COLOR CHART DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COLOR DETECTION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a color chart device and a method for color recognition.

[0002] In general, color charts can be used to visually determine the color of an object to be recognized as reliably and precisely as possible in different lighting environments. For example, the color of an object that is perceived as a not-so-saturated "orange" in a dark environment is perceived as "brown" in a very bright environment. In a green environment, the color appears as "reddish-brown," and in a red environment, as "golden-brown." The color chart features a variety of color fields, based on which the influences of the specific lighting environment can be corrected.

[0003] In the field of hair coloring, color charts are traditionally used to identify the hair color to be colored and to find a suitable hair dye based on the detected color. If color recognition is to be performed computer-assisted, it is traditionally necessary to capture a digital image of the hair, which is then analyzed.

[0004] Hair color can be identified more reliably and precisely the better the digital image reflects the current situation. For example, shadows and / or motion blur can impair the accuracy of color recognition. This can result in the dyed hair not having the desired color, which is often impossible or difficult to correct. Correction can cause additional and irreversible damage to the hair structure. For example, a second dyeing process may be necessary, which places additional stress on the hair.

[0005] According to various embodiments, it has been recognized that capturing a suitable image is particularly difficult when the person whose hair is to be colored takes the image themselves. For example, without suitable tools, the camera's alignment may be imprecise, resulting in the image depicting only part of the color chart. Alternatively or additionally, motion blur may be increased because the person must simultaneously hold the color chart and the camera and / or intuitively align their head with the camera.

[0006] Even if the camera has a display (e.g. in the case of a mobile phone with a front-facing camera) which is arranged on the side of the lens so that the person can see the section of the image to be recorded on the display, possible shadows and / or motion blur cannot be seen or can only be seen with difficulty and thus can hardly be reduced. In particular, a display makes it necessary to orient the head towards the camera. Furthermore, using the display of a mobile phone often means using the inferior front-facing camera, which further reduces image quality. For example, the front-facing camera may have a lower resolution and / or lower light output than the rear-facing camera.

[0007] According to various embodiments, a color chart device and a method are provided by which reliable and precise color recognition is facilitated. The tendency toward motion blur, inaccurate positioning of the color chart, and / or shadow formation is clearly reduced. This clearly increases the quality of the image data on which color recognition is based. Thus, sufficient image quality for precise color recognition can be provided or can be provided even using the front camera.

[0008] The objects presented are achieved according to the invention by a color chart device having the features of claim 1 and a method for color recognition by means of this color chart device comprising the steps of claim 6.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to various embodiments, the provided color chart device and method enable the hair to be photographed or the camera (e.g., a mobile phone with a corresponding application) to be used with both hands. In other words, easier handling of color recognition can be provided. This saves time and effort. Alternatively or additionally, motion blur that distorts the measurement result can be reduced because the camera can be held securely in position.

[0011] For example, adjusting the position and / or orientation of the camera can be made easier. In the case of a mobile phone, this can make it possible to use the rear camera to capture image data, which may, for example, have a higher resolution than the opposite front camera. This can improve the image data.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, shadow formation due to the color chart (e.g. due to the through-opening) can be reduced. For this purpose, the hair to be detected (e.g. a tuft of hair) can be at least partially passed through the color chart using the hair clip device.

[0013] (e.g., through a through-hole in the color chart) and / or pressed against the color chart. In other words, the hairs can be pressed against the color chart (e.g., a through-hole in it), thus reducing the shadows caused by the color chart itself. This reduces shadows that distort the measurement result.

[0014] A color chart device (may also be referred to as a color recognition aid) may comprise: a color chart having a plurality of mutually different reference colors, wherein the color chart has a transparent or translucent detection area by means of which a color of a tuft of hair can be detected; and a hair clip device attached to the color chart or formed onto the color chart, which is configured to clamp a tuft of hair whose hair color is to be detected to the detection area.

[0015] The color chart can be planar or have at least one planar section. The color chart (e.g., the at least one planar section) can be or become curved or have at least one curved section. Alternatively or additionally, the color chart (e.g., the at least one planar section) can be planar or have at least one planar section.

[0016] The reference colors of the color chart can differ from each other in their color value, their spectral composition and / or brightness (can also be referred to as light value).

[0017] The color chart may comprise a plurality of reference color fields, each of which has a reference color and / or which differ in their color value, their spectral composition and / or brightness.

[0018] The color value, the spectral composition and / or the brightness can describe the properties of reflected light of the color diagram. Several different spectral distributions can be assigned to the same color value. If spectral distributions are divided into classes, which each summarize the spectral distributions perceived as having the same color, the color value describes a unique identification of these classes. Each color value can be or will be assigned to a color location in a color space (e.g. the HSV color space or the L*a*b* color space). The HSV color space can be determined by the color value (also called hue), the color saturation (also called saturation) and the brightness value (also called value The L*a*b* color space (also known as Lab colors, CIELAB, or CIEL*a*b*) describes all perceivable colors.

