HK1234294A1 - Applicator heads for handheld treatment apparatus for modifying keratinous surfaces - Google Patents

Description

Applicator head for a handheld treatment apparatus intended to modify a keratinous surface

Technical Field

The present application relates to a handheld treatment device for applying compositions to the skin and other keratinous surfaces. The compositions can alter the color or structure of keratinous surfaces.

Background

The tonal variations on human skin have a variety of causes. Acne, freckles, sunburn and age spots are just a few common causes of visible defects on the skin. Texture variations such as fine lines, wrinkles and scars are also well known. Both tonal and textural deviations are perceptible to the human eye, even if they are fairly small. It is known to cover large areas of skin on and around deviations with cosmetics or other concealers.

In addition, more precise and localized application of compositions has been attempted to hide or cover skin deviations. Hand held devices have been developed that move across the skin to apply a skin treatment composition to a localized defect. The problem with these devices is the lack of two essential components, namely speed and accuracy. For these handheld devices to work effectively, they must quickly find defects and immediately process them. A spot on the skin is found to be useless if the user moves the applicator head to a different area of the skin before the spot can be effectively treated.

Accordingly, there is a need for methods and apparatus that can quickly and accurately detect tonal and textural defects on skin. The treatment composition was then applied directly to the deviations at the same speed and precision. These methods and apparatus are defined by the present specification.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, an applicator head is releasably connectable to an external housing of an apparatus for treating human skin, the applicator head comprising a body including a housing connector end having a releasable connection feature configured to connect to the external housing and a skin-engaging end having an opening therethrough for delivering a skin treatment composition through the opening in the applicator head onto the human skin. The pair of skin engaging members are arranged and configured to flatten a surface of the skin.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for treating human skin includes an outer housing including a graspable portion and an applicator portion including an applicator head and at least one nozzle in the applicator portion having a main axis for delivering a skin treatment composition through an opening in the applicator head onto human skin. The image capture device captures an image of the human skin through the opening. The processor analyzes the image of the human skin to identify skin deviations. The pair of skin engaging members are arranged and configured to flatten a surface of the skin.

In another embodiment, a method of treating human skin using a handheld treatment device is provided. The method includes delivering a skin treatment composition through an opening in a head of a first applicator releasably connected to an outer housing and onto human skin. An image capture device using the handheld processing device captures an image of the human skin through the opening. An image of human skin is analyzed using a processor to identify skin deviations. The first applicator head is removed. The second applicator head is releasably connected to the outer housing. The second applicator head is different from the first applicator head.

Embodiments described herein can address many of the problems of existing devices and methods. In particular, tonal variations on the skin can be detected more accurately and more quickly. The speed at which skin deviations can be detected and identified is critical because the applicator is continuously moving over the skin. The faster the deviation can be identified, the faster the applicator nozzle or nozzles can be activated. The faster the nozzle is activated, the greater the likelihood that the skin treatment composition will hit the deviation accurately. This allows for optimal coverage of deviations and minimal coverage over areas of natural skin that do not require treatment. Thus, the simpler the detection algorithm and the simpler the equipment implementing the algorithm, the faster and more accurate the overall correction process. This is a substantial improvement over the more complex, slower and less accurate devices and methods of the past.

Drawings

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 shows a side view of a handheld treatment apparatus according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 shows another side view of the handheld treatment device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a detail view of a protrusion detection system for the handheld processing device of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein;

fig. 4 shows a skin engaging member arrangement of the handheld treatment device of fig. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein;

fig. 5 is a detail view of the handheld treatment apparatus of fig. 1, showing an applicator head according to one or more embodiments described herein;

fig. 6 and 7 show two different embodiments of interchangeable applicator heads;

8-10 illustrate different roller embodiments for use with an applicator head;

fig. 11 illustrates a skin sample being treated by the handheld treatment device of fig. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary deposition pattern using the handheld processing device of FIG. 1;

fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for use with the handheld treatment device of fig. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein;

fig. 14-18 illustrate an exemplary method of inserting the cartridge of fig. 13 into the handheld treatment device of fig. 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

fig. 19 shows a base mount for use with the handheld treatment apparatus of fig. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein;

fig. 20 is a schematic view of the base chassis of fig. 19, according to one or more embodiments described herein; and is

Fig. 21 illustrates an end cap assembly for use with the handheld treatment apparatus of fig. 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

Detailed Description

The embodiments described herein may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the scope of the claims is not limited to the specific compositions, methods, conditions, devices, or parameters described herein, and that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting. Also, as used in the specification, including the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes starting from one of the particular values and/or ending with another of the particular values. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable.

The term "microdomain" is defined as a small pixel-like region on the keratinous surface. A microdomain may correspond to a small portion of a freckle or other skin morphology, or it may correspond to an area of the keratinous surface that does not have a particular morphology. The term micro-region is used to reveal that what is measured is on a 3-dimensional surface rather than a flat surface. The area of the keratinous surface comprises a plurality of microdomains. For example, if a resolution of 300 dots per inch (11.8 dots per millimeter or "dpmm") is used, one micro-region may have a width and height that is 300 times smaller (0.085 mm) than one inch, resulting in about 90,000 micro-regions per square inch (140 micro-regions per square millimeter). The surface of the human body has millions of micro-regions.

All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the total composition and all measurements made are at 25 ℃, unless otherwise specified.

Referring to fig. 1, a handheld treatment device 10 for applying a treatment composition to skin or other surfaces generally includes an outer housing 12, shown transparent for illustrative purposes, sized and shaped to be held in a hand and manually manipulated during a treatment operation. The outer housing 12 includes a graspable portion 14 having a base 16 and an applicator portion 18, the applicator portion 18 including an applicator head 20 having an opening 22 through which the skin treatment composition can be delivered to the skin 22. A battery 24 (e.g., a rechargeable battery, a primary battery, an electrochemical capacitor, a double layer capacitor, a super capacitor, or a hybrid battery capacitor) and an on/off mechanical or voice activated switch may be located in the graspable portion 14 of the outer housing 12. In other embodiments, the handheld treatment device 10 may not include a battery or the handheld treatment device 10 may be plugged into an electrical outlet, for example. In some embodiments, the graspable portion 14, including the base 16, may include illumination devices for illuminating the base 16 or other locations of the outer housing 12. Furthermore, the illumination device may be used to illuminate the skin surface for ease of use by the operator. A user interface 28 may also be provided where a user may provide input or control instructions to a processing unit 30 for controlling the handheld treatment apparatus 10. While various buttons or touch areas 32 are shown for user touch and activation (e.g., with capacitive touch sensors, momentary switches, etc.), any other suitable input device may be used, such as a touch screen display, voice commands, etc. In some embodiments, the handheld treatment device 10 may be capable of wired or wireless communication and remote control, e.g., using a mobile phone or other handheld or portable computing device, or may be capable of otherwise transmitting information, wirelessly or wired, to an external device, e.g., for tracking treatment results.

