Facial Band Apparatus and Method for Using the Same

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a face band device that is worn on a user's face to provide electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), comprising: a main body frame formed to cover at least a part of the user's face based on the user's wearing state, and including an EMS module disposed on the side facing the user's skin to apply electrical muscle stimulation; and a band that securely fixes the main body frame to the user's face, wherein the main body frame is provided with at least two EMS modules in a pre-set arrangement.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a face band device and a method using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Low-frequency massagers operate on the principle of Electro-Muscular Stimulation (EMS). Electro-muscular stimulation refers to the artificial induction of muscle contraction through electrical signals. Electro-muscular stimulation has been primarily used for post-exercise recovery in athletes, training tools, and patient recovery.

[0003] However, recently, electrical muscle stimulation is also being utilized in skin care. Specifically, because electrical muscle stimulation directly stimulates the muscles from the skin using low frequencies to induce muscle contraction, it not only provides exercise benefits but also offers cosmetic effects such as lifting by increasing muscle elasticity.

[0004] Recently, beauty devices based on electrical muscle stimulation have been developed in various forms for purposes such as improving skin elasticity, lifting effects, and circulation. In particular, since the skin on the face is thinner and the muscle layer is more intricately structured compared to other parts of the body, there is a need for a small EMS device suitable for user wear.

[0005] Existing facial EMS devices are configured to simply deliver electrical stimulation, making it difficult to apply appropriate stimulation to the areas desired by the user, and potentially causing discomfort or safety issues due to excessive stimulation during use. Additionally, there were issues with low user convenience due to limited functions for changing stimulation intensity and modes or complex operation.

[0006] (Patent Document 1) Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2355292 The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the present invention proposes a technology that provides electrical stimulation optimized for the mode selected by the user by providing electrical stimulation to the user's facial skin while simultaneously independently controlling a plurality of EMS modules. means of solving the problem

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem provides a face band device that is worn on a user's face to provide electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), comprising: a main body frame formed to cover at least a part of the user's face based on the user's wearing state, and including an EMS module disposed on the side facing the user's skin to apply electrical muscle stimulation; and a band that securely fixes the main body frame to the user's face, wherein the main body frame is provided with at least two EMS modules in a pre-set arrangement.

[0009] In addition, the main body frame is formed to cover the lower side of the user's face, and the first main body and the second main body are hinge-connected with respect to the center, and the first and second main bodies are each extended to form a curved surface with a preset curvature and can be arranged in an a*b matrix on the inner surface (where a and b are natural numbers).

[0010] Additionally, the system further includes a control module that controls the EMS module; wherein the control module forms a first to nth operation mode by independently controlling the operation of each of the plurality of EMS modules, and when a user changes the operation mode, the output of the EMS module activated in the changed operation mode can be adjusted to a minimum value.

[0011] Additionally, the control module further includes a thermal operation mode that activates the thermal function of the EMS module; in the thermal operation mode, the thermal function of the EMS module at a preset placement position among the plurality of EMS modules is activated, and after the EMS module is activated for a first set time, the EMS module can be controlled to be deactivated for a second set time.

[0012] In addition, the control module determines whether there is normal contact between the EMS module and the user's skin by means of a preset electrical method, and if it is determined that the EMS module is in abnormal contact with the user's skin, it adjusts the output of other EMS modules among the activated EMS modules other than the EMS module to a minimum value, and if the abnormal contact exceeds a preset waiting time, it can turn off the operation of all EMS modules.

[0013] In addition, the control module can calculate the skin thickness of the skin area in contact with the EMS module based on electrical signals sensed from the EMS module, and independently control the output of the EMS module based on the calculated skin thickness.

[0014] Additionally, a patch unit containing a predetermined gel is positioned between the EMS module and the user's face; the patch unit may be formed to face the user's face and cover the entire EMS module. Effects of the invention

[0015] The effects of the present invention are as follows.

[0016] The present invention provides electrical stimulation optimized for a mode selected by the user by providing electrical stimulation to the user's facial skin and simultaneously independently controlling a plurality of EMS modules.