[0019] The L*a*b* color space can provide device independence and perceptual relevance. This means that colors are defined as they would be perceived by a standard observer under a reference lighting condition, regardless of their production method or reproduction technique. The L*a*b* color space is standardized in EN ISO 11664-4.

[0020] The detection area may have a through-opening. Alternatively or additionally, the detection area may comprise a transparent and / or translucent material (e.g., a solid material and / or a gaseous material). In this case, the detection area may comprise a transparent or translucent gas (e.g., atmosphere) arranged in the through-opening. Alternatively or additionally, the detection area may comprise a transparent or translucent solid (e.g., a film).

[0021] In a closed position, the hair clip device can press against the color chart, e.g. against an edge of the detection area.

[0022] A force (can also be referred to as contact force) generated by the hair clip device can be greater than a weight force of the color chart device, so that the color chart device supports itself on the tuft of hair to be detected (e.g. force-fitting).

[0023] The hair clip device can be movable from a closed position to an open position against a restoring force to hold the tuft of hair. In the closed position, the restoring force can correspond to the contact force.

[0024] In the closed position, the restoring force can be greater than the weight of the color chart device, so that the color chart device supports itself on the tuft of hair to be detected.

[0025] The hair clip device may comprise a resilient material and / or a resilient portion which causes the restoring force.

[0026] According to various embodiments, the hair clip device can have a leg spring that provides the restoring force. The leg spring can couple at least one leg of the hair clip device to the color plate and / or another leg of the hair clip device.

[0027] A force with which the hair clip device clamps (e.g. presses against the color chart) can be greater than the weight of the color chart device, so that the color chart is carried by means of the hair clip device on the tuft of hair to be detected.

[0028] The color chart may have at least one optical position detection mark (e.g. reference mark and / or authentication mark) for detecting the position of the color chart.

[0029] The hair clip device may have two legs which press against each other in a closed position.

[0030] The hair clip device may have at least one movably mounted leg which is movable into the open position to receive the tuft of hair.

[0031] The tuft of hair (e.g. a bundle of hair, a strand of hair or a lock of hair) can have or be formed from a plurality of fibers (e.g. a bundle of a plurality of fibers). The fibers (can also be referred to as threads) can be aligned with one another (i.e. ordered, e.g. regularly and / or combed) or disordered (e.g. irregularly). The fibers can have or be formed from an organic material (e.g. keratin, e.g. horn). The tuft of hair can, for example, have or be formed from a plurality of keratin fibers (can also be referred to as hair, horn threads or hair fibers, e.g. natural hair). Alternatively or additionally, the fibers can have or be formed from a plastic (e.g. a polymer).

[0032] Color recognition can occur while the tuft of hair is connected to a person (e.g. on the head).

[0033] A method for color recognition may comprise: self-supporting (e.g., force-fitting and / or form-fitting) attachment of a color chart device to a tuft of hair to be recognized; performing an optical color recognition of the tuft of hair using the color chart device.

[0034] A method for color recognition using a color chart device having a color chart and a hair clip device attached to the color chart or molded onto the color chart may include the following: clamping (e.g., clamping, ie, holding in a force-fit manner) a tuft of hair to be recognized using the hair clip device; performing an optical color recognition of the tuft of hair using the color chart device.

[0035] The clamping can press the tuft of hair to be detected against the color chart (e.g. against an edge of the color chart device).

[0036] The clamping can be effected in such a way that the color chart device supports itself against its weight on the tuft of hair to be detected (e.g., in a fixed position). For example, the clamping can be effected with a clamping force (also referred to as contact pressure), which is designed such that the color chart device is held force-fittingly on the tuft of hair to be detected.

[0037] Performing the optical color recognition may include capturing image data of the color chart and the tuft of hair on the basis of which the optical color recognition is performed.

[0038] The method may further comprise: determining a coloring agent (may also be referred to as a dye) based on the color detection, which, when applied to the tuft of hair, causes a color change (of the tuft of hair) according to a specification.

[0039] The colorant may have a secondary color which, in a subtractive color overlay with the tuft of hair, results in a predefined mixed color.

[0040] Color recognition can be performed using a mobile device.

[0041] The method may comprise: capturing image data representing the detection area and / or the tuft of hair to be detected.

[0042] Performing the color detection may include determining a color of the tuft of hair, e.g., based on the image data.

[0043] Performing color recognition may involve comparing a color (also referred to as color valence) of the hair tuft with the color chart, e.g., with one or more reference colors of the color chart. Based on the comparison, correction information can be determined that represents a color distortion of the hair tuft and / or the reference colors.

[0044] Performing the color detection may determine a location (ie, position and / or orientation) of the color chart device based on at least one location detection mark of the color chart device.

[0045] Color chart devices are shown in the figures and are explained in more detail below.

