Skin treatment device

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a skin treatment device 100 for performing an operation such as hair removal. The device 100 includes an aerosol generation device 104, a flow stream generating element 105, and an operating parameter sensor 107 configured to measure skin operating parameters and skin treatment device operating parameters. Additionally, the skin treatment device 100 includes a control unit 108 communicatively coupled to the aerosol generation device 104, the flow stream generating element 105, and the operating parameter sensor 107. The control unit 108 is configured to selectively control the operation of the aerosol generation device 104 and / or the skin treatment tool 103 based on the operating parameters measured by the operating parameter sensor 107. This configuration of controlling the operation based on the operating parameters improves the efficiency of the skin treatment device since selectively controlling the aerosol generation device 104 and the skin treatment tool 103 conserves battery power of the skin treatment device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a device for performing a treatment operation on a subject's skin, and more particularly to a skin treatment operation in which the operation of a skin treatment device is controlled based on operation parameters.

Background Art

[0002] For aesthetic or personal reasons, many people desire to treat their skin by removing unwanted hair from various areas of the human body. Various techniques for removing unwanted hair include shaving, electrolysis, plucking, laser treatment, and therapeutic androgen injections. Typically, unwanted hair is removed by plucking, and various devices are adapted to such hair removal techniques. However, such devices have the fundamental drawback that hair plucking is painful. This limits the popularity of the use of such devices, especially on sensitive skin surfaces.

[0003] In view of the above, hair removal devices with a cooling function have evolved. Such hair removal devices are structured to cool the skin before hair removal. However, such devices tend to overcool the skin, causing the skin to become wet, resulting in undesirable inefficient hair removal. Also, in a typical skin treatment device having an integrated cooling mechanism, the cooling action can be induced either continuously or by the user starting it, either one of which. These options are relatively low in efficiency and / or effectiveness. For example, a user / subject may be insensitive to the pain caused by mechanical hair removal. In this case, continuous or increased skin cooling leads to inefficient use of battery power. On the other hand, allowing the user / subject to manually control the function leads to cases where cooling is not started when needed, resulting in a reduction in pain relief.

[0004] Furthermore, currently available hair removal devices require the user to place the device on an area of ​​skin and move it to other areas of skin until the user or subject believes that a portion of the skin has been sufficiently treated, provided that all components of the device (such as the cooling and delivery components) are fully functional throughout the hair removal process. Users / subjects do not always operate the device at the correct speed. If used faster than the desired speed, the treatment may be incomplete. If used too slowly (e.g., repeatedly on the same area), the skin may overheat and become inflamed. As a result, users of hair removal devices face difficulties in efficiently and effectively using such devices over large areas of skin. These difficulties stem from a combination of the relatively large area of ​​skin to be treated, a lack of information on the correct use of the hair removal device, and a lack of information on the parameters of the skin being treated and recommended treatment times for specific body parts. These user-dependent issues lead to significant variability in compliance, treatment time, and ultimately, the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0005] This disclosure is intended to overcome one or more of the limitations set forth above, or any other limitations relating to devices known in the art.

[0006] WO2016 / 196915A1 discloses a device for delivering fluids to a surface containing cells. In one embodiment, the fluid delivery device is provided comprising a housing; a fluid vaporizer disposed within the housing and configured to receive a fluid and produce an aerosol mist of liquid particles from the fluid; a trigger to activate the fluid vaporizer; and a pump configured to accelerate the aerosol mist produced by the fluid vaporizer.

