other via wiring 269. Wiring 268, 269 may be mutually connected to electrodes 261, 262 of other detection units 26. The pressure detected by detection unit 26 is output to control unit 3 as a detection voltage via wiring 268, 269. By using detection unit 26 having multiple elements connected together, the pressure of attachment unit 21 on skin 5 can be detected with high sensitivity.

[0027] In addition, during skin stimulation, detection unit 26 can also detect the strength of the mechanical stimulation applied to skin 5 by drive unit 25, as well as the firmness and flexibility of the skin. When skin stimulation device 1 applies a drive voltage to drive unit 25, drive unit 25 contracts and displaces attachment unit 21. This displacement stimulates the skin. At the same time, detection unit 26 outputs a detection voltage according to the displacement of attachment unit 21. At this time, the amount of displacement of attachment unit 21 varies depending on the condition of the skin, and the stimulation on the skin may change. For example, if the skin is highly flexible, the amount of displacement of attachment unit 21 increases, and the detection voltage of detection unit 26 increases. On the other hand, if the skin is firm, the amount of displacement of attachment unit 21 decreases, and the detection voltage of detection unit 26 decreases. In this way, it is possible to estimate the firmness and flexibility of the skin based on the detection voltage of detection unit 26.

[0028] 4 is a block diagram of the skin stimulation device 1 in this embodiment, showing the mask 2 and control unit 3. The control unit 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, a storage device 304, a display 305, a touch sensor 306, a WAN (Wide Area Network) 307, a LAN (Local Area Network) 308, a bus 310, an oscillator circuit 311, a boost circuit 315, a switching circuit 320, an amplifier 331, a filter circuit 332, and an AD converter 333. The components of the control unit 3 are connected to each other via the bus 310.

[0029] The CPU 301 controls each component of the skin stimulation device 1 using an application program. The ROM 302 is composed of nonvolatile memory and stores application programs for controlling each component of the skin stimulation device 1. The RAM 303 provides memory space necessary for the operation of the CPU 301. The storage device 304 is composed of a hard disk, semiconductor memory, etc. The display 305 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an OLED (organic light emitting diode) display, an LED (light emitting diode) display, etc. A touch sensor 306 is disposed on the surface of the display 305. The touch sensor 306 includes a capacitive or resistive detection circuit. The display 305 and the touch sensor 306 may be used instead of the user terminal 4 to operate the skin stimulation device 1. The WAN 307 may communicatively connect the skin stimulation device 1 and the user terminal 4 via a mobile communication network. The mobile communication network may be, for example, third-generation mobile communication, long-term evolution (LTE), fourth-generation mobile communication, fifth-generation mobile communication, etc. The LAN 308 is a communication unit that transmits and receives data wirelessly, and is configured to be able to perform, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, and wireless communication via a wireless LAN connection such as Wi-Fi.

[0030] The oscillator circuit 311 generates a plurality of pulse signals and drives the switching circuit 320. The oscillator circuit 311 follows instructions from the CPU 301 and can independently control the frequency and pulse width of each pulse signal.

[0031] A switching circuit 320 is provided for each drive unit 25 and includes an inverter 321 and switches 322 and 323. The inverter 321 outputs an inverted signal obtained by inverting the logic of the pulse signal input from the oscillator circuit 311. The switches 322 and 323 are cascade-connected between the high voltage of the boost circuit 315 and ground potential. An inverted signal of the pulse signal is input to the gate of the switch 322, and the pulse signal is input to the gate of the switch 323. The switches 322 and 323 complementarily turn on and off to generate a drive voltage by switching the high voltage of the boost circuit 315. The drive voltage generated by the switching circuit 320 is applied to the drive unit 25. A switching circuit 320 is provided for each drive unit 25, and the control unit 3 can independently control the multiple drive units 25. This enables the skin stimulation device 1 to apply skin stimulation with different displacements to different parts of the skin surface.

