VISUAL ASSISTANCE FOR PRECISE POSITIONING OF BEAUTY TOOLS AND A STANDALONE APPLICATION AT HOME

Abstract

VISUAL ASSISTANCE FOR PRECISE POSITIONING OF BEAUTY TOOLS AND SELF-CONTAINED APPLICATION AT HOME. A dispensing device includes a dispensing nozzle, configured to point in a dispensing direction, a camera configured to receive an image of the dispensing area toward which the dispensing nozzle is pointing, and a viewfinder that displays the image of the dispensing area toward which the dispensing nozzle is pointing. The camera and viewfinder allow the user to precisely aim the device to treat a desired area. Figure for the abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: VISUAL ASSISTANCE FOR PRECISE POSITIONING OF BEAUTY TOOLS AND AUTONOMOUS APPLICATION AT HOME SUMMARY

[0001] This disclosure relates to handheld dispensing devices, including an optical system on the device to allow the user to precisely point the device to treat the desired area.

[0002] In one embodiment, a dispensing device includes a dispensing nozzle, the dispensing nozzle configured to point toward a dispensing direction, a camera configured to receive an image of a dispensing area toward which the dispensing nozzle points, and a viewfinder that displays the image of the dispensing area toward which the dispensing nozzle points.

[0003] In one embodiment, the camera includes one or more mirrors that reflect the image toward the viewfinder.

[0004] In one embodiment, the viewfinder comprises a mirror or a lens.

[0005] In one embodiment, the camera comprises a lens and an image sensor which converts light into electronic signals, and the viewfinder includes an electronic display that displays the image created from the image sensor.

[0006] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises an automated focusing camera.

[0007] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises a motor connected to the dispensing nozzle, the motor being actuated to change a direction of the dispensing direction.

[0008] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises a plurality of dispensing nozzles, and the plurality of dispensing nozzles are operated independently or two or more nozzles simultaneously or in series.

[0009] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises one or more lamps for illuminating the dispensing area.

[0010] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises a sensor that determines a distance between the dispensing nozzle and the dispensing area.

[0011] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises a sensor that determines skin contact with the dispensing device.

[0012] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises a sensor that determines that a stability of the dispensing device is in a minimum movement threshold.

[0013] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises a sensor that determines a skin tone in the dispensing area.

[0014] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises a flow sensor that determines an amount of a formulation being dispensed.

[0015] In one embodiment, the distribution area is a skin surface area including a skin condition.

[0016] In one embodiment, the skin condition comprises a dark spot, a wrinkle, or a pimple.

[0017] In one embodiment, the viewfinder displays a video stream of the dispensing area.

[0018] The purpose of this summary is to present a selection of concepts in simplified form which are described more fully below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter or to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0019] The foregoing aspects and numerous related advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic illustration of a portable dispenser comprising a camera and viewfinder used for a dispensing application;

[0021] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a camera and viewfinder for a portable dispensing device;

[0022] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a camera and viewfinder for a portable dispensing device;

[0023] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a portable dispensing device comprising a camera, a viewfinder, sensors and a controller;

[0024] [Fig. 5A] [Fig. 5A] is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a distribution nozzle;

[0025] [Fig. 5B] [Fig. 5B] is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a dispensing nozzle; and

[0026] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a dispensing nozzle. Detailed description

[0027] Handheld devices, particularly for applying facial skin care and cosmetic products on oneself, are difficult to position on a specific area. This is especially true for the application of spray active ingredients on a specific area of ​​the face. The user must observe their gesture in a mirror and the device itself often hinders the visualization of the area to be treated.

[0028] This disclosure relates to handheld dispensing devices comprising an optical system on the device to allow the user to precisely point the dispensing device to treat the desired area.

[0029] [Fig.l] is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a handheld dispensing device 100 comprising at least one dispensing nozzle, a camera, and a viewfinder. In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 is used to dispense one or more formulations onto a skin condition 102, such as a skin blemish, a pimple, a dark spot, a wrinkle, etc. In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 is used to apply cosmetics or lotions. The dispensing device 100 includes a camera and a viewfinder to allow the user to view the skin condition 102 before or during dispensing of the formulation. The dispensing device 100 according to the disclosure allows the user to precisely aim the dispensing device 100 to treat the desired area and skin condition 102.

[0030] A dispensing device 100 includes any device used to apply one or more formulations. The formulations are dispensed in any form, including liquid, solid, gel, emulsion, gas, or any combination thereof. The formulations are dispensed using any type of dispensing technology, including manual pumping, automated pumps, nebulizers, etc.