[0007] EP2103232A1 discloses a hair removal device comprising a vaporization unit 10 for vaporizing an application material 50. It further comprises a cooling unit 13 or a heating unit 12 for cooling or heating the application material to enhance its effect on the skin. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The objective is to provide a skin treatment device for performing skin treatment operations by (automatically) controlling the cooling effect on the treated skin and / or controlling the operating speed of the skin treatment tool based on detected operating parameters, thereby enabling the user to complete the treatment operation in an efficient and effective manner. For efficient operation of the skin treatment device, it is desirable that the skin treatment device be able to control the cooling effect and / or the operating speed of the skin treatment tool based on operating parameters such as skin parameters (as non-limiting examples, skin temperature and humidity and skin color) and parameters of the skin treatment device (e.g., temperature of the skin treatment tool). An effective method for cooling the skin is by aerosol generation. Other methods such as Peltier cooling also exist in relation to skin treatment devices, but these are more expensive. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To better address one or more of these concerns, a skin treatment device is provided in a first aspect of this disclosure. The skin treatment device includes an aerosol generating device and an operating parameter sensor. The aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol based on operating parameters measured by the operating parameter sensor and to channel the generated aerosol through a channel in the skin treatment device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the skin treatment device further includes a fluid stream generating element configured to generate a flow to further guide an aerosol through a channel.

[0011] In the embodiment, the fluid stream generating element is at least one of a blower and a suction fan.

[0012] In the embodiment, the flow path is defined by the space within the skin treatment tool of the skin treatment device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is coupled to the head of a skin treatment device.

[0014] In this embodiment, the operating parameter sensor is an optical sensor.

[0015] In one embodiment, the operating parameter sensor is configured to measure at least one of skin parameters and skin treatment device parameters.

[0016] In the embodiment, the skin parameter is at least one of skin temperature, skin humidity, and skin tone.

[0017] In the embodiment, the skin treatment device parameters are the temperature, mechanical force, and / or displacement of the skin treatment tool.

[0018] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a piezoelectric device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the skin treatment device further includes a plurality of motion parameter sensors. Each of the plurality of motion parameter sensors is positioned opposite the longitudinal axis of the skin treatment tool.

[0020] In the embodiment, the skin treatment device includes a control unit that is communicatively coupled to an operating parameter sensor and an aerosol generating device. The control unit is configured to selectively control the operation of the aerosol generating device and / or skin treatment tool of the skin treatment device based on operating parameters measured by the operating parameter sensor.

[0021] In one embodiment, the control unit is further communicatively coupled to the fluid stream generating element and is configured to operate the fluid stream generating element independently of the aerosol generating device based on skin humidity measured by an operating parameter sensor.

[0022] In an embodiment, the skin treatment device includes a signal unit communicatively coupled to a control unit, and the control unit is configured to generate a warning signal through the signal unit based on a signal from an operation parameter sensor, and / or the warning signal is at least one of an auditory signal, a visual signal, an audiovisual signal, and a tactile signal.

[0023] The above summary is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the above exemplary aspects, embodiments, and features, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0024] The present invention is as set forth in the appended claims, including various conventional modifications and claim equivalents to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure itself, as well as its manner of use, further objects, and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings, with like reference numerals representing like elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] An exploded view of the skin treatment device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3a] A perspective view of a part of the skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3b] A side view of a part of the skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] A block diagram illustrating components of a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] A block diagram of a control unit for controlling the operation of a skin treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The figures illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be adopted without departing from the principles of the present disclosure described herein.

[0027] While the embodiments in this disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown in the figures and described below as examples. However, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular form disclosed, but rather should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms that fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] It should be noted that those skilled in the art will be motivated by this disclosure to modify various features of skin treatment devices. Therefore, such modifications are part of this disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to obscure details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description herein.

[0029] The terms “equipped with,” “possessing,” or any other variation thereof as used in this disclosure are intended to include non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly or unit comprising a list of components may include not only those components but also other components not expressly enumerated or specific to those devices. In other words, one or more elements of a device followed by “equipped with” does not, without further constraint, exclude the presence of other or additional elements of the system or device.

[0030] In the following detailed description, embodiments of the Disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this Specification and are shown in the illustrations and specific embodiments in which the Disclosure is Exposed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to exercise the Disclosure, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the Disclosure. Therefore, the following description should not be taken as limiting.

