Portable cosmetic device with kinematic and optical detection to personalize treatment routines

Abstract

A portable cosmetic device with kinematic and optical detection for personalizing treatment routines. A skincare device includes a brush head with markings on one surface, the markings including a shape and color; a body including a motor assembly configured to oscillate the brush head; and a first optical encoder configured to detect the markings and determine the brush head's identity. Figure for abstract: 1A

Description

Title of the invention: PORTABLE COSMETIC DEVICE WITH KINEMATIC AND OPTICAL DETECTION FOR PERSONALIZING TREATMENT ROUTINES Field of invention

[0001] The application generally relates to a personal skin care device for use with brush heads, the device including a kinematic and optical sensor for detecting forces applied by a user, articulation and movement of the device, and brush head reference markers. The skin care device may adjust a parameter of the device to customize and optimize treatment of a user's skin. Summary

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a skin care device, including a brush head, a body including a motor assembly configured to oscillate the brush head and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) configured to determine kinematic measurements of the device, a first optical encoder including a light source and an optical sensor configured to capture images; and processing circuitry configured to determine a location of the brush head relative to a part of the user's body based on a combination of data measured from the IMU and the first optical encoder.

[0003] The present disclosure further relates to a method, including obtaining, via a first sensor of a skincare device, a plurality of images of a body part of a user; obtaining, via a second sensor of the skincare device, measurements of position, velocity and acceleration of the skincare device; and determining, via the first sensor and the second sensor, a position of a skincare device relative to a body part of a user.

[0004] The present disclosure further relates to a skin care device, including a brush head including a marking disposed on a surface of the brush head, the marking including a shape and a color; a body including a motor assembly configured to oscillate the brush head; and a first optical encoder configured to detect the marking and determine an identity of the brush head.

[0005] The present disclosure further relates to a method, including detecting, via a first optical encoder disposed on a body of a skin care device, a marking disposed on a surface of a brush head, the marking including a shape and a color, the body including a motor assembly configured to oscillate the brush head; and determining an identity of the brush head based on the marking.

[0006] The present disclosure further relates to a method, including determining a position of a skin care device relative to a body part of a user via one or more sensors on the skin care device, the skin care device being configured to apply a treatment to the body part of the user; obtaining a location of a target area on the body part having a condition suitable for applying the treatment; adjusting a parameter of the skin care device according to the location of the target area and based on the condition.

[0007] The present disclosure further relates to a skin care device, including a brush head; a body including a motor assembly configured to oscillate the brush head; one or more sensors configured to determine a location of the brush head relative to a body portion of the user; and processing circuitry configured to determine a position of the skin care device relative to a body portion of a user via the one or more sensors on the skin care device, the skin care device being configured to apply a treatment to the body portion of the user; obtain a location of a target area on the body portion having a condition suitable for applying the treatment; and adjust a parameter of the skin care device according to the location of the target area and based on the condition.

[0008] The preceding paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, as well as other advantages, will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0009] A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of these advantages will be readily obtained since they will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] [Figs. 1A-1B] Figures 1A-1B are perspective drawings of a skin care device having a brush head and optical encoders, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figs. 1C-1D] Figures 1C-1D are sectional diagrams of a device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2A] is a perspective view of a brush head attachment mechanism including a drive hub of a device and the brush head divided into an outer brush head portion and an inner brush head portion, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2B] is a perspective view of the inner brush head portion having a marking, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Fig.2C] [Fig.2C] is a top view of the brush head portion, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figs. 2D-2G] Figures 2D-2G are graphs showing an orientation of the brush encoder detecting the marking, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figs. 3A-3B] Figures 3A-3B show a flexible applicator tip, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Fig.4A] [Fig.4A] is a diagram showing signals generated by the optical encoder detecting various markings, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Fig.4B] [Fig.4B] is a diagram of the marking arranged at various locations on the brush head and an optical encoder arranged on the device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Fig.5A] [Fig.5A] is a diagram of a rear side of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Fig.5B] [Fig.5B] is a diagram of the rear side of the device including an indicator, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Fig.5C] [Fig.5C] is a diagram of the rear side of the device including a display, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Fig.5D] [Fig.5D] is a diagram of the rear side of the device including a timer and a score indication, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Fig. ôA] [Fig. ôA] is a diagram of a system for customizing device performance including the device in communication with a central device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Fig. 6B] [Fig. 6B] is a diagram of various examples of the central device including a mobile device, portable electronics, a television or magic mirror, a personal computer and a network router, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Fig.ôC] [Fig.ôC] is a diagram of a system including a brush encoder device including an external brush head portion having the optical encoder and a peripheral device configured to process the optical encoder, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Fig.6D] [Fig.6D] is a diagram of a system for personalizing the per formation of a skin care device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figs. 7A-7C] Figures 7A-7C are non-limiting examples of flowcharts for a method of customizing performance of a skin care device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a non-limiting example of a flowchart for a method of customizing protocols for a skin care device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0029] [Fig.lA] and [Fig.lB] show perspective drawings of a personal skin care device 100 (referred to herein as "device 100"), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 100 includes a body 102 having a handle portion 104 and a head attachment portion 106. The head attachment portion 106 is configured to removably attach a head, such as a brush head 120, to the device 100. As shown in [Fig.lB], the device 100 includes a first optical encoder 140 and a second optical encoder 145.

