Robotic pad for cosmetic applicator configured for users with limited mobility

Abstract

ROBOTIC PAD FOR COSMETIC APPLICATOR CONFIGURED FOR USERS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY. The invention relates to a pad configured to apply a cosmetic formulation to a user. The pad includes a recessed area configured to receive the cosmetic formulation, the recessed area having a shape conforming to a target area of ​​the user for the application of the cosmetic formulation; a fitting configured to attach to an external device; and processing circuitry configured to control an angular position of the pad as the pad is moved toward the user's target area. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: Robotic stamp for cosmetic applicator configured for users with limited mobility FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure describes a system and features related to a device for modifying, mitigating, changing, reducing, compensating for, or the like, the movement of a cosmetic applicator caused by involuntary movements, tremors, limited mobility, or the like of a user. BACKGROUND

[0002] Involuntary movements of the human body, or tremors, can occur in people with motor disorders or even in healthy people. Due to these involuntary movements, a person may have difficulty performing a task that requires care and precision, such as applying a cosmetic composition to a part of the body, such as the face, hands or feet.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a solution that allows the application of a cosmetic composition compatible with the diverse and disposable nature of cosmetic applicators. SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, a tampon device is provided for applying a cosmetic formulation to a user, comprising: a recessed area configured to receive the cosmetic formulation, the recessed area having a shape conforming to a target area of ​​the user for application of the cosmetic formulation; a connector configured to attach to an external device; and processing circuitry configured to control an angular position of the tampon as the tampon is moved toward the target area of ​​the user.

[0005] In one embodiment, the cosmetic formulation is a lipstick and the recessed area has a shape conforming to the lip region of a user.

[0006] In one embodiment, the tampon includes an integrated camera and a proximity sensor that are configured to detect the user's target area as the tampon is moved toward the user's target area.

[0007] In one embodiment, the buffer includes a 2-axis gimbal motor system that is controlled by the processing circuitry to control the angular position of the buffer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the buffer includes a mounting mechanism configured to attach the pad to a mobile user device.

[0009] In one embodiment, the buffer includes a connector configured to communicatively secure and couple the buffer to a motion stabilizing device.

[0010] In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes: a pad configured to apply a cosmetic formulation to a user, the pad including: a recessed area configured to receive the cosmetic formulation, the recessed area having a shape conforming to a target area of ​​the user for application of the cosmetic formulation, and a connector configured to attach to a motion stabilizing device; and the motion stabilizing device configured to receive information from the target area of ​​the user and control an angular position of the pad as the pad is moved toward the target area of ​​the user. Brief description of the drawings

[0011] A more complete appreciation of the embodiments and numerous associated advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same is better understood with reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] shows a motion stabilizing device.

[0013] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows how the conventional motion stabilizing device pairs with an adapter and makeup applicator.

[0014] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] shows a diagram of the internal components of a motion stabilizing device.

[0015] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] shows a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the motion stabilizing device in which the receiving portion includes an electromagnetic positioner instead of the driving elements shown in [Fig.3A].

[0016] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows an overview of a connection system of universal adapter handle.

[0017] [Fig.5A][Fig.5B][Fig.5C][Fig.5D][Fig.5E] Figures 5A to 5E show a different view of the stamp module for the lipstick application example.

[0018] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows an embodiment where the robotic buffer is mounted on a smart stick.

[0019] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] shows that the movement of the robotic buffer is controlled by the within the tampon itself.

[0020] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] shows a system that employs the robotic buffer when it is mounted on the motion stabilizer.

[0021] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] shows a process carried out according to the system of [Fig.8].

[0022] [Fig. 10A] [Fig. 10B] Figures 10A and 10B show an embodiment where the robotic stamp is mounted directly on a user's smartphone.

[0023] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] shows a process carried out according to the system of Figure 10.

[0024] [Fig.l2A][Fig.l2B] Figures 12A and 12B show how the stamp can be customized for the user based on the user's morphology and drawing objective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure describes a cosmetic applicator system that minimizes, modifies, mitigates, changes, reduces, compensates for, or the like, involuntary movements by stabilizing, orienting, operating, controlling, etc., an applicator for a user and is also designed to be flexible to accommodate different types of commercially available cosmetic applications. The present disclosure further describes a system and features for enhancing the functionality of such a cosmetic applicator system.

[0026] The basic features and operation of a motion stabilizing device for a cosmetic applicator are described in U.S. Patent No. 11,458,062.