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates perspective views of a skin treatment device (100) according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. The skin treatment device (100) is a portable device adapted to perform a treatment action on a subject's skin by providing a selective cooling effect to the skin being treated. The term “skin being treated” means the portion of skin that is the target of the treatment action by the skin treatment device (100). In embodiments, the treatment action is hair removal, hair reduction, etc. As described herein, the skin treatment device (100) is operated or used by a “user” and the treatment action is performed on a “subject.” In some cases, the user and the subject are the same person, i.e., the skin treatment device (100) is held in the hand and used by the user on themselves (e.g., to treat skin such as the feet or hands). In other cases, the user and the subject are different, and for example, the skin treatment device (100) may be held in the hand and used by the user on another person.

[0032] The skin treatment device (100) may broadly include a head (101) and a handle (102) that are detachably connected to each other. In embodiments, the head (101) and the handle (102) are detachably connected to each other by connecting means, including but not limited to screw connections and snap-fit ​​connections. The handle (102) is configured to house various components, including a power source such as a battery, a drive unit (not shown) such as an electric motor, a drive circuit, and a user control (112). Furthermore, the skin treatment device (100) includes a skin treatment tool (103) coupled to the drive unit. The skin treatment tool (103) is rotatably disposed in or on the head (101) such that the skin treatment tool (103) is positioned adjacent to or on (i.e., in contact with) the skin of the subject. In embodiments, the skin treatment tool (103) includes a plurality of rotating elements that make contact with the skin and perform the treatment action as the skin treatment device (100) is traversed across the skin to be treated. The rotating elements function as tweezers that grasp and pull out hairs by their rotational motion. The plurality of rotating elements are made from preferred materials such as, but not limited to, polymers and metals.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the skin treatment device (100) may further include an aerosol generating device (104) disposed in or on the head (101) and electrically coupled to the power supply of the skin treatment device (100). The aerosol generating device (104) is configured to generate an aerosol or mist from a skin treatment fluid, such as but not limited to water. The aerosol generating device (104) includes an inlet and an outlet, defined at preferred locations on the aerosol generating device (104), for example, substantially on both sides. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol generating device (104) is disposed on the head (101) parallel to the longitudinal axis (AA) of the skin treatment device (100). The above should not be interpreted as limiting, as the aerosol generating device (104) can be positioned at any location in or on the head (101) with respect to the longitudinal axis (AA) of the skin treatment device (100). In some embodiments, the skin treatment device (100) includes a reservoir (not shown) positioned adjacent to and fluidly coupled to the inlet of the aerosol generating device (104). In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device (104) includes a reservoir, i.e., the reservoir is an integrated part of the aerosol generating device (104). The reservoir stores fluid and supplies fluid into the aerosol generating device (104). The fluid enters the aerosol generating device (104) through the inlet, and an aerosol is generated. The generated aerosol exits from the outlet of the aerosol generating device (104). The generated aerosol is then guided from the skin treatment device (100) onto the skin being treated, providing a cooling effect to the skin being treated.

[0034] The skin treatment device (100) may further include a channel (106) coupled to a head (101). In some embodiments, the channel (106) may be sandwiched between the head (101) and the aerosol generating device (104) (as shown in Figure 1) such that the outlet of the aerosol generating device (104) is in fluid communication with the channel (106). In embodiments, the channel (106) may be a passage integrally defined within the head (101) or a passage coupled externally to the head (101). In embodiments, the passage (and therefore the channel (106)) may be a hollow structure having a substantially rectangular contour. However, the above should not be interpreted as limiting, as the hollow structure may have any other desired geometric contour, such as circular, elliptical, square, and any other arbitrary polygonal shape. In some embodiments, the channel (106) may include a tapered configuration to facilitate the effective guidance of aerosol onto the skin. In one embodiment, the channel (106) is a dedicated channel and may include a further outlet arranged to discharge the aerosol from the skin treatment device (100) onto the skin. In another embodiment, the channel may simply function to allow the flow to be directed from the aerosol generating device (104) to the head (101) of the skin treatment device (100) for discharge of the aerosol through another suitable outlet.

