Patent Description:
Tonal variations on human skin have multiple causes. Acne, freckles, sun damage, and age spots are just a few of the common causes of visible defects on skin. Textural variations such as fine lines, wrinkles and scars are also well known. Both tonal and textural deviations are noticeable to the human eye, even when they are quite small. Covering large areas of skin on and around deviations with makeup or other concealers is known.

Skin treatment apparatuses have been proposed that can analyze images of human skin and deliver skin treatment compositions based on the images. The skin treatment apparatuses may include a compartment that houses the skin treatment compositions and a delivery component that is used to deliver the skin treatment compositions to the skin. As can be appreciated, maintenance may be needed for the apparatuses to operate effectively.

The invention is defined in appended independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>. Further aspects of the invention are defined in appended dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for treating human skin includes an outer housing including a graspable portion, an applicator head and a cartridge connected to the applicator head. The cartridge includes a nozzle located in the applicator head. An image capture device captures images of the human skin through an opening in the applicator head. A processor analyzes the images of the human skin to identify skin deviations. A sealing assembly includes a support portion and a resiliently deformable sealing element supported by the support portion at a location within the applicator head. The sealing assembly has a closed configuration where the sealing element is sealed against the nozzle and an open configuration where the sealing element is removed outward away from the nozzle in a composition delivery direction to expose the nozzle for operation.

In another embodiment, a method of activating an apparatus for treating human skin is provided. The method includes placing a cartridge assembly within an outer housing. The cartridge assembly includes an applicator head and a cartridge connected to the applicator head. The cartridge includes a nozzle located in the applicator head. A sealing assembly is moved comprising a support portion and a resiliently deformable sealing element from a closed configuration where the sealing element is sealed against the nozzle to an open configuration where the sealing element is removed outward away from the nozzle in a composition delivery direction to expose the nozzle for operation. Images of the human skin are captured through an opening in the applicator head using an image capture device. The images of the human skin are analyzed to identify skin deviations using a processor. A non-therapeutical skin treatment composition is delivered from the nozzle onto the human skin.

In another embodiment, a cartridge assembly for a handheld skin treatment apparatus includes an image capture device that captures images of the human skin and a processor that analyzes the images of the human skin to identify skin deviations. The cartridge assembly includes an applicator head and a cartridge connected to the applicator head, the cartridge comprising a nozzle located in the applicator head. A sealing assembly includes a support portion and a resiliently deformable sealing element supported by the support portion at a location within the applicator head. The sealing assembly has a closed configuration where the sealing element is sealed against the nozzle and an open configuration where the sealing element is removed outward away from the nozzle in a composition delivery direction to expose the nozzle for operation.

Embodiments described herein can solve many problems with prior devices and methods. Specifically, the handheld treatment devices lock a cap of a cartridge assembly of the handheld treatment devices to an applicator head when the cartridge assembly is removed from the handheld treatment device. While locked to the applicator head, the cap closes a sealing assembly to seal a sealing element against nozzles of a nozzle array, which helps to improve operation of the nozzle array once the cartridge assembly is connected to the handheld treatment apparatus. Further, the cartridge assembly can be removed from the handheld treatment apparatus only when the cap is connected to the applicator head, which again closes the sealing assembly.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which:.

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

Referring to <FIG>, a handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> for applying compositions to skin generally includes an outer housing <NUM>, which is shown transparent for illustrative purposes that is sized and shaped to be held in-hand and manipulated manually during a treatment operation. The outer housing <NUM> includes a graspable portion <NUM> including a base <NUM> and an applicator portion <NUM> including an applicator head <NUM> having an opening <NUM> through which a skin treatment composition can be delivered to the skin. A battery <NUM> (e.g., a rechargeable battery) may be located in the graspable portion <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> may not include a battery or the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> may be plugged, for example, to an electrical supply outlet. In some embodiments, the graspable portion <NUM> including the base <NUM> may include lighting for illuminating the base <NUM> or other locations of the outer housing <NUM>. A user interface <NUM> may also be provided where a user can provide inputs or control instructions to a processing unit <NUM> for controlling the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM>. While various buttons or touch areas <NUM> (e.g., utilizing capacitive touch sensors, momentary switches, etc.) are illustrated for the user to touch and activate, any other suitable input devices may be used, such as touch screen displays, voice commands, etc. Acoustics and haptics may be provided to provide user information during use regarding usage conditions. In some embodiments, the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> may be capable of wireless communication and be controlled remotely, e.g., using a cell phone or other handheld computing device, or capable of otherwise sending information wirelessly or wired to an external device, for example, for tracking treatment results.

