Personal care device configured to perform light-based hair removal

Abstract

According to an aspect, there is provided a personal care device (52) for performing a light-based hair removal or photoepilation operation on a body of a subject. The personal care device (52) comprises: a housing (54) comprising a first window or opening (68); a light source configured to generate light to perform the light-based hair removal or photoepilation operation, wherein the light source is arranged in the housing such that light emitted by the light source illuminates a portion of the body; a receiving member in or on the housing (54) for receiving and holding a consumer electronic device (62) in or on the personal care device (52); and an optical system (80) in the housing (54) for enabling an imaging unit (78) of the consumer electronic device (62) held in the recess (60) to obtain an image of the portion of the body via the first window or opening (68).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to personal care devices configured to perform light-based hair removal or phototherapy on a subject's body, and more particularly to such personal care devices that can be used with consumer electronic devices such as smartphones or tablets. Background Technology

[0002] There are personal care devices that can be used to perform light-based hair removal or phototherapy procedures on subjects using lasers and light therapy known as phototherapy or pulsed light (IPL). These personal care devices for reducing hair growth may require contact with the skin.

[0003] Light-based hair removal is a treatment used to inhibit hair growth by exposing the skin to a bright flash or pulse of light, known as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), where the light pulse is generated by a lamp or bulb. Alternatively, a laser or one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be used to generate the flash or pulse. The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed in the hair follicle (among other places). The temperature of the hair follicle rises, followed by the temperature of the surrounding tissue. If the temperature rises sufficiently, hair growth is inhibited. This method is called photothermolysis.

[0004] Personal care devices for light-based hair removal may include one or more sensors for monitoring one or more parameters before or during the light-based hair removal procedure. For example, successful phototherapy hair removal requires contact with the skin to prevent light pulses from being directed to other body parts such as the eyes, which could cause damage. Therefore, personal care devices may include skin contact sensors for measuring or detecting contact with the skin. Another type of sensor used in personal care devices for light-based hair removal is a skin tone sensor, which measures the skin tone to which the light-based hair removal procedure (phototherapy) will be applied.

[0005] It has been recognized that including these (and other) different sensors in personal care devices for light-based hair removal can increase the cost and complexity of such devices (including the manufacture of these devices), and it is desirable to provide a personal care device for light-based hair removal with these functions without substantially increasing the cost and / or complexity of the personal care device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It has been recognized that smartphones and other types of consumer electronics (such as laptops, tablets, etc.) include many different types of sensors that can be used to obtain information useful for light-based hair removal procedures. In particular, many types of consumer electronics include one or more cameras or imaging units that can be used to acquire images of the subject, which are then processed to determine one or more parameters useful for light-based hair removal procedures.

[0007] In some cases, these images are required in real time, meaning they are needed when performing light-based hair removal procedures. For example, the images may need to be available when a light pulse is triggered so that it can be determined whether the personal care device is in contact with the skin and / or whether the skin tone is suitable for the light pulse to be generated. Smartphones or other consumer electronics devices typically must be manually held or otherwise positioned appropriately in the subject's environment to obtain the desired images, which can be difficult when the user must also manually hold the personal care device.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a solution to one or more of the above-mentioned problems, which would make it easier for smartphones or other similar types of consumer electronics devices to be used in conjunction with personal care devices for light-based hair removal or phototherapy.

[0009] According to a first specific aspect, a personal care device is provided configured to perform a light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operation on a subject's body. The personal care device includes a housing having a first window or opening; a light source configured to generate light to perform the light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operation, wherein the light source is disposed within the housing such that light emitted by the light source illuminates a portion of the body; a receiving member disposed within or on the housing, the receiving member being configured to receive and hold a consumer electronic device within or on the personal care device; and an optical system within the housing, the optical system being configured such that, when the consumer electronic device is held by the receiving member, an imaging unit of the consumer electronic device can acquire an image of the portion of the body via the first window or opening.

[0010] In some embodiments, the optical system includes one or more mirrors and / or lenses.

[0011] In some embodiments, the optical system is adjustable to accommodate different positions of the imaging unit in different types of consumer electronic devices.

[0012] In some embodiments, the optical system is configured to be adjustable in at least one of a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first window or opening and a direction parallel to the plane of the first window or opening.

[0013] In some embodiments, the optical system is configured to enable light from a light source in a consumer electronic device to pass through a first window or opening.

[0014] In some embodiments, the receiving member is configured such that the consumer electronics device is received and held in or on a personal care device, such that the imaging plane of the imaging unit of the consumer electronics device is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first window or opening.

[0015] In some embodiments, the receiving member includes a recess disposed in the housing and configured and shaped to receive a consumer electronics device at a position in the housing that is at least partially submerged.

[0016] In some embodiments, the recess is shaped to allow consumer electronics devices of different sizes to be received and held within the recess.

[0017] In some embodiments, the personal care device further includes a holding mechanism configured to hold the consumer electronics device in a stationary position relative to the housing within the recess.

[0018] In some embodiments, the holding mechanism is configured to hold consumer electronic devices of different sizes within the recess. In these embodiments, the holding mechanism may include a cover plate configured to be placed over a portion of the consumer electronic device when it is received in the recess, thereby holding the consumer electronic device in or on a personal care device. In alternative embodiments, the holding mechanism may include a plurality of covers plate, each configured to be placed over a portion of the consumer electronic device when a consumer electronic device of a corresponding size is received in the recess, wherein each cover plate is configured to hold a consumer electronic device of a corresponding size in or on a personal care device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the personal care device is configured to perform a light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operation on a portion of a first window or opening adjacent to the body. In an alternative embodiment, the personal care device further includes an aperture, and the personal care device is configured to perform the light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operation on a portion of a body adjacent to the aperture.