[0046] It shows Figures 1A and 1B each show a color chart device in various schematic views; Figures 2A and 2B each show a color chart device in various schematic views; Figures 3A and 3B each show a color chart device according to various embodiments of the invention in various schematic views; Figures 4A and 4B each show a color chart device according to various embodiments of the invention in various schematic views; Figures 5A to 5C each show a color chart device in a schematic cross-sectional view; Figure 6 shows a color chart device in a schematic plan view; Figure 7 shows a color chart device in a schematic plan view; Figure 8 shows a method according to various embodiments in a schematic flow chart; Figure 9 shows a method according to various embodiments in a schematic flow chart.Figure 10 shows a method according to various embodiments in a schematic flow diagram; Figure 11 shows a method according to various embodiments in a schematic flow diagram; Figure 12 shows a method according to various embodiments in a schematic flow diagram; Figure 13 shows a method according to various embodiments in a schematic perspective view; and Figures 14A to 15 each show a color chart device in a schematic perspective view.

[0047] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "fore," "rear," etc., will be used with reference to the location of the described figure(s). Since components of embodiments may be positioned in a number of different locations, the directional terminology is for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless specifically stated otherwise. The following detailed description is therefore not to be construed in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0048] Throughout this description, the terms "connected," "attached," and "coupled" are used to describe both a direct and an indirect connection, a direct or indirect connection, and a direct or indirect coupling. In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference numerals where appropriate.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the use of a color detection application (may also be referred to as a color detection app) may be provided, which is intended to detect the hair color of the consumer (a person). The color detection application may be configured to process image data. For example, a photo (of the hair) may be taken to detect the image data.

[0050] To capture the image data (illustratively for photographing one's own hair), a conventional color chart must be held with one hand and the photo taken with the other hand. This can make it difficult to capture the hairline, as this may require precise positioning and / or alignment of the color chart. Furthermore, the conventional color chart can slip during capture of the image data, which can degrade the image data due to motion blur and / or lead to unusable image data, e.g., if the image data does not fully represent the color chart. Capturing image data using a conventional color chart can be particularly difficult if there is no display on the side of the camera, e.g., if a camera has no display and / or the mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone) has no front camera. Furthermore, a conventional color chart can only rest on the hair, which can lead to shadows, e.g.,due to a hole (also called a through hole) in the color card. These shadows can distort the measurement result.

[0051] Fig.1A illustrates a color chart device 100 in a schematic plan view (e.g. onto a first side 100o of the color chart device 100) and Fig.1B the color chart device 100 in a schematic cross-sectional view (e.g. in the cross section 111) or side view (e.g. along direction 103).

[0052] The color chart device 100 (may also be referred to as a color recognition aid) may include a color chart 102. The color chart 102 may include a plurality of mutually different reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c (for example, three or more than three). For example, the color chart 102 may include a plurality of color fields (may also be referred to as reference color fields) that differ in color. Each reference color field may include or be formed from one of the reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0053] The reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c can be arranged on a first side 100o of the color chart device 100 (illustratively a top side 100o). For example, the color chart 102 can have a planar carrier 502a (also referred to as a surface element, e.g., a card) on which the reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c are arranged. The carrier 502a can be planar, e.g., plate-shaped, as in Fig.1A and Fig.1BAlternatively or additionally, the sheet-like carrier 502a may have or be formed from a curved section or be shaped differently.

[0054] The color chart device 100 can have a transparent or translucent detection area 104. The color of a tuft of hair can be detected by means of the detection area 104. The detection area 104 can extend from the first side 100o of the color chart device 100 to a second side 100u of the color chart device 100 (illustratively a bottom side 100u), e.g., through the planar carrier 502a of the color chart 102.

[0055] Furthermore, the color chart device 100 can have a hair clip device 106 attached to the color chart 102. The hair clip device 106 can be arranged on the second side 100u of the color chart 102. The second side 100u of the color chart 102 can be opposite the first side 100o of the color chart 102. The hair clip device 106 can be configured to clamp a tuft of hair, e.g., such that it is visible through the detection area 104.

[0056] The detection area 104 may have a through-opening. Alternatively or additionally, the detection area 104 may comprise a transparent or translucent solid, e.g., a transparent or translucent film.

[0057] The hair clip device 106 can be opened 113 against a restoring force from a closed position to an open position (in Fig.1Billustrated). In the open position, a tuft of hair can be inserted into the color chart device 100 (e.g., between the hair clip device 106 and the color chart 102).

[0058] For example, the hair clip device 106 can have at least one leg 106s, which can be moved away from the color panel 102 (e.g., its detection area 104) against the restoring force for opening 113. Thus, a gap 106d can be formed between the leg 106s of the hair clip device 106 and the color panel 102 (e.g., its detection area 104), into which gap the tuft of hair (e.g., coupled to a person) can be inserted. The tuft of hair can, for example, couple the hair clip device 106 to the person.

