Smart compartment system for cosmetic dispensing device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an apparatus (100) for dispensing cosmetic materials. The apparatus includes a dispensing device configured to: receive a plurality of cartridges, each containing a cosmetic material; and dispense a specified amount of the cosmetic material from each cartridge onto a dispensing surface (108) from a respective outlet corresponding to each cartridge. The dispensing surface includes at least one partition that separates the dispensing surface into a plurality of compartments, each corresponding to an area surrounding at least one of the respective outlets.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 17 / 162,513, filed January 29, 2021, and French Application Serial No. FR2104313, filed April 26, 2021, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to systems, apparatus, and methods for determining combinations of cosmetic materials that can be blended and dispensed for a particular user. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing cosmetic material is provided, the apparatus comprising: a dispensing device configured to: receive a plurality of cartridges, each containing cosmetic material; and dispense a specified amount of cosmetic material from each cartridge onto a dispensing surface from a corresponding outlet of each cartridge, wherein the dispensing surface includes at least one partition that divides the dispensing surface into a plurality of compartments, each compartment corresponding to an area surrounding at least one of the corresponding outlets.

[0005] In one embodiment, each of the multiple compartments corresponds to a single type of cosmetic material.

[0006] In one embodiment, the dispensing surface, including at least one partition, is removable.

[0007] In one embodiment, at least one compartment corresponds to an area surrounding at least two corresponding exits.

[0008] In one embodiment, the dispensing surface is configured to rotate when the cylinder is stationary in a fixed position.

[0009] In one embodiment, at least one compartment of the dispensing surface is made of a hydrophilic or hydrophobic material.

[0010] In one embodiment, the device is configured to transmit information about multiple compartments to an external device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the dispensing surface includes an embedded object configured to be sensed by a detection device included in the dispensing device, and the dispensing device is configured to transmit information about a plurality of compartments and the specific current location of the plurality of compartments to an external device based on the sensed embedded object.

[0012] In one embodiment, the embedded object is a near field communication (NFC) tag, and the detection device is an NFC reader.

[0013] In one embodiment, the distribution surface includes visible codes placed at predetermined locations on the distribution surface, wherein the codes are configured to have information about a plurality of compartments encoded thereon, and an external device is configured to read the codes via an image captured by an image capture device and to detect specific current locations of the plurality of compartments based on the current locations of the codes detected in the captured image.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one of the compartments is configured to receive a cover. Attached Figure Description

[0015] A more complete understanding of this disclosure and its many accompanying advantages will be readily available and better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, by referring to the following detailed description, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 It is an overall perspective view based on an example cosmetic dispensing device or cosmetic dispenser;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view based on an example allocator body;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective view based on an example cosmetic dispenser, where the dispenser body has been removed;

[0019] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the internal components of an example cosmetic dispenser;

[0020] Figure 4B This is a perspective view of the internal components of an example cosmetic dispenser;

[0021] Figure 5 It is a perspective view based on an example cylinder;

[0022] Figure 6 It is a perspective view based on an example cylindrical gear;

[0023] Figure 7A It is a perspective view based on an example base plate;

[0024] Figure 7B It is a perspective view of the base plate as seen from the bottom, based on an example;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a perspective view based on an example base;

[0026] Figure 9A This is an exploded perspective view of a powder cartridge positioned above a manifold, based on an example setup.

[0027] Figure 9BThis is a perspective view based on an example powder cartridge in the open position;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the sequence of the main processes according to an example cosmetic formulation method 900;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a process diagram illustrating an example of the process of detecting cosmetic materials in a cosmetic dispenser.

[0030] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a process diagram illustrating an example of the process of selecting a cosmetic formulation product based on an example;

[0031] Figure 13 This is a process diagram illustrating an example of how cosmetic materials are dispensed in a cosmetic dispenser according to a given example.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a connected cosmetics dispensing system; and

[0033] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example circuit for a controller and a cosmetic dispenser, based on an example example.

[0034] Figure 16 This demonstrates components of an ecosystem that utilizes a cosmetic dispenser to create personalized doses for users.

[0035] Figure 17 It demonstrates an ecosystem built on recommending popular lipstick colors to users.

[0036] Figure 18A This demonstrates an example workflow within the ecosystem for assigning personalized lipstick shades from an application perspective.

[0037] Figure 18B An additional flowchart illustrates how the algorithms of smartphone apps within the lipstick ecosystem allow users to view the lipstick shades on a user's selfie.

[0038] Figure 18C This further illustrates how a specific set of tubes can produce different tonal ranges to be presented to the user.

[0039] Figure 18D This demonstrates how the "Match My Appearance" mode works within the lipstick ecosystem of apps.

[0040] Figure 18E It shows details about how the lipstick recommendation engine works based on users' selfies and clothing.

[0041] Figure 19This demonstrates an ecosystem built on providing users with the most effective skincare formulas.

[0042] Figure 20A This demonstrates an example workflow within the ecosystem for allocating personalized skincare formulas from an application perspective.

[0043] Figure 20B This illustrates an example of how different combinations of environmental factors presented to a user can lead to different doses from three different cylinders.

[0044] Figure 21 This demonstrates an ecosystem for assigning personalized foundation to users.

[0045] Figure 22A This demonstrates an example workflow within the ecosystem for assigning personalized foundation from an application perspective.

[0046] Figure 22B Provide details on the methods for performing skin color diagnosis.

[0047] Figure 22C and Figure 22D It shows details on how deep learning can be used to estimate skin color in an image.

[0048] Figure 23 The structure of a cylinder with an NFC tag is shown.

[0049] Figure 24 This shows the data format of the data stored on the NFC tag on the tube.

[0050] Figure 25 A table is shown that includes descriptions of the various fields contained in the data format of NFC tags.

[0051] Figure 26 The structure of a dispensing device for an intelligent adjustable drum system is shown.

[0052] Figure 27 This illustrates the signal exchange between the distribution device and the user's smartphone device.

[0053] Figure 28 The state machine of the consumer application (app) is shown, illustrating the process of filling the cylinder prior to any use of the dispensing device from the application's perspective.

[0054] Figure 29 This paper demonstrates a method for managing faulty NFC tags in the above scenario.

[0055] Figure 30 A side view of the dispensing device, including the telescopic plate, is shown.

[0056] Figure 31A and Figure 31B This shows the different states of the telescopic plate at different heights.

[0057] Figure 32 A cleaning agent reservoir is shown positioned between the main body of the dispensing device and the telescopic plate.

[0058] Figure 33 This illustrates an alternative use of the aforementioned telescopic plate for providing a method for rinsing any remaining components or residues in a flushing tube.

[0059] Figure 34A , Figure 34B and Figure 34C This illustrates a smart, personalized compartment system for use with a distribution system.

[0060] Figure 34D and Figure 34E The mechanism shown allows the detection of the location of the tray and compartment to be sent to the user's mobile device.

[0061] Figure 35A and Figure 35B This demonstrates a method that allows users to supply final, customized ingredients to any of the compartments in an exposed tray.

[0062] Figure 36 The system shown allows users to send a dispensing formula to the described dispensing device based on the results of a digital beauty consultation with a beauty advisor (BA).

[0063] Figure 37 This demonstrates the workflow of a beauty consultation session between a consumer and a beauty advisor.

[0064] Figure 38 Examples of all types of consumer data that can be collected during a consultation session are shown.

[0065] Figure 39 The text shows different examples of consultation sessions where consumers are interested in hair care products.

[0066] Figure 40 This illustrates another example of a consultation session where a consumer is interested in nail gel products dispensed from a dispensing device.

[0067] Figure 41 Shown in Figure 37 , Figure 39 and Figure 40 Examples of the types of allocation device settings that can be determined during remote consultation are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0068] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts in multiple views. Furthermore, as used herein, unless otherwise stated, the words “a,” “an,” etc., generally have the meaning of “one or more.”

[0069] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts in various views.

[0070] Selecting cosmetic formulations and the cosmetic ingredients used to formulate them is a common activity that often relies on subjective decision-making and manual input. There is a vast array of available cosmetic materials, and countless combinations and arrangements of possible cosmetic formulations.

[0071] In every instance of using a cosmetic formulation, the end user typically makes subjective decisions to produce a satisfactory product. Results are usually experimental and may require multiple iterations to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Partly due to limited understanding of the specific properties and necessary proportions of basic cosmetic ingredients, the resulting formulations may lack precision. Therefore, achieving reproducibility in producing a particular cosmetic formulation is difficult. The following examples address these problems in conventional techniques.

[0072] Specifically, the following description relates to an ecosystem for achieving skincare and a personalized system for creating home-use formulations based on a dedicated dispensing device that allows the ingredients of cosmetic products to be immediately blended into the user-preferred final result and then conveniently transported for easy portability.

[0073] The system shown below is a pioneering AI-driven 3-in-1 device for personalized at-home skincare, foundation, and liquid lipstick. The device and its corresponding app assess the user's individual skin and local environmental data to create and deliver personalized, on-site skincare and cosmetic formulations, which are optimized over time to enhance personalization.

[0074] The entire ecosystem utilizes the aforementioned AI-driven motorized cylinder system to create personalized skincare and cosmetic formulations in four steps. The device creates personalized skin serums through the following process:

[0075] 1. Personal Skin Analysis: Users take a photo with their smartphone camera and open the application on their smartphone. The application uses artificial intelligence to analyze the user's overall skin condition, assessing deep wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, lack of firmness, visible pores, and lack of radiance.

[0076] 2. Environmental Assessment: The application (and / or a separate cloud computing platform) assesses local environmental conditions that may affect the condition of the user's skin, including weather, temperature, humidity, UV index, air quality, and pollen.

[0077] 3. Product Preferences: Users then input specific skincare concerns into the application, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, rough skin texture, and dullness.

[0078] 4. Customized formulation and distribution: The personalized blend of high-performance skincare is then dispensed in single doses onto the top of the device.

[0079] The motor system located at the top of the device moves the formulation product from the cylinder at the base of the machine upwards and compresses it onto the dispensing tray above for cleaning application.

[0080] Through regular use, the AI ​​platform can assess a user's skin appearance over time, helping them identify what's effective and calibrating future formulations. The AI-driven system can optimize the efficacy of personalized formulas. By taking timed photos, users can enable the intelligent system to identify the effects of formulated products and adjust the dosage of active ingredients accordingly. In other words, if a user is looking for, for example, an additional moisturizer, they can ignore the system's recommendations.

[0081] The skincare system contains active ingredients including AHA, vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, retinol, cucumber, thyme, and mulberry.

[0082] Cosmetic products (for foundation and liquid lipstick) will be able to integrate real-time trend information and color matching technology into their personalized products, as described below.

[0083] • By using a lipstick system, consumers will be able to create liquid lipsticks based on their individual skin tone and preferences. The system can match the shade to the user's clothing or accessories, or they can even choose to create a specific color that's trending on social media. The device will have three tubes; in total, these tubes will be capable of creating hundreds of shades.