The applicator portion 18 may include an applicator head 20 and a cartridge 36 located within the outer housing 12, the applicator head 20 including an opening 22 through which the skin treatment composition may be delivered to the skin 22. In some embodiments, the applicator portion 18 may have a removable or otherwise moving portion 21 (e.g., sliding, pivoting, snapping, etc.), which moving portion 21 may move to provide access to the cartridge 36. As will be described in greater detail below, the cartridge 36 may include an array of nozzles embedded in a cartridge mold. In other embodiments, a separate nozzle may be used, which may be connected to the cartridge. The applicator head 20 can provide spacing between the skin surface at the opening 22 and the nozzle array (and other components) during use. An image capture device 46 may also be located in the applicator portion 18 and adjacent to the cartridge 36. The image capture device 46 can be any of a variety of commercially available devices such as a digital camera that captures black and white or color images, a spectrophotometer, or similar device that is sensitive to the wavelength of electromagnetic energy. The image capturing device 46 takes a picture of the skin and sends it to the processing unit 30. The processing unit 30 may be generally referred to as a central processing unit, or CPU, which may include simple circuit boards, more complex computers, and the like. The CPU unit or device may include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a controller, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an integrated circuit, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a processor, and the like. The CPU may also include memory functionality, either internal to the CPU as cache memory, embedded memory, Random Access Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), etc., or external to the CPU, e.g., as Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), static RAM, flash memory (e.g., compact flash or smart card), disk drive, solid state disk drive (SSD), embedded memory, or even internet cloud storage. The images may be analyzed by the processing unit 30 to identify skin deviations, as will be described below. The pen driver 45 may be provided to facilitate communication with the processing unit 30 having an external device (e.g., for tracking processing such as skin tone effects, age, etc.). Various illuminations may also be provided to illuminate the skin region so that the image capture device may have constant illumination. The lighting device may be, for example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED), an incandescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a neon bulb, or any other suitable light source.

Referring to fig. 2, the illumination device may be employed for uses other than or in addition to image capture for treatment composition delivery. For example, a bulge detection system 50 may be included that utilizes illumination to highlight three-dimensional skin surface morphology, such as bulges of skin at the opening 22, which may affect delivery of the treatment composition to the skin surface. The bulging of the skin may be caused by excessive pressure applied to the skin surface during use, for example. The three-dimensional skin surface morphology may be highlighted using an illumination device that is incident on the skin surface at an angle to the skin surface to create a shadow effect (as compared to perpendicular to the skin surface). For example, a light source 52, such as an LED, may be provided that may produce light that impinges on a tilted mirror 54. Referring also to FIG. 3, the light source 52 may be provided, for example, as part of a circuit board 56 that generates a light beam 58 that travels along an edge of the circuit board 56 toward the mirror 54. An opening or slit 60 may be provided between the mirror 54 and its supporting structure, in which case the circuit board 56 allows the light beam 58 to pass therethrough and reflect from the mirror 54 with the mirror 54 in a desired tilted position. Mirror 54 may also be a prism, diffraction grating, or similar structure that bends beam 58 so that it illuminates the skin bulge at opening 22. Alternatively, a light guide (e.g., fiber optic line, light guide, etc.) may be used to convey the light beam 58 from the light source 52 to the mirror 54 or to the skin bulge at the opening 22.

To provide an illumination device incident on the skin surface at an angle to the skin surface, the mirror 54 may be positioned outside the field of view (FOV) of the image capture device 46 and tilted to direct light from the light source 52 toward the skin surface and at a position within the FOV at an angle a to the skin surface, such as no greater than about 45 degrees, such as no greater than about 25 degrees, such as between about 20 degrees and about 30 degrees. In the case of a bulge in the skin, a light contrast gradient may be formed on the skin surface, which is captured by the image capture device 46 and analyzed by the processing unit 30 (or a different processing unit). It will be appreciated that the light gradient formed by a convex skin surface may be different from the light gradient formed by a relatively smooth or non-convex skin surface. For example, a skin surface with relatively large bumps may have a contrast gradient that transitions relatively abruptly from light to dark, while a skin surface without bumps may have a contrast gradient that is relatively gradual from light to dark. The processing unit 30 may comprise logic for identifying from the parametric contrast gradient features an excessive bulge of skin that may indicate above a predetermined threshold. If such a parameter or excessive protrusion condition is detected, an indication, such as a vibration, sound, light, tactile sensation, etc., may be provided to the user by the handheld processing device 10. In some embodiments, a pause condition may be initiated by the processing unit 30, thereby stopping the treatment operation until the protrusion is no longer detected. The handheld treatment device 10 may also utilize a pressure sensor configured to provide an indication of pressure to the treatment unit 30, which may also indicate the presence of a protrusion that produces a similar indication to the user.

Referring to fig. 1-3, one or more skin engaging members, in this example rollers 64 and 66, may be provided at the opening 22. The rollers 64 and 66 may be provided for a variety of reasons, including to maintain contact between the handheld treatment apparatus 10 and the skin surface, to reduce friction between the skin and the handheld treatment apparatus 10 as the handheld treatment apparatus 10 is moved over the skin, and to present a relatively flat skin surface to the image capture device 46 and the nozzle array. Fig. 4 shows the rollers 64 and 66 in isolation with the opening 22 formed in the applicator head 20. In this embodiment, rollers 64 and 66 are positioned at opposite edges 70 and 72 of opening 22, extending continuously across the width W of opening 22. The opening 22 may be shaped as a square, rectangle, parallelogram, polygon, circle, etc. In this manner, the rollers 64 and 66 define forward and backward rolling directions (represented by arrows 74) for the handheld treatment apparatus 10 that are perpendicular to their axes of rotation 76 and 78, wherein the rollers 64 and 66 can roll over the skin surface and the rolling motion is in substantially the same direction of motion as the handheld treatment apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the opening 22 has an area of less than 1000mm2 and preferably less than 100mm 2. The rollers are connected to the applicator head at pivot axes, wherein the distance between the pivot axes is between about 1mm and about 20mm, for example, between about 5mm and about 15 mm.

As shown, the rollers 64 and 66 may be continuous along their entire length and each as a single unit. In other embodiments, multiple rollers may be used along edges 70 and 72, capable of independent rotation. The rollers 64 and 66 may have surface features that may be used to reduce contact between the surface of the rollers 64 and 66 and the skin surface (e.g., to reduce smearing or displacement of the skin treatment composition). For example, the rollers 64 and 66 may be provided with grooves 80 having a reduced diameter to provide peaks 82 that roll against the skin surface. Any other suitable surface features may be used, such as functional protrusions, spikes, etc., that allow rolling against the skin while presenting a relatively flat skin surface within the opening 22. The rollers 64 and 66 may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic rubber, ceramic, metal, stainless steel and may be coated with, for example, teflon, polyimide or parylene to reduce rolling, friction. The rollers may also be sliders, balls or spheres that move along the skin surface and they may be flat, curved, meshed or coated to work like rollers 64 and 66. The rollers may also have markings thereon that are visible to the image capture device 46 so that they can provide reference points for measuring the movement, speed, position, etc. of the handheld treatment apparatus 10.

Referring to fig. 5, the applicator portion 18 of the handheld treatment apparatus 10 is shown with the outer housing 12 again shown as transparent for illustrative purposes. It can be seen that the applicator head 20 includes a body having a housing connector end 86 and a skin engaging end 88 having an opening 22. In some embodiments, the head may be removable (and interchangeable with other heads), with the housing connector end 86 having a releasable connection (e.g., tongue and groove, threads, snap fit, etc.) with the outer housing 12. In some embodiments, the applicator head 20 may have a wired or wireless connection with the processing unit 30 for communication therebetween. The head 20 is slightly tapered or frustoconical in shape, with a width that tapers from the housing connector end 86 to the skin engaging end 88. Although the applicator head 20 is shown as being slightly conical or rounded, it may have any suitable shape, such as a box shape, a sphere, a polygon, and the like.