[0020] In some embodiments, the personal care device further includes an interface circuitry within the housing configured to communicate with a consumer electronic device. In these embodiments, the interface circuitry may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the consumer electronic device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the personal care device further includes a wireless charging circuit located near the recess and configured to enable wireless charging of the consumer electronic device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the personal care device further includes a control circuit device in the housing, the control circuit device being configured to control one or more operations of the personal care device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to control the operation of the personal care device in response to or based on information received from the consumer electronics device. In these embodiments, the information may include one or more images acquired by the imaging unit of the consumer electronics device via an optical system, and / or information derived from one or more images acquired by the imaging unit of the consumer electronics device via an optical system. In these embodiments, the information may relate to any of the following: skin color, whether the personal care device is in contact with a part of the subject's body, the presence of hair and / or other skin characteristics, and feedback on light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operations.

[0024] These and other aspects will be apparent and illustrated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 This is an illustration of a conventional light-based personal care device used for light-based hair removal or phototherapy.

[0027] Figure 2 This is an illustration of a personal care device according to an exemplary embodiment, the personal care device having a recess for receiving and holding a consumer electronic device in the form of a smartphone;

[0028] Figure 3 This is an illustration of a personal care device according to an exemplary embodiment, the personal care device having a consumer electronic device in the form of a smartphone held therein;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a personal care device according to an exemplary embodiment, the personal care device having a consumer electronic device in the form of a smartphone held therein; and

[0030] Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a personal care device according to an exemplary embodiment of a cover with different sizes. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 A conventional personal care device 2 is shown, which can be used to perform a light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal procedure involving the application of light pulses to a skin area. During use, the personal care device 2 can be held in one or both hands of the user. The personal care device 2 is used on the body of a subject (e.g., a human or animal), and when the personal care device 2 comes into contact with the subject's skin, a light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal procedure, referred to as phototherapy hair removal or pulsed light (IPL) hair reduction, is performed on the subject's body.

[0032] As described herein, the personal care device 2 is operated or used by a “user” and is applied to the body of a “subject.” In some cases, the user and the subject are the same person, i.e., the personal care device 2 is held in the hand and used by the user himself (e.g., applied to the skin on his leg). In other cases, the user and the subject are different people, e.g., the personal care device 2 is held in the hand and used by the user on someone else.

[0033] The personal care device 2 includes a housing 4, which includes at least a handle portion 5 and a body portion 6. The handle portion 5 is shaped to allow a user to hold the personal care device 2 with one hand. The body portion 6 has a first end 8 that is positioned to contact the subject's skin when performing a light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal procedure on the subject's body or skin.

[0034] exist Figure 1 In this context, the personal care device 2 is configured to use light or light pulses to perform light-based hair removal or phototherapy. Therefore, in... Figure 1 In the first end 8 of the body portion 6, an aperture 10 is disposed in or on the first end 8, such that the aperture 10 can be placed adjacent to or on the subject's skin (i.e., in contact with the subject's skin). The personal care device 2 includes one or more light sources 12 configured to generate light pulses that are applied to the subject's skin via the aperture 10 to perform light-based hair removal or phototherapy. One or more light sources 12 are disposed in the housing 4 (e.g., in the body portion 6) such that light pulses are provided from the one or more light sources 12 through the aperture 10. The aperture 10 may be in the form of an opening at the first end 8 of the housing 4 and may include a transparent or translucent optical waveguide 13 for the light pulses (i.e., the light pulses can pass through the optical waveguide 13).

[0035] exist Figure 1 In this design, aperture 10 and optical waveguide 13 have a generally rectangular shape, which creates a generally rectangular area on the skin on which the light-based hair removal operation is performed. It should be understood that aperture 10 and / or optical waveguide 13 can have any other desired shape. For example, aperture 10 and / or optical waveguide 13 can be square, elliptical, circular, or any other polygon.

[0036] Light source 12 can be configured to generate light pulses of any suitable or desired wavelength (or wavelength range) and / or intensity. For example, light source 12 can generate visible light, infrared (IR) light, and / or ultraviolet (UV) light. Each light source 12 can include any suitable type of light source, such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), flash lamps (e.g., xenon flash lamps), one or more lasers, etc. In a preferred embodiment, personal care device 2 is configured to perform phototherapy hair removal, and light source 12 provides intense light pulses. For example, light source 12 can provide light pulses with spectral content in the range of 560 nanometers to 1200 nanometers (nm) for a duration of about 2.5 milliseconds (ms), because these wavelengths heat the melanin in the hair and hair root through absorption, which puts the hair follicle into a quiescent phase and prevents hair regrowth.

[0037] One or more light sources 12 are configured to provide light pulses. That is, the light source 12 is configured to generate high-intensity light for a short duration (e.g., less than 1 second). The intensity of the light pulses should be high enough to achieve light-based hair removal or phototherapy on the skin or body parts adjacent to the aperture 10.