The applicator portion <NUM> may include the applicator head <NUM> including the opening <NUM> through which the skin treatment composition can be delivered to the skin and a cartridge <NUM> that is located within the outer housing <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, the cartridge <NUM> may include a nozzle array that is embedded in a cartridge die. In other embodiments, separate nozzles may be used that can be connected to the cartridge. The applicator head <NUM> can provide a space between the skin surface at the opening <NUM> and the nozzle array (and other components) during use. An image capture device <NUM> may also be located at the applicator portion <NUM> and adjacent the cartridge <NUM>. The image capture device <NUM> can be any of a variety of commercially available devices such as a digital camera. The image capture device <NUM> takes a picture of the skin and sends it to the processing unit <NUM>. The processing unit <NUM> may be generally referred to as a central processing unit, or CPU, which may comprise a simple circuit board, a more complex computer, or the like. The image may be analyzed by the processing unit <NUM> to identify skin deviations. A pen driver may be provided to facilitate communication with the processing unit <NUM> with external devices (e.g., for tracking treatments, such as skin tone affects, time of use, etc.) A variety of lighting may also be provided to illuminate the skin area such that the image capture device can have constant illumination. The lighting can be, for example, a diode, incandescent light or any other suitable light source.

A cap <NUM> may be provided that can interlock with the applicator head <NUM> and/or outer housing <NUM>. The cap <NUM> generally includes a cap body <NUM> having a cover wall <NUM> and a side wall <NUM> that extends outward from the cover wall <NUM> to an edge <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, the cap <NUM> may have a closed and locked configuration that allows for removal of the cartridge <NUM> from the outer housing <NUM> and a closed and unlocked configuration that allows for removal of the cap from the applicator head <NUM> and use of the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> with cartridge <NUM>. The outer housing <NUM>, applicator head <NUM> and cap <NUM> will now be described in greater detail.

Referring to <FIG>, the outer housing <NUM> is illustrated without the applicator head <NUM>, cartridge <NUM> and cap <NUM>. The outer housing <NUM> includes a cartridge receiving volume <NUM> and a cartridge identifying device <NUM> that is located at the cartridge receiving volume <NUM>. The cartridge identifying device <NUM> may be shaped and sized to provide the cartridge receiving volume <NUM> with a cross-sectional shape that receives the cartridge <NUM> in only a single, predetermined angular orientation that allows for identification of the cartridge <NUM> using, for example, electrical contacts <NUM> or other suitable sensor, such as a switch, hall magnetic sensor, optical sensor, etc..

The outer housing <NUM> further includes a pair of applicator head engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM> that extend outward beyond a terminal edge <NUM> of the outer housing <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the applicator head engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM> include hook members <NUM> including a head <NUM> and an arm <NUM> that extends axially from the head and into the outer housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the arms <NUM> may be movably connected to the outer housing at locations <NUM> (<FIG>) that allow the arms <NUM> to provide a spring-like biasing force that biases the heads <NUM> outwardly away from a central axis of the outer housing <NUM> (i.e., in a lateral direction). The arms <NUM> also allow the heads <NUM> to resiliently move inwardly toward the central axis of the outer housing <NUM>, which can allow for releasing the applicator head <NUM> from the outer housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the applicator head engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed separately from the outer housing <NUM> and connected thereto. In other embodiments, one or both of the applicator head engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed as a monolithic part of the outer housing <NUM>, e.g., using a molding process.