The rollers 64 and 66 are located at opposite edges 70 and 72 of the opening 22. The rollers 64 and 66 have an outer diameter (e.g., about 2.5 mm) sized to extend beyond the edges 70 and 72 for contacting a skin surface, which for purposes of description may be represented by a plane P that is tangent to the two rollers 64 and 66 outside the head 20, referred to herein as an "imaginary flat rolling surface". The rollers 64 and 66 each rotate about their axes 76 and 78 that are spaced a distance d1 (e.g., between about 1mm and about 20mm, e.g., between about 6mm and about 15 mm) and the distance between the rollers 64 and 66 is d2 (e.g., no greater than about 10mm, e.g., between about 1mm and about 10 mm), thereby providing a gap 92 for imaging the skin surface at a location between the rollers 64 and 66. It should be noted that the handheld treatment apparatus 10 may be provided with multiple heads having rollers with various pitches, diameters, and surface features. For example, an applicator head with reduced spacing between rollers may be selected, thereby making it possible to eliminate the need for skin bulge detection. In another embodiment, the rollers may rotate at different speeds (i.e., rpm) or have different levels of rolling resistance to create tension on the skin surface to effectively stretch the skin as the handheld treatment device 10 is rolled over the skin surface.

As indicated above, the applicator head 20 also provides space for the cartridge 36, which correlates the nozzle array 100 and the image capture device 46 from the imaginary platform roll plane P. As will be described in greater detail below, such an arrangement can provide a desired controlled irregularity in treatment composition delivery accuracy while spacing the imaging assembly away from the skin surface during treatment delivery. In the exemplified embodiment, the nozzle array 100 may be spaced from the imaginary flat rolling surface P by a fixed distance Dn of at least about 4mm, such as at least about 6mm, such as at least about 8mm, such as at least about 10mm, such as between about 4mm and about 12mm, and define an axis of volume through which the nozzles deliver the treatment composition. The nozzle array 100 of the cartridge 36 may also be offset from perpendicular to the imaginary flat rolling surface P such that the major axis 102 of the nozzle array 100 (the nozzles of the nozzle array may have parallel major axes aligned in rows) may be at an angle a of less than 90 degrees (e.g., about 85 degrees or less) from the imaginary flat rolling surface P. As used herein, the "major axis" of the nozzle is a straight line passing through the geometric center of the nozzle and inserted into the imaginary flat rolling surface P.

The image capture device 46 may be recessed farther from the imaginary flat rolling surface P than the nozzle array 100. This arrangement may reduce the likelihood of contamination of the image capture device 46 by the treatment composition carried by the cartridge 36. For example, the image capture device 46 may include a lens portion 106 spaced from the imaginary flat rolling surface P by a distance Dc of greater than about 4mm, such as greater than about 6mm, such as greater than about 8mm, such as greater than about 10mm, such as greater than about 12 mm. The image capture device has a FOV of angular dimension β. As used herein, a "field of view" is the area visible to the image capture device. The FOV of the image capture device 46 extends between the rollers 64 and 66, through the opening 22 to image the skin surface. In some embodiments, the FOV of the image capture device 46 may include the rollers 64 and 66. Imaging of the rollers 64 and 66 may allow for speed and position detection through image analysis, for example, using the processing unit 30. For example, the rollers 64 and/or 66 may include a marker, such as a color, that may be used by the processing unit 30 to determine the speed at which the handheld treatment apparatus 10 is rolled along the skin surface. In some embodiments, the FOV of the image capture device 46 may include portions of the rollers 64 and 66 and their marked portions. In some embodiments, the FOV may be adjustable (e.g., using user interface 28) or fixed (i.e., not adjustable). In some embodiments, the FOV may be about 50mm2 or greater, such as 70mm2 or greater, such as 80mm2 or greater.

The image capture device 46 may include an optical axis 110 that is offset from perpendicular to the imaginary flat rolling surface P. As used herein, the "optical axis" of an image capture device is a straight line passing through the geometric center of the lens of the image capture device and intersecting an imaginary flat rolling surface P. In some embodiments, the optical axis 110 may be at an angle γ of less than 90 degrees, such as less than about 85 degrees, such as less than about 75 degrees, such as less than about 70 degrees, from the imaginary flat rolling surface P. In the embodiment shown, the major axis 102 of the nozzle array 100 intersects the FOV and meets the optical axis 110 of the image capture device 46 at the same focal point S (representing a line extending along the parallel axis of the nozzle array). In some embodiments, the included angle θ between the optical axis 110 and the principal axis 102 may be at least about 10 degrees, such as at least about 15 degrees, such as at least about 25 degrees, but less than about 45 degrees. The optical axis passes between rollers 64 and 66.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, a pair of applicator heads 120 and 122 are shown. As noted above, the applicator heads 120 and 122 may each be removable from the outer housing 12 and may also be interchangeable. For example, the applicator head 122 may have an opening 124, the opening 124 being smaller than an opening 126 of the applicator head 120. Providing applicator heads with different geometries may allow configurations that are more suitable for a particular skin application area. Further, while continuous, elongated rollers 64 and 66 are shown above, fig. 8-10 illustrate other roller configurations. For example, the roller 128 of fig. 8 may include spikes or other protrusions 130. The roller 132 of fig. 9 may be divided into a plurality of individual wheels 134 and the roller 136 of fig. 10 may include a plurality of individual balls or ball bearings 138.

Operation of the handheld treatment device 10 involves analyzing and treating tonal defects on human skin, including the steps of: at least one background image of at least 10 μ 2 of the skin is captured, and then an average background L value of the image is calculated on a gray scale. Furthermore, a processed image of the skin is acquired and local L values for individual pixels or groups of pixels are calculated from the image. The local L value is then compared to the background L value to identify skin deviations. Skin deviations are skin areas where the difference between two L values is greater than a predetermined al value. The skin deviations are then treated with a treatment composition having a predetermined or variable contrast ratio.

The handheld treatment apparatus 10 has an applicator head 20, the applicator head 20 including a nozzle array 100 and a reservoir (e.g., cartridge 36) for containing a skin treatment composition. The image capture device 46 may take an image of at least 10 μ 2 of the skin and the processing unit 30 may analyze the image to calculate an average background L value. The image capture device 46 may then take subsequent images of the skin and calculate local L values for individual pixels or groups of pixels of the skin. The processing unit 30 may then compare the local L value to the background L value to identify a skin defect where the difference between the two L values is greater than a predetermined value. A local processing unit within the handheld processing device 10 is illustrated herein, although it is contemplated that a remote processing unit connected to the apparatus or communicating wirelessly may be used. The size and speed of the processing unit 30 and associated memory are important considerations for design parameters, but cost and other considerations may also be considered.