[0038] The illustrated handheld device 2 also includes two skin contact sensors 16 located on or within the first end 8, which are used to determine when the first end 8 comes into contact with the skin. The skin contact sensors 16 measure parameters indicating whether the first end 8 is in contact with the skin and generate corresponding measurement signals (referred to as "skin contact measurement signals"), which include a time series of parameter measurements. Typically, skin contact sensors are used in personal care devices 2, particularly in light-based hair removal devices, to ensure that the personal care device 2 properly contacts the skin before generating light pulses to prevent the light pulses from being directed into the eyes of the user or subject.

[0039] This parameter can be capacitance, and therefore the skin contact sensor 16 can measure the capacitance via a corresponding pair of electrical contacts or electrodes on the surface of the first end 8, the measured capacitance indicating the presence of skin contact. Alternatively, this parameter can be the intensity or level of light, and therefore the skin contact sensor 16 can be a light sensor that measures the intensity or level of light incident on the light sensor, the measured intensity or level indicating the presence of skin contact (e.g., less light / no light can indicate skin contact because the skin blocks the light sensor 16, and vice versa). In other alternatives, the parameter can be a measure of contact pressure, and therefore the skin contact sensor 16 can measure the contact pressure via a corresponding pressure sensor or mechanical switch, the measured contact pressure indicating the presence of skin contact.

[0040] The illustrated personal care device 2 also includes a skin tone sensor 18 located on or within the first end 8 for determining the skin tone of the skin contacted by the first end 8. The skin tone sensor 18 measures parameters indicating the skin tone and generates a time-series measurement signal (referred to as a "skin tone measurement signal") including the measurements of these parameters. Typically, skin tone sensors are used in personal care devices 2, particularly phototherapy devices, to ensure that the light pulses have an intensity suitable for the skin type being treated, or even to prevent the generation of light pulses if the skin type is unsuitable for them (e.g., darker skin with a much higher melanin content).

[0041] Skin color sensor 18 can be a light sensor, and the parameter measured by the light sensor can be the intensity or level of light of a specific wavelength or multiple wavelengths reflected from the skin. The measured intensity or level of reflected light at a specific wavelength can indicate skin color. The measured intensity or level of reflected light can be based on the concentration of melanin in the skin, and therefore the measured intensity or level can indicate melanin concentration. Melanin concentration can be derived, for example, from measurements of light reflection at wavelengths of 660 nm (red) and 880 nm (infrared).

[0042] The personal care device 2 shown also includes a user controller 20, which can be operated by a user to activate the personal care device 2, thereby performing the desired light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operation (i.e., light pulses generated by one or more light sources 12) on the subject's body. The user controller 20 may be in the form of a switch, button, touchpad, etc.

[0043] As described above, personal care devices may have several types of sensors for monitoring one or more parameters before or during a light-based hair removal or phototherapy procedure, such as skin contact sensor 16 and skin color sensor 18. It is desirable to incorporate one or more cameras or imaging units into the personal care device because these cameras / imaging units can be used to acquire images of the subject, process these images to determine one or more parameters useful for the light-based hair removal or phototherapy procedure, such as the presence of skin contact, skin color, determining the progress / success of the light-based hair removal or phototherapy procedure, and / or determining the target area on the skin for the light-based hair removal or phototherapy procedure.

[0044] Including a camera / imaging unit in personal care devices can increase the cost and complexity of such devices (including their manufacture), and therefore efforts have been made to incorporate cameras or imaging units into smartphones or other types of consumer electronics such as tablets, smartwatches, laptops, etc. However, smartphones or other consumer electronics typically require the user of the personal care device to manually hold them in place to obtain the desired image, which can be difficult when the user also has to manually hold the personal care device.

[0045] This disclosure addresses these problems and enables smartphones or other consumer electronic devices to be received and held in or on a personal care device, allowing the imaging unit of the consumer electronic device to acquire an image of a part of the body through a first window or opening in the housing of the personal care device. Specifically, a receiving member is disposed in or on the housing of the personal care device, and the receiving member is configured to receive and hold the consumer electronic device in or on the personal care device. In some embodiments, the receiving member is a recess or includes a recess such that the consumer electronic device is at least partially submerged below the outer surface of the housing, but in other embodiments, the receiving member allows the consumer electronic device to be held on the outer surface of the housing of the personal care device.

[0046] Figure 2 This is an illustration of a personal care device 52 according to an exemplary embodiment, which has a receiving member in the form of a recess for receiving and holding a consumer electronic device in the form of a smartphone.

[0047] During use, the personal care device 52 can be held in one or both of the user's hands. The personal care device 52 is used on the body of a subject (e.g., a human or animal) and performs light-based hair removal or phototherapy on the subject's body, including hair reduction, when the personal care device 52 comes into contact with the subject's skin (phototherapy or IPL).

[0048] The personal care device 52 includes a housing 54, which includes at least a handle portion 55 and a body portion 56. The handle portion 55 is shaped to allow a user to hold the personal care device 52 with one or two hands. The body portion 56 has a first end 58 (also referred to herein as "front end 58") that is positioned to contact the subject's skin when a light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal procedure is performed on the subject's body or skin.

[0049] Personal care device 52 includes suitable components for performing light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal procedures. Similar to... Figure 1 The personal care device 2 shown, personal care device 52 is configured to perform light-based hair removal or phototherapy using light or light pulses, and therefore personal care device 52 includes one or more light sources configured to generate light pulses to be applied to the skin of a subject. The one or more light sources may be arranged in housing 54 (e.g., in body portion 56) such that light pulses generated by the one or more light sources are emitted from a first end 58 toward the skin.

