Patent Description:
A user performing a personal care activity can often benefit from being assisted during the personal care activity. For example, some smart mirrors provide an opportunity to add extra visual information to be displayed in addition to a reflection (or a representation of a scene, if a display is being used to approximate a mirror). This can be useful since people often perform various personal care activities in front of a mirror. For example, personal care activities performed in front of a mirror can include personal health activities (which may be monitored to study the health of the user performing the personal health activity), personal hygiene activities (for example, tooth care activities such as cleaning, brushing, or flossing teeth, or skin care activities such as treating or cleansing skin), and personal grooming activities (for example, removing hair such as cutting hair or shaving hair on any part of their body, or brushing or straightening hair). The visual information provided by smart mirrors can directly enhance and support these personal care activities. Specifically, the user interface provided by the smart mirrors allow an elevated experience of using a respective personal care apparatus (e.g. an electric toothbrush or an electric shaver) which leads to improved user-friendliness of the personal care apparatus. This kind of visual information can additionally or alternatively be provided by other types of display apparatuses, such as those at smartphones or tablet computers.

Smart mirrors are usually installed or mounted over a vanity or a counter top, for example in a bathroom. This placement means that the touch interface of the smart mirror is at some distance from a user, thus making it inconvenient for the user to reach the interface from an ergonomic point of view. In addition, when the user is actively handling a handheld personal care apparatus for performing a personal care activity, they may not be able to conveniently perform touch screen interaction with the smart mirror.

It is to be noted that <CIT> discloses personal care appliance having a single display unit on which various display screens may be projected and a toggle function to switch between the various display screens. In addition <CIT> discloses that the personal care device may be docked to a cleaning device, the display screen of the cleaning device being operable using the personal care appliance.

It is further to be noted that <CIT> discloses a toothbrush having sensors to allow the detection of a use mode of the toothbrush and a control unit configured to switch between different settings of the toothbrush depending on the sensor readings.

It is further to be noted that <CIT> discloses a apparatus and method for supporting at least one user in performing a personal care activity. The apparatus comprising a control unit configured to determine a personal care activity performed by the at least one user, identify one or more regions of interest in the image of the at least one user based on the determined personal care activity, acquire information associated with the determined personal care activity, and modify the image of the at least one user at the identified one or more regions of interest based on the acquired information to support the at least one user in performing the personal care activity.

As noted above, there are a number of disadvantages associated with the currently available personal care apparatuses for use in conjunction with display apparatuses such as smart mirrors, such as the ergonomic issues associated with the control of the smart mirror in these systems. Moreover, currently available smart mirrors typically include touch interfaces, and fingerprint smudges or stains at the touch interface may detract a user from the personal care activity experience using a personal care apparatus. It would therefore be advantageous to provide an improved personal care apparatus that can be used for remotely controlling a connected display apparatus (such as a smart mirror), and a method of operating thereof.

To better address one or more of the concerns mentioned earlier, in a first aspect, there is provided a personal care apparatus for supporting a user in performing a personal care activity, the personal care apparatus being configured to connect to a display apparatus. The personal care apparatus comprises a first control unit configured to: determine a current operation mode of the personal care apparatus as a usage mode or a control mode; and detect a first predetermined user maneuver, wherein in the usage mode at least one or more user maneuvers of the personal care apparatus correspond to controlling the personal care apparatus itself and wherein in the control mode at least one or more user maneuvers of the personal care apparatus correspond to controlling the display apparatus, wherein the first predetermined user maneuver corresponds to a control operation of the personal care apparatus in the usage mode and corresponds to a control operation of the display apparatus in control mode, wherein when the first predetermined user maneuver is detected, the first control unit is further configured to perform the control operation of the personal care apparatus if the determined current operation mode is the usage mode, or transmit a control signal corresponding to the control operation of the display apparatus to the display apparatus if the determined current operation mode is the control mode such that the user can operate the personal care apparatus so as to remotely control the display apparatus.

In some embodiments, the first control unit may be further configured to: detect a second predetermined user maneuver, wherein the second predetermined user maneuver corresponds to an initiation of an operation mode of the personal care apparatus or a change of operation mode of the personal care apparatus; and determine the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus based on the detected second predetermined user maneuver.

In some embodiments, the second predetermined user maneuver may correspond to an initiation of the control mode, and the first control unit may be further configured to establish, upon detection of the second predetermined user maneuver, a connection with the display apparatus.

In some embodiments, the first control unit may be configured to determine the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus based on whether a connection is established between the personal care apparatus and the display apparatus.

In some embodiments, the personal care apparatus may further comprise an inertial measurement unit configured to detect a change in orientation and/or movement of the personal care apparatus. In these embodiments, the first predetermined user maneuver may be a predetermined change of orientation of the personal care apparatus and/or a predetermined movement of the personal care apparatus.

In some embodiments, the first control unit may be further configured to: determine at least one of a stage of the personal care activity performed by the user and a status of the personal care apparatus; and determine the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus based on at least one of the determined stage of personal care activity and the determined status of the personal care apparatus.

In some embodiments, the first control unit may be configured to determine at least one of a stage of the personal care activity performed by the user and a status of the personal care apparatus based on at least one of measured degree of pressure exerted by the user on at least a part of the personal care apparatus, a measured level of electrical resistance at the personal care apparatus, and a proximity of the personal care apparatus with a body part of the user.

In some embodiments, the personal care apparatus may further comprise a motor unit. In these embodiments, the first control unit may be configured to determine at least one of a stage of the personal care activity performed by the user and a status of the personal care apparatus based on a driving status of the motor unit.

In some embodiments, the control operation of the personal care apparatus may comprise at least one of: switching on the personal care apparatus, switching off the personal care apparatus, changing a performance mode of the personal care apparatus, changing a speed setting of the personal care apparatus, and changing a time setting of the personal care apparatus.

In a second aspect, there is provided a system comprising the personal care apparatus according to the first aspect, and the display apparatus.

In some embodiments, the display apparatus comprises a second control unit configured to: control the display apparatus to output one or more graphical user interface elements; receive a control signal from the personal care apparatus; and changing a value of at least one of the one or more graphical user interface elements based on the received control signal.