[0032] Boost circuit 315 boosts power supply voltage VDD, such as 5V or 12V, to generate a DC high voltage of approximately several tens to several hundreds of volts. The generated high voltage is supplied to switching circuit 320, and defines the on-voltage of the drive voltage. Boost circuit 315 can also control the high voltage in response to commands from CPU 301. For example, if it is necessary to increase the stimulation applied to the skin, boost circuit 315 can generate a high voltage of 500V, and if it is necessary to decrease the stimulation applied to the skin, boost circuit 315 can generate a high voltage of approximately 100V.

[0033] The amplitude and frequency of the driving voltage can be changed as appropriate depending on the area to which the stimulation is applied. For example, a driving voltage with a large amplitude can be applied to the driving unit 25 in areas close to the bones, such as the forehead, temples, and corners of the eyes. A driving voltage with a large amplitude can be applied to the driving unit 25 in areas far from the bones, such as the cheeks. Furthermore, the frequency is preferably, for example, 60 Hz or less, but the frequency may be changed as appropriate depending on the area.

[0034] The amplifier 331 includes a differential amplifier circuit and amplifies the weak detection voltage output from the detection unit 26. The filter circuit 332 passes only specific frequency components of the voltage amplified by the amplifier 331. By providing the filter circuit 332, it is possible to reduce noise components in the detection voltage. The AD converter 333 includes a comparison circuit and a reference voltage generation circuit and converts the detection voltage that has passed through the filter circuit 332 into a digital signal. The AD converter 333 outputs the digital signal to the LAN 308 via the bus 310. The amplifier 331, filter circuit 332, and AD converter 333 are provided for each detection unit 26. The digital signal of the detection voltage output to the LAN 308 is transmitted to the user terminal 4.

[0035] 5 is a block diagram of the user terminal 4 in this embodiment. The user terminal 4 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, a storage device 404, a display 405, a touch sensor 406, a first wireless communication unit 407, a second wireless communication unit 408, an imaging unit 409, and a bus 410. The units are connected to each other via the bus 410.

[0036] The CPU 401 controls each part of the user terminal 4 using an application program. The ROM 402 is made up of non-volatile memory and stores application programs for controlling each part of the user terminal 4. The RAM 403 provides a memory area necessary for the operation of the CPU 401. The storage device 404 is a non-volatile memory, an external memory, or the like.

[0037] The display 405 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an OLED display, an LED display, etc. A touch sensor 406 is arranged on the surface of the display 405. The touch sensor 406 includes a capacitance-type or resistance-type detection circuit.

[0038] The first wireless communication unit 407 is a communication unit that performs wireless communication in a mobile communication network, and is capable of implementing, for example, third generation mobile communication, LTE, fourth generation mobile communication, fifth generation mobile communication, and the like.

[0039] The second wireless communication unit 408 is a communication unit that transmits and receives data by wireless communication, and is configured to be able to perform, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, wireless communication via a wireless LAN connection such as Wi-Fi, infrared wireless communication, etc. The second wireless communication unit 408 receives a digital signal of the detected voltage of the detection unit 26 from the LAN 308 of the control unit 3.

[0040] The imaging unit 409 is, for example, an area sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. Note that the skin stimulation device 1 or the user terminal 4 may analyze the image captured by the imaging unit 409 and determine the amplitude, frequency, etc. of the driving voltage from the image.

[0041] The user terminal 4 can acquire information such as the age and gender of the user through an application program and notify the user of the pressure of the attachment unit 21. This allows the user to determine whether the pressure of the attachment unit 21 is appropriate.

[0042] 6A to 6E are examples of operation screens of the user terminal 4 in this embodiment. The mask 2 can apply optimal mechanical stimulation to the user based on user information input to the user terminal 4. When the user starts an application program on the user terminal 4, the user terminal 4 displays the screen shown in FIG. 6A on the display 405. On the screen of FIG. 6A, the user can input information such as gender, birthday (age), and area of ​​use into the user terminal 4 and select a drive voltage by operating the touch sensor 406 arranged on the display 405. Note that the drive voltage may not be selected by the user but may be determined by the application program. When the user inputs the information and touches the "Next" button, the user terminal 4 displays the screen shown in FIG. 6B on the display 405.