[0050] The personal care device 52 may include a user controller 59, which can be operated by a user to activate the personal care device 52 to perform a desired light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal procedure (i.e., light pulses generated by one or more light sources) on the subject's body. The user controller 59 may be in the form of a switch, button, touchpad, etc.

[0051] The housing 54 (in this example, the main body portion 56) includes a recessed receiving member 60 configured to receive and hold a consumer electronics device in or on the personal care device 52. Thus, the recess 60 is shaped to receive at least a portion or all of the consumer electronics device 62 and hold (maintain) it in or on the personal care device 52, thereby effectively integrating the consumer electronics device into (and moving with) the personal care device 52. Therefore, the recess is configured and shaped to receive the consumer electronics device 62 in a position at least partially submerged within the housing 54.

[0052] It is desired that any typical available consumer electronics device having one or more imaging units can be used with the personal care device 52, and therefore the shape or size of the receiving member 60 is set large enough to accommodate a typical available consumer electronics device. Typically, suitable consumer electronics devices such as smartphones and tablet computers are usually rectangular (cuboid) in shape, and therefore the recess 60 may have a rectangular opening so that a consumer electronics device that is usually rectangular in shape can be received in the recess 60. The recess 60 may be deep enough that the upper surface of the consumer electronics device is substantially level with (i.e., substantially flush with) the outer surface of the housing 54, or the upper surface of the consumer electronics device may be above (i.e., partially submerged) or below (i.e., completely submerged) the outer surface of the housing 54.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will understand that the shape and / or size of the recess 60 may differ from... Figure 2 The shapes and / or sizes shown are intended to enable the use of consumer electronics devices of different sizes, in a wider or narrower range, with personal care device 52.

[0054] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A personal care device 52 has a consumer electronics device 62 in the form of a smartphone or tablet computer 62 held in a recess 60. The consumer electronics device 62 has a display screen 64 for displaying information related to the operation of the consumer electronics device 62. The display screen 64 is located on the upper surface of the consumer electronics device 62. The display screen 64 may be a touchscreen that can be used to provide input to the consumer electronics device 62.

[0055] Consumer electronic device 62 typically includes one or more imaging units arranged on the side of consumer electronic device 62 opposite to display screen 64, that is, the imaging units are arranged on the side of consumer electronic device 62 facing the bottom surface 66 of recess 60. This side is referred to herein as the “bottom side” of consumer electronic device 62.

[0056] As described above, the imaging unit arranged on the lower side of the consumer electronic device 62 will be used to acquire an image of a part of the body on which light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operations can be performed or have already been performed. Therefore, the imaging unit of the consumer electronic device 62 needs to be able to acquire images through the housing 54 of the personal care device 52.

[0057] In order to acquire an image, the housing 54 includes a first window or opening 68 in the front end 58 of the personal care device 52, and a second window or opening 70 in the bottom surface 66 of the recess 60. The first window or opening 68 is located in... Figure 2 or Figure 3It is not visible in the middle, but, for example, the first window or opening 68 can be positioned on the first end 58. Figure 1 The skin tone sensor 18 is located in a similar position to that in a conventional device. In embodiments where the first window or opening 68 and / or the second window or opening 70 are windows, the first window 68 and / or the second window 70 may comprise a translucent or transparent material, such as glass or plastic. In embodiments where the first window or opening 68 and / or the second window or opening 70 are openings, the opening may not be covered by any material (e.g., glass or plastic). Since the imaging unit of a consumer electronics device can typically protrude from the back of the consumer electronics device (e.g., due to the presence of one or more lens devices, etc.), it may be advantageous for the second window or opening 70 to be an opening that accommodates the protruding imaging unit. The first window or opening 68 and the second window or opening 70 are connected by an optical system within the housing 54 (in... Figure 2 or Figure 3 (The link is also not visible in the middle) The optical system enables the imaging unit to observe (and obtain) an image of the skin adjacent to or in contact with the first window or opening 68.

[0058] Because the position of the imaging unit on the lower side of the consumer electronics device 62 is not standardized, the second window or opening 70 can be relatively large to allow for different possible positions of the imaging unit. In some embodiments, to accommodate all possible positions of the imaging unit on the consumer electronics device 62, the second window or opening 70 may approximate the size of the consumer electronics device 62. Although the second window or opening 70 is shown as approximately square, it should be understood that the second window or opening 70 may have a different shape than shown. For example, the second window or opening 70 may be rectangular, elliptical, circular, or any other polygonal shape.

[0059] It should be understood that in embodiments where the receiving member 60 is not a recess (i.e., the consumer electronics device 62 will be held on or near the surface of the housing 54 (i.e. at a relatively small distance from the surface of the housing 54)), the housing 54 includes a second window or opening 70 in the surface of the housing 54.

[0060] Similar to Figure 1 The personal care device 2 shown is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3The personal care device 52 shown is configured to perform a light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operation using light or light pulses, and therefore the first end 8 may include an aperture 72 disposed in or on the first end 58 of the body portion 56, such that the aperture 72 can be positioned adjacent to or on the subject's skin (i.e., in contact with it). The personal care device 52 includes one or more light sources (not shown) configured to generate light pulses that will be applied to the subject's skin via the aperture 72 and perform the light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operation. One or more light sources are disposed in the housing 54 (e.g., in the body portion 56) such that light pulses are provided from the one or more light sources through the aperture 72. The aperture 72 may be in the form of an opening or window at the first end 58 of the housing 54 and may include a transparent or translucent optical waveguide for the light pulses (i.e., the light pulses can pass through the optical waveguide).