[0084] The foundation system described below will consist of three tubs, ranging from light to dark shades. Knowing that foundation is never one-size-fits-all, these three color sets are available to match the widest range of shades. Using a tone-matching tool, the three tubs will dispense different levels of color to create a personalized shade. The device is capable of creating hundreds of custom shades. The device will create a single dose of color, but the user can easily double or triple the amount with an additional touch.

[0085] The system described in this article has three dosage settings. There will be a standard-sized dose (0.7 grams; about the size of a pistachio), which the user can increase by two or three times via an additional touch.

[0086] The device features a detachable powder cartridge with a mirror, allowing you to carry individual doses of the product with you.

[0087] From opening the application and taking a photo of a person's face to distributing the product, the user experience of this system takes approximately three minutes.

[0088] [Dispensing device]

[0089] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of an example cosmetic dispensing device 100 or cosmetic dispenser. The visible portion of the cosmetic dispenser 100 includes a base 102 connected to a power cord 104. The base 102 provides support for the dispenser body 106. A powder cartridge 108 is disposed above the dispenser body 106. A power button 110 may be partially disposed within the dispenser body 106, such that the dispenser body 106 secures the placement of the power button 110. An indicator light and button 122 may also be partially disposed within the dispenser body 106, such that the dispenser body 106 secures the placement of the indicator light and button 122. The indicator light and button 122 may be mechanical or capacitive touch buttons.

[0090] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a dispenser body 106 according to an example. The dispenser body 106 is a hollow, thin-walled container that serves as a lid for most of the components of the cosmetic dispenser 100. In this example, the dispenser body 106 has a first end at the top with a generally square cross-section with rounded corners, and a second end at the bottom with a circular cross-section. The dispenser body 106 may provide a base for the powder compact 108, or other components that serve as a base for the powder compact 108. The dispenser body 106 may also include mounting points for a power button 110 and mounting points for an indicator light and button 122.

[0091] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an example cosmetic dispenser 100, with the dispenser body 106 removed. The power button 110, indicator lights and buttons 122, controller 150, base plate 166, sensor plate 176, and gearbox 170 are visible in this view, divided into a lower body section 154, a middle body section 155, and an upper body section 156. The power button 110 is electrically connected to the controller 150.

[0092] The controller 150 includes circuitry for distributing power received via power line 104, controlling one or more motors 112 to dispense cosmetic materials, detecting readings of optical encoder 192, charging one or more batteries 126, operating any indicators (such as indicator lights and buttons 122, ringtones or other audiovisual signals, sensors such as those used to detect the availability, type, and quantity of cosmetic materials), and wireless communication with external devices, including circuitry for sending and receiving signals and data, such as via smartphones and other wireless devices using various communication protocols such as radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular.

[0093] The sensor plate 176 supports the base plate 166. Except for the base 102 and power cord 104, the rest of the cosmetic dispenser 100 is located on top of the base plate 166. The gearbox 170 is positioned above, connected to, and supports the internal components of the cosmetic dispenser 100, as shown in Figures 4 to 5. Figure 9B Further description. Additionally, the gearbox 170 includes a plurality of gearbox bores 178, one for each cylinder 114 in the cosmetic dispenser 100. A nozzle 160 of each cylinder 114 is disposed within one of the gearbox bores 178. Various additional substructures and caps may be provided between the internal components of the cosmetic dispenser 100 and the dispenser body 106.

[0094] For example, the upper main body portion 156 is disposed above the middle main body portion 155, while the lower main body portion 154 is disposed below the middle main body portion 155. When connected, the dispenser body 106 is attached to the exterior of at least one of the lower main body portion 154, the middle main body portion 155, and the upper main body portion 156. The base plate 166 is disposed below the lower main body portion 154 and connected to the lower main body portion.

[0095] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a perspective view of the internal components of an example cosmetic dispenser 100. The internal components include a plurality of dispensing assemblies 120 disposed above a base plate 166 and a sensor plate 176. Each dispensing assembly 120 includes a cylinder 114, a cylinder gear 116, a motor 112, a motor gear 124, an ejector 140, an ejector indexing ring 190, an ejector spring 142, an ejector spring pin 144, a stop plunger 146, and a stop spring 152. A controller 150 controls the operation of each dispensing assembly 120. The cosmetic dispenser 100 includes at least one dispensing assembly 120. The example described herein includes three dispensing assemblies 120, although those skilled in the art will recognize that the cosmetic dispenser 100 can have any number of dispensing assemblies 120.

[0096] In addition, multiple batteries 126 within the cosmetic dispenser 100 are electrically connected to multiple dispensing components 120 for use with the controller 150, dispensing components 120, motor 112, and various indicators (such as indicator lights and buttons 122). Figure 3 (further description) provides power for the operation of ringtones and other audiovisual signals.

[0097] Controller 150 and connected device 300 (e.g. Figure 14 (As shown) allows the user to operate the cosmetic dispenser 100 wirelessly. Cosmetic material formulation products and formulation commands can be received from a connected device 300, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer, configured to communicate with the cosmetic dispenser 100, and directed to the controller 150. Furthermore, the dispensing of cosmetic materials can also be triggered by the user by touching the indicator lights and buttons 122 on the cosmetic dispenser 100.

[0098] The cylinder 114 also has a key 162 disposed on or near the nozzle 160, connected near a first end to a peg gear 116, and near a second end to a base plate 166, wherein a motor gear 124 is connected to a motor 112, and the motor gear 124 is drively connected to the peg gear 116. The cylinder 114 and the peg gear 116 are connected by a gearbox 170. Figure 3 (As shown) is held in place. The cylinder 114 may be disposed inside the cosmetic dispenser 100 and secured in place by a dispenser 140 connected to a dispenser spring 142. The dispenser spring pin 144 is connected at a first end to the dispenser spring 142 and rigidly connected at a second end to the inner surface of at least one of the dispenser body 106, lower body portion 154, middle body portion 155, upper body portion 156, and other internal structures. The dispensing assembly 120 further includes a dispenser indexing ring 190 (as shown). Figure 4A As shown in the diagram, the ejector 140 is guided to move within the cosmetic dispenser 100 during insertion and removal of the cartridge 114, wherein the ejector indexing ring 190 is disposed against the inner surface of at least one of the dispenser body 106, the lower body portion 154, the middle body portion 155, and the upper body portion 156 to guide the movement of the ejector 140.

[0099] Furthermore, the stop plunger 146 can be positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 114 and connected near the second end of the cylinder 114, thereby providing lateral pressure to the circumferential groove 134 of the cylinder 114, holding the cylinder 114 in place along the vertical Y-axis, and counteracting the opposing forces exerted on the cylinder 114 by the tension of the ejector 140, the ejector spring 142, and the ejector spring pin 144. The ejector 140 is disposed within the cosmetic dispenser 100 and can move substantially parallel to the cylinder 114, and is connected to the ejector spring 142, which is further connected to the ejector spring pin 144. When the cylinder 114 is inserted into the cosmetic dispenser 100, the edge of the ejector 140 contacts the edge near the first end of the cylinder 114. As the cylinder 114 moves further into the cosmetic dispenser 100, the ejector 140 applies pressure to the cylinder 114 as the ejector spring 142 extends with the increasing distance between the retaining ejector spring pin 144 and the ejector 140. Once the cylinder 114 is inserted to the point where the first end of the stop plunger 146 contacts the circumferential groove 134 of the cylinder 114, the movement of the cylinder 114 along the Y-axis is restricted, thereby holding the cylinder 114 in place.

[0100] The stop plunger 146 is a mechanism for holding the cylinder 114 in place. The stop plunger 146 moves along an axis substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the cylinder 114. A first end of the stop plunger 146 is configured to contact the cylinder 114. A second end is connected to a first end of a stop spring 152, the second end of which contacts the inner surface of at least one of the dispenser body 106, the lower body portion 154, the middle body portion 155, the upper body portion 156, or other internal structures. Inserting the cylinder 114 into the cosmetic dispenser 100 causes the stop plunger 146 to displace against the stop spring 152, thereby compressing the stop spring 152. Because the profile of the cylinder 114 varies along its length, the stop plunger 146 and the stop spring 152 are displaced by different amounts depending on the position of the cylinder 114 relative to the cosmetic dispenser 100. At the point where the stop plunger 146 contacts the circumferential groove 134 of the cylinder 114, due to the pressure of the stop spring 152 and the geometric relationship between the stop plunger 146 and the circumferential groove 134, the first end of the stop plunger 146 can lock the cylinder 114 in the appropriate position.

[0101] Furthermore, the tube 114 is inserted into the cosmetic dispenser 100 through the tube through-hole 172 of the base plate 166. The tube through-hole 172 has a base key cutout 165. Figure 7AThe shape of the cylinder 114 corresponds to the base key 164, such that when the base key 164 and the base key cutout 165 contact, the cylinder 114 cannot rotate relative to the base plate 166. The cylinder 114 is also shaped to fit into the base plate 166 and the paddle gear 116 in a specific orientation. When the cylinder 114 is fully inserted into the cosmetic dispenser 100 and locked in place by the stop plunger 146, the cylinder 114 abuts against the paddle gear 116. Furthermore, the paddle gear 116 has a collar portion 168 rotatably connected to the gearbox 170 to restrict movement of the paddle gear 116, allowing it to rotate about a longitudinal axis but not move axially or otherwise, and supporting the position of each of the paddle gear 116 and the motor gear 124. Similarly, the motor gear 124 has a motor gear collar 169 portion that is rotatably connected to the gearbox 170 to restrict the movement of the motor gear 124, allowing the motor gear 124 to rotate about a longitudinal axis but not to move axially or otherwise, thereby maintaining the relationship between the spur gear 116 and the motor gear 124 such that the rotational motion of the motor gear 124 causes the spur gear 116 to rotate at a fixed ratio.

[0102] Motor gear 124 may include key cut 163 ( Figure 6 The spur gear, the key cut of which mates with the key 162 of the cylinder 114, such as... Figure 4B As stated above.

[0103] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a cylinder 114 according to an example. The cylinder 114 has a circular cylindrical body and a nozzle 160 located at a first end. The nozzle 160 is further disposed near a cylinder key 162. The cylinder key 162 is fitted into an opening of a paddle gear 116, corresponding to the shape of a key cutout 163 of the paddle gear 116, and locks the rotational movement of the portion near the first end of the cylinder 114 with the rotational movement of the paddle gear 116. The paddle gear 116 is driven by a motor gear 124 and a motor 112. The second end of the cylinder 114 includes a base key 164. The base key 164 is fitted into a base key cutout 165 of a base plate 166, fixing the second end of the cylinder 114 to the base plate 166 and preventing rotational movement of the second end of the cylinder 114 relative to the base plate 166. Because the first end of the cylinder 114 is fixed to the movement of the cylinder gear 116, the actuation of the motor 112 causes the motor gear 124 to rotate and drive the cylinder gear 116, thereby opening and closing the nozzle 160 of the cylinder 114. The first and second ends of the cylinder 114 can rotate relative to each other.

[0104] Cylinder 114 contains a certain amount of cosmetic material as needed and dispenses it into powder container 108 (further described in Figure 9). Cylinder 114 dispenses the cosmetic material by rotating cylinder gear 116, while cylinder 114 is held in place substantially perpendicularly along the Y-axis. Cylinder gear 116 is driven by motor gear 124, which rotates by rotating motor 112. The rotation amplitude of motor 112 is controlled by controller 150.