[0017] In particular, by controlling the output of the EMS module individually and independently, discomfort caused by excessive or insufficient stimulation intensity can be eliminated, and the safety of the user and the efficiency of electrical stimulation can be maximized. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] Other aspects, features, and benefits of specific preferred embodiments of the present invention, as described above, will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a face band device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of a face band device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of a face band device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the operation of a control module of a face band device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method using a face band device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0020] In this document, expressions such as "have," "can have," "include," or "can include" refer to the existence of the relevant feature (e.g., numerical, functional, behavioral, or component, etc.) and do not exclude the existence of additional features.

[0021] In the present invention, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A or / and B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” may include all possible combinations of items listed together. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” may refer to cases including (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) both at least one A and at least one B.

[0022] Expressions such as “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second” as used herein may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used merely to distinguish one component from another without limiting said components. For example, without departing from the scope of rights described herein, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be renamed the first component.

[0023] The terms used herein are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art described herein.

[0024] Terms used herein that are defined in general dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology, and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein. In some cases, even terms defined herein are not to be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this invention.

[0025] The present invention will be described in detail below through the attached drawings and embodiments. In describing the present invention below, detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations have been omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be examined with reference to the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a face band device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of a face band device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a side view of a face band device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the face band device (100) mainly comprises a main body frame (110), a band (120), and an upper support frame (130).

[0029] The main body frame (110) includes an EMS module (112) that provides Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to the user's skin side, and may have a control module (140) built in to control the EMS module (112). The control module (140) may be configured in the form of a printed circuit board and may be connected to a power module (not shown).

[0030] The main body frame (110) is configured to cover at least a portion of the user's face based on the user's wearing state. In this invention, the structure is described based on the lower side of the user's face. Based on the frontal direction of the user's face, the lower side refers to the position of the nose as the center and can be understood as a line extending from below both ears to the chin.

[0031] The main body frame (110) is structured such that the first main body (110a) and the second main body (110b) are hinge-connected. Based on the wearing state, a hinge connection part (115) is provided on the lower side of the chin, and by rotating in a mutually facing direction, the space occupied by the face band device (100) can be reduced when the user is not using it. The hinge connection part (115) is configured such that its rotation axis extends forward, and when the first and second main bodies (110a, 110b) rotate in a mutually facing direction, the EMS modules (112) arranged to face each other can come closer to one another.

[0032] The main body frame (110) may define the side facing the user's face as the 'inner side' and the opposite side of the inner side as the 'outer side'. On the inner side of the main body frame (110), a module mounting part (111) on which an EMS module (112) is mounted may be formed protruding inward.

[0033] The module mounting portion (111) forms a hollow, and the hollow may extend inward, and an EMS module (112) may be fixed to the upper side thereof. The hollow formed in the module mounting portion (111) provides a space for a wire connected to the EMS module (112) to pass through, and the wire passing through may be electrically connected to the built-in control module (140). In addition, to enhance aesthetic appeal, it is preferable that the module mounting portion (111) is not formed as a separate member of the main body frame (110), but is instead molded integrally with the module mounting portion (111). In a structure where the EMS module (112) is seated on the module mounting portion (111), the module mounting portion (111) is formed of a non-conductive material, and the EMS module (112) is formed of a conductive material so that electrical stimulation can be applied to the skin.

[0034] The module mounting portion (111) is formed on the inner side of the main body frame (110) in a pre-set arrangement and can be arranged in an m*n matrix. In this invention, an example of arrangement in a 4-row, 2-column format is described, but the arrangement format is not limited thereto.

[0035] The module mounting portion (111) is formed on the inner surface of the main body frame (110) in a pre-set spacing and arrangement shape to correspond to the user's major facial muscles and areas where a lifting effect is required. As shown in the example illustrated in the drawings of the present invention, when arranged in a 4-row, 2-column structure, each row is arranged in the vertical direction of the face (from the bottom of the forehead to the chin), and each column is arranged in the left-right direction, so that EMS stimulation can be evenly delivered to various parts of the user, such as the cheekbones, corners of the mouth, and jawline.

[0036] Additionally, the face band device (100) according to the present embodiment may be composed of a total of 16 conductive modules, each having two sets of a 4-row, 2-column structure, so that a plurality of EMS modules (112) correspond accurately to major muscle areas of the face. Each EMS module (112) is designed to be aligned with major muscle groups of the user's face (e.g., temporalis muscle, masseter muscle, corner of the mouth muscle, jaw muscle, etc.), thereby enabling optimization of stimulation for each muscle.