[0035] In this embodiment, the flow path (106) may be defined by the space within the skin treatment tool (103). That is, the flow path (106) is defined by the space between the rotating elements of the skin treatment tool (103). This space allows the flow of aerosol from the skin treatment device (100) (and therefore the head (101) of the skin treatment device (100)) onto the skin, and thus also serves as the further outlet. In this embodiment, the outlet of the aerosol generating device (104) may be positioned in fluid communication with the head (101). The aerosol exiting the outlet of the aerosol generating device (104) enters the head (101) and is then guided onto the skin through the space defined between the rotating elements of the skin treatment tool (103).

[0036] In embodiments, the aerosol generating device (104) is a piezoelectric device, but is not limited thereto. The piezoelectric device generates a large volume of ultrafine mist or vapor particles from a fluid entering from a reservoir. The ultrafine mist or vapor generated by the piezoelectric device is easily guided out of the skin treatment device (100) and thus facilitates effective cooling to the skin being treated. The ultrafine particle size of the aerosol generated by the piezoelectric device further assists in cooling the skin without wetting it.

[0037] Referring to Figure 2, the skin treatment device (100) may include a fluid stream generating element (105) disposed inside or adjacent to the head (101) and coupled to a drive unit. In embodiments, the fluid stream generating element (105) may be coupled to the same drive unit to which the skin treatment tool (103) is coupled, or to a separate drive unit. The fluid stream generating element (105) is configured to generate an airflow for further guiding the fluid flow, in particular the generated aerosol, onto the skin being treated through a channel (106). That is, the fluid stream generating element (105) generates a fluid stream, pushing the generated aerosol out of the skin treatment device (100) through the channel (106). The generated stream may be discharged from the skin treatment device (100) through either the space of the rotating element (103) or the dedicated channel (106) through the further outlets described above. In embodiments, the fluid stream generating element (105) is at least one of a blower and a suction fan (not shown). The blower is positioned lower than the outlet of the aerosol generating device (104) so ​​that the aerosol exiting the outlet is pushed or advanced through the flow path (106) from the skin treatment device (100) onto the skin. The suction fan is positioned higher than the outlet of the aerosol generating device (104) so ​​that the aerosol exiting the outlet of the aerosol generating device (104) is drawn through the flow path (106) by the suction force or negative pressure generated by the suction fan.

[0038] Referring here to Figure 3, the skin treatment device (100) includes an operating parameter sensor (107) disposed in or on the head (101). Although Figure 3 shows two operating parameter sensors (107), it is also possible to carry out the invention with a single sensor. The operating parameter sensor (107) is configured to measure at least one of skin parameters and skin treatment device parameters. In embodiments, the skin parameters are at least one of skin temperature (particularly skin surface temperature), skin humidity (particularly skin surface humidity), and skin color / pigmentation. Furthermore, the skin treatment device parameters are at least the temperature, mechanical force, and / or displacement of the skin treatment tool (103). The following description is made with reference to an embodiment relating to temperature sensing in Figure 3.

[0039] In embodiments, the operating parameter sensor (107) includes one or more temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the skin and / or the skin treatment tool (103) before and after skin treatment. In the illustrated embodiments, as seen in Figures 3a and 3b, multiple temperature measuring sensors, including but not limited to non-contact temperature sensors (i.e., sensors that do not need to be in contact with the skin to measure the skin temperature), such as infrared (IR) thermal sensors, are positioned adjacent to the skin treatment tool (103) and opposite to the longitudinal axis (BB) of the skin treatment tool (103) to obtain temperature measurements before and after skin treatment. Multiple operating parameter sensors (and thus IR sensors) extend away from the head (101) and are configured to measure the temperature of a portion of the skin and / or the skin treatment tool (103) before and after skin treatment. In Figures 3a and 3b, sensor 107-1 measures the temperature of the skin at the location before treatment. Sensor 107-2 measures the temperature at the same location after treatment. Alternatively, each of the multiple temperature sensors may be a contact temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, thermistor, or resistance temperature detector (RTD) (i.e., a sensor that needs to be in contact with the skin to measure skin temperature).

