Handheld personal care or personal health device

Abstract

The utility model relates to handheld personal care or personal health equipment. 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] This invention relates to handheld personal care or personal health devices, and more particularly to providing imaging capabilities for such devices, enabling them to be used for assessing health conditions in addition to providing their primary functions. Background Technology

[0002] The integration of smart add-ons into personal health or personal care devices is becoming increasingly common. Examples of personal care devices include epilators, razors, breast pumps, and massagers. Examples of personal health devices include light therapy devices for skin regeneration or for teeth and gums.

[0003] This invention relates in particular to a handheld device that can be applied to the body (e.g., skin, gums, or teeth).

[0004] It is well known that imaging is incorporated into such devices, for example, to image the gums or teeth to assess gum and dental health, or to use image analysis to check the tightness of shavings.

[0005] However, there are other conditions that occur only beneath the skin's surface.

[0006] Superficial vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a vein (superficial vein) under the skin. This condition 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), blood clots form in the body's deep veins, especially those not visible through the skin. Blood clots in deep veins are dangerous because they can travel to the lungs and stop blood flow (leading to a pulmonary embolism).

[0008] Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is usually examined and diagnosed using vascular ultrasound. A drawback is the need for additional ultrasound-coupled gel imaging (which adds extra inconvenience for the user). Treatment recommendations for DVT include applying heat, elevating the limb while resting, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or wearing compression stockings (if there is a blood clot in the leg).

[0009] Venous thrombophlebitis can be a sign of systemic disease, such as underlying cardiovascular disease or hormone disruption, so a health check is more appropriate in cases of multiple blood clots.

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

[0011] Due to its numerous health risks, venous thrombosis needs to be screened, diagnosed, and detected early when long-term patients remain unaware of it. In the early stages of diagnosis, the aforementioned mild rehabilitation methods can be used before venous thrombosis begins to develop into a serious health problem. When venous thrombosis is caused by other (systemic) health issues, these problems may be overlooked without early diagnosis. This applies more generally to other conditions manifesting beneath the skin's surface, such as other vascular conditions.

[0012] It would be of interest if a system could be developed for the preferred analysis of vascular conditions beneath the skin surface, using the user’s existing equipment with minimal additional burden on the user and without requiring ultrasound imaging.

[0013] US2005 / 0154382 discloses a handheld skin anatomy device for visualizing a skin treatment area prior to treatment. The imaging system provides an image below the skin surface. A linearly polarized imaging beam is used, and a cross-polarizer is employed to block reflections from the skin surface, thereby enabling imaging below the skin surface. Utility Model Content

[0014] This utility model is defined by the claims.

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

[0016] User interface elements for use with an object's body, for implementing key personal care or personal health functions; and

[0017] An imaging system for imaging beneath the surface of a portion of an object's body, wherein the imaging system includes:

[0018] An illumination source for generating a light sheet and directing the light sheet to a part of the body, wherein the light sheet has a waist that is a region of interest below the surface of the part of the body, and the waist lies in the 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 to generate a detection image.

[0020] This device is designed to perform primary personal health or care functions, but additionally features an integrated imaging system for imaging beneath the surface of tissue. By imaging beneath the tissue surface, problems related to the vascular system of the subject using the handheld device can be assessed. This allows subjects to assess their vascular condition while performing their personal care routines.

[0021] The imaging system implements the principle 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 300 nm to 3000 nm can be used. Lower visible light wavelengths (e.g., 380 nm blue) can also be used for excited fluorescent sheet microscopy.

[0022] This imaging setup offers several advantages. A single 2D plane of the sample can be rapidly imaged, meaning fast dynamic processes can be observed. By exciting only a plane at the waist of the illumination beam and the desired location on the sample, there is less out-of-focus light, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, by imaging only at a 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 includes a light source and illumination optics (suitable lenses, optical filters, etc.) for generating the light sheet, and the detector includes detection optics focused at the waist of the light sheet and a detector. This provides a light sheet microscope configuration. For example, the detection optics include an objective lens focused at the waist of the light sheet.