The predetermined Δ L is an absolute value of a difference between the local L and the background L. The value Δ L may be measured in absolute number or as a percentage. The image may be captured or converted to standard gray scale. Any numerical scale measuring brightness to darkness can be considered "gray". In addition, the background L value should not be too close to the end of this scale. For example, if the grayscale is 0-100, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white, the background in the 0-10 range or 90-100 range may be too bright or too dark to show meaningful differences. Thus, the background illumination or gain on the image capture device 46 taking the image may be adjusted to move the background L closer to the middle of the scale. In this example, a background L of 50 would be perfect, with a background L in the range of 10-90 being preferred, and a background L in the range of 20-80 being even more preferred.

The most common gray scales are 0-255 (no units) and other examples include 0-1024 and 0-4096. The difference between the gray levels is at least 1/255 for gray levels of 0-255. In this example, it is desirable to use an image capture device and lighting settings that provide a background L value between 60 and 210. Using a 0-255 grey scale, al is preferably at least 0.5, more preferably at least 1 and even more preferably at least 1.5, to trigger treatment of the skin. Likewise, Δ L may be measured as a percentage, for example, a value of 2.6 Δ L approximately equal to 1.0% of a 255 gray scale. Thus, Δ L may be a gray scale of plus or minus 0.25%, preferably plus or minus 0.5%, even more preferably plus or minus 0.75%.

The skin treatment composition may be used to hide, or more properly, mask, skin deviations, as described and exemplified in more detail below. One characteristic of skin treatment compositions is the contrast ratio. In treating skin, the contrast ratio of the treatment composition may be at least 0.1. Skin brightness and treatment composition brightness can be measured by calibrated spectrophotometers. In the case of a calibrated spectrophotometer, the average L value of human skin typically spans a range of about 25 to 75. In this case, the corresponding treatment composition has a brightness value that is at least 2 units, preferably at least 3 units, and even more preferably at least 5 units greater than the average skin brightness value of the consumer.

The images may be taken sequentially or preferably continuously. For example, a camera that captures a minimum of 4 frames/second may be used, such as greater than 100 frames/second and even greater than 200 frames/second, and even greater than 600 frames/second. Higher speed cameras (greater than 4 frames/second) may also be used. All images can be captured in gray scale or converted to gray scale, which can have any range, e.g., 0-255, without units. This corresponds approximately to a refresh rate of 0.2 seconds or faster. Consistent with the camera, the CPU processes at a rate of 100 frames/second and even greater than 200 frames/second and even greater than 600 frames/second.

There is no technical difference between the images for background L values and those for local L values, the difference being in the analysis of the images. Thus, images may be continuously sent from the image capture device 46 to the processing unit 30 to calculate the L and Δ L values. It will be appreciated that the background L may be calculated once in a processing cycle and the value reused throughout the processing cycle. Alternatively, it may repeat the calculation continuously as long as the process is in progress. Furthermore, there may be pre-programmed triggers to trigger repeated calculations of the background L. For example, if no skin deviations are found over an extended period of time (e.g., about 10 seconds), or if skin deviations are found too frequently, a new background L may be automatically calculated.

When Δ L exceeds a predetermined value, the skin deviation is treated with a treatment composition. Treatment entails causing one or more nozzles of the nozzle array 100 that dispense the treatment composition to be ejected onto the skin in the area of skin deviation. Preferably, the treatment composition is applied to the skin deviation in the form of a discontinuous deposition pattern of discrete droplets of between about 0.1 to about 50 μ in size. It is also preferred that no more than 95% of the skin deviation is covered by the treatment composition, and more preferably no more than 85%. More specifically, the treatment composition is applied by the nozzle array 100 and the local L is calculated along the length of the nozzle array 100 and within the spray range of the nozzle array 100. A single nozzle may be fired to deposit the treatment composition or multiple nozzles may be fired simultaneously. The number of nozzles ejecting along the nozzle array 100 may be adjusted based on the magnitude of Δ L and the magnitude of the skin deviation. Further, the frequency of nozzle ejection may be adjusted based on Δ L, with more droplets being ejected in turn in response to larger values of Δ L. The nozzle array may be in a linear configuration, multiple rows, offset, sinusoidal, curved, circular, or a zigzag arrangement.

Referring now to fig. 11, the analysis window 150 is the area that includes the skin sample 152 and the nozzle array 100. The nozzle array 100 includes individual nozzles 154 that are off, i.e., not firing, and individual nozzles 156 that are firing. Skin deviations 158 and 160 are shown below the nozzle array 100. The background L is calculated on and around the skin region 152, the skin region 152 being the region in which the local L1 is measured and the skin region 166 being the region in which the local L2 is measured. The skin region 164 is below the nozzle array 100 but not within the skin deviation. Therefore, the absolute value of local L1-background L (Δ L1) is less than a predetermined threshold that triggers nozzle firing. The Δ L threshold required to initiate nozzle firing is variable and depends on the scale used. For example, where a 0-255 gray scale is utilized, the Δ L threshold required to initiate nozzle firing is typically a value of 2 or greater. Therefore, in the example shown in fig. 11, the value of Δ L1 is less than 2. Likewise, the skin region 166 is within the skin deviation 158 and the absolute value of local L2-background L (al 2) is greater than about 2. Thus, nozzles 154 around skin areas 152 and 164 are normally closed, while nozzles 156 around skin area 166 are normally spraying. To ensure that the nozzles do not become clogged with particulate or dry treatment composition, any nozzle can simply be sprayed at any time to keep it clean, i.e., unclogged and "healthy". As discussed above, the number of nozzles directly above the skin deviation ejected in response to the skin deviation may be adjusted based on the magnitude of Δ L, the magnitude of the skin deviation (e.g., surface area), or other parameters as will occur to those of skill in the art.

Referring briefly to fig. 12, it should be noted that the treatment composition is applied to the skin deviations in the form of a discontinuous deposition pattern 161 of discrete droplets 163. Fig. 12 illustrates an exemplary deposition pattern 161, the pattern 161 exhibiting controlled irregularities in treatment composition delivery accuracy. This controlled irregularity is caused, at least in part, by the increased distance (e.g., at least 8 mm) of the nozzle array 100 from the skin surface 152 and the movement of the handheld treatment device 10 over the skin deviation 158.

Referring now to fig. 13, an exemplary cartridge 36 is shown that includes a cartridge body 170 and a cartridge end cap 172, the cartridge end cap 172 being sealingly connected to the cartridge body 170 by a seal 174 and a plug 176, the plug 176 providing a friction fit between the cartridge end cap 172 and the cartridge body 170. The cartridge 36 may be considered integral in that the composition reservoir 178 and printhead 180 formed by the cartridge body 170 are formed within a single replaceable unit. In other embodiments, the cartridge 36 may not be replaceable. For example, the composition reservoir 178 may be refillable within the handheld treatment device 10 or the composition reservoir 178 may be refillable when removed from the handheld treatment device 10. The printhead 180 may be a semiconductor device including a printhead die 182, the printhead die 182 having a nozzle array 100 of a plurality of nozzles 184 fabricated on a semiconductor substrate 186, and circuitry for addressing the nozzles 184 in response to signals from the processing unit 30. The treatment composition may be delivered from the composition reservoir 178, through the standpipe 188 and out any one or more of the nozzles 184, as described above. The printhead die 182 may also be constructed from substrates, printed circuit boards, silicon, glass, processable glass ceramics, sapphire alumina, liquid crystal polymers, polyimides, and MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) devices. Composition reservoir 178 is in communication with printhead die 182 and nozzle 100. The cartridge 36 may include more than one composition reservoir 178.

