Personal care or personal health device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a personal care or personal health device. The present invention relates to a device for application against a body of a subject for implementing primary personal care or personal health functions. An imaging system is integrated into a device for imaging under a surface of a portion of a body of a subject. The imaging system performs light sheet microscopy to generate detection images from which screening of health conditions or early detection of abnormalities or disease attacks, in particular detection relating to vasculature below the surface of a portion of the body, can be performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to personal care or personal health devices and in particular to providing such devices with imaging capabilities, in addition to providing a separate primary function, so that they can be used to assess health conditions Background Art

[0002] It is becoming increasingly common to incorporate smart additional functions in personal health or personal care devices. Examples of personal care devices include epilators, shavers, breast pumps, massagers, etc. Examples of personal health devices include light therapy devices for skin rejuvenation or light therapy devices for teeth and gums.

[0003] The invention relates in particular to handheld devices that can be applied to the body, such as the skin, gums or teeth.

[0004] It is known to incorporate imaging into such devices, for example imaging the gums or teeth to assess gum and tooth health, or using image analysis to check the closeness of a shaved tooth.

[0005] However, there are other conditions that occur just beneath the surface of the skin.

[0006] A superficial vein thrombosis is a blood clot that occurs in a vein just under the skin (superficial vein). This usually occurs in the arms or legs and causes inflammation, pain, redness and swelling. Therefore, it is usually visible on the surface of the skin.

[0007] In deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body, particularly those that are not visible through the skin. Blood clots in deep veins are dangerous because they can travel to the lungs and stop blood flow (causing a pulmonary embolism).

[0008] Deep vein thrombosis is usually detected and diagnosed by vascular ultrasound, which has the disadvantage of requiring the additional application of ultrasound coupling gel for imaging (which adds additional inconvenience to the user). Recommendations for treating deep vein thrombosis may include the use of heat, elevation of the limb during rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, or compression stockings (if there is a blood clot in the leg).

[0009] Venous thrombophlebitis may be a sign of systemic disease (such as underlying cardiovascular disease or hormonal disruption), so in the case of multiple blood clots, a more appropriate recommendation would be to have a health check-up.

[0010] Another example of a vascular condition is a superficial dilation of the blood vessels of the tongue, known as sublingual varicose veins, or twisted, dilated varicose veins (legs). This can also be related to a health condition. Smoking, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, other cardiovascular disease, and hemorrhagic telangiectasia (small, dilated blood vessels that appear as spider veins) can be signs of sublingual varicose veins.

[0011] Due to its numerous health risks, there is a need for screening, diagnosis and early detection of venous thrombosis when it goes unnoticed by patients for a long time. In the early stages of diagnosis, the mild rehabilitation methods described above can be used before venous thrombosis begins to become a serious health problem. When venous thrombosis is caused by other (systemic) health problems, these problems may go unnoticed without early diagnosis. This applies more generally to other conditions that manifest beneath the surface of the skin, such as other vascular conditions.

[0012] It would be interesting if a system for analyzing the condition of blood vessels, preferably beneath the surface of the skin, could be implemented using the user's existing equipment, with little additional burden on the user, and without the need for ultrasound imaging.

[0013] US2005 / 0154382 discloses a handheld skin dissection device for visualizing a skin treatment area before treatment. An imaging system provides an image below the skin surface. A linearly polarized imaging beam is used, and a cross polarizer is used to block reflections from the skin surface, thereby enabling imaging below the skin surface. Summary of the invention

[0014] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0015] According to an example of one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handheld personal care or personal health device, comprising:

[0016] a user interface element for application against a subject's body for performing a primary personal care or personal wellness function; and

[0017] An imaging system for imaging beneath the surface of a part of a subject's body, wherein the imaging system comprises:

[0018] an illumination source for generating a light sheet and directing the light sheet toward the body part, wherein the light sheet has a waist, the waist being a region of interest beneath a surface of the body part, and the waist being within a plane of the light sheet;

[0019] A detector is used to detect light from the waist of the light sheet from a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the light sheet and generate a detection image.

[0020] The device is used to perform a primary personal health or care function, but additionally has an integrated imaging system for imaging beneath the tissue surface. By imaging beneath the tissue surface, problems associated with the vasculature of a subject using the handheld device can be assessed. This enables the subject to have their vascular condition assessed while performing their personal care routine.

