Electrical stimulation device and beauty instrument

Abstract

An electrical stimulation device according to an embodiment comprises: an electrode that is brought into contact with the skin of a user to apply electrical stimulation; and an electrode control device (100) that controls the electrode. The electrode control device (100) has a sensor information acquisition unit (111) that acquires, from a sensor unit provided on the electrode, contact information indicating a proportion by which the electrode is in contact with the skin of the user. The electrode control device (100) also has a skin contact area determination unit (112) that determines, on the basis of the contact information, a skin contact area indicating an area where the electrode is in contact with the skin of the user. The electrode control device (100) also has a frequency setting unit (113) that adjusts, on the basis of the skin contact area, a setting value of a frequency of the electrical stimulation to be applied to the electrode. Furthermore, the electrode control device (100) has an electrode control unit (115) that controls the electrode on the basis of the setting value of the frequency set by the frequency setting unit (113).

Description

Electrical Stimulation Device and Beauty Instrument

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical stimulation device and a beauty instrument.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed a beauty instrument that applies a beauty effect to the skin by energizing while an electrode is in contact with the skin surface of a user. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a beauty instrument having a flat main body part and an application part provided with an electrode. The beauty instrument disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows the user to bring the application part into contact with the skin while holding the main body part, and by moving the application part, physical stimulation is given to the skin while energizing the electrode to apply electrical stimulation to the skin.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-184376

[0004] The beauty instrument disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs the treatment while the user holds and moves the beauty instrument. Therefore, depending on the state of contact of the electrode of the beauty instrument with the user's skin, the electrical stimulation applied to the skin may become too strong or too weak. That is, in a conventional beauty instrument, depending on the usage situation of the beauty instrument in contact with the user's skin surface, it may not be possible to apply an appropriate electrical stimulation to the user's skin.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an electrical stimulation device capable of applying an appropriate electrical stimulation according to the usage situation of the beauty instrument in contact with the user's skin surface.

[0006] The electrical stimulation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an electrical stimulation device including an electrode that is brought into contact with the user's skin to apply electrical stimulation and an electrode control device that controls the electrode. The electrode control device has a sensor information acquisition unit that acquires contact information indicating the ratio at which the electrode is in contact with the user's skin from a sensor unit provided on the electrode. The electrode control device has a skin contact area determination unit that determines a skin contact area indicating the area where the electrode is in contact with the user's skin based on the contact information. The electrode control device has a frequency setting unit that adjusts a set value of the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode based on the skin contact area. The electrode control device has an electrode control unit that controls the electrode based on the set value of the frequency set by the frequency setting unit.

[0007] Beauty devices according to other aspects of this disclosure include the above-described electrical stimulator, further comprising a main body for the user to grasp, which provides a beauty effect to the user's skin.

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an electrical stimulation device that can apply appropriate electrical stimulation depending on the usage status of the beauty device in contact with the user's skin.

[0009] This is a perspective view showing an example of an electrical stimulation device according to this embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of an electrical stimulation device according to this embodiment. This is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to this embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to this embodiment. This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the skin contact area and the frequency of electrical stimulation of an electrical stimulation device according to this embodiment. This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the skin contact area and the frequency of electrical stimulation of an electrical stimulation device according to this embodiment. This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the skin contact area and the frequency of electrical stimulation of an electrical stimulation device according to this embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of an electrical stimulation device according to this embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an electrical stimulation device according to another embodiment.

[0010] Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for the full understanding of the disclosure by those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] In the following embodiment, the direction substantially parallel to the long side of the beauty device is defined as the longitudinal direction X or the X direction. The thickness direction of the beauty device is defined as the thickness direction Z or the Z direction. The direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the thickness direction Z is defined as the short direction Y or the Y direction. In this embodiment, the beauty device corresponds to the electrical stimulation device 10.

[0012] (Electrical Stimulator 10) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrical stimulator 10 according to this embodiment comprises a flat main body 10a for the user to grasp, a treatment part 10b, and electrodes 30. In this embodiment, the electrical stimulator 10 provides physical stimulation to the skin by having the user grasp the main body 10a, bring the treatment part 10b into contact with the skin, and move the treatment part 10b on the skin. The electrical stimulator 10 then provides electrical stimulation to the skin by energizing the electrodes 30. This allows for, for example, EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) training of muscles such as the face. In this embodiment, the electrical stimulator 10 is described as being applied as a beauty device that provides cosmetic effects to the user's skin, but this configuration is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the electrical stimulator 10 may be applied as a treatment device that stimulates muscles or performs treatment on muscles. For example, the beauty device may be a muscle training device or a facial muscle training device.