In some embodiments, the display apparatus may comprise a second control unit, and at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit is configured to determine at least one of a stage of the personal care activity performed by the user and a status of the personal care apparatus. In these embodiments, the second control unit may be further configured to control the display apparatus based on at least one of the determined stage of personal care activity and the determined status of the personal care apparatus.

In some embodiments, the display apparatus may be a smart mirror.

According to the aspects and embodiments described above, the limitations of existing techniques are addressed. In particular, the above-described aspects and embodiments enable a display apparatus (such as a smart mirror) to be remotely controlled using a personal care apparatus in the vicinity of the display apparatus. There is thus provided an improved personal care apparatus and a method of operating thereof. These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

The invention is as defined in the independent claims <NUM>-<NUM>, with preferential embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims.

For a better understanding of the embodiments, and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

As noted above, there is provided an improved personal care apparatus and a method of operating the same which addresses the existing problems.

<FIG> is a top-view schematic diagram illustrating a typical smart mirror and personal care apparatus set-up in a bathroom, and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating user interaction with the smart mirror and personal care apparatus set-up of <FIG>, before and during use of a personal care apparatus. In all of <FIG> and <FIG>, it is shown that the set-up comprises a user <NUM>, a bathroom vanity <NUM>, a smart mirror <NUM>, and a personal care apparatus <NUM>. The set-up as illustrated in <FIG> can be regarded as a simplified version of that as shown in <FIG>, where only a side of the bathroom vanity <NUM> proximate to the user <NUM> is shown, or it can be regarded as a different single-sink bathroom vanity.

Typically, during use of the personal care apparatus <NUM> (e.g. an electric shaver) in conjunction with a smart mirror <NUM>, the user <NUM> is positioned in front of the smart mirror <NUM> which is mounted above the bathroom vanity <NUM> so that they can monitor a progress of the personal care activity by way of reflection of the smart mirror <NUM>. The smart mirror <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, like many smart mirrors <NUM> currently known, provides a touch screen user interface to allow the user <NUM> to interact with the smart mirror <NUM>. In particular, the user <NUM> can access a plurality of applications installed at the smart mirror <NUM> via the touch screen user interface. The plurality of applications available at the smart mirror <NUM> may include application(s) associated with the personal care apparatus, such as those for performing control of the personal care apparatus and/or for providing personal care activity routine assistance, and/or other types of general purpose or informative application(s) (e.g. a weather application).

The area associated with the interaction between the user <NUM> and the smart mirror <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG> as the smart mirror interaction area <NUM>. Also, the area associated with the interaction between the user <NUM> and the personal care apparatus <NUM> is shown in <FIG> as the personal care activity area <NUM>. It can be seen from <FIG> that due to the respective positions of the smart mirror <NUM>, the bathroom vanity <NUM>, and the user <NUM>, there is a considerable distance between the smart mirror interaction area <NUM> and the personal care activity area <NUM>. This distance may cause potential issues from an ergonomic point of view. For example, the user <NUM> may need to reach over the bathroom vanity <NUM> to access the touch screen of the smart mirror <NUM>. Furthermore, when the user <NUM> is holding the personal care apparatus <NUM>, it may not be convenient for them to interact with the touch screen user interface of the smart mirror <NUM>.

By using the personal care apparatus and/or the system as described according to the present disclosure, the potential problems arising from the distance between the smart mirror interaction area <NUM> and the personal care activity area <NUM> can be circumvented. In more detail, the personal care apparatus as described according to the present disclosure allows a user to operate the personal care apparatus so as to remotely control the smart mirror (or other types of display apparatuses), thus removing the need for the user to perform movements that compromise comfort or convenience.

<FIG> shows a block diagram of a system <NUM> according to an embodiment, which comprises a personal care apparatus <NUM> and a display apparatus <NUM>. The personal care apparatus <NUM> can be used for supporting at least one user in performing a personal care activity, and can be connected to the display apparatus <NUM> via a wired or wireless connection (e.g. Bluetooth). In some embodiments, the display apparatus <NUM> may be a smart mirror. In other embodiments, the display apparatus <NUM> may be a part of another device, such as a smartphone or a tablet computer.

The personal care activity may comprise a personal health activity (for example, a skin assessment such as an optical skin assessment, a physiological condition assessment such as a heart rate assessment or a blood-pressure assessment, a glucose assessment, a body shape assessment such as an optical body shape assessment, a physical flexibility assessment, a wound assessment, or any other personal health activity), a personal hygiene activity (for example, tooth care activities such as cleaning, brushing, or flossing teeth, skin care activities such as treating or cleansing skin, or any other personal hygiene activity), a personal grooming activity (for example, removing hair such as cutting or shaving hair on any part of the body, or brushing, curling, or straightening hair), or any other personal care activity. Thus, the personal care apparatus may be one of: an electric toothbrush, an electric shaver, an electric epilator, an electric facial cleansing brush, eye energizer, a hair curling iron, a hair straightener, a sphygmomanometer, etc..

As illustrated in <FIG>, the personal care apparatus comprises a first control unit <NUM> that controls the operation of the personal care apparatus <NUM> and that can implement the method described herein. The first control unit <NUM> can comprise one or more processors, processing units, multi-core processor or modules that are configured or programmed to control the personal care apparatus <NUM> in the manner described herein. In particular implementations, the first control unit <NUM> can comprise a plurality of software and/or hardware modules that are each configured to perform, or are for performing, individual or multiple steps of the method described herein.

The first control unit <NUM> is configured to determine a current operation mode as a usage mode or a control mode. In the usage mode, at least one or more user maneuvers of the personal care apparatus <NUM> correspond to controlling the personal care apparatus <NUM> itself; and in the control mode, at least one or more user maneuvers of the personal care apparatus <NUM> correspond to controlling the display apparatus <NUM>. Thus, a particular user maneuver (e.g. pressing a certain button at the personal care apparatus <NUM>) may correspond to at least two different control operations depending on the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, i.e. whether it is the usage mode or the control mode.