Referring to <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> is illustrated connected to the applicator head <NUM>, thereby forming a cartridge assembly <NUM>. In this example, the cartridge assembly <NUM> may be formed so as to fix the cartridge <NUM> to the applicator head <NUM>. As used herein, the term "fix" means intended to not be removed without damage. The term "fixed" is not meant to exclude the ability of the applicator head <NUM> to move (e.g., rotate) relative to the cartridge <NUM> while remaining connected thereto. The cartridge assembly <NUM> may be, for example, packaged together as a refill for the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM>. In other embodiments, the cartridge <NUM> may be provided separately from the applicator head <NUM>.

The applicator head <NUM> includes a head portion <NUM> and a socket portion <NUM>. The head portion <NUM> extends outward from the socket portion <NUM> in the axial direction to the opening <NUM> at an apex of the head portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more skin engagement members, in this example, rollers <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided at the opening <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided for a number of reasons including to maintain contact between the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> and the skin surface, to influence friction between the skin and the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> while moving the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> across the skin, to present a relatively flat skin surface to the image capture device <NUM> and nozzle array, and to detect movement and/or speed of movement on skin. <FIG> illustrates the rollers <NUM> and <NUM> in isolation with the opening <NUM> formed in the applicator head <NUM>. In this embodiment, the rollers <NUM> and <NUM> are located at opposite edges <NUM> and <NUM> of the opening <NUM>, extending continuously across a width W of the opening <NUM>. In this way, the rollers <NUM> and <NUM> define forward and rearward rolling directions perpendicular to their axes of rotation <NUM> and <NUM> for the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> where the rollers <NUM> and <NUM> can be rolled over the skin surface. In some embodiments, the opening <NUM> has an area that is less than <NUM><NUM>.

As illustrated, the rollers <NUM> and <NUM> may be continuous along their entire lengths and each roll as a single unit. In other embodiments, multiple rollers may be used along the edges <NUM> and <NUM>, capable of independent rotation. The rollers <NUM> and <NUM> may have a surface feature that can be used to increase contact between the surface of the rollers <NUM> and <NUM> and the skin surface (e.g., to reduce smearing or displacement of the skin treatment composition). For example, the rollers <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided with projections <NUM> (<FIG>) to provide peaks that roll against the skin surface. Any other suitable surface features may be used, such as frustoconical projections, grooves, etc. that allow for rolling against the skin while presenting a relatively flat skin surface within the opening <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of any suitable materials, such as plastic or rubber and randomly formed materials such as foam, sintered, flocked or sputtered materials.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, more detailed views of the applicator head <NUM> in isolation are illustrated. The applicator head <NUM> includes a pair of outer housing engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM> in the form of openings at opposite sides of the socket portion <NUM>. The openings <NUM> and <NUM> are sized and located to removably receive the heads <NUM> of the applicator head engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM>. In particular, movement of the applicator head <NUM> toward the outer housing <NUM> causes the heads <NUM> of the applicator head engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM> to enter the openings <NUM> and <NUM> and engage with engaging surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> thereby placing the applicator head <NUM> in an applicator head closed configuration, as illustrated by <FIG>.

Referring also to <FIG>, the cap <NUM> includes the cap body <NUM> having the cover wall <NUM> and the side wall <NUM> that extends outward from the cover wall <NUM> to edge <NUM>. The cap <NUM> includes a pair of head engagement projections <NUM> that engage a pair of cap engagement structures <NUM> with the cap in a cap closed and locked configuration. In the illustrated example, the head engagement projections <NUM> are in the form of hooks that can be received by the cap engagement structures <NUM> in the form of slots formed in the head portion <NUM> of the applicator head <NUM>. The cap <NUM> further includes elastic tongues <NUM> and <NUM> that can be removably received by cap locking indents <NUM> and <NUM> that are provided adjacent the openings <NUM> and <NUM>. The elastic tongues <NUM> and <NUM> inhibit rotation of the cap <NUM> relative to the applicator head <NUM> with the cap in the cap closed and locked configuration. However, the applicator head engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM> include a tongue engagement projection <NUM> that pushes the elastic tongues <NUM> and <NUM> out of the cap locking indents <NUM> and <NUM> with the heads <NUM> of the applicator head engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM> inserted through the openings <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>). This places the cap <NUM> in a closed and unlocked configuration to allow for rotation of the cap <NUM> relative to the applicator head <NUM> in order to remove the cap <NUM> from the applicator head <NUM>. In this regard, removal of the cap <NUM> from the applicator head <NUM> is dependent on connecting the applicator head <NUM> to the outer housing <NUM>.