[0013] The main body 10a includes a housing. The housing is flat and forms the outer casing of the main body 10a. The main body 10a has a hollow section inside. Electrical components such as a control circuit board and a storage battery are housed in the hollow section. The hollow section is covered from the outside by the housing. Furthermore, the electrical stimulation device 10 is equipped with a power switch 11 and a mode selection switch 12 in the housing of the main body 10a, as shown in Figure 2. Details of the power switch 11 and mode selection switch 12 will be described later.

[0014] Furthermore, the main body 10a functions as a gripping part 20 that the user holds with their hand when using the electrical stimulation device 10. While the user holds the main body 10a, they bring the treatment part 10b into contact with their own skin or the skin of another person receiving treatment and move it, thereby applying at least one of physical or electrical stimulation to the user's or the person receiving treatment's skin. In this embodiment, the case where the user applies electrical stimulation to their own skin will be described as an example.

[0015] The housing is formed so that its outer surface is rounded overall. This minimizes the formation of edges on the outer surface. When the user grips the main body 10a, this prevents the edges from coming into contact with the user's hand and causing unnecessary irritation. The housing may be formed, for example, by joining together multiple segments made of synthetic resin.

[0016] The treatment section 10b is provided at the end of the main body 10a when viewed from the thickness direction Z of the main body 10a. The treatment section 10b is supported by a resin support part on the main body 10a. In addition, the treatment section 10b is provided with a plurality of electrodes 30.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrode 30 is provided at the end of the treatment area 10b when viewed from the thickness direction Z. The electrode 30 consists of a first electrode 31 and a second electrode 32 provided at a distance from the first electrode 31. The electrode 30 also includes a third electrode 33 provided at a distance from the first electrode 31. Hereafter, unless it is necessary to distinguish between each electrode, they will simply be referred to as "electrode 30".

[0018] Furthermore, the electrical stimulation device 10 according to this embodiment can apply electrical stimulation to the skin by passing an electric current through the skin between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32, and between the first electrode 31 and the third electrode 33. Thus, the electrical stimulation device 10 is equipped with electrodes 30 that apply electrical stimulation when in contact with the user's skin.

[0019] (Configuration of the electrical stimulation device 10) Next, the configuration of the electrical stimulation device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing each component of the electrical stimulation device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the electrical stimulation device 10 is configured to include an electrode control device 100 for controlling the electrodes 30, a power switch 11, and a mode selection switch 12. Furthermore, as described above, the electrical stimulation device 10 includes a first electrode 31, a second electrode 32, and a third electrode 33 as the electrodes 30.

[0021] The electrode control device 100 may be configured as a system comprising a general-purpose microcomputer including a control unit 110 (CPU: Central Processing Unit), a storage unit 120 (memory), and an input / output IF 130 (Interface). In this case, the microcomputer may have a computer program installed that allows it to function as the electrode control device 100. By executing the computer program, the microcomputer functions as one of the multiple information processing circuits provided by the electrode control device 100.

[0022] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the multiple information processing functions of the electrode control device 100 are realized by software. The electrode control device 100 functions as one of the multiple information processing circuits by executing a computer program.

[0023] Alternatively, the electrode control device 100 may be configured by providing dedicated hardware for executing each information processing function, and the information processing function may be configured using a system LSI (Large Scale Integration) or the like. Furthermore, the system may be configured with separate hardware for executing multiple information processing functions. Details of the control unit 110 and the storage unit 120 will be described later.

[0024] The control unit 110 operates based on a program (not shown) stored in the memory unit 120 and executes each function of the electrode control device 100. Note that the program is not limited to being stored in the memory unit 120; for example, it may be stored in a ROM or the like (not shown) within the electrical stimulator 10.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 120 stores the information stored in the setting information DB 121 (Data Base) as data. The setting information DB 121 stores initial values ​​related to the frequency and voltage of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode 30. The setting information DB 121 may also store the frequency and voltage values ​​set by the frequency setting unit 113 and voltage setting unit 114, which will be described later.

[0026] Furthermore, as described above, the storage unit 120 may store programs for each function executed by the control unit 110. The information and programs stored in the storage unit 120 may be configured as areas physically or logically separated within a single storage device. Alternatively, storage units 120 for each data may be provided in multiple physically different storage devices.

[0027] The input / output IF 130 is an interface for sending and receiving information between the electrode control device 100 and the first electrodes 31 to the third electrodes 33, the power switch 11, and the mode selection switch 12 provided on the electrical stimulator 10.