The first control unit <NUM> is also configured to detect a first predetermined user maneuver, e.g. a long-actuation of a certain button at the personal care apparatus <NUM> or a double-actuation of a certain button at the personal care apparatus <NUM>. The first predetermined user maneuver corresponds to a control operation of the personal care apparatus <NUM> in the usage mode and corresponds to a control operation of the display apparatus <NUM> in the control mode. In some embodiments, the control operation of the personal care apparatus <NUM> may comprise at least one of: switching on the personal care apparatus <NUM> switching off the personal care apparatus <NUM>, changing a performance mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, changing a speed setting of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, and changing a time setting of the personal care apparatus <NUM>.

When the first predetermined user maneuver is detected by the first control unit <NUM>, the first control unit <NUM> is further configured to perform the control operation of the personal care apparatus if the determined current operation mode is the usage mode, or transmit a control signal corresponding to the control operation of the display apparatus <NUM> to the display apparatus <NUM> if the determined current operation mode is the control mode.

In some embodiments, the first control unit <NUM> may be further configured to detect a second predetermined user maneuver. The second predetermined user maneuver in this case corresponds to an initiation of an operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM> or a change of operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. For example, the second predetermined user maneuver may be a change of orientation and/or movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> corresponding to the personal care apparatus <NUM> being picked up by the user from a stationary position. Thus, in this particular example, when the user picks up the personal care apparatus <NUM> from a surface of the bathroom vanity, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to detect this movement as the second predetermined user maneuver and to initiate the usage mode or the control mode.

As another example, the second predetermined user maneuver may be a manipulation of a user interface of the display apparatus <NUM>. Thus, in this particular example, when the user manipulates the user interface of the display apparatus <NUM> (e.g. by tapping the touch screen of the display apparatus <NUM>), the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to detect this interaction, via an established connection between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>, as the second predetermined user maneuver, and to initiate the usage mode or the control mode.

In some embodiments, the second predetermined user maneuver may specifically correspond to an initiation of the control mode. In these embodiments, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to establish, upon detection of the second predetermined user maneuver, a connection with the display apparatus <NUM>. Therefore, in these embodiments, the user can remotely control the display apparatus <NUM> using the personal care apparatus <NUM> once they have performed the designated user maneuver for initiating the control mode, without having to perform additional user maneuvers for establishing the connection between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to determine the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM> based on whether a connection is established between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>. The first control unit <NUM> may be configured to establish this connection automatically when the personal care apparatus <NUM> is switched on and when it is detected that the personal care apparatus <NUM> is within the vicinity of the display apparatus <NUM>. As an example, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to determine that the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM> is the control mode if there is an established connection between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>. Therefore, in these embodiments, the user can remotely control the display apparatus <NUM> using the personal care apparatus <NUM> once there is an established connection between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>, without having to perform additional user maneuvers to initiate the control mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to change the current operation mode based on whether there is an established connection between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>.

Although not shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments the personal care apparatus <NUM> may further comprise an inertial measurement unit configured to detect a change in orientation and/or movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. The inertial measurement unit may comprise at least one of: an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, a motion sensing unit configured to detect motion/rotation of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, a vibration sensing unit configured to detect a user-induced vibration of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, and a barometer configured to detect a relative height of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Therefore, the inertial measurement unit may be configured to detect a change in orientation and/or movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> based on measurement(s) of one or more of the accelerometer, the motion sensing unit, the vibration sensing unit, and the barometer. In these embodiments, the first predetermined user maneuver may be a predetermined change of orientation of the personal care apparatus <NUM> and/or a predetermined movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> as detected by the inertial measurement unit.

For example, the control unit <NUM> may be configured to detect a user picking up the personal care apparatus <NUM> from a stationary position as the first predetermined user maneuver. In this example, the movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> from the stationary position may be measured by the barometer of the inertial measurement unit, e.g. when the personal care apparatus <NUM> has been raised by more than <NUM>. Subsequently, the first control unit <NUM> may determine that the first predetermined user maneuver is being performed or has been performed by the user based on the measurement(s) of the inertial measurement unit.

In some embodiments, the first control unit <NUM> may be further configured to determine at least one of a stage of the personal care activity performed by the user and a status of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, and to determine the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM> based on at least one of the determined stage of personal care activity and the determined status of the personal care apparatus <NUM>.

For example, the personal care apparatus <NUM> may be an electric hair clipper and the first control unit <NUM> of the personal care apparatus <NUM> may be configured to determine, based on an amount of elapsed time since the personal care apparatus <NUM> has been switched on, that the user has started the personal care activity (i.e. hair clipping). Based on this determined stage of personal care activity, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to determine that the current operation mode is the usage mode, since in this example at an early stage of a personal care activity the user would be likely to wish to perform control operation(s) of the personal care apparatus <NUM> itself, rather than control operations of the display apparatus <NUM>.

As another example, the personal care apparatus <NUM> may be a skin cleansing apparatus which comprises a skin hydration sensing unit configured to detect a level of skin hydration of a user. In this example, the first control unit <NUM> of the personal care apparatus <NUM> may be configured to determine, based on an amount of elapsed time since the personal care apparatus <NUM> has been switched on, that the user has started the personal care activity (i.e. skin cleansing). Based on this determined stage of personal care activity, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to determine that the current operation mode is the control mode, since in this example the user is likely to have already performed adjustment of the settings of the personal care apparatus <NUM> before the start of the personal care activity, and that while the user is performing the personal care activity they may wish to perform control operation(s) of the display apparatus <NUM> to review information relevant to the personal care activity displayed at the display apparatus <NUM>, such as a real-time change in levels of skin hydration of the user as detected by the skin hydration sensing unit at the personal care apparatus <NUM>, and/or historical data relevant to the skin cleansing activity, and/or analysis data relevant to the personal care activity.