[0021] The imaging system implements the principles of light sheet microscopy. For example, it uses light in the infrared spectrum. More generally, wavelengths of light in the visible / near infrared range of 300nm to 3000nm can be used. Lower visible wavelengths (e.g., 380 nanometers blue) can also be used for excited fluorescence sheet microscopy.

[0022] This imaging setup offers several advantages. A single 2D plane of the sample can be imaged quickly, which means that fast dynamic processes can be seen. By exciting only one plane at the waist of the illumination beam and the desired location of the sample, there is less out-of-focus light, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, by imaging only at a well-defined depth defined by the size and plane of the light sheet, the amount of image data can be reduced.

[0023] For example, the illumination source comprises a light source and illumination optics (suitable lenses, optical filters, etc.) for generating a light sheet, and the detector comprises detection optics and a detector focused at the waist of the light sheet. This provides a light sheet microscope configuration. For example, the detection optics comprises an objective lens focused at the waist of the light sheet.

[0024] One or both of the illumination optics and the detection optics may include filters. For example, filters may be used to implement fluorescent sheet imaging. Filters may also be used to transmit certain spectral ranges for improved image quality. For example, a cutoff filter in the range of 600nm to 700nm may be used to image fungal tissue.

[0025] The device may also include a sensor for sensing an inclination of a portion of the subject's body, and a controller for using the sensed inclination to adjust the imaging system or control processing of the detected image.

[0026] In one embodiment, the additional sensor (e.g., vibration sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope) is provided for sensing the tilt of a part of the subject's body, and the controller can be used to adjust the illumination optics and / or the detection optics based on the sensed tilt. In this way, if the imaged surface is tilted compared to the desired orientation of the optical system, the optical system can be reconfigured to maintain a focused image. Filter settings can also be adjusted.

[0027] In another embodiment, a sensor is again provided for sensing the inclination of a part of the subject's body, and the controller controls the storage and / or analysis of the detected images according to the sensed inclination, or combines the image parts to create an overall image based on the sensed inclination of the image parts. In this way, image reconstruction is improved by selecting or using only images generated in a configuration that gives a focused image. In addition, the amount of image acquisition or image storage data can be reduced.

[0028] In another embodiment, a sensor is again provided for sensing the inclination of a part of the subject's body, and a scanning mirror is arranged between the detection optics and the detector. The controller then controls the scanning mirror orientation according to the inclination of the part of the subject's body. Thus, the optical path is adapted to take into account the inclination of the body surface.

[0029] In each case, the imaging system is used, for example, to image vasculature beneath the surface of a subject.

[0030] In a first example, a processor is provided for analyzing the detection images to provide an assessment of deep vein thrombosis. Detecting deep vein thrombosis at an early stage by imaging beneath the skin surface can prevent medical complications.

[0031] For example, the device is an intense pulsed light module of an epilator and the primary personal care or personal health function includes hair removal. Since this type of device is typically used on the legs, it can provide detection of deep vein thrombosis, which is common in the legs.

[0032] For example, an intense pulsed light (IPL) epilator device has a light transmission window for transmitting a flash of light, and the illumination source transmits the light sheet through the light transmission window. This provides a compact arrangement in which the light sheet light source is integrated into the structure of the epilator.

[0033] In a second example, a processor is provided for analyzing the detected images to provide an assessment of sublingual varicose veins. The device may then include an oral appliance (such as a mouthpiece, night guard, aligner), and the primary personal care or personal health function includes gum and / or tooth treatment or gum and / or tooth protection.

[0034] In a third example, a processor is provided for analyzing the detection images to provide an assessment of early signs of breast vasospasm or inflammation caused by enlarged breast veins.The device may then include a breast pump and the primary personal care or personal health function includes breast pump milk extraction.

[0035] It can be seen that sub-surface image analysis can be used in a variety of personal health or personal care situations to provide detection and / or assessment of conditions related to the same body area (e.g., leg, mouth, breast) with which the device interacts during its primary use.