[0028] For example, information regarding the power switch 11 or mode selection switch 12 pressed by the user is sent via the input / output IF 130 to at least one of the control unit 110 and the storage unit 120. In addition, control information from the control unit 110 to the first electrode 31 to the third electrode 33 is sent via the input / output IF 130 to at least one of the first electrode 31, the second electrode 32, and the third electrode 33.

[0029] Furthermore, the electrical stimulation device 10 according to this embodiment may be equipped with a communication IF 140. For example, the user may set a predetermined mode via the communication IF 140. The user may also obtain information regarding the treatment status recorded in the electrical stimulation device 10 via the communication IF 140.

[0030] (Functions of the electrode control device 100) Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electrode control device 100. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 110 of the electrode control device 100 includes, as its functions, a sensor information acquisition unit 111, a skin contact area determination unit 112, a frequency setting unit 113, a voltage setting unit 114, and an electrode control unit 115.

[0031] The sensor information acquisition unit 111 acquires contact information from a sensor unit provided on the electrode 30, indicating the proportion of contact between the electrode 30 and the user's skin. In this embodiment, the sensor unit may be configured to acquire contact information based on contact pressure information when the electrode 30 is pressed against the user's skin. Alternatively, the sensor unit may be configured to acquire contact information based on current information flowing when the electrode 30 is pressed against the user's skin. Furthermore, the sensor unit may be configured to acquire contact information based on muscle sound information related to muscle activity detected when the electrode 30 is pressed against the user's skin. This enables the electrode control device 100 to acquire contact information indicating the proportion of contact between the electrode 30 and the user's skin while the user is using the electrical stimulator 10.

[0032] The skin contact area determination unit 112 determines the skin contact area, which indicates the area in contact with the user's skin, based on the contact information. For example, if the contact information is obtained based on contact pressure information, the skin contact area determination unit 112 determines the skin contact area according to the ratio of the contact pressure information to the pressure when all parts of the electrode 30 are in contact with the user's skin. Specifically, the skin contact area determination unit 112 determines that the skin contact area is 100% if the pressure when all parts of the electrode 30 are in contact with the user's skin is the same as the value of the contact pressure information. In addition, the skin contact area may be a value greater than 100% if the pressure when all parts of the electrode 30 are in contact with the user's skin is greater than the contact pressure information.

[0033] The skin contact area determination unit 112 determines the skin contact area based on the ratio of the current or muscle sound to the current or muscle sound when all parts of the electrode 30 are in contact with the user's skin, even when the contact information is current information or muscle sound information, similar to the case of contact pressure information.

[0034] The frequency setting unit 113 adjusts the setting value of the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode 30 based on the skin contact area. For example, the frequency setting unit 113 sets the frequency such that the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode 30 increases as the skin contact area decreases.

[0035] When the skin area in contact with the electrode 30 is small, the treatment area may become concentrated, potentially increasing the pain inflicted on the user. Furthermore, as the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied from the electrode 30 decreases, the user may feel as if their skin is being kneaded or tapped, and the stimulation becomes stronger. Therefore, the frequency setting unit 113 of the electrode control device 100 according to this embodiment reduces pain by increasing the frequency when the skin contact area is small. Conversely, when the skin contact area is large, the frequency setting unit 113 increases the intensity of the electrical stimulation by decreasing the frequency, thereby intensifying the stimulation.

[0036] Figures 5A to 5D are graphs showing the relationship between skin contact area and electrical stimulation frequency. For example, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the frequency setting unit 113 may set the corresponding frequency by giving a predetermined width to the contact area. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5C, the frequency setting unit 113 may set the frequency so that the frequency changes linearly according to the amount of contact area. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5D, the frequency setting unit 113 may set the frequency so that the frequency changes smoothly according to the amount of contact area.

[0037] The voltage setting unit 114 adjusts the set value (level) of the electrical stimulation voltage applied to the electrode 30 based on the skin contact area. For example, the voltage setting unit 114 sets the voltage so that the voltage of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode 30 decreases as the skin contact area decreases. In other words, when the skin contact area is small and the treatment area is concentrated, the voltage setting unit 114 can reduce the pain inflicted on the user by setting the voltage of the electrical stimulation to a lower level.

[0038] The electrode control unit 115 controls the electrode 30 based on the frequency setting value set in the frequency setting unit 113. The electrode control unit 115 also controls the electrode 30 based on the voltage setting value set in the voltage setting unit 114. When the electrical stimulator 10 starts operating, the electrode control unit 115 controls the electrode 30 according to the initial values ​​of the frequency and voltage of the electrode 30 that are stored in the setting information DB 121 in advance. In this embodiment, the electrode control unit 115 controls the electrode 30 based on the frequency setting value set in the frequency setting unit 113 and the voltage setting value set in the voltage setting unit 114, but it may control the electrode 30 based on either one of them. For example, the electrode control unit 115 may control the electrode 30 based only on the frequency setting value set in the frequency setting unit 113. In this case, the electrode control device 100 does not need to have a voltage setting unit 114.

