Set of conformal points for a discretized cosmetic drawing application

Abstract

Conformal point set for applying discretized cosmetic designs. The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for applying cosmetic designs to biological subjects. An applicator set device may include a substrate. The applicator set device may also include a plurality of applicator elements arranged on the substrate, jointly defining an applicator set. Each applicator element may include an applicator part having a length substantially orthogonal to an outer surface of the substrate, with a first portion of the length extending from the outer surface of the substrate and a second portion of the applicator part extending through the substrate. The first portion may define a first end, and the second portion may define a second end opposite the first end.Each applicator element can also include an applicator surface defined by the first end Figure for the abbreviation: 1.

Description

Title of the invention: SET of conformal points for a discretized cosmetic drawing application SUMMARY

[0001] Devices, systems, and methods for applying cosmetic designs to biological subjects are provided. An applicator assembly device may include a substrate. The applicator assembly device may include a plurality of applicator elements disposed on the substrate, together defining an applicator assembly. Each applicator element may include an applicator member having a length substantially orthogonal to an exterior surface of the substrate, a first portion of the length extending from the exterior surface of the substrate and a second portion of the applicator member extending through the substrate. The first portion may define a first end and the second portion may define a second end opposite the first end. Each applicator element may also include an applicator surface defined by the first end.

[0002] In some embodiments, each applicator element may further include an actuator, disposed on the substrate and operatively coupled to the applicator member, the actuator being configured to reposition the applicator surface relative to the exterior surface by moving the applicator member. The actuator may be or include a shape memory alloy, a micromotor, an electromagnetic coil, a pneumatic circuit, or a piezoelectric material. The applicator element may further include a spring assembly mechanically coupled with the second portion to oppose movement of the applicator surface toward the exterior surface. Each applicator element may further include a flexible material disposed on the applicator surface. The flexible material may be or include a porous material.

[0003] In some embodiments, the applicator assembly device may further include a source of electromagnetic radiation in an energy range, the source being optically coupled with the applicator assembly. Each applicator member may further include an optical material that is substantially transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the energy range. Each applicator member may be optically coupled with the source to conduct the electromagnetic radiation to the applicator surface. Each applicator member may further include an electroactive polymer actuator disposed at the first end. The electroactive polymer actuator may include a first electrode, an electroactive polymer layer electronically coupled with the first electrode, and a second electrode, electronically coupled with the electroactive polymer layer. The electroactive polymer actuator can move between a first position and a second position in accordance with a voltage applied to the electroactive polymer layer. The electroactive polymer actuator can also include a flexible layer covering the electroactive polymer actuator and defining the applicator surface. The applicator surface can be recessed into the applicator member when the electroactive polymer actuator is in the second position. The applicator surface can extend protruding from the first end when the electroactive polymer actuator is in the first position.

[0004] In some embodiments, the applicator assembly device may further include a pigment reservoir and a fluid conduit coupled with the pigment reservoir. The applicator member further includes a channel coupled with the pigment reservoir via the fluid conduit, the channel terminating at the applicator surface.The applicator assembly device may further include one or more processors, control circuitry electronically coupled to the one or more processors and the applicator members, and non-transitory computer-readable memory in electronic communication with the one or more processors and storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations including receiving a cosmetic drawing describing a configuration of the applicator members and initializing the applicator assembly in accordance with the drawing. Initializing the plurality of applicator members may include repositioning a subset of the applicator members relative to the exterior surface.

[0005] A cosmetic design application system may include a client computing device configured to generate a cosmetic design, an applicator assembly device as previously described, and a pigment applicator configured to reversibly couple with the applicator assembly device and apply pigment to a subset of the plurality of applicator elements.

[0006] In some embodiments, the pigment applicator may include control circuitry, communication circuitry, and a controllable pigment applicator head. The pigment applicator may be configured to electronically couple with the client computing device. The pigment applicator may be configured to print the pigment onto the subset of the applicator members in accordance with the cosmetic design. The subset may be a first subset, and the applicator assembly device may be electronically coupled with the client computing device. The applicator assembly device may be configured to receive the cosmetic design from the client computing device or the pigment applicator. The applicator assembly device may also be configured to initialize the applicator assembly in accordance with the cosmetic design. Initializing the applicator assembly may include retracting a second subset of applicator members toward the exterior surface, the second subset being different from the first subset.

[0007] In some embodiments, the system may further include a camera. The client computing device may include one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors of the client computing device, cause the one or more processors to perform operations including capturing an image describing a target body surface using the camera, generating a surface map of the target body surface using the image, and generating the cosmetic design using the surface map. Generating the cosmetic design may include defining a plurality of relative positions corresponding to the applicator elements, and wherein the relative positions together define a negative surface corresponding to the target body surface.

[0008] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form which are described in more detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a system for applying cosmetic designs, according to various embodiments.

[0010] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary technique for preparing a cosmetic design using an applicator assembly device, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0011] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary technique for preparing a cosmetic design using an applicator assembly device and bistable materials, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0012] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary applicator element, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0013] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary applicator assembly conforming to a biological subject, in accordance with various embodiments lization.

[0014] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary applicator element including a mechanical actuator, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0015] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic illustration of an example of an element ap- replicator including an electronic actuator, a porous material and a source of electromagnetic radiation, according to various embodiments.

[0016] [Fig. 8A] [Fig. 8A] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary electroactive polymer cell, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0017] [Fig. 8B] [Fig. 8B] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary applicator element including an electroactive polymer actuator, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0018] [Fig. 8C] [Fig. 8C] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary applicator assembly including electroactive polymer actuator tips, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0019] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a block diagram illustrating an example system, including components of the system of [Fig.l], in accordance with various embodiments.

[0020] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a block diagram illustrating aspects of an exemplary computing device, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0021] The foregoing aspects and numerous related advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In the above-mentioned drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts in different views unless otherwise indicated. Not all instances of an element are necessarily marked in order to simplify the drawings, where appropriate. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, the emphasis being rather on illustrating the principles described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Applying cosmetics and makeup in patterns and shapes can be difficult by hand. For example, complex designs and theatrical makeup are typically applied by certified professional makeup artists. In addition, self-application can be challenging for individuals with limited mobility or vision. Currently, handheld tools, such as cartridge and dispenser solutions, typically implement the application of printed and / or patterned makeup via a unitary print head to apply the final design directly onto skin. While they represent a technological alternative to brushes, these tools are limited by cartridge size, cleaning processes, the inability to mix or blend colors, short battery life, and lack of location awareness. Additionally, by relying on a handheld device, these tools do not address accessibility issues.

[0024] Techniques are described for applying a cosmetic design guide to a target body surface of a biological subject, such as a subject's face or other region of interest, using an applicator assembly device. The disclosed embodiments employ electrical and / or mechanical actuation to initialize an applicator assembly including multiple applicator elements that each include an applicator member defining an applicator surface, onto which pigment may be applied. After initialization, pigment may be selectively applied to a subset of the applicator elements in accordance with a cosmetic design or a cosmetic design guide. Transferring the cosmetic design guide to the target body surface facilitates application of cosmetics in accordance with a cosmetic design. The techniques therefore improve manual application of cosmetics.

[0025] The disclosed embodiments include using image sensors to define one or more contour maps of the target body surface using 3D mapping of the target body surface. The disclosed embodiments are useful in many contexts, including cosmetic or body art applications, mapping or tracking skin features, dermatological diagnosis or treatment, or telehealth applications. In the context of these applications, the disclosed embodiments provide greater accuracy and ease of use than complex manual routines.

[0026] The following description focuses on embodiments of a system for applying cosmetic designs and / or cosmetic design guides, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the disclosed systems, methods, and materials include techniques for applying cosmetic treatments to a target body surface. The cosmetic treatments may include, but are not limited to, cosmetic treatments to reduce the appearance of fine skin lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, acne, scars, or other aesthetic treatments. The cosmetic treatments may be implemented by applying active ingredients in addition to or as an alternative to cosmetic pigments.For example, the devices described herein may apply an ultraviolet absorbing material, an antipruritic material, and / or antiseptic materials, as part of a cosmetic design to conceal and treat features including, but not limited to, blemishes, acne, cuts. or scars. In this way, cosmetic treatments can provide similar cosmetic benefits to treatments employing both cosmetic formulations and active ingredients.