[0036] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be put into practice, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 The principle of light sheet microscopy is shown;

[0039] Figure 2 The waist length L and waist width W of the light sheet are shown;

[0040] Figure 3 An IPL device is shown, the device comprising an imaging system for imaging beneath the surface of a part of a subject's body;

[0041] Figure 4 It shows how to implement the imaging system in an intense pulsed light module / unit of an IPL device;

[0042] Figure 5 An alternative arrangement of an imaging system in an intense pulsed light module / unit of an IPL device is shown;

[0043] Figure 6 Another alternative arrangement of the imaging system in the intense pulsed light module / unit of an IPL device is shown;

[0044] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 Variations of;

[0045] Figure 8 A light sheet imaging configuration for monitoring sublingual varicose veins using an oral appliance such as a corrector or mouthpiece is shown;

[0046] Fig. 9 shows a light sheet imaging arrangement integrated into a bra which may be part of a breast pump for monitoring vasospasm precursors in the veins of the areola or breast;

[0047] Fig.10 An example of a tilted arrangement is shown;

[0048] Fig.11 The use of a compensating scanning mirror is shown to enable different tilts to be tolerated;

[0049] Fig.12An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is shown that provides motion sensing information to the controller to control the tilt stage; and

[0050] Fig.13 A method is shown in which images are stored and / or analyzed only if the handheld device is in a desired orientation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system and method, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention will be better understood through the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0053] The present invention provides a device for application against a subject's body for performing a primary personal care or personal health function. An imaging system is integrated into the device for imaging beneath the surface of a portion of the subject's body. The imaging system implements (principle) light sheet microscopy to generate images from which screening or preliminary remote diagnosis of disease onset can be performed, particularly diseases associated with the vasculature beneath the surface of a portion of the body.

[0054] In light sheet microscopy, an illumination beam is typically directed perpendicular to the imaging detection system, creating a light sheet through a specific 2D plane of tissue of the subject's body part.

[0055] Figure 1 The principle of light sheet microscopy is shown.

[0056] The imaging system comprises an illumination source 10 for generating a light sheet 12 and directing the light sheet to an object to be imaged, which in the present disclosure is a part of a subject's body. The illumination source comprises, for example, a cylindrical lens or a Fresnel lens to generate the light sheet. A waist 16 of the light sheet is located at a region of interest 18 of the object, and in the present disclosure, the region of interest 18 is located below the surface of the part of the body.

[0057] For example, the light wavelength is in the range of 300nm to 3000nm, more preferably 600nm to 3000nm, and preferably in the infrared spectrum.For example, depending on the wavelength, the light penetrates a few millimeters at a maximum of 1 cm below the surface.

[0058] The detector 20 is used to detect light from the waist of the light sheet and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the light sheet, and then a detection image is generated.

[0059] This imaging configuration has multiple benefits. First, a single 2D plane of the sample can be imaged quickly, which means that fast dynamic processes can be seen. Second, only one plane is excited, which means that the waist of the illumination beam is located at the location of the region of interest and there is much less out-of-focus light (compared to wide-field and confocal imaging). This improves signal intensity, i.e., improves the signal-to-noise ratio. By imaging only slices at a certain depth, the amount of image data acquisition and storage can be reduced.

[0060] Figure 2 The waist length L and width W are shown. They are affected by the numerical aperture NA and wavelength λ of the illumination optics and the refractive index n of the tissue of the object:

[0061] W ~ λ / NA, and

[0062] L~λ*n / NA 2

[0063] Considering the case where the illumination axis is 90 degrees to the imaging axis, W determines the optical sectioning capability and L determines the field of view. Therefore, a larger numerical aperture will provide better optical sectioning capability at the expense of a smaller field of view.

[0064] The present invention provides an imaging system as described above, wherein the illumination system (illumination source and objective lens) is integrated into or attached to a handheld personal care device or personal health device (such as a toothbrush), any oral appliance (such as a mouthpiece, aligner, IPL hair removal device, epilator, pacifier or baby bottle, breast pump, shaver, etc.).

[0065] The integrated illumination source and objective are part of a local high contrast light sheet imaging system for performing light sheet contrast imaging. The images can then be analyzed by a health practitioner, or the images can be analyzed using software to assess deeper blood vessels, such as the deep veins in the legs or blood vessels under the surface of the tongue or inside the breast.

[0066] The first example is for the assessment of deep vein thrombosis. This can be done with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which is commonly used for hair removal on the legs.

[0067] Figure 3 An IPL device 30 is shown in the form of a handheld device having a handle 32 with a trigger 34 and a light source 36 that provides IPL light through a light transmission window 38 (e.g., a sapphire window). A controller 40 controls the light source 36 to transmit flashes of light to the light transmission window 38. The device also has a sensor (not shown) for detecting skin contact and / or orientation of the device relative to the skin surface, so that flashes of light are emitted only when contact with the skin is made, or images are captured, analyzed, or stored only when a specific orientation occurs.