[0043] 6B, the user puts on the mask 2 in accordance with the instructions displayed on the display 405. The user terminal 4 can display a graph to indicate whether the pressure detected by the detection unit 26 is equal to a predetermined target pressure. The target pressure is within a predetermined pressure range, for example, 10 to 100 gf / cm. 2 The target pressure may be set as follows. Different values ​​may be set for the target pressure depending on the direction of the mechanical stimulation that the attachment unit 21 applies to the user's skin 5 and the part to which the mechanical stimulation is applied. If the detected pressure is weaker than the predetermined target pressure, the user terminal 4 sets the value of the graph in FIG. 6B to "too weak." If the detected pressure is stronger than the target pressure, the user terminal 4 sets the value of the graph in FIG. 6B to "too strong." The user can adjust the pressure of the attachment unit 21 by adjusting the length of the belt 22, etc., while looking at the screen in FIG. 6B. If the detected pressure is equal to the predetermined target pressure, the user terminal 4 sets the value of the graph in FIG. 6B to "good," and displays the screen shown in FIG. 6C on the display 405.

[0044] On the screen of FIG. 6C, the user inputs their current mood state into the user terminal 4. The user terminal 4 displays three icons representing their mood state, "good," "not bad," and "bad," on the display 405. The user can input their current mood into the user terminal 4 by touching one of the three icons. On the screen of FIG. 6D, the user inputs their planned activities. The user terminal 4 displays icons such as "skin care," "relax," and "sleep" on the display 405. The user can input their planned activities by touching one of these icons.

[0045] Based on the user information input as described above, the user terminal 4 determines skin stimulation information such as the driving voltage and stimulation time. The driving voltage may be determined by identifying the signal type (e.g., sine wave, alpha wave, audio signal) or by identifying the signal waveform (e.g., amplitude, frequency, waveform). The user terminal 4 transmits the determined skin stimulation information to the control unit 3, which then outputs the driving voltage based on the skin stimulation information. The driving unit 25 changes the mechanical stimulation in a predetermined driving pattern based on the driving voltage. This allows the user to receive optimal mechanical stimulation. The user terminal 4 may also display the screen shown in FIG. 6E on the display 405. The screen of FIG. 6E presents the user with a treatment schedule that will provide optimal mechanical stimulation based on the input user information. By performing treatment according to this treatment schedule, the user can use the skin stimulation device 1 at an appropriate frequency and for an appropriate treatment time.

[0046] It is also possible for user terminal 4 to acquire a facial image of the user, and for user terminal 4 to automatically determine skin stimulation information in accordance with the facial image. For example, user terminal 4 can determine optimal skin stimulation information for the input facial image by learning skin stimulation information linked to the facial image.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the skin stimulation method according to this embodiment, showing the operations of skin stimulation and pressure detection.

[0048] First, the user operates the touch sensor 406 arranged on the display 405 to input information such as gender, birthday (age), body part to be used, the user's mood, and the user's next planned action into the user terminal 4 on the screens of FIGS. 6A, 6C, and 6D (step S101). Next, the user puts the mask 2 on their face (step S102). Note that the information input in step S101 may be performed after putting on the mask 2.

[0049] The detection unit 26 detects the pressure with which the wearing unit 21 presses the skin surface (step S103), and the control unit 3 determines whether the detected pressure is a predetermined target pressure (step S104). If the detected pressure is not the target pressure (NO in step S104), the control unit 3 instructs the user to adjust the wearing of the mask 2 via the user terminal 4 (step S105). For example, if the detected pressure is stronger than the target pressure, the user terminal 4 displays the value of the graph in FIG. 6B as "too strong," and the user can adjust the belt 22 and put the mask 2 back on. If the detected pressure is the target pressure (YES in step S104), the control unit 3 notifies the user via the user terminal 4 that the wearing of the mask 2 is appropriate (step S106). The user operates the application program, and the skin stimulation device 1 starts skin stimulation (step S107).