[0027] [Fig.l] shows a conventional motion stabilizing device 1100, which serves as a base unit for receiving a cosmetic applicator according to one embodiment. The device 1100 includes a handle portion 1101, a receiving portion 1102 and a strap 1103. The receiving portion 1102 includes an interface 1104, shown as a male connector that couples with a cosmetic applicator, which will be discussed in detail below. The receiving portion may be employed for communication between the base unit and the applicator. Connection to an adapter and / or an applicator may be achieved with a mechanical coupling, such as screwing or snapping, or it may be achieved with magnets.

[0028] [Fig. 2] shows how the device 1100 couples with an adapter 1105 and a makeup applicator 1106. It can be seen that the adapter fits over the exposed end of the receiving portion 1102. The adapter includes mating electrical connectors (a female connector - not shown) in a recessed portion for making contact with the electrical interface of the receiving portion 1101.

[0029] As shown in [Fig. 2], the receiving portion 1102 is configured to contort, articulate, reposition, etc., between a raised posture (as shown in [Fig. 1]) and a reclined posture (as shown in [Fig. 2]). This is accomplished with a hinge mechanism contained within the receiving portion 1102. [Fig. 2] shows that the hinge mechanism is a self-leveling / stabilizing hinge. movement reader.

[0030] [Fig. 3A] shows a diagram of the internal components of the device 1100 according to one embodiment. In the handle portion, the device includes a power source 1301, which may be a battery or the like. The device includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCB A) 1302, which may include position sensor circuitry 1307, reader circuitry 1308, control circuitry 1309, and communication interface 1310, as understood in the art.

[0031] For example, like sensor circuitry 1307, the PCBA may include at least one inertial sensor and at least one distributed motion sensor to detect involuntary muscle movements and measure signals related to these involuntary muscle movements that are created when a user adversely influences the movement of the applicator. These sensors also detect movement of the stabilized output relative to the device. The control circuitry sends voltage commands to the motion generating elements (described below) in response to the signals to cancel the user's tremors or involuntary muscle movements. This cancellation maintains and stabilizes a position of the applicator, keeping it stable.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that a system and method in accordance with the present invention may employ various implementations of the control circuitry and sensor circuitry that would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the control circuitry 1309 includes an electrical system capable of producing an electrical response from sensor inputs such as a programmable microcontroller or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In one embodiment, the control circuitry includes an ATMEGA8A 8-bit programmable microcontroller manufactured by Atmel due to its low overall cost, low power consumption, and ability to be employed in high-volume applications.

[0033] In one embodiment, the at least one inertial sensor in the sensor circuitry is a sensor including, but not limited to, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a combination of both. In one embodiment, the at least one motion sensor distributed in the sensor circuitry is a non-contact position sensor including, but not limited to, a Hall effect magnetic sensor.

[0034] The system created by the combination of the sensor circuitry, the control circuitry, and the motion-generating elements may be a closed-loop control system that senses motion and acceleration at various points in the system and provides detailed information to a control algorithm that moves the motion-generating elements appropriately to cancel out the net effect of a user's involuntary muscle movements and thereby stabilize the position of the applicator. The operation and details of the elements of the control system and the control algorithm are included in the art, as described in US Publication PG 2014 / 0052275A1.

[0035] The communication interface 1310 may include a network controller such as the Broadcom BCM43342 Wi-Fi, frequency modulation, and Bluetooth combination chip, for interfacing with a network.

[0036] In the receiving portion of the device, there may be two motor elements to enable three-dimensional movement of the receiving portion as an anti-shake movement. The two motor elements include a y-axis motor element 1303 and an x-axis motor element 1304, each connected to and controlled by the PCB A 1302. Each of the motor elements may be servomotors as understood in the art. The device further includes an end effector coupling 1305, which is configured to couple with the adapter 1105. The end effector coupling 1305 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader 1306, configured to read an RFID tag, which may be included with the applicator, as discussed below.

[0037] [Fig. 3B] shows a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the device 1100 in which the receiving portion includes an electromagnetic positioner 1311 instead of the driving elements shown in [Fig. 3A]. The electromagnetic positioner 1311 may include U-shaped magnetic cores 1312 disposed around a non-magnetic tube 1313, which is filled with a magnetic fluid 1314. Each of the magnetic cores has arm portions that are surrounded by windings 1315. The magnetic cores may be controlled by the control circuitry in the PCB A 1302 to serve as a controllable active magnetic field generating structure used to generate a varying magnetic field that acts on the magnetic fluid, causing it to move, thereby moving the armature to a desired coordinate position and / or orientation.Implementation details of the electromagnetic positioner 1311 can be found in U.S. Patent No. 6,553,161.

[0038] In the conventional motion stabilizing device described above, there is a problem, namely that the interface 1104 which receives the adapter 1105 requires a specific attachment point to properly align with the interface.

[0039] Therefore, the embodiments below provide a universal adapter connection between the handle of the motion stabilizer device to improve the user experience and reduce the difficulty and time required to configure the system for use.