[0040] In other embodiments, the skin parameter may be the optical properties of the skin, such as the optical properties of the skin that change in response to an incident energy pulse. The optical properties may be, for example, scattering, reflectance, etc., and each operating parameter sensor (107) may be an optical sensor located on or inside the head (101). The optical sensor is configured to measure light reflected or scattered from the skin. In some embodiments, the optical sensor may be located on or inside the head (101) together with an optical guide such as a mirror or prism. The optical sensor emits light into or onto the skin, accompanied by an optical guide that directs the light emitted onto the skin. Furthermore, the optical sensor measures the reflection or scattering of that light. Those skilled in the art will recognize various techniques that can be used to measure the optical properties of the skin, including, for example, hyperspectral imaging, polarization imaging, and speckle imaging.

[0041] In other embodiments, the skin parameter is the acoustic properties of the skin, such as the acoustic properties of the skin that change in response to an incident energy pulse. The acoustic properties may be, for example, acoustic impedance or speed of sound, and the motion parameter sensor (107) may be an acoustic sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor. In some embodiments, the motion parameter sensor (107) includes a sound source for emitting sound to the skin, and the acoustic sensor measures the sound to determine the acoustic skin properties.

[0042] In other embodiments, skin parameters may be the electrical properties of the skin, such as the electrical properties of the skin that change in response to an incident energy pulse. The electrical properties may be, for example, radio frequency (RF) impedance or capacitance, and each operating parameter sensor (107) may be an RF sensor, an impedance sensor, or a capacitance sensor.

[0043] In other embodiments, the operating parameter sensor (107) includes one or more humidity sensors disposed in or on the head (101). One or more humidity sensors are configured to measure skin humidity, particularly surface humidity, as the skin parameter. For example, the humidity sensors may be, but are not limited to, capacitive humidity sensors, resistive humidity sensors, and thermal conduction humidity sensors.

[0044] In other embodiments, the skin treatment device parameters relate to the force or tension applied to the skin by the head (101), the distance moved by the head (101), and, correspondingly, the time required to complete the treatment.

[0045] In embodiments, the skin treatment device (100) may further include additional components to those illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. The skin treatment device (100) includes power supply components (wires and plugs) to enable the skin treatment device (100) to be connected to a mains power supply. Furthermore, the skin treatment device (100) includes a sign unit (not shown) which is communicatively coupled to a control unit (108). Based on signals from an operating parameter sensor (107), a warning signal is generated by the control unit (108) through the sign unit. The warning signal is at least one of the following: a visual display (e.g., light using a light source, or a visual signal from a display screen located on either the head (101) or handle (102) of the skin treatment device (100) that is visible to the user during use), an auditory signal (e.g., sound such as a beep using a sound source such as a loudspeaker), an audiovisual signal, and a tactile signal (e.g., vibration generated using a vibrating element located inside the body).

[0046] Referring here to Figure 4, the skin treatment device (100) includes a control unit (108) which is communicatively coupled to an operating parameter sensor (107), an aerosol generating device (104), a fluid stream generating element (105), and a skin treatment tool (103). The control unit (108) is configured to control the operation of the skin treatment device (100). In embodiments, the operation control of the skin treatment device (100) includes the operation control of the aerosol generating device (104) and the fluid stream generating element (105), as well as the operation control of the skin treatment tool (103) based on operating parameters (i.e., skin parameters and skin treatment tool (103) parameters) measured by the operating parameter sensor (107).

[0047] In an embodiment, “operation control” corresponds to adjusting the operational capability of at least one of the aerosol generating device (104), the fluid stream generating element (105), and the skin treatment tool (103) according to the determined operational parameters.