[0061] In some embodiments, the aperture 72 and the first window or opening 68 are separate, meaning that the imaging unit of the consumer electronics device 62 acquires images through different windows / openings through which light or light pulses are applied. In this case, the acquired image may be an image of skin adjacent to or directly adjacent to the skin area where a light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operation will be performed at the current location of the personal care device 52.

[0062] In alternative embodiments, aperture 72 is a first window or opening 68, meaning that the imaging unit of consumer electronics device 62 acquires an image through the same window / opening through which light or light pulses are applied. In these embodiments, the optical system may enable the imaging unit to acquire an image through a first portion of the first window or opening 68, and the light or light pulses are applied to the skin through a second (different) portion of the first window or opening 68. Alternatively, the optical system may enable the imaging unit to acquire an image, and the light or light pulses are typically applied to the skin through the first window or opening 68 or the same portion of the first window or opening 68, meaning the imaging unit is able to acquire an image of the same portion of the skin to which the light or light pulses are applied. More generally, in these embodiments, light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operations can be performed on a part of the body through or via the first window or opening 68, and the imaging unit of consumer electronics device 62 can acquire an image through the same window / opening. This makes it possible to obtain an image of the same portion of the skin to which the light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operation will be applied.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first window 68 and / or aperture 72 (if present) have a generally rectangular shape, resulting in a generally rectangular area on the skin that can be observed by the imaging unit and / or on which light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operations can be performed. It should be understood that the first window 68 and / or aperture 72 can have any other desired shape. For example, the first window 68 and / or aperture 72 can be square, elliptical, circular, or any other polygon.

[0064] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Personal care devices 52 and consumer electronics devices 62 along Figure 2 and Figure 3 A sectional view of a portion of line A-A' in the diagram. Although Figure 4 Personal care equipment 52 and Figure 2 and Figure 3 The personal care device 52 shown is not exactly the same, but the same parts and features are given the same reference numerals, and the above description of the personal care device 52 also applies. Figure 4 Personal care device 52. In this embodiment, the second window or opening 70 is an opening, but it should be understood that it can also be a window (e.g., including transparent or translucent material).

[0065] therefore, Figure 4 A consumer electronics device 62 held by a receiving member 60 is shown, and a first window or opening 68 (in the form of an opening) at a first end 58 of the personal care device 52 is also shown. An area of ​​the personal care device 52 near the skin 74 is shown, in which the personal care device 52 can perform light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operations. Figure 4 The lower side 76 of the consumer electronics device 62 and the imaging unit 78 of the consumer electronics device 62 are shown. Although the first window or opening 68 is shown as an opening in this embodiment, it should be understood that it may alternatively be a window (e.g., including transparent or translucent material). Furthermore, it should be understood that although this embodiment is shown as having a receiving member in the form of a recess 60, the receiving member may alternatively hold the consumer electronics device 62 on the surface of the housing 54, and the second window or opening 70 will be a window or opening in the surface of the housing 54.

[0066] Figure 4 The second window or opening shown is 70 times larger than Figure 2 The relatively larger size shown allows the personal care device 52 to be used with consumer electronics devices that have a wider range of positions for the imaging unit 78.

[0067] An optical system 80 is shown within a housing 54, which connects to a first window or opening 68 and a second window or opening 70, and is configured to enable an imaging unit 78 to observe (and acquire) skin 74 adjacent to or in contact with the first window or opening 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical system 80 includes at least one reflector 82, which is arranged and oriented such that the imaging unit 78 can observe an area of ​​skin 74. Since the plane of the consumer electronics device 62 and the imaging plane of the imaging unit 78 are generally perpendicular to the plane of the first window or opening 68 (or the plane of the skin 74 at the first window or opening 68), the plane of the reflector 82 is oriented at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the consumer electronics device 62 and the first window or opening 68. It should be understood that... Figure 4 The optical system 80 shown is quite simple, but those skilled in the art will understand that more complex optical systems (e.g., including multiple mirrors and / or other optical components such as lenses and prisms) can be used.

[0068] Because the specific location of the imaging unit 78 on the lower side 76 of the consumer electronics device 62 is consumer electronics device-specific (i.e., varies between models and devices), there may not be a single location or orientation of the mirror 82 (or more generally, the optical system 80) that allows the imaging unit 78 of any given consumer electronics device 62 to observe the area of ​​the skin 74 through the first window or opening 68. Therefore, in some embodiments, the optical system 80 is adjustable to accommodate different locations of the imaging unit 78 on different types of consumer electronics devices 62. For example, as indicated by arrow 84, the mirror 82 in the optical system 80 may be configured to be adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first window or opening 68 (i.e., toward or away from the first window or opening 68). In another example, the mirror 82 in the optical system 80 may be configured to be adjustable in a direction parallel to the plane of the first window or opening 68 (i.e., laterally relative to the first window or opening 68). This is illustrated by arrows 85a and 85b. Therefore, the optical system 80 may include one or more guides or tracks along which the mirror 82 or other optical components can move. The optical system 80 may be manually adjusted by the user, for example, by the user using one or more user interface components (e.g., switches, dials, controls shown on the touchscreen of the consumer electronics device 62, etc.), or the optical system 80 may be automatically adjusted by the personal care device 52 or the consumer electronics device 62, for example, by actuating one or more motors or other actuators to move the optical system 80 (or one or more optical components thereof) to the appropriate position. Such a mechanism may have a similar mechanism to the autofocus and / or zoom mechanism in a conventional digital camera.