[0040] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a cosmetic applicator. The cosmetic applicator can be used for a variety of products cosmetics and cosmetic applications, including, but not limited to, mascara, eyeliner, eyebrow products, lip products (lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, etc.), skin products, and / or hair products. In one embodiment, the cosmetic applicator may include an adapter, wherein the adapter may connect the cosmetic applicator to a motion stabilizer. The motion stabilizer may be, for example, a handle that may counteract involuntary movements such as tremors or spasms. These movements may interfere with the application of cosmetic products and may also make general interaction with cosmetic applicators or tools difficult. For example, many cosmetic products require a twisting motion or force to open or extrude the product.It may be difficult for users to achieve the range of motion or precision necessary to apply these forces to the cosmetic product. In one embodiment, the cosmetic applicator may contain a cosmetic product and may allow the correct force to be applied to the cosmetic product to open, close, mix, stir, agitate, extrude, or achieve other similar functions necessary for application.

[0041] [Fig. 4] shows an overview of a universal adapter handle connection system 400. The system includes a motion stabilizing device 150 that includes a handle portion 151 and a hinge portion 152 (receiving portion) that is functionally similar to the device 1100 shown in [Fig. 1]. It further includes a universal adapter 100 that attaches to the device 150 and also contains various types of cosmetic applicators. The basic features and operation of the universal adapter handle connection system 400 are described in co-pending U.S. applications 18 / 091,882; 18 / 091,920; 18 / 091,843; 18 / 091,925; 18 / 148,957; 18 / 148,880; and 18 / 148,930.

[0042] The embodiments described above describe a ring-shaped adapter for holding a cosmetic applicator in which a gimbal system can be used to stabilize or enhance the user's gesture. However, the drawing portions still require precision skills and time. Therefore, the embodiments below describe a robotic "stamp" that will facilitate the application of certain types of makeup. With the stamp, instead of stabilizing the normal makeup applicator, controlling the position of the stamp and ensuring that the transfer is on target will increase the quality of the pattern and reduce the application speed.

[0043] It will be seen from the description below that when using such a stamp, the objective is to obtain a position-controlled stamp that adapts an angle and position according to the user's alignment with the face / body part. targeted.

[0044] Figures 5A-5E show a different view of the stamp module 500 for the lipstick application example. [Fig.5A] shows a front view that includes a stamp body 510 and a lip-shaped recessed portion 520. As described later, the stamp shape is customized based on the user's morphology and the drawing purpose. The stamp material may be one of several materials that will receive the lipstick and allow it to be easily transferred back to the user's lips. These materials may be rubber, silicon, foam, a sponge material, or plastic. Alternatively, the stamp itself may be made from the base material of the lipstick itself in the manufacturing process.

[0045] [Fig.5B] shows a perspective view of the tampon body 510. [Fig.5C] shows a side view with a transparent perspective, where the depth of the lip-shaped recess portion is illustrated.

[0046] [Fig.5D] shows a side view, where each side has a clip 530 for potentially attaching to a smartphone, which will be described in a later embodiment.

[0047] [Fig.5E] shows a top view which also includes a view of the tampon body 500 and the fasteners 520.

[0048] [Fig. 6] shows an embodiment where the robotic buffer 500 is mounted on a smart stick. The smart stick may be the motion stabilizer 150 described above and the buffer may employ a magnetic ring similar to the magnetic ring shown in [Fig. 4] for the universal adapter.

[0049] [Fig. 7] shows that the movement of the robotic stamp is controlled within the stamp itself. The stamp includes a microprocessor 710 that is connected to a 2-axis gimbal motor system 720. The motor is further connected to a power source 730, which may be a "coin cell battery" as known in the art. In an alternative embodiment, the adapter may receive power from the stabilizing device 150 via the receiver interface of the stabilizing device. The stamp may further include an integrated camera system and a proximity sensor 740, which may be used to better provide robotic control while the user attempts to bring the stamp to the desired area.

[0050] [Fig. 8] shows a system 800 that employs the robotic pad 500 when mounted on the motion stabilizer 150. The system further includes a smartphone 810. The smartphone's camera may be used to capture an area of ​​interest on the user's face, such as the user's lips in this example. The area of ​​interest may be wirelessly transmitted to the motion stabilizer 150. Then, as the user attempts to apply the tampon on his lips, the integrated camera system and proximity sensor provide robotic control while the user brings the tampon to the desired area. With the area of ​​interest provided by the smartphone, the integrated camera can focus on the right target, the device can adjust the angular position until the skin is in contact.