[0039] (Outline of the Processing Flow of the Electrode Control Device 100) Next, the processing related to state determination in the electrode control device 100 (electrode control method) will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 6. The series of operations of the electrode control device 100 shown in the flowchart in Figure 6 start when the electrode control device 100 is powered on and end when the power is turned off. In addition to power off, the flowchart in Figure 6 also ends when an interrupt occurs to indicate the end of processing. Furthermore, in the following explanation of the flowchart, the same content as described in the above explanation of the electrode control device 100 will be omitted or simplified.

[0040] In step S601, the electrode control unit 115 controls the electrode 30 according to the frequency and voltage values ​​of the electrode 30 stored in the setting information DB 121. The process then proceeds to step S602.

[0041] In step S602, the sensor information acquisition unit 111 acquires contact information indicating the proportion of how much the electrode 30 is in contact with the user's skin from the sensor unit provided on the electrode 30. In the present embodiment, the sensor unit may be configured to acquire contact information based on the contact pressure information when the electrode 30 is pressed against the user's skin. Also, the sensor unit may be configured to acquire contact information based on the current information flowing when the electrode 30 is pressed against the user's skin. Further, the sensor unit may be configured to acquire contact information based on the muscle sound information regarding the muscle activity detected when the electrode 30 is pressed against the user's skin. Then, the process proceeds to step S603.

[0042] In step S603, the skin contact area determination unit 112 determines the skin contact area indicating the area where the electrode 30 is in contact with the user's skin based on the contact information. For example, when the contact information is acquired based on the contact pressure information, the skin contact area determination unit 112 determines the skin contact area according to the ratio of the contact pressure information to the pressure when all parts of the electrode 30 are in contact with the user's skin. Then, the process proceeds to step S604.

[0043] In step S604, the frequency setting unit 113 adjusts the set value of the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode 30 based on the skin contact area. For example, the frequency setting unit 113 sets the frequency so that the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode 30 increases as the skin contact area decreases. Then, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0044] In step S605, the voltage setting unit 114 adjusts the set value of the voltage of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode 30 based on the skin contact area. For example, the voltage setting unit 114 sets the voltage so that the voltage of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode 30 decreases as the skin contact area decreases. Then, the process proceeds to step S606.

[0045] In step S606, the control unit 110 determines whether or not electrode control has been completed. In this embodiment, the determination of whether or not electrode control has been completed is made based on the information that the power switch 11 has been pressed. Alternatively, the completion of electrode control may be achieved by automatically turning off the power after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the electrical stimulator 10 was used. In step S606, if the control unit 110 determines that electrode control has been completed (step S606: YES), the process ends. On the other hand, in step S606, if the control unit 110 determines that electrode control has not been completed (step S606: NO), the process returns to step S601, and the process from step S601 is repeated.

[0046] (Other Embodiments) Although these embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the embodiments. Furthermore, it is possible to combine some or all of the various embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0047] For example, a gripping pressure sensor (not shown) may be provided at the part of the main body 10a that the user grips (location, gripping part 20, see Figure 2). The sensor information acquisition unit 111 may also acquire gripping pressure information indicating the pressure applied by the user to the gripping part 20, which is acquired by the gripping pressure sensor. The gripping pressure sensor corresponds to a pressure sensor. The frequency setting unit 113 may set the frequency so that the frequency applied to the electrode 30 increases as the value of the gripping pressure information increases. The voltage setting unit 114 may also set the voltage so that the voltage applied to the electrode 30 decreases as the value of the gripping pressure information increases. As a result, the electrical stimulator 10 does not require the user to select a mode with the mode selection switch 12, and the intensity of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted by the pressure applied to grip the main body 10a.

[0048] Further, the main body 10a of the electrical stimulation device 10 may include a vibration generator that vibrates a portion (location, gripping portion 20, see FIG. 2) gripped by the user. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the electrode control device 100 may further include a vibration generation unit 116 that vibrates the vibration generator more strongly as the skin contact area decreases or as the value of the gripping pressure information increases. Thereby, the electrical stimulation device 10 can relieve the user's pain or provide a more effective beauty effect by applying vibration.

