KR20190131551A - Cosmetic device system with communication and power interface for cosmetic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A personal cosmetic device system comprising a cosmetic applicator configured to perform cosmetic treatments on a user's body part and a main unit configured to physically couple with a detachable unit having a detachable unit communication interface, the main unit comprising: a detachable unit; A main unit communicatively coupled with a detachable unit communication interface for transmitting and receiving information, the main unit having circuitry configured to communicatively couple at least one of the detachable unit communication interface and the main unit communication interface to a client device associated with a personal care appliance; It includes a communication interface.

Description

Cosmetic device system with communication and power interface for cosmetic devices

Cross Reference to Related Application

This application claims priority to US patent applications 15 / 476,037 and 15 / 476,151, filed March 31, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention describes a cosmetic device system having an interface that provides a connection for communication and power between master and slave cosmetic devices.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic device system having an interface for providing a connection for communication and power between master and slave cosmetic devices.

In an embodiment, a detachable unit comprising a cosmetic applicator and an applicator communication interface configured to perform a cosmetic treatment to a body part of a user and a main unit configured to physically and communicatively couple with the applicator communication interface and to transmit and receive data with the detachable unit. A personal cosmetic appliance is provided that includes a main unit that includes a unit communication interface.

In an embodiment, the main unit is configured to transmit power to one or more components associated with the detachable unit.

In an embodiment, the main unit is configured to send and receive sensor information with the detachable unit.

In an embodiment, the main unit includes at least one of a receiver component, a transceiver component and a transmitter component operable to communicate with and exchange information with the client device.

In an embodiment, the main unit includes circuitry configured to operate a discovery protocol that enables the main unit or detachable unit and the remote enterprise to identify each other and negotiate one or more pre-shared keys.

In an embodiment, the main unit includes circuitry configured to operate a discovery protocol that enables the main unit or detachable unit and the remote network to exchange encrypted and anonymized information.

In an embodiment, the main unit includes circuitry configured to operate a discovery protocol that enables the main unit or detachable unit and the remote network to exchange treatment regimen information.

In an embodiment, the main unit includes a motor for driving the cosmetic applicator to perform repetitive movements with respect to the main unit, wherein the separate unit communication interface and the main unit communication interface are both driven by a motor generating repetitive movements. It is disposed on the member.

In an embodiment, the main unit communication interface is at least one conductive pin and the detachable unit communication interface is at least one conductive socket configured to receive at least one conductive pin.

In an embodiment, the main unit communication interface and the detachable unit communication interface are magnets.

In an embodiment, the magnet of at least one of the main unit communication interface and the detachable unit communication interface is movable when no magnetic force is applied and is configured to remain in the first position and in contact with a magnet of another communication interface when magnetic force is applied. Configured to extend to a second position for this purpose.

In an embodiment, a detachable unit comprising a cosmetic applicator configured to perform a cosmetic treatment on a body part of a user, wherein the detachable unit includes a coupling structure for physically coupling the detachable unit to a personal cosmetic device. Expression units; And a detachable unit communication interface communicatively coupled with the personal cosmetic instrument and including a circuit configured to exchange data and power with the personal cosmetic instrument.

In an embodiment, the detachable unit communication interface includes circuitry configured to establish a security protocol that allows the personal cosmetic applicator and the client device to identify each other and establish secure communication.

In an embodiment, the detachable unit communication interface includes circuitry configured to exchange encrypted and anonymized information with a remote network.

In an embodiment, the separate unit communication interface includes circuitry configured to exchange control commands with a remote network.

In an embodiment, a personal cosmetic device system is provided that includes a cosmetic applicator configured to perform a cosmetic treatment on a body part of a user and a main unit configured to physically couple with a detachable unit having a detachable unit communication interface, wherein the main unit is provided. Is communicatively coupled with the detachable unit communication interface to transmit and receive information with the detachable unit and to communicatively couple at least one of the detachable unit communication interface and the main unit communication interface to a client device associated with the personal care appliance. A main unit communication interface having a configured circuit.

In an embodiment, the main unit communication interface includes circuitry configured to establish a security protocol and exchange encrypted and anonymized information with a client device.