[0105] A certain amount of cosmetic material is released from the cylinder 114 through the nozzle 160 by a first rotational movement of the first end of the cylinder 114 relative to the second end. A rotational movement of the first end of the cylinder 114 in a second direction opposite to the first rotational movement can close the nozzle 160 of the cylinder 114.

[0106] The thimble 116 actuates the nozzle 160 of the cylinder 114, which is attached to a hollow cylinder guide screw 202 within the cylinder 114. Rotation of the cylinder guide screw 202 proportionally displaces the cylinder piston 200, forcing a certain amount of cosmetic material through the cylinder guide screw 202 and out of the nozzle 160 of the cylinder 114. The amount of cosmetic material released during the opening and closing operation of the nozzle 160 is a function of the displacement of the cylinder guide screw 202, which depends on the rotational displacement of the thimble 116. Rotation of the motor 112 causes the corresponding motor gear 124 and thimble 116 to rotate. The controller 150 uses an optical encoder 192 to detect the relative movement and rotational direction of the thimble 116, which counts the number of times the thimble 116 passes through the thimble groove 148 of the optical encoder 192 as the thimble 116 rotates. The specific unit of measurement for the cosmetic material is the dosage unit 118.

[0107] In one example, the lead screw 202 has a pitch of approximately 1 mm, wherein approximately 1 mL of cosmetic material is dispensed from the barrel 114 when the lead screw 202 rotates one full turn.

[0108] In another example, due to the shape of the key 162 of the cylinder 114, the circumferential groove 134 may be a notch or groove around a portion of the circumference of the cylinder 114, rather than extending completely around the periphery of the cylinder 114, thereby securing the cylinder 114 to the stop plunger 146 in substantially the same way.

[0109] Figure 6This is a perspective view based on an example thorax 116. The thorax 116 may be a spur gear including a keyway 163 corresponding to the shape of the keyway 162 of the cylinder 114. The thorax 116 may further have a collar 168 rotatably connected to the inner surface of the gearbox 170 to align and support the positions of the thorax 116 and the corresponding motor gear 124. The thorax 116 may have multiple thorax grooves 148 for use with an optical encoder 192 to detect the angular position of the thorax 116 and the cylinder lead screw 202.

[0110] Figure 7A This is a perspective view based on an example base plate 166. The base plate 166 is connected to the dispenser body 106 and / or the lower body portion 154, restricts a plurality of cylinders 114 disposed within the cosmetic dispenser 100, and connects the cosmetic dispenser 100 to a sensor plate 176 disposed below the base plate 166.

[0111] The base plate 166 has a plurality of tube through holes 172 to allow insertion, removal and securing of a plurality of tubes 114. Each tube through hole 172 includes a base key cutout 165, and the shape of the base key cutout 165 corresponds to the shape of the base key 164 of each tube 114 to prevent rotational movement of the second end of the tube 114, which contacts the base plate 166 when the tube 114 is installed in the cosmetic dispenser 100.

[0112] In addition, the base plate 166 has a stylus 174 that contacts the sensing plate (e.g., Figure 7B As shown in the diagram, it powers the base plate 166, thereby allowing the cosmetic dispenser 100 to charge the multiple batteries 126 by contact or induction.

[0113] Figure 7B This is a perspective view of the base plate 166 from the bottom, based on an example. The base plate 166 includes three cylindrical through-holes 172 disposed within the plate and a stylus 174. When the base plate 166 is disposed within the cosmetic dispenser and on the base 102, the stylus 174 can conduct electricity from the base 102 to the base plate 166. The base plate 166 can then inductively charge a plurality of batteries 126 disposed above the base plate 166.

[0114] Figure 8This is a perspective view of an example base 102. A power cord 104 is connected to the base 102 at a first end. The power cord 104 is connected to a power source (not shown) at a second end to provide power for the operation of the cosmetic dispenser 100 and for charging the multiple batteries 126. The base 102 includes a base recess 128 for housing the induction plate 176 and other parts of the cosmetic dispenser 100. The base recess 128 may have the capability to inductively charge the multiple batteries 126 using the power provided by the power cord 104. Furthermore, when the base plate 166 is disposed within the base recess 128, it can also charge the cosmetic dispenser 100 via stylus pins 174 disposed within the base plate 166.

[0115] Figure 9A This is an exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge 108 positioned above a manifold 130, according to an example. The toner cartridge 108 includes a top cover 180, a cartridge base 182, and a bottom cover 184. The top cover 180 is positioned above the cartridge base 182, which is positioned above or inside the bottom cover 184. The top cover 180 is secured to the cartridge base 182 by a magnet, such as... Figure 9B Further described. The powder compact base 182 includes a plurality of powder compact base through holes 138. In this example, there is one powder compact base through hole 138 for each cartridge 114 in the cosmetic dispenser 100. A bottom cover 184 having a plurality of bottom cover through holes 136 is disposed below the powder compact base 182. In this example, there is one bottom cover through hole 136 for each cartridge 114 in the cosmetic dispenser 100, and the bottom cover 184 is configured such that each bottom cover through hole 136 corresponds to and connects to the powder compact base through hole 138 of the powder compact base 182.

[0116] The powder cartridge 108 is connected to a manifold 130, which is connected to and positioned above a gearbox 170, further disposed within the dispenser body 106 of the cosmetic dispenser 100, with the powder cartridge 108 positioned above both the manifold 130 and the dispenser body 106. For each cartridge 114 in the cosmetic dispenser 100, the manifold 130 includes a manifold through-hole 132, and the manifold 130 is configured such that each manifold through-hole 132 corresponds to and connects to a powder cartridge base through-hole 136 on the bottom cover 184. Furthermore, each manifold through-hole 132 of the manifold 130 corresponds to and is positioned above a gearbox cartridge hole 178 in the gearbox 170, thereby providing a channel for cosmetic material to be dispensed from the nozzle 160 of each cartridge 114 through the manifold 130, the bottom cover 184, and into the powder cartridge base 182.

[0117] The powder compact 108 may be configured such that it can be connected to the cosmetic dispenser 100 via only one orientation. In another example, the powder compact 108 may be configured to be connected to more than one orientation.

[0118] Furthermore, by using a one-way duckbill valve 194 (not shown) disposed in each powder box base through hole 136 in the bottom cover 184 of the powder box 108, backflow of cosmetic material dispensed into the powder box 108 can be prevented.

[0119] Figure 9B This is a perspective view of a toner cartridge 108 in the open position, based on an example. The toner cartridge 108 includes a top cover 180, a toner cartridge base 182, a bottom cover 184, a plurality of hinge magnets 186a, 186b, 186c and 186d, a plurality of cover magnets 188a, 188b, 188c and 188d, and a plurality of mounting magnets 196a, 196b and 196c.

[0120] In one example, a powder compact base 182, a plurality of mounting magnets 196a-196c, first halves 188b and 188d of a plurality of cover magnets, and first halves 186b and 186d of a plurality of hinge magnets are disposed within a bottom cover 184, with the powder compact base 182 disposed above. The plurality of mounting magnets 196a-196c are configured to magnetically connect the powder compact 108 to the cosmetic dispensing device 100, for example, by connecting to a manifold 130. Figure 9A The manifold 130 or portions thereof may be formed of ferrous material or contain corresponding magnets to be magnetically attached to a plurality of mounting magnets 196a-196c.

[0121] The second halves 188a and 188c of a plurality of cover magnets are disposed within one side of the top cover 180, and the second halves 186a and 186c of a plurality of hinge magnets are disposed within one side of the top cover 180. Hinge magnets 186b and 186d are disposed within one side of the bottom cover 184 such that they can contact the corresponding hinge magnets 186a and 186c in at least two planes, depending on the relative positions between the top cover 180 and the bottom cover 184. Hinge magnets 186a and 186b have opposite magnetic polarities, and corresponding pairs of hinge magnets 186c and 186d, cover magnets 188a and 188b, and cover magnets 188c and 188d also have opposite magnetic polarities.

[0122] Multiple 196 and multiple cap magnets 188a-188d can be configured to allow multiple bottom cap through holes 138 provided in the powder box base 182 to flow unobstructed into the powder box 108 from each cartridge 114 when dispensing cosmetic materials.

[0123] With the powder cartridge 108 in the open position, the top cover 180 and the bottom cover 184 are positioned approximately in a vertical plane, and hinge magnets 186a and 186c are magnetically connected to hinge magnets 186b and 186d, respectively. The magnetic force between each pair of hinge magnets 186a and 186b and hinge magnets 186c and 186d is sufficient to hold the top cover 180 in place relative to the bottom cover 184.

[0124] With the powder cartridge 108 in the closed position, the top cover 180 and the bottom cover 184 are approximately in a parallel plane. Hinge magnets 186a and 186c are magnetically connected to hinge magnets 186b and 186d, respectively, and cover magnets 188a and 188c are positioned in corresponding positions and magnetically connected to cover magnets 188b and 188d, respectively. The magnetic connections between hinge magnet pairs 186a and 186b, hinge magnet pairs 186c and 186d, and cover magnet pairs 188a and 188b, and cover magnet pairs 188c and 188d are sufficient to keep the top cover 180 connected to the bottom cover 184 in the closed position.

[0125] Because the top cover 180 is magnetically connected to the bottom cover 184, the top cover 180 can be completely removed from the bottom cover 184. Furthermore, depending on the arrangement of the multiple hinge magnets 186a-186d and cover magnets 188a-188d in the top cover 180 and bottom cover 184, it is also possible to connect to the bottom cover 184 in the closed position in more than one orientation around the xz plane. Additionally, the top cover 180 can be pivoted about the bottom cover 184, or vice versa, thereby opening or closing about more than one axis, such as around the x-axis or z-axis.

[0126] Alternatively, multiple mounting magnets 196a-196c may be replaced by a single mounting magnet 196 having sufficient strength to secure the powder box 108 to the cosmetic dispensing device 100.

[0127] Alternatively, the plurality of hinge magnets 186a-186d may be replaced by a hinge magnet 186a of sufficient strength in the top cover 180 and a hinge magnet 186b of sufficient strength in the bottom cover 184 to secure one side of the top cover 180 to the bottom cover 184 when the powder box 108 is in the open or closed position.

[0128] Alternatively, the plurality of cap magnets 188a-188d may be replaced by a cap magnet 188a of sufficient strength in the top cap 180 and a cap magnet 188b of sufficient strength in the bottom cap 184, to secure one side of the top cap 180 to the bottom cap 184 when the powder box 108 is in the closed position.

[0129] Figure 10This is a diagram illustrating the sequence of main processes according to an example cosmetic formulation method 900. The examples provided herein all have three cylinders, although cosmetic dispensers 100 equipped with any number of cylinders 114 can use the same process. The cosmetic formulation method 900 includes a detection process S920, a selection process S940, and a dispensing process S960. An additional mixing process S980 can be performed by the user. The detection process S920, selection process S940, and dispensing process S960 are executed by the cosmetic device 100 based on commands received from a controller 150, which sends data to the user and receives input from the user via a smart device 300 or via an indicator on the cosmetic device 100 itself, such as... Figure 3 As described in Figure 4.