The cartridge 36 may include a visual cue 190 for indicating the proper direction for inserting the cartridge 36 into the cartridge housing. Fig. 14-18 depict the interaction of the cartridge 36 with the cartridge housing 192 according to embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in fig. 14, the cartridge 36 may be configured to be inserted into the cartridge housing 192. In particular, to ensure complete insertion of the cartridge 36 into the cartridge housing 192, the cartridge 36 may include primary engagement tracks 194 a-194 e, as well as secondary engagement tracks 194 f. The cartridge housing 192 may include a fixed track 196 a predetermined length from a top 198 of the cartridge housing 192. The length between the fixed track 196 and the top 198 may substantially correspond to the length of the primary engagement tracks 194 a-194 e (measured from the top 197 of the cartridge 36) to allow insertion of the cartridge 36 into the cartridge housing 192. Additionally, the cartridge housing 192 may include a blocking member 200 extending from the fixed track 196 toward the top 198 of the cartridge housing 192. This blocking member 200 is arranged to allow full insertion of the cartridge 36 into the cartridge housing 192 when properly aligned because the length of the secondary engagement track 194f is shorter than the length of the primary engagement tracks 194 a-194 e, allowing the cartridge 36 to pass the blocking member 200.

Depicted in fig. 15 is a locking key mechanism 202 that engages the secondary engagement track 194f to ensure proper insertion of the cartridge 36 into the cartridge housing 192. In particular, the locking key mechanism 202 may be configured to receive electronics, software, or physical markers from the cartridge 36. If the marker is incorrect or missing, the cartridge housing 192 will indicate that the cartridge assembly 36 was not properly inserted.

As shown in fig. 16, the cartridge 36 has been properly inserted into the cartridge housing 192. Thus, the secondary engagement track 194f passes through the blocking member 200 to engage the locking key mechanism 202.

Fig. 17 shows the cartridge 36 not being properly inserted into the cartridge housing 192. Thus, the primary engagement track 194a will contact the blocking member 200, which prevents full insertion into the cartridge housing 192. In addition, the locking key mechanism 202 will not receive a marker from the cartridge 36 to verify that the cartridge 36 is properly inserted. This is shown in fig. 18, where the primary engagement track 194a contacts the blocking member 200.

It should be understood that while some embodiments utilize primary engagement rails 194 a-194 e and secondary engagement rails 194f, this is merely an example. Some embodiments may utilize primary engagement portion(s) and secondary engagement portion(s) that extend from the surface of the cartridge 36 and provide similar functionality as the engagement track 194. These engaging portions may not be shaped as depicted in the figures herein, but may be shaped as recesses that serve a similar function as the engagement rails 194. Thus, the secondary engagement portion may be positioned closer to a first end of the cartridge 36 (which may include opposing first and second ends) than the primary engagement portion. This allows the cartridge 36 to pass the blocking member 200 for full insertion into the cartridge housing 192.

The treatment composition within the cartridge body 170 may comprise particles and preferably has a particle settling rate of less than 0.06 mm/day at 25 ℃ and 1atm pressure. The treatment composition may also have an elastic modulus between about 0.1Pa to about 1000Pa at 25C and 1000 Hz. The solid wax-based treatment composition may have an elastic modulus of up to about 100 MPa. In some embodiments, the particles in the treatment composition have a refractive index between about 1.1 to about 5.0.

Although an inkjet cartridge is shown and exemplified herein, the treatment composition may be applied using other "flow control" devices or non-droplet control devices. Flow control devices typically feature "droplet control technology" to control a single droplet of material. Inkjet printers are known in the art as examples of drop-on-demand applicators, and this technology is applicable to the handheld treatment devices described herein. Spray devices and electrostatic spray equipment are non-droplet control technologies where droplets are generated and controlled only in the form of aggregates. Typically in spray devices, no single droplet control is required, or "randomness" is desired in order to produce a smooth application over a relatively large area. In contrast, it is generally desirable to provide very specific control over the amount and placement of the treatment composition.

Examples of droplet control include "trickle control," in which the flow of a substance is precisely controlled to deliver droplets as desired; and "ink jet technology". Older inkjet technology involved supplying a continuous stream of charged droplets to an ac-charged electrostatic deflector plate, so that the plate could pass or deflect the droplets towards the division bars. This technology was the original design basis for ink jet printers. Other ink jet technologies include "drop on demand" thermal devices such as those provided by Hewlett Packard, and piezoelectric devices such as those provided by Epson and other printer manufacturers. In one embodiment, drop-on-demand technology is combined with charging the droplets.

Apparatus that may be used to construct the handheld treatment apparatus 10 are described in the following published patent applications: WO 2008/098234A 2, Handheld Application and Method for the Automated Application of Cosmetics and Other Surfaces, first filed on 11.2.2007; WO 2008/100878A 1, System and Method for Applying a Treatment composition to Change a Person's application base on a Digital Image, first filed on 12.2.2007; WO 2008/098235A 2, System and Method for Providing linked Images Through Cosmetic Monitoring, first filed on 11.2.2007; WO 2008/100880A 1, System and Method for Applying Agent Electrostatically to Human Skin, first filed on 12.2.2007; US 2007/0049832A 1, System and Method for Medical Monitoring and Treatment Through Cosmetic Monitoring and Treatment, first filed on 12.8.2005; and US 2007/0035815A 1, System and Method for Applying a Treatment composition to Improve the Visual interaction of Human Skin, first filed on 12.8.2005; all six patent applications were filed by Edgar et al. The entire disclosure of each of the six Edgar et al patent applications is incorporated herein by reference.

The treatment devices described herein may be hand-held, but may be attached to a structure that moves the device over the keratinous surface to be modified. If hand-held, the consumer may simply move the device over the keratinous surface to be treated. Optionally, multiple devices may be disposed in a fixed structure in which the consumer places the keratinous surface to be modified, and multiple readings or applications are presented simultaneously or sequentially.

The treatment composition may be applied to the keratinous surface by simultaneous scanning and application, while creating multiple channels on the surface. Using multiple passes of application can yield several advantages. The method of multi-pass application is to apply the treatment composition topically and then scan again the area of skin that has received the topical application. The treatment composition may be reapplied and multiple passes and applications may be performed again for aesthetic purposes. Thus, the consumer can select the end point of the treatment, i.e., "aesthetic purpose," and thus customize the treatment time to the individual needs and preferences. Attempts to make all corrections in one pass have been shown to overcorrect in some areas.

It is expected that the device will treat from about 1.0% to about 10% of the keratinous surface read by the sensor with a treatment composition. And the applicator may apply the first treatment composition in the form of droplets having an average diameter of about 0.1 μm to about 50 μm.

A variety of treatment compositions may be used, for example, inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, curable compositions, photoactivated compounds (e.g., semiconductor quantum dots), metal oxides (e.g., TiO 2), hollow spheres, bleaches, texture reducing polymers, skin care compositions, hair colorants, hair removal compositions (commonly referred to as depilatories), hair growth stimulants, and mixtures thereof.