[0050] The control unit 3 sets the amplitude, frequency, etc. of the drive voltage for each area of ​​the skin (step S110). Furthermore, the control unit 3 applies the set drive voltage to the drive unit 25 (step S111), and the drive unit 25 stimulates the skin. That is, when the control unit 3 applies the drive voltage to the drive unit 25, the drive unit 25 stimulates the skin by contracting and expanding. After the skin stimulation starts, the detection unit 26 detects the pressure with which the attachment unit 21 presses the skin surface (step S112), and the control unit 3 notifies the user whether the detected pressure is the target pressure (steps S113, S114, S115). This allows the user to determine whether the pressure of the attachment unit 21 is appropriate even while the skin is being stimulated.

[0051] Next, the control unit 3 determines whether to end the skin stimulation (step S116). For example, if the operation time set by the user has not elapsed (NO in step S116), the control unit 3 continues the skin stimulation. On the other hand, if the time set by the user has elapsed (YES in step S116), the control unit 3 stops the skin stimulation. Furthermore, the control unit 3 displays the treatment results and the skin condition on the display 405 (step S120). When the above processing is completed, the control unit 3 turns off the main power.

[0052] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the mask pressure is appropriate, and to achieve appropriate skin stimulation.

[0053] [Second embodiment] Next, the skin stimulation device of this embodiment will be described. The skin stimulation device of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it detects pressure based on an image of a mask. The following description will focus on the configuration that differs from the first embodiment.

[0054] The skin stimulation device 1 of this embodiment captures an image of the mask 2 using the imaging unit 409 of the user terminal 4 and can estimate the pressure of the wearing unit 21 based on the captured image using so-called AI (artificial intelligence). FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of a learning model of the skin stimulation device of this embodiment. The learning model can be constructed in the control unit 3 shown in FIG. 4. The learning model is composed of a neural network including an input layer 91, an intermediate layer 92, and an output layer 93, and is stored in the storage device 304 of the control unit 3. Neurons 951 of the input layer 91, neurons 952 of the intermediate layer 92, and neurons 953 of the output layer 93 are connected by synapses 96. The neuron 951 of the input layer 91 inputs user information and an image of the mask 2, and the neuron 953 of the output layer 93 outputs pressure values ​​at multiple parts of the wearing unit 21. For example, the learning model may include, as a neural network, a correlation between the degree of stretch of the wearing unit 21 or the belt 22 in the image and the pressure. In this way, the control unit 3 can calculate the pressure with which the mask 2 presses against the user's skin surface. The pressure at each part of the attachment part 21 may be calculated using a learning model.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of machine learning in this embodiment. The machine learning in this embodiment is supervised learning using training data, and the pressure detected by the detection unit 26 is used as the training data. First, the control unit 3 inputs user information and an image of the mask 2 to neurons in the input layer 91 (step S201). The image of the mask 2 can be captured by the imaging unit 409 of the user terminal 4. The user information can also be user attributes such as age and gender input to the user terminal 4. The control unit 3 calculates the pressure of the attachment unit 21 from neurons in the output layer 93 based on the input user information and the image of the mask 2 (step S202).

[0056] Meanwhile, the control unit 3 calculates the difference between the detected pressure detected by the detection unit 26 and the pressure calculated by machine learning (step S203). If the difference is large (NO in step S204), the control unit 3 feeds the difference back to the learning model and changes the weighting coefficient of the synapse 96 so as to reduce the difference (step S205). The control unit 3 repeats the processes of steps S202 to S205 until the difference becomes sufficiently small. When the difference becomes sufficiently small (YES in step S204), the control unit 3 generates a learning model (step S206) and ends the machine learning. In this way, a learning model can be generated by repeating the above-described machine learning until the difference becomes sufficiently small.

[0057] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the skin stimulation method according to this embodiment, showing the pressure detection process using a learning model, and Fig. 11 shows an example of the operation screen of the user terminal 4 according to this embodiment.

[0058] First, the user starts an application program stored in user terminal 4 and sets the time for which skin stimulation will be used (step S211). The user may also set the area on the face to be stimulated. Next, the user operates touch sensor 406 arranged on display 405 to input information such as gender, date of birth (age), stimulation area, user's mood, and the user's next planned action into user terminal 4 (step S212).