[0130] Figure 11 This is an example process diagram illustrating the process of detecting cosmetic material in a cosmetic dispenser 100 according to an example. S920 represents the process for detecting cosmetic material. Process S920 may include at least one of the following steps: step 921 of removing and installing the detection cartridge 114, step 922 of detecting at least one material property of the detection cartridge 114, optional step 923 of detecting the amount of cosmetic material in the detection cartridge 114, and optional step 924 of calculating the estimated consumption of the cartridge after performing a future dispensing operation.

[0131] Optional step 923 for detecting the amount of material in each of the plurality of cylinders 114 may include, for example, step 923a for detecting the amount of material in cylinder A, step 923b for detecting the amount of material in cylinder B, and step 923c for detecting the amount of material in cylinder C, for example based on the total net displacement (rotation) of the cylinder gear 116 detected by the optical encoder 192 since the installation of each cylinder 114.

[0132] Optional step 924 for detecting at least one material characteristic of each of the plurality of cartridges 114 may include, for example, step 924a for detecting at least one material characteristic of cartridge A, step 924b for detecting at least one material characteristic of cartridge B, and step 924c for detecting at least one material characteristic of cartridge C. Material characteristics may include at least one from the group consisting of color, texture, gloss, moisture, nutrients, and chemical agents. This detection may be performed based on a near-field sensor disposed in dispenser 100 that detects an RFID tag on the cartridge according to methods well known in the art, the RFID tag storing information about the contents of the cartridge. Alternative detection methods may be used, such as barcode detection of a barcode printed on the cartridge, or detection using methods well known in the art. The step of detecting at least one material characteristic in each cartridge may be performed prior to the optional step of detecting the amount of cosmetic material in each cartridge.

[0133] In addition, process S920 may include optional step 926 for reporting information that can be derived from historical usage data aggregated from a user or across user groups, such as which tube 114 within the cosmetic dispenser 100 is expected to run out of cosmetic material first and when the cosmetic material will run out.

[0134] Figure 12A This is a process diagram illustrating an example of a process S940 for selecting cosmetic formulation products. S940 includes a process for selecting cosmetic formulation products. Process S940 includes steps for identifying possible combinations of cosmetic formulation products based on the type and amount of cosmetic materials present in the cosmetic dispenser 100, as established by the detection process S920.

[0135] Step 942d can be based on the user selecting from a set of cosmetic formulation products that is possible for the types and quantities of cosmetic materials present in the cosmetic dispenser 100, or step 942c can allow the user to select from a larger list 204 of cosmetic materials that is possible for the types and quantities of cosmetic materials that the cosmetic dispenser 100 can use.

[0136] In another example, step 943 of process S940 includes allowing the user to select a desired dosage unit 118. If a larger quantity of one or more cosmetic materials is needed than the specific amount of dosage unit 118 available for dispensing a particular cosmetic formulation product, changing the dosage unit 118 can change the set of available cosmetic formulation products within the cosmetic dispenser 100.

[0137] For example, if cartridge A contains yellow cosmetic, cartridge B contains red cosmetic, and cartridge C contains green cosmetic, and cartridge A has only one dose unit 118 remaining, then the user will not be able to select any combination of dose units 118 or cosmetic formulation products that require more than one dose unit 118 of yellow cosmetic material.

[0138] Furthermore, process S940 may include step 942a for a user to select a cosmetic formulation product based on photo matching, step 942b for a user to select a cosmetic formulation product based on a recommendation, or selecting a cosmetic formulation product based on another process. U.S. Patent No. 8,634,640 describes a method for selecting colors from an image or picture from a camera or electronic device and using color reference data to substantially match the colors, and is therefore incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0139] In another embodiment, skin diagnostics (sometimes referred to herein as skin profiling) can be performed to provide a number of recommended pre-defined colors for the user to choose from based on an analysis of the user's skin features. Skin diagnostics determines the appropriate color for the user based on imaging operations performed on the user's face. Examples of skin diagnostic tools known in the art include: Lancome Diagnos ABS, HR Skinscope, Biotherm Bluesmart, Kiehl's Skinprofiler V.0, CADermanalyzer, and Vichy Vichyconsult.

[0140] For cosmetic formulations that may not be available based on the results of the testing process S920, the cosmetic dispenser 100 can communicate to the user what cosmetic materials are needed to dispense such cosmetic formulations.

[0141] In one example, in step 944, the user selects a dosage unit 118 of a cosmetic formulation product that is not currently available. Step 944 may determine what cosmetic materials (such as what type of cartridge 114) are needed to mix and dispense the selected cosmetic formulation product.

[0142] In another example, step 944 can determine which additional cosmetic formulation products can become available if a particular cartridge 114 is replaced by a full but otherwise identical cartridge 114.

[0143] In another example, step 944 can determine which additional cosmetic formulation products can become available if cylinder 114 is replaced with another cylinder 114 containing different cosmetic materials.

[0144] Based on the result of step 944, step 945 determines whether to proceed to step 947 to prompt the user for confirmation and continue dispensing the cosmetic formulation products, or to proceed to step 946 to report which tubes 114 are needed to dispense the desired cosmetic formulation products.

[0145] Figure 12B The optional process S940b is shown, in which, after the cosmetic formulation product has been previously received and is currently stored on the dispenser device 100, the process is performed solely by the dispenser device 100 in step 948. The remaining steps 943 to 947 of S940b are... Figure 12A The steps described in S940 are the same. Figure 12B The process can be performed without an existing connection being established between the distributor device 100 and the device 300.

[0146] Figure 13This is a process diagram illustrating an example of a process S960 for dispensing cosmetic material in a cosmetic dispenser 100 according to an example. Step 961 represents a step for dispensing at least one dose unit of a cosmetic formulation product. Process S960 includes steps 962a to 962c of dispensing the requested amount of cosmetic material from at least one cartridge 114 to produce the cosmetic formulation product selected by the user in process S940, thereby making the cosmetic formulation product available to the user through application, transportation in a container, or otherwise. Process S960 includes optional steps 963a to 963c of detecting the remaining amount of cosmetic material in each cartridge and optional step 964 of recording the result in the memory of the dispensing device.

[0147] After completing the dispensing process S960, the user can perform the process S980 of manually mixing the released cosmetic materials to produce the requested cosmetic formulation product.

[0148] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a connected cosmetic dispensing system. The system 400 implementing the cosmetic dispenser 100 described above includes at least the cosmetic dispenser 100 and the connected device 300. Optionally, the system may further include one or more external servers 410, which are implemented as part of a cloud computing environment. Additionally, the system may optionally include a cosmetic materials list 204, which is a list of possible cosmetic materials that can be inserted into the cosmetic device 100.

[0149] The connected device 300 can be a personal computer (PC), laptop computer, PDA (personal digital assistant), smartphone, tablet device, UMPC (ultra-mobile PC), netbook, or notebook computer. In the following example, it is assumed that the connected device 300 is a tablet device, such as an Apple iPad.

[0150] The connected device 300 can perform wireless communication with the cosmetic dispenser 100 via the wireless communication interface circuitry 774 on the cosmetic dispenser 100. However, the connected device 300 can also be wired to the cosmetic dispenser 100 via the USB interface 776 on the device 100. Additionally, each device, including the cosmetic dispenser 100, can communicate with each other and one or more external devices via an Internet connection, either via an 802.11 wireless connection to a wireless Internet access point or a physical connection to an Internet access point (such as via an Ethernet interface). Each connected device 300 can also perform wireless communication with other devices, such as via Bluetooth or other wireless methods.

[0151] The connected device 300 is configured to receive information from the user for generating a cosmetic formula product, and the cosmetic dispenser 100 will use this information to dispense cosmetic materials into the powder box 108.

[0152] Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating the circuitry of a controller 150 and a cosmetic dispenser 100 according to an example. A central processing unit (CPU) 710 provides primary control over individual circuit components included in the device, such as dispenser control circuitry 740 (which may include control circuitry for motor 112, circuitry for optical encoder 192, and sensing sensor circuitry). The CPU 710 may also control optional input / output devices 772 (such as a keyboard or mouse), memory 780, wireless communication interface circuitry 774, universal serial bus (USB) controller 776, LED driver 778, and display module 780. The LED driver 778 controls the pulses of one or more indicator lights 122.

[0153] In one embodiment, the circuit further includes one or more computing devices, such as processors (e.g., microprocessors, quantum processors, qubit processors, etc.), central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and any combination thereof, and may include discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronic devices or combinations thereof.

[0154] In one embodiment, the module includes one or more ASICs having multiple predefined logic components.

[0155] In one embodiment, the module includes one or more FPGAs, each FPGA having multiple programmable logic components.

[0156] In one embodiment, the circuit includes one or more components that are operatively coupled to each other (e.g., communication ground, electromagnetic ground, magnetic ground, ultrasonic ground, optical ground, inductive ground, electrical ground, capacitive coupling, wireless coupling, etc.).

[0157] In one embodiment, the circuit includes one or more remotely located components.

[0158] In one embodiment, a remote component (e.g., via wireless communication) is operatively coupled to a device 300 such as a connection.

[0159] In one embodiment, remote components are operatively coupled, for example, via one or more communication modules, receivers, transmitters, transceivers, etc.

[0160] In one embodiment, CPU 710 or Figure 15Any of the other components shown can be replaced by alternative circuit elements. Examples of circuits include, for example, memory that stores instructions or information. Non-limiting examples of memory include volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc.), persistent memory, etc. Other non-limiting examples of memory include erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, etc.

[0161] In one embodiment, the memory is coupled to, for example, one or more computing devices via one or more instruction, information, or power buses.

[0162] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more computer-readable media drivers, interface sockets, universal serial bus (USB) ports, memory card slots, etc., and one or more input / output components, such as, for example, a graphical user interface, a display, a keyboard, a keypad, a trackball, a joystick, a touchscreen, a mouse, a switch, a dial pad, etc., and any other peripheral devices.

[0163] In one embodiment, the module includes one or more user input / output components operatively coupled to at least one computing device configured to control (electrical ground, electromechanical ground, software implementation ground, firmware implementation ground, or other controls, or combinations thereof) at least one parameter associated with determining one or more tissue thermal properties in response to a detected change in turn-on voltage.

[0164] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a computer-readable medium driver or memory slot configured to receive a signal-bearing medium (e.g., a computer-readable memory medium, a computer-readable recording medium, etc.).

[0165] In one embodiment, a program for causing the system to perform any disclosed method may be stored on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium, a signal-bearing medium, etc. Non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include recordable media such as magnetic tape, floppy disk, hard disk drive, optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc, digital magnetic tape, computer memory, etc., and transmission media such as digital or analog communication media (e.g., fiber optic cable, waveguide, wired communication link, wireless communication link (e.g., receiver, transmitter, transceiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.). Other non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include, but are not limited to, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-ROM, Super Audio CD, CD-R, CD+R, CD+RW, CD-RW, video discs, Super Video Disc, flash memory, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disc, mini-disc, non-volatile memory card, EEPROM, optical disc, optical storage device, RAM, ROM, system memory, network server, etc.