In an embodiment, the main unit communication interface includes circuitry configured to exchange sensor information with the detachable unit.

In an embodiment, the circuitry of the main unit is configured to send sensor information to the client device for display on the client device.

In an embodiment, the main unit communication interface includes circuitry configured to exchange control information with a detachable unit associated with the cosmetic applicator.

In an embodiment, the main unit is configured to receive data from the client device and process the received data.

In an embodiment, the data received from the client device is command or control data for controlling the operation of the main unit of the personal care appliance.

In an embodiment, the main unit is configured to receive data from the client device for processing data in the detachable unit and to transmit data to the detachable unit via the main unit communication interface.

In an embodiment, the data received from the client device is data for controlling the operation of the detachable unit of the personal beauty instrument.

In an embodiment, the detachable unit includes at least one sensor and the data received from the client device is for controlling the sensor.

In an embodiment, the data received from the client device to control the sensor is triggered by sensor data previously sent from the detachable unit to the client device via the detachable unit communication interface.

In an embodiment, the detachable unit includes a memory and the data received from the client device is for retrieving data from the memory.

In an embodiment, the main unit is communicatively coupled to the client device via a wireless connection.

In an embodiment, a method implemented by a personal cosmetic instrument system is provided, wherein the personal cosmetic instrument system includes a personal cosmetic instrument and a client device, the personal cosmetic instrument configured to perform cosmetic treatments on a user's body part. A main unit configured to physically couple with a detachable unit having a cosmetic applicator and a detachable unit communication interface, the method comprising: connecting to the detachable unit communication interface by circuitry of the main unit to transmit and receive information with the detachable unit. Communicatively coupling, and communicatively coupling at least one of a detachable unit communication interface and a main unit communication interface to a client device associated with a personal care appliance using circuitry of the main unit.

In an embodiment, the method also includes establishing a security protocol and exchanging encrypted and anonymized information with the client device.

In an embodiment, the method also includes exchanging sensor information with the detachable unit.

In an embodiment, the circuitry of the main unit is configured to send sensor information to the client device for display on the client device.

In an embodiment, the method also includes exchanging control information with the detachable unit.

In an embodiment, the method also includes receiving data from a client device and processing the received data.

In an embodiment, the method also includes receiving data from a client device for processing data in the detachable unit and transmitting the data to the detachable unit via the main unit communication interface.

A patent or application file contains one or more drawings executed in color. Copies of these patent or patent application publications with color drawing (s) are provided by the Office upon request and upon payment of the necessary fee. A more complete understanding of the embodiments and many of the advantages thereof will be readily obtained as they may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
1A and 1B show parts of a personal beauty appliance and a personal beauty appliance according to an embodiment.
2A and 2B show details of a detachable unit of a personal beauty instrument in accordance with an embodiment.
3 shows details of a receiving unit of a main unit for receiving a detachable unit according to an embodiment.
4 is a cross-sectional view of the detachable unit in an attached state with the receiving unit according to the embodiment.
5 shows a hardware component of a main unit according to an embodiment.
6A and 6B show hardware components of a detachable unit according to an embodiment.
FIG. 7A illustrates a system 700 that includes a personal care appliance 100 and a client device as described above, according to an embodiment.
7B illustrates another example of a client device according to an embodiment.
7C shows an example of a system for promoting optimal performance of a personal beauty instrument in accordance with an embodiment.
7D illustrates a connection patch between a client device and a detachable unit according to an embodiment.
8 shows a method performed by a circuit of a separate unit according to an embodiment.
9A and 9B show another method performed by the circuit of the main unit according to the embodiment.
10A-10C illustrate a method performed between a client device and a detachable unit according to an embodiment.
11A and 11B show alternative connection mechanisms between a detachable unit and a main unit that rely on a magnetic coupling mechanism according to an embodiment.

The present invention describes a system, apparatus and method in which a communication interface is provided between a main unit of a personal cosmetic device and a detachable unit connected with the main unit to provide a specific function.