For removing the cartridge assembly <NUM> from the outer housing <NUM>, the cap <NUM> includes a hook engagement surface <NUM> having a ramp shape that presses laterally on the heads <NUM> of the applicator head engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM> and moves them out of engagement with the engaging surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> as the cap <NUM> is rotated into the closed and locked configuration. In this regard, the cartridge assembly <NUM> can be removed from the outer housing <NUM> only when the cap <NUM> is in the closed and locked configuration. Removing the cartridge assembly <NUM> from the outer housing <NUM> allows the elastic tongues <NUM> and <NUM> to snap back into the cap locking indents <NUM> and <NUM> to prevent rotation of the cap <NUM> relative to the applicator head <NUM>.

In consumer applications there is a high need for reliable performance with minimal effort from the consumer. Because of this, existing consumer printing devices may contain sophisticated processes for maintaining a high print quality. For example, it is common for consumer inkjet printing devices to contain hundreds of individual nozzles with each nozzle as small as <NUM>-<NUM> microns. Additionally, most compositions in such devices are volatile and are prone to drying out quickly when exposed to air. Due to the small and numerous nozzles and fast dry times, it may be difficult to keep all nozzles working properly over the course of use and potentially long periods of time between uses.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cartridge assembly <NUM> is illustrated with the applicator head <NUM> removed. As indicated above, the cartridge <NUM> includes an array of nozzles <NUM> and a housing <NUM> that is used as a reservoir for a skin treatment composition. The cartridge assembly <NUM> further includes a sealing assembly <NUM> that is used to seal the array of nozzles <NUM> with the cap <NUM> in the closed and locked configuration. In some embodiments, the sealing assembly <NUM> may hermetically seal the array of nozzles <NUM>.

The sealing assembly <NUM> includes a support portion <NUM> that supports a resiliently deformable sealing element <NUM>. The sealing element <NUM> may be formed using any suitable elastic material, such as plastic, foam, rubber and may be a <NUM>-K molded part. For example, the support portion <NUM> and the sealing element <NUM> may be <NUM>-K molded together to reduce cost. In the illustrated embodiment, the support portion <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> that is pivotally connected to the applicator head <NUM> by a pivot rod <NUM> that extends through a bore <NUM> at a lower edge of the frame <NUM>. A helical spring <NUM> is wrapped around the pivot rod <NUM> to bias the frame <NUM> toward the illustrated open position. In another embodiment, instead of a helical spring, the sealing assembly might be moved by a feature within the cap <NUM>. The frame <NUM> further includes a groove <NUM> that is sized to receive the sealing element <NUM>. The groove <NUM> has a depth that is less than a width or diameter of the sealing element <NUM> such that a portion of the width of the sealing element <NUM> extends outward beyond the frame <NUM> in order to make intimate contact with the array of nozzles <NUM>. In order to seal all of the nozzles <NUM>, the sealing element may have a length that is at least the same or greater than a length of the array of nozzles <NUM>. While the sealing element <NUM> is illustrated as cylindrical, the sealing element <NUM> may be any suitable shape or combination of shapes.