[0030] The body 102 houses a functional structure of the device 100. As shown in block diagram form in [Fig. 1C], the functional structure in one embodiment includes a motor assembly 112, a power storage source 116, such as a rechargeable battery, and a controller 150. The controller 150 includes a drive control 152 and a communication portion 154. In one embodiment, the controller 150 may be controlled by an on / off button 132 configured and arranged to selectively connect power from the power storage source 116 to the motor assembly 112. The power storage source 116 may be charged by power delivered by a cable connected to the device (not shown).In an alternative embodiment, the power storage source 116 may be charged by any wireless means by a pLink charging system, inductive Qi charging system, and AirFuel. A wireless charging status may be represented as an indicator on the device or on a central device, such as a docking station.

[0031] In one example, the communication portion 154 may include circuitry and hardware for providing communication with a central device 620 (see Figures 6A-6B). In one example, the communication portion 154, or optionally, the drive controller 152, may include circuitry and hardware for providing communication with an alert portion, indicator, or display 160 (see Figures 1D and 5B-D). The communication portion 154 may include a CPU, an I / O interface, and a network control unit such as a BCM43342 Wi-Fi, frequency modulation, and Bluetooth combination, for interfacing with a network. The hardware may be designed for small size. For example, the CPU may be an APL0778 from Apple Inc., or may be other types of processors that would be recognized by a person skilled in the art. Alternatively, the CPU may be implemented on an FPGA, ASIC, PLD, or using discrete logic circuits, as recognized by a person skilled in the art. Further, the CPU may be implemented as multiple processors working cooperatively in parallel to execute the instructions of the inventive processes described above.

[0032] In some embodiments, the controller 150 includes a programmed microcontroller or processor, which is configured to control the oscillation of the brush head by delivering power to the motor assembly 112. In one embodiment, either the drive controller 152 or the communication portion 154 may include the CPU, memory, and store a usage of each brush head uniquely and based on the type of the brush head according to one example. The controller 150 further includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 199 configured to track the movement of the device 100. The IMU 199 measures and reports a specific force, angular velocity, and orientation of an object or body using, for example, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, or any combination thereof.The controller further includes a force transducer 198 configured to measure a force applied to the device 100. In general, force sensors and force transducers, such as the force transducer 198, measure static and dynamic tensile and compressive loads using a strain gauge or piezoelectric sensors.

[0033] The motor assembly 112 in some embodiments includes an electric drive motor 113 that drives an attached head, such as the brush head 120, via a drive shaft or armature 114. When the brush head 120 is mounted on the head attachment portion 106, the motor assembly 112 is configured to impart movement to the brush head 120. The motor assembly 112 may be configured to oscillate the brush head 120 at sonic frequencies, typically in the range of 80-300 Hz, causing the brush head 120 to oscillate back and forth within a range or amplitude of 3-20 degrees.

[0034] The motor assembly 112 may be configured to oscillate the brush head 120 at a natural resonant or resonant frequency as determined by: 2Æ . p — where K is a system spring stiffness, J is an oscillation inertia and F is the resonant frequency in Hertz. Loading the bristles leads to a change in spring stiffness due to the bending of the bristles and a change inertia of the system by removing the free bristle ends from an oscillating mass. The load applied to the bristles is monitored by the force transducer 198 to determine the change in inertia.

[0035] In some embodiments, as described in further detail below, the brush head 120 is operated in charged or discharged states at frequencies of about 40 Hz to 300 Hz with a range of about 3-17 degrees. In other embodiments, the brush head 120 is operated in a charged state at frequencies of about 40 Hz to 300 Hz, a range or amplitude of 8-12 degrees, and a duty cycle of about 38-44%.

[0036] An example of a motor assembly 112 that may be employed by the device 100 to oscillate the brush head 120 is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 7,786,626. However, it should be understood that this is only one example of the structure and operation of such a device and that the structure, operating frequency, and oscillation amplitude of such a device may be varied, depending in part on the intended application and / or characteristics of the brush head 120, such as its inertial properties, etc. In another example, the first optical encoder 140 may be configured to track linear motion such as in the Clarisonic Opal™ device (Clarisonic, Redmond, WA), which is described by U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0306577.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the frequency ranges are chosen so as to drive the brush head 120 near resonance. Thus, the frequency ranges chosen depend, in part, on the inertial properties of the brush head 120.

[0038] It will be appreciated that driving the attached head near resonance provides numerous advantages, including the ability to drive the attached head at appropriate amplitudes under loaded conditions (e.g., when in contact with the skin) while consuming the least amount of energy from the power storage source. For a more detailed discussion regarding the design parameters of the device, see U.S. Patent No. 7,786,626.