[0027] [Fig. 1] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary system 100 for applying cosmetic designs, in accordance with various embodiments. The exemplary system 100 includes an applicator assembly device 110, a pigment applicator 120, one or more client computing devices 130, a camera 140, and one or more remote computer systems 160, also referred to as server(s). In the exemplary system 100, the constituent components of the system may be operatively coupled via wireless communication and / or via wired communication. In some embodiments, the constituent components may communicate directly via wireless pairing (e.g., Bluetooth) and / or via a wireless local area network (e.g., via a wireless router).In some embodiments, the constituent components may communicate over one or more networks 170, which may be or include a public network (e.g., the Internet) or a private network (e.g., an intranet). In this way, the exemplary system 100 may include multiple separate devices configured to communicate electronic information via wireless connections. Additionally or alternatively, some of the constituent components may be integrated into a single device.

[0028] As an illustrative example, the pigment applicator 120 may integrate the client computing device 130 and / or the camera 140. Likewise, the client computing device 130 may incorporate the camera 140 and / or the pigment applicator 120. Similarly, the example system 100 may include multiple client computing devices 130, where a first client computing device 130 is a mobile electronic device (e.g., a tablet, smartphone, or laptop) that is configured to host user interface elements and to connect to the server(s) 160 over the network(s) 170, while a second client computing device 130 is integrated with the pigment applicator 120 and the camera 140 and is configured to coordinate operation of the applicator assembly device 110 with the first client computing device 130. As further described in reference to [Fig.9], the constituent components of the exemplary system 100 may be provided with computer-executable instructions (e.g., software, firmware, etc.) to implement and coordinate the operation of one or more features of the exemplary system 100. In this way, the operation of the exemplary system 100 may be coordinated via a user interface, which is accessed via one or more of the constituent components.

[0029] As described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 9, the overall device applicator 110 may incorporate electronic components including, but not limited to, control circuitry, power supply circuitry, and communication circuitry. In some embodiments, the applicator assembly device 110 receives a cosmetic design from one or more of the component components of the exemplary system 100 and initializes an applicator assembly 111 in accordance with the cosmetic design. The applicator assembly device 110 may receive the cosmetic design through communication with one or more of the component components of the exemplary system 100, for example, through wireless communication circuitry 113, including but not limited to a near-field radio transmitter / receiver (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), an infrared optical link, or other data transmission techniques.In some embodiments, the applicator assembly device 110 may receive the one or more cosmetic designs from the client computing device 130. In some embodiments, the applicator assembly device 110 may receive the one or more cosmetic designs from the client computing device 130 via a link with the pigment applicator 120. For example, the applicator assembly device 110 and the pigment applicator 120 may communicate automatically (e.g., without human intervention) either wirelessly or through a reversible physical coupling (e.g., through communication circuitry including electrical contacts).In this manner, cosmetic design data may be transferred either directly to the applicator assembly device 110 (e.g., over the network 170 or via wireless pairing with the client computing device(s) 130), or indirectly via the pigment applicator 120.

[0030] The applicator assembly device 110 may include electronic circuitry for individually addressing multiple applicator elements that jointly define the applicator assembly 111, as described with reference to Figures 3-9. The applicator elements may include applicator members that are individually addressed and may be actuated between a raised position and a neutral or retracted position. In this manner, the cosmetic designs received by the applicator assembly device 110 may be or include an array of binary values ​​(e.g., a "true" value and a "false" value) corresponding to the applicator elements constituting the applicator assembly 111. The applicator assembly device 110 may initialize the applicator assembly 111 in accordance with the binary values, where each value may correspond to an individual applicator element of the applicator assembly 111.

[0031] The pigment applicator 120 may be or include electronic circuitry and / or mechanical components for selectively applying pigment to one or more applicator elements comprising the applicator assembly 111. In some embodiments, the pigment applicator 120 includes a mechanical coupling 121 that is adapted to receive or otherwise reversibly engage the applicator assembly 111 and / or the applicator assembly device 110, such that an operative surface of the applicator assembly 111 contacts the pigment applicator. For example, the pigment applicator 120 may be or include an applicator 123 including a pigment applicator pad, positioned such that only the applicator element(s) that are in the raised position (e.g., the "true" position in the cosmetic design) are contacted during the reversible engagement with the applicator assembly device 110.In this way, the pigment applicator 120 can provide a controlled application of pigment to each applicator member that corresponds to a true position in the cosmetic design while leaving applicator members corresponding to a "false" position in the design substantially free of pigment. In this context, the term "substantially" is used to describe a condition in which a limited or negligible amount of pigment remains or is deposited on features that do not directly contact the pigment applicator pad. In some embodiments, the mechanical coupling 121 may include charging contacts for transferring electrical power to the applicator assembly device 110, for example, to charge batteries internal to the applicator assembly device 110.

[0032] In some embodiments, more than one pigment may be applied by the pigment applicator 120. For example, the applicator 123 may include multiple applicator pads corresponding to different colors or types of pigments and may include mechanisms for exchanging the applicator pads between an operative position and a non-operative position. In this way, the pigment applicator 120 may initialize the applicator 123 by selecting an appropriate pigment corresponding to a received cosmetic design, but may also change pigments during application of pigment to the applicator assembly 111.

[0033] In some embodiments, the applicator 123 includes a controllable pigment applicator head. The pigment applicator head may be or include a nozzle, ribbon, or other controllable pigment source that is driven to positions in a plane (e.g., using an xy translation stage) that correspond to the applicator elements of the applicator assembly 111 that are extended from the operative surface of the applicator assembly 111. In one illustrative example, the pigment includes charged components, such as ionic species, and the pigment is applied to the one or more applicator elements by reversibly applying an electric field using the pigment applicator head. In another example, the pigment applicator head may include a pigment-saturated ribbon that is struck by a driven tip, such that the ribbon is between the tip driven and the applicator member. Other examples of applicator heads include, but are not limited to, a brush, roller, or marker.

[0034] As described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 3], the pigment applicator 120 or the applicator assembly device 110 may include one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation, also referred to as EM source(s), which is / are calibrated to transition a bistable formulation between a solid or viscous form and a liquid or fluid form. The pigment applicator 120 may incorporate the EM source(s) as part of the pigment applicator head, such that the bistable formulation may be applied generally to the applicator assembly 111 in liquid or fluid form, and may transition to a solid form upon exposure to the EM source(s) at positions on the applicator assembly 111 corresponding to the "true" values ​​in the cosmetic design. Similarly, the applicator assembly device 110 may incorporate the EM source(s), as described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 7].

[0035] The one or more client computing devices 130 may be or include a specially designed mobile computing device including the pigment applicator 120 and / or the camera 140, one or more EM sources, and one or more user interface elements 131 for prompting the subject with visual and / or auditory prompts. For example, the interface elements 131 may be or include a display 133 for generating a visual representation of the cosmetic design. The interface elements 131 may also include user input components including, but not limited to, a touchscreen, a keyboard, a touchpad, or a mouse. In this example, the components of the client computing device 130 may be integrated into a housing resembling a consumer cosmetic product such as, for example, an electric razor base.In this example, the enclosure can conceal power supplies, heat management systems, and other components.

[0036] Although the pigment applicator 120, the client computing device 130, and the camera 140 are illustrated in a particular configuration, additional and / or alternative form factors are contemplated. For example, the system 100 may include a smartphone or tablet computer in communication with the client computing device 130, such that one or more computer-executable operations are undertaken by the smartphone or tablet computer rather than by the pigment applicator 120 or the applicator assembly device 110. In this manner, the pigment applicator 120 may have a form factor including, but not limited to, a cosmetic compact or an electronic device configured to electronically couple with a smartphone or tablet computer that includes the camera 140.

[0037] In some embodiments, the camera 140 may be or include multiple sensors and / or sources, including, but not limited to, a visible light image sensor 141, a depth sensor 143, and / or an invisible EM radiation source 145, including, but not limited to, infrared or near-infrared radiation. As with the applicator assembly device 110, the pigment applicator 120, and the client computing device(s) 130, the camera 140 may include communication circuitry 147 to enable wireless communication and / or pairing with the other components comprising the exemplary system 100. Although the camera 140 is illustrated as a separate component of the exemplary system 100, the camera 140 may also be integrated with one of the other constituent components of the exemplary system 100. For example, the client computing device 130 may incorporate the camera 140. Similarly, the applicator assembly device 110 and / or the pigment applicator may incorporate the camera 140.