Although not shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments the personal care apparatus <NUM> may further comprise at least one of: a pressure sensing unit configured to measure a degree of pressure exerted by the user on at least a part of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, an electrical resistance sensing unit configured to measure a level of electrical resistance at the personal care apparatus <NUM>, and a proximity sensing unit to measure a proximity of the personal care apparatus <NUM> with a body part of the user. In these embodiments, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to determine at least one of a stage of the personal care activity performed by the user and a status of the personal care apparatus <NUM> based on the at least one of: a measured degree of pressure exerted by the user on at least a part of the personal care apparatus, a measured level of electrical resistance at the personal care apparatus, and a proximity of the personal care apparatus with a body part of the user.

For example, in some embodiments the personal care apparatus <NUM> may be a skin cleansing apparatus comprising a head portion at which the pressure sensing unit is located. In this example, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to determine that the user has started the personal care activity (i.e. skin cleansing) when it detects that the degree of pressure exerted by the user on the head portion is higher than a predetermined threshold. Based on this determination, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to determine that the user has started the personal care activity (i.e. skin cleansing). Subsequently, based on this determined stage of personal care activity, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to determine that the current operation mode is the usage mode, since at an early stage of a personal care activity the user would be likely to wish to perform control operation(s) of the personal care apparatus <NUM> itself, rather than control operations of the display apparatus <NUM>.

As another example, in some embodiments the personal care apparatus <NUM> may be an electric shaver comprising a shaver head portion at which the proximity sensing unit is located. In this example, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to determine that the user has started the personal care activity (e.g. shaving) when it detects that the shaver head portion is in contact with the face of the user. Based on this determination, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to determine that the user has started the personal care activity (i.e. shaving). Subsequently, based on this determined stage of personal care activity, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured determine that the current operation mode is the usage mode, since at an early stage of a personal care activity the user would be likely to wish to perform control operation(s) of the personal care apparatus <NUM> itself, rather than control operations of the display apparatus <NUM>.

Although not shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments the personal care apparatus <NUM> may further comprise a motor unit. In these embodiments, the first control unit <NUM> may be configured to determine at least one of a stage of the personal care activity and a status of the personal care apparatus <NUM> based on a driving status of the motor unit.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the display apparatus <NUM> comprises a second control unit <NUM> that controls the operation of the display apparatus <NUM> and that can implement at least a part of the method described herein. Similar to the first control unit <NUM> of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, the second control unit <NUM> can comprise one or more processors, processing units, multi-core processor or modules that are configured or programmed to control the display apparatus <NUM> in the manner described herein. In particular implementations, the second control unit <NUM> can comprise a plurality of software and/or hardware modules that are each configured to perform, or are for performing, individual or multiple steps of the method described herein.

The second control unit <NUM> is configured to receive a control signal from the personal care apparatus <NUM>, for example a control signal corresponding to a control operation of the display apparatus <NUM> that is transmitted from the personal care apparatus <NUM> upon detection of the first predetermined user maneuver during the control mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second control unit <NUM> may be configured to control the display apparatus <NUM> to output one or more graphical user interface elements. In these embodiments, a control operation of the display apparatus <NUM> may be to change a value of at least one of the one or more graphical user interface elements, such as toggling a selection at the display apparatus <NUM>. The second control unit <NUM> in these embodiments may therefore be configured to change a value of at least one of the one or more graphical user interface elements based on the control signal.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first control unit <NUM> and the second control unit <NUM> may be configured to determine at least one of a stage of the personal care activity performed by the user and a status of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. In these embodiments, the second control unit <NUM> may be further configured to control the display apparatus <NUM> based on at least one of the determined stage of personal care activity and the determined status of the personal care apparatus <NUM>.

Although not shown in the drawing, at least one of the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM> may further comprise at least one user interface. A user interface may be for use in providing a user of the personal care apparatus <NUM> and/or the display apparatus <NUM> with visual information relating to a personal care activity that is supported by the personal care apparatus <NUM>, and/or visual information relating to the personal care apparatus <NUM>, and/or visual information relating to a current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM> (i.e. whether the personal care apparatus <NUM> is in the usage mode or the control mode).

For example, a user interface in the form of a <NUM>-LED indicator bar or a display screen may be provided at the personal care apparatus <NUM> for indicating a level of battery of the personal care apparatus <NUM> and/or a number of uses of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. As another example, a current speed of a motor unit of a personal care apparatus <NUM> may be displayed at a user interface of the personal care apparatus <NUM> and/or a user interface of the display apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition, a user interface may be configured to receive a user input. For example, a user interface may allow a user of the personal care apparatus <NUM> and/or the display apparatus <NUM> to manually enter instructions, data, or information. In these embodiments, the first control unit <NUM> and/or the second control unit <NUM> may be configured to acquire the user input from one or more user interfaces.

A user interface may be any user interface that enables the rendering (or output or display) of information to a user of the personal care apparatus <NUM> and/or the display apparatus <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition, a user interface may be any user interface that enables a user of the personal care apparatus <NUM> and/or the display apparatus <NUM> to provide a user input, interact with and/or control the personal care apparatus <NUM> and/or the apparatus <NUM>. For example, the user interface may comprise one or more switches, one or more buttons, a keypad, a keyboard, a touch screen or an application (for example, on a tablet or smartphone), a display screen, a graphical user interface (GUI) or other visual rendering component, one or more speakers, one or more microphones or any other audio component, one or more lights, a component for providing tactile feedback, or any other user interface, or combination of user interfaces. In some embodiments, the first predetermined user maneuver and/or the second predetermined user maneuver may be a user manipulation of a user interface of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, such as actuating a switch, a button, a keypad, a keyboard, or a touch screen.

In some embodiments, at least one of the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM> may comprise a memory. Alternatively or in addition, one or more memories may be external to (i.e. separate to or remote from) the personal care apparatus <NUM> or the display apparatus <NUM>. For example, one or more memories may be part of another device. A memory can be configured to store program code that can be executed by the first control unit <NUM> and/or the second control unit <NUM> to perform the method described herein. A memory can be used to store information, data, signals and measurements acquired or made by the first control unit <NUM> and/or the second control unit <NUM>.