[0166] In one embodiment, the circuit includes an acoustic transducer, an electroacoustic transducer, an electrochemical transducer, an electromagnetic transducer, an electromechanical transducer, an electrostatic transducer, an optoelectronic transducer, a radioacoustic transducer, a thermoelectric transducer, or an ultrasonic transducer.

[0167] In one embodiment, the circuit includes circuitry (e.g., actuator, motor, piezoelectric crystal, microelectromechanical system (MEMS), etc.) operatively coupled to the transducer.

[0168] In one embodiment, the circuit includes a circuit having at least one discrete circuit, a circuit having at least one integrated circuit, or a circuit having at least one application-specific integrated circuit.

[0169] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes circuitry forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially implements the processes and / or apparatus described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially implements the processes and / or apparatus described herein), circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., in the form of memory (e.g., random access, flash memory, read-only, etc.)), circuitry forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, an optoelectronic device, etc.), and / or any non-electrical analogue thereof, such as optical or other analogues.

[0170] [Personalized Cosmetics Ecosystem]

[0171] Figure 16The components of ecosystem 1600 are shown, and these components are universal for each type of product. The ecosystem includes a dispenser 1610, a user smartphone device 1620, and a cloud platform 1630. The smartphone is shown as comprising two functional blocks: smartphone application (“app”) settings 1621 and smartphone application usage 1622. Smartphone application settings 1621 will be described in detail below for different personalization examples, and it involves establishing initial setup information for configuring the user's profile. This setup information can then be used when using the smartphone application, and can also be sent to the cloud platform 1630 for sending the user selections of relevant appearances.

[0172] The use of the smartphone application itself involves the user actually making a choice that leads to the determination of a color and performing interactive communication with the dispenser, such as sending the recipe to the dispenser and tracking the dispenser's status (such as the inventory and remaining volume of the dispenser's tubes). The smartphone application also performs interactive communication with a cloud platform. For example, the smartphone application can receive the aforementioned appearance selections, and it can also directly provide user feedback on appearances previously sent to the cloud platform, and it can notify the cloud platform of the color and recipe actually selected by the user and dispensed by the dispenser. Such feedback can provide the cloud platform with a form of machine learning and improve the algorithms used by the cloud platform.

[0173] [Personalized Lipstick Ecosystem]

[0174] Figure 17 The aforementioned ecosystem (1700) is built upon analyzing trends on social media to recommend popular lipstick colors to consumers by combining their favorite color tastes, geolocation, favorite influencers, past choices, and more. It allows consumers to choose colors based on their appearance, virtually try them on, and adjust as needed, ultimately producing a formulated product on-site using a connected dispenser. Color recommendations can also be based on user-subjected clothing digitized with selfies. Consumers can save their favorite colors and share them with their virtual community.

[0175] Figure 17 The diagram illustrates how a user's smartphone ultimately transmits the recipe to the dispensing device via a smartphone application ("app"). The smartphone application interacts with both the connected dispenser and the cloud platform. Before the user can perform normal operation (use) of the smartphone application, the application needs to configure a user profile using setup information (1710). The application settings can be based on the following input settings.

[0176] • Questionnaires during new user onboarding (such as favorite color)

[0177] • Social media credentials (such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)

[0178] Influential people who love to follow colors

[0179] • Geographic positioning based on local fashion

[0180] • Environmental data (UV index, pollution, humidity, pollen)

[0181] The settings inputs are used during the regular use of the application on the smartphone, but they are also transmitted to a cloud platform, which can be an external server device connected via the Internet.

[0182] Practical use of the smartphone app (1720) includes selecting modes for lipstick selection. In this example, modes include those for selecting social media trend recommendations via algorithms executed in a cloud platform (discussed in more detail later). Another mode allows users to create their own lipstick colors using a wide variety of color options.

[0183] Another mode allows users to match lipstick colors to their "appearance" based on a selfie. In this example, the hue and gloss selection from the suggested image are extracted. Users can virtually try on the lipstick in real time and adjust the presented color. When the user is satisfied with the color, they can touch a button displayed on the app to dispense the formula, and an internal neural network breaks down the requested color into different color doses. After the formula is sent to the dispenser and the lipstick shade is dispensed, the user can apply the lipstick.

[0184] After applying lipstick, users can use the app to provide feedback on whether they like the color. Users can also save their favorite looks and colors for later reuse, and share their looks and colors online via social media platforms.

[0185] The cloud platform implements the functions shown in 1730, such as the workflow and improvement process of remote algorithms.

[0186] In the workflow executed by the cloud platform, data related to lipstick color can be scraped from individual accounts on social media networks (influencers, most popular appearances). The cloud platform can segment the gloss of the lips in makeup using deep learning algorithms and analyze one or more collected images to extract the average makeup color (lips, foundation, hair color). For example, the cloud platform can do this by first detecting lips in multiple images using techniques known in the art (such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,805,745, which is incorporated herein by reference). The cloud platform can then compare the extracted color with one or more colors favored by user communities, while also taking into account user settings input received from the user's smartphone device. Taking all the collected data into account, the final step is for the cloud platform to send the analysis results to the user in the form of the aforementioned related appearance selection.

[0187] During the improvements implemented by the cloud platform and smartphone application, users can save their favorite appearances and "favorite" popular colors to enrich the crawling algorithm for later relevant recommendations. The cloud platform can further aggregate feedback from all users, and can send the most popular regions to new users based on their location.

[0188] The dispenser operations in box 1740 have been described in detail above, but they are summarized below. The dispenser receives a command to dispense a certain proportion of each tube. The dispenser dispenses on the top section, which the user can mix to obtain the desired color. The dispenser sends the remaining recipe list back to the consumer application to ensure that only the dispenseable colors are available in the UI when the user makes a selection.

[0189] Figure 18A This illustrates an example workflow within the aforementioned ecosystem for assigning personalized lipstick shades from an application perspective. In step 1810, the user can select a “mode” as discussed above, which could be a mode that selects social media trend recommendations through an algorithm executed in the cloud; a mode that allows the user to create their own lipstick color using a wide variety of color options; or a mode that allows the user to match the lipstick color to their “appearance” based on a selfie.

[0190] Step 1820 shows an example of the display when a mode for selecting popular appearances, driven by a cloud platform artificial intelligence algorithm, is selected. Step 1820 also shows a menu provided at the bottom of the interface to allow the user to switch between the aforementioned modes.

[0191] Step 1830 illustrates an example of the display when the user has selected a potential hue and is allowed to adjust the hue using appropriate adjustment mechanisms such as a color palette or slider. The hue can be displayed on the user's selfie.

[0192] Step 1840 shows that after the user finally selects a color, the color is broken down into combinations of available colors contained in the cylinder of the dispensing device, and then the recipe is transmitted to the dispensing device for dispensing.

[0193] Figure 18B An additional flowchart illustrates how an algorithm for a smartphone application within the lipstick ecosystem allows a user to view the lipstick shades on a user's selfie. The formula prediction module 1860 (“Module 2”) can receive device dispensing capacity as input, which is the set of three lipstick ingredient cartridges currently within the dispensing device. Another input can be the primary color of the diluted mixture, representing the actual color value that the ingredients in the cartridges can produce. The output of Module 2 is a list of formulas (from the actual dispensing amounts of each cartridge) and the corresponding RGB predicted primary color produced for each formula. Module 1 (1870) can then perform a projection of how the lipstick will look on their actual lips based on the RGB primary color in the formula and the color of the user's lips (lip tint), resulting in the formula list and corresponding RGB applied colors. The relationship between the primary color and the applied color based on the user's lip tint can be predetermined and stored. Thus, a color palette based on the RGB color range can be presented to the user on the display, as shown in 1890.

[0194] Figure 18C This further illustrates how a specific set of tubes can produce different tonal ranges to be presented to the user.

[0195] Figure 18D This illustrates how the "Match My Appearance" mode works within an application within the lipstick ecosystem. In state 1881, a user can input a selfie image including their clothing. Recommendations can be generated in different ways based on the recognition of the clothing's color and / or type in the image. For example, the first method at 1882 ("Method 1") could use the seven rules of color and harmony science to aim at forming a certain type of relationship between lipstick tones and clothing colors based on color wheel relationships, as shown in Method 1. Alternatively, in state 1883, a predetermined color palette could be presented based on a makeup artist's recommendation, taking into account the seasonal style of the clothing and combining it with the colors in the clothing.

[0196] Figure 18E This shows more details about how the lipstick recommendation engine works based on a user's selfie and clothing. In State 1891, the user can set samplers at different points on their clothing, where individual samplers may have priorities. In State 1892, different color palettes can be assigned to each sampler based on a makeup artist's recommended palette, or it can be based on, for example... Figure 18DThe predetermined color wheel relationship is shown. As seen in state 1893, the output can recommend colors based on the set of cylinders installed in the dispensing device and based on the number and priority of samplers used, as determined by the user. If needed, the user can also swipe to browse the options available in other color wheels when using other sets of cylinders. This may prompt the user to purchase a new set of cylinders.

[0197] [Personalized Skincare Ecosystem]

[0198] Figure 19 The aforementioned ecosystem (1900) is based on recommending the most effective skincare formulas to users based on their geolocation, environmental factors, cumulative UV exposure, and clinical symptoms assessed using a smartphone or dermatologist's diagnosis. The system manages to adjust the proportions of active ingredients to achieve the most effective formula on a daily basis. Users can save their favorite colors and share them with their virtual community.

[0199] Figure 19 The diagram illustrates how the user's smartphone ultimately transmits the recipe to the dispensing device via a smartphone application ("app"). The smartphone application interacts with both the connected dispenser and the cloud platform. Before the user can perform normal operation (use) of the smartphone application, the application needs to configure its user profile using setup information (1910). Application settings can be based on the following input settings.

[0200] • Questionnaires during new user onboarding (such as favorite color)

[0201] Skincare analysis performed by dermatologists or AI algorithms using selfies.

[0202] • Geolocation based on smartphone location detection function

[0203] • Environmental data (UV index, pollution, humidity, pollen)

[0204] The settings inputs are used during the regular use of the application on the smartphone, but they are also transmitted to a cloud platform, which can be an external server device connected via the Internet.

[0205] The practical use of smartphone applications (1920) included collecting environmental data based on geolocation and combining it with smartphone diagnostic assessments of clinical symptoms (wrinkles, dark spots, firmness, pores, fine lines, dullness).

[0206] Users can also collect data from ultraviolet sensors, such as the wearable ultraviolet sensor described in U.S. Patent No. 10,060,787, which is incorporated herein by reference, and which effectively provides a precise measurement of cumulative received ultraviolet exposure. Based on historical data of skin assessments and environmental factors, the application will process an ideal formula to combat signs of skin aging and prevent environmental impacts. When the user is satisfied with the formula, they can touch a button displayed on the application to dispense the formula, and an internal neural network will break down the requested formula into different cartridge components. After the formula is sent to the dispenser and dispensed, the user can apply the formula. Users can provide feedback on their favorite formulas within a specific time period.