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

[0025] The device may also include a sensor for sensing the tilt of a part of the object’s body, and a controller for using the sensed tilt to adjust the imaging system or control the processing of the detected image.

[0026] In one implementation, the additional sensor (e.g., a vibration sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope) is provided to sense the tilt of a part of the object's body, and the controller can be used to adjust the illumination optics and / or detection optics based on the sensed tilt. In this way, if the imaged surface is tilted relative 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 implementation, the sensor is again provided to sense the tilt of a portion of the object's body, and the controller controls the storage and / or analysis of the detected images based on the sensed tilt, or combines image portions based on the tilt of the sensed image portions to create a complete image. In this way, image reconstruction is improved by selecting or using only the images generated in a configuration that provides a focused image. Furthermore, the amount of data required for image acquisition or storage can be reduced.

[0028] In another embodiment, the sensor is again provided for sensing the tilt of a part of the object's body, and a scanning mirror is positioned between the detection optics and the detector. The controller then controls the orientation of the scanning mirror based on the tilt of the part of the object's body. Therefore, the optical path is adapted to take into account the tilt of the body surface.

[0029] In all cases, the imaging system is used, for example, to image the vascular system beneath the surface of an object.

[0030] In the first example, a processor is provided to analyze the detected images to provide an assessment of deep vein thrombosis. Early detection of deep vein thrombosis through imaging beneath the skin surface can prevent medical complications.

[0031] For example, the device is an intense pulsed light module for hair removal, and its main personal care or personal health functions include hair removal. Because this type of device is typically used on the legs, it can also provide detection for deep vein thrombosis, a common condition in the legs.

[0032] For example, intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal devices have a light transmission window for transmitting flashes, and the illumination source transmits a 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 hair removal device.

[0033] In the second example, a processor is provided for analyzing the detected images to provide an assessment of sublingual varicose veins. The device may then include oral appliances (such as oral fittings, night protection devices, calibrators), and key personal care or personal health functions include gingival and / or dental treatment or gingival and / or dental protection.

[0034] In the third example, a processor is provided for analyzing the detected images to provide an assessment of early signs of breast vascular spasm or inflammation caused by enlarged breast veins. The device can then include a breast pump, and key personal care or personal health functions include breast pump milk extraction.

[0035] Therefore, subsurface 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 whole-body area (e.g., legs, mouth, breast) that the device interacts with during its primary use.

[0036] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent and will be clarified with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To better understand this utility model and to more clearly illustrate how to implement it, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, wherein:

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

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

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

[0041] Figure 4 This demonstrates how to implement an imaging system in a high-intensity pulsed light module / unit of an IPL device;

[0042] Figure 5 This illustrates alternative arrangements of the imaging system in the high-pulse light module / unit of an IPL device;

[0043] Figure 6 Another alternative arrangement of the imaging system in the high-pulse light module / unit of the IPL device is shown;

[0044] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 Variations;

[0045] Figure 8 A radiographic imaging configuration for monitoring sublingual varicose veins using oral appliances such as calipers or oral devices is shown;

[0046] Figure 9 A light-film imaging configuration integrated into a breast shield is shown, which can be part of a breast pump for monitoring vasospasm precursors of veins in the areola or breast.

[0047] Figure 10 An example of an inclined arrangement is shown;

[0048] Figure 11 This demonstrates the use of a compensating scanning mirror to allow for different tilts;

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

[0050] Figure 13 A method for storing and / or analyzing images is shown that only when the handheld device is in the desired orientation. Detailed Implementation

[0051] This utility model will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, they are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present 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 not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used in all the drawings to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0053] This invention provides a device for application against an object's body, used to perform primary personal care or personal health functions. An imaging system is integrated into the device for imaging beneath the surface of a part of the object's body. The imaging system performs (principle) light sheet microscopy to generate images, from which screening for disease onset or preliminary remote diagnosis can be performed, particularly for diseases related to the vascular system beneath the surface of a part of the body.