[0059] The leg 106s of the hair clip device 106 can be attached to the color chart 102. For example, the leg 106s of the hair clip device 106 can be configured to be resilient and / or can be resiliently attached to the color chart 102. For example, the leg 106s of the hair clip device 106 or a portion thereof can comprise or be formed from a resilient material, e.g., a resilient plastic (e.g., an elastomer). Thus, the restoring force can be generated by the leg 106s of the hair clip device 106. A spring constant of the leg 106s (if present) can be smaller than a spring constant of the color chart 102.

[0060] Fig.2A illustrates a color chart device 200 in a schematic plan view and Fig.2Bthe color chart device 200 in a schematic cross-sectional view (e.g. in the cross section 111) or side view (e.g. along direction 103), e.g. the color chart device 100 in a clamping position.

[0061] The hair clip device 106 can be closed 113 by means of the restoring force in a clamping position (in Fig.2B illustrated). The clamping position can be clearly seen between the closed position and the open position.

[0062] The hair clip device can press against the color plate 102 (e.g., the detection area 104) in the closed position (e.g., if no tuft of hair 202 is inserted). If a tuft of hair 202 is inserted into the color plate device 200, the hair clip device 106 can press the tuft of hair 202 against the color plate 102 (e.g., the detection area 104) in the clamped position. This can reduce the distance between the tuft of hair 202 and the detection area 104, which reduces shadow formation. Clearly, the tuft of hair pressed against the color plate 102 can rest against the color plate 102.

[0063] Fig.3A illustrates a color chart device 300 according to various embodiments of the invention in a schematic plan view and Fig.3B the color chart device 300 in a schematic cross-sectional view (e.g. in the cross section 111) or side view (e.g. along direction 103).

[0064] The color chart device 300 may be similar to the color chart device 100, 600, 200, 400, 500, 500a, 500b, 500c, 700, 1304, 1400 described herein.

[0065] The color chart device 300 may have a plurality of mutually different reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d (for example, four or more than four).

[0066] The color chart device 300 may include a hair clip device 106 integrally formed on the color chart 102. For example, the hair clip device 106 may be part of the sheet-like carrier 502a of the color chart 102.

[0067] The color chart 102 can, for example, have a folding area 302 in which the color chart 102 is designed to be foldable. For example, the hair clip device 106 can be designed such that it can be folded into the open position (in Fig.3Billustrated). In the open position, a gap 106d may be formed in the color chart device 300. The gap 106d may be configured to receive a tuft of hair. Illustratively, the hair clip device 106 may include or be formed from a tab in the open position. For example, the tab may be formed from the color chart 102 (e.g., the card).

[0068] In the closed position, the hair clip device 106 can, for example, lie in a plane 211 with the folding area 302, e.g., in the detection area 104. By folding 201 the color plate 102, the hair clip device 106 can be moved out of the plane 211 or the detection area 104, so that a through opening is formed in the detection area 104.

[0069] Optionally, the hair clip device 106 may include or be formed from a spring (e.g., a leg spring) that generates the restoring force when the color plate device 300 is deflected from the closed position. Alternatively or additionally, a spring may be arranged on the folding region 302, e.g., in physical contact with the folding region 302. Alternatively or additionally, the hair clip device 106 and / or the color plate 102 (e.g., in its folding region 302) may include or be formed from a resilient material, e.g., a resilient polymer.

[0070] Fig.4A illustrates a color chart device 400 according to various embodiments of the invention in a schematic plan view and Fig.4B the color chart device 400 in a schematic cross-sectional view (e.g. in the cross section 111) or side view (e.g. along direction 103), e.g. the color chart device 300 with inserted hair tufts 202.

[0071] If a tuft of hair 202 is inserted into the color chart device 400, the hair clamp device 106 can press the tuft of hair 202 against the color chart 102 (e.g., the detection area 104) in the clamping position. This allows the distance between the tuft of hair 202 and the detection area 104 to be reduced, which reduces shadow formation.

[0072] Fig.5A to Fig.5C each illustrate a color chart device 500(a to c) in a schematic cross-sectional view (e.g., in cross section 111) or side view (e.g., along direction 103).

[0073] The color chart 102 of the color chart device 500a can have a first (e.g., sheet-like) carrier 502a, and the hair clip device 106 of the color chart device 500a can have a second (e.g., sheet-like) carrier 502b, which are connected to one another at their end portions 502e, e.g., monolithically. To open 113 the color chart device 500a, the first carrier 502a and the second carrier 502b can be curved, e.g., by moving the end portions 502e toward one another. A tuft of hair can be received in the gap 106d formed between the first carrier 502a and the second carrier 502b. For example, the first carrier 502a and the second carrier 502b can be made of the same resilient material, e.g., a resilient polymer (e.g., an elastomer) and / or in the form of a film.