[0059] Next, the user terminal 4 displays the photographing screen of FIG. 11 on the display 405 (step S213). On the photographing screen of FIG. 11, a guide for photographing the mask 2 worn by the user is displayed as a dotted frame. While viewing the photographing screen, the user can adjust the orientation and position of the photographing unit 409 so that the image of the mask 2 fits within the guide. In addition, a circular photographing button is displayed at the bottom of the screen. When the user touches the photographing button, the user terminal 4 saves the image of the mask 2 in the storage device 304 (step S214). The image of the mask 2 acquired in this manner is input to the learning model together with user information.

[0060] The control unit 3 calculates the pressure with which the wearing unit 21 presses the skin surface using the learning model (step S215). If the estimated pressure is not the predetermined target pressure (NO in step S216), the user terminal 4 instructs the user to adjust the wearing of the mask 2 (step S217). If the estimated pressure is the predetermined target pressure (YES in step S216), the user terminal 4 displays to the user that the wearing of the mask 2 is appropriate (step S218). The user operates the application program to cause the skin stimulation device 1 to start skin stimulation.

[0061] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to detect whether the pressure applied to the skin surface by the attachment unit 21 is appropriate or not, based on an image of the mask 2. Furthermore, it is possible to detect the pressure without providing the detection unit 26 on the mask 2.

[0062] [Third embodiment] Next, the skin stimulation device of this embodiment will be described. The skin stimulation device of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes an expansion element that controls the pressure of the mask. The following description will focus on the configuration that differs from the first embodiment.

[0063] Fig. 12 is a top view of the mask 2 in this embodiment. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the mask 2 in this embodiment, taken along line XIII-XIII' in Fig. 12.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the mask 2 further includes an expansion element 27 that can expand and contract the belt 22. The expansion element 27 is fixed to both sides of the wearing unit 21, and both ends of the belt 22 are connected to the expansion element 27. The expansion element 27 may be an element that can be displaced in response to an applied driving voltage, such as a solenoid, a linear motor, a piezoelectric element, a magnetostrictive element, or a shape memory alloy. The expansion element 27 displaces the position of the end of the belt 22 in response to a signal from the control unit 3, thereby expanding and contracting the belt 22. This allows the pressure with which the wearing unit 21 presses against the surface of the user's skin to be changed.

[0065] 14 is a block diagram of the skin stimulation device according to this embodiment, showing the mask 2 and the control unit 3. The control unit 3 further includes a drive circuit 341. The drive circuit 341 includes a current amplifier circuit, a voltage amplifier circuit, and the like, and is capable of outputting a drive voltage to the expansion element 27 based on instructions from the CPU 301. Note that a drive circuit 341 may be provided for each expansion element 27. In this case, the control unit 3 can control each of the multiple expansion elements 27 independently.

[0066] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the skin stimulation method according to this embodiment, showing the operations of skin stimulation and pressure control.

[0067] First, the user operates the touch sensor 406 arranged on the display 405 to input information such as gender, birthday (age), area of ​​use, the user's mood, and the user's next planned action into the user terminal 4 (step S301). The user may also set the area of ​​the face to be stimulated. Next, the user puts on the mask 2 in a predetermined position on the face (step S302). Note that the mask 2 may be put on before the information input in step S301.

[0068] The detection unit 26 detects the pressure of the attachment unit 21 (step S303), and the control unit 3 determines whether the detected pressure is a predetermined target pressure (step S304). If the detected pressure is not the predetermined target pressure (NO in step S304), the control unit 3 drives the expansion element 27 so as to reduce the difference between the target pressure and the detected pressure (step S305). If the detected pressure is the target pressure (YES in step S304), the control unit 3 instructs the user to start skin stimulation, and the skin stimulation device 1 starts skin stimulation (step S306).