[0048] For example, a control unit (108) or a corresponding method acquires the difference in sensor output signals between sensor 107-1 and sensor 107-2 and calculates the increase in skin parameters / skin treatment device parameters due to the treatment. Based on a comparison of the increase with a predetermined value, the control unit (108) transmits a trigger signal to control the operation of at least one of the aerosol generating device (104), fluid stream generating element (105), and skin treatment tool (103). When a single operating parameter sensor is implemented, the operating parameter measurement obtained after the treatment may be compared with a stored pre-treatment baseline value.

[0049] In one embodiment, the control unit (108) or a corresponding method controls the operation of the aerosol generating device (104) by transmitting a trigger signal to activate the aerosol generating device (104), regardless of whether the aerosol generating device (105) is activated or not. In another embodiment, the control unit (108) controls the operation of the aerosol generating device (105) by transmitting a trigger signal to activate the aerosol generating device (105), regardless of whether the aerosol generating device (104) is activated or not. For example, for differences smaller than a threshold, it is sufficient to induce the drying and cooling action promoted by the aerosol generating device (105). Operating the aerosol generating device (105) independently of the aerosol generating device (104) further helps to save battery power.

[0050] In response to this, if the increase is determined to be less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit (108) controls the operation of the aerosol generating device (104) by transmitting a trigger signal, and stops or suppresses the aerosol generating device (104) and / or the fluid stream generating element (105).

[0051] In embodiments, the control unit (108) or corresponding method controls the operation of the skin treatment tool (103) by transmitting a trigger signal, and can adjust (increase or decrease) the rotational speed and / or the force applied by the skin treatment tool by a clamping element disposed inside, for example, in the case of a mechanical hair removal device. In embodiments, the control unit (108) or corresponding method may provide a display to the user for manually adjusting treatment application parameters such as force or operating speed.

[0052] The control unit (108) is implemented in several ways using software and / or hardware to perform the various functions described herein. The control unit (108) includes one or more microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs) that are programmed using software or computer program code to perform the required functions and / or programmed to control the components of the control unit (108) to perform the required functions. The control unit (108) is implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions (e.g., amplifiers, preamplifiers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and / or digital-to-analog converters (DACs)) and processors for performing other functions (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors, controllers, microcontrollers, DSPs, and associated circuits). Examples of components used in various embodiments of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, DSPs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0053] Referring to Figure 5, the control unit (108) includes an input signal processing unit (109), a microcontroller unit (MCU) (110), an output signal processing unit (111), and a memory unit (114). The microcontroller unit (110) is connected to or coupled with the input signal processing unit (109), the output signal processing unit (111), and the memory unit (114), respectively. The input signal processing unit (109) receives the input signal in the form of a voltage signal, performs analog-to-digital conversion of the voltage signal, and sends the digitized signal to the MCU (110). In particular, the input signal processing unit (109) receives the respective operation parameter signals from the operation parameter sensor (107). The MCU (110) performs logical operations, sends data to the memory unit (114) and receives data from the memory unit (114), and sends the output signal to the output signal processing unit (111). The output signal sent to the output signal processing unit (111) includes signals for controlling the operation of the skin treatment device (100).

[0054] In embodiments, the memory unit (114) stores data, information, and / or signals for use by the control unit (108) when controlling the operation of the skin treatment device (100) (and thus the aerosol generating device (104)), the fluid stream generating element (105), and the skin treatment tool (103), and / or when performing or executing the operations described herein. In some implementations, the memory unit (114) stores computer-readable code that can be executed by the control unit (108) so that the control unit (108) performs one or more functions, including the operations described herein. The memory unit (114) includes any type of non-temporary machine-readable medium, such as a cache or system memory, which includes volatile and non-volatile computer memory, such as random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), and is implemented in the form of a solid device including a memory chip, optical disc (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray disc), hard disk, tape storage solution, or memory stick, solid state drive (SSD), or memory card.