In some embodiments, at least one of the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM> may comprise a communications interface (or circuitry) for enabling the personal care apparatus <NUM> and/or the display apparatus <NUM> to communicate with any interfaces, memories and/or devices that are internal or external to the apparatuses. The communications interface may communicate with any interfaces, memories and/or devices wirelessly or via a wired connection. For example, the communications interface of the personal care apparatus <NUM> may communicate with the communications interface of the display apparatus <NUM> wirelessly or via a wired connection. Similarly, the communications interface may communicate with the one or more memories wirelessly or via a wired connection. Therefore, there may be provided a datalink between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>. In some embodiments, the data link may be implemented as a Bluetooth connection with proprietary data protocol. In alternative embodiments, the datalink may be wired electrically or wireless electrically with radio frequency. Also, in some embodiments, the datalink may be wired or wireless with light, visible or infrared, or it may be acoustic. The datalink and protocol used may include Wi-Fi, DECT, ZigBee, SIRCS, IrDA, Morse code, near-field communication (NFC), etc. In addition, the datalink connection between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM> may be simplex, duplex or half duplex.

It will be appreciated that <FIG> only shows the components required to illustrate an aspect of the system <NUM>, the personal care apparatus <NUM>, and the display apparatus <NUM>, and in a practical implementation, the system <NUM>, the personal care apparatus <NUM>, or the display apparatus <NUM> may comprise alternative or additional components to those shown. For example, the personal care apparatus <NUM> may comprise a battery or other power supply for powering the personal care apparatus <NUM> or means for connecting the personal care apparatus <NUM> to a mains power supply. Similarly, the display apparatus <NUM> may comprise a battery or other power supply for powering the personal care apparatus <NUM> or means for connecting the personal care apparatus <NUM> to a mains power supply.

<FIG> illustrates a computer-implemented method of operating the personal care apparatus of <FIG>. The illustrated method can generally be performed by or under the control of the first control unit <NUM> of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. In some embodiments, as will be explained in more detail in the following, at least a part of the illustrated method can be additionally or alternatively performed or under the control of the second control unit <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, at block <NUM>, a current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM> is determined as a usage mode or a control mode. More specifically, the current operation mode is determined by the first control unit <NUM> of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. As mentioned above with reference to <FIG>, in the usage mode, at least one or more user maneuvers of the personal care apparatus <NUM> correspond to controlling the personal care apparatus <NUM> itself; in the control mode, at least one or more user maneuvers of the personal care apparatus <NUM> correspond to controlling the display apparatus <NUM>.

In some embodiments, determining the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM> at block <NUM> may be based on detected second predetermined user maneuver which corresponds to an initiation of an operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. In these embodiments, the method may further comprise detecting the second predetermined user maneuver. Furthermore, in some of these embodiments, the second predetermined user maneuver may correspond to an initiation of the control mode, and the method may further comprise establishing a connection with the display apparatus upon detection of the second predetermined user maneuver by the first control unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the method may further comprise determining the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM> based on whether a connection is established between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>.

As discussed above with reference to <FIG> above, in some embodiments the personal care apparatus <NUM> may comprise an inertial measurement unit configured to detect a change in orientation and/or movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, and the first predetermined user maneuver may be a predetermined change of orientation of the personal care apparatus and/or a predetermined movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. In these embodiments, determining the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM> at block <NUM> may comprise determining the predetermined change of orientation and/or the predetermined movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> as the first predetermined user maneuver.

In some embodiments, determining the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus may comprise determining at least one of a stage of the personal care activity performed by the user and a status of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, and determining the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM> based on at least one of the determined stage of personal care activity and the determined status of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. In some of these embodiments, the method may further comprise at least one of: measuring a degree of pressure exerted by the user on at least a part of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, measuring a level of electrical resistance at the personal care apparatus <NUM>, and measuring a proximity of the personal care apparatus <NUM> with a body part of the user. Thus, the step of determining at least one of a stage of the personal care activity performed by the user and a status of the personal care apparatus <NUM> may be based on at least one of: the measured degree of pressure, the measured level of electrical resistance at the personal care apparatus, and a proximity of the personal care apparatus with a body part of the user. Also, as discussed above with reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments the personal care apparatus <NUM> may comprise a motor unit. In these embodiments, the step of determining at least one of a stage of the personal care activity performed by the user and a status of the personal care apparatus <NUM> may be based on a driving status of the motor unit.

Returning to <FIG>, at block <NUM>, a first predetermined user maneuver is detected by the first control unit <NUM> of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. The first predetermined user maneuver corresponds to a control operation of the personal care apparatus <NUM> in the usage mode and corresponds to a control operation of the display apparatus <NUM> in the control mode. Then, subsequent to the detection of the first predetermined user maneuver at block <NUM>, at block <NUM>, the first control unit <NUM> is configured to perform the control operation of the personal care apparatus if the current operation mode determined at block <NUM> is the usage mode, or transmit a control signal corresponding to the control operation of the display apparatus <NUM> to the display apparatus <NUM> if the current operation mode determined at block <NUM> is the control mode.

Although not shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments the method may further comprise controlling the display apparatus <NUM> to output one or more graphical user interface elements, receiving a control signal from the personal care apparatus <NUM>, and changing a value of at least one of the one or more graphical user interface elements based on the received control signal. These method steps may be performed by the second control unit <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>. In these embodiments, the change in value of the graphical user interface element(s) may be accompanied by a change in setting/value of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. For example, the control signal received from the personal care apparatus <NUM> may correspond to a change in speed of a motor unit at the personal care apparatus <NUM>. In this example, this control signal may trigger a change of value of a graphical user interface element that indicates a current speed setting of the motor unit at the personal care apparatus <NUM>, in addition to a change in speed of the motor unit at the personal care apparatus <NUM>.

In addition, although not shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments the method may further comprise determining at least one of the user and a status of the personal care apparatus. This method step may be performed by at least one of the first control unit <NUM> and the second control unit <NUM>. Moreover, the method may further comprise controlling the display apparatus <NUM> based on at least one of the determined stage of personal care activity and the determined status of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. This method step may be performed by the second control unit <NUM> of the display apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> are perspective views of personal care apparatuses according to four different embodiments. The personal care apparatuses as shown in <FIG> are examples of practical implementations of the personal care apparatus <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In more detail, the personal care apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are electric shavers configured to be connectable to a display apparatus, e.g. a smart mirror.