The sealing assembly <NUM> may further include a switch engaging element <NUM>. The switch engaging element <NUM> extends laterally outward at an upper edge <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the switch engaging element <NUM> is sized to engage an activation switch <NUM> (<FIG>) located within the outer housing <NUM> with the sealing assembly <NUM> in a closed configuration. The activation switch <NUM> provides a signal to the processing unit <NUM> to activate or deactivate based on whether or not the activation switch <NUM> is actuated by the switch engaging element <NUM>. In particular, the processing unit <NUM> deactivates the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> if the activation switch <NUM> is actuated by the switch engaging element <NUM> (in the closed configuration) and activates the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> if the activation switch <NUM> is unactuated (in the open configuration). While a switch may be used, other devices may be used such as magnetic, optical, metal contacts, etc..

In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing assembly <NUM> is moved between the open configuration and the closed configuration using the cap <NUM>. Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cap engagement structure <NUM> is in the form of slots that allow the head engagement projections <NUM> to extend therethrough (<FIG>). The frame <NUM> has an engagement surface <NUM> that is located in the rotational path of the head engagement projection <NUM> such that the head engagement projection <NUM> engages the engagement surfaces <NUM> and pushes the sealing assembly <NUM> from the open configuration to the closed configuration as the cap <NUM> is rotated into the cap closed and locked configuration. The head engagement projection <NUM> further holds the sealing assembly <NUM> in the closed configuration while the cap <NUM> is in the closed and locked configuration. It should be noted that while the sealing assembly <NUM> is illustrated pivotally connected directly to the applicator head <NUM>, the sealing assembly <NUM> may be connected directly to the cartridge <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate operation of the sealing element <NUM> when moving from the closed configuration (<FIG>) to the opened configuration (<FIG>). Before contact with a nozzle plate <NUM> that houses the nozzles <NUM>, the sealing element <NUM> has an original diameter D<NUM>. A force F is applied against the sealing element <NUM>, as described above, due to contact with the head engagement projection <NUM> with the cap <NUM> in the closed and locked configuration. Referring to <FIG>, the sealing element <NUM> begins to deform and decrease a distance (e.g., no more than about <NUM>, such as no more than about <NUM>, such as no more than about <NUM>) in width to a diameter D<NUM> as the sealing element <NUM> comes into contact with the nozzle plate <NUM>. As the sealing element <NUM> deforms, the amount of contact area and pressure between the sealing element <NUM> and the nozzle plate <NUM> increases on either side of the nozzles <NUM>, thereby displacing debris <NUM> away from the nozzles <NUM>. For example, this increase in contact area between the sealing element <NUM> and the nozzle plate <NUM> can provide a wiping motion that wipes the contact area around the nozzles <NUM>, thereby displacing debris <NUM> away from the nozzles <NUM>. For example, this increase in contact area between the sealing element <NUM> and the nozzle plate <NUM> can provide a squeezing motion that displacing debris <NUM> away from the nozzles <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, as the sealing element <NUM> moves to the open configuration by travelling in a composition delivery direction away from the cartridge <NUM>, the sealing element <NUM> resiliently returns to the original diameter D1 as the sealing element <NUM> is removed outwardly away from the nozzles <NUM> thereby providing decreased pressure at the nozzles <NUM>, priming the nozzles <NUM> to aid in introduction of composition <NUM> to the nozzles <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a process <NUM> of using the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> where, at step <NUM>, the cartridge assembly <NUM> is located outside of the outer housing <NUM>, the cartridge assembly <NUM> including the applicator head <NUM>, cartridge <NUM> and cap <NUM>. As illustrated, the cap <NUM> is in the closed and locked position and can only be removed when the cartridge assembly <NUM> is connected to the outer housing <NUM>, as explained above. At step <NUM>, inserting the cartridge <NUM> into the outer housing <NUM>, the applicator head <NUM> locks to the outer housing <NUM> using the applicator head engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM>. At the same time, the applicator head engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM> release the cap <NUM> to allow for rotation of the cap <NUM> relative to the applicator head <NUM>. At step <NUM>, rotation of the cap <NUM> disengages the head engagement projections <NUM> and allows for removal of the cap <NUM> from the applicator head <NUM>. At the same time, rotation of the cap <NUM> allows the sealing assembly <NUM> to move from the closed configuration to the open configuration due to the spring bias provided thereto and to also disengage activation switch <NUM>, which can allow for activation of the nozzles <NUM>. Step <NUM> illustrates cartridge assembly <NUM> removal by rotating the cap <NUM> in the opposite direction such that the hook engagement surfaces <NUM> move the applicator head engagement structures <NUM> and <NUM> to allow for removal of the cartridge assembly <NUM> from the outer housing <NUM>. Then, the elastic tongues <NUM> and <NUM> move back into their cap locking indents <NUM> and <NUM> to inhibit rotation and removal of the cap <NUM> from the applicator head <NUM> while outside the outer housing <NUM>.