[0038] The depth sensor 143 may capture one or more images of a biological subject 180, including, but not limited to, images of a target body surface 181 of the biological subject 180. In the illustration provided in [Fig. 1], the biological subject 180 is a human user of the exemplary system 100 and the target body surface 181 is the human user's face in the region around the eye and eyebrow. The depth sensor 143 may generate a surface map 183 of the target body surface 181. The contours and depth information of the target body surface 181 may vary over time or between users, and the camera may generate the surface map 183 as part of operations to modify and / or generate a cosmetic design by the one or more client computing devices 130.The depth sensor 185 may be an image sensor and may capture images in a field of view 185 including the target body surface 181. The depth sensor 143 may be or include, but is not limited to, a laser sensor (e.g., LiDAR), a time-of-flight camera, a vSLAM sensor set, or an ultrasonic sensor set, such that the camera 140 may generate the surface map 183. For example, when the depth sensor is a depth-sensing infrared camera, the invisible EM radiation source 145 may be or include an infrared source that exposes the biological subject 180, including the target body surface 181, to invisible infrared radiation. In another example, when the depth sensor is a LiDAR system or a time-of-flight camera, the invisible EM radiation source 145 may be or include an infrared diode laser.In this way, the EM radiation generated by the invisible EM radiation source 145 can be scanned or otherwise directed toward the target body surface 181 over an angular spread 187, such that only the target body surface 181 is exposed. In some embodiments, detection of the target body surface 181 is facilitated and / or enabled by feature detection. and / or edges applied to visible spectrum (e.g., RGB) images captured by the visible light sensor 141 (e.g., by vSLAM techniques).

[0039] The surface mapping 183 may provide contour information and / or positional information for features of the target body surface 181, for example, precise information about the relative position of the brow bone and the bridge of the nose, where the brow begins and ends relative to the eye, etc. In this way, the surface mapping 183 may be used to generate or modify the cosmetic design by determining a subset of the applicator elements of the plurality of applicator elements to move from the neutral or recessed position to the raised position.Similarly, when the cosmetic design may be received from the server 160, for example, as part of an online platform and / or a database of cosmetic designs, the surface mapping 183 may be used to modify the cosmetic design by determining a subset of the applicator members of the plurality of applicator members to be moved from the raised position to the neutral or recessed position. In some embodiments, multiple incremental positions are defined as part of generating or modifying the cosmetic design. For example, the applicator members of the applicator assembly 111 may be positioned between the neutral or recessed position and the raised position as an approach to defining a negative surface that is complementary to the surface mapping 183.

[0040] [Fig. 2] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary technique 200 for preparing a cosmetic design using an applicator assembly device, in accordance with various embodiments. The exemplary technique 200 may be implemented as a number of operations performed or otherwise performed by the exemplary system 100 of [Fig. 1]. In this manner, the operations may be or include operations performed by one or more processors of a computer system (e.g., the applicator assembly device 110 of [Fig. 1]) in response to the execution of computer-readable instructions stored on non-transitory memory of the computer system. Although the operations are illustrated in a particular order, the exemplary technique 200 may include more or fewer operations, and the order of operations may vary.In some embodiments, one or more operations are performed by multiple components of a system, as described in more detail with reference to [Fig.l]. For example, certain operations may be performed by different components interchangeably or may be performed by a coordinated operation of two or more components.

[0041] At operation 201, the technique example 200 includes receiving a cosmetic design 210. In some embodiments, the cosmetic design 210 is a drawing guide including multiple pigment dots to be transferred onto a surface 211 (e.g., the target body surface 181 of [Fig. 1]) of a biological subject (e.g., the biological subject 180 of [Fig. 1]), such as a human. In some embodiments, the cosmetic design 210 is a full cosmetic design that may include multiple colors and / or shades corresponding to different regions of the surface.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cosmetic design 210 is received by an applicator assembly device 220 (e.g., the applicator assembly device 110 of [Fig. 1]) as a digital representation of the design, including a data set of true values ​​and false values ​​corresponding to a number of applicator elements 231 that together define an applicator assembly 230 of the applicator assembly device 220. The applicator assembly 230 may include the applicator elements 231 arranged in one or more configurations. As illustrated, the applicator assembly 230 includes applicator elements 231 arranged in a rectangular array.In some embodiments, the applicator elements 231 are arranged in configurations including, but not limited to, ellipsoidal or circular arrays, triangular arrays, square arrays, pentagonal arrays, hexagonal arrays, heptagonal arrays, octagonal arrays, or higher order polygonal arrays. The configurations are not limited to regular polygons and include oblong arrays and irregular polygons. For example, the applicator assembly 230 may be configured as a trapezoidal array of applicator elements 231.

[0043] The operations for receiving the cosmetic design may include one or more data transfer techniques including, but not limited to, wireless communication or wired communication. For example, the applicator assembly device 220 may communicate wirelessly with a client computing device (e.g., the client computing device 130 of [Fig. 1]) to receive the cosmetic design 210 as a wireless transmission. In another example, the applicator assembly device 220 may communicate via a temporary physical coupling with a pigment applicator (e.g., the pigment applicator 120 of [Fig. 1]) to receive the cosmetic design 210 via an electronic transfer (e.g., via a universal serial bus type connection).

[0044] As described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 1], the cosmetic drawing 210 may be or include information describing a neutral position 233 of a first subset of the applicator elements 231 and a raised position 235 of a second subset of the applicator elements 231. The terms "neutral" and "raised" are used herein to describe a "false" and "true" value in the cosmetic drawing. 210, respectively, rather than an absolute position. For example, the "raised" position may describe a default position of an applicator element 231, while the "neutral" position may describe a recessed position beneath an exterior surface of the applicator assembly. In this way, the default position of the applicator elements 231 may be the neutral position 233 or the raised position 235.

[0045] Illustrative examples of the cosmetic drawing 210 are described with reference to a binary dataset. In some embodiments, the cosmetic drawing 210 includes additional intermediate states between the true and false states that correspond to intermediate positions of the applicator elements 231 between the neutral position 233 and the raised position 235. In this way, the cosmetic drawing 210 may also include information regarding shading, shaping, color, and other aesthetic features. In an illustrative example, the cosmetic drawing 210 may include one or more portions in a lighter shade or with smaller dots, to indicate a lighter application of cosmetic formulation or a different color.

[0046] In some embodiments, the exemplary technique 200 may optionally include cleaning the applicator assembly 230 at operation 202. Cleaning the applicator assembly 230 may include, but is not limited to, applying a solvent or other removal formulation to the applicator assembly 230, at least partially immersing the applicator assembly 230 in a bath of the solvent or other removal formulation, exposing the applicator assembly 230 to ultrasonic energy (e.g., pulsed ultrasound) via a liquid that may include the solvent or other removal formulation, and / or mechanical removal such as wiping, brush cleaning, or squeezing. In some embodiments, the pigment applicator integrates circuitry and components to facilitate cleaning operations.For example, the pigment applicator may include a cleaning fluid reservoir and an ultrasonic resonator (e.g., a sonic bath) to which the applicator assembly device 220 may reversibly couple, at least partially immersing the applicator assembly 230. In this way, residual pigment may be removed from the applicator assembly 230 and its constituent applicator elements 231. Although cleaning is described as an optional operation of the technique example 200, it is understood that cleaning may also be included as part of initializing the applicator assembly 230.For example, when some of the operations of the exemplary technique 200 are performed while the applicator assembly device 220 is reversibly coupled with the pigment applicator, the cleaning and initialization may be performed concurrently (e.g., at least partially overlapping in time), under the control of one or more processors of the pigment applicator. pigment and / or the applicator assembly device 220.

[0047] After receiving the cosmetic design 210, the exemplary technique 200 includes surface mapping at operation 205. As described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 1], the surface mapping may include one or more operations to generate a contour map of a target surface (e.g., the target body surface 181 of [Fig. 1]). The contour map, thus generated, may be used to project and / or modify the received cosmetic design, as an approach to improving the precision and accuracy of the cosmetic design. In an illustrative example, a length of each applicator member of the applicator elements jointly defining the applicator assembly may be defined by the contour map, such that the applicator assembly may define a negative surface that complements the target body surface.Additionally or alternatively, modifying the cosmetic design may include reassigning one or more of the applicator elements from a false value to a true value, or vice versa, based on a prediction of accuracy or precision of the transferred pigment pattern. For example, in some cases, the contour map may indicate that two applicator surfaces may overlap or otherwise be unresolved upon surface contact. To address the potential loss of design resolution, a subset of the applicator elements may be modified from true to false, so that the design may be cleanly transferred to the target body surface.