1A shows a personal beauty appliance 100 according to an embodiment. The apparatus 100 includes a main unit 101 and a detachable unit 102. The personal cosmetic appliance 100 shown in FIG. 1 is used to massage and / or cleanse the user's skin using three head massage applicators as shown on the detachable unit 102. The main unit provides power and control of the entire device including the detachable unit 102. While this particular type of personal cosmetic device is shown in FIG. 1A, the claims are not limited to this particular type of device and can be applied to other types of personal cosmetic device including a main unit and a detachable unit.

The main unit 101 houses the operating structure of the instrument 100. As shown in the block diagram form of FIG. 1B, in one embodiment, the operating structure includes a motor assembly 112, a power storage source 116 such as a rechargeable battery, and a controller 150. The controller 150 includes a drive control unit 152 and a communication portion 154. In one aspect, the controller 150 may be controlled by an on / off button 132 configured and arranged to selectively connect power from the power storage source 116 to the motor assembly 112. The power storage source 116 may be charged by a power delivered by a cable connected to the instrument (not shown). In another embodiment, the power storage source 116 may be charged by any wireless means including a p-link charging system, an inductive Qi charging system, and AirFuel. The wireless state of charge may be indicated by an indicator on the instrument or the central device. FIG. 1B shows a schematic view of the components of the personal care appliance 100, and a more detailed hardware diagram of both the main unit and the detachable unit will be described below.

1B shows that the instrument 100 according to an example also includes an alarm, indicator or display 160. The alert portion may be configured to provide an alert to the user based on any information related to the operation of the device, including data received from the detachable unit, as described in detail below. The alert may be a sound, visual alert or vibration or tactile feedback. In one aspect, the indicator and / or display can be configured to communicate, for example, to a user a routine regarding the location and method of use of the instrument 100 according to one example. In an aspect, the display can be a touch display and can be configured to receive input from the user. The function of display 160 may also be performed by an external client device (eg, a smartphone device) having a display. Such client devices are described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, motor assembly 112 includes an electric drive motor 113 that drives a separate unit via a drive shaft or armature 114. When the detachable unit is mounted to the main unit, the motor assembly 112 is configured to give movement to the detachable unit. Motor assembly 112 may be configured to vibrate the detachable unit at a sonic frequency, typically in the range of 80-300 Hz, to vibrate the brush head 120 back and forth within a range or amplitude of 3-20 degrees.

2A and 2B show details of the detachable unit 102. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the detachable unit 102. 2B is an exploded view of the detachable unit 102. The detachable unit 102 includes a skin contact 201 that is inserted onto the cosmetic head portion 202. The cosmetic head portion is held in place by “sandwiching” of the applicator upper housing 203 and lower housing 205. An inertial mass portion 204 is added to the detachable unit to allow the motor assembly to drive the applicator assembly at a particular vibration frequency. The stage 206 also supports an electronic jack or pin connector 208 and is attached to the interface portion 205 via screws 207. The stage 206 also includes a socket portion 210 in which a pin receiver is disposed. The interface portion 205 also includes a leg 209.

3 shows details of the receiving unit 300 of the main unit housing the detachable unit 102. The receiving unit 300 includes an upper support 301 which includes at least one opening in which the connecting pin 302 is arranged. The upper support is connected to the lower support 303 by screws 304. The upper support and the lower support are mounted to a motor hub 306 attached to the main unit.

4 is a cross-sectional view of the detachable unit in an attached state with the receiving unit 300. It can be seen that the leg 209 of the interface portion 205 of the detachable unit 102 passes through the housing 306 of the receiving unit 300. The upper support 301 of the receiving unit receives the socket 210 of the stage 206. Thus, the rotation or vibration of the motor in the motor unit 305 is transferred to the detachable unit through the coupling of the socket 210 and the stage 206. In addition, the pin 302 is coupled with a pin connector / plug 208 embedded in the socket 210. A wire 401 is attached to the pin 302 to connect the pin with the processing circuit and the power supply of the main unit. The wire is connected through a space 402 which exists between the pin and the housing 306 of the receiving unit. The space 402 is configured to provide a looseness to the wire 401 while the pin vibrates as needed (in an angle range of about 3-20 °) with the components of the detachable unit. This is shown as a single pin interface, as understood in the art. However, the claimed invention is not limited to this particular type of interface, but may be a multi-pin interface.