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

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

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

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

[0058] 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. A detection image is then generated.

[0059] This imaging configuration offers several advantages. First, it allows for rapid imaging of a single 2D plane of the sample, meaning fast dynamic processes can be observed. Second, with only one plane being excited, the waist of the illumination beam is located at the region of interest, resulting in significantly less defocusing (compared to wide-field-of-view and confocal imaging). This improves signal strength, i.e., increases the signal-to-noise ratio. By imaging a sheet at only a certain depth, 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, as well as the refractive index n of the object's tissue.

[0061] W ~ λ / NA, and

[0062] L ~ λ n / NA 2

[0063] Considering that the illumination axis and imaging axis are at a 90-degree angle, W determines the optical slicing capability, and L determines the field of view. Therefore, a larger numerical aperture will provide better optical slicing capability at the cost of a smaller field of view.

[0064] This invention provides an imaging system as described above, wherein an 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 an oral accessory, calibrator, IPL hair removal device, epilator, pacifier or baby bottle, breast pump, shaving, etc.).

[0065] The integrated illumination source and objective lens are part of a local high-contrast light sheet imaging system used to perform light sheet contrast imaging. The detected images can then be analyzed by a healthcare professional, or software can be used to analyze the images to assess deeper blood vessels, such as deep veins in the leg, or vessels on the surface of the tongue or inside the breast.

[0066] The first example is for assessing deep vein thrombosis. This can be done with intense pulsed light (IPL), which is commonly used for hair removal on the legs.

[0067] Figure 3An IPL device 30 is shown, which is in the form of a handheld device with a handle 32 and a light source 36. The handle 32 has a trigger 34, and the light source 36 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 to the light transmission window 38. The device also has sensors (not shown) for detecting skin contact and / or the orientation of the device relative to the skin surface, such that flashes are emitted only upon contact with the skin, or images are acquired, analyzed, or stored only when a specific orientation occurs.

[0068] Figure 3 An imaging system, which serves as unit 42, is also schematically shown for imaging beneath the surface of a part of the body of an object (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 performed along the skin, allowing imaging of different subsurface tissue areas over time without the need for scanning optics. This enables real-time assessment of blood clot location when imaging the target in a vascular system.

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

[0071] The illumination system includes a light source 60 and an illumination optics 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 therefore within the tissue. The illumination system also includes a detector 66 with an objective lens 68.

[0072] The top image shows a side view, and the bottom image shows a front view.

[0073] The IPL light transmission window 38 serves as an intermediate light transmission system for illuminating the light sheet and transmitting detection light to the objective lens 68. The light source 60 and the objective lens 68 for light sheet transport are positioned approximately perpendicular to each other so that vein imaging can be performed at the working distance of the objective lens 68.

[0074] exist Figure 4 In this example, a light sheet is formed directly below the IPL light transmission window in the skin. The light source 60 can be an LED or a superluminescent 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 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 considered. The object plane coincides with the light sheet formed within the skin area.

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

[0076] Figure 6 An 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 processed. 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 It shows Figure 6 A variation thereof, wherein filter 54 is perpendicular to the skin surface.

[0078] These arrangements allow the detector 66 to be placed closer to the skin, enabling the use of objectives 68 with shorter working distances. These shorter working distances allow for higher detection numerical apertures (NA). The advantage of a higher NA is higher resolution, allowing imaging of smaller veins (even small arteries and capillaries). Conversely, objectives with lower NA allow for longer working distances and wider fields of view, thus enabling imaging of larger and / or deeper veins (or any other tissue structures).

[0079] In some examples, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 The IPL illumination system and the light sheet imaging system are both housed 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 optical transmission window.

[0080] The second example is assessing sublingual varicose veins. This can be done using devices in the mouth, such as a toothbrush or oral cleaning or whitening device, or a calibrator or night protection device. Sublingual varicose veins (SLV) are dilated, tortuous veins visible along the surface of the tongue or floor of the mouth, and tend to become more prominent with age. However, in younger populations, this vascular damage may be part of Fabry or Osler syndrome, a condition that causes abnormal blood vessel formation in the skin.