[0037] As an example, a patch unit (not shown) containing hydrogel may be attached to the front of such an EMS module (112), and this patch unit is formed to exactly match the position of the EMS panel (112) within the main body frame (110). The patch unit improves conductivity between the user's skin and the EMS module (112), relieves skin irritation, and provides the effect of increasing skin absorption rate.

[0038] In addition, the band (120) is designed in the form of a mask and is physically attached to the entire face of the user. When worn, the patch unit can be more stably compressed against the skin through the physical tensile force of the band. This physical compression structure maintains the uniformity of the EMS current flow and prevents the stimulation location from shifting despite the user's movement. Through this, when an electrical signal is applied by the EMS module (112), the following complex effects can occur simultaneously: facial muscle activation and lifting action due to current stimulation, enhanced skin absorption of active ingredients through the hydrogel, and lymphatic circulation promotion and skin compression effect due to the compression of the patch unit and the band.

[0039] When viewed from the front, the first main body (110a) and the second main body (110b) are not configured in a straight line shape, but each include a curved surface formed to have a predetermined curvature. Since the face of a general user includes a curved surface, the EMS module (112) can be more closely attached to the user's skin.

[0040] Since the size and curvature of the face may vary for each user, the present invention can be effectively used on faces of different sizes and shapes by adjusting the angle between the first and second bodies (110a, 110b) through the hinge joint (115). As an example, when the user's face is relatively large, the first and second bodies (110a, 110b) are rotated in a direction facing each other to artificially create a larger space, and when the opposite is true, the first and second bodies (110a, 110b) are rotated in a direction facing each other to stably adhere the EMS module to the user's skin.

[0041] To allow the user to control it easily, control buttons (114a, 114b, 114c, 114d) connected to the control module (140) may be provided on the outer surface of the main body frame (110). In the present invention, the second main body (110b) includes first to fourth control buttons (114a, 114b, 114c, 114d), and the first control button (114a) is configured to control increasing the EMS output level, the second control button (114b) is configured to control turning the power on and off, the third control button (114c) is configured to control decreasing the EMS output level, and the fourth control button (114d) is configured to control turning the heating function on and off. The shape and configuration of the control buttons (114a, 114b, 114c, 114d) may be optimally designed according to the designer's choice.

[0042] To explain the functions applied in this invention, the second control button (114b) performs the function of a power button and can be configured to provide a visual alarm to the user by having an LED unit built inside. As an example, ① when charging of the built-in battery is required, the second control button may be set to repeatedly flash a red indicator light. ② When the battery is charging, the red indicator light turns on, changes to blue when fully charged, and the indicator light turns off when the charging cable is disconnected. ③ If the device is powered on but is not in proper contact with the skin or is not operating normally, the power indicator light may flash relatively slowly to inform the user that the device is not currently operating normally.

[0043] In this regard, an alarm unit (not shown) may be built into the main body frame (110). The alarm unit may provide an alert sound once when the user presses the control button, provide an alert sound five times when the battery power is insufficient, and provide an alert sound three times when the power of the face band device is turned off by the user or due to insufficient power. Meanwhile, a charging port (117) is formed in the first main body (110a) so that power can be supplied from the outside.

[0044] At each end of the main body frame (110), a band connecting part (116) connected to a band (120) formed of an elastic material may be provided. Although the main body frame (110) may also be formed of a flexible material, the range of deformation and elasticity may be limited, so it is desirable to adhere the EMS module (112) to the user's skin through the elasticity of the band (120). The band (120) can adjust the degree of adhesion by being connected to a length adjustment part (122).

[0045] The upper support frame (130) is connected to the middle of the band (120) and includes a slit through which the band (120) passes, so that it can move left and right while connected to the band (120). The upper support frame (130) may be configured to have a relatively wide contact surface so as to be supported on the upper side of the user's head. Since it is very important that the EMS module (112) and the skin do not detach during use of the device, a fixing projection is formed on the inner side of the upper support frame (130) so that it can be stably fixed on the user's head.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the operation of a control module of a face band device according to an embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the control module (140) will be explained.