The connection between the pin 302 and the pin connector 208 forms an electrical connection that allows data communication between the main unit 101 and the detachable unit 102. The type of communication protocol used to send and receive data through the interface between pin 302 and pin connector 208 is understood in the art, for example, I ² C ('Inter-Integrated Circuit). 'Protocol), SPI (' Serial Peripheral Interface 'protocol), or a single-wire interface.

5 and 6 show block diagrams of hardware used in the main unit and the detachable unit, respectively.

5 shows that the hardware of the main unit may include a micro-controller / processor 501, a power source 502, and a memory 503. The processor 501 of the main unit is coupled to a pin 302 which acts as an interface with the detachable unit as described above. The main unit may also include an external communication interface 504 for communicating with a device or network external to the cosmetic appliance. The main unit may include an output indicator 505 for outputting a signal or data to the user. The output indicator may be an indicator such as one or more LED indicators, may be an audible indicator, and / or may be a display screen with information. User interface 506 is an area on a beauty instrument for the user to provide input. User interface 506 may be in the form of an input button or may be a touch-sensitive display screen.

In one example, communication interface (I / F) 504 may include circuitry and hardware to communicate with a client device (described in detail below). The communication interface 504 may include a network controller such as BCM43342 Wi-Fi, frequency modulation, and Broadcom's Bluetooth combo chip to interface with the network. The hardware of the micro-controller / processor 501 can be designed to be small in size. For example, the processor 501 may be a CPU as understood in the art. For example, the processor may be Apple's APL0778 or another processor type that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize. Alternatively, the CPU may be implemented in an FPGA, ASIC, PLD, embedded processor or using discrete logic circuitry, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In addition, the CPU may be implemented as a plurality of processors cooperating in parallel to perform the instructions of the process of the present invention described above. The client device may also have similar circuitry and hardware as described above.

6A shows that the hardware of the detachable unit includes a sensor or sensing circuit 601 and a memory 602. The sense circuit 601 is coupled to a pin connector 208 that acts as an interface with the main unit as described above. The sensing circuit 601 may include an additional microprocessor (not shown) that preprocesses the data by storing, classifying, evaluating or analyzing the data and then sending the data through the connector to the main unit, at which point the data May be further manipulated and then possibly transmitted to an application, cloud system or other object.

FIG. 6B shows how the hardware of the detachable unit can be arranged with reference to the drawing of FIG. 2A. Specifically, the sensing circuit 601 and the memory 602 may be disposed in the cosmetic head portion 202 as an integrated circuit component on a printed circuit board (PCB), the sensing circuit being connected to the pin connector 208 through the wire 603. Wired).

In particular, the pin 302 and the pin connector 208 are embedded in the moving parts of the receiving unit and the detachable unit that vibrate together. This is advantageous because the connection from the sensor to the pin is in the vibrating part of the coupled structure. In this way any looseness necessary to enable the connection between the fixed part of the structure and the vibrating part of the structure can be completely included in the main unit of the instrument, which provides more flexibility in designing the detachable unit.

The memory used in the hardware example may be a type of memory understood in the art. Non-limiting examples of memory include volatile memory (eg, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc.), non-volatile memory (eg, read-only memory (ROM), electrical Programmable erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM, etc.), permanent memory, and the like. Additional non-limiting examples of memory include erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash memory, and the like.

The type of sensor or sensing circuit 601 used in the detachable unit will vary depending on the type of cosmetic device, more specifically the type of detachable unit used.

The example described above for the personal cosmetic device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is used to massage and / or cleanse the user's skin using three head massage applicators. Thus, the type of sensor and sensing circuit can be the type for performing skin analysis of the user's skin.

For example, one type of sensor is used to detect moisture levels in a user's skin. Such a sensor may operate by passing a current through the user's skin to enable the sensor to measure resistance / impedance of the user's skin and to evaluate electrolyte concentration in the user's skin.

Another type of sensor is used to detect pigmentation of the user's skin. Such sensors can operate using cross polarization, UV image capture, and the like.