[0049] Further, a beauty device corresponding to the electrical stimulation device 10 may be a beauty device including an electrode unit having an electrode 30 for applying an electrical stimulation to the user's skin and an electrical stimulation control unit for controlling the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode 30. Note that the electrical stimulation control unit corresponds to the electrode control device 100. Also, the electrode unit may have a skin contact area detection unit for recognizing the contact area between the electrode 30 and the skin. The skin contact area detection unit corresponds to the sensor information acquisition unit 111 and the skin contact area determination unit 112. Also, the electrical stimulation control unit may be provided with a waveform related information setting unit that uses the skin contact area data, which is the contact area between the electrode 30 and the skin detected by the skin contact area detection unit, to set the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode 30 or the waveform information indicating the waveform characteristics of the electrical stimulation. The waveform related information setting unit corresponds to the frequency setting unit 113 and the voltage setting unit 114. Thereby, the beauty device adjusts the setting of the frequency of the electrical stimulation based on the area where the electrode 30 is in contact with the user's skin. That is, the beauty device can apply an appropriate electrical stimulation according to the usage situation of the beauty instrument in contact with the user's skin surface.

[0050] Also, the electrical stimulation control unit may have a current / voltage setting unit that uses the skin contact area data to set the voltage or current level of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode 30. Thereby, the beauty device adjusts the setting of the voltage or current of the electrical stimulation based on the area where the electrode 30 is in contact with the user's skin. That is, the beauty device can apply an appropriate electrical stimulation according to the usage situation of the beauty instrument in contact with the user's skin surface.

[0051] Furthermore, the beauty device may have a situation analysis and judgment processing unit that uses skin contact area data to analyze and judge the situation. This makes it possible for the beauty device to apply appropriate electrical stimulation according to the usage situation.

[0052] Furthermore, the beauty device may have a level adjustment sensor unit that allows the user to adjust the voltage or current level of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode 30 based on the pressure applied when gripping the beauty device. The level adjustment sensor unit corresponds to the sensor information acquisition unit 111, the frequency setting unit 113, and the voltage setting unit 114. As a result, the beauty device does not require the user to select a mode with the mode selection switch 12, and the intensity of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted by the pressure applied when gripping the main body 10a.

[0053] Furthermore, the skin contact area detection unit may include one or more of the following: a pressure sensor that detects a certain amount of pressure, a muscle sound sensor that detects muscle activity, a current sensor that measures skin contact based on the flow of electric current, or an imaging sensor that captures images of the user. This allows the beauty device to detect the skin contact area more accurately.

[0054] Furthermore, the electrical stimulation control unit may use skin contact area data to select the optimal electrical stimulation pattern using AI technology. This allows the beauty device to provide the user with a more appropriate electrical stimulation pattern.

[0055] Furthermore, the electrical stimulation control unit may be configured to transmit and receive data with an external device using skin contact area data. This allows the user of the beauty device to check the treatment results based on the skin contact area data.

[0056] Furthermore, the electrical stimulation control unit may be configured to select an electrical stimulation pattern by transmitting and receiving data with an external device. This allows the user of the beauty device to check the treatment results based on the electrical stimulation pattern.

[0057] Furthermore, the electrical stimulation control unit may have a user detection unit that detects each individual user. This allows the beauty device to perform more appropriate treatments according to the user.

[0058] Furthermore, the electrodes 30 for applying electrical stimulation to the user's skin may be either contact or non-contact. This allows users of the beauty device to perform treatments with greater flexibility.

[0059] Furthermore, the computer program (electrode control program) that causes a computer to execute the processing (electrode control method) in the electrode control device 100 described above, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded are included within the scope of this embodiment. Here, the type of computer-readable recording medium is arbitrary and may be a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. Also, the computer program described above is not limited to one recorded on the recording medium described above, but may be transmitted via a telecommunications line, wireless or wired communication line, or a network such as the Internet.

[0060] (Note) The above description of embodiments discloses the following technologies.

[0061] (Technology 1) The electrical stimulation device of Technology 1 is an electrical stimulation device comprising electrodes that apply electrical stimulation by contacting the user's skin, and an electrode control device that controls the electrodes. The electrode control device has a sensor information acquisition unit that acquires contact information from a sensor unit provided on the electrodes, indicating the proportion of the surface area in contact with the user's skin. The electrode control device also has a skin contact area determination unit that determines the skin contact area, indicating the area in contact with the user's skin, based on the contact information. The electrode control device also has a frequency setting unit that adjusts the set value of the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrodes based on the skin contact area. The electrode control device also has an electrode control unit that controls the electrodes based on the set value of the frequency set by the frequency setting unit.