The treatment composition may be delivered alone or in the presence of a dermatologically acceptable carrier. As used herein, the phrase "dermatologically acceptable carrier" means that the carrier is suitable for topical application to keratinous tissue, has good aesthetic properties, is compatible with any additional components of the skin care composition, and does not pose any undue safety or toxicity concerns. The vector may take a variety of forms. Non-limiting examples include simple solutions (water-based or oil-based), emulsions, and solid forms (gels, sticks, flowable solids, waxes, amorphous substances). In certain embodiments, the dermatologically acceptable carrier is in the form of an emulsion. Emulsions can generally be classified as having a continuous aqueous phase (e.g., oil-in-water and water-in-oil-in-water) or a continuous oil phase (e.g., water-in-oil and oil-in-water-in-oil). The oil phase may comprise silicone oils, non-silicone oils such as hydrocarbon oils, esters, ethers, and the like, and mixtures thereof. For example, the emulsion carrier can include, but is not limited to, continuous aqueous phase emulsions such as silicone-in-water, oil-in-water, and water-in-oil-in-water emulsions; and continuous oil phase emulsions such as water-in-oil and water-in-silicone emulsions, and oil-in-water-in-silicone emulsions. The treatment composition may be delivered in a variety of product forms including, but not limited to, creams, lotions, gels, foams, pastes or slurries. In addition, the treatment composition may include antifungal, antimicrobial and antibacterial components for proper formulation and stability.

The treatment composition may comprise a humectant as a carrier or base for other components of the treatment composition. One exemplary class of wetting agents is polyols. Suitable polyols include polyalkylene glycols and alkylene polyols and their derivatives, including propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and their derivatives; sorbitol; hydroxypropyl sorbitol; erythritol; threitol; pentaerythritol; xylitol; glucitol; mannitol; butanediol (e.g., 1, 3-butanediol); pentanediol; hexanetriol (e.g., 1,2, 6-hexanetriol); glycerol; ethoxylated glycerol; and propoxylated glycerol.

Other suitable humectants include sodium 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate, guanidine; glycolic acid and glycolate salts (e.g., ammonium and quaternary alkylammonium); lactic acid and lactate salts (e.g., ammonium and quaternary alkylammonium); aloe in any of a variety of forms (e.g., aloe vera gel); hyaluronic acid and its derivatives (e.g., salt derivatives such as sodium hyaluronate); lactamide monoethanolamine; acetamide monoethanolamine; urea; sodium pyroglutamate, water soluble polyglycerol (meth) acrylate lubricants (e.g., Hispgel ®), and mixtures thereof.

Inks, dyes, metal oxides, and pigments (collectively referred to below as "colorants") are used to alter the color or reflectance of keratinous surfaces. In cosmetic, "cosmetic" compositions, these compositions are typically used to change color and reflectance. Foundations, lipsticks, eyeliners are just a few examples of these compositions, but they are all applied uniformly to most keratinous surfaces, that is, they are applied in large quantities. In contrast, the treatment compositions of the present invention are selectively applied to selected areas in very small amounts, that is, in small amounts. Suitable colorants can include inorganic or organic pigments and powders. Organic pigments can include natural colorants and synthetic monomeric and polymeric colorants. Organic pigments include various aromatic types, such as azo dyes, indigo dyes, triphenylmethane dyes, anthraquinone dyes, and xanthine dyes, which are known as D & C and FD & C blue, brown, green, orange, red, yellow, and the like. Organic pigments may consist of insoluble metal salts of certified pigment additives, known as lakes. Inorganic pigments include iron oxides, ferric ammonium ferrocyanide, manganese violet, ultramarine pigments, chromium hydroxide pigments, and mixtures thereof. The pigment may be coated with one or more ingredients that render the pigment hydrophobic. Suitable coating materials will render the pigment more lipophilic in nature, including silicones, lecithin, amino acids, phospholipids, inorganic and organic oils, polyethylene and other polymeric materials. Suitable silicone-treated pigments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,722. Inorganic white or colorless pigments include TiO2, ZnO, ZrO2, hollow spheres, or semiconducting quantum dots commercially available from a variety of sources. Other suitable colorants are indicated in U.S. patent 7,166,279. The colorant is generally present in an amount by weight that imparts color to the skin care composition. The colorant particles are generally spherical, polygonal, or fractal in shape. In one embodiment, the skin care composition exhibits a color that is perceptibly different from the color of the applicator. The perceived difference is the difference in color perceived by a person with normal sensory abilities under normal lighting conditions (e.g., natural illumination outside the daytime, illumination from a standard 100 watt incandescent or equivalent LED white light bulb at 2 meters, or illumination from CIE D65 standard illumination as specified by the 1964 CIE standard observer at 800 lux).

Adhesives that are compatible with keratinous surfaces are known, and any such adhesive may be applied with the handheld treatment apparatus 10. Commercially available adhesives that are compatible with keratinous surfaces are available from 3M Corporation, Minneapolis Minnesota. See, for example: U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,467 issued to Blatchford et al at 23/4/2001; filed 11/4 of 1994, Delgado et al, 5,614, 310; and Heinecke et al 5,160,315 filed 1991, 4, 5. The entire disclosures of these patent applications are incorporated by reference. After the adhesive is selectively applied to the keratinous surface, the second treatment composition may be dusted onto the keratinous surface with the adhesive adhered thereto. The second modifying composition that is not adhered to the keratinous surface can be removed leaving the second treatment composition applied selectively in small amounts. Likewise, compositions that cure upon exposure to certain wavelengths of energy, such as infrared or ultraviolet (uv) light, may be applied. With this method, a curable composition is selectively applied to a keratinous surface and then cured by exposing the keratinous surface to a source of curing energy. The entire keratinous surface may be exposed, or the exposure may be simultaneous with the application.

Wrinkle or texture reducing polymers and skin firming agents may be used. See, for example: U.S. patent publication 6,139,829 to Estrin in 2000; and U.S. patent application US20060210513a1 filed 3/21/Luizzi et al 2005; US20070224158a1 filed by Cassin et al, 3.3.18.2005; and US20070148120a1 filed by Omura et al, 1, 14, 2005. The entire disclosures of this patent and these published patent applications are incorporated by reference. More specifically, the cosmetic method for softening wrinkled skin wrinkles may comprise applying to the wrinkled skin a cosmetic composition (in particular a wrinkle-removing composition) comprising a physiologically acceptable medium suitable for topical application to the facial skin: 0.1 to 20% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one tightening agent.

The photoactivatable particles may be used as, or added to, a treatment composition. Sometimes referred to as "interference pigments," these particles include a plurality of particles of a substance selected from the group consisting of: nylon, polyacrylic, polyester, other plastic polymers, natural materials, regenerated cellulose, metals, hollow spheres, semiconductor quantum dots, and minerals; an optical brightener that is chemically bonded to each of a plurality of particles of a substance to form an integral unit in the form of a light-activated particle for diffusing light. These particles help reduce the visual perception of skin imperfections, including cellulite, dark under-eye circles, skin discoloration, and wrinkles. Each photoactivatable particle is encapsulated with a uv-transparent coating to increase the diffusion of light to further reduce the visual perception of skin imperfections. The encapsulated photoactive particles are capable of absorbing ultraviolet radiation and emitting visible light; and when the light-activated particles are applied to the skin surface, the encapsulated light-activated particles are capable of both scattering and absorbing light in a diffuse manner so as to reduce the visual perception of skin imperfections, including cellulite, wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, and skin discoloration.