[0047] The control module (140) sets and provides various modes of the face band device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. As an example, it is configured so that the user can select a lifting mode, a relaxation mode, a firming mode, and a heating mode. Since the present invention is equipped with a plurality of EMS modules (112), the operation of these modules is controlled individually, and by controlling them in various combinations, various modes can be provided to the user.

[0048] As an example, the lifting mode can produce a lifting effect on the user's skin by setting the direction of skin stimulation upward, the relaxation mode can produce a relaxing effect on areas with wrinkles by setting the direction of skin stimulation in both directions, and the elasticity mode can be configured to provide elasticity to the skin by uniformly applying electrical stimulation to the user's entire face.

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates the operating state of the EMS module (112) at a specific point in time. The gray portion of the EMS module (112) indicates a state where the operation is deactivated, and the remaining portion indicates a state where the operation is activated. In this way, multiple EMS modules (112) can be controlled independently. The output of the EMS module (112) includes the intensity and interval for applying electrical stimulation. For example, a first method of increasing the intensity by setting the magnitude of the applied current large and a second method of setting a short time interval between the p-th signal and the p+1-th signal may be used in combination.

[0050] The control module (140) is configured to determine the contact state between the user's skin and the EMS module (112). If the contact state is normal contact, the operation of the EMS module (112) proceeds according to the mode selected by the user; however, if it is abnormal contact, a smart off function may be provided to automatically turn off the power according to preset conditions for the user's safety and battery efficiency. Abnormal contact means that the EMS module (112) is not in close contact with the skin. When the control module (140) determines that there is abnormal contact, it may first change the output level of the EMS module (112) to 1, and then be configured to automatically turn off the entire power after a preset time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed.

[0051] In addition, the device may be configured to automatically turn off the power when a preset usage limit has elapsed. If the user adjusts the output level, the usage limit is reset, allowing the device to restart. For example, if the user uses the device at output level 3, the power is automatically turned off after 10 minutes (example), but if the output level is changed to 5 after 5 minutes, the usage limit is reset to 10 minutes and counted again. This prevents the device from being used at the same output level for too long.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method using a face band device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the above-mentioned details will be explained again. The present method includes steps (S10) to (S40).

[0053] Step (S10) is a step in which signal information is collected after being applied through the EMS module (112). Step (S20) is a step in which the collected signal information is analyzed by the control module (140). Step (S30) is a step in which, if the control module (140) determines that there is abnormal contact between the EMS module (112) and the user's skin, the output of the entire EMS module (112) is changed to a minimum value. Step (S40) is a step in which, if the duration of the abnormal contact in Step (S30) exceeds a preset time, the entire power is turned off.

[0054] Referring again to FIG. 4, when the user selects the heating mode, the heating function of some EMS modules (112) of the first and second main bodies may be operated. The user may also select the temperature of the EMS modules (112) during the heating mode. As an example, when the user selects the heating mode by pressing the fourth control button (114d), the first and third control buttons (114a, 114c) may operate as functions to control the temperature of the EMS modules (112). However, for the safety of the user, it is preferable that the temperature of the EMS modules (112) be set to 40 ± 2℃ during the heating mode. When the heating mode is selected, the fourth control button (114d) may be displayed in red, and when it is turned off, the red indicator light may be turned off.

[0055] Meanwhile, as a modified example of a face band device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the control module (140) can calculate the thickness of the skin being contacted by using electrical signal detection through individual EMS modules (112). The output intensity of the electrical signal can be individually adjusted according to the skin thickness. For example, even in the same mode, it can be set so that a relatively strong electrical stimulation is applied when the skin thickness is thick, and a relatively weak electrical stimulation is applied when the skin thickness is thin.

[0056] Specifically, the control module (140) is formed by measuring the amount of current flowing through the skin tissue or the impedance appearing for a constant reference voltage or current applied to the EMS module (112).

[0057] The skin is generally composed of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, and the thickness and electrical conductivity characteristics of these layers vary from person to person. Therefore, the EMS module (112) can indirectly estimate the skin thickness in the following order.

[0058] The first step is to apply a reference signal. The control module (140) applies a preset reference voltage or current to the skin through the EMS module (112). This reference signal is used only for measurement and is a signal at a level weak enough not to cause irritation.