[0031] “Portable” means the dispensing device that is small enough to be operated while being manually held by the user, the device does not remain stationary during dispensing and the device is maneuvered into position while being held by the user.

[0032] As used herein, the term "camera" means any system that receives light from the distribution area, then forms an image using the light and transmits the image to a viewfinder. A camera may include one or more optical components, including those that transmit light, such as lenses, and those that reflect light, such as mirrors. Other optical components include filters, prisms, polarizers, beam splitters, and the like. The camera may also include electrical components, including image sensors and image processors. Image sensors are composed of pixels, each pixel typically having a photodetector and transistors. One function of a pixel is to convert light into a digital signal. Well-known technologies are used in image sensors, such as CMOS and CCD sensors. Both CCD and CMOS sensors have been used in digital camera technologies.

[0033] Image processors perform various tasks on the digital signals sent by the image sensor. The image processors adjust color, noise reduction, and sharpen the image. In one embodiment, an autofocus feature is incorporated into the image processor.

[0034] In one embodiment, the camera has an autofocus feature. An autofocus feature includes sensors configured to control an electromechanical system. The electromechanical system controls the focal point of the lens which defines the focus of the optical system.

[0035] [Fig.2] is an illustration of one embodiment of an optical system 200 comprising a camera and a viewfinder. In [Fig. 2], a simple camera may include at least one mirror 202 oriented to collect light from the direction in which the dispensing nozzle is pointing. In embodiments, the dispensing device 100 has a dispensing nozzle, the dispensing nozzle being oriented in the dispensing device 100 to have a predefined dispensing direction. The camera including the mirror 202 is oriented in the dispensing device 100 to gather light from the same direction as the dispensing direction, i.e., light from the dispensing area. In the embodiment of [Fig. 2], the light from the mirror 202 is then reflected to a second mirror 204. The light from the mirror 204 is reflected to a third mirror 206. The mirror 206 functions as a viewfinder.The light and image collected from the mirror 202 are reflected from the third mirror 206 in a direction that the user can easily see. Therefore, the user can clearly see the dispensing area to which the dispensing nozzle is directed.

[0036] [Fig. 3] is an illustration of an embodiment of an optical system 300 comprising a camera and a viewfinder. In [Fig. 3], a camera comprises a lens 302, an image sensor 304, an image processor 306 and an electronic display 308 that serves as a viewfinder. In [Fig. 3], the camera may include at least one lens 302 oriented to gather light from the direction in which the dispensing nozzle points. In embodiments, the dispensing device 100 has a dispensing nozzle, the dispensing nozzle being oriented in the dispensing device 100 to have a predefined dispensing direction. The camera including the lens 302 is oriented in the dispensing device 100 to receive light from the same direction as the dispensing direction, i.e., light from the dispensing area. In the embodiment of [Fig. 3], the light from the lens 302 is focused onto an image sensor 304. The Image sensor 304 converts light into electrical digital signals which are then processed by image processor 306. Image processor 306 sends the converted signals to an electronic display device 308, which then displays the image of the dispensing area. The images are displayed as still images or as a video stream. Display device 308 functions as a viewfinder. Viewfinder 308 allows the user to easily view the image collected from lens 302. Therefore, the user can clearly see the dispensing area to which the dispensing nozzle is directed.In one embodiment, the viewfinder (display device 308) may be placed on a movable swing arm attached to the dispensing device 100, so that as the dispensing device 100 is moved further to the side of the face and even to the back of the head, the user may separate the viewfinder from the dispensing device 100 and move the viewfinder (display device 308) to enable viewing.

[0037] [Fig.4] is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the device of dispensing 100. The dispensing device includes the dispensing nozzle 402. As described herein, the dispensing nozzle 402 is used to dispense one or more formulations in any form, including liquids, solids, gels, emulsions, gases, or any combination thereof. The formulations are dispensed using any type of dispensing technology, including manual pumping, any solid or liquid aerosolized via high-frequency oscillation, automated pumps, etc. The dispensing nozzle also includes delivery devices, such as needles or LEDs for light therapy.