[0055] In embodiments, the MCU (110) and output signal processing unit (111) may output a user indicator signal that displays the status of a treatment operation to the user (or subject) based on operating parameters determined by an operating parameter sensor (107), for example, indicating whether the skin treatment operation is efficient. The user indicator signal is used to control or drive user interface components such as lights, display screens, loudspeakers, or tactile / haptic (e.g., vibration) elements. The indicator signal generated by the control unit (108) may correspond to a skin treatment device (100) that is pressed too hard against the skin or is not displaced / moved on the skin at a specified speed, resulting in heat generation, which in turn causes an increase in skin temperature or other changes in its properties, causing inconvenience to the subject and a decrease in the operational efficiency of the skin treatment device (100).

[0056] In an operational embodiment, i.e., while using the skin treatment device (100) to perform a skin treatment such as hair removal or hair reduction, the skin treatment device (100) is traversed over the skin with the skin treatment tool (103) in contact with the skin. The operational embodiment is described below with skin temperature considered as an operational parameter. However, the above should not be interpreted as limiting, as the skin treatment operation is performed taking into account other operational parameters of the skin, such as the optical, acoustic, and electrical properties of the skin before and after the treatment. While the skin treatment device (100) is traversing the subject's skin, an operational parameter sensor (107) (i.e., a skin temperature determination sensor) determines the skin temperature before and after the skin treatment and generates a first signal. The first signal is received by an input signal processing unit (109) that converts the signal into the preferred form described above. The converted signal is sent to an MCU (110) that analyzes the signal and determines the temperature difference of the skin before and after the skin treatment. Furthermore, when analyzing the temperature difference of the skin, the control unit (108) compares the determined value with a predetermined value stored in the memory unit (114). If the temperature difference exceeds a predetermined threshold during the comparison, the MCU (110) generates a signal to be sent to the output signal processing unit (111). This signal corresponds to the control of the operation of the aerosol generating device (104) and the fluid stream generating element (105), as well as the control of the rotational speed (i.e., RPM) of the skin treatment tool (103), in one or more of the manners described above. In particular, the signal sent to the output signal processing unit (111) corresponds to the interruption or fluctuation of the voltage supply to the aerosol generating device (104), the fluid stream generating element (105), and the skin treatment tool (103) in order to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (104), the fluid stream generating element (105), and the skin treatment tool (103). Such a configuration of the skin treatment device (100), in which the operation of the skin treatment device (100) is controlled based on operating parameters determined by an operating parameter sensor (107), helps to improve the operational efficiency of the skin treatment device (100) (i.e., longer operating time).

[0057] In embodiments, if the temperature difference of the skin before and after the skin treatment is within the threshold limit, the skin treatment may continue under normal operating conditions. Normal operating conditions mean that the aerosol generating device (104), the fluid stream generating element (105), and the skin treatment tool (103) are operating in accordance with their respective capabilities.

[0058] In some embodiments, the input signal processing unit (109) may also receive a second signal from the humidity sensor. The MCU (110) analyzes the second signal, and if the value of the second signal exceeds a threshold, the output signal processing unit (111) generates a signal corresponding to the operation of a fluid stream generating element (105) independent of the aerosol generating device (104). Here, the output signal processing unit (111) generates a signal to suppress or stop the operation of the aerosol generating device (104). The operation of the fluid stream generating element (105) helps to lower humidity by pushing dry air onto the skin, further assisting in efficient skin treatment, as excessive humidity moistens the skin and leads to inefficient skin treatment.

[0059] In some embodiments, the control unit (108) may determine user feedback on the use of the skin treatment device (100) based on information determined about the speed and / or displacement of the skin treatment device (100). The feedback may be, for example, that the user should move the skin treatment device (100) more quickly or reduce the pressure on the skin in order to improve the efficiency of the overall treatment operation.

[0060] With regard to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, a person skilled in the art may convert from plural to singular and / or singular to plural as appropriate to the context and / or use. For clarity, various singular / plural substitutions are explicitly described herein.