[0039] In one embodiment, the second optical encoder 140 is configured to track the movement of the device 100 as the device 100 is manipulated over a surface, such as a user's skin. The second optical encoder 140 includes, for example, an optoelectronic sensor and a light source (e.g., LED or IR laser) configured to successively image the surface on which the device 100 is operating. Based on the pattern changes over a sequence of images, processing circuitry, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), determines a distance and direction over which the device 100 has moved. This may operate in conjunction with 1TMU 199 to incorporate cine- matics, such as acceleration, position, velocity, angular deviation, or any combination thereof. Each of the measurement systems separately has particular forces, and by combining their data with a tracking process, it is possible to produce a more robust and reliable kinematic data set. The IMU 199 provides more accurate acceleration and velocity data (compared to the second optical encoder 145), regardless of the environment in which the device 100 is used (wet / dry / foggy / soapy / etc.), but is less accurate in positional accuracy (compared to the second optical encoder 145) due to double integration errors when converting acceleration data to positional data. The second optical encoder 145 provides increased positional accuracy under certain conditions where the optical path is unobstructed.Furthermore, optical measurement systems, such as the second optical encoder 145, can capture targeted areas or landmarks of the body (moles, freckles, acne, skin inflammation, rough skin, etc.).

[0040] By having accurate kinematic data, diagnostics can be improved by localizing certain conditions on a user's face or body. In addition, therapy can be targeted to localized areas of a user's face or body where treatment would be most beneficial. This can be augmented with high-resolution surface imaging and skin condition detection using the second optical encoder 140. In addition to tracking the movement of the device 100, the second optical encoder 140 can image and detect particular regions of the user's skin that may benefit from a tailored skincare program. For example, the device 100 can detect a region of the user's skin that may use additional exfoliation and transmit this detection to the controller 150 to increase the oscillation of the brush head 120.Similarly, in another example, the device may detect a region of the user's skin that has sensitive acne inflammation and transmit this detection to the controller 150 to reduce the oscillation of the brush head 150. As described below, a sound, visual alert, or vibratory or haptic feedback may be communicated to the user to adjust the applied force.

[0041] In one embodiment, the force transducer 198 is configured to detect the force applied to the device 100 by the user and transmit the force information to the CPU to determine a damping of the oscillation of the brush head 120 due to the applied force. The applied force changes the spring stiffness as discussed above and thereby changes the resonant frequency of the brush head 120, namely the oscillation. Upon determining that the oscillation under the applied force is below a target resonant frequency, the processor may increase the power delivery to the motor assembly 112 and thereby increase the oscillation of the brush head 120. In conjunction with the IMU 199 and the second optical encoder 145, the applied force detected from the force transducer 198 may be used to further increase the accuracy of the target resonant frequency when it is determined that the brush head 120 is approaching or has entered an area of ​​the user's skin that may benefit from a change in the oscillation of the brush head 120.

[0042] In one example, kinematic data from the IMU 199 and the second optical encoder 145 may indicate that the brush head 120 is over a region with acne (i.e., more sensitive skin) and the processor thus reduces the oscillation of the brush head 120. However, without the force transducer 198, the processor cannot detect that the user is applying greater than average force to the device 100. Thus, a predetermined oscillation reduction of the brush head 120 for sensitive skin may not be sufficient to optimize user comfort as the brush head 120 moves back and forth over the sensitive skin. By incorporating the force detected via the force transducer 198, the processor can both detect that the approaching region has acne (via the kinematic data and / or captured images) and that the user is applying a greater than average force to the device 100.Upon such a determination, the processor may perform the predetermined reduction in oscillation on the brush head 120 as well as a second additional reduction to compensate for the above-average force applied and drop the oscillation to the target resonant frequency for sensitive skin. In a reverse example, the user may apply a below-average force and the predetermined reduction in oscillation of the brush head 120 may be less than the standard amount based on the below-average force applied by the user that is detected by the force transducer 198.

[0043] [Fig. 1D] shows a schematic representation of a device 100" similar to that of the device 100', further including an alert portion, an indicator or a display 160 according to an example (see [Fig. 5B]-5D). The alert portion may be configured to provide an alert to the user based on the first optical encoder 140, the controller 150 or the IMU 199. The alert may be an audio, a visual alert or a vibratory or haptic feedback. In one embodiment, the indicator and / or the display may be configured to communicate to the user a routine indicating how and where to use the device 100" according to an example. In one embodiment, the display may be a touch-sensitive display and be configured to receive input from the user.