Additional types of sensors can assess potential environmental factors such as skin light damage, pore size, sebum concentration and air pollution, and UV levels.

FIG. 7A shows a system 700 that includes a personal care appliance 100 and a client device 720 as described above. In an embodiment, the personal care appliance 100 communicates with the client device 720 via a wireless signal 710. In an embodiment, the client device 720 is configured to operate a software application or set of software modules to send and receive communication with the personal care appliance 100. For example, the software application may send a protocol or target profile to the personal cosmetic device 100 and receive data from the personal cosmetic device 100 to track usage in real time.

FIG. 7B illustrates another example of a client device 720 that includes a mobile device 722, a wearable electronic device 724, a television or magic mirror 726, a network router 728, and a personal computer 729.

Wireless signal 110 may be any suitable signal, such as an electromagnetic signal including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near-field, or any other signal such as optical and acoustic. Each client device including the instrument may communicate with each other via an Internet connection through an 802.11 wireless connection to a wireless Internet access point or through a physical connection to an Internet access point such as an Ethernet interface. Each connected device may perform wireless communication with another device via a Bluetooth connection or other wireless means.

7C is a diagram illustrating an example of a system 750 for facilitating optimal performance of a personal care appliance 100 according to one embodiment. The system 750 includes at least a personal cosmetic device 100 and a client device 720. Optionally, system 750 can also include one or more external servers 742 that are implemented as part of a cloud-computing environment and that communicate with system 750 via the Internet. According to one example, one or more external servers 742 may store products, tutorials, and other third party services such as user data, formulations, protocols, and routines.

In one example, client device 720 is configured to collect information about a user's use of a personal care appliance and provide output to the user. The operating system of the client device may have a user interface configured to perform various functions. In one aspect, the client device can communicate with a network and enable user interface access to the Internet as well as the Internet of Things (IOT). As can be seen, the network may be a public network such as the Internet, or a private network such as a LAN or WAN network, or any combination thereof, and may also include a PSTN or ISDN sub-network. The network may also be wired, such as an Ethernet network, or wireless, such as a cellular network including EDGE, 3G, and 4G wireless cellular systems. The wireless network may also be Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other known wireless communication format. For example, the network can access servers hosting media, protocols, products, personal accounts, stored usage data and instruments, brush heads, and other data related to skin care.

The user interface can display a tutorial on how to use the personal cosmetic device. The client device can create and download a protocol for a therapy or routine that can be displayed in the user interface. The user interface can coach and track usage, and compare the tracked usage to protocols, therapies, and routines. The user interface may calculate a score based on the tracked usage. The user interface may store the score and tracked usage of the personal beauty instrument in the memory of the client device. The user interface can be used to purchase any product associated with a personal care appliance. For example, a personal beauty device can be used with a combination of styling products or chemical compositions used to treat a user's skin or hair, and a client device can output a recommendation for a particular product to be used. Based on the desired results entered by the user, it can be output at which stage of the process they are used.

As an initial step, the client device may optionally collect information about the user's characteristics (eg, skin tone, moisture level or pigmentation analyzed by the sensor of the detachable unit) and usage pattern. The client device may store the search results locally or connect to an external system or server to access the database or search results.

The user can also use a personal beauty instrument to access tutorials to achieve the desired appearance. The tutorial may be in text format, still image format, video format or audio-only format.

In addition to using the tutorials, users can use a wireless connection (e.g., a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection to receive real-time feedback while using a personal beauty device, or to record the use of the personal beauty device for later reporting or feedback. The client device 720 may be connected to the personal beauty device.

For example, while using a personal beauty instrument, a motion sensor on the personal beauty instrument may output the detection motion of the personal beauty instrument as feedback to the client device. The client device is configured to compare the detected motion with predetermined motion data to provide the user with a real-time performance result or to output a command for the user to correct.

The client device may also have a camera function that can be used to provide input to the customer profile. For example, the camera may photograph the skin image of the user to determine the skin condition of the user based on the visual data, or may make an additional recommendation to the user according to the characteristics of the skin.