[0069] The control unit 3 sets the amplitude, frequency, etc. of the driving voltage for each part of the skin (step S310). Furthermore, the control unit 3 applies the set driving voltage to the driving unit 25 (step S311), and the driving unit 25 stimulates the skin. That is, when the control unit 3 applies the driving voltage to the driving unit 25, the driving unit 25 stimulates the skin by contracting and expanding. Furthermore, the detection unit 26 detects the pressure with which the attachment unit 21 presses the skin surface (step S312). The control unit 3 drives the expansion element 27 so that the detected pressure becomes the target pressure (step S313). That is, if the pressure is not the target pressure (NO in step S313), the control unit 3 drives the expansion element 27 (step S311). Therefore, the control unit 3 can control the pressure of the attachment unit 21 to be appropriate even when the skin is being stimulated (YES in step S313).

[0070] Next, the control unit 3 determines whether to end the skin stimulation (step S314). For example, if the operation time set by the user has not elapsed (NO in step S314), the control unit 3 continues the skin stimulation. On the other hand, if the time set by the user has elapsed (YES in step S314), the control unit 3 stops the skin stimulation. Furthermore, the control unit 3 displays the treatment results and skin condition on the display 405 (step S320). When the above processing is completed, the control unit 3 turns off the main power.

[0071] As described above, according to this embodiment, the pressure of the mask 2 pressing against the skin surface is controlled to be the target pressure based on the pressure detected by the detection unit 26. This allows the skin stimulation device 1 to automatically adjust the pressure of the attachment unit 21 and easily achieve an appropriate pressure.

[0072] [Fourth embodiment] Next, the skin stimulation device of this embodiment will be described. The skin stimulation device of this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in that the pressure of the attachment part 21 is estimated by detecting the tension of the belt 22. The following description will focus on the configuration that differs from the first embodiment.

[0073] 16 is a top view of the mask in this embodiment. The detection unit 260 is provided between both sides of the wearing unit 21 and the end of the belt 22. That is, one end of the detection unit 260 is fixed to the side of the wearing unit 21, and the other end of the detection unit 260 is fixed to the end of the belt 22. The detection unit 260 includes a dielectric and an electrode, similar to the detection unit 26 in the first to third embodiments, and is capable of detecting the tension of the belt 22 and outputting a detected voltage. Since the tension of the belt 22 and the pressure of the wearing unit 21 are correlated, the pressure of the wearing unit 21 can be calculated based on the tension of the belt 22. Therefore, the control unit 3 can calculate the pressure of the wearing unit 21 based on the detected voltage of the detection unit 260.

[0074] In addition to the detection unit 260 in this embodiment, the expansion element 27 described in the third embodiment may be provided. In this case, the expansion amount of the expansion element 27 can be adjusted according to the tension of the belt 22, and the pressure of the attachment unit 21 can be optimally controlled.

[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment, the expansion and contraction of the belt 22 is detected by the detection unit 26. As a result, the skin stimulation device 1 notifies the user in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the belt 22, and can easily achieve an appropriate pressure.

[0076] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a skin stimulation device according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, drive unit 25 is capable of controlling not only mechanical stimulation but also the pressure of attachment unit 21. The following description will focus on the configuration that differs from the first embodiment.

[0077] 17(a) and 17(b) show examples of drive voltage waveforms in this embodiment. In FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b), the solid line represents the pulse signal output from the oscillator circuit 311, and the dashed line represents the drive voltage supplied to the driver 25. The dashed-dotted line represents the average voltage of the drive voltage. As shown in FIG. 4, the oscillator circuit 311 generates a high-frequency pulse signal, e.g., a frequency above the audible range, to drive the switching circuit 320. The driver 25 is connected to the switching circuit 320 as a capacitive load. Therefore, the drive voltage output from the switching circuit 320 is a voltage obtained by integrating the pulse signal, as shown by the dashed line. Here, adding a constant offset to the pulse width of the pulse signal makes it possible to add an offset voltage ΔV to the average voltage. That is, the driver 25 can apply pressure to the skin surface based on the average voltage to which the offset voltage ΔV has been added, in addition to mechanical stimulation based on a sine wave. Furthermore, by appropriately changing the offset of the pulse width, the offset voltage of the drive voltage can be changed as shown in ΔV1 (FIG. 17(a)) and ΔV2 (FIG. 17(b)). By setting a different offset voltage ΔV for each drive unit 25, the control unit 3 can change the average voltage and apply different pressures to different parts of the attachment unit 21, such as the cheeks, corners of the eyes, and forehead. For example, the pressure may be weakened in parts that are prone to congestion. Furthermore, the openings of the attachment unit 21 may make it difficult for the attachment unit 21 to adhere to the skin surface, resulting in weaker pressure. In this case, the pressure near the openings of the attachment unit 21 may be increased, and control may be performed so that the same pressure is applied as to other parts.