[0074] The color chart 102 of the color chart device 500b can have a carrier 502a. The hair clip device 106 of the color chart device 500b can have a joint 106g and a leg 106s, which is coupled (e.g., connected) to the color chart 102 by means of the joint 106g. To open 113 the color chart device 500a, the leg 106s can be pivoted relative to the color chart 102. In other words, the joint 106g can pivotally support the leg 106s. A tuft of hair can be inserted into the gap 106d formed between the color chart 102 and the leg 106s. The leg 106s may have a lever 106h (may also be referred to as a handle 106h) projecting beyond the joint 106g, which may facilitate opening 113 of the color chart device 500b (ie, overcoming the restoring force).The hair clip device 106 of the color chart device 500c can have a first leg 106s and a second leg 116s, which are connected to each other by means of the joint 106g. The second leg 116s can be attached (e.g., glued and / or riveted) to the color chart 102 of the color chart device 500b. To adhere the hair clip device 106 to the color plate 102, a pressure-sensitive adhesive (i.e., an adhesive without a hardening mechanism) may be used, alternatively or additionally, in addition to a curing adhesive (i.e., an adhesive with a hardening mechanism). For example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive may remain highly viscous and permanently tacky after being applied to a carrier material, such as the color plate device 500c and / or the first leg 106s, and form a permanent bond when these are joined together.

[0075] To open 113 the color chart device 500a, the first leg 106s can be pivoted relative to the second leg 116s. In other words, the joint 106g can pivot the first leg 106s relative to the second leg 116s. A tuft of hair can be received in the gap 106d formed between the support 502a and the leg 106s. The first leg 106s and the second leg 116s can each have a lever 106h (also referred to as a handle 106h) projecting beyond the joint 106g, which can facilitate opening the color chart device 500b. The second leg 116s can stabilize the color chart 102. This allows for a greater restoring force to be provided without bending the color chart 102. Alternatively or additionally, a thinner color plate 102 may be used.

[0076] The joint 106g of the color chart device 500b and / or the color chart device 500c can comprise a spring (e.g., a leg spring). The spring can be configured to generate the restoring force. The spring can comprise or be formed from a resilient material, e.g., resilient metal (e.g., spring steel) and / or a resilient plastic. A spring constant of the spring can be smaller than a spring constant of a leg 106s, 116s (if present) of the hair clip device 106 and / or a spring constant of the color chart 102 (if present).

[0077] According to various embodiments, the hair clip device 106 may include a leg spring that generates the restoring force. The leg spring may couple at least one leg 106s of the hair clip device 106 to the color plate 102 and / or another leg 116s of the hair clip device 116 (e.g., spring-elastically).

[0078] Fig.6illustrates a color chart device 600 in a schematic plan view (e.g., onto a first side 100o of the color chart device 600).

[0079] A force (may also be referred to as a contact force) generated by the hair clip device 106 and / or with which the hair clip device 106 presses against a tuft of hair 202 may be greater than a weight 602 of the color chart device 600. This may result in the color chart device 600 supporting itself on the clamped tuft of hair 202. Alternatively or additionally, the hair clip device 106 may have one or more teeth (e.g., a toothed profile) that penetrate into the clamped tuft of hair 202 (so that they visually hook onto the tuft of hair 202). This may improve a clamping effect and / or a hold of the color chart device 600 on the tuft of hair 202.

[0080] The hair clip device 106 can be preloaded so that the restoring force of the hair clip device 106 in the closed position is greater than zero. For example, the restoring force of the hair clip device 106 in the closed position can be greater than the weight force 602 of the color chart device 600. The restoring force of the hair clip device 106 in the clamping position can be greater than the restoring force of the hair clip device 106 in the closed position.

[0081] The color chart device 600 can be or become attached to the tuft of hair 202 by means of the hair clip device 106, e.g., self-supporting.

[0082] Fig.7 illustrates a color chart device 700 in a schematic plan view (e.g., onto a first side 100o of the color chart device 700).

[0083] The color chart 102 can have at least one optical position detection mark 702 (e.g., one, two, three, four, or more than four position detection marks 702). A color detection device (e.g., computer-aided) used for color detection can be configured to detect the at least one position detection mark 702.

[0084] Each position detection mark 702 can have a specific pattern that only occurs within the at least one position detection mark 702. This enables unique recognition and / or identification of each position detection mark 702.

[0085] The position recognition marks 702 may have symmetry (ie, be transformed into one another by a symmetry operation). For example, the position recognition marks 702 may be arranged at the vertices of a mirror-symmetric polygon (e.g., a rectangle), a chord polygon, an equilateral polygon, or a regular polygon.

[0086] At least some (i.e., part or all) of the reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c may be arranged between the position markers 702 and / or within the polygon. For example, multiple position markers 702 may surround the reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c (may also be referred to as field boundaries).

[0087] For example, at least two of the position detection marks 702 can differ from one another. This allows an orientation of the color chart 102 to be detected. Alternatively or additionally, at least one corner of the polygon can be free of a position detection mark 702. This allows an orientation of the color chart 102 to be detected.