[0207] The cloud platform implements the functions shown in 1930, such as the workflow and improvement process of remote algorithms. In the workflow executed by the cloud platform, specific notifications are sent to application users to adjust formulations based on environmental predictions of UV radiation, pollen, pollution, and temperature. For example, there is a known correlation between environmental conditions and skin aging (see “Assessing the impact of an aerial chronic urban pollution (UP) on some facial signs of differently-aged Chinese men” at www.researchgate.net and “The skin aging exposome” at www.jdsjournal.com). Furthermore, given the user's geolocation input, a system such as Breezometer can be used. TM The tools and local UV index predictions (or UV exposure data obtained from the aforementioned UV sensors) provide air quality determination, and the cloud platform can adjust formulations to address environmental factors such as UV exposure and air quality. For example, the following... Figure 20B Examples of combinations of environmental factors are shown, and how they relate to the components in the tube.

[0208] During the improvements implemented by the cloud platform and smartphone app, users can save their favorite formulas that have proven most effective or felt best on their skin over time. Users can also share their formulas with the community.

[0209] The cloud platform can further aggregate feedback from all users, and it can also send the most popular configuration regions to new users based on their location.

[0210] The dispenser operations in box 1940 have been described in detail above, but they are summarized below. The dispenser receives a command to dispense a certain proportion of each tube. The dispenser dispenses on the top section, which the user can mix to obtain the desired color. The dispenser sends the remaining recipe list back to the consumer application to ensure that only dispenseable ingredients are available in the UI when the user makes a selection.

[0211] Figure 20A This document illustrates an example operational flow within the aforementioned ecosystem for allocating personalized skincare formulas from an application perspective. In step 2010, the user can perform skincare diagnostics as described above, which can be done by taking a 360° selfie or a series of photos from different angles using a smartphone camera. In step 2020, the application performs analysis on the user's skin to detect skin features such as dark spots, wrinkles, firmness, pores, fine lines, dullness, etc. The methods for training and performing this type of detection using deep learning are discussed in more detail below. Alternative known methods, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,325,146 and 9,760,935, are also permitted, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0212] Step 2030 shows the analysis results for one or more skin features among the analyzed skin features. The results can be displayed as scores, which can be relative to people within the user's age range. For example, each skin feature can be represented on a five-point scale, and features that perform worse than the average score can be highlighted as user priorities, while features that perform better than the average score can be presented as an advantage.

[0213] Step 2040 shows that the application can present recommended skincare formula products (“blends”) that address the user’s priority skincare needs while taking into account current environmental conditions. After the user finally selects a formula product, at step 2050, the formula product is broken down into combinations of available colors contained in the cylinder of the dispensing device, and then the formula is transferred to the dispensing device for dispensing.

[0214] Figure 20B This example illustrates how a combination of different environmental factors presented to a user can result in different dosages from three different cartridges. In this example, the cartridges respectively contain ingredient-directed agents (which may include SPF ingredients and pollution protection ingredients) for deep damage repair, cell renewal, and daily skin aggression protection. In this example, a fixed dose of cartridge 1 is always used for therapeutic purposes, while the proportion of the remaining cartridges varies based on the level of UV radiation or pollution present.

[0215] [Personalized Foundation Ecosystem]

[0216] Figure 21The Ecosystem 2100 is shown for assigning personalized foundation to users. Ecosystem 2100 uses deep learning algorithms to measure a user's skin tone via smartphone. By combining environmental information or makeup tutorials, the system can adjust year-round to always provide consumers with the optimal foundation color that matches their tanning level / skin tone changes. Based on weather forecasts and UV exposure, the device can also add skincare active ingredients or SPF.

[0217] Figure 21 This illustrates how the user's smartphone ultimately transmits the recipe to the dispensing device via a smartphone application ("app"). The smartphone application interacts with both the connected dispenser and the cloud platform. Before the user can perform normal operation (use) of the smartphone application, the application needs to configure the user profile using setup information (2110). The application settings can be based on the following input settings.

[0218] • Questionnaires during new user onboarding (such as favorite color)

[0219] • Use 360° video and skin color algorithms to detect the user's skin color

[0220] • Geolocation based on smartphone location detection function

[0221] • Environmental data (UV index, pollution, humidity, pollen)

[0222] The settings inputs are used during the regular use of the application on the smartphone, but they are also transmitted to a cloud platform, which can be an external server device connected via the Internet.

[0223] Practical use of smartphone applications (2120) involves collecting environmental data based on geolocation and combining it with smartphone diagnostics to assess a user's skin tone. While methods for determining a user's skin tone for matching foundation are known in the art, approaches related to deep learning will be discussed in detail below. Depending on the user's skin condition, the application may decide to combine skincare active ingredients with foundation such as SPF when environmental conditions are not optimal. The application makes decisions based on the time of year and the individual's tanning level to slightly adjust the foundation color to follow skin tone evolution. When the color does not make the matching process perfect, the user can send feedback to the cloud for remote algorithm improvement. In some cases, users may want to use a device to adjust the base color to achieve specific makeup strategies through layering different colors.

[0224] The cloud platform implements the functions shown in 2130, such as the workflow and improvement process of the remote algorithm. In the workflow executed by the cloud platform, based on environmental predictions of UV radiation, pollen, pollution, and temperature, specific notifications are sent to application users to adjust the formula by adding SPF. When a consumer's tan differs from the initial diagnosis, the cloud platform can change the formula to the primary skin tone sent by the user.

[0225] During the improvements implemented by the cloud platform and smartphone app, users can save their favorite formulas that have proven most effective or felt best on their skin over time. Users can also share their formulas with the community. The cloud platform can further aggregate feedback from all users and can send the most popular formulations to new users based on their location.

[0226] The dispenser operations in box 2140 have been described in detail above, but they are summarized below. The dispenser receives a command to dispense a certain proportion of each tube. The dispenser dispenses on the top section, which the user can mix to obtain the desired color. The dispenser sends the remaining recipe list back to the consumer application to ensure that only dispenseable ingredients are available in the UI when the user makes a selection.

[0227] Figure 22A This illustrates an example workflow within the aforementioned ecosystem for assigning personalized foundation from an application perspective. In step 2210, the user can perform a skin tone diagnosis as described above, which can be done by taking a 360° selfie or a series of photos from different angles using a smartphone camera. In step 2220, the application performs an analysis of the user's skin to detect skin tone and undertone.

[0228] In step 2230, the application may present a recommended foundation (“blend”) that matches the user’s skin tone, taking into account current environmental conditions. After the user finally selects a foundation, in step 2240, the foundation is broken down into a combination of available ingredients contained in the cylinder of the dispensing device, and the formula is then transferred to the dispensing device for dispensing.

[0229] Figure 22BFurther details are provided regarding the method for performing the aforementioned skin color diagnosis. At step 2211, the user records video of themselves until face detection is achieved via a smartphone application. At step 2212, face detection is performed according to known methods. If no face is detected, an error message is displayed to the user, and it may request a change in the camera's angle or position relative to the user until face detection is achieved. Once face detection is performed, 10 frames of video data are preprocessed, where normalization and scaling processes are performed to evaluate specific features on the user's face. Normalization is the process of aligning all frames to the same resolution, orientation width, lighting, etc. Normalization aims to make frames comparable to each other and ensure that the main algorithm will operate within validated operating conditions / ranges, as well as to avoid any outlier data points. Then, at step 2213, a skin color prediction model is run based on the median skin color values ​​detected in the 10 frames used for prediction. Furthermore, a prediction noise evaluation is performed using a median method to filter / average noise. If the noise prediction is low, the LAB value of the skin color is used to determine the blend used to generate foundation at the dispensing device. However, if the noise level is high, a safety net backup questionnaire is triggered at step 2214, asking the user about previous foundations they have used. The color of the previous foundation is then mapped to a stored LAB value, which is used to determine the blend used to generate the foundation at the dispensing device.

[0230] Figure 22C -D indicates additional details on how deep learning is performed to enable a smartphone app (or cloud platform) to estimate skin tones in an image. The same process can also be used to enable a device to estimate skin condition in an image. Figure 22C In this process, training is performed on the deep learning model. Input is provided at stage 2221, where an image (which could be a 360-degree video selfie or a still selfie) is input along with metadata associated with the input image and external metadata. Metadata associated with the image may include date and time (and / or season) along with optional GPS location and an indication of whether the image was taken indoors or outdoors. External metadata may be historical climate data. Preprocessing is performed on the input image at stage 2222, which may include face detection, centering and scaling, face recognition (depending on library availability), and lighting condition correction. At stage 2223, the deep learning model performs image-by-image training by learning features for skin color estimation. The deep learning model may also perform frame selection to determine scalar weights of the importance of selected frames based on a set of images from the same user. The output of the deep learning model (2224) provides a weighted average of skin colors from the selected frames, along with weights from frame selection and post-processing. To adjust the model's accuracy, measured skin colors are input into the system for training the deep learning model with images of actual users.

[0231] Figure 22DThis illustrates the use of a deep learning model after training has reached an appropriate level. This is referred to as "inference time" because skin color (or skin condition) is inferred from the image, without the possibility of realistically measuring the user's actual skin. It can be seen that... Figure 22D The stages are the same, except that the user's skin color is not measured in the final stage.

[0232] [Intelligent Adjustable Drum System]

[0233] The aforementioned dispensing device allows for the intelligent and efficient exchange of consumable cartridges. The cartridges (consumables) used in the aforementioned dispensing device are preferably managed in sets (such as a set of three cartridges). For example, different sets of cartridges may be available for each of the aforementioned lipstick, skincare, and foundation applications. In the system, the consumable sets are equipped with smart chips or electronic devices (such as NFC, RFID, or contact chips) configured to perform data storage and transmission / reception. NFC (Near Field Communication) tags will be mentioned in the following description, but the claims are not limited to this example. Each cartridge has different cosmetic properties and a unique formula identifier that identifies properties such as tone / smoothness, texture, and beneficial effects on skin / hair. These properties are stored on an integrated circuit during manufacturing and signed using an asymmetric encryption algorithm.

[0234] As will be discussed in detail below, the NFC tags applied to the cans ensure management of color gamut, multi-device use cases, and traceability for users. The tags will have two storage areas: one for production data (encoded during the filling process); and another for the device to encode usage and subsequent quantities. Furthermore, the following security mechanisms are implemented: (i) ensuring production data is not modified: sector versions are protected by a password (secret password); (ii) ensuring can data is not copied in the event of a transfer: a signature mechanism using a UIID (the tag's unique ID, the encoded data, and the manufacturer's key) is added. Applications using the device to read the cans will then check that the signature originates from the manufacturing entity before allowing allocation.

[0235] Figure 23 The structure of the tube 2300 is shown, which is similar to the tube described above, but further includes a region 2310, which is a region where metallization is not permitted, and an NFC tag (smart chip) 2320 that is adhered to the bottom of the tube in a manner that makes it flat and without edges.