[0038] In one embodiment, the dispensing nozzle 402 includes an electrical pump or actuator, such as a piezoelectric nebulizer, that generates a spray. FIGURES 5A and 5B are illustrations showing one embodiment of the dispensing nozzle 402 and the dispensing actuator, such as a pump or piezoelectric component. In the embodiment, the dispensing nozzle 402 is placed in a motor housing 502 that pivots about one or more axes to change the direction of the spray from the dispensing nozzle 402. The motor mount 502 is connected to a motor 416 to move the motor mount 502 and the angle of the dispensing nozzle 402.

[0039] [Fig.6] is an embodiment of a dispensing nozzle 502. In the embodiment In one embodiment, the dispensing nozzle 502 comprises a plurality of nozzles that are each actuable independently of one another. Each nozzle is equipped with a dispensing actuator, such as a pump or a piezoelectric component. In one embodiment, the plurality of nozzles are actuated simultaneously. In one embodiment, the plurality of nozzles are actuated in series or two or several are actuated simultaneously or in series. The embodiment of [Fig.6] applies more than two formulations, each from a different nozzle or applies the same formulation from each nozzle to cover a wider area. The dispensing nozzles 402 and 502 are controlled by a computer device.

[0040] In one embodiment, the dispensing nozzle 402 is fixed in position within the dispensing device 100 such that the dispensing device 100 is pointed toward a predefined direction, and the camera (202, 204 or 302, 304) is also oriented to capture light from the predefined direction or dispensing area. In one embodiment, the dispensing nozzle 402 is mounted on a pivot that allows the dispensing nozzle 402 to be moved by a motor 416 relative to the dispensing device 100, thereby moving the dispensing direction without having to move the dispensing device 100.When the dispensing nozzle 402 is capable of moving independently of the dispensing device 100, the camera (202, 204 or 302, 304) is mounted on the same motor housing as the dispensing nozzle 402 so that the camera (202, 204 or 302, 304) continually points in the same direction as the nozzle 402 so that the camera (202, 204 or 302, 304) can receive light from the dispensing area and create an image. As described herein, the camera (202, 204 or 302, 304) is capable of transmitting the image or light to be displayed on the viewfinder 206 or 308 which is visible to the user.

[0041] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 comprises one or more formulation cartridges 420 containing the formulation to be dispensed via the dispensing nozzle 402.

[0042] In one embodiment, the flow rate from the formulation cartridge 420 to the dispensing nozzle 402 is controlled by a flow sensor 418.

[0043] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 includes a distance sensor 404. The distance sensor 404 is used to determine the distance between the tip of the dispensing nozzle 402 and the surface to which the formulation is applied, such as the skin. In one example, the at least one distance sensor is selected from the group consisting of infrared, acoustic, ultrasonic, conductance, dielectric, capacitive, electrochemical, fluorescence, force, heat, thermocouple, thermistor, internal digital, optical, physiological, and inductive sensors or any combination thereof.

[0044] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 includes a contact sensor 406. The contact sensor 406 is used to determine, for example, whether the dispensing nozzle 402 is in contact with the skin. Skin contact may be necessary for the application of certain formulations. In one example, the contact sensor contact 406 is selected from the group consisting of infrared, acoustic, ultrasonic, conductance, dielectric, capacitive, electrochemical, fluorescent, force, thermal, thermocouple, thermistor, intermuc-meric, optical, physiological and inductive sensors or any combination thereof.

[0045] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 includes a stability sensor 408. The stability sensor 408 operates to determine whether the dispensing device 100 is being held stable, i.e., with minimal movement so that the formulation can be accurately dispensed onto the intended appropriate skin surface. In one example, the stability sensor 408 is selected from stability sensors, including, but not limited to, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a Hall effect magnetic sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0046] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 includes a skin tone sensor 410. The skin tone sensor 410 is used to determine an area of ​​the skin to be treated with the formulation. The skin tone sensor 410 is used to determine a skin condition, for example, pimples, dark spots, wrinkles, or any other skin condition to be treated. In one example, the skin tone sensor 410 includes an optical sensor. An optical sensor measures the reflectance of a skin surface relative to the reflectance of the surrounding skin surface to identify a skin condition, or the optical sensor measures a particular wavelength of light reflected off the skin surface relative to the surrounding skin surface that indicates a skin condition.

[0047] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 comprises a lamp 412, including light-emitting diodes. In one embodiment, the light-emitting diodes illuminate the dispensing area intended for treatment. In one embodiment, the light-emitting diodes 412 emit one or more particular wavelengths of light, the reflectance of which is measured by the skin color sensor 410.