As shown in <FIG>, the personal care apparatus <NUM> comprises a handle portion <NUM> and a head portion <NUM>, the head portion <NUM> comprising a plurality of cutting units which are configured to be driven by a motor unit (not shown in the drawing). At the handle portion <NUM>, there is provided a first button <NUM>, a second button <NUM>, and a third button <NUM>. In the present embodiment, actuation of the first button <NUM> corresponds to switching on or switching off the personal care apparatus <NUM>, depending on a current on/off status of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Furthermore, the personal care apparatus <NUM> of this embodiment is configured such that a movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> corresponding to a user shaking/moving the personal care apparatus is detected as the second predetermined user maneuver by the first control unit (not shown in the drawing), wherein the second predetermined user maneuver corresponds to a change of operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Therefore, when the user shakes the personal care apparatus <NUM>, the current operation mode is changed from the usage mode to the control mode, or vice versa.

Moreover, in this embodiment, actuation of the second button <NUM> and the third button <NUM> respectively correspond to different control operations of either the personal care apparatus <NUM> itself or a connected display apparatus, depending on the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Specifically, in the present embodiment, actuation of the second button <NUM> in the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of reducing a vibration speed of the cutting units at the head portion <NUM> while actuation of the third button <NUM> during the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of increasing a vibration speed of the cutting units at the head portion <NUM>. Also, actuation of the second button <NUM> in the control mode corresponds to the control operation of moving up a selection of a graphic interface element at a display apparatus while actuation of the third button <NUM> in the control mode corresponds to the control operation of moving down a selection of a graphic interface element at the display apparatus. As discussed with reference to <FIG> above, control signals corresponding to the control operations of the display apparatus may be transmitted to the display apparatus via the connection between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus.

The personal care apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to the personal care apparatus <NUM> as shown in <FIG> in that the personal care apparatus <NUM> also comprises a handle portion <NUM> and a head portion <NUM>, the head portion <NUM> comprising a plurality of cutting units which are configured to be driven by a motor unit (not shown in the drawing). The personal care apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> differs from that of <FIG> in that at the handle portion <NUM> of the personal care apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>, there is provided a first button <NUM>, a second button <NUM>, a third button <NUM>, and a fourth button <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the personal care apparatus <NUM> of the present embodiment is an electric shaver configured to be connectable to a display apparatus. An exemplary embodiment of such display apparatus is shown in <FIG>, which illustrates a system comprising the personal care apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> and a display apparatus <NUM> to which the personal care apparatus <NUM> can be connected. The display apparatus <NUM> is a tablet computer configured to display a plurality of graphical user interface elements, one of which is highlighted as a selection and labelled as <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, actuation of the first button <NUM> corresponds to switching on or switching off the personal care apparatus <NUM>, depending on the current on/off status of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Furthermore, the personal care apparatus <NUM> of this embodiment is configured such that actuation of the fourth button <NUM> is detected as the second predetermined user maneuver by the first control unit (not shown in the drawing), wherein the second predetermined user maneuver corresponds to a change of operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Hence, the fourth button <NUM> in this embodiment can be regarded as the "mode" button at the personal care apparatus <NUM>. When the user actuates the fourth button <NUM>, the current operation mode is changed from the usage mode to the control mode, or vice versa.

The operation of the second button <NUM> and the third button <NUM> of this embodiment is similar to that of the second button <NUM> and the third button <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG>. Specifically, in the present embodiment, actuation of the second button <NUM> in the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of reducing a vibration speed of the cutting units at the head portion <NUM> while actuation of the third button <NUM> during the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of increasing a vibration speed of the cutting units at the head portion <NUM>. Also, actuation of the second button <NUM> in the control mode corresponds to the control operation of moving up a selection of a graphic interface element <NUM> at the display apparatus <NUM> while actuation of the third button <NUM> in the control mode corresponds to the control operation of moving down a selection of a graphic interface element <NUM> at the display apparatus <NUM>. As discussed with reference to <FIG> above, control signals corresponding to the control operations of the display apparatus <NUM> may be transmitted to the display apparatus <NUM> via the connection between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM>.

The personal care apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> is also similar to the personal care apparatus <NUM> as shown in <FIG> in that the personal care apparatus <NUM> also comprises a handle portion <NUM> and a head portion <NUM>, the head portion <NUM> comprising a plurality of cutting units which are configured to be driven by a motor unit (not shown in the drawing). The personal care apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> differs from that of <FIG> in that at the handle portion <NUM> of the personal care apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>, there is provided a first button <NUM>, a second button <NUM>, a third button <NUM>, a fourth button <NUM>, and a fifth button <NUM>. In the present embodiment, actuation of the fifth button <NUM> corresponds to switching on or switching off the personal care apparatus <NUM>, depending on the current on/off status of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Furthermore, the personal care apparatus <NUM> of this embodiment is configured such that a movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> corresponding to a user shaking (or moving, tilting, jerking, etc.) the personal care apparatus is detected as the second predetermined user maneuver by the first control unit (not shown in the drawing), wherein the second predetermined user maneuver corresponds to a change of operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Therefore, when the user shakes the personal care apparatus <NUM>, the current operation mode is changed from the usage mode to the control mode, or vice versa.

Moreover, in this embodiment, actuation of the first to fourth buttons <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> respectively correspond to different control operations of either the personal care apparatus <NUM> itself or a connected display apparatus, depending on the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Specifically, in the present embodiment, actuation of the first button <NUM> in the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of increasing a vibration/rotation speed of the cutting units at the head portion <NUM>, and actuation of the fourth button <NUM> during the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of reducing a vibration/rotation speed of the cutting units at the head portion <NUM>. Also, actuation of the second button <NUM> in the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of changing to a next performance mode (e.g. normal mode, sensitive mode, turbo mode, etc., where each of these performance modes correspond to a different amplitude swing of the movement of the plurality of cutting units at the head portion <NUM>), and actuation of the third button <NUM> in the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of changing to a previous performance mode. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of performance modes may include progressive modes each associated with a different degree of stiffness of the suspension of the head portion <NUM>, or may include progressive modes each associated with a different contour-following function.