[0048] After mapping the surface, the exemplary technique 200 may optionally include initializing the applicator assembly 230 at operation 206. Prior to operation 206, the applicator elements 231 may be in various positions, e.g., resulting from a previous iteration of the exemplary technique 200. In this way, initializing the applicator assembly 230 refers to one or more processes for placing the applicator elements 231 of the applicator assembly 230 in the positions corresponding to the cosmetic design 210. For example, initializing the applicator assembly 230 may describe repositioning a subset of the applicator elements 231 from the raised position 235 to the neutral position 233. Similarly, initializing the applicator assembly 230 may describe repositioning a subset applicator elements 231 from the neutral position 233 to the raised position 235.In some embodiments, initializing the applicator assembly 230 includes returning the applicator elements 231 to a default position or a cleaning position before transitioning the applicator elements 231 to the neutral or raised positions.

[0049] After mapping the surface, the exemplary technique 200 includes applying a pigment 237 to a portion of the applicator assembly 230 at operation 207. Applying the pigment 237 may include selectively applying the pigment(s) 237 onto the applicator members 231 in the raised position 235, in accordance with the cosmetic drawing 210. In this context, "selective" may refer to the passive application of pigment onto the applicator members 231 that contact a pigment source (e.g., a pigment pad), but may also refer to an active process in which an addressable applicator head may be automatically directed to apply the pigment 237 onto the applicator members 231 in the raised position 235. As further described with reference to [Fig.l], the pigment applicator may facilitate the active process by incorporating the addressable applicator head, which may be controlled by circuitry of the pigment applicator and / or the applicator assembly device 220.

[0050] In some embodiments, the exemplary technique 200 may optionally include applying the cosmetic design 210 to the surface 211 at operation 208. Applying the cosmetic design 210 may include, but is not limited to, manually guiding the applicator assembly device 220, carrying the pigment 237 applied to the applicator assembly 230 in accordance with the cosmetic design 210, to a precise position on the surface 211. The precise application may be facilitated by referencing features 213 on or near the surface 211 that guide or otherwise align the applicator assembly 230 relative to the features 213. For example, a map of the surface 211 may be generated and may detect edges, depth information, and / or contours of the surface 211. The map may be referenced to locate the place on the surface 211 where to apply the pigment.

[0051] In some embodiments, one or more registration marks 215 may be placed on the surface 211, for example, by manually indicating one or more of the features 213. The registration mark(s) 215 may be or include a temporary pigment, including, but not limited to, an acid-base unstable pigment or an ultraviolet and / or heat sensitive pigment, selected to leave a negligible visible indication after a period of time characteristic for indoor and / or outdoor use. In some embodiments, the registration mark(s) 215 may be applied to the surface 211 in the area described by the cosmetic design 210. In this way, the registration mark(s) 215 may be obscured by the possible deposition of pigment in accordance with the cosmetic design 215, after application of the applicator assembly device 220 to the surface 211.

[0052] In some embodiments, the applicator assembly device 220 includes one or more emitters 221 for projecting the registration mark(s) 215 onto the surface 211. An emitter 221 may be or include, but is not limited to, a projector, a coherent radiation source (e.g., a laser), or a collimated source (e.g., a laser). example, a light-emitting diode configured with beam-shaping optics). The emitter(s) 221 may be calibrated to emit one or more patterns onto the surface 211 to indicate the position of the applicator assembly 230 relative to the surface 211. In an illustrative example, the emitter 221 may emit a line onto the surface 211 indicative of the application position of the applicator assembly 230. In this way, the applicator assembly 230 may be guided to the correct position on the surface by aligning the projection generated by the emitter 221 with the registration mark 215. Although an emitter 221 is illustrated external to the applicator assembly 230, the emitter(s) 221 may be disposed between the applicator elements 231 of the applicator assembly 230.For example, an emitter 221 may be calibrated to emit one or more patterns or beams onto the surface 211 from a point and / or line source located on the operative surface of the applicator assembly 230 (e.g., beam-forming optics optically coupled to one or more light-emitting diodes positioned within the body of the applicator assembly device 220). In this manner, the emitter 221 may project a pattern and / or beam onto the surface 211 without occlusion by the applicator assembly 230 as the applicator assembly device 220 approaches the surface 211.

[0053] The applicator assembly device 220 may also include one or more registration features 223, which may be or include alignment pins at one or more positions relative to the applicator assembly 230. In some embodiments, the registration features may spring-loaded retract once in contact with the surface 211. In this way, the applicator assembly 230 may contact the surface 211 after depressing the registration features, as an approach to improve the accuracy of application of the cosmetic design 210. In some embodiments, the emitter(s) 221 project the registration mark(s) 215 to indicate to a user where to place the registration feature(s) 223 on the surface 211.

[0054] In some embodiments, the application of the design includes multiple iterations of the operations of the example technique 200. For example, a complete cosmetic design may include the application of multiple colors or layers. Thus, the operations may be repeated for each color. In some embodiments, the cosmetic design 210 differs between iterations, in accordance with different design features.

[0055] Although the description of the technique example 200 focused on cosmetic guides for the eyebrow / eye regions, the operations can be similarly applied to other surfaces 211. For example, the cosmetic drawing 210 can depict the application of cosmetic formulations to surfaces additional / alternative features 211 including, but not limited to, lips, nose, cheeks, forehead, or hands. Similarly, cosmetic designs 210 may be generated to alter the appearance of cosmetic features, including, but not limited to, eyebrows, eyes, lips, cheekbones, jawline, or hands. Cosmetic designs 210 may also be generated to conceal aspects of surface 211, including, but not limited to, blemishes, scars, or burns. In an illustrative example, exemplary technique 200 may be applied to conceal an acne blemish by applying a first cosmetic design 210 in a first pigment to indicate where on surface 211 to apply foundation, and a second cosmetic design in a second pigment to indicate where to apply concealer.In another illustrative example, a cosmetic design 210 may include a pattern to accentuate the appearance of the cheekbones.

[0056] In some embodiments, applying the design may include transferring the design from the applicator assembly device 220 to a molded surface and then from the molded surface to the surface 211. In one illustrative example, a flexible material, such as a foam incorporating phase change material inclusions, may be reversibly molded onto the lips, eyebrows, or other surface 211. In this manner, the flexible material may take the form of a negative surface complementary to the surface 211. Applying the cosmetic design 210 to the flexible material and then to the surface 211 may allow for the overlaying of multiple designs with improved accuracy and the mapping and coordination of different regions and designs (e.g., eyeshadow guides, eyebrow guides, and cheekbone guides), for example, in a single application step.

[0057] [Fig. 3] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary technique 300 for preparing a cosmetic design using an applicator assembly device and bistable materials, in accordance with various embodiments. The exemplary technique 300 may be implemented as a number of operations executed or otherwise performed by the exemplary system 100 of [Fig. 1]. In this manner, the operations may be or include operations performed by one or more processors of a computer system (e.g., the applicator assembly device 110 of [Fig. 1]) in response to the execution of computer-readable instructions stored on non-transitory memory of the computer system. Although the operations are illustrated in a particular order, the exemplary technique 300 may include more or fewer operations, and the order of operations may vary.One or more operations of exemplary technique 300 may be included as constituent operations of exemplary technique 200 described with reference to [Fig. 2] (e.g., operation 207 of [Fig. 2]).

[0058] At operation 301, an applicator assembly device, which may be an example of the applicator assembly device 110 of [Fig. 1] and / or the applicator assembly device 220 of [Fig. 2], receives a cosmetic design (e.g., the cosmetic design 210 of [Fig. 2]). The applicator assembly device may include an applicator assembly 330 including applicator assembly elements 331 that together define the applicator assembly 330. Although the applicator assembly 330 is illustrated as a rectangular die, the applicator assembly 330 may take other shapes, as described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 2].

[0059] After receiving the cosmetic design, the exemplary technique 300 includes mapping the surface and / or initializing the assembly 330, at operation 303. As described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 2], the mapping the surface may include defining relative positions of the component applicator elements 331 jointly defining the applicator assembly 330, to define a negative surface complementary to a target surface (e.g., surface 211 of [Fig. 2]). In some embodiments, the mapping the surface includes modifying the received design to reflect the contours of the target surface.

[0060] The applicator elements 331 may be in any position relative to the surface of the applicator assembly prior to initialization. For example, a subset of the applicator elements 331 may be in a neutral or recessed position 333 and a different subset may be in a raised position 335. Initializing the applicator assembly 330 may include repositioning at least some of the applicator elements 331 between the neutral or recessed position 333 and the raised position 335, in accordance with the cosmetic design received at operation 301.