[0044] A routine may include one or more regimens, each regimen having a set of protocols. An example of a routine includes an event date and a protocol. The routine may further include a schedule for a number of sessions. The schedule may be based on the event date, as in an example. Each session may record a 534 score corresponding to the protocol. An example of the 534 score may be based on the multiplication of oscillation speed, pressure, and duration. A multitude of indexing systems for determining the 534 score may be considered. Other regimens in addition to those intended for the user's face include, for example, a regimen for the feet, a regimen for the body, etc. A protocol designer may be used to define a regimen with a set of protocols. The regimen may have a protocol name, a brush head type, a duration, an applied force, and a series of steps including a particular area of ​​skin to apply the protocol to, as in an example.The above may be recorded by the device 100 to adjust and customize particular regimens for the user based on the user's usage of the device 100.

[0045] In one embodiment, the device 100 may include a treatment regimen unit (TRU) 197 including processing circuitry configured to vary a treatment duty cycle in response to one or more inputs indicative of a user sensitivity, a treatment area, and a change in real-time kinematic data when the device 100 is applied to a body part of the user. The device 100 may further include an object identification unit (OIU) 196 including processing circuitry configured to identify a treatment area location, wherein the treatment regimen unit is configured to vary the treatment duty cycle in response to one or more inputs indicative of user sensitivity, a treatment area identity, and a change in measured real-time kinematic data.The device 100 may further include a user sensitivity unit (USU) 195 including a graphical user interface including one or more selectable user sensitivity instances, the user sensitivity unit configured to receive user sensitivity information (e.g., sensitive skin area, presence or absence of acne, dry skin area, temperature sensitive area, and the like).

[0046] Next, portions of the brush head 120 are described in various examples. Refer now to [Fig. 2A] where a brush head attachment mechanism may include an internal brush head portion 210, having a marking 240, interfacing with the drive hub 110, which oscillates at a selected angle or amplitude during operation of the device 100.

[0047] The marking 240 may be a set of reference marks that are detected by the first optical encoder 140. In one example, the marking 240 may be a printed shape or a set of engravings on a portion of the brush head 120. The Marking 240 may be a repeating pattern of white and black shapes. Marking 240 may further have a thickness relative to a surface on which marking 240 is disposed by affixing, printing, etching, etc. That is, marking 240 may be formed thicker by printing over the same area multiple times to additively form a raised shape. Concurrently, marking 240 may be formed deeper (i.e., have a negative thickness) in the surface on which marking 240 is disposed by etching deeper into the surface. After etching, the black or white shapes may be printed onto the etched surface. The varying heights of the shapes are detected by first optical encoder 140 by determining the focal length necessary to focus on an outline of the shape of marking 240. In one example, marking 240 may be a strip sized to cover a desired maximum angle.In one embodiment, the marking 240 may be configured to provide an identity of the brush head 120 attached to the device 100. In one example, one or more of the shapes of the marking 240 may be based on the oscillation of the brush head 120 such that they are configured to have an aliasing effect with respect to the oscillation. For example, when the brush head 120 oscillates at a specific frequency, the one or more shapes may appear to be stationary based on a sampling rate of the first optical encoder 140. An accuracy of the first optical encoder 140 may be based on variations in the aliasing effect of the oscillation.

[0048] The marking 240 may be used to identify a type of the brush head such as an acne cleansing brush or a dynamic facial brush. In another embodiment, the marking 240 may be used to uniquely identify the brush head. In one example, the marking 240 may include a unique identifier such as an encoded serial number distinct from the reference mark set. In one embodiment, either the brush head or the marking 240 may include an RFID tag and the first optical encoder 140 may be configured to detect the RFID tag and associate a usage history with the brush head 120. The first optical encoder 140 may include an active RFID reader. The RFID reader may be used to track the position of the RFID tag in an active reader-active tag (ARAT) system, for example.In one example, the usage history of the brush head 120 is communicated to the user and used to suggest automatic refilling of the brush head 120.

[0049] In an example shown in [Fig. 3A] and [Fig. 3B], the marking 240 may be a line of one or more shapes, such as black and white squares. In one example, the line of black and white squares may be configured to have optical contrast along a single plane or at varying heights based on printing or engraving performed to adjust the thickness of the black and white squares. As the As will be understood by those skilled in the art, it is possible to use alternative complementary markings or codes, and to use encoders having the same or different amounts of precision for the detection of shapes and their oscillation.

[0050] The first optical encoder 140 may be a 3-D camera capable of determining variable focal lengths of the shapes of the marking 240 as well as the black or white pattern of each shape. The first optical encoder 140 is preferably water resistant or configured to be water resistant through packaging for wet brush loading. Alternatively, the first optical encoder 140 may be attached to the motor armature such that the first optical encoder 140 is contained within the body, making waterproofing unnecessary. In one embodiment, the first optical encoder 140 may detect the marking 240 with non-optical light such as IR, LASER, or LIDAR.

[0051] Returning to [Fig. 2A] in which the brush head 120 may optionally include an outer brush head portion 220, which remains stationary during operation of the device 100. In one embodiment shown in [Fig. 2A] and [Fig. 2C], one or more rows of bristle tufts are circular and move in an arcuate manner with an axis of rotation perpendicular to a skin surface. [Fig. 2A] and [Fig. 2C] show an embodiment in which one set of rows 212 move and an optional set of rows 222 are stationary.