[0078] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to apply a constant pressure to the skin surface by applying an offset voltage ΔV to the driving unit 25. This allows the belt 22 to adjust the pressure of the entire wearing unit 21, and the driving unit 25 to apply an optimal pressure to each part of the wearing unit 21.

[0079] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the driving unit 25 is not limited to one that utilizes electrostatic force in a dielectric, but may be one that utilizes electromagnetic force such as a solenoid. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the driving units 25 are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the driving units 25 may be arranged to apply mechanical stimulation horizontally to the skin surface.

[0080] When no voltage is applied from the control unit, driving unit 25 can function as detection unit 26. In this case, driving unit 25 can detect the pressure at the site of the skin to which mechanical stimulation is applied.

[0081] Furthermore, examples in which a part of the configuration of one embodiment is added to another embodiment, or examples in which a part of the configuration of another embodiment is replaced with another embodiment, are also embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, with respect to parts not specifically explained or illustrated in the embodiments, well-known or publicly known techniques in the relevant technical field can be applied as appropriate.

[0082] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-031181, filed on February 26, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 skin stimulator 2. Mask 3. Control Unit 4. User terminal 21 Mounting part 22 Belt 25 Drive unit 26 Detector

Claims

1. An attachment part that can be attached to the skin surface; a biasing unit that biases the attachment unit against the skin surface with a predetermined pressure; a driving unit that is provided in the attachment unit and applies a mechanical stimulus to the skin surface; a detection unit that detects the pressure and outputs a signal corresponding to the pressure, the drive unit includes a plurality of stacked drive elements, The skin stimulation device is characterized in that the detection unit detects the pressure based on an image of the attachment unit or the biasing unit.

2. The skin stimulation device according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user in response to the signal.

3. The skin stimulation device according to claim 2 , wherein the notification indicates whether the pressure is a predetermined target pressure.

4. 3. The skin stimulation device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the biasing unit based on the signal so that the pressure becomes a predetermined target pressure.

5. The target pressure is 10 to 100 gf / cm ２ 5. The skin stimulation device according to claim 3, wherein:

6. 6. The skin stimulation device according to claim 3, wherein the target pressure is a value that corresponds to the direction of the mechanical stimulation.

7. 7. The skin stimulation device according to claim 3, wherein the target pressure is a value corresponding to a part of the skin surface.

8. 8. The skin stimulation device according to claim 3, wherein the target pressure is set based on an image of the skin surface.

9. 9. The skin stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is disposed between the attachment unit and the skin surface.

10. 10. The skin stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the detecting units are arranged at a plurality of positions on the attachment unit.

11. 11. The skin stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is disposed in the biasing unit.

12. 12. The skin stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit functions as the detecting unit in a state where no mechanical stimulation is applied to the skin surface.

13. The skin stimulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit detects the pressure at each of a plurality of portions of the attachment unit based on an image of the attachment unit.

14. 14. The skin stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the biasing portion is capable of independently biasing each of a plurality of portions of the mounting portion.

15. The skin stimulation device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls at least one of the direction, magnitude, and period of the mechanical stimulation in response to the signal.

16. The skin stimulation device according to claim 15, wherein the control unit determines at least one of the direction, magnitude, and period of the mechanical stimulation based on at least one of the age, sex, and area of ​​the skin surface of the recipient.

Images