[0059] The second step is to measure the skin reaction. After applying a reference signal, the EMS module (112) measures the amount of current reflected or passed through the skin, voltage drop, or frequency response characteristics in real time. These reactions appear in the form of electrical impedance or inductance of the skin, which may vary depending on the thickness, moisture content, and resistance of the skin.

[0060] The third step is to apply a computational algorithm. The measured electrical response value is transmitted to a microcontroller within the control module (140) and compared with reference data stored in advance for each skin thickness. For example, if the electrical resistance value is low, it is determined that the skin thickness is relatively thin, and if the resistance value is high, it is considered that the skin is thick. This comparison can be implemented in the form of a table mapping method or a function based on regression analysis.

[0061] The fourth step is a step for automatically adjusting the output stimulation intensity. In the case of thin skin, the applied current can penetrate deeper into the body, so a method is applied to automatically lower the stimulation intensity for the user's safety. On the other hand, in areas with thick skin, the stimulation intensity can be automatically increased to ensure effective stimulation delivery. This adjustment is performed independently for each EMS module (112), and the control module (140) provides an optimized output that takes into account different skin characteristics depending on the location of each module.

[0062] In addition, skin thickness-based stimulation control can prevent direct excessive or insufficient stimulation of the skin and provide user-customized lifting and relaxation effects. For example, if the skin thickness is measured to be 2mm or less, the maximum output level is automatically limited to 3, and if it is 4mm or more, it can be set to allow up to 7.

[0063] This feature enables more precise control of stimulation intensity, especially for users with sensitive skin or specific areas of the face (e.g., under the eyes, cheekbones, jawline, etc.), and can contribute to increasing overall user satisfaction and safety.

[0064] Meanwhile, a method using a device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium. That is, it may include instructions for implementing the method, and the instructions of the computer program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program may include a mobile application. For example, the computer-readable storage medium may include magnetic media such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape; optical media such as a CD-ROM and a DVD; magneto-optical media such as a floptical disk; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute computer program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. The computer program instructions may include machine code generated by a compiler and high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0065] The above embodiments in the present invention are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Anything that has a substantially identical configuration to the technical concept described in the claims of the present invention and achieves the same functional effect is included within the technical scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0066] 100: Face band device 110: Main body frame 111: Module mounting section 112: EMS Module 114: Control button 115: Hinge joint 120: Band 130: Upper support frame 140: Control Module

Claims

Claim 1 A face band device that is worn on a user's face to provide Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), comprising: a main body frame formed to cover at least a portion of the user's face based on the user's wearing state, and including an EMS module disposed on the side facing the user's skin to apply electrical muscle stimulation; a band that securely fixes the main body frame to the user's face; and a control module that controls the EMS module; wherein the main body frame is provided with at least two EMS modules in a preset arrangement, and the control module forms a first to nth operation mode by independently controlling the operation of each of the plurality of EMS modules, and when the user changes the operation mode, the output of the EMS module activated in the changed operation mode is adjusted to a minimum value, and the skin thickness of the skin area in contact with the EMS module is calculated based on an electrical signal sensed from the EMS module, and the output of the EMS module is independently controlled based on the calculated skin thickness. Claim 2 A face band device according to claim 1, wherein the main body frame is formed to cover the lower side of the user's face, and a first main body and a second main body are hinge-connected with respect to the center, and the first and second main bodies are each extended to form a curved surface with a preset curvature, and a plurality of EMS modules are arranged in an a*b matrix on the inner surface (where a and b are natural numbers). Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A face band device according to claim 1, wherein the control module further comprises a heating operation mode that activates the heating function of the EMS module; wherein, in the heating operation mode, the heating function of the EMS module at a preset placement position among the plurality of EMS modules is activated, and the EMS module is controlled to be deactivated for a second set time after being activated for a first set time. Claim 5 A face band device according to claim 1, wherein the control module determines whether there is normal contact between the EMS module and the user's skin by means of a preset electrical method, and if the EMS module is determined to be in abnormal contact with the user's skin, adjusts the output of other EMS modules among the activated EMS modules other than the EMS module to a minimum value, and if the abnormal contact exceeds a preset waiting time, turns off the operation of all EMS modules. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A face band device according to claim 1, wherein a patch unit containing a predetermined gel is positioned between the EMS module and the user's face, and the patch unit is formed to face the user's face and cover the entire EMS module.

Images