[0052] The inner brush head portion 210 has an operative relationship with the drive hub 110 such that the drive hub 110 oscillates at a selected angle, as does the inner brush head portion 210. The outer brush head portion 220 includes a cylindrically shaped central opening. The central opening is sized and configured to surround the sides of the inner brush head portion 210. When attached to the device 100, a rim, which extends around the upper periphery of the central opening, is flush with or positioned slightly above the outwardly facing surface of the body 102.

[0053] In some embodiments, the inner brush head portion 210 and the outer brush head portion 220 together include a brush head attachment mechanism configured to provide selective attachment of the brush head 120 to the head attachment portion 106 of the device 100.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer brush head portion 220 is annular, with an outer diameter of about 1.975 inches, with a central opening. The outer brush head portion 220 includes a base portion 224 with a rim around the upper periphery thereof that includes the plurality of spaced finger grips 226 to assist the user in installing and removing the brush head 120. The outer brush head portion 220 may further include a plurality of brush head bristles 222 that extend upwardly from of the base portion 224. There may be a gap or space between the bristles of the inner and outer brush head portions, in the range of 0.050-0.125 inches, preferably 0.084 inches.

[0055] As a result of being attached to the device 100 by the brush head attachment mechanism: (1) the inner brush head portion 210 is operatively connected to the motor assembly 112, for example, via a drive hub 110, in a manner that provides oscillating motion thereof; and (2) the outer brush head portion 220 securely holds the brush head 120 to the head attachment portion 106 of the device 100.

[0056] Accordingly, the brush head attachment mechanism in some embodiments provides a quick and easy technique for attaching and detaching the brush head 120 to / from the device 100. It will be appreciated that the brush head attachment mechanism also allows for the attachment of other personal care heads to the device, and allows for the attachment of a replacement brush head 120 to the device 100, if necessary. A brush head attachment mechanism that may be practiced with embodiments of the present disclosure is set forth in U.S. Patent No. 7,386,906.

[0057] It will be appreciated that other brush head attachment mechanisms may be employed to provide tool- or tool-less techniques for selectively attaching the brush head 120 to a personal hygiene care device, such as the device 100, in a manner that (1) provides oscillating motion to the inner brush head portion 210; and (2) maintains the connection between the inner brush head portion 210 and the motor assembly 112. For example, in some embodiments, the inner brush head portion 210 includes a coupling interface configured to cooperatively connect to an oscillating drive shaft or armature, such as an armature 114, of an associated motor assembly 112 in a manner that transmits oscillating motion to the inner brush head portion 210.

[0058] The above-described examples of the brush head 120 may be used to exfoliate the skin of a user's epidermis. In this regard, the brush head 120 is first attached to the device 100. Then, if desired, a skin softening agent, such as a skin care formula, may be placed on the tips of the bristles of a first group of tufts 212.

[0059] [Fig.2B] shows the inner brush head portion 210 in greater detail according to an example. The inner brush head portion 210 has a generally circular configuration and is arranged to fit into the central opening of the outer brush head portion 220.

[0060] The inner brush head portion 210 includes a plurality of inner brush head bristles 212 that extend upwardly from a base portion 214, the bristles 212 being arranged in a circular pattern covering the entire upper surface of the base portion 214.

[0061] The inner brush head portion 210 in the illustrated embodiment includes two sets of adjoining tabs on the outer periphery thereof. The first set of three tabs 242-242 are spaced at 120° intervals, each tab having a pair of detent portions 244 and 246, defined by a slot 247 extending through the middle of each detent tab 242.

[0062] The two detent portions of each detent tab are configured and arranged to flex slightly toward each other during installation of the inner brush head portion 210 onto the drive hub 110, the outer edges of the free ends of the detent portions 244, 246 having outwardly facing bosses 249-249 that snap back (with the detent portions) once they pass a pointed portion of the drive hub 110, allowing for close engagement of the drive hub 110 and retention of the inner brush head portion 210 on the drive hub 110.

[0063] The inner brush head portion 210 further includes a second trio of spaced drive tabs 256-256. The drive tabs 256 alternate with the detent tabs 242 around the periphery of the inner brush head portion 210 and are also separated by 120° intervals.

[0064] The drive legs 256 taper slightly from their base to their free ends, which are rounded, designed to provide a close tolerance fit between them and the drive hub 110.

[0065] The structure and assembly of the brush head 120 are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 7,386,906, which belongs to the assignee of the present application.

[0066] [Fig.2C] shows a top view of the arrangement of the bristles of the brush head according to an example. The plurality of inner brush head bristles 212 with an outermost row of bristles 212a. During oscillation, the outermost row of bristles 212a will have a larger linear amplitude than another row of bristles 212b, by about r ■ 0, where r is a radius of a center of the brush head 120 and 0 is an oscillation angle in radians.