[0068] Figure 3 Also schematically shown is an imaging system as unit 42 for imaging beneath the surface of a part of a subject's body (shown in further detail below).

[0069] For example, during a hair removal procedure using an IPL hair removal device on the leg, a scanning motion is made along the skin, allowing different subsurface tissue areas to be imaged over time without the need for scanning optics. This enables the location of blood clots to be assessed in real time while the vasculature is imaged to target.

[0070] Figure 4 Shows how to implement Figure 3 The imaging system 42 is shown. It shows an IPL light source 50 and a rear reflector 52. The IPL light is transmitted to the light transmission window 38 through a filter 54.

[0071] The illumination system comprises a light source 60 and an illumination optic 62, which may be a cylindrical lens or a Fresnel lens, to generate a light sheet 12. The waist of the light sheet is located slightly outside the IPL light transmission window and thus inside the tissue. The illumination system also comprises a detector 66 having an objective lens 68.

[0072] The upper figure shows a side view, and the lower figure shows a front view.

[0073] The IPL light transmission window 38 serves as an intermediate light passing system for light sheet illumination and transmission of detection light to the objective lens 68. The light source 60 and the objective lens 68 for light sheet delivery are nearly perpendicular to each other in such a way that veins can be imaged at the working distance of the objective lens 68.

[0074] exist Figure 4 In the example, a light sheet is formed just below the IPL light transmission window in the skin. The light source 60 can be an LED or a super luminescent laser diode. The filter 54 is a sapphire UV protector that does not affect the spectral transmittance of the LED or laser source. In this example, the light sheet passes through the filter and the detection is performed through the filter. When positioning the objective lens 68 for imaging, the positional shift of the illumination caused by the filter should be taken into account. The object plane coincides with the light sheet formed inside the skin area.

[0075] Figure 5 An alternative arrangement is shown in which the light sheet is placed to the side of the filter so that only the light is through the light output window. Detection is also performed without light passing through the filter.

[0076] Figure 6An alternative configuration is shown in which the light sheet 12 is transmitted through the filter 54 in the normal direction and the IPL light from the light source 50 and the light sheet 12 is directed at a 45 degree angle to the surface to be treated. The detector 66 is therefore also at a 45 degree angle to the surface to form a vertical illumination and detection path. The light transmission window 38 has a wedge shape to define the 45 degree angle.

[0077] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 A variation of , in which filter 54 is perpendicular to the skin surface.

[0078] These arrangements enable the detector 66 to be brought closer to the skin, thereby enabling the use of a short working distance objective 68. These short working distances allow for higher detection numerical apertures NA. The advantage of a higher NA is higher resolution, thereby enabling the imaging of smaller veins (even arterioles, capillaries). Conversely, a lower NA objective allows for a longer working distance and a wider field of view, thereby enabling the imaging of larger and / or deeper veins (or any other tissue structure).

[0079] In some examples, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the IPL illumination system and the light sheet imaging system are both in the same housing. In other examples, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the detector and its objective lens can be located in a separate housing attached to the light transmitting window.

[0080] A second example is the assessment of sublingual varicose veins. This can be performed with a device used in the mouth, such as a toothbrush or a cleaning or whitening mouthpiece or aligner or night guard. Sublingual varicose veins (SLV) are dilated, tortuous veins visible along the ventral surface of the tongue or floor of the mouth and tend to become more prominent with age. However, in younger people, this vascular damage may be part of Fabry or Osler syndrome, a disease that causes abnormal blood vessel formation in the skin.

[0081] Lingual vasodilation may be associated with smoking, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, other cardiovascular disease, or hemorrhagic telangiectasia, so it is advantageous to monitor the health of the blood vessels.

[0082] Figure 8 A light sheet imaging configuration for monitoring sublingual varicose veins using a mouthpiece in the form of a dental aligner is shown. It shows a light source 60 and illumination optics 62, as well as a detector 66 and an objective lens 68. The tissue surface is, for example, the floor of the mouth, and the illumination system is mounted on or integrated in the bottom mouthpiece, directing light downward. The tissue surface can be the underside of the tongue, and the illumination system can also be mounted on the bottom mouthpiece, but directing light upward toward the tongue.

[0083] For example, the mouthpiece uses a separate lighting system (e.g., using LEDs) for light-based tooth and gum treatment. Alternatively, the mouthpiece can be a transparent aligner or a brushing mouthpiece. The alignment between illumination and detection is also perpendicular in a way that veins can be imaged by the objective lens.