The client device is configured to upload data about the user to an external system or server (eg, cloud-based system). Such data may include user profiles, usage of personal beauty instruments, or performance results when using personal beauty instruments. The client device may also provide an option to keep the user data anonymous.

The client device may provide a sharing function using a camera function, where the user may upload a picture taken before or after use of the personal beauty device. The uploaded picture can be used to receive feedback from experts or other users in the skin (or hair) treatment industry. In an embodiment, the uploaded photo may be uploaded directly to the social media platform.

In addition, the circuitry of the main unit or detachable unit of the personal care appliance 100 allows the main unit or detachable unit and the remote enterprise to identify each other and negotiate one or more pre-shared keys, and in addition to the main unit or The detachable unit and the remote network may be configured to operate a discovery protocol that enables the exchange of encrypted and anonymized information. The discovery protocol may also allow the main unit or detachable unit and the remote network to exchange treatment regimen information according to the type of applicator included in the detachable unit.

In addition, the circuitry of the separate unit communication interface can be configured to exchange control commands with the remote network so that the remote device can externally control the operation of the applicator and the detachable unit. The circuit of the detachable unit may also be configured to exchange diagnostic information with the client device or other remote device described above. This connection is shown in FIG. 7D, whereby the communication path 750 with the client device is communicated directly to the detachable unit via the main unit of the personal care appliance via the communication interface of the main unit and the detachable unit. . This connection allows the main unit to avoid unnecessarily processing the received data in case the data is marked as being passed to the detachable unit. In addition, data or protocols between the client device and the detachable unit are transmitted to the main unit, so that the main unit does not recognize or lack software for processing a particular type of data or protocol embedded in the payload of the data. Even new or proprietary versions of detachable units can be used.

8-10 illustrate examples of various processes and algorithms that may be performed by other components of the system.

8 shows a method performed by a circuit of a detachable unit. In step 801, the sensor circuit receives data from the sensor. The data received from the sensor may be data according to any one of the different types of sensors described above. In step 802, data received from the sensor may be stored in the memory of the detachable unit. In step 803, data is retrieved from the memory and sent to the main unit via the main unit interface (pin connector 208). Step 802 is optional and the sensor circuitry can send data directly to the main unit via the main unit interface when data is received from the sensor.

9A and 9B show different methods performed by the circuit of the main unit. FIG. 9A illustrates a method performed when data received from a detachable unit is transmitted to an external client device, and FIG. 9B illustrates a method performed when the main unit directly outputs information about a user in a personal beauty instrument. In two steps 901a and 901b, the circuit of the main unit (e.g., processor 501) receives data from the detachable unit interface via pin 301. In two steps 902a and 902b, the circuit is Data is stored in the memory 503. In step 903a, the circuit transmits data to the client device via a communication interface (e.g., external communication I / F 504). In 903b, the circuitry directly controls the output of the information for the user based on the data stored via the output indicator 505 and / or the user interface 506.

10A illustrates, for example, a method performed by circuitry of a client device when the main unit sends data to the client device according to the method of FIG. 9A. In step 1001, the circuitry of the client device receives data from the personal beauty instrument, which may be made via a wired or wireless communication interface of the client device having a communication connection with the personal beauty instrument, as described above. In step 1002, the circuitry of the client device may store data in the memory of the client device. In step 1003, the circuitry of the client device outputs information about the user based on the data stored via the display of the client device.

10B shows an additional process performed by the circuitry of the client device. In step 1004, the client device may receive input from the user or application. For example, the input from the user may be a command or control input relating to the operation of the personal cosmetic appliance 100. Alternatively, the input may be generated by an application on the client device on behalf of the user. For example, commands and control commands may be generated and input by an application based on data sensed from a sensor in a detachable unit of a personal care appliance. At step 1005, data (eg, command and control data) is transmitted to the personal cosmetic appliance 100 based on input received from the user or application.