[0067] The arrangement of brush head bristles 212 shown and described herein, used in the device / brush head disclosed in the above applications is effective for skin cleansing applications, particularly facial skin. The present arrangement of brush head bristles 212 may also be used in other skin care applications, however, as set forth in the above applications, including in the treatment of acne and blackheads, the treatment of athlete's foot, skin calluses and psoriasis, razor bumps and dermal applications associated, wound cleaning and treatment of slow-healing or non-healing wounds, scalp cleansing, chemical peel procedures, and shaving cream applications. Preferred bristle configurations and arrangements will differ somewhat depending on their particular application.

[0068] Figures 2D-2E show a cross-sectional view of a brush head (e.g., of [Fig. 2A]) that is positioned on the drive hub 110 and connected to the drive shaft 114. The first optical encoder 140 and the marking 240 are shown at alternative locations in each of the figures. In [Fig. 2D], the marking 240a is shown located on an outer surface of the brush head 120 facing the outer brush head portion 220, just as shown in [Fig. 2A] and [Fig. 2B]. The brush encoder 140a is positioned on an extension of the device in a respective location for detecting the marking 240a. In [Fig. 2E], the marking 240b is shown on a lower side of the inner brush head portion 210 facing the device. The first optical encoder 140b is positioned in a respective location to detect the marking 240b. In [Fig.2F], the marking 240c is shown on one side of the drive hub 110. The first optical encoder 140c is positioned in a respective location to detect the marking 240c. In one embodiment, the first optical encoder 140 may be used to monitor a condition of a portion of the motor assembly 112 such as a connection between the drive hub 110 and the drive shaft 114, which tends to wear due to oscillations of many millions of cycles. In one embodiment, the first optical encoder 140 may be used to monitor a condition of a portion of the functional structure such as the power storage source 116 (e.g., battery). One or more markings and first optical encoders may be placed at locations to differentiate a condition of the device 100.

[0069] In one embodiment, the first optical encoder 140d may be integrated into an external brush head portion that further includes a set of electrical connections connecting the first optical encoder 140 to the functional structure or circuitry of the device 100 (see [Fig. 2G]). In this example, the circuitry may be connections to the controller 150, the drive controller 152, or the communication portion 154 as in [Fig. 1C] and [Fig. 1D]. In another embodiment, the first optical encoder 140 may be integrated into an external brush head portion as a separate first optical encoder device (see [Fig. 6C]). In another embodiment, the first optical encoder 140 may be integrated into a functional structure of the device 100 such that the movement of the internal motor assembly components may be measured and correlated to the amplitude of the brush.

[0070] [Fig.3A] and [Fig.3B] are graphs showing an orientation of the first optical encoder 140 detecting the marking 240 of the brush head 120. [Fig. 3A] shows the first optical encoder 140 covering at least a portion of the marking 240 of the brush head 120 according to one example. The first optical encoder 140 may have a detector portion 342 for detection and a circuitry portion 344 for processing and / or transmission. In [Fig. 3A], an outline of the detector portion 342 is shown as a dotted circle. In one example, a lens may further be included to enhance the optics of the detector portion 342. The line of black and white shapes of the marking 240 may have a spacing 302.

[0071] [Fig.3B] shows a side view of an orientation of the first optical encoder 140 detecting the marking 240 of the brush head 120, exposing a gap 304 between the first optical encoder 140 and the marking 240 of the brush head 120 according to one example. The detector portion 342 is shown here. During use, either the device circuitry or the circuit portion 344 detects the shape and possibly the thickness / height of the shape and outputs a signal or digital quadrature signal, or in a similar function or purpose, a translated waveform encoding the shape and oscillation.

[0072] In one example, the first optical encoder 140 or the functional structure or the circuitry of the device 100 can calculate a degree per count (DPC) on the basis of the detection of the 240 marking with time. The DPC can be calculated by an equation:

[0073] DCP = 360° LPl- IF- C

[0074] where LP1 denotes lines or shapes per inch, IF is an interpolation factor, and C is a circumference of the brush head. The interpolation factor may represent the interpolation between shapes that may be performed by the first optical encoder 140 to improve position resolution.

[0075] [Fig.4A] shows a graph representing the signal or waveform generated by the first optical encoder 140 according to one example. Based on the black and white pattern of the shape of the marking 240, varying waveforms may be generated to identify the brush head 120. This may be coupled with the varying thickness of each shape being detected by the first optical encoder 140 by determining the focal length to the surface of the shape (i.e., by adjusting the focus of the first optical encoder 140 to highlight the shape, and thereby determine the thickness of the shape).