Hair colorants and hair removal compositions are also suitable for use in hand-held treatment devices. These compositions and their component parts can be described by the examples given below. Each of the individual chemical compositions described in the hair colorants below can be used in combination with any of the other ingredients, and likewise, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the individual compositions given in the depilatory formulations can be used with the other ingredients listed in the other examples.

The skin care composition may be applied with the handheld treatment device 10. The skin care compositions are useful, for example, as moisturizers, conditioners, anti-aging treatments, skin lightening treatments, sunscreens and sunless tanning agents, and combinations thereof. The skin care composition may comprise a safe and effective amount of one or more skin care actives ("actives") for regulating and/or improving the condition of the skin. By "safe and effective amount" is meant an amount of a compound or composition that is sufficient to promote a positive benefit, but low enough to avoid serious side effects (i.e., to provide a reasonable benefit to risk ratio within the scope of sound judgment of the skilled artisan). A safe and effective amount of skin care active may be from about 1X 10-6 to about 25% by weight of the total composition, in another embodiment from about 0.0001 to about 25% by weight of the total composition, in another embodiment from about 0.01 to about 10% by weight of the total composition, in another embodiment from about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of the total composition, in another embodiment from about 0.2 to about 2% by weight of the total composition. Suitable actives include, but are not limited to, vitamins (e.g., B3 compounds such as niacinamide, niacin, tocopheryl nicotinate, B5 compounds such as panthenol, vitamin A compounds and natural and/or synthetic analogs of vitamin A including retinoids, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinoic acid, retinal, retinyl propionate, carotenoids (provitamin A), vitamin E compounds, or tocopherols including tocopheryl sorbate, tocopheryl acetate, vitamin C compounds including ascorbate, ascorbate esters of fatty acids, and ascorbic acid derivatives such as magnesium ascorbate phosphate and sodium ascorbate phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside and ascorbyl sorbate), peptides (e.g., peptides containing ten or less amino acids, their derivatives, isomers and complexes with other substances such as metal ions), Sugar amines (e.g., N-acetyl glucosamine), sunscreens, oil control agents, tanning actives, anti-acne actives, desquamation actives, anti-cellulite actives, chelating agents, skin lightening actives, flavonoids, protease inhibitors (e.g., hexamidine and derivatives), non-vitamin antioxidants and free radical scavengers, peptides, salicylic acid, hair growth regulators, anti-wrinkle actives, anti-atrophy actives, minerals, phytoalexines and/or phytohormones, tyrosinase inhibitors, N-acyl amino acid compounds, moisturizers, plant extracts, and derivatives of any of the foregoing actives. As used herein, the term "derivative" refers to a structure not shown, but one skilled in the art understands that it is a variation of the basic compound. For example, benzene removes one hydrogen atom and replaces it with a methyl group. Suitable active substances are also described in U.S. patent applications US2006/0275237A1 and US 2004/0175347A 1.

Herein, "contrast ratio" refers to the opacity of the composition, or the ability of the composition to reduce or prevent light transmission, as determined after spreading the composition on an opacity chart (Form N2A, Leneta Company (Manwah, NJ), or their equivalent) and by using a spectrophotometer, with settings selected to exclude specular reflection. The composition is applied to the surface of an opaque drawing sheet and then coated into a film having a thickness of about 0.01 inches using a film applicator, such as that commercially available from BYK Gardner (Columbia, Maryland), or their equivalents. The film was dried at 22 deg.C +/-1 deg.C under 1atm for 2 hours. Using a spectrophotometer, the Y tristimulus values of the product film (i.e., the XYZ color space of the film) were measured and recorded. The Y tristimulus values in the three different areas of the product film were measured on the black part of the opaque panel and also on the white part of the opaque panel.

The contrast ratio of the individual layers, i.e., the contrast ratio of the first or powder layer, is less than about 20, preferably less than about 10, and even more preferably less than about 6.

The contrast ratio is calculated as the mathematical average of the three Y tristimulus values in the black area divided by the mathematical average of the three Y tristimulus values in the white area, multiplied by 100:

mean value (Y black)

Contrast ratio = - -100-

Mean value (Y white)

Examples

The following examples further describe and demonstrate various embodiments. The examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limitations, as many variations thereof are possible.

The following 9 examples are all treatment compositions. They may be applied by any of the methods and apparatus described herein, such as by a thermal inkjet printer head and cartridge combination.

Example 1

Treatment composition

The ingredients of phase a were compounded using a homogenizer for mixing and sieving Veegum into water. The water heating to 75C was started. Mixing was continued at 75C for 20 minutes. Then, the heating was turned off. Phase B was compounded in a separate vessel and added to phase a with stirring while phase a was cooled. The components of phase C were added to phase A/B at once while phase A/B continued to cool. When the temperature reached about 50C, add phase D while continuing to mix. Mix for 2-3 minutes to ensure homogeneity, then pour into a container.

Example 2

Treatment composition

The ingredients of phase a were compounded using a homogenizer for mixing and sieving Veegum into water. The water heating to 75C was started. Mixing was continued at 75C for 20 minutes. Then, the heating was turned off. The components of phase B were added to phase a all at once while phase a continued to cool. When the temperature reached about 50C, add phase C while continuing to mix. Mix for 2-3 minutes to ensure homogeneity, then pour into a container.

Example 3

Treatment composition

The ingredients of phase a were compounded using a homogenizer for mixing and sieving Veegum into water. The water heating to 75C was started. Mixing was continued at 75C for 20 minutes. Then, the heating was turned off. The components of phase B were added to phase a all at once while phase a continued to cool. When the temperature reached about 50C, add phase C while continuing to mix. Mix for 2-3 minutes to ensure homogeneity, then pour into a container.

Example 4

Treatment composition

The ingredients of phase A were mixed until homogeneous. The components of phase B were added slowly in one portion with mixing. The components of phase C were added to phase a/B at once using a homogenizer to ensure homogeneity and even dispersibility. Mix for 2-3 minutes and then pour into a container.

Example 5

Treatment composition

The ingredients of phase a were compounded using a homogenizer for mixing and sieving Veegum into water. The water heating to 75C was started. Mixing was continued at 75C for 20 minutes. Then, the heating was turned off. Phase B was compounded in a separate vessel and added to phase a with stirring while phase a was cooled. The components of phase C were added to phase A/B at once while phase A/B continued to cool. When the temperature reached about 50C, add phase D while continuing to mix. Mix for 2-3 minutes to ensure homogeneity, then pour into a container.

Example 6

Treatment composition

The ingredients of phase a were compounded using a homogenizer for mixing and sieving Veegum into water. The water heating to 75C was started. Mixing was continued at 75C for 20 minutes. Then, the heating was turned off. Phase B was compounded in a separate vessel and added to phase a with stirring while phase a was cooled. The components of phase C were added to phase A/B at once while phase A/B continued to cool. When the temperature reached about 50C, add phase D while continuing to mix. Mix for 2-3 minutes to ensure homogeneity, then pour into a container.