[0088] At least one position detection mark 702 of the color chart device 700 can comprise or be formed from a reference mark (also referred to as a reference mark). The reference mark can represent the local zero point of the position detection for an incremental encoder of the color detection device. Its function corresponds to the zero mark of a scale or the 0° graduation mark on an optical graduated circle.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, at least one position identification mark 702 of the color chart device 700 can comprise or be formed from an authentication mark. The authentication mark can enable identification of the color chart device 700 (e.g., the color chart 102). For example, a type of color chart device 700 can be recognized based on the authentication mark. Alternatively or additionally, the authentication mark can enable a unique and individual assignment of the color chart 102 (e.g., a serial number).

[0090] For example, the color chart 102 can have exactly three (e.g., identical) position detection marks 702 at the corners of a rectangle for field delimitation (e.g., a fourth corner of the rectangle can be free of a position detection mark 702 or have a reference mark). Using the missing position detection mark 702 or reference mark in the fourth corner, the color recognition device can detect the orientation (i.e., alignment) of the color chart 102. As the number of reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c increases, additional position detection marks 702 can be added to make the orientation of the color chart 102 more easily recognizable.

[0091] The relative position of two position recognition marks 702 (which may also be referred to as main position marks) to one another, e.g., their distance from one another, can be correlated with the arrangement of the reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c (e.g., the reference color fields). This can facilitate or make easier the recognition of the reference colors.

[0092] Fig.8 illustrates a method 800 for color recognition according to various embodiments in a schematic flow diagram.

[0093] According to various embodiments, the method 800 may comprise in 801: self-supporting attachment of a color chart device to a tuft of hair to be detected.

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, the method 800 may comprise in 801: force-fitting a color chart device to a tuft of hair to be detected.

[0095] Further, the method 800 may include in 803: performing an optical color recognition of the tuft of hair using the color chart device.

[0096] The optical color recognition can be set up as described above.

[0097] Fig.9 illustrates a method 900 for color recognition according to various embodiments in a schematic flow diagram.

[0098] According to various embodiments, method 900 can be performed using a color chart device. The color chart device can comprise at least one color chart and a hair clip device attached to the color chart or molded onto the color chart.

[0099] According to various embodiments, the method 900 may comprise in 901: clamping a tuft of hair to be detected by means of the hair clamp device.

[0100] Further, the method 900 may include in 903: performing an optical color recognition of the tuft of hair using the color chart device.

[0101] The optical color recognition can be set up as described above.

[0102] Fig.10 illustrates a method 1000 for clamping and / or fastening according to various embodiments in a schematic flow diagram, e.g., the self-supporting fastening 801 of the color chart device to a tuft of hair to be detected according to method 800 and / or the clamping 901 of a tuft of hair to be detected by means of the hair clip device according to method 900.

[0103] According to various embodiments, method 1000 may comprise in 1001: pressing the tuft of hair to be detected against the color chart, e.g., against an edge of the color chart. This can reduce shadow formation. For example, the tuft of hair may be pressed against the detection area and / or at least partially into the detection area. If the detection area has a through-opening, the tuft of hair may be pressed at least partially into the through-opening. If the detection area has a transparent or translucent surface element (e.g., a film or a grid), the tuft of hair may be pressed against the surface element.

[0104] Optionally, the method 1000 may comprise in 1003: causing the color chart device to self-support against its weight.

[0105] Optionally, the method 1000 may comprise in 1005: forming a positive connection between the hair clip device and the tuft of hair (e.g., by means of teeth of the hair clip device).

[0106] Optionally, the method 1000 may comprise, in 1007, arranging a hairline of the tuft of hair at the detection area (ie, at least partially at the edge of the detection area and / or partially within the detection area). For example, the hairline may be visible through the detection area. Then, the image data may represent the hairline. For example, the color chart device may be arranged such that it is arranged at the hairline.

[0107] For example, the hairline may be uncolored. This can make it easier to determine the hair's natural color. For example, the area of ​​the hair tuft being scanned may exhibit a color difference.

[0108] Fig.11illustrates a method 1100 for performing optical color recognition in a schematic flow diagram, e.g., according to method 800 and / or according to method 900.

[0109] According to various embodiments, method 1100 may include, in 1101, capturing image data of the color chart and the tuft of hair. Optical color recognition may be performed based on the image data.

[0110] According to various embodiments, capturing image data may include capturing light reflected by the color chart device and the tuft of hair (e.g., in a reflectance measurement). The light may have a wavelength in the visible range, e.g., in a range from approximately 380 nanometers (nm) to approximately 780 nanometers. Reflection may be understood as diffuse reflection (remission) and / or specular reflection. Remission may be understood as the diffuse (undirected) reflection of light, as opposed to regular specular reflection (according to the law of reflection).

[0111] Furthermore, the optical color recognition can provide the image data based on the reflected light. In other words, the image data can represent the reflected light.

[0112] Furthermore, the method 1100 may comprise in 1103: recognizing the color chart (e.g., its recognition area and / or its reference colors) based on the image data, e.g., using at least one position recognition mark of the color chart 102.