[0236] Figure 24This illustrates the data format of the data stored on the NFC tag on the tube. The "OFF" column is for "Offset," which is the coordinate of the data encoded in hexadecimal. "Page" represents a continuous block of data, as the system can only read / write one page completely at a time. As can be seen, the format includes a tag identifier (tag ID) and several fields. In this non-limiting example, the data size included on the NFC tag is 56 bytes, but it can be more or less. The data format shows information fields directed to production information and other fields directed to usage tracking.

[0237] Figure 25 The table shows a straightforward description of the various fields included in the data format of an NFC tag. Additionally, "Basic Type" indicates the type of data: for example, "u8" represents an 8-bit unsigned integer. "Ule16" represents a 16-bit unsigned integer. "Length" and "Page" are the coordinates and allocation required in the memory pages of the NFC tag. For example, "u8" encoded as an 8-bit unsigned integer would require 8 bits of memory space at page 0.

[0238] Figure 26 The diagram illustrates the structure of a dispensing device 2600 for a smart refillable canister system. It can be seen that the dispensing device 2600 includes a contact / Hall effect sensor 2610, which detects and calculates the cap opening / closing cycle to trigger consumable reading and change detection operations. The device further includes a communication interface 2620, in this case a specific NFC antenna for each canister, which can read and write information on the NFC tag of the canister during each dispensing.

[0239] Figure 27 The signal exchange between the dispensing device 2600 and the user's smartphone device 2710 is illustrated. Various triggering conditions for initiating communication between the dispensing device and the smartphone may include establishing a connection between the devices (such as Bluetooth pairing), the lid of the dispensing device being opened, a dispensing order from a smartphone application (such as one of the applications mentioned above), or a dispensing order entered directly on the dispensing device. In response to the triggering conditions, the signal exchange includes reading the consumable status of the tube stored on the dispensing device in step 1 and sending that status to the smartphone. Simultaneously, the user experience is updated and sent to the smartphone. "User experience" refers to the context in which the device displays a pop-up window to the user regarding a specific interface viewed by the user, when the lid is open, the tube is empty, or the color wheel has the correct available color. In step 2, the smartphone may transmit or adjust a dispensing command to the dispensing device. In step 3, the dispensing device may transmit actual dispensing feedback to the smartphone. In step 4, the smartphone may transmit a command to update the NFC tag on the tube when the dispensing session is complete.

[0240] Figure 28 The consumer application (app) state machine is shown, illustrating the process of filling the cartridges from the application's perspective prior to any use of the dispensing device. In the initial filling step 2810, some recipes can be dispensed from each cartridge in a predetermined order and / or simultaneously to verify that dispensing can be performed from each cartridge. In the additional filling step 2820, the user can practice clicking on displayed colors to control individual dispensing according to commands. This can be performed to ensure the correct color is detected in the correct pipe within the device, thus enabling automatic dispensing of the recipe to the correct pipe. Step 2830 shows the status of the cartridges in the dispensing device when filling is complete.

[0241] Therefore, the infusion process can detect when a new cartridge is installed, and it allows for proper engagement with the plunger of the dispensing device and the formulation contained in the cartridge, thereby enabling the appropriate dosage to be dispensed when the actual blend is produced.

[0242] Furthermore, by detecting the exact installed tubes, the set of tubes (such as a set of three tubes) can be determined, and the possible color attributes (or skincare attributes) of the current set will be automatically updated on the application.

[0243] Furthermore, the application can perform consumable management by suggesting or automatically performing tube cleaning when changing canisters. The application can further adjust the range of recipes in the user interface functionality based on the type of canister set installed.

[0244] Furthermore, the application state machine can detect inconsistent sets or missing cartridges. It can suggest purchasing missing sets to achieve a certain result. It can automatically detect the expiration date of any cartridge. Additionally, because security information is stored on the cartridge, it allows for local multi-user and multi-device functionality, as each individual user's smartphone can independently check the information on the cartridge.

[0245] The cartridge can also be authenticated during filling. A 32-bit hash code is generated during production using the manufacturer's key and encoded onto the cartridge's NFC tag. The smartphone includes a hard-coded key, which can be included in a software development kit (SDK), to verify the hash code when reading data from the NFC tag transmitted from the dispensing device. The smartphone can also use the key for hard-coding if possible. A Unique Item Identification (UIID) tag can also be physically added to the cartridge or NFC tag (e.g., in the form of a barcode) and read by the dispensing device. If the cartridge's authentication process fails, the dispensing device can transmit a notification to the smartphone.

[0246] In rare cases, users may encounter situations where the machine cannot read the NFC tag in a cartridge (encoding error, tag damage, device out of range, other defects). In such cases, the user must still be able to assign recipes and use their device as normally as possible. To ensure this fault-tolerant default mode, a recovery cartridge mode, which requires user input of cartridge information, will take over the operation. The SDK-dependent application will then create a virtual cartridge to continue the assignment algorithm. This automatically triggered recovery mode will deactivate when a new cartridge is inserted or the NFC tag returns to range.

[0247] Figure 29 This illustrates a method for managing a faulty NFC tube tag in the scenario described above. If an error occurs while reading data from the NFC tag, the process begins at step 2910, where the SDK installed on the smartphone activates a recovery mode for a specific channel in the distribution device. At step 2911, the SDK attempts to write a new production sequence to the tag based on the last read value (via transmission to the tag via the distribution device). At step 2912a, if the tag writing is successful, the process ends. However, at step 2912b, if the tag rewriting fails, the process proceeds to step 2940. At step 2913, the application displays a message asking the user to verify that the tube is in the correct channel (pipe), and at step 2914, the distribution device automatically opens the cap. In other words, this step compensates for the possibility that the problem is that the tube is not inserted. At step 2915, the user confirms that the tube is in the channel. If it still cannot be read, at step 2916, the user is prompted to select a tube color that matches the sticker on the tube. At step 2917, the user is prompted to enter the batch ID and serial number of the cartridge, and is asked to verify that the cartridge is brand new. At step 2918, the SDK creates a virtual cartridge for the channel number. The allocation operation can be performed based on the virtual cartridge in use as a proxy for correctly reading the NFC tag on the actual cartridge. At step 2919, the virtual cartridge operation will stop if the cartridge suddenly becomes readable for a predetermined number of consecutive allocation operations, or if the entire cartridge set changes.

[0248] [Distribution and Automatic Cleaning System]

[0249] Because the aforementioned system includes many different types of interchangeable cartridges, a special cleaning mechanism was developed in conjunction with a removable cartridge structure to provide unique cleaning capabilities to enhance the user experience.

[0250] Figure 30A simplified side view of an embodiment of the dispensing device 3000 is shown, illustrating that the dispensing device includes a telescopic plate 3010 having an orifice 3020 for receiving a dispensing end of a cylinder 3030. The device includes a spring 3040, in which the telescopic plate is in a “stable upward position” and the cylinder nozzle is concealed when the spring is not compressed. The stable upward position conceals the nozzle tip and also reduces the entry of dust or contaminants into the nozzle.

[0251] As can be seen, the telescopic plate includes a side that is bent at approximately 90 degrees to the top surface, which allows the plate to move downward into the chute 3050 of the body of the dispensing device.

[0252] Figure 31A This shows that when a force is applied downwards on the telescopic plate, the spring is compressed and the telescopic plate is in the "downward position".

[0253] Then Figure 31B The diagram shows that when the removable powder cartridge / cup 3110 is placed on top of the telescopic plate, the "downward position" allows the nozzle to be flush with the dispensing surface 3120 of the powder cartridge / cup, so that the dispensed formula 3130 is dispensed smoothly onto the dispensing surface.

[0254] After the aforementioned telescopic plate mechanism is in the appropriate position, refer to Figure 32 Describe a method for cleaning the surface of a powder box.

[0255] Figure 32 A detergent reservoir 3250 is shown disposed between the main body of the dispensing device and the telescopic plate. In the "stable downward position" of state 3210, the dispensing end of the detergent reservoir is located below the opening in the telescopic plate. When an additional force is applied to the telescopic plate in state 3220, the dispensing end of the detergent reservoir becomes flush with the surface of the powder cartridge, and the compression of the reservoir causes detergent to be dispensed onto the surface of the powder cartridge, as shown in state 3230.

[0256] Examples of cleaning agents include soap, alcohol, or other known cleaning solutions.

[0257] Each of the above locations can be achieved manually by the user. Alternatively, each location can be achieved by electromechanical means such as motorized actuators as understood in the art. The cleaning agent can be manually wiped, applied, and / or brushed and removed by the user.

[0258] Figure 33 This illustrates an alternative use of the aforementioned telescopic plate for providing a method of rinsing any remaining ingredients or residue in the cartridge (shown as 3350 in state 3310). In state 3310, the dispensing device is shown in a stable downward position. In state 3320, when the powder cartridge is pushed downward, the downward movement can be converted into actuation of the piston of the cartridge. This allows the user to use / rinse the last remaining ingredients in the cartridge if desired.

[0259] [Smart Personalized Compartment System]

[0260] Figure 34A -C illustrates a smart, personalized compartment system for use with the dispensing system described above. As mentioned above, the dispensing device in the above embodiments dispenses cosmetic formula into a powder cartridge located at the top and having three or more cartridge outlets (in the current example). The powder cartridge may be removable or non-removable. In the following embodiments, a dispensing surface (tray) including compartments within the powder cartridge may be integrated into the powder cartridge or may be removable (placed by the user on the powder cartridge aligned with the cartridge outlets).

[0261] When the tray is removable, this allows users to selectively choose or customize compartments, such as selecting the number of shelves and the number of outlets per shelf. Different compartments are possible based on the following product categories: skincare, foundation, lipstick, eyeshadow, etc. Different compartments are also possible within the same product category: i.e., skincare (different compartments for specific areas of the face), foundation (different compartments for highlighter and contour).

[0262] In one embodiment, the tray is circular and rotatable to allow different combinations of products to enter the compartments without swapping the cylinders in the dispensing device. The type of compartmentalized tray is stored in the accompanying mobile application to obtain appropriate personalized recommendations based on the selected compartment.

[0263] Figure 34D and Figure 34E A mechanism is shown that allows the detection of the location of the tray and compartment to be sent to the user's mobile device. Figure 34DAn embodiment of a tray is shown, comprising an NFC tag 3411 embedded at a predetermined location within the tray or on the underside of the tray. When the tray is placed on a dispensing device, a partition 3412 creates compartments around an outlet 3413 on the dispensing device in a specific manner. An NFC reader in the dispensing device can detect the NFC tag to retrieve information indicating the type of tray in the user's possession (such as two-compartment, three-compartment, etc.). The exact location of the NFC tag embedded in the tray or another object can be detected to determine the exact location of the compartments relative to the outlet. This can be based on the time-of-flight between the NFC reader and the NFC tag, or it can be based on the weight of the NFC tag embedded in the tray, detectable using one or more Hall sensors, or one or more other objects. A magnetic sensor embedded in the partition 3413 itself can also be used to detect the exact location of the tray. The information about the type and location of the tray detected as described above can be transmitted to the user's mobile device. With additional information about the exact location of the compartments in the dispensing device also transmitted to the user's mobile device, the user's mobile application can provide instructions to the dispensing device regarding cosmetic formulations based on the current state of the dispensing device.