[0062] In conventional beauty devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1) that are held and moved by the user during treatment, the electrical stimulation applied to the skin may be too strong or too weak depending on the contact state of the electrodes with the user's skin. For example, if the area (proportion) of the contact area of ​​the electrodes of the beauty device with the user's skin is small, the electrical stimulation applied to the skin may be too strong. In other words, with conventional beauty devices, depending on how the beauty device is used in contact with the user's skin, it may not be possible to provide appropriate electrical stimulation to the user's skin. In contrast, the electrical stimulation device described in Technology 1 adjusts the setting of the electrical stimulation frequency based on the area of ​​contact of the electrodes with the user's skin. In other words, the electrical stimulation device can provide appropriate electrical stimulation according to how the beauty device is used in contact with the user's skin.

[0063] (Technology 2) In the electrode control device of Technology 2, in the electrical stimulator described in Technology 1, the frequency setting unit sets the frequency such that the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode increases as the skin contact area decreases.

[0064] This configuration allows the frequency setting unit of the electrical stimulator to reduce pain by increasing the frequency when the skin contact area is small, and to increase the intensity of electrical stimulation by decreasing the frequency when the skin contact area is large. In other words, when the skin contact area is small and the treatment area is concentrated, the electrical stimulator can be set to a higher frequency to reduce the pain inflicted on the user.

[0065] (Technology 3) In the electrical stimulator of Technology 3, the electrode control device further includes a voltage setting unit that adjusts the set value of the voltage of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode based on the skin contact area. The electrode control unit controls the electrode based on the set value of the frequency set by the frequency setting unit and the set value of the voltage set by the voltage setting unit.

[0066] This configuration allows the electrical stimulator to adjust the voltage setting of the electrical stimulation based on the area of ​​contact between the electrodes and the user's skin. In other words, the electrical stimulator can apply appropriate electrical stimulation depending on the usage of the beauty device in contact with the user's skin.

[0067] (Technology 4) In the electrical stimulation device of Technology 4, the voltage setting unit sets the voltage such that the voltage of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrodes decreases as the skin contact area decreases.

[0068] With this configuration, the voltage setting unit of the electrical stimulator sets the voltage so that the voltage of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrodes decreases as the skin contact area decreases. In other words, when the skin contact area is small and the treatment area is concentrated, the electrical stimulator can reduce the pain inflicted on the user by setting the voltage of the electrical stimulation to a lower level.

[0069] (Technology 5) In the electrical stimulation device of Technology 5, in the electrical stimulation device described in any one of Technology 1 to 4, the sensor unit acquires contact information based on the contact pressure information when the electrode is pressed against the user's skin.

[0070] This configuration allows the electrical stimulator to acquire contact information based on the contact pressure information when the electrodes are pressed against the user's skin. In other words, the electrical stimulator can acquire contact information indicating the percentage of time the electrodes are in contact with the user's skin while the user is using the electrical stimulator.

[0071] (Technology 6) In the electrical stimulation device of Technology 6, in the electrical stimulation device described in any one of Technology 1 to 4, the sensor unit acquires contact information based on the current information that flows when the electrode is pressed against the user's skin.

[0072] This configuration allows the electrical stimulator to acquire contact information based on the current flowing when electrodes are pressed against the user's skin. In other words, the electrical stimulator can acquire contact information indicating the percentage of time the electrodes are in contact with the user's skin while the user is using the device.

[0073] (Technology 7) The beauty device of Technology 7 is an electrical stimulator described in any one of Technology 1 to 6, further comprising a main body for the user to grasp, and provides a beauty effect to the user's skin.

[0074] This configuration allows the beauty device to adjust the frequency of electrical stimulation based on the area of ​​contact between the electrodes and the user's skin. In other words, the beauty device can apply appropriate electrical stimulation depending on how the device is being used in contact with the user's skin.

[0075] (Technology 8) In the beauty device of Technology 8, the main body is equipped with a gripping pressure sensor, as described in Technology 7. The sensor information acquisition unit acquires the user's gripping pressure information obtained by the gripping pressure sensor. The frequency setting unit sets the frequency so that the frequency applied to the electrodes increases as the value of the gripping pressure information increases.

[0076] This configuration eliminates the need for the user to select a mode using a mode selection switch; instead, the intensity of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted by the pressure applied when gripping the main body of the beauty device.

[0077] (Technology 9) In the beauty device of Technology 9, the main body is equipped with a vibration generator that vibrates the part that the user holds. The electrode control device further includes a vibration generating unit that vibrates the vibration generator more as the skin contact area decreases or as the value of the gripping pressure information increases.

[0078] This configuration allows the beauty device to stimulate the user's skin through both electrical stimulation from electrodes and physical stimulation from a vibration generator. In other words, the beauty device can deliver beauty effects more effectively by applying vibration.