[0061] After mapping / initializing applicator assembly 330, technique example 300 includes applying a bistable pigment 337 at operation 305. In this context, the term "bistable" refers to a polymeric material that absorbs electromagnetic radiation at a characteristic energy (hv) to form crosslinks that can be reversed upon exposure to different EM radiation in the UV / visible spectral ranges. Formation of the temporary crosslinks may cause the bistable pigment 337 to convert from a fluid 341 to a solid 343, and removal of the crosslinks may cause the bistable pigment 337 to convert from a solid 343 to a liquid 341. In some embodiments, the fluid 341 may be characterized by a viscosity that allows the bistable pigment 337 to transfer to the surface (e.g., surface 211 of [Fig. 2]).In contrast, the solid 343 may be or include a solid and / or a viscous fluid, either of which may be resistant to transfer to the surface. In this manner, the resulting applicator assembly 330 may be patterned by localized exposure to the activating wavelength to transition the bistable pigment 337 from one phase to another. the other, leaving a subset of the applicator elements 331 with the bistable pigment 337 in liquid form 341. In some embodiments, the cosmetic design is formed by patterning the bistable pigment 337 without initializing the applicator assembly 330.

[0062] Without being related to a physical mechanism of action, bistable pigment 337 may be or include a polymer matrix incorporating a thioester functional group. The thioester functional group may participate in an exchange reaction with the free thiol, promoted by a basic catalyst. The exchange reaction may be modulated by mild basic or mild acidic catalysts, which are released by exposing the polymer matrix to EM radiation at the characteristic activation wavelength(s) at operation 307. Examples of the characteristic activation wavelength may include, but are not limited to, wavelengths in a range of 300 nm to 500 nm.For example, the characteristic activation wavelength may be 320 nm, 330 nm, 340 nm, 350 nm, 360 nm, 370 nm, 380 nm, 390 nm, 400 nm, 410 nm, 420 nm, 430 nm, 440 nm, 450 nm, 460 nm, 470 nm, 480 nm, 490 nm, 500 nm, 510 nm, 520 nm, 530 nm, 540 nm, 550 nm, or interpolations thereof (e.g., 455 nm). Furthermore, the photomediated release of acid / base catalysts may exhibit spatial and temporal localization of phase switching of the bistable pigment 337. In this way, the phase switching may be localized to the applicator elements 331 in the raised position 335 from the solid state 343 to the liquid state 341, or may be localized to the applicator elements 331 in the neutral or recessed position 333 from the liquid state 341 to the solid state 343. As described in more detail with reference to [Fig.7], the individual applicator elements 331 may be optically coupled with an EM source that is incorporated into the applicator assembly device. In this way, the bistable pigment 337 may be exposed to electromagnetic radiation and transition from the fluid state 337 to the solid state 339, or vice versa, directly by the applicator assembly device.

[0063] [Fig. 4] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary applicator element 400, in accordance with various embodiments. The exemplary applicator element 400 may be an example of the applicator elements 231 of [Fig. 2], and / or the applicator elements 331 of [Fig. 3]. The exemplary applicator element 400 is disposed on a substrate 410, and includes an applicator member 420, a spring assembly 430, and a pigment reservoir 440. The exemplary applicator element 400, with multiple additional applicator elements, may together define an applicator assembly (e.g., the applicator assembly 111 of [Fig. 1], the applicator assembly 230 of [Fig. 2], and / or the applicator assembly 330 of [Fig. 3]).

[0064] The substrate 410 may be or include a rigid material that repels pigments, into and / or onto which the components of the exemplary applicator element 400 may be be arranged. For example, substrate 410 may be or include a metal, glass, or plastic material to which a surface treatment may be applied to reduce pigment adsorption (e.g., pigment 237 of [Fig. 2]). The applicator member 420 may be or include a pin, rod, or other rigid member having a length substantially orthogonal to an exterior surface 411 of the substrate 410. The applicator member 420 may extend into or through the substrate 410, defining a first portion 421 of the length extending from the exterior surface of the substrate and a second portion 423 of the applicator member extending into or through the substrate 411, wherein the first portion 421 defines a first end 425 and the second portion 423 defines a second end 427 opposite the first end 425. In this way, the first end 425 may define an applicator surface 450.The applicator surface 450, in turn, may include a flexible material 451 disposed on the applicator surface 450. For example, the flexible material 451 may be or include a grooved or otherwise textured or structured surface that conforms to a surface when pressure is applied. Additionally, the flexible material 451 may increase the volume of pigment that can be contained by the applicator member 420 at the applicator surface 450, for example, by increasing the effective surface area of ​​the applicator surface 450.

[0065] The applicator member 420 may widen at or toward the first end 425, for example, by tapering from the applicator surface 450. In this manner, the exemplary applicator element may be or include internal mechanisms, such as actuators, spring assemblies, EM sources, and / or pigment reservoirs, while also providing an applicator surface 450 suitable for containing sufficient pigment to transfer discernible design features to a surface. It is noted that, in [Fig. 4], the first end 425 is illustrated to demonstrate the concept of a wider first end 425 and is not intended to indicate the scale of the increase in width.It is contemplated that the first end 425 may be the same width as the applicator member 420, slightly wider than the applicator member 420 (e.g., 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% or more), or much wider (e.g., 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 100%, 200% or more). The substrate 410 may include a recessed surface 413 complementary to the first end 425. In this way, the applicator member 420 may be recessed into the substrate 410, so that the applicator surface 450 may be approximately flush with the exterior surface 411. In addition, the recessed surface 413 may serve to center the applicator member 420 and may protect the applicator member 420 between uses.

[0066] In some embodiments, the exemplary applicator element 400 further includes a spring assembly 430. The spring assembly 430 may be mechanically coupled only with the second portion 423 and / or the substrate 410 to oppose movement of the applicator surface 450 toward the outer surface 411. The spring assembly may include a spring 431 positioned such that movement of the applicator surface 450 toward the outer surface 411 compresses the spring and generates a reaction force urging the applicator member 420 and the applicator surface 450 away from the outer surface 411 of the substrate 410. In an illustrative example, the applicator member 420 may include a collar, spline, or pegs disposed on or formed from the applicator member 420. The collar may be mechanically coupled to the spring 431 and may cause the spring to compress and relax as the applicator member 420 moves relative to the spring assembly 430.In this way, the spring assembly 430 can enable the applicator member 420 to conform to a target surface, as described in more detail with reference to [Fig.5].

[0067] In some embodiments, the applicator assembly device also incorporates a pigment reservoir 440. The pigment reservoir 440 may be fluidly coupled with the applicator surface 421, for example, via one or more conduits 441. The one or more conduits 441 may include control features, such as one or more valves 443 for controllably releasing pigment from the pigment reservoir 440 onto the porous material 430. Additionally and / or alternatively, the applicator assembly device 440 may incorporate or include multiple pigment reservoirs 440, as part of the controllably delivering pigment to the one or more applicator features of the applicator assembly.

[0068] In this way, the exemplary applicator element 400 can saturate the flexible material 451 with liquid pigment from the pigment reservoir 440. The applicator assembly device, provided with the pigment reservoir 440, can serve as both an applicator assembly device (e.g., the applicator assembly device 110 of [Fig. 1]) and a pigment applicator (e.g., the applicator assembly device 120 of [Fig. 1]).

[0069] In an illustrative example, the applicator assembly device may receive a cosmetic design from a client computing device (e.g., client computing device 130 of [Fig. 1]), may open valve 443 corresponding to exemplary applicator member 400, may cause a volume of liquid pigment to be dispensed from pigment reservoir 440 onto applicator surface 450, and may initialize exemplary applicator member 400 by repositioning applicator member 420 to the position corresponding to a received cosmetic design.

[0070] [Fig. 5] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary applicator assembly 500 conforming to a biological subject, in accordance with various embodiments. The exemplary applicator assembly 500 may be an example of the applicator assembly 111 of [Fig. 1], applicator assembly 230 of [Fig. 2], applicator assembly 330 of [Fig. 3], and may be defined by multiple applicator elements 510, which may be examples of applicator elements 231 of [Fig. 2], applicator elements 331 of [Fig. 3], and / or an example of applicator element 400 of [Fig. 4]. The example applicator assembly 500 is illustrated conforming to a surface 505, which may be an example of surface 211 of [Fig. 2], onto which a cosmetic design may be applied. Surface 505 may be a body surface of a biological subject (e.g., a human), as described with reference to [Fig. 1]. The applicator elements 510 may be disposed on or in a substrate 511, and may each include an applicator member 520 and a spring assembly 530 for opposing movement of the applicator member 520.