Operation of the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> is directed to analyzing and treating tonal imperfections on human skin that comprises the steps of taking at least one background image of at least 10µ<NUM> of skin and then calculating the average background L value of the image on a grey scale. Further, a treatment image of the skin is acquired and from that image a localized L value is calculated for individual pixels or a group of pixels. The local L value is then compared to the background L value to identify skin deviations. A skin deviation is an area of skin where the difference between the two L values is greater than a predetermined ΔL value. The skin deviations are then treated with a treatment composition having a predetermined or variable contrast ratio.

The handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> has the applicator head <NUM> that includes the array of nozzles <NUM> and a reservoir (e.g., cartridge <NUM>) for containing the skin treatment composition. The image capture device <NUM> can take an image of at least 10µ<NUM> of skin and the processing unit <NUM> can analyze the image to calculate the average background L value. The image capture device <NUM> then can take a subsequent image of the skin and calculate the localized L value of individual pixels or groups of pixels of skin. The processing unit <NUM> can then compare the local L value to the background L value to identify skin deviations where the difference between the two L values is greater than a predetermined value. While it is anticipated that a remote processing unit, either tethered to the device, or which communicates wirelessly, can be used, a local processing unit within the handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> is exemplified herein. Size and speed of the processing unit <NUM> can be an important consideration of the design parameters, but cost and other considerations can be considered.

The predetermined ΔL is the absolute value of the difference between the local L and the background L. This value, ΔL, can be measured in absolute numbers or as a percentage. The images can be taken, or converted to a standard grey scale. Any numerical scale that measures lightness to darkness can be considered a "grey scale. " Further, the background L value should not be too close to the ends of this scale. For example, if the grey scale is <NUM>-<NUM>, with <NUM> being pure black and <NUM> being pure white, a background in the <NUM>-<NUM> range, or in the <NUM>-<NUM> range may be too light or too dark to show meaningful differences. Accordingly, one can adjust the background lighting, or the gain on the image capture device <NUM> taking the image, to move the background L closer to the middle of the scale. In this example, a background L of <NUM> would be ideal, with a background L in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> preferred, <NUM>-<NUM> even more preferred.

The most common grey scale is <NUM>-<NUM> (no units). In this example, it may be desirable to use image capture device and lighting settings that provide a background L value between <NUM> and <NUM>. Using the <NUM>-<NUM> gray scale the ΔL may be at least <NUM>, such as at least <NUM> and such as preferably at least <NUM>, to initiate treatment of the skin. Likewise, ΔL can be measured as a percentage, for example, a numerical ΔL of <NUM> is approximately equal to <NUM>% of a <NUM> grey scale. Thus, ΔL may be plus or minus <NUM>%, such as plus or minus <NUM> %, such as plus or minus <NUM>%, of the grayscale.

The skin treatment compositions are used non-therapeutically to hide, or more appropriately, to camouflage a skin deviation. One characteristic of the skin treatment compositions is the contrast ratio. The contrast ratio of the treatment composition when treating the skin may be at least <NUM>. The skin lightness and treatment composition lightness can be measured by a calibrated spectrophotometer. In the case of using a calibrated spectrophotometer, the average L value of human skin usually spans the range of about <NUM> to <NUM>. In this case the corresponding treatment composition has a lightness value of at least <NUM> units greater, such as at least <NUM> units greater, and such as at least <NUM> units greater than the average skin lightness value of the consumer.