[0076] [Fig.4B] shows a graphic representing the first optical encoder 140 disposed on the device 100 and the one or more shapes on the brush head 120 according to one example. According to some embodiments, the marking 240 may be a ring of the one or more shapes that is disposed on the rear of the brush head 120 opposite of the surface having the bristles 212 (center of [Fig.4B]). This ring of the marking 240 can be detected by the first optical encoder 140 disposed on a surface opposite the rear of the brush head 120, as shown in [Fig.1B] and the left diagram in [Fig.4B]. In some embodiments, the ring of the marking 240 can be disposed along an edge of the brush head 120 as shown in FIGS. 2D, 2F and 2G, and the right diagram in [Fig.4B].

[0077] Figures 5A-5D show drawings of alternative examples of a back side of the device 100. According to various embodiments, the device may have one or more indicators and displays 160. [Fig. 5A] shows an embodiment of the back side of the device 100' having no additional features. [Fig. 5B] shows an example of the back side of the device 100" having at least one indicator 510. Each indicator 510 may have one or more LEDs or light-emitting colors and shapes that may be configured to indicate the triggering of the alarm. [Fig. 5C] shows an example of the back side of the device 100" having a display 160. In one example, the display 160 may be a digital screen such as an LCD configured to view videos and tutorials and demonstrate a method of using the device 100" and highlight a target area 524.In another example, the display 160 may be a fixed graphic 522 with an indicator 524 illuminating a different portion of the fixed graphic 522. In one embodiment, the display 160 may be configured to depict a mirror image such that an image or graphic will appear correctly in a mirror during use.

[0078] [Fig.5D] shows an embodiment of the rear side of the device 100" having the indicator or display in the form of a timer 532 and / or a score indication 534. Here the indicator may be one or more seven-segment displays (SSDs), or seven-segment indicators for displaying decimal numbers. The timer 532 and the score indication 534 may correspond to the protocol according to one example. For example, the timer 532 may correspond to a protocol duration of the target profile. In one embodiment, the timer 532 and the score indication 534 may be configured to show a reverse order so that they will appear in a correct order in a mirror during use.

[0079] [Fig.6A] shows a system 600 for promoting optimal performance of the device including the device 100 in communication with a central device 620 according to one example. In one example, the system 600 may include the device 100 in communication with the central device 620 with a wireless signal 610. The central device 620 may be configured to operate a software application or set of software modules to receive and send communications to and from the device 100. In one example, the software application can send a target protocol or profile to the device 100, as well as receive data from the brush encoder to track usage in real time.

[0080] [Fig.6B] shows various examples of the central devices 620 including, a mobile device 622, portable electronics 624, a television or magic mirror 626, a network router 628 and a personal computer 629. The wireless signal 610 can be any suitable signal such as an electromagnetic signal including a WIFI, Bluetooth, near-field signal or any other signal such as optical and acoustic. Each client device, including the device 100, can communicate with the others through an internet connection via an 802.11 wireless connection to a wireless internet access point, or a physical connection to the internet access point, such as through an Ethernet interface. Each connected device is capable of wireless communication with other devices, such as through a Bluetooth connection or also another wireless means.

[0081] [Fig.6C] shows a system 630 including a brush encoder device 640 including an external brush head portion having the first optical encoder 140 and a peripheral device 621 configured for encoder processing according to one example. The brush encoder device 640 may be connected to the peripheral device 621 by a wireless signal 610 or a wired connection 611. The brush head encoder device 640 may be exchanged and removably attached to different devices such that a series of devices may be tested with the same first optical encoder as used for manufacturing. Accordingly, the peripheral device 621 may be configured to monitor and test the manufacturing and production of a portion of the device 100.The peripheral device 621 may be a computer or a data acquisition (DAQ) device such as mBed LPC1768, and may further connect to computer operating data acquisition software or other peripheral device. In one embodiment, the brush encoder device 640 may be used to test other embodiments of the devices described herein, as well as embodiments of devices without the first optical encoder.

[0082] [Fig. 6D] is a diagram showing an example of a system for promoting optimal performance of a personal skincare device 650, according to one example. The system 650 includes at least the device 100 and the peripheral device. Optionally, the system 650 may further include one or more external servers 642 that are implemented as part of a cloud computing environment and in communication with the system 650 via the Internet. The one or more external servers 642 may store user data of products such as brush heads and formulations, protocols and routines, tutorials, as well as other third-party services according to one example.

[0083] [Fig.7A] is a non-limiting example of a flowchart for a method 700 of optimizing performance of the device 100, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 705, the identity of the brush head 120 is determined based on the marking 240. In step 710, the device 100 receives input from the user for the desired skincare protocol or regimen to be performed. In step 715, the oscillation of the brush head 120 is determined and monitored throughout the protocol. In step 720, the oscillation of the brush head 120 is determined to be within or outside a desired range for the user-specified skincare protocol. In step 725, the oscillation of the brush head 120 is adjusted if the oscillation is outside the desired range.At step 730, if it is determined that the protocol is not complete, the method 700 may return to step 715 and continue monitoring the oscillation of the brush head 120 and adjusting the oscillation of the brush head 120 if it is determined that the oscillation is outside the desired range.