[0071] As described with reference to [Fig. 4], the spring assembly 530 may include a spring 531, which may be mechanically coupled to the applicator member 520 via a collar 521, a rib, a pin, or another mechanical coupler. In this way, the force applied to the applicator member 520 by the surface 505 may be transferred and stored in the spring 531. As illustrated, a first applicator member 520-1 contacts the surface 505 at a first point 540-1, while a second applicator member 520-2 contacts the surface 505 at a second point 540-2 that is closer to the substrate 511 than the first point 540-1. The applicator members 520 may be freely movable, slidable and / or unfixed relative to the substrate 511, such that the second applicator member 520-2 may be free to move toward the substrate and conform to the surface 505.The movement may compress the spring 531 coupled to the second applicator member 520-2, such that contact with the first point 540-1 and the second point 540-2 may be maintained despite movement of the exemplary applicator assembly 500 relative to the surface 505.

[0072] Although the exemplary applicator element 400 of [Fig. 4] and the applicator elements 510 of [Fig. 5] are illustrated with passive spring assembly components, it is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the applicator elements 510 may include or incorporate active components, such as electronic or mechanical actuators, that may actively reposition the applicator members 520 in accordance with a cosmetic design and / or mapping of the surface 505. For example, the applicator elements 510 may include spring-loaded linear motors for defining the first portion of each of the applicator elements 510 by the applicator assembly device. Similarly, the actuators may include shape memory alloys, micromotors, electromagnetic coils, pneumatic circuits, or piezoelectric materials, as described in more detail with reference to Figures 6-8.

[0073] [Fig. 6] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary applicator element 600 including a mechanical actuator, in accordance with various embodiments. The exemplary applicator element 600 may be an example of the applicator elements 231 of [Fig. 2], the applicator elements 331 of [Fig. 3], the exemplary applicator element 400 of [Fig. 4], and / or the applicator elements 510 of [Fig. 5]. The exemplary applicator element 600 is disposed on or in a substrate 610 and includes an applicator member 620 and a mechanical actuator 630 mechanically coupled to the applicator member 620 and / or the substrate 610. The exemplary applicator element 600, along with multiple additional similarly configured applicator elements, may together define an applicator assembly (e.g., the applicator assembly 111 of [Fig. 1], the applicator assembly 230 of [Fig. 2], the applicator assembly 330 of [Fig.3], and / or the example applicator assembly 500 of [Fig.5]).

[0074] The applicator member 620 may define a first end 621 which, by the action of the mechanical actuator 630, may be repositioned relative to an exterior surface 611 of the substrate 610 as part of mapping the exemplary applicator element 600 to a surface map as described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 2]. In an illustrative example, the mechanical actuator 630 may be or include an electric motor coupled to a linear drive device, illustrated as a lipstick-like linear translation device, to reposition the first end 621 of the applicator member 620 linearly toward or away from the exterior surface 611. In this example, the mechanical actuator 630 includes a paired helical screw 631 with one or more corresponding helical ridges 623 mechanically coupled to the applicator member 620.By rotating the mechanical actuator 630, for example, while holding the applicator member 620 static in rotation, the applicator member 620 may be linearly translated through a distance 640. In an illustrative example, the applicator member 620 may be held static in rotation by a retaining member 625 that allows the applicator member 620 to translate linearly without rotating with the mechanical actuator 630.

[0075] [Fig. 7] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary applicator element 700 including an electronic actuator 730, a porous material 740, and an electromagnetic radiation source 750 (referred to as an EM source 750), in accordance with various embodiments. The exemplary applicator element 700 may be an example of the applicator elements 231 of [Fig. 2], the applicator elements 331 of [Fig. 3], the applicator element 400 of [Fig. 4], the applicator elements 510 of [Fig. 5], and / or the applicator elements 610 of [Fig. 6]. As illustrated, the electronic actuator 730 includes electrical components for actuating an applicator member 720 relative to a substrate 710. For example, a first end 721 of the applicator member 720 may be repositioned relative to an exterior surface 711 of the substrate 710 in connection with implementing a cosmetic design, as described in more detail with reference to Figures 1-3. The electronic actuator 730 may be or include components including, but not limited to, a voltage source 731 such as a direct current source, a rectified alternating current source, a pulsed direct current source, and / or an alternating current source. The voltage source 731 may be electrically coupled to the electronic actuator 730 via one or more contacts 733.The electronic actuator 730 may be mechanically coupled with the applicator member 720 via a collar 735, a connector, a locking mechanism, or other physical coupling such that the expansion and contraction of the electronic actuator 730 may be transferred to the applicator member 720 as an approach to reposition the first end 721 relative to the exterior surface 711.

[0076] In some embodiments, the electronic actuator 730 may be or include a shape memory alloy, an electromagnetic coil, a pneumatic circuit, or a piezoelectric material. When a shape memory alloy is used, the voltage source 731 and the electrical contacts 733 may be implemented with a thermal control circuit to controllably heat the shape memory alloy, thereby causing the electronic actuator 730 to expand or contract. When a piezoelectric material is used, the expansion of the piezoelectric material results from the direct application of a voltage across the ceramic.When an electromagnetic coil is used, one or more magnets, electromagnets, or ferromagnetic materials may be disposed in or on the applicator member 720, such that an electric field induced by current through the coil may induce a force on the applicator member 720 and cause movement relative to the substrate 710. When a pneumatic circuit is used, the electronic control circuitry may controllably fill and / or empty a pneumatic piston mechanically coupled with the applicator member 720 (e.g., via the collar 735) to reposition the first end 721 relative to the exterior surface 711.

[0077] In some embodiments, the applicator surface 720 of the exemplary applicator member 700 includes a flexible material disposed on at least a portion of the applicator surface 720. For example, the flexible material may be or include a porous material 740 that may be disposed at the first end 721 to define an applicator surface 723. In addition to providing conformal contact between the first end 721 and a target body surface for the exemplary applicator member 700, the porous material 740 may also serve as a pigment reservoir at the level of the first end 721 which increases the pigment capacity of the applicator surface 723.

[0078] As described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 3], the pigment applied to at least a portion of the applicator assembly may be or include a bistable photoelectrically switching material. To modulate the phase of the bistable pigment, the exemplary applicator member 700 includes the EM source 750. The EM source 750 may be or include, but is not limited to, a light-emitting diode, a laser diode, or another linear source. The EM radiation 751 emitted by the EM source 750 may be coupled into the applicator member 720 via a waveguide 753, for example, by internal reflection, so that the switching wavelength may be conducted to the first end 721. As described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 3], the phase switching of the bistable material may be effected by a photo-initiated chemical reaction.In this way, when the applicator member 720 is shown with the porous material 740 at the applicator 723, the chemical reaction can be initiated at the boundary between the applicator member 720 and the porous material 740 in which the EM radiation 751 can be absorbed. Although the exemplary applicator member 700 is illustrated showing the EM radiation 751 coupled into the applicator member 720, the waveguide 753 can extend through the substrate 710 and emit the EM radiation 751 at or near the porous material 740 directly.

[0079] [Fig. 8A] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary electroactive polymer cell 800, in accordance with various embodiments. The exemplary electroactive polymer cell 800 includes a first electrode 805, an electroactive polymer layer 810, a second electrode 815, and a voltage source 820. The voltage source 820 may be electrically coupled with the first electrode 805 and the second electrode 825 via conductive traces 825. The conductive traces 825 may be or include at least a portion of a flexible material. In some cases, the conductive traces 825 may be or include flexible conductors, including but not limited to flexible / stretchable carbon conductors, silver conductors, or copper conductors.In an illustrative example, the carbon conductors may be or include carbon conductive materials (e.g., carbon fibers, nanotubes, graphene, or the like) suspended in a monomeric or polymer matrix. Similarly, the silver or copper conductors may be or include conductive materials (e.g., nanorods, nanoparticles, or the like) suspended in a matrix. The conductors may be screen-printed, vapor-deposited, or otherwise patterned on the substrate 860 to form the electrode traces 871 and 881.

[0080] The example electroactive polymer cell 800 can be described by two mor different morphologies corresponding to whether the voltage source 820 applies a voltage across the electroactive polymer layer 810. As illustrated in [Fig. 8A], when the voltage source 820 is open or shorted, such that no voltage is applied across the electroactive polymer layer 810, the exemplary electroactive polymer cell 800 may adopt a first morphology. In response to closing the circuit, thereby applying the voltage across the electroactive polymer layer 810, the exemplary electroactive polymer cell 800 may transition to a second morphology, due to forces (Fx, Fy, Fz) generated by the changes in the polymer structure.Although the forces are described with reference to the Cartesian axes, the exemplary electroactive polymer cell 800 may be a cylindrical cell or may adopt other shapes, so that alternative coordinate spaces may better describe the forces generated as a result of applying the voltage to the exemplary electroactive polymer cell 800.