[0084] The depth of the structure depends on the size of the illumination source and the detection system and the distance between the two. With photonic integration, the illumination system can be very close to the object of interest while still having a reasonable NA and thus a reasonable resolution. In addition, the module can be miniaturized and made reliable and low-cost.

[0085] A third example is for assessing blood vessels, such as veins of the areola or nipple capillaries, or milk ducts in the breast. This can be performed with the shield of a breast pump or breast massage device.

[0086] Fig. 9 A bra 70 is shown which may be part of a breast pump. The light sheet is generated in the longitudinal direction, i.e. generally parallel to the nipple axis, and the detection direction is vertical. An advantage of being integrated into a breast pump (e.g. by overmolding the integrated optical / photonic MEMS) is that the breast with the breast pump will move through the static light sheet by the pumping movement. This enables multiple images to be obtained at different depths within the breast tissue. Blood vessels and the nipple-areola complex area can be imaged to detect vasospasm or inflammation. Multiple images (z-axis slices) are provided which are obtained by the pumping movement rather than by moving components of the imaging system.

[0087] Another aspect that can be applied to all of the above examples is to implement corrections to the light sheet orientation. This can be useful to compensate for non-uniformities in the 3D tissue surface. Angle correction can use hardware and / or software. For example, if a personal care or personal health device is held against a skewed surface, particularly to prevent blur or out-of-focus light, such compensation provides improved image quality and makes image quality acquisition more robust. Skewed skin surfaces are commonly found throughout the human body (e.g., legs, arms, face, etc.) and are never completely flat and have a certain curvature or taper.

[0088] As a result, the object of interest (eg, a certain depth below the skin surface) may no longer be located at the focal length of the objective lens. The defocus may be determined by an additional optical system (not shown).

[0089] Fig.10 An example of a tilted detector 66 (angle φ) is shown. The detector objective comprises lens 68a and lens 68b. These lenses are designed to focus the tilted light sheet 12 (tilted at angle α) so that all points along the waist of the light sheet are in focus.

[0090] Thus, out-of-focus image problems caused by tilted surfaces (different from or deviating from angle α) can be compensated by tilting the sensor. A fixed tilted surface can only provide a focused image for a specific tilt of the imaged surface, and typically the handheld device is moved over a contoured skin surface area over which the tilt will vary.

[0091] Fig.11 A solution with a compensating scanning mirror 80 is shown to achieve proper focus on the sensor 66 by compensating for the tilt of the skin area.

[0092] An additional optical system for measuring the focus of the captured image may be used to provide a feedback correction signal to drive the mirror 80. The focus measurement system is not shown, but includes conventional image processing. Alternatively, direction sensing may be used to detect tilt.

[0093] For small tilt angles α, the orientation of the illumination unit does not need to be adjusted and the light sheet will capture the focal plane. For large tilt angles, the imaging system needs to be adjusted. Many handheld devices have inertial measurement units (IMUs), accelerometers, gyroscopes, or in the future, possibly optical guide points that generate a light pattern that can be linked to a specific device orientation relative to the tissue surface to be imaged.

[0094] Three concepts based on the use of IMU information related to the spatial orientation of a personal health device relative to the skin surface are described below.

[0095] The first concept is to adapt or adjust the orientation of the detector and / or illumination optics. The orientation information can be obtained through an electronically configurable 3-axis or 6-axis tilt stage (or even a gimbal). In one example, the control loop includes a controller that adjusts the orientation of the detector target in real time based on the measurement direction of the personal health or personal care device.

[0096] Fig.12 An IMU 90 is shown which provides motion sensing information to a controller 92 which in turn controls a tilt stage 94, such as a piezoelectric tilt stage, to which the detection target 68 is mounted. In addition, the controller controls the settings of the illumination system 62 (either in response to the measured orientation or simply based on a predetermined characteristic).

[0097] Fig.13 A second concept shown is that images are stored and / or analyzed only if the handheld device with the light sheet imaging system has a theoretically ideal orientation relative to the tissue surface.

[0098] In step 100, the light sheet imaging system is disabled and the desired orientation angle is determined.

[0099] In step 102, the device is used for its primary purpose, such as shaving or other hair removal.

[0100] In step 104, it is tested whether the angle condition is met during normal use. If the angle condition is not met, the method angle condition is repeatedly tested during normal use.

[0101] When the angle condition is met, an image is acquired in step 106, or a relevant image or image portion is extracted from a sequence of consecutive images.