Images may be taken in sequence or preferably continuously. For example, a camera that takes a minimum of <NUM> frames per second may be used. Higher speed cameras (greater than <NUM> frames per second) may also be used. All images may be taken in a grey scale or converted to a grey scale, the grey scale can have any range, for example, <NUM>-<NUM>, no units.

There is no technical difference between an image used for background L values and those used for local L values, the difference is in the analysis of the image. Hence, the images may be continually sent from the image capture device <NUM> to the processing unit <NUM> to calculate the L values, and ΔL values. It is understood, that the background L can be calculated once in a treatment period and that value reused throughout the treatment period. Or, it can be continually recalculated as long as the treatment process goes on. Moreover, there can be pre-programmed triggers to initiate a recalculation of the background L. For example, if an extended period of time elapses and no skin deviations are found, or if skin deviations are being found too frequently, a new background L might automatically be calculated.

When the ΔL exceeds the predetermined value, the skin deviation is treated with the treatment composition. Treatment requires firing one or more of the nozzles of the nozzle array <NUM> which dispense the treatment composition onto the skin in the area of the skin deviation. The treatment composition may be applied to the skin deviations in a discontinuous deposition pattern of discrete droplets between about 1µ to about 100µ in size. No more than <NUM>% of the skin deviation may be covered by the treatment composition. More specifically, the treatment composition is applied via the linear array of nozzles <NUM> and the local L is calculated along the length of, and in the firing range of, the array of nozzles <NUM>. An individual nozzle may be fired to deposit the treatment composition, or multiple nozzles fired at the same time. The number of nozzles fired along the linear array of nozzles <NUM> can be adjusted based on the size of the ΔL and the size of the skin deviation. Furthermore the frequency of nozzle firing can be adjusted based on the ΔL, with more droplets being fired in succession in response to larger ΔL values. Additional details can be found in <CIT>.

Referring now to <FIG>, another embodiment of a handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> is illustrated. The handheld treatment apparatus <NUM> includes many of the features of the handheld apparatus of <FIG> including an outer housing <NUM>, an applicator head <NUM> and a cap <NUM> that removably connects to the applicator head <NUM> and outer housing <NUM>. Generally and as above, the cap <NUM> can be removed from the applicator head <NUM> when cartridge assembly <NUM> is connected to the outer housing <NUM>. Further, the cartridge assembly <NUM> can be removed from the outer housing <NUM> when the cap <NUM> is in a closed and locked configuration.

Referring to <FIG>, the outer housing <NUM> is illustrated without the applicator head <NUM>, cartridge <NUM> and cap <NUM>. In this embodiment, the outer housing <NUM> includes an applicator head engagement structure <NUM> in the form of a hook member that includes a head <NUM> that is arranged to engage the applicator head <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, more detailed views of the applicator head <NUM> along with the cartridge <NUM> are illustrated. The applicator head <NUM>, in this embodiment, generally includes a head portion <NUM> and a socket portion <NUM> that is rotatably connected to the head portion <NUM> such that the head portion <NUM> can rotate relative to the socket portion <NUM>. The socket portion <NUM> includes an outer housing engagement structure <NUM> in the form of an opening that is sized and shaped to removably receive the head <NUM> of the applicator head engagement structure <NUM>. In particular, movement of the applicator head <NUM> toward the outer housing <NUM> causes the head <NUM> of the applicator head engagement structure <NUM> to enter the opening <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG>, the cap <NUM> includes a cap body <NUM> that includes a pair of head engagement projections <NUM> that engage a pair of cap engagement structures <NUM> with the cap <NUM> in a closed and locked configuration. In the illustrated example, the head engagement projections <NUM> are in the form of ribs that can be received by the cap engagement structures <NUM> in the form of hooks formed in the head portion <NUM> of the applicator head <NUM>. The shape of the head portion <NUM> is somewhat oblong thereby inhibiting rotation of the cap <NUM> relative to the head portion <NUM> due to the complimentary shape of the cap <NUM>.