[0048] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 comprises a computing device 414. In one embodiment, the computing device 414 comprises a central processor and system memory. The system memory is volatile or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”). The computing device 414 stores instructions in the form of hardware circuitry, software, or both. The instructions, when executed by the computing device 414, operate the dispensing device 100 according to predetermined logic in a series of steps.

[0049] In one embodiment, the computing device 414 communicates with the components including the nozzle 402, the motor 416, the flow sensor 418, the distance sensor 404, the contact sensor 406, the stability sensor 408, the skin tone 410 and light 412.

[0050] In one embodiment, the formulation cartridge includes an RFID tag or other memory chip that provides instructions on how the formulation is to be applied. The computing device 414 is capable of reading the instructions from the formulation cartridge 420 and then executing the instructions in a series of steps.

[0051] In one embodiment, the instructions provide that the dispensing nozzle 402 is within a predetermined distance of the skin surface before dispensing the formulation. In the embodiment, the computing device 414 receives a signal from the distance sensor 404 indicating that the dispensing nozzle 402 is within the predetermined distance, and then the computing device 414 allows the user to press a trigger to dispense the formulation or allows the computing device 414 to actuate the dispensing nozzle 402 to automatically dispense the formulation. In one embodiment, the computing device 414 allows dispensing of the formulation as long as the dispensing nozzle 402 is within the predetermined distance and will stop dispensing when the dispensing nozzle 402 moves out of the predetermined distance.

[0052] In one embodiment, the instructions provide that the dispensing nozzle 402 is in contact with the skin surface prior to dispensing the formulation. In the embodiment, the computing device 414 receives a signal from the contact sensor 406 indicating that the dispensing nozzle 402 is in contact with the skin surface, and then the computing device 414 allows the user to press a trigger to dispense the formulation or allows the computing device 414 to actuate the dispensing nozzle 402 to automatically dispense the formulation. In one embodiment, the computing device 414 allows dispensing of the formulation as long as the dispensing nozzle 402 is in contact with the skin surface, and will stop dispensing when the dispensing nozzle 402 moves away from contact with the skin surface.

[0053] In one embodiment, the instructions provide for the dispensing device 100 to detect a particular skin tone. In the embodiment, the computing device 414 receives a signal from the skin color sensor 410 indicating that the dispensing nozzle 402 is pointed at the skin condition of the desired skin tone, and then the computing device 414 allows the user to press a trigger to dispense the formulation or allows the computing device 414 to actuate the dispensing nozzle 402 to automatically dispense the formulation. In one embodiment, the computing device 414 allows dispensing of the formulation when the skin tone that is the target of the formulation is detected by the skin tone sensor 410. In one embodiment, the computing device 414 allows dispensing of the formulation as long as the target skin tone is detected, and will stop dispensing when the target skin tone is no longer detected.

[0054] In one embodiment, the instructions provide for the dispensing device 100 to be in a stable state meeting a minimum motion threshold before dispensing the formulation. In the embodiment, the computing device 414 receives a signal from the stability sensor 408 indicating that the dispensing device 100 reaches a minimum motion threshold, and then the computing device 414 allows the user to press a trigger to dispense the formulation or allows the computing device 414 to actuate the dispensing nozzle 402 to automatically dispense the formulation. In one embodiment, the computing device 414 allows dispensing of the formulation as long as the dispensing device 100 is stable and reaches the minimum motion threshold, and will stop dispensing when the dispensing device exceeds the minimum motion threshold.

[0055] In one embodiment, the instructions provide for the dispensing device 100 to dispense a predetermined amount of formulation. In the embodiment, the computing device 414 receives a signal from the flow sensor 418 indicating a running total of the amount of formulation dispensed, and then the computing device 414 stops dispensing when the target flow rate amount is dispensed.

[0056] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 includes more than one formulation cartridge 420 and the instructions provide for the dispensing device 100 to dispense formulations simultaneously or serially.

[0057] In one embodiment, the skin tone sensor 410 provides the computing device 414 with a direction of the skin condition to be treated, and then the computing device 414 commands the motor 416 to point the dispensing nozzle 402 toward the skin condition. With the dispensing device 100 held by the user, the dispensing device 100 may undergo movement, and the skin tone sensor 410 continuously provides the location of the skin condition, and the computing device 414 continuously commands the motor 416 to keep the dispensing nozzle 402 pointed toward the skin condition being treated.