In addition, when the personal care apparatus <NUM> of the present embodiment is in the control mode, the first button <NUM>, the second button <NUM>, the third button <NUM>, and the fourth button <NUM> can be used as a navigation pad to perform control operations of a display apparatus. Specifically, actuation of the first button <NUM> in the control mode corresponds to the control operation of "move up", actuation of the fourth button <NUM> in the control mode corresponds to the control operation of "move down", actuation of the second button <NUM> in the control mode corresponds to the control operation of "move right", and actuation of the third button <NUM> in the control mode corresponds to the control operation of "move left". As discussed with reference to <FIG> above, control signals corresponding to the control operations of the display apparatus may be transmitted to the display apparatus via the connection between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus.

The personal care apparatus <NUM> of <FIG> comprises a handle portion <NUM> and a head portion <NUM>. At the handle portion <NUM>, there is provided a first button <NUM>. In this embodiment, actuation of the first button <NUM> corresponds to switching on or switching off the personal care apparatus <NUM>, depending on a current on/off status of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Furthermore, the personal care apparatus <NUM> of this embodiment is configured such that a movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> corresponding to a user picking up the personal care apparatus <NUM> from a stationary position is detected as the second predetermined user maneuver by the first control unit (not shown in the drawing), wherein the second predetermined user maneuver corresponds to a change of operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Therefore, when the user picks up the personal care apparatus <NUM> from a stationary position, the current operation mode is changed from the usage mode to the control mode, or vice versa.

Moreover, the first control unit of the personal care apparatus <NUM> in this embodiment is configured to determine different movements of the personal care apparatus <NUM> as different user maneuvers, wherein each of these different user maneuvers correspond to a particular control operation of the personal care apparatus <NUM> when it is in the usage mode and corresponds to a particular control operation of a display apparatus when the personal care apparatus <NUM> is in the control mode. In more detail, as shown in <FIG>, the personal care apparatus <NUM> can be rotated (or tilted, moved, jerked, etc.) along four different orientations or directions (as represented by arrows A, B, C, and D) as well as laterally (as represented by arrow E). In this embodiment, each of the movement as demonstrated by arrows A to E in <FIG> respectively correspond to different control operations of either the personal care apparatus <NUM> itself or a connected display apparatus, depending on the current operation mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM>.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> along arrow A in the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of increasing a vibration/rotation speed of the cutting units at the head portion <NUM>, movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> along arrow B during the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of reducing a vibration/rotation speed of the cutting units at the head portion <NUM>, and movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> along arrow C in the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of changing an orientation of the head portion <NUM> with respect to the handle portion <NUM> of the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Also, movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> along arrow D in the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of changing to a next performance mode, and movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> along arrow E in the usage mode corresponds to the control operation of changing to a previous performance mode.

Furthermore, movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> along the orientation or directions represented by arrows A to E are to be used as a <NUM>-way navigation to perform control operations of a display apparatus. Specifically, movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> along arrow A in the control mode corresponds to the control operation of "move up", movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> along arrow B in the control mode corresponds to the control operation of "move down", movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> along arrow D in the control mode corresponds to the control operation of "move left", movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> along arrow E in the control mode corresponds to the control operation of "move right", and movement of the personal care apparatus <NUM> along arrow C corresponds to the control operation of "select". As discussed with reference to <FIG> above, control signals corresponding to the control operations of the display apparatus may be transmitted to the display apparatus via the connection between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus.

<FIG> is a diagram showing how the display apparatus <NUM> in the system of <FIG> can be controlled directly, and <FIG> is a diagram showing how the display apparatus <NUM> in the system of <FIG> can be controlled via the personal care apparatus <NUM>. Although <FIG> and <FIG> show the personal care apparatus <NUM> as an electric shaver and the display apparatus <NUM> as a tablet computer, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the personal care apparatus <NUM> may be practically implemented as other types of devices, e.g. an electric hair clipper as the personal care apparatus and a smart mirror as the display apparatus.

As shown in <FIG>, the user <NUM> can directly control the display apparatus <NUM> by means of an input <NUM> via the touch screen of the display apparatus <NUM>, and as shown in <FIG>, the user can also control the display apparatus <NUM> by means of performing user maneuver(s) at the personal care apparatus <NUM> and through the wireless connection between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM> as illustrated. The latter control is achieved through transmission of control signals from the personal care apparatus <NUM> to the display apparatus <NUM> (represented by the dotted line between the personal care apparatus <NUM> and the display apparatus <NUM> in the drawings). The direct control of the display apparatus <NUM> by the user may be performed when the personal care apparatus <NUM> is in the usage mode or when the personal care apparatus <NUM> is switched off, and the control of the display apparatus <NUM> via the personal care apparatus <NUM> may be performed when the personal care apparatus is in the control mode.

Before, during, or after the user performs a personal care activity using the personal care apparatus, the display apparatus <NUM> is configured to provide information via its user interface, as indicated by the dashed arrows pointing towards the user <NUM> in both <FIG> and <FIG>. Specifically, the second control unit (not shown in this drawing) of the display apparatus <NUM> is configured to control the display apparatus <NUM> to output information in the form of one or more graphical user interface elements or alongside one or more graphical user interface elements. The provided information may relate to the personal care activity performed by the user using the personal care apparatus <NUM>, for example feedback on a progress of the personal care activity being performed, guidance information on how to perform the personal care activity, operational parameters (e.g. motor speed, exposure of the head portion of the electric shaver) of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, a warning relating to operational parameters of the personal care apparatus <NUM> and/or the personal care activity, physiological data of a user, or historical and/or trend data associated with the personal care activity being performed or the personal care apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> is a table illustrating the correspondence between a number of different user maneuvers and a number of control operations during an off status, a control mode, and a usage mode of the personal care apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>. Although the table of <FIG> is explained below with reference to the personal care apparatus <NUM> of <FIG>, it will be appreciated that the correspondence as described below may also apply to other embodiments described herein. It will also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the correspondence between the user maneuvers and the control operations may be different from what is described herein, based on one or more factors such as a type of the personal care apparatus (e.g. whether it is an electric shaver or a skin cleansing apparatus), etc..