[0081] Tongue vasodilation may be associated with smoking, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, other cardiovascular diseases, or hemorrhagic telangiectasia, thus monitoring vascular health is advantageous.

[0082] Figure 8A radiographic imaging configuration for monitoring sublingual varicose veins using an oral component in the form of a dental orthodontist is shown. It illustrates a light source 60 and an 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 into the bottom oral component, directing the light downwards. The tissue surface can be the underside of the tongue, and the illumination system can also be mounted on the bottom oral component, but directing the light upwards towards the tongue.

[0083] For example, dental instruments use a separate illumination system (e.g., using LEDs) for light-based dental and gingival treatment. Alternatively, the dental instrument can be a transparent aligner or a brushing dental instrument. Alignment between illumination and detection is also perpendicular so 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, as well as the distance between them. Through photonic integration, the illumination system can be very close to the object of interest while still having a reasonable range of illumination (NA), thus achieving reasonable resolution. Furthermore, the module can be miniaturized and manufactured reliably and at low cost.

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

[0086] Figure 9 A bra 70, which can be part of a breast pump, is shown. The light sheet is generated in the longitudinal direction, i.e., generally parallel to the nipple axis, and the detection direction is perpendicular. The advantage of integrating it into a breast pump (e.g., via an optical / photonic microelectromechanical system integrated through overlay molding) is that the breast with the pump will be moved through the static light sheet by pumping motion. This allows for the acquisition of multiple images at different depths within the breast tissue. Vascular and nipple-areola complex areas can be imaged to detect vasospasm or inflammation. Multiple images (z-axis slices) are provided by pumping motion rather than by moving components of the imaging system.

[0087] Another aspect that can be applied to all the examples above is implementing correction for the orientation of the light sheet. This can be beneficial for compensating for the inhomogeneity of 3D tissue surfaces. Angular correction can be performed using hardware and / or software. For example, if personal care or personal health devices are held against a skewed surface, especially to prevent blurry or out-of-focus light, such compensation provides improved image quality and makes image acquisition more robust. Skewed skin surfaces are typically found throughout the entire human body (e.g., legs, arms, face, etc.) and are never completely flat, possessing a degree of curvature or taper.

[0088] As a result, the target of interest (e.g., a specific depth beneath the skin surface) may no longer be at the focal length of the objective lens. Defocusing can be determined by an additional optical system (not shown).

[0089] Figure 10 The detector 66 is shown tilted (angle). Example of a detector objective. The detector objective includes lenses 68a and 68b. These lenses are designed to focus (tilted at angle α) the tilted light sheet 12, such that all points along the waist of the light sheet are focused.

[0090] Therefore, defocusing image problems caused by tilted surfaces (different from or deviating from angle α) can be compensated for by tilt sensors. A fixed tilted surface can only provide a focused image for a specific tilt of the imaged surface, and typically, handheld devices are moved over the contoured skin surface area, where the tilt will change.

[0091] Figure 11 A solution with a compensation scanning mirror 80 is shown to achieve proper focusing on the sensor 66 by compensating for the tilt of the skin region.

[0092] An additional optical system for measuring the focal length of the captured image can be used to provide feedback correction signals to drive mirror 80. This focal length measurement system is not shown but includes conventional image processing. Alternatively, orientation sensing can be used to detect tilt.

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

[0094] The following describes three concepts based on the use of IMU information, which relates to the spatial orientation of a personal health device relative to the skin surface.

[0095] The first concept is to adapt or adjust the orientation of the detector and / or illumination optics. Orientation information can be obtained via an electronically configurable 3-axis or 6-axis tilting platform (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 orientation of a personal health or personal care device.