[0113] Furthermore, the method 1100 may comprise in 1103: assigning color information to each reference color and / or to the detection area (e.g., a spectral distribution and / or a color valence) based on the image data. The color valence of the light can describe an effect of the light on the color-sensitive sensory cells of the eye. In contrast to the spectral distribution, which contains all the information about the spectral colors present in the light, the color valence is limited to information that can be represented by three numerical values, which determines which color sensation the light triggers in the eye.

[0114] The reference color can contain or represent reference color information. Visually, the color information can be distorted due to external influences and differ from the reference color information.

[0115] Furthermore, the method 1100 may include, in 1105, determining correction information based on the image data (the reference colors). The correction information may represent a difference between the color information and the reference color information. The correction information may clearly describe the corruption (e.g., due to external influences). According to various embodiments, the optical color recognition may include determining the correction information for each of the reference colors based on a comparison between the reference color information and the color information.

[0116] Furthermore, the method 1100 may comprise, in 1107, determining hair color information (which may also be referred to as hair color, e.g., a spectral distribution and / or a color valence of the tuft of hair) based on the correction information and the color information of the detection area. The determined (e.g., falsified) hair color can be corrected.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, the method 1100 may comprise, in 1109, correcting the acquired (e.g., corrupted) image data based on the correction information. Then, the hair color information may be determined based on the image data that has been corrected (may also be referred to as corrected image data).

[0118] Fig.12 illustrates a method 1200 for performing optical color recognition in a schematic flow diagram.

[0119] According to various embodiments, the method 1200 may include the method 800 and / or the method 900 in 1201.

[0120] Furthermore, the method 1200 may include, in 1203, determining a coloring agent based on the color recognition, which, when applied to the tuft of hair, causes a color change according to a specification. For example, the coloring agent may be selected from a plurality of predefined coloring agents.

[0121] Optionally, the method 1200 may include, in 1205, using a mobile device (may also be referred to as a mobile color recognition device) to perform the color recognition. The mobile device may include at least one image capture device (e.g., one image capture device and / or two image capture devices), e.g., at least one camera, and a display device, e.g., an electronic display.

[0122] Furthermore, the mobile device can have a processor configured to perform the optical color recognition. Optionally, the mobile device can have a (e.g., non-volatile) memory that has code segments representing the optical color recognition. The processor can be configured to process the code segments. Optionally, the code segments can represent the reference color information. Optionally, the code segments can represent the plurality of coloring agents. The processor can then be configured to determine a coloring agent from the plurality of coloring agents that, when applied to the tuft of hair, causes a color change according to a specification.

[0123] Optionally, the mobile device may comprise a controller (e.g., a control system, e.g., a microcontroller) configured to provide a radio connection. The controller may be configured to provide physical access to radio resources according to a cellular long-range radio communication technology (e.g., a mobile radio connection) and / or according to a short-range radio communication technology (e.g., Bluetooth). The controller may, for example, comprise a transponder for transmitting and / or receiving signals (e.g., data) using the communication technology and a transponder circuit for controlling the transponder. For example, the controller may be configured to provide a cellular connection and / or a wireless short-range radio data transmission.

[0124] According to various embodiments, the processor may include or be formed from an application processor. The application processor may be configured to support one or more applications (may also be referred to as apps), e.g., in a mobile operating system environment.

[0125] According to various embodiments, the mobile device may comprise or be formed from a handheld computer (e.g., a smartphone and / or a tablet computer) or a laptop. The mobile device may comprise an energy storage device (e.g., an accumulator and / or a battery).

[0126] Optionally, the method 1200 may comprise in 1207: capturing the image data through the detection area to which the tuft of hair to be detected is clamped.

[0127] Fig.13 illustrates a method 1300 for performing optical color recognition, e.g., according to method 800 and / or according to method 900.

[0128] According to various embodiments, a color chart device 1304 (e.g., one of the color chart devices described herein) can be attached to a tuft of hair of a person 1302. The color chart device 1304 can be attached in a self-supporting manner. Furthermore, image data of the color chart device 1304 attached to the tuft of hair can be captured 1306. The capture 1306 of the image data can be performed by means of a (e.g., mobile) color recognition device 1308 having an image capture device (e.g., a camera).

[0129] Clearly, the color chart device 1304 allows photographing the hair or using the camera (e.g., a mobile phone with a corresponding application) to be done with both hands.

[0130] The color chart device 1304 can be aligned with its second side 100u toward the tuft of hair. The color chart device 1304 can be aligned with its first side 100o toward the color recognition device 1308. The image data can be captured using the recognition area 104. For example, the tuft of hair can be visible through the recognition area 104 and / or, for example, can extend partially through the recognition area.

[0131] Fig.14A illustrates a color chart device 1400 in a schematic perspective view (e.g., on a first side 100o of the color chart device 1400), Fig.14B the color chart device 1400 in a schematic perspective view (e.g. on a second side 100u of the color chart device 1400) and Fig.15 the color chart device 1500 in a schematic perspective view (e.g., onto a second side 100u of the color chart device 1500).