As shown in the table, under the column "event", there is provided a plurality of different user maneuvers including "picking-up" user maneuver <NUM>, "power on/of" user maneuver <NUM>, "increase" user maneuver <NUM>, "decrease" user maneuver <NUM>, and "change mode" user maneuver <NUM>. The "picking-up" user maneuver <NUM> corresponds to when a movement or motion corresponding to a user picking up the personal care apparatus <NUM> from a stationary position is detected. As described above, this movement or motion may be detected using an inertial measurement unit which comprises at least one of an accelerometer, a motion sensing unit, a vibration sensing unit, and a barometer. The "power on/of" user maneuver <NUM> corresponds when actuation of the first button <NUM> of the personal care apparatus <NUM> is detected. The "increase" user maneuver <NUM> corresponds to when actuation of the second button <NUM> of the personal care apparatus <NUM> is detected. The "decrease" user maneuver <NUM> corresponds to when actuation of the third button <NUM> of the personal care apparatus <NUM> is detected. The "change mode" user maneuver <NUM> corresponds to when actuation of the fourth button <NUM> is detected.

Referring to the "off' column of the table, when the personal care apparatus <NUM> is in the off status, i.e. when the personal care apparatus <NUM> is switched off, each of the user maneuvers <NUM>-<NUM> described above would trigger activation of the personal care apparatus <NUM>, i.e. switching on the personal care apparatus <NUM> and automatic connection of the personal care apparatus <NUM> with a display apparatus. In addition, the "picking-up" user maneuver <NUM> would trigger automatic initiation of the control mode. The "power on/of" user maneuver <NUM> would trigger switching on of a motor unit at the personal care apparatus <NUM> and initiation of the usage mode. Each of the "increase" user maneuver <NUM>, the "decrease" user maneuver <NUM>, and the "change mode" user maneuver <NUM> would trigger initiation of the control mode.

Referring to the "control" column of the table, when the personal care apparatus <NUM> is in the control mode, the "picking-up" user maneuver <NUM> would not trigger any control operation. However, the "power on/off' user maneuver <NUM> would trigger switching on of a motor unit at the personal care apparatus <NUM> and also changing the current operation mode to the usage mode. The "increase" user maneuver <NUM> would trigger moving up to a next user interface element at the (connected) display apparatus, while the "decrease" user maneuver <NUM> would trigger moving down to a next user interface element at the (connected) display apparatus. Furthermore, the "change mode" user maneuver <NUM> would trigger a change in value of a currently selected user interface element at the (connected) display apparatus.

Referring to the "usage" column of the table, when the personal care apparatus <NUM> is in the usage mode, the "picking-up" user maneuver <NUM> would not trigger any control operation. However, the "power on/of" user maneuver <NUM> would trigger switching off of a motor unit at the personal care apparatus <NUM> and also changing the current operation mode to the control mode. The "increase" user maneuver <NUM> would trigger increasing the speed of the motor unit, while the "decrease" user maneuver <NUM> would trigger reducing the speed of the motor unit. Furthermore, the "change mode" user maneuver <NUM> would trigger the control operation of toggling a suspension lock of the head portion of the personal care apparatus <NUM>.

The last row of the table also describes a scenario in which no user maneuver is performed within a <NUM> second time period. Referring to this row, when no user maneuver is performed or detected by the personal care apparatus <NUM> during the control mode, the personal care apparatus <NUM> would be switched off automatically.

<FIG> is a diagram showing how a motor speed setting of a personal care apparatus can be changed via a display apparatus and directly at the personal care apparatus.

As shown in <FIG>, the motor speed setting of a personal care apparatus, i.e. the rotation speed of a motor unit provided at the personal care apparatus (e.g. an electric shaver or a skin cleansing apparatus) can be adjusted either via a user interface element <NUM> provided at a connected display apparatus or directly at the personal care apparatus <NUM> (by actuation of buttons at the personal care apparatus). The user interface element <NUM> in this embodiment is provided in the form of a slider element that can be manipulated by moving an indicator horizontally while the personal care apparatus is in the control mode. The personal care apparatus <NUM> is provided with two buttons labelled "+" and "-" to respectively indicate a control operation of increasing the motor speed and a control operation of decreasing the motor speed during the usage mode.

In the present embodiment, adjustment of motor speed settings via the display apparatus is performed in a first scale <NUM> having nine possible settings, while adjustment of motor speed settings directly at the personal care apparatus is performed in a second scale <NUM> having three possible settings. Therefore, by controlling the motor speed settings via the display apparatus instead of directly at the personal care apparatus, the user is able to achieve more fine-tuned adjustment of setting(s) via a richer user interface in order to achieve a desired performance of the personal care apparatus.

There is thus provided an improved personal care apparatus, and a system comprising the personal care apparatus and a display apparatus, which overcome the existing problems.

Claim 1:
A personal care apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for supporting a user (<NUM>) in performing a personal care activity, the personal care apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being configured to connect to a display apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the personal care apparatus comprising a button and a first control unit (<NUM>) configured to:
determine a current operation mode of the personal care apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) as a usage mode or a control mode; and
detect a first predetermined user maneuver based on a predetermined actuation of the button,
characterized in that in the usage mode at least one or more user maneuvers of the personal care apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) correspond to controlling the personal care apparatus itself,
wherein in the control mode at least one or more user maneuvers of the personal care apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) correspond to controlling the display apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the first predetermined user maneuver corresponds to a control operation of the personal care apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the usage mode and corresponds to a control operation of the display apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in control mode,
wherein when the first predetermined user maneuver is detected, the first control unit (<NUM>) is further configured to:
perform the control operation of the personal care apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) if the determined current operation mode is the usage mode, or
transmit a control signal corresponding to the control operation of the display apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the display apparatus if the determined current operation mode is the control mode such that the user (<NUM>) can operate the personal care apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) so as to remotely control the display apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).