10C shows the process performed by the main unit of the personal care appliance when data is received from the client device at step 1006. In step 1007, the main unit determines whether the data is of a type to be processed by the main unit, and if so, in step 1008, the data is processed by the main unit. For example, if the data is display data intended to be displayed as a warning on a personal care appliance, the main unit will process this data, for example for output to the display device 160 described above. Alternatively, the data may be command or control data, such as a command to control the operation of the motor in the main unit, a command to power off the personal cosmetic appliance, or a command to retrieve data stored in the memory of the main unit. Otherwise, data is transferred to the detachable unit, and the circuitry of the detachable unit will process the data. For example, if the data is command or control data associated with a sensor on a detachable unit, the data can be processed to perform control or calibration of the sensor. Alternatively, the command or control data may be for retrieving data stored in the memory of the detachable unit. This scenario is related to FIG. 7D described above.

Magnetic connector embodiment

In the above embodiments, the connection between the detachable unit and the main unit of the personal care appliance is accomplished by the pin 302 that interfaces with the pin connector 208. However, if one of these parts deteriorates over time and one of these members is damaged or tilted, the connection may fail. Thus, FIGS. 11A and 11B show alternative connection mechanisms between a detachable unit and a main unit that rely on a magnetic coupling mechanism.

11A is a cross-sectional view of the detachable unit 1101 in a state connected with the receiving unit 1102 of the main unit, similar to FIG. 4. Members similar to those described in FIG. 4 need not necessarily be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11A. Detachable unit 1101 is shown with counterweight 1103 and interface portion 1105. The interface portion is shown having a socket 1106 in which the sleeve conductor 1107 is disposed. The sleeve conductor is provided with an upper magnet 1108. The lower portion of the sleeve conductor is configured to remain flush within the opening 1109 of the socket 1106 when the coil 1110 disposed between the sleeve conductor and the inner surface of the socket is stationary.

The accommodating unit 1102 of FIG. 11A includes an upper support 1111, and a lower magnet 1112 is disposed through the upper support. The lower magnet is coupled with an electrically conductive member 1113 disposed against the inner surface of the upper support 1111 and attached to a wire (not shown) connected to the processor of the main unit.

11B shows that when the upper magnet of the detachable unit and the lower magnet of the receiving unit come close to each other, the magnet and the sleeve conductor of the detachable unit are moved downwardly (indicated by the arrows) by the magnetic force, and also the opening 1109 The contact with the bottom magnet is shown. The contact is electrically connected.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims (36)