[0102] Vascular changes (or other condition being studied) may then be determined in real time or offline in step 108 .

[0103] In this way, the algorithm is used to extract or acquire images only for the specific conditions of the angles measured by the IMU or the concept of a single guidance point (using the previous definition of the ideal combination of IMU angles or guidance point patterns). The angle conditions are tested during use of the device and if these angle conditions are met, an image is acquired, or the relevant image portion is extracted from the sequence of consecutive images.

[0104] The third concept is to reconstruct a sharp image from a sequence of images and stitch together the focused segments of each image to build a perfectly sharp image.

[0105] The advantage of these methods is that they enable the acquisition of images of higher image quality (because only the in-focus pixels are analyzed or imaged) at a reduced computational overhead (with reduced data storage rate and reduced data volume). For example, images are stored and analyzed only when the detector is at 90° relative to the tissue surface.

[0106] In all cases, vascular changes can be determined from real-time acquired images and / or offline reconstructed images that meet specific user criteria.

[0107] The invention is not limited to the analysis of vasculature. If the resolution is sufficient, light sheet imaging can be used for any anatomical structure by appropriate choice of wavelength (i.e. taking into account blood absorption) and penetration depth. When imaging milk vessels, fat absorption should be taken into account. It is possible to image lymph nodes, glands, etc.

[0108] For example, light-sheet fluorescence imaging can be used to image fungi growing in tissue.

[0109] As described above, detection is performed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the light sheet. The plane of the light sheet can be defined as the plane where the detection occurs, i.e., the plane at the waist. Thus, the light sheet initially generated may be located in an initial plane, but this initial plane may be reoriented by the optical components downstream of the light source (e.g., filter 54). Thus, the light sheet can be considered to be located in a plane at the location of the waist, and the detection is perpendicular to this plane. Therefore, the detection is perpendicular to the waist.

[0110] Those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations to the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0111] The functions implemented by a processor may be implemented by a single processor or by multiple separate processing units, which together constitute a “processor.” In some cases, these processing units may be remote from each other and communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly.

[0112] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0113] The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0114] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "device" is used in the claims or description, it should be noted that the term "device" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system" and vice versa.

[0115] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A handheld personal care or personal health device comprising: a user interface element for application against a body of a subject for performing a primary personal care or personal health function; as well as An imaging system for imaging below the surface of a part of a body of the subject, wherein the imaging system comprises: an illumination source (60, 62) for generating a light sheet and directing the light sheet toward the body part, wherein the light sheet has a waist at a region of interest beneath the surface of the body part and the waist is within the plane of the light sheet; as well as A detector (66, 68) is used to detect light from the waist of the light sheet from a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the light sheet and generate a detection image.

2. The device according to claim 1, comprising: a sensor for sensing an inclination of the body portion of the subject; as well as A controller is configured to use the sensed tilt to adjust the imaging system or control image processing of the detected image.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to adjust illumination optics and / or detection optics of the imaging system in dependence on the sensed tilt.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the controller is used to control the storage and / or analysis of the detected image according to the sensed inclination, or to combine the image parts based on the detected inclination of the image parts to create an overall image.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the imaging system comprises a scanning mirror between the detection optics and the detector, and the controller is used to control the scanning mirror orientation according to the inclination of the body part of the subject.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the illumination source comprises a light source and illumination optics for generating the light sheet, and the detector comprises detection optics focused at the waist of the light sheet and a detector.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the detection optics comprises an objective lens, and wherein one or both of the illumination optics and the detection optics comprises an optical filter.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the imaging system is used to image vasculature beneath the surface of the object.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a processor for analyzing the detection images to provide an assessment of vascular disease or abnormality such as deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, spider veins, vasospasm, or inflammation.

10. A device according to claim 9, comprising an intense pulsed light unit of an epilator, and the primary personal care or personal wellness function comprises hair removal such as epilation.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the intense pulsed light unit of the epilator has a light transmission window for transmitting the light flash, wherein the illumination source transmits the light sheet through the light transmission window.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a processor for analyzing the detected images to provide an assessment of sublingual varicose veins.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, comprising an oral appliance, such as a mouthpiece, and wherein the primary personal care or personal health function comprises gum and / or tooth treatment.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a processor for analyzing the detection images to provide an assessment of breast vasospasm or inflammation.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, comprising a breast pump, and the primary personal care or personal health function comprises breast pump milk extraction.

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