The head portion <NUM> and the cap <NUM> are inhibited from rotating relative to the socket portion <NUM> with the cartridge assembly <NUM> removed from the outer housing <NUM>. In particular, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the head portion <NUM> includes an elastic tongue <NUM> that engages a locking surface <NUM> of the socket portion <NUM>. When the cartridge assembly <NUM> is inserted into the outer housing <NUM>, a release tongue <NUM> located in the outer housing <NUM> reaches through an opening <NUM> and moves the elastic tongue <NUM> out of engagement with the locking surface <NUM>, thereby releasing the head portion <NUM> to be rotated relative to the socket portion <NUM>. Rotating the cap <NUM> with the head portion <NUM> relative to the socket portion <NUM> counterclockwise positions a housing engagement structure <NUM> into engagement with the head <NUM> of the applicator head engagement structure <NUM> located in the opening <NUM> thereby locking the applicator head <NUM> to the outer housing <NUM> and allowing the cap <NUM> to be removed. Further, rotating the cap <NUM> to open position moves the engagement projections <NUM> out of engagement with engagement structures <NUM>.

For removing the cartridge assembly <NUM> from the outer housing <NUM>, the cap <NUM> can be placed on the applicator head <NUM> and rotated clockwise, which locks the cap <NUM> to the applicator head <NUM> using the head engagement projections <NUM> and cap engagement structures <NUM> and rotates the head portion <NUM> relative to the socket portion <NUM>. This clockwise rotation of the head portion <NUM> removes the housing engagement structure <NUM> from engagement with the applicator head engagement structure <NUM> thereby allowing removal of the applicator head <NUM> from the outer housing <NUM>, which also re-engages the elastic tongue <NUM> with the locking surface <NUM>, thereby inhibiting rotation of the head portion <NUM> relative to the socket portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cartridge assembly <NUM> is illustrated with the head portion <NUM> removed illustrating a sealing assembly <NUM> separated from the socket portion <NUM> for illustration. The sealing assembly <NUM> includes a support portion <NUM> and a resiliently deformable sealing element <NUM>. In this embodiment, the sealing assembly <NUM> swivels, thus moving the sealing element <NUM> in a composition delivery direction and slides in the lateral direction (i.e., parallel to a plane containing array of nozzles <NUM>) between a closed position and an open position depending on the rotational position of the head portion <NUM> of the applicator head <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG> and <FIG>, the support portion <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> that is slidably connected to the socket portion <NUM> by a guide pin <NUM>. The guide pin <NUM> includes a portion <NUM> that is slidably received in a guide slot <NUM> provided by the socket portion <NUM>. The guide pin <NUM> further includes a portion <NUM> that is slidably received within a drive slot <NUM> that is provided by the head portion <NUM>. As the head portion <NUM> is rotated, as discussed above, the portion <NUM> moves along the drive slot <NUM> such that the frame <NUM> translates from a closed configuration (<FIG>) to an open configuration (<FIG>) thereby removing the sealing element <NUM> from the array of nozzles <NUM>. In the closed configuration, the head portion <NUM> includes pressing surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> that apply a force against the sealing assembly <NUM> toward the cartridge <NUM> to compress the sealing element <NUM> into the array of nozzles <NUM> in a fashion similar to that shown by <FIG>. As can be seen by <FIG>, the frame <NUM> includes a switch engaging element <NUM> that engages an activation switch in a manner similar to that described above.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>) for treating human skin, comprising:
an outer housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a graspable portion (<NUM>);
an applicator head (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a cartridge (<NUM>, <NUM>) connected to the applicator head, the cartridge comprising a nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>) located in the applicator head;
an image capture device (<NUM>) that captures images of the human skin through an opening in the applicator head;
a processor (<NUM>) that analyzes the images of the human skin to identify skin deviations; and
a sealing assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a support portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) and characterized by a resiliently deformable sealing element (<NUM>, <NUM>) supported by the support portion at a location within the applicator head, the sealing assembly having a closed configuration where the sealing element is sealed against the nozzle and an open configuration where the sealing element is removed outward away from the nozzle in a composition delivery direction to expose the nozzle for operation.