[0081] In some embodiments, the electroactive polymer layer 810 may be or include, but is not limited to, materials such as conductive polymers, dielectric elastomers, ferroelectric polymers, ionic metal-polymer composite (IPMC), or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). The choice of material may be guided by different electronic and structural properties. For example, conductive polymers and IPMCs may respond to a relatively lower activation voltage, compared to PVDF, dielectric elastomers, or ferroelectric polymers, while the dielectric elastomer, ferroelectric, and / or PVDF may generate a relatively stronger actuation force at a relatively higher voltage.

[0082] The magnitude of the voltage may be influenced by the chemical structure and / or physical dimensions of the electroactive polymer layer 810. In some cases, a higher voltage may provide greater movement or force upon application, but may also introduce electromagnetic interference effects into the applicator assembly device, such as corona discharge formation. Such problems may increase the complexity of the electronic components of the applicator assembly device and may reduce performance. In this way, the exemplary electroactive polymer cell 800 may be configured to apply the voltage to induce an efficient change in morphology, without also introducing negative effects.In some embodiments, the voltage is about 10 kV or less, about 9 kV or less, about 8 kV or less, about 7 kV or less, about 6 kV or less, about 5 kV or less, about 4 kV or less, about 3 kV or less, about 2 kV or less, about 1 kV or less, about 0.9 kV or less, about 0.8 kV or less, . of about 0.7 kV or less, about 0.6 kV or less, about 0.5 kV or less, about 0.4 kV or less, about 0.3 kV or less, about 0.2 kV or less, about 0.1 kV or less, or less, including fractions and interpolations thereof. For example, the voltage may be about 5.9 kV or less, about 5.8 kV or less, about 5.7 kV or less, about 5.6 kV or less, about 5.5 kV or less, about 5.4 kV or less, about 5.3 kV or less, about 5.2 kV or less, or about 5.1 kV or less. In this context, "approximately" is used to mean a value within 10% of the stated value (e.g., 90% to 110% of the stated value).

[0083] [Fig. 8B] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary applicator member 830 including an electroactive polymer actuator, in accordance with various embodiments. The applicator member may include circuitry and / or components to incorporate compliant surfaces at one or more positions of the exemplary applicator member 830. For example, an electroactive polymer actuator, as described with reference to [Fig. 8A], may be integrated at or near the first end of the applicator member 840 of the applicator member 830. The electroactive polymer actuator may include a first electrode 805, an electroactive polymer layer 810 electronically coupled with the first electrode 805, and a second electrode 815, electronically coupled with the electroactive polymer layer 810.In this manner, the electroactive polymer actuator may transition between a first position and a second position in accordance with a voltage applied to the electroactive polymer layer 810. As with the exemplary electroactive polymer cell 800 of [Fig. 8A], the applied voltage may be provided by a voltage source 820 that may be integrated into the applicator assembly device. For example, the voltage source 820 may be or include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery) or other source of electrical energy, control circuitry, and conductive traces for controllably coupling the first electrode 805 and the second electrode 815 to the voltage source 820.

[0084] In some embodiments, the exemplary applicator member 830 includes a flexible layer covering the electroactive polymer actuator and defining the applicator surface 835. Consistent with transitioning between the first and second positions in accordance with the application and removal of the applied voltage, the applicator surface 835 may be recessed in the exemplary applicator member 830 when the electroactive polymer actuator is in the first position. Conversely, the applicator surface 835 may extend protruding from the first end of the applicator member 840 when the electroactive polymer actuator is in the second position.

[0085] In some embodiments, the exemplary applicator member 830 may include multiple electroactive polymer layers 810, interposed with multiple first electrodes 805 and multiple second electrodes 815. In this manner, the applicator surface 835 may be raised and lowered by a displacement 845 that describes the sum of the morphology changes for each of the constituent electroactive polymer layers 810. In terms of a cosmetic design (e.g., the cosmetic design 210 of [Fig. 2]), increasing the displacement 845 may improve the accuracy, contrast, and fidelity of application of the cosmetic design. For example, when recessed into the first end of the applicator member 840, the applicator surface 835 may form a cavity to retain a small volume of pigment.Therefore, extending the applicator surface 835 protruding from the first end of the applicator member 840 can apply the reserved pigment within the confines of the exemplary applicator member 830, once the exemplary applicator member 830 is at a stable position. In addition, enlarging the applicator surface 835 by switching the electroactive polymer layer 810 can enable the applicator surface 835 to fill gaps between the first end of the applicator member 840 and a target body surface, for example, when the first end of the applicator member 840 approaches the surface at a non-orthogonal angle.

[0086] In some embodiments, the displacement 845 may be about 0.1 mm or more, about 0.2 mm or more, about 0.3 mm or more, about 0.4 mm or more, about 0.5 mm or more, about 0.6 mm or more, about 0.7 mm or more, about 0.8 mm or more, about 0.9 mm or more, about 1.0 mm or more, about 1.5 mm or more, about 2.0 mm or more, about 2.5 mm or more, about 3.0 mm or more, about 3.5 mm or more, about 4.0 mm or more, about 4.5 mm or more, about 5.0 mm or more, about 5.5 mm or more, about 6.0 mm or more, about 6.5 mm or more, about 7.0 mm or more, about 7.5 mm or more, about 8.0 mm or more, about 8.5 mm or more, about 9.0 mm or more, about 9.5 mm or more, or about 10.0 mm or more, including fractions and interpolations thereof (e.g., 1.3 mm, 3.7 mm, 5.1 mm, etc.). In this context, the term “approximately” is used to denote a value within 10% of the stated value.

[0087] [Fig. 8C] is a schematic illustration of an exemplary applicator assembly 850 including electroactive polymer actuator tips, in accordance with various embodiments. The exemplary applicator assembly 850 may be an example of the applicator assembly 111 of [Fig. 1], the applicator assembly 230 of [Fig. 2], and / or the applicator assembly 330 of [Fig. 3]. The exemplary applicator assembly 850 may be integrated into an applicator assembly device, such as the applicator assembly device 110 of [Fig. 1], and may be actuated to apply a cosmetic design to a target body surface, as described in more detail with reference to Figures 1-7. The exemplary applicator assembly 850 is illustrated as a multi-layer electronic device incorporating a substrate 860, a first electrode layer 870, a second electrode layer 880, and an outer surface layer 890. In some embodiments, the exemplary applicator assembly 850 includes additional and / or alternative elements in various configurations. The substrate 860, the first electrode layer 870, the second electrode layer 880, and the outer surface layer 890 may be discretized or differentiated into individual applicator elements 830 that together define the exemplary applicator assembly 850.For example, the exemplary applicator assembly 850 may include separate first electrodes 871 for each applicator element 830, and a common second electrode layer 880 for each applicator element 830, where the second electrode layer 880 serves as a relative ground. Although the exemplary applicator assembly 850 is illustrated as a square array of applicator elements 830, other configurations of polygonal arrays are contemplated, including, but not limited to, hexagonal arrays, rectangular arrays, circular arrays, triangular arrays, or the like. Similarly, although the applicator elements 830 are illustrated as being circular, other shapes are contemplated, including, but not limited to, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, ellipsoidal, or oblong shapes.

[0088] In an illustrative example, a first applicator element 830-1 of the applicator elements 830 may be individually addressed by completing a circuit between the first electrode layer 870 and the second electrode layer 880, via an electroactive polymer layer 810 located at a first end 855 of the first applicator element 830-1. In this way, the applicator surface 835 of the first applicator element 830-1 may be retracted into the applicator member 840, as shown, while a neighboring second applicator element 830-2 may maintain a raised position of the applicator surface 835.

[0089] In some embodiments, the described circuits may be formed by paired conductive traces, between one of the multiple first electrode traces 871 and one of the multiple second electrode traces 881. For example, a circuit may be closed or opened, depending on the internal configuration of the first applicator element 830-1, between a first trace 871-1 of the first electrode traces 871 and a first trace 881-1 of the second electrode traces 881. In this way, the applicator elements 830 may be individually addressable by controllably closing the circuits between the electrode traces of the exemplary applicator assembly 850. In some embodiments, each applicator element 830 is individually coupled with a control switch which is operatively coupled to a control device for opening and closing the circuit for the respective applicator element 830. In this way, the applicator surfaces 835 can be raised or lowered in accordance with a cosmetic design.