Example 7

Treatment composition

The ingredients of phase a were compounded using a homogenizer for mixing and sieving Veegum into water. The water heating to 75C was started. Mixing was continued at 75C for 20 minutes. Then, the heating was turned off. Phase B was compounded in a separate vessel and added to phase a with stirring while phase a was cooled. The components of phase C were added to phase A/B at once while phase A/B continued to cool. When the temperature reached about 50C, add phase D while continuing to mix. Mix for 2-3 minutes to ensure homogeneity, then pour into a container.

Example 8

Treatment composition

The ingredients of phase A were mixed until homogeneous. The components of phase B were added slowly in one portion with mixing. The components of phase C were added to phase a/B at once using a homogenizer to ensure homogeneity and even dispersibility. Mix for 2-3 minutes and then pour into a container.

Example 9

Treatment composition

The ingredients of phase a were compounded using a homogenizer for mixing and sieving Veegum into water. The water heating to 75C was started. Mixing was continued at 75C for 20 minutes. Then, the heating was turned off. Phase B was compounded in a separate vessel and added to phase a with stirring while phase a was cooled. The components of phase C were added to phase A/B at once while phase A/B continued to cool. When the temperature reached about 50C, add phase D while continuing to mix. Mix for 2-3 minutes to ensure homogeneity, then pour into a container.

As noted above, maintenance of the handheld treatment device 10 may be important, for example, to prevent clogging of the nozzle array 100 and, in some embodiments, to charge the battery 24 for continued use. In some embodiments, battery recharging may be accomplished by direct current via a wired connection, or by wireless charging via inductive techniques. For example, it may not be desirable to store the handheld processing device in an upright orientation on the base 16 (fig. 1). To this end, the base 16 may be sloped or some other surface contour to prevent a user from standing the handheld treatment apparatus 10 on its base 16.

Referring to fig. 19, a docking station 250 may be provided. Docking cradle 250 may include a cradle base 252, a charging assembly 254, and a docking unit 256, which docking unit 256 may be assembled into cradle base 252. The docking unit 256 may include one or more compartments 258 and 260 configured to receive the handheld treatment apparatus 10 in a desired orientation while preventing docking of the handheld treatment apparatus 10 in other orientations, such as vertical, as noted above, or on its sides. The charging assembly 254 may provide electrical contacts 262 to facilitate electrical connection between the handheld treatment device 10 and an electrical outlet. The charging assembly may also provide for wireless charging of the handheld processing device 10.

Referring to fig. 20, the docking station 250 may also include its own processing unit 270, one or more sensors 272, and a communication unit 274. The sensor 272 may provide a number of indications to the processing unit 270, such as the presence or absence of the handheld processing device 10 and correct or incorrect insertion of the handheld processing device 10 in the docking station, charging of the battery 24, fill level of the cartridge 36, and so forth. A user interface 278, such as a display, lights, speakers, etc., may be provided to provide signals based on the input of the sensors 272. For example, if the processing unit 270 determines that the handheld processing device 10 is not present within a preselected time, an indication may be provided by the docking station 250 and/or the handheld processing device 10 itself, for example using the communication unit 274 paired with the handheld processing device 10. In some embodiments, the communication unit 274 can communicate with the user through other means, such as via a wireless network. The wireless communication may be performed via a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN). WLAN networks use the IEEE 802.11 standard, commonly referred to as WI-FI, intended for use in place of high speed cable connections via wireless communication. WPAN networks use the Bluetooth Special Interest Group standard, which is intended for wireless communication between portable or fixed devices, such as home thermostats, and their applications, as well as Near Field Communication (NFC) communication technology that follows standards from, for example, NFC Forum. The Dreamworks product may also use wireless RFID (radio frequency identification) communication technology with standards from a number of regulatory agencies, including, for example, International organization for standards (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ASTM International, DASH7 Alliance, and EPC Global. A WPAN is also called a LAN (local area network) or WLAN (wireless local area network), which is a wireless computer network that connects two or more devices using a wireless allocation method in a limited area such as a home, a school, or an office space. A piconet is a computer network of wireless user groups that use a bluetooth solution to connect devices. For example, the piconet may include a Dreamworks device connected to a smart phone or mobile phone that is connected to a computer, laptop, and bluetooth enabled sensor (e.g., digital camera). For example, the docking station 250 may generate an SMS, email, or even phone the user when a predetermined event occurs. In some embodiments, a vibration unit 280 may be provided that may be used to vibrate the handheld treatment apparatus 10, for example, at predetermined intervals.

Referring to fig. 21, to further facilitate maintenance of the handheld treatment apparatus 10, an end cap assembly 300 may be provided. End cap assembly 300 may include any number of components, such as an end cap body 302, a main end cap component 304 connected to end cap body 302, and a secondary end cap component 306 connected to main end cap component 304. A nozzle sealing member 308 may be provided that includes a sealing portion 310 and a reservoir portion 312. The sealing portion 310 may seal against the applicator head 20 and the nozzle array 100. The reservoir portion 312 may allow for periodic discharge of the nozzle array 100 while containing the treatment composition and inhibiting leakage.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this specification.

Claims (8)

1. An applicator head releasably connectable to an outer housing of an apparatus for treating human skin, the applicator head comprising:

a body having a housing connector end and a skin-engaging end, the housing connector end having a releasable connection feature configured to connect to the outer housing, the skin-engaging end having an opening therethrough for delivering a skin treatment composition through the opening in the applicator head onto human skin; and

a pair of skin engaging members arranged and configured to flatten a surface of the skin;

wherein the pair of skin engaging members comprises a first roller on a first side of the opening and a second roller on a second, opposite side of the opening; wherein the first and second rollers have surface features for reducing contact between surfaces of the first and second rollers and a skin surface; wherein the first roller and the second roller are connected to the applicator head at a pivot axis, wherein the distance between the pivot axes of the first roller and the second roller is between 1mm and 20 mm; and is

Wherein the gap between the first roller and the second roller is no greater than 10 mm.

2. The applicator head according to claim 1, wherein said first roller and said second roller share a tangent plane defining an imaginary flat rolling surface.

3. The applicator head according to claim 1, wherein the opening is no greater than 100mm²。

4. An apparatus for treating human skin, the apparatus comprising:

an outer housing comprising a graspable portion and an applicator portion, the applicator portion comprising an applicator head and at least one nozzle in the applicator portion having a main axis for delivering a skin treatment composition through an opening in the applicator head onto human skin;

an image capture device that captures an image of the human skin through the opening;

a processor that analyzes the image of the human skin to identify skin deviations; and

a pair of skin engaging members arranged and configured to flatten a surface of the skin;

wherein the pair of skin engaging members comprises a first roller on a first side of the opening and a second roller on a second, opposite side of the opening; wherein the first and second rollers have surface features for reducing contact between surfaces of the first and second rollers and a skin surface;

wherein the first roller and the second roller are connected to the applicator head at a pivot axis, wherein the distance between the pivot axes of the first roller and the second roller is between 1mm and 20 mm;

wherein the gap between the first roller and the second roller is no greater than 10 mm.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first and second rollers share a tangent plane defining an imaginary flat rolling surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the opening is no greater than 100mm²。

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein an optical axis of the image capture device and the primary axis of the at least one nozzle pass through the opening and between the pair of skin engaging members.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 4-7, further comprising a light source in the applicator head.