[0051] [Fig. 9] shows a method executed according to the system of [Fig. 8]. In step 901, the user's smartphone device captures an image of an area of ​​interest on the user's face. The user can perform an operation on the image displayed on the smartphone to select the area of ​​interest because it is intended that an image of the user's entire face be captured. In step 902, the smartphone transmits the information of the selected area of ​​interest to the motion stabilizer 150. In step 903, the integrated camera system and the proximity sensor on the robotic pad, in combination with the circuitry of the motion stabilizer, detect the user's area of ​​interest when the user enters a field of view of the camera system.At step 904, the robotic buffer is commanded to adjust its angular position to target the area of ​​interest as the user brings the device closer to the area of ​​interest.

[0052] While the above embodiment depicts the robotic pad as attached to the motion stabilizer, Figures 10A and 10B show an embodiment where the robotic pad 500 is mounted directly to a user's smartphone. As shown in [Fig. 10A], in one embodiment, the clips 530 shown in Figures 5B and 5C above, may be used to mount the robotic pad to the smartphone. This mounting may be accomplished by magnetic attachment. Alternatively, the clips 5B and 5C may be foldable with hinges and may move to allow the phone to fit into a recess on each of the clips.

[0053] [Fig.10B] shows an additional embodiment where the robotic pad is capable of attaching to a specialized phone case for the smartphone.

[0054] In the embodiment of Figure 10, the user brings the smartphone with the stamp toward the area of ​​interest and the smartphone guides the user with audio commands and visual commands in real time. The gimbal device on the stamp can be wirelessly controlled by the smartphone to adjust the angular position of the stamp as the user brings the stamp toward their face. Since the smartphone screen is facing away from the user, the phone can display text as a mirror image so that the user can face a mirror and properly see the text on the phone through the mirror.

[0055] [Fig. 11] shows a method executed according to the system of Figure 10. In step 1101, the user's smartphone device captures an image of an area of ​​interest on the user's face. The user can perform an operation on the image displayed on the smartphone to select the area of ​​interest because it is intended that an image of the user's entire face is captured. At step 1102, the integrated camera system and the proximity sensor on the robotic pad in combination with the smartphone circuitry, detect the user's area of ​​interest when the user enters a field of view of the user's camera system and / or smartphone. At step 1104, the robotic pad is controlled to adjust its angular position to aim at the area of ​​interest as the user brings the device closer to the area of ​​interest.

[0056] Figure 12 shows how the stamp may be customized for the user based on the user's body shape and drawing purpose. As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, within a specific application on a mobile user device, the user may take a front-view "self-portrait" photo and a profile-view photo. The application will capture the dimensions of a target feature, such as a front lip region 1210 and a profile lip region 1230. For size guidance, the user may be asked to hold a ruler 1220 near the target region for each photo. With these two images, the application approximates the size and dimensions of the stamp to match the user's features.

[0057] As mentioned above, the stamp may consist of the lipstick itself. In addition, it may be purchased "pre-loaded" with the user's desired shade of lipstick. When manufacturing the stamp or loading it with the lipstick, an even layer of lipstick may be loaded, or different shades may be loaded depending on the user's taste.

[0058] Further, with the above system, the integrated camera system can be used to apply different amounts of pressure with the stamp to apply thicker tints to different regions of the user's lips.

[0059] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

Claims

1. A tampon (500) configured to apply a cosmetic formulation to a user, comprising: a recessed area (520) configured to receive the cosmetic formulation, the recessed area (520) having a shape conforming to a target area of the user for application of the cosmetic formulation; a connector (100) configured to attach to an external device; and processing circuitry (1302) configured to control an angular position of the tampon as the tampon (500) is moved toward the target area of the user.

2. The tampon (500) of claim 1, wherein the cosmetic formulation is a lipstick and the recessed area (520) has a shape conforming to the lip region of a user.

3. The tampon (500) of claim 1, further comprising an integrated camera and a proximity sensor that are configured to detect the user's target area as the tampon (500) is moved toward the user's target area.

4. The buffer (500) of claim 1, further comprising a 2-axis gimbal motor system (720) that is controlled by the processing circuitry to control the angular position of the buffer (500).

5. The pad (500) of claim 1, further comprising a mounting mechanism configured to secure the pad (500) to a mobile user device.

6. The pad (500) of claim 1, further comprising a connector (100) configured to communicatively secure and couple the pad to a motion stabilizing device (150).

7. A system comprising: a pad (500) configured to apply a cosmetic formulation to a user, the pad including: a recessed area (520) configured to receive the cosmetic formulation, the recessed area (520) having a shape conforming to a target area of the user for application of the cosmetic formulation, and a connector (100) configured to attach to a motion stabilizing device (150); and the motion stabilizing device (150) configured to receive information of the user's target area and controlling an angular position of the buffer (500) as the buffer is moved toward the user's target area.

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