[0079] (Technology 10) The beauty device of Technology 10 comprises an electrode unit having electrodes for applying electrical stimulation to the user's skin, and an electrical stimulation control unit for controlling the electrical stimulation applied to the electrodes, wherein the electrode unit has a skin contact area detection unit for recognizing the contact area between the electrodes and the skin, and the electrical stimulation control unit has a waveform-related information setting unit that uses the skin contact area data, which is the contact area between the electrodes and the skin detected by the skin contact area detection unit, to set waveform information indicating the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrodes or the waveform characteristics of the electrical stimulation.

[0080] This configuration allows the beauty device to adjust the setting of the electrical stimulation frequency based on the area of ​​contact between the electrodes and the user's skin. In other words, the beauty device can apply appropriate electrical stimulation depending on the usage of the beauty device in contact with the user's skin.

[0081] (Technology 11) In the beauty device of Technology 11, the electrical stimulation control unit has a current / voltage setting unit that uses skin contact area data to set the level of the voltage or current of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrodes.

[0082] This configuration allows the beauty device to adjust the voltage or current setting of the electrical stimulation based on the area of ​​contact between the electrodes and the user's skin. In other words, the beauty device can apply appropriate electrical stimulation depending on the usage of the beauty device in contact with the user's skin.

[0083] (Technology 12) The beauty device of Technology 12 is a beauty device described in Technology 10 or 11 and has a situation analysis and judgment processing unit that uses skin contact area data to analyze and judge the situation.

[0084] This configuration allows the beauty device to apply appropriate electrical stimulation depending on the usage situation.

[0085] (Technology 13) The beauty device of Technology 13 is a beauty device described in any one of Technologies 10 to 12, and has a vibration generating part that can alleviate the user's pain through vibration.

[0086] With this configuration, the beauty device stimulates the user's skin through both electrical stimulation from the electrodes 30 and physical stimulation from the vibration generator. In other words, the beauty device can alleviate the user's pain by applying vibration.

[0087] (Technology 14) The beauty device of Technology 14 is a beauty device described in any one of Technologies 10 to 13, and has a level adjustment sensor unit that can adjust the level of the voltage or current of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrodes by the pressure applied by the user when gripping the beauty device.

[0088] This configuration eliminates the need for the user to select a mode using a mode selection switch; instead, the intensity of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted by the pressure applied when gripping the main unit.

[0089] (Technical 15) In the beauty device of Technical 15, the level adjustment sensor unit has a pressure sensor, as described in Technical 14.

[0090] This configuration eliminates the need for the user to select a mode using a mode selection switch; instead, the intensity of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted by the pressure applied when gripping the main unit.

[0091] (Technology 16) In the beauty device of Technology 16, in the beauty device described in any one of Technologies 10 to 15, the skin contact area detection unit has one or more of the following: a pressure sensor that detects a certain amount of pressure, a muscle sound sensor that detects muscle activity, a current sensor that measures skin contact by the rate of current flow, or an imaging sensor that captures an image of the user.

[0092] This configuration allows beauty devices to more accurately detect the skin contact area.

[0093] (Technical 17) In the beauty device of Technical 17, the vibration generating part is located in a place where the user holds it, as in the beauty device described in Technical 13.

[0094] This configuration eliminates the need for the user to select a mode using a mode selection switch; instead, the intensity of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted by the pressure applied when gripping the main unit.

[0095] (Technology 18) In the beauty device of Technology 18, the skin contact area detection unit is provided in a place where the user holds it.

[0096] This configuration eliminates the need for the user to select a mode using a mode selection switch; instead, the intensity of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted by the pressure applied when gripping the main unit.

[0097] (Technology 19) In the beauty device of Technology 19, in the beauty device described in any one of Technologies 11 to 18, the electrical stimulation control unit increases the frequency or decreases the level of current or voltage when the contact area of ​​the skin contact area data is small.

[0098] This configuration allows the beauty device to adjust the frequency, current, or voltage of the electrical stimulation based on the area of ​​contact between the electrodes and the user's skin. In other words, the beauty device can apply appropriate electrical stimulation depending on the usage of the beauty device in contact with the user's skin.

[0099] (Technology 20) The beauty device of Technology 20 is a beauty device described in any one of Technologies 10 to 19, with a plurality of electrodes corresponding to an electrode section.

[0100] This configuration allows the beauty device to apply more appropriate electrical stimulation depending on the usage of the beauty device in contact with the user's skin.