[0264] exist Figure 34D In an alternative embodiment of the tray shown, Figure 34E A method for detecting the type and / or location of a tray without using NFC tags or other objects is shown. The tray may have a visible code 3421 (such as...). Figure 34E (The example shows a QR code). The code is provided at a predetermined location on the pallet. The user can then photograph the pallet, and a mobile application on the user's smartphone can detect the QR code and its position in the image. Information within the QR code itself can be used to indicate what type of pallet is being used (e.g., two-compartment, three-compartment, etc.). Simultaneously, the position of the QR code can indicate the pallet's rotation relative to the exit. Figure 34D Similar to the above example, using information obtained from a QR code, a user's mobile application can provide instructions to the dispensing device regarding cosmetic formulas based on the current state of the dispensing device.

[0265] Figure 35 illustrates a method allowing a user to add a final, customized ingredient to any of the compartments in the tray described above. Adding a customized ingredient offers advantages that cannot be achieved through the dispensing process described above alone, such as providing coverage with a hue that inhibits the visibility of pearls. For example, in a matte makeup framework, the visibility of pearls is masked by pigments. This ingredient technique provides an optical advantage, enhancing the visibility of the pearlescent effect on the surface without issues of instability or viscosity incompatibility. In traditional formulations, high concentrations of pearls or the use of large pearl particles are not feasible due to issues of fragmentation, sedimentation, and stability. The final cosmetic product can also be customized based on a different desired texture / smoothness / effect.

[0266] Figure 35A Following the dispensing operation in step 3501, in step 3502, final ingredients such as pearls, glitter, stars, etc., can be added to customize the cosmetic dispensed in the powder compact. Alternatively or additionally, a texture modifier can be added in step 3502 to modify the final texture / gloss of the cosmetic dispensed in the powder compact (i.e., changing a matte lipstick to a glossy lipstick, or a matte foundation to a glossy foundation). In step 3503, the ingredients can be mixed with the dispensed formula using an applicator.

[0267] like Figure 35B Depicted, so that when the tray is as above Figure 33 The compartmentalization facilitates the addition of ingredients and provides a lid 3510 that matches the shape of a specific compartment, so that the ingredients are not accidentally applied to the wrong compartment during step 3502.

[0268] [Remote Consultation]

[0269] Figure 36 The system 3600, which allows users to send a prescription formula to the aforementioned dispensing device based on the results of a digital beauty consultation with a beauty advisor (BA), is shown. The system includes a BA device 3610 that performs communication with a consumer (or “user”) device 3620. Both devices are shown as smartphone devices, but they can be any type of computing device, such as a personal computer, laptop, tablet, etc.

[0270] Communication between the BA device 3610 and the consumer device 3620 can take the form of calls, chat sessions, or video conferences.

[0271] The BA device 3610 executes a remote application 3611 while communicating with the consumer device 3620. The remote application 3611 performs functions related to collecting and displaying consumer data from the BA, and receives input recommendations and settings from the BA.

[0272] Consumer device 3620 executes the application of user interface (App UI) 3621, which allows the consumer to trigger communication with BA, receive input to form consumer data, and perform communication with distribution device 3630.

[0273] The dispensing device 3630 is configured to dispense cosmetic formulas based on instructions received from the consumer device 3620.

[0274] The dispensing device can be used for the various cosmetic applications discussed above. Further dispensing operations can be performed, including the direct application of nail polish to the user's nails using a UV lamp provided to accelerate drying. Other types of cosmetic formulations can be provided, such as liquid eyeshadow; dry cosmetics; and hair, skin, body, and sun protection products. This list is not limited, and all categories of makeup can be used in the systems described above.

[0275] Figure 37 This diagram illustrates the workflow of a beauty consultation session between a consumer and a Beauty Advisor (BA). In step 1, the consumer connects with a BA based on a request sent from consumer device 3602. The request can be combined with input information from the user regarding the type of cosmetic formulation product the user is looking for. The request can be directed to a server (not shown), which can identify available BAs in the system and then notify the BA device 3601 of the pending request from the consumer for the consultation. The appropriate BA to whom the request is to be notified can be scheduled based on the BA's area of ​​expertise and the type of cosmetic formulation product the user is seeking. Multiple BAs can be notified simultaneously, and the first BA to accept the request can be used to determine which BA will be used in the consultation. Alternatively, the consumer can select a specific BA from application 3621.

[0276] In step 2, consumer data is collected. Figure 38 Examples of all types of consumer data that can be collected during a consultation session are shown. It can be seen that the collected data may fall into four categories: diagnostic data; biological / environmental data; and social network sharing data.

[0277] Diagnostic data can be data collected based on images taken using a consumer device's camera (discussed in more detail later), or it can be direct answers to questions from the BA. Questions may include questionnaires, a ranking of user priorities, or may include status questions such as hormonal cycles, allergies, medical conditions, or others.

[0278] Biological data can be actual biological samples provided by the user, or described by the user, such as protein samples; microbiome samples; hair, skin, and nail samples; and sebum, dandruff, and sweat samples. For example, biological samples can be collected using specific adhesive tape for collecting keratinocytes / scalp cells to extract and analyze proteins (ELISA process). For example, sebum, sweat, and hydrolipidic films can be collected using specific applications such as placing absorbent paper / swabs on the user's skin surface for a few seconds, thus collecting microbiome samples. Hair samples can be collected as a lock of hair cut by the user or as a collection of hairs including the hair follicle. Nail samples can be cut by the user. These samples can be collected using sampling kits sent to the user's home and sent back to an authorized laboratory for analysis. The analytical data results are stored using a unique identifier (UI) and transmitted to a remote server.

[0279] Environmental data may include user-specific information about their region or habits. This data may include indoor / outdoor pollution information; water quality; screen time; and commuting habits (such as using a car, bicycle, or motorcycle). This information may be collected based on questions or publicly available information.

[0280] Social network sharing data can be obtained by monitoring consumers' interests on social media platforms. This data may include lifestyle, travel, food, and activity interests. This data can be obtained from a BA remote application (3611) or from an external server after receiving user input via internet links on their social media platforms.

[0281] Return to Figure 37 Steps 2 through 4 illustrate an example of a consultation session that involves collecting diagnostic data using a smartphone camera when a consumer is searching for facial skincare formulation products. In step 2, a "selfie" image or video of the user is captured on the consumer's device. In step 3, a 3D conversion is performed on the selfie image or video to obtain a 3D replica of the consumer's face and features. If available, a time-of-flight sensor or LiDAR sensor can be used to acquire the 3D information. In step 4, surface analysis is performed on the 3D image to detect facial features such as wrinkles, acne, dark spots, or other characteristics. Based on this analysis, an initial diagnostic output can be generated indicating what conditions require treatment. In step 5, a cross-sectional view of the face on the user's 3D image can be generated, and treatment targets can be identified at this point. These treatment targets can be automatically identified by the BA or manually highlighted. Depending on the location and nature of the treatment targets, different cosmetic formulation products (formulas) can be identified and displayed to the user in step 6. The face may include a color chart below the face indicating which formulation to use on areas of the face that appear in a specific color.

[0282] Based on the possibility of using multiple treatments based on the user's skin condition, different types of skincare ingredients can be dispensed into different compartments of the removable powder box device as described above.

[0283] Figure 39 The diagram illustrates different examples of consultation sessions where consumers are interested in hair care products. Following the connection with the BA in step 1, steps 2 and 3 are related to the above. Figure 37 Steps 2 through 5 are similar. However, instead of performing 3D surface analysis on the face, 3D surface analysis is performed on the user's hair. Although not shown, after the surface analysis, it can be based on something similar to... Figure 37 Step 5 involves cross-sectional cutting to generate a hair map and determine the treatment target. The final output is similar to... Figure 37 Step 6 can identify different cosmetic formula products (formulas) for the user's hair and display them to the user.

[0284] Figure 40 Another example of a consultation session is shown, in which a consumer is interested in nail gel products dispensed from a dispensing device. Figure 40 The type of dispensing device depicted allows users to insert their fingers into the device, where nail gel is dispensed onto the user's nails and a UV lamp is used to set the nail gel. Following connection to the BA in step 1, step 2 follows the above... Figure 37 Step 2 is similar. However, in step 3, instead of performing 3D surface analysis on the face, consumer data on the shape, surface, and color of the user's nails is analyzed. Based on the user's preferences, a color palette along with product types for the user to choose from can be displayed to the user in step 4. In step 5, the program settings for the dispensing device are determined before the dispensing operation.

[0285] Figure 41 Shown in Figure 37 , Figure 39 and Figure 40 Examples of dispensing device settings that can be determined during remote consultations are shown. For dispensing formulations, various viscosity types can be determined for liquids, gels, creams, balms, or waxes. Formulations for all routine steps can be determined for formulations related to hair care, nail color (gels and regular nail polish), liquid eyeshadow, skin care, body care, or sun protection. Different types of formulation product possibilities can be determined, including oxidatively sensitive cosmetics, fresh cosmetics, or dry cosmetics. Steps for achieving precise volume are determined, including dispensing the correct volume / area, dispensing in the correct order of application, and dispensing at the correct speed for more aesthetically pleasing results.

[0286] Additional features, such as the UV lamp setting mentioned in the nail gel example above, can be determined during the consultation. The automated cleaning and infusion steps described above can also be determined.

[0287] Therefore, the foregoing discussion has only disclosed and described exemplary embodiments of the invention. As those skilled in the art will understand, the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the disclosure of this invention is intended to illustrate the scope of the invention and the other claims, and not to limit the scope of the invention and the other claims. This disclosure, including any readily identifiable variations of the teachings herein, partially defines the scope of the foregoing claims, so that no inventive subject matter is exclusive to the public.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing cosmetic materials, the apparatus comprising: A dispensing device configured to receive a plurality of tubes, each tube containing cosmetic material; And from the corresponding outlet of each cartridge, a specified amount of the cosmetic material is dispensed from each cartridge onto the dispensing surface. The dispensing surface includes at least one partition that divides the dispensing surface into a plurality of compartments, each compartment corresponding to a region surrounding at least one of the respective outlets. The device is configured to transmit information about the plurality of compartments to an external device, and The distribution surface includes a visible code placed at a predetermined position on the distribution surface, wherein the visible code is configured to have information about the plurality of compartments encoded thereon, and the external device is configured to read the visible code via an image captured by an image capture device and to detect the current position of the plurality of compartments based on the current position of the visible code detected in the captured image.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of compartments corresponds to a single type of cosmetic material.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the dispensing surface of the at least one partition is removable.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one compartment corresponds to an area surrounding at least two corresponding exits.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the dispensing surface is configured to rotate when the cylinder is stationary in a fixed position.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the compartments of the dispensing surface is made of a hydrophilic or hydrophobic material.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the dispensing surface includes an embedded object configured to be sensed by a detection device included in the dispensing device, and the dispensing device is configured to transmit the information about the plurality of compartments and the current position of the plurality of compartments to the external device based on the sensed embedded object.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the embedded object is a near field communication (NFC) tag, and the detection device is an NFC reader.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the compartments is configured to receive a cover.

Images