[0061] In general, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., the main body of the appended claims), are intended to be "open" terms (for example, the term "contains" should be interpreted as "contains but not limited to," the term "has" should be interpreted as "has at least," and the term "includes" should be interpreted as "contains but not limited to," etc.). It will further be understood by those skilled in the art that where a particular number of introduced claims are intended, such intention is clearly stated in the claims, and where there is no such statement, such intention does not exist. For example, for the sake of understanding, the following appended claims include the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce the claims. However, even when the same claim includes an introductory phrase such as "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "one," the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as implying that the introduction of the claim description by the indefinite article "one" limits any particular claim containing the description introduced in this way to an invention containing only one such description (for example, "one" should typically be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"), and the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce the description of a claim. In addition, even if a specific number of introduced claim descriptions are explicitly stated, such descriptions are typically interpreted as meaning at least the number described (for example, if "two descriptions" is written as is, without other modifying phrases, it typically means at least two descriptions, or two or more descriptions).Furthermore, in examples where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C" is used, it is generally intended that such a structure will be understood by those skilled in the art (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together). It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that virtually any separate word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms should be understood in this specification, the claims, or the drawings as construing the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood as including the possibility of “A,” “B,” or “A and B.” Various aspects and embodiments are disclosed herein, but other aspects and embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting, and the true scope is indicated by the following claims. For example, an example of hair removal is described herein, but the present invention may be applied to other types of skin treatments that benefit from skin cooling, such as hair dyeing, tattooing, skin rejuvenation, and skin cell regeneration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 100 Skin Treatment Devices 101 Head 102 Handle 103 Skin treatment tools 104 Aerosol generation device 105 Flow Stream Generation Element 106 Flow channels 107 Operating parameter sensor 108 Control Unit 109 Input signal processing unit 110 Microcontroller Unit 111 Output signal processing unit 112 User Controls 114 memory units

Claims

1. A skin treatment device, The head and, An aerosol generating device is disposed on the head and is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the skin treatment device, Equipped with an operating parameter sensor, A skin treatment device comprising an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol based on operating parameters measured by the operating parameter sensor, and guides the aerosol from the skin treatment device to the skin to be treated through a channel of the skin treatment device to provide a cooling effect to the skin.

2. The skin treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid stream generating element that generates a flow for further guiding the aerosol through the aforementioned channel.

3. The skin treatment device according to claim 2, wherein the fluid stream generating element is at least one of a blower and a suction fan.

4. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow path is defined by the space within the skin treatment tool of the skin treatment device.

5. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow path is a passage defined within the skin treatment device or coupled to the skin treatment device.

6. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation parameter sensor is an optical sensor.

7. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operating parameter sensor measures at least one of skin parameters and skin treatment device parameters.

8. The skin treatment device according to claim 7, wherein the skin parameter is at least one of skin temperature, skin humidity, and skin tone.

9. The skin treatment device according to claim 7, wherein the skin treatment device parameter is at least one of the temperature, mechanical force, and displacement of the skin treatment tool.

10. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a plurality of operating parameter sensors, each of which is disposed on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis of the skin treatment tool of the skin treatment device.

11. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aerosol generating device is a piezoelectric device.

12. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a control unit that is communicatively coupled to the operating parameter sensor and the aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit selectively controls the operation of the aerosol generating device and / or skin treatment tool of the skin treatment device based on the operating parameters measured by the operating parameter sensor.

13. The skin treatment device according to claim 12, dependent on claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit is communicably coupled to the fluid stream generating element and operates the fluid stream generating element independently of the aerosol generating device based on the skin humidity measured by the operating parameter sensor.

14. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a sign unit communicatively coupled to a control unit, wherein the control unit generates a warning signal through the sign unit based on a signal from the operating parameter sensor, and / or the warning signal is at least one of an auditory signal, a visual signal, an audiovisual signal, and a tactile signal.

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