As a personal beauty device,
A detachable unit comprising a cosmetic applicator and an applicator communication interface configured to perform cosmetic treatment on a body part of the user; And
Personal cosmetic device comprising a main unit physically and communicatively coupled with the applicator communication interface, the main unit including a main unit communication interface configured to send data to or receive data from the detachable unit. . The method of claim 1,
And the main unit is configured to transmit power to one or more components associated with the detachable unit. The method of claim 1,
The main unit is configured to transmit sensor information to or receive sensor information from the detachable unit. The method of claim 1,
And wherein the main unit comprises at least one of a receiver component, a transceiver component and a transmitter component operable to communicate with and exchange information with the client device. The method of claim 1,
And wherein said main unit comprises circuitry configured to operate a discovery protocol that enables a main unit or detachable unit and a remote enterprise to identify each other and negotiate one or more pre-shared keys. The method of claim 1,
And wherein said main unit comprises circuitry configured to operate a discovery protocol that enables a main unit or detachable unit and a remote network to exchange encrypted and anonymized information. The method of claim 1,
And wherein said main unit comprises circuitry configured to activate a discovery protocol that enables a remote network to exchange treatment therapy information with said main unit or detachable unit. The method of claim 1,
The main unit includes a motor for driving the cosmetic applicator to perform repetitive movement with respect to the main unit, wherein both the separate unit communication interface and the main unit communication interface are on a member driven by a motor generating repetitive movement. Personal beauty instruments, characterized in that arranged. The method of claim 1,
The main unit communication interface is at least one conductive pin, and the detachable unit communication interface is at least one conductive socket configured to receive at least one conductive pin. The method of claim 1,
And the main unit communication interface and the detachable unit communication interface are magnets. The method of claim 10,
At least one magnet of the main unit communication interface and the detachable unit communication interface is configured to be movable when the magnetic force is not applied and to remain in the first position, and to contact the magnet of the other communication interface when the magnetic force is applied. Personal cosmetic device, configured to extend into position. As a personal beauty applicator,
A detachable unit comprising a cosmetic applicator configured to perform a cosmetic treatment on a body part of a user, wherein the detachable unit comprises:
A coupling structure for physically coupling the detachable unit to a personal care appliance; And
And a detachable unit communication interface communicatively coupled to the personal cosmetic instrument, the detachable unit communication interface including circuitry configured to exchange data and power with the personal cosmetic instrument. The method of claim 12,
And wherein the detachable unit communication interface comprises circuitry configured to establish a security protocol that allows the personal cosmetic applicator and the client device to identify each other and to establish secure communication. The method of claim 12,
And the detachable unit communication interface comprises circuitry configured to exchange encrypted and anonymized information with a remote network. The method of claim 12,
And the detachable unit communication interface comprises circuitry configured to exchange control commands with a remote network. The method of claim 12,
And the detachable unit communication interface comprises circuitry configured to exchange diagnostic information with a client device. As a personal beauty device system,
A personal cosmetic device comprising a cosmetic applicator configured to perform a cosmetic treatment on a body part of a user and a main unit configured to physically couple with a detachable unit having a detachable unit communication interface, the main unit comprising:
Communicatively coupled with the detachable unit communication interface to transmit and receive information with the detachable unit, and to communicatively couple at least one of the detachable unit communication interface and the main unit communication interface to a client device associated with the personal care appliance. And a main unit communication interface having a configured circuit. The method of claim 17,
And wherein said main unit communication interface comprises circuitry configured to establish a security protocol and exchange encrypted and anonymized information with a client device. The method of claim 17,
And said main unit communication interface comprises circuitry configured to exchange sensor information with a detachable unit. The method of claim 19,
The circuit of the main unit is configured to transmit sensor information to the client device for display on the client device. The method of claim 17,
The main unit communication interface comprises a circuit configured to exchange control information with a detachable unit associated with the cosmetic applicator. The method of claim 17,
The main unit is configured to receive data from a client device and process the received data. The method of claim 22,
And wherein the data received from the client device is command or control data for controlling the operation of the main unit of the personal cosmetic instrument. The method of claim 17,
And wherein said main unit is configured to receive data from a client device for processing data in said detachable unit and to transmit data to said detachable unit via a main unit communication interface. The method of claim 24,
And wherein the data received from the client device is data for controlling the operation of the detachable unit of the personal beauty instrument. The method of claim 24,
The detachable unit comprises at least one sensor, wherein the data received from the client device is for controlling the sensor. The method of claim 26,
And wherein data received from the client device to control the sensor is triggered by sensor data previously transmitted from the detachable unit to the client device via the detachable unit communication interface. The method of claim 24,
The detachable unit includes a memory, wherein the data received from the client device is for retrieving data from the memory. The method of claim 17,
And wherein said main unit is communicatively coupled to a client device via a wireless connection. In a method implemented by a personal beauty instrument system,
The personal cosmetic instrument system includes a personal cosmetic instrument and a client device, the personal cosmetic instrument physically coupled with a detachable unit having a cosmetic applicator and a detachable unit communication interface configured to perform a cosmetic treatment on a user's body part. A main unit configured to, wherein the method comprises:
Communicatively coupled to the detachable unit communication interface by circuitry of the main unit to transmit and receive information with the detachable unit, and
And communicatively coupling at least one of a detachable unit communication interface and a main unit communication interface to a client device associated with a personal care appliance using circuitry of the main unit. The method of claim 30,
Establishing a secure protocol and exchanging encrypted and anonymized information with the client device. The method of claim 30,
Exchanging sensor information with the detachable unit. 33. The method of claim 32,
The circuitry of the main unit is configured to send sensor information to the client device for display on the client device. The method of claim 30,
Exchanging control information with the detachable unit. The method of claim 30,
Receiving data from the client device and processing the received data. The method of claim 30,
Receiving data from the client device to process the data in the detachable unit and transmitting the data to the detachable unit via the main unit communication interface.

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