[0132] The color chart 102 can have a plurality of reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c. The reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c can be arranged in a matrix. Illustratively, the matrix can have a plurality of color fields, each of which has a reference color 102a, 102b, 102c. Alternatively or additionally, the color chart 102 can have at least one hue in one or more brightness gradations. In other words, the, e.g., at least two, reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c can differ in their brightness value (e.g., colorimetric brightness). Alternatively or additionally, the, e.g., at least two, reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c can differ in their hue and / or saturation.

[0133] Each reference color 102a, 102b, 102c can be defined by a base color. For example, the color chart 102 can have one or more natural colors (e.g., brown, olive green, beige, white) as reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c. The natural colors can also be referred to by other names, e.g., curry, honey, caramel, sand, café au lait, corn, chocolate, cocoa, tobacco, cognac, copper, brass, chestnut, mustard, camel.

[0134] The color chart 102 (e.g. the matrix) can have more than or equal to 3 reference colors 102a, 102b, 102c (e.g. reference color fields), e.g. more than or equal to 5, e.g. more than or equal to 10, e.g. more than 15, e.g. more than or equal to 25, e.g. more than or equal to 50, e.g. more than or equal to 100.

[0135] The color chart 102 may have a first extent 1401 in a range from approximately 2 centimeters (cm) to approximately 20 cm, e.g., in a range from approximately 5 cm to approximately 10 cm, e.g., approximately 8.5 cm. According to various embodiments, the color chart 102 may have a second extent 1403 perpendicular to the first extent 1401 in a range from approximately 2 centimeters (cm) to approximately 20 cm, e.g., in a range from approximately 3 cm to approximately 10 cm, e.g., approximately 5.5 cm.

[0136] In the closed position, the hair clip device 106 can at least partially (partially or completely) cover the detection area 104. For example, the hair clip device 106 (or its legs 106s) can have a widened end section (illustratively paddle-shaped) that completely covers the detection area 104 in the closed position.

[0137] The detection area 104 may have a polygonal cross-section (e.g., square). Alternatively, the detection area 104 may have a round cross-section.

[0138] The color chart 102 can be or become curved. Thus, for example, it can be or become adapted to the head shape of the person 1308.

[0139] The color sheet 102 may comprise or be formed from a polymer. A polymer may comprise or be formed from at least one of the following: rubber (e.g., synthetic rubber and / or natural rubber), a phenolic plastic (e.g., formed using phenolic resin), neoprene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl butyral, silicone, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the color sheet 102 may comprise or be formed from a cellulose material, e.g., cardboard. Optionally, the color sheet 102 may be coated.

Claims

1. A color chart device (100, 300, 500), comprising: • a color chart (102) which comprises a plurality of reference colors (102a, 102b, 102c) which are different from one another, wherein the color chart (102) comprises a transparent or translucent detection region (104), by means of which a color of a hair tuft can be detected; and • a hair clip device (106) formed on the color chart (102), which is designed to clamp a hair tuft, the hair color of which is to be detected in the detection region, characterized in that • the color chart (102) comprises a planar support (502a) and the hair clip device (106) is part of the planar support (502) and, wherein the color chart (102) comprises a folding region (302) in which the color chart (102) is designed to be foldable, such that, in the open position, a gap (106d) is formed which is designed to receive a hair tuft.

2. The color chart device (100, 300, 500) according to claim 1, wherein the detection region (104) comprises a through-opening and / or a transparent or translucent material.

3. The color chart device (100, 300, 500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hair clip device (106) presses against the color chart (102) in a closed position.

4. The color chart device (100, 300, 500) according to claim 3, wherein a force generated by the hair clip device (106) is greater than a weight force of the color chart device (100, 300, 500), so that the color chart device (100, 300, 500) supports itself on the hair tuft to be detected.

5. The color chart device (100, 300, 500) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the color chart (102) comprises at least one optical position detection mark for detecting the position of the color chart (102).

6. A method (900) for color detection by means of a color chart device (100, 300, 500) according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: • clamping (901) a hair tuft to be detected by means of the hair clip device (106); • performing (903) an optical color detection of the hair tuft using the color chart device (100, 300, 500).

7. The method (900) according to claim 6, wherein the clamping (901) includes pressing the hair tuft to be detected against the color chart (102).

8. The method (900) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the clamping (901) is carried out such that the color chart device (100, 300, 500) supports itself on the hair tuft to be detected, counter to its own weight force.

9. The method (900) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein performing (903) the optical color detection includes capturing image data of the color chart (102) and the hair tuft, on the basis of which the optical color detection is carried out.

10. The method (900) according to one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising: determining a dye based on the color detection which, when applied to the hair tuft, causes a color change according to a specification.

11. The method (900) according to one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the color detection is carried out by means of a mobile device.