[0069] In some embodiments, the optical system 80 may include one or more lenses configured to enable or assist the imaging unit 78 in obtaining a properly focused image of the skin 74.

[0070] When the first window or opening 68 is positioned against the skin 74, the imaging unit 78 may have difficulty obtaining a good image of the skin 74 due to low light conditions. Therefore, in some embodiments, the optical system 80 enables the flash component of the consumer electronics device 62 or other light source components of the consumer electronics device 62 to illuminate the skin 74 adjacent to the first window or opening 68 when the imaging unit 78 needs to obtain an image of the skin 74.

[0071] In an alternative embodiment, the personal care device 2 may include one or more light sources 86 that illuminate the skin 74 adjacent to the first window or opening 68 when the imaging unit 78 needs to acquire an image. Figure 4 The image shows two light sources 86 arranged near the first window or opening 68. The light sources 86 can be light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, etc. Typically, the light sources 86 are different from any light source used to perform light-based hair removal operations (such as phototherapy), although in some embodiments, a light source used to perform light-based hair removal operations may be used to illuminate the skin 74 when an image is to be acquired.

[0072] As described above, the recess 60 is shaped to receive at least a portion or all of the consumer electronics device 62 and retain it in or on the personal care device 52. The recess 60 may be shaped or configured to retain the consumer electronics device 62 in place once it is received in the recess 60. For example, at least a portion of the wall of the recess 60 may be shaped or tapered such that the consumer electronics device 62 can be retained by friction against the wall of the recess 60. In alternative embodiments, the recess 60 or the personal care device 52 may more generally include a retaining mechanism that allows consumer electronics devices 62 of different sizes to be retained in the recess 60. The retaining mechanism may be configured to retain the consumer electronics device 62 in a rest position relative to the housing 54 within the recess 60. Some examples of suitable retaining mechanisms include one or more straps, hook-and-loop based retaining systems, one or more protrusions (for achieving frictional engagement), one or more clips, one or more clamps, etc. Similarly, in embodiments where the receiving member 60 holds the consumer electronics device 62 on or near the surface of the housing 54, the receiving member 60 may be shaped or configured to hold the consumer electronics device 62 in place once it is received on or near the surface. The receiving member may include a holding mechanism that allows consumer electronics devices 62 of different sizes to be held in a stationary position relative to the housing 54. Some examples of suitable holding mechanisms include one or more straps, hook-and-loop based holding systems, one or more protrusions (for achieving a frictional engagement), one or more clips, one or more clamps, etc.

[0073] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a retaining mechanism in the form of a cover 88 is shown, which can be moved or removed to allow the consumer electronics device 62 to be placed into the recess 60 and then moved or returned to its original position over at least a portion of the consumer electronics device 62 to retain the consumer electronics device 62 in or on the personal care device 52. The cover 88 may be shaped such that it substantially covers only the bezel or bezel portion of the consumer electronics device 62, i.e., the portion of the consumer electronics device 62 surrounding the display screen 64. Alternatively (and this may depend on the size of the consumer electronics device 62), the cover 88 may cover a portion or all of the display screen 64. The cover 88 may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as metal, plastic, etc.

[0074] In some embodiments, considering the different sizes of consumer electronics devices 62 that can be received in the recess 60, different cover plates 88 of different types and / or different sizes may be available for the consumer electronics devices 62. Therefore, when the consumer electronics device 62 is placed in the recess 60, a suitable cover plate 88 is selected from a set of cover plates 88 to hold the consumer electronics device 62 in place.

[0075] Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view of a portion of personal care device 52, showing the use of covers 88 of different sizes. Figure 5 In this context, personal care equipment 52 typically corresponds to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The personal care device 52 shown is shown. Figure 5 In (a), the consumer electronics device 62-1 is relatively small, and there is a gap 90 between the edge of the consumer electronics device 62-1 and the wall of the recess 60. Therefore, the cover plate 88-1 used in this case is shaped to hold the smaller consumer electronics device 90-1 in place within the recess 60. Figure 5 In (b), the consumer electronics device 62-2 is larger and largely fills the recess 60 (i.e., only a small gap 92 exists between the edge of the consumer electronics device 62-2 and the wall of the recess 60). Therefore, the cover plate 88-2 used in this case is shaped to hold the larger consumer electronics device 90-2 in place within the recess 60. Furthermore, when the larger consumer electronics device 62-2 is thicker, the cover plate 88-2 can be thinner than the cover plate 88-1 to reduce the amount of the cover plate 88-2 protruding from the surface of the personal care device 52.

[0076] In some embodiments, although in Figures 2-5 As not shown, the personal care device 52 may include control circuitry within the housing 54 for controlling one or more operations of the personal care device 52, such as the execution of light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operations. The control circuitry may be implemented in various ways, using software and / or hardware, to perform the various functions described herein. In some embodiments, the control circuitry may include a processing unit. In some embodiments, the control circuitry may include a memory unit that can store data, information, and / or signals for use by the control circuitry in controlling the operation of the personal care device 52.