[0058] In one embodiment, the instructions provide a sensor for detecting a dispensing condition of the formulation. In one embodiment, the instructions provide two or more sensors for each detecting a dispensing condition of the formulation. For example, the flow rate sensor 418 is coupled to the distance sensor 404, the contact sensor 406, the stability sensor 408, or the skin tone sensor 410. In the embodiment, if the flow rate sensor 418 or any of the distance 404, contact 406, stability 408, and skin tone 410 sensors detect a condition permitting dispensing, the dispensing device 100 will dispense the formulation until at least one sensor fails to detect the condition allowing distribution.

[0059] In another embodiment, the stability sensor 408 is coupled to the distance sensor 404, the contact sensor 406, or the skin tone sensor 410. In the embodiment, the dispensing device 100 enables dispensing when the stability sensor 408 detects a condition permitting dispensing and at least one of the distance 404, contact 406, or skin tone 410 sensors also detects a condition permitting dispensing. When the stability sensor 408 or one of the distance 404, contact 406, or skin tone 410 sensors does not detect a condition permitting dispensing, the dispensing device does not enable dispensing.

[0060] In one embodiment, a dispensing device 100 includes a dispensing nozzle 402, the dispensing nozzle configured to point toward a dispensing direction; a camera (202, 204 or 302, 304) configured to receive an image of a dispensing area toward which the dispensing nozzle points; and a viewfinder 206 or 308 that displays the image of the dispensing area toward which the dispensing nozzle points.

[0061] In one embodiment, the camera includes one or more mirrors (202, 204) that reflect the image toward the viewfinder 206.

[0062] In one embodiment, the viewfinder 206 comprises a mirror or a lens.

[0063] In one embodiment, the camera comprises a lens 302 and a sensor image sensor 304 that converts light into electronic signals, and viewfinder 308 includes an electronic display that displays the image created from the image sensor.

[0064] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 further comprises a camera with automated focus 306.

[0065] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 further comprises a motor 416 connected to the dispensing nozzle 402, the motor is actuated to change a direction of the dispensing direction.

[0066] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 further comprises a plurality of dispensing nozzles 502 and the plurality of dispensing nozzles are operated independently or two or more nozzles simultaneously or in series.

[0067] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 further comprises one or more lamps 412 for illuminating the dispensing area.

[0068] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 further comprises a sensor 404 which determines a distance between the dispensing nozzle and the dispensing area.

[0069] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 further comprises a sensor 406 that determines skin contact with the dispensing device.

[0070] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 further comprises a sensor 408 that determines that a stability of the dispensing device is within a minimum movement threshold.

[0071] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 100 further comprises a sensor 410 that determines a skin tone in the dispensing area.

[0072] In one embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises a flow sensor 418 that determines an amount of a formulation being dispensed.

[0073] In one embodiment, the distribution area is a skin surface area including a skin condition 102.

[0074] In one embodiment, the skin condition comprises a dark spot, a wrinkle, or a pimple.

[0075] In one embodiment, the viewfinder 308 displays a video stream of the dispensing area.

[0076] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A device for dispensing facial skin care or cosmetic products onto facial skin, comprising: a dispensing nozzle, the dispensing nozzle being configured to point toward a dispensing direction; a camera configured to receive an image of a dispensing area toward which the dispensing nozzle points; a viewfinder that displays the image of the dispensing area toward which the dispensing nozzle points; and a motor connected via a motor holder to the dispensing nozzle, the motor being operable to change the dispensing direction of the dispensing nozzle for the purpose of keeping the dispensing nozzle pointed toward the dispensing area.

2. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the camera comprises one or more mirrors that reflect the image toward the viewfinder; and wherein the viewfinder comprises a mirror or a lens.

3. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the camera comprises a lens and an image sensor that converts light into electronic signals and the viewfinder comprises an electronic display that displays the image created from the image sensor.

4. The dispensing device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of dispensing nozzles, and the plurality of dispensing nozzles are operated independently or two or more nozzles are operated simultaneously or in series.

5. The dispensing device of claim 1, comprising a sensor that determines a distance between the dispensing nozzle and the dispensing area.

6. The dispensing device of claim 1, comprising at least one sensor that determines skin contact with the dispensing device; a sensor that determines a skin tone in the dispensing area or a flow rate sensor that determines an amount of a dispensed formulation.

7. The dispensing device of claim 1, comprising a sensor that determines a stability of the dispensing device within a minimum movement threshold.

8. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the area

9. dispensing device is a skin surface area comprising a skin condition; the skin condition comprising a dark spot, wrinkles or pimples. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the viewfinder displays a video feed of the dispensing area.

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