[0101] (Technology 21) In the beauty device of Technology 21, the electrical stimulation control unit is configured to use the skin contact area data of each of the multiple electrodes to control the electrical stimulation applied to the electrodes in different ways.

[0102] This configuration allows the beauty device to apply more appropriate electrical stimulation depending on the usage of the beauty device in contact with the user's skin.

[0103] (Technology 22) The beauty device of Technology 22 is a beauty device described in any one of Technology 10 to 21, which is a muscle training device or a facial muscle training device.

[0104] This configuration allows the beauty device to provide more appropriate electrical stimulation for training muscles and facial muscles.

[0105] (Technology 23) In the beauty device of Technology 23, in the beauty device described in any one of Technologies 10 to 12, the electrical stimulation control unit can use skin contact area data to select the optimal electrical stimulation pattern using AI technology.

[0106] This configuration allows the beauty device to provide the user with a more appropriate pattern of electrical stimulation.

[0107] (Technology 24) In the beauty device of Technology 24, in the beauty device described in any one of Technologies 10 to 23, the electrical stimulation control unit uses skin contact area data to send and receive data with an external device.

[0108] This configuration allows users of beauty devices to verify treatment results based on skin contact area data.

[0109] (Technology 25) In the beauty device of Technology 25, the electrical stimulation control unit can select an electrical stimulation pattern by transmitting and receiving data with an external device, as described in Technology 23.

[0110] This configuration allows users of beauty devices to verify treatment results based on electrical stimulation patterns.

[0111] (Technology 26) In the beauty device of Technology 26, the beauty device described in any one of Technology 10 to 25 has an electrical stimulation control unit which has a user detection unit that detects the user for each individual.

[0112] This configuration allows the beauty device to perform more appropriate treatments depending on the user.

[0113] (Technology 27) In the beauty device of Technology 27, the electrodes for applying electrical stimulation to the user's skin may be either contact or non-contact, as described in any one of Technologies 10 to 16.

[0114] This configuration allows users of beauty devices to perform treatments with greater flexibility.

[0115] The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and may be modified, replaced, added, or omitted within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0116] This disclosure is applicable, for example, to beauty devices that impart beauty effects to human skin. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to, for example, facial beauty devices and massage devices.

[0117] 10 Electrical stimulator 10a Main unit 10b Treatment unit 11 Power switch 12 Mode selection switch 20 Gripping unit 30 Electrode 31 First electrode 32 Second electrode 33 Third electrode 100 Electrode control device 110 Control unit 111 Sensor information acquisition unit 112 Skin contact area determination unit 113 Frequency setting unit 114 Voltage setting unit 115 Electrode control unit 116 Vibration generation unit 120 Memory unit 121 Setting information DB 130 Input / Output IF 140 Communication IF

Claims

1. An electrical stimulation device comprising an electrode that is brought into contact with the user's skin to apply electrical stimulation, and an electrode control device that controls the electrode, wherein the electrode control device includes: a sensor information acquisition unit that acquires contact information from a sensor unit provided on the electrode indicating the proportion of the electrode that is in contact with the user's skin; a skin contact area determination unit that determines the skin contact area indicating the area in contact with the user's skin based on the contact information; a frequency setting unit that adjusts the set value of the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode based on the skin contact area; and an electrode control unit that controls the electrode based on the set value of the frequency set by the frequency setting unit.

2. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the frequency setting unit sets the frequency such that the frequency of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode increases as the skin contact area decreases.

3. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode control device further includes a voltage setting unit that adjusts a set value of the voltage of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode based on the skin contact area, and the electrode control unit controls the electrode based on the set value of the frequency set by the frequency setting unit and the set value of the voltage set by the voltage setting unit.

4. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 3, wherein the voltage setting unit sets the voltage such that the voltage of the electrical stimulation applied to the electrode decreases as the skin contact area decreases.

5. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit acquires contact information based on contact pressure information when the electrode is pressed against the user's skin.

6. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit acquires contact information based on current information that flows when the electrode is pressed against the user's skin.

7. An electrical stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a main body for the user to grasp, and a beauty device that provides a beauty effect to the user's skin.

8. The beauty device according to claim 7, wherein the main body is equipped with a gripping pressure sensor, the sensor information acquisition unit acquires the user's gripping pressure information acquired by the gripping pressure sensor, and the frequency setting unit sets the frequency such that the frequency applied to the electrode increases as the value of the gripping pressure information increases.

9. The beauty device according to claim 8, wherein the main body comprises a vibration generator that vibrates the portion held by the user, and the electrode control device further comprises a vibration generating unit that vibrates the vibration generator more as the skin contact area decreases or as the value of the gripping pressure information increases.

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