[0077] In some embodiments, the control circuitry, or more generally, the personal care device 52 includes an interface circuitry within the housing 54, configured to enable communication with (at least) the consumer electronic device 62. Figures 2-5Not shown in the diagram. The interface circuitry can be configured to enable data connectivity to and / or data exchange with other devices, including any one or more of the consumer electronics device 62, a server, a database, and sensors. This connection can be direct or indirect (e.g., via the Internet), and therefore the interface circuitry can enable a connection between the personal care device 52 and a network (e.g., the Internet) via any desired wired or wireless communication protocol, or a direct connection between the personal care device 52 and the consumer electronics device 62. For example, the interface circuitry can operate using WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or any cellular communication protocol (including, but not limited to, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced, etc.). In a particular example, the interface circuitry can enable the personal care device 52 and the consumer electronics device 62 to communicate using short-range communication protocols such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee. In another particular example, in the case of a wired connection, the interface circuitry can include a socket or plug to enable a wired connection with the consumer electronics device 62, such as a USB plug or socket. In the case of wireless connectivity, the interface circuitry (and therefore personal care device 52) may include one or more suitable antennas for transmitting / receiving via a transmission medium (e.g., air). The interface circuitry may be part of or connected to a control circuitry, such that information or data received by the interface circuitry can be provided to the control circuitry, and / or information or data from the control circuitry can be transmitted by the interface circuitry.

[0078] In some embodiments, certain control functions or operations of the personal care device 52 (such as modifying settings for light-based hair removal or phototherapy, actuating light-based hair removal or phototherapy, etc.) may be performed by control circuitry. However, in other embodiments, certain control functions or operations of the personal care device 52 may be performed by the consumer electronics device 62, for example, by the consumer electronics device 62 running an appropriate software application (app). The app may provide a suitable user interface on the display screen 64 to the user of the personal care device 52 for adjusting or controlling the settings and / or functions of the personal care device 52, and the consumer electronics device 62 may transmit these settings and / or functions to the personal care device 52 via interface circuitry, and the control circuitry in the personal care device 52 may implement these settings or functions. This reduces the complexity of the control circuitry in the personal care device 52, and alternatively, most of the processing required to operate the personal care device 52 may be performed by the consumer electronics device 62.

[0079] In some embodiments, the personal care device 52 may include wireless charging circuitry located near (typically below) the bottom surface 66 of the recess 60. The wireless charging circuitry may be used to enable wireless charging of a wirelessly charging-enabled consumer electronics device 62 received in the recess 60. Alternatively or additionally, the wireless charging circuitry may be used to enable wireless charging of the personal care device 52 by holding the wirelessly charging-enabled consumer electronics device 62 in the recess 60. In either case, the wireless charging circuitry in the personal care device 52 may include one or more coils or similar arrangements that enable inductive coupling with corresponding components in the consumer electronics device 62.

[0080] As described above, the images acquired by the imaging unit 78 can be processed to determine one or more parameters useful for the light-based hair removal or phototherapy operation, such as whether the personal care device 52 is in contact with the skin (and in some cases, whether the skin contact is good or sufficiently good for performing the light-based hair removal or phototherapy operation), skin color, determining the progress / success of the light-based hair removal or phototherapy operation, and / or determining the target area on the skin for the light-based hair removal or phototherapy operation. Image processing can be performed by the consumer electronics device 62, and the results can be shared with or sent to the personal care device 52, or the images can be shared with or sent to the personal care device 52, and the personal care device 52 is capable of processing the images.

[0081] Therefore, by enabling the consumer electronics device 62 to be accepted and held within the personal care device 52 for light-based hair removal or phototherapy, the imaging unit 78 of the consumer electronics device 62, as well as other sensors and / or functions of the consumer electronics device 62, can be utilized. For example, other sensors and / or functions of the consumer electronics device 62 that can be used by the personal care device 52 include the display screen 64 (including any touchscreen capability of the display screen 64), an ambient light sensor, position and / or orientation sensors (e.g., accelerometers and / or gyroscopes), a satellite positioning system receiver (e.g., GPS), an altimeter / air pressure sensor, processing circuitry (CPU), network connectivity, and a microphone.

[0082] In some embodiments, the skin color sensor 18 included in the conventional personal care device 2 may be omitted, and instead, the image from the imaging unit 78 may be processed to determine the skin color.

[0083] In some embodiments, the skin contact sensor 16 included in the conventional personal care device 2 may be omitted, and instead, the image from the imaging unit 78 may be processed to determine skin contact and optionally, the quality of the skin contact may be determined.

[0084] In some embodiments, by combining images from imaging unit 78 and measurements from position sensors of consumer electronics device 62, the position of personal care device 52 relative to a subject or body can be determined, and feedback can be provided to the user of personal care device 52 regarding where it should be placed on the skin. This guidance can lead to more effective light-based hair removal or phototherapy procedures, avoiding missed areas of skin, which is an important issue for some types of light-based hair removal or phototherapy procedures where areas recently treated with light pulses are not visible.

[0085] In some embodiments, processing of the image from imaging unit 78 can be used to check whether the skin on the body is ready to undergo light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal. For example, in the case of phototherapy hair removal, the hair should be shaved or waxed before any treatment, and image processing can allow the detection of the presence of hair.

[0086] In some embodiments, processing of images from imaging unit 78 and comparison with previously obtained images of the same part of the body / skin can be used to provide feedback on the progress of light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal procedures.

[0087] In some embodiments, the network connectivity of the consumer electronics device 62 can be used to upload acquired images to a server, which can analyze the images and report back to the consumer electronics device 62 and / or personal care device 52. This enables the use of more sophisticated image processing algorithms to analyze the images.

[0088] In some embodiments, an improved or enhanced user interface can be provided for the personal care device 52 by using the display screen 64 / touchscreen of the consumer electronics device 62 as the user interface of the personal care device 52 (where the consumer electronics device 52 executes an appropriate app).