[0096] Figure 12An IMU 90 is shown, which provides motion sensing information to a controller 92. The controller 92 then controls a tilting stage 94, such as a piezoelectric tilting stage, to which the target 68 is mounted. Additionally, the controller controls the setting of an illumination system 62 (in response to the measured orientation or based solely on predetermined features).

[0097] Figure 13 The second concept shown is that images are stored and / or analyzed only if the handheld device with a 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 ideal 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, the angle condition is tested to ensure it is met during normal use. If the angle condition is not met, the angle condition test is repeated 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 continuous images.

[0102] Then, in step 108, vascular changes (or other conditions under investigation) can be determined in real time or offline.

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

[0104] The third concept is to reconstruct a sharp image from an image sequence and stitch together the in-focus segments of each image to create a perfectly sharp image.

[0105] The advantage of these methods is that they can acquire higher image quality with reduced computational permissions (with lower data storage rates and less data volume) because only the pixels that are analyzed or imaged are focused. For example, images can be stored and analyzed only when the detector is at a 90° angle 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 conditions.

[0107] This invention is not limited to the analysis of the vascular system. If the resolution is sufficient, light film imaging can be used for any anatomical structure by appropriately selecting the wavelength (i.e., taking blood absorption into account) and the depth of penetration. When imaging milk containers, fat absorption should be considered. Imaging can also be performed on lymph nodes, glands, etc.

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

[0109] As described above, the 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. Therefore, the initially generated light sheet can be located in the initial plane, but this initial plane can be reoriented by optical components downstream of the light source (e.g., filter 54). Therefore, the light sheet can be considered to be located in the plane at the waist position, and the detection is perpendicular to this plane. Thus, the detection is perpendicular to the waist.

[0110] When practicing the claimed utility model, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations to the disclosed embodiments by studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plural.

[0111] The functions implemented by a processor can be implemented by a single processor or by multiple separate processing units that together constitute a "processor". In some cases, these processing units can be located far apart from each other and communicate with each other via wired or wireless means.

[0112] The fact that certain measures are enumerated in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0113] Computer programs can be stored / distributed on suitable media, such as optical 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.

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

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

Claims

1. A hand-held personal care or personal hygiene device, characterized in that, comprising: a user interface element for application against a body of a subject for performing a primary personal care or personal health function; and an imaging system for imaging under a surface of a part of the body of the subject, wherein the imaging system comprises: an illumination source (60, 62) for generating a light sheet and directing the light sheet towards a part of the body, wherein the light sheet has a waist at an area of interest under the surface of the part of the body and the waist lies in a plane of the light sheet; and a detector (66, 68) for detecting light from the waist of the light sheet from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the light sheet and generating a detection image.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein comprising: a sensor for sensing a tilt of a part of the body of the subject; and a controller for using the sensed tilt to adjust the imaging system or to control image processing of the detection image.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the controller is for adjusting an illumination optics and / or a detection optics of the imaging system in dependence on the sensed tilt.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the controller is for controlling storage and / or analysis of the detection image in dependence on the sensed tilt, or for combining image portions based on their detected tilt to create an overall image.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, the imaging system comprises a scanning mirror between the detection optics and the detector, and the controller is for controlling the scanning mirror orientation in dependence on the tilt of the part of the body 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, and wherein one or both of the illumination optics and the detection optics comprises an optical filter.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, wherein, the imaging system is for imaging vasculature under the surface of the subject.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, further comprising a processor for analyzing the detection image to provide an assessment of a vascular disease or abnormality.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the vascular disease or the abnormality comprises at least one of deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, spider veins, vasospasm, and inflammation.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, comprising an intense pulsed light unit of an epilator, and the primary personal care or personal health function comprises hair removal such as epilation.

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

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, further comprising a processor for analyzing the detection image to provide an assessment of sublingual varicose veins.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, comprising an oral implement such as a mouthpiece, and the primary personal care or personal health function comprises gum and / or tooth treatment.

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

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, comprising a breast pump, and the primary personal care or personal health function comprises breast pump milk extraction.

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