[0084] [Fig.7B] is a non-limiting example of a flowchart for a low-level extension of step 705 of method 700 for performance optimization of device 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 705a, the shape of the marking 240 is determined. For example, the shape may be rectangular, triangular, circular, pentagonal, etc. In step 705b, the color of the marking 240 is determined via the first optical encoder 140. For example, the color of the marking 240 may be black, white, a gradient of black and white, or a color for the first optical encoder 140 having a visible light detection sensor. For example, the color of the marking 240 may reflect infrared for the first optical encoder 140 having an infrared detection sensor. For example, the color of the marking 240 may reflect UV for the first optical encoder 140 having a UV detection sensor.In step 705c, the thickness or height of the marking 240 may be determined. For example, the first optical encoder 140 determines the focal length between the first optical encoder 140 and a surface of the marking 240, and then determines a difference between the focal length to the surface of the marking 240 and the focal length to a surface adjacent to the marking 240 (i.e., a reference surface). In step 705d, if it is determined that there are multiple markings 240, the pattern of the multiple shapes of the marking 240 is determined. The identity of the brush head 120 may be determined by uniquely correlating a mixture of multiple different shapes of the marking 240, the color for each shape of the multiple shapes of the marking 240, and the height for each shape of the multiple shapes of the marking 240.For example, a set of IDs including two shapes, two colors, and two thicknesses can lead to a maximum of eight unique 120 brush head identities when using a . single marking 240. Increasing the pattern to two of the markings 240 can result in 64 additional unique brush head identities 120. The identities of the various possible brush heads 120 can be stored in a lookup table on the device 100, the central device 620 or the external servers 642.

[0085] [Fig.7C] is a non-limiting example of a flowchart for a low-level extension of step 715 of method 700 for performance optimization of device 100, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 715a, the power supplied to motor assembly 112 via the microcontroller or processor is determined. In step 715b, the force applied to device 100, for example, the force the user exerts to apply device 100 to the user's skin, is determined via force transducer 198. In step 715c, the change in oscillation of brush head 120 is determined and then used to adjust the power supplied to motor assembly 112 to adjust the desired oscillation of brush head 120.

[0086] [Fig.8] is a non-limiting example of a flowchart for a method 800 of customizing skincare protocols of the device 100, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 805, it may be determined that the user has adjusted the force applied to the device 100 over a predetermined area. For example, the predetermined area may be a patch of skin with sunburn or psoriasis. The location of the target patch of skin may be correlated with the change in applied force using the kinematic data and / or the second optical encoder 145 to track the location of the desired force adjustment. The chosen skincare protocol or regimen may be similarly correlated. At step 810, user input is requested to determine whether the target area (i.e., patch of skin) will receive a temporary or permanent oscillation adjustment.At step 820, the target area may be, for example, psoriasis and the protocol may be permanently adjusted. At step 825, the target area may be, for example, acne and heal after several days or weeks and the protocol may be temporarily adjusted. At step 830, if it is determined that the user has adjusted the force applied in additional target areas, the method 800 may return to step 810 to request additional input from the user regarding the additional target areas.

[0087] The above description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to be a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not necessarily intended to represent the only embodiment(s). In some instances, the description includes specific details to provide an understanding of the disclosed subject matter. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components may be represented in the form of functional diagrams in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the disclosed subject matter.

[0088] Reference throughout the specification to "an aspect" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, operation, or function described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, each time the phrases "an aspect" or "an embodiment" appear in the specification, this does not necessarily refer to the same aspect or embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, operations, or functions may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects or embodiments. It is further contemplated that aspects or embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may and do cover modifications and variations of the described aspects or embodiments.

[0089] Furthermore, it is to be understood that terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "inner", "outer" and the like which may be used herein, merely describe reference points and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc., merely identify a number of parts, components, reference points, operations and / or functions as described herein, and likewise, do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0090] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications are made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. For example, preferable results are obtained if the steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different sequence, if components in the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner, or if components were replaced or supplemented with other components.

[0091] The foregoing discussion describes purely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential features thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but in no way limiting of the scope of the disclosure, as are the claims. The disclosure, including all readily discernible variations of the teachings herein, defines in part the scope of the terminology of the preceding claims, such that no inventive subject matter is to be public target.

Claims

1.

2.

3. Claims A method of determining an identity of a brush head, comprising: - detecting, by means of a first optical encoder disposed on a body of a skin care device, a marking disposed on a surface of the brush head, the marking including a shape and a color, the body including a motor assembly configured to oscillate the brush head; and - determination of the identity of the brush head based on the marking, wherein detecting, by the first optical encoder disposed on a body of a skin care device, the marking disposed on a surface of a brush head includes detecting a marking height defined by a difference between a surface of the marking and the surface of the brush head on which the marking is disposed. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the identity of the brush head includes determining the identity based on the shape, color, and height of the marking. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the identity of the brush head includes determining the identity based on a focal distance between the first optical encoder and the surface of the marking.

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