[0089] In some embodiments, the display screen 64 may be used to display a “real-time view” of the skin by displaying an image from the imaging unit 78 as an image from the imaging unit 78 is acquired. In some embodiments, guidance information for the user (e.g., arrows) may also be displayed on the display screen 64 or overlaid on the displayed image, instructing the user on how to move the personal care device 52 for the next light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal procedure.

[0090] In some embodiments, appropriate processing of the microphone of the consumer electronic device 62 and the recorded audio can be used to enable voice control of the personal care device 52.

[0091] In some embodiments of the phototherapy hair removal procedure, measurements from an ambient light sensor in the consumer electronics device 62 can be used to determine whether the ambient light level is suitable for the phototherapy hair removal procedure to be performed. For example, phototherapy hair removal should be avoided when there is ample sunlight, as this may affect the accuracy of skin color measurements.

[0092] In some embodiments of phototherapy hair removal, the automatic triggering of light pulses can be performed when the personal care device 52 is positioned at an appropriate location on the skin by using a position sensor (e.g., GPS) and / or a height sensor, and / or the triggering of light pulses can take into account ambient air pressure (because the amount of available air cooling and the pulse rate depend on the ambient pressure).

[0093] In some embodiments, calibrating the color performance of the imaging unit 78 may be important or useful because the color receiving characteristics of the imaging unit 78 may differ between consumer electronics devices 62 (including between consumer electronics devices 74 of the same model). This can be achieved, for example, by obtaining images of a color calibration card with different color regions and processing the images to determine initial color and intensity calibration. These embodiments are particularly useful when processing images to determine skin tone. Depending on the complexity of the skin tone sensor algorithm, one or more colors and grayscale tones may be included on such a calibration card. For example, some conventional personal care devices use blue LEDs to detect skin tone, and in this case only blue calibration is required. If more colors are used in the skin tone detection algorithm, these colors also need to be calibrated and included on the color calibration card.

[0094] Therefore, a personal care device for light-based hair removal or phototherapy is provided, which makes it easier to use with a smartphone or other similar type of consumer electronics device, and in particular enables the imaging unit of the consumer electronics device to acquire an image of the subject's skin, even when the consumer electronics device is received and held in the personal care device.

[0095] Those skilled in the art, by practicing the principles and techniques described herein and studying the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can implement the functions of several items as described in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used. Computer programs can be stored or distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A personal care device (52) configured to perform a light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal procedure on a subject's body, the personal care device (52) comprising: The housing (54) includes a first window or opening (68); A light source (12) is configured to generate light to perform the light-based hair removal or phototherapy hair removal operation, wherein the light source is arranged in the housing such that the light emitted by the light source illuminates a part of the body; A receiving member disposed in or on the housing (54), the receiving member being configured to receive and hold a consumer electronic device (62) in or on the personal care device (52); and The optical system (80) in the housing (54) is configured such that when the consumer electronic device is held by the receiving member, the imaging unit (78) of the consumer electronic device (62) can obtain an image of a part of the body via the first window or opening (68).

2. The personal care device (52) according to claim 1, wherein the optical system (80) comprises one or more mirrors and / or lenses (82).

3. The personal care device (52) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical system (80) is adjustable to accommodate different positions of the imaging unit (78) of different types of consumer electronic devices (62).

4. The personal care device (52) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the optical system (80) is configured to be adjustable in at least one of a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first window or opening (68) and a direction parallel to the plane of the first window or opening (68).

5. The personal care device (52) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the optical system (80) is configured such that light from a light source from the consumer electronic device (62) can pass through the first window or opening (68).

6. The personal care device (52) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the receiving member is configured such that the consumer electronic device (62) is received and held in or on the personal care device (52) such that the imaging plane of the imaging unit (78) of the consumer electronic device (62) is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first window or opening (68).

7. The personal care device (52) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the receiving member includes a recess (60) disposed in the housing (54) and configured and shaped to receive the consumer electronics device (62) at least partially submerged in the housing.

8. The personal care device (52) according to claim 7, wherein the recess (60) is shaped such that a consumer electronic device (62) of a different size can be received and held in the recess.

9. The personal care device (52) according to any one of claims 7-8, wherein the personal care device (52) further comprises a holding mechanism configured to hold the consumer electronic device (62) in the recess (60) at a rest position relative to the housing (54).

10. The personal care device (52) according to claim 9, wherein the holding mechanism is configured to hold a consumer electronic device (62) of a different size in the recess (60).

11. The personal care device (52) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the retaining mechanism includes a cover (88) configured to be placed over a portion of the consumer electronics device (62) when the consumer electronics device is received in the recess (60), thereby retaining the consumer electronics device (62) in or on the personal care device (52).

12. The personal care device (52) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a plurality of covers (88), wherein each cover (88) is configured to be placed on a portion of the consumer electronic device (62) when the consumer electronic device of a corresponding size is received in the recess (60), wherein each cover (88) is configured to hold the consumer electronic device (62) of a corresponding size in or on the personal care device (52).

13. The personal care device (52) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the personal care device is configured to perform the light-based hair removal or photo-hair removal operation on a portion of the body adjacent to the first window or opening (68).

14. The personal care device (52) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the personal care device (52) further includes an aperture (72), and wherein the personal care device is configured to perform a light-based hair removal or photo-hair removal operation on a portion of the body adjacent to the aperture (72).

Images