[0090] The applicator surface 835 may be or include a flexible polymeric or rubber material. The applicator surface 835 may define an applicator tip for each of the applicator elements 830. Although the applicator elements 830 are illustrated as being substantially flat, the applicator surface 835 may be formed with a topography on each of the applicator elements. For example, the applicator tips may be fluted, concave, convex, pyramidal, hemispherical, or the like, such that the volume of pigment and application of the pigment to the surface may be metered and / or controlled by modulating the pressure applied between the applicator elements 830 and the target surface.Advantageously, implementing the exemplary applicator assembly 850 with electroactive polymer actuators and an applicator surface 835 of flexible material may enhance the ability of the exemplary applicator assembly 850 to conform to the target body surface, fill voids between the first end 855 and the target body surface, or controllably apply the pigment into the internal space of the applicator members 830.

[0091] [Fig. 9] is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system 900, including components of the system of [Fig. 1], in accordance with various embodiments. The exemplary system 900 may include a client computing device 901 in electronic communication (e.g., over a network 950) with an applicator assembly device 960, a pigment applicator 970, and a remote computer system 980. The exemplary system 900 illustrates an example of the system 100 of [Fig. 1], in the context of associated system elements, and, as such, depicts electronics and software performing operations as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. [Fig. 9] represents a non-limiting example of system elements, features, and configurations; many other features and configurations are contemplated. In the example shown in [Fig.9], the client computing device 901 (e.g., the client computing device 104 of [Fig. 1]) includes a computer system 910, multiple components 920 for interacting with the user and for generating cosmetic designs and for facilitating application of the cosmetic design to a target surface (e.g., the surface 211 of [Fig. 2]), a computer-readable medium 930, and a client application 940, which may be stored as computer-executable instructions on the computer-readable medium 930, and, when executed by the computer system 910, may implement the operations described with reference to the system 100 of [Fig. 1], and the . operations of the example techniques in Figures 2 and 3.

[0092] The client computing device 901 incorporates subcomponents including, but not limited to, a power source 911, a human-machine interface device 913, one or more processors 915, a network interface 917, and may include the computer-readable medium 930. The power source 911 is a direct current power source, e.g., a rechargeable battery or a rectified power supply configured to connect to a mains supply (e.g., 110 VAC, 220 VAC, etc.). The human-machine interface (HMI) 913 may include any type of device capable of receiving user input or generating output to be presented to a user, such as a speaker for audio output, a microphone for receiving audio commands, a pushbutton switch, a toggle switch, a capacitive switch, a rotary switch, a slide switch, a rocker switch, or a touchscreen.

[0093] The one or more processors 915 are configured to execute computer-executable instructions stored on the computer-readable medium 930. In one embodiment, the one or more processors 915 are configured to receive and transmit signals to and / or from the components 920 via a communications bus or other circuitry, for example, as part of executing the client application 940. The network interface 917 is configured to transmit and receive signals to and from the client computing device 901 (or other computing devices) from the processors 915.The network interface 917 may implement any suitable communication technology, including but not limited to short-range wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, infrared, near-field communication, and Wi-Fi; long-range wireless technologies such as WiMAX, 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, and 10G; and wired technologies such as USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, and / or Ethernet. The computer-readable medium 930 is any type of computer-readable medium on which computer-executable instructions may be stored, including but not limited to flash memory (SSD), ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and an FPGA. The computer-readable medium 930 and the processor(s) 915 may be combined into a single device, such as an ASIC, or the computer-readable medium 930 may include a cache, register, or other component of the processor 915.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the computer-readable medium 930 has computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by one or more processors 915, cause the client computing device 901 to implement a control engine 931. The control engine 931 controls one or more aspects of the client computing device 901, as described above. In some embodiments, the computer-executable instructions diner are configured to cause the client computing device 901 to perform one or more operations such as generating a surface map of the target surface, generating a cosmetic design, or providing the cosmetic design to an applicator assembly device and / or a pigment applicator. In some embodiments, the control engine 931 controls basic functions by facilitating interaction between the computer system 910 and the components 920 according to the client application 940. In some embodiments, the control engine 931 detects an input from the HMI 913 indicating that a cosmetic routine is to be initiated (e.g., in response to the activation of a power switch or a "start" button, or the detection of a face in front of the mirror 106 of [Fig.l]), or receives signals from the applicator assembly device 960, the pigment applicator 970, or the remote computer system 980 (e.g., over a Bluetooth paired connection).

[0095] The components of the client computing device 901 may be tailored to the application or may be specific to the application of configuring applicator assembly devices to apply cosmetic designs. For example, the components 920 may include one or more cameras 921, a display 923, one or more illumination sources 925, and / or one or more sensors 927, as described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 1]. In some embodiments, the components 920 are integrated into a single device such that the client computing device 901 or at least a portion of the elements of the client computing device 901 take on the appearance of a unitary cosmetic device. In this way, the client computing device 901 may be a specialized computing device, configured to execute the client application 940 in coordination with the components 920.

[0096] In some embodiments, the client application 940 also includes a 3D image capture / scanning engine 941 configured to capture and process digital images (e.g., color images, infrared images, depth images, etc.) obtained from one or more of the components 920, including but not limited to stereoscopic images, LiDAR data, or other forms of surface / depth sensing information. In one embodiment, this data is used to obtain a clean and accurate 3D contour map of the target body surface (e.g., the target surface 181 of [Fig. 1]). In some embodiments, the digital images or scans are processed by the client computing device 901 and / or transmitted to the remote computer system 980 for processing in a 3D model engine 981.In one embodiment, the captured image data is used in the position tracking engine 943 to determine the position of features, keypoints, or edges on the surface. target body surface. In some embodiments, the position tracking engine 943 tracks the contours of the target body surface in 3D space, for example, by implementing v-SLAM techniques. In some embodiments, the position information from the position tracking engine 943 is used to generate signals to be transmitted to the control engine 931, which are used to control one or more components 920 or elements of the computer system 910 including, for example, the sources 925 or the HMI 913, according to the techniques described herein.

[0097] In some embodiments, the 3D digital models described herein are generated based on sensor data obtained by the client computing device 901. As such, the 3D digital models are generated by the client computing device 901 or another computing device, such as a remote cloud computing system, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the 3D digital models include 3D topology and texture information, which can be used to reproduce an accurate representation of a body surface, such as facial structure and skin features, as described in more detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0098] In some embodiments, the client application 940 includes a user interface 945. In one embodiment, the user interface 945 includes interactive functionality including, but not limited to, graphical guides or prompts, presented via the display to assist a user in selecting cosmetic designs, tutorial videos, or animations. Visual elements of the user interface 945 may also be presented via a display of the applicator assembly device 960 and / or the pigment applicator 970. In some embodiments, the user interface 945 provides guidance (e.g., visual guides such as arrows or targets, progress indicators, audio / haptic feedback, synthesized speech, etc.) to guide a user through lighting conditions, angles, etc.individuals, to ensure that sufficient data is collected for use by mapping and projection engines.

[0099] The client application 940 may include a source steering module 947. The source steering module 947 may be or include computer-readable instructions (e.g., software, drivers, etc.) for translating a digital representation of an exposure pattern into intensity and direction data for driving the sources 925. For example, while the control engine 931 may provide communication between the various components of the client computing device 901, specific driving signals may be generated by the source steering module 947. As part of the operation of the source steering module 947, The client application may receive real-time data from the camera(s) 921 and sensor(s) 927, which may be processed by the 3D scanning engine 941, the position tracking engine 943, and may be used to incrementally update the mapping and cosmetic design. In this way, the source orientation module 947 may respond to movement of the target body surface, thereby increasing the client computing device 901's tolerance to user movement without loss of cosmetic design fidelity. In some embodiments, the demand for computing resources for such real-time scanning / tracking may be distributed across multiple devices, such as the applicator assembly device 960, the pigment applicator 970, and / or the remote computer system 980, through parallelization or distribution routines.

[0100] A communication module 947 of the client application 940 may be used to prepare information to be transmitted to, or to receive and interpret information from, other devices or systems, such as the applicator assembly device 960, the pigment applicator 970, and / or the remote computer system 980, as described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 1]. This information may include captured digital images, scans or videos, personal care device settings, personalized care routines, user preferences, user identifiers, device identifiers, or the like. In one embodiment, the client computing device 901 collects data describing the execution of care routines, image data of body surfaces, or other data.In one embodiment, this data is transmitted via the network interface 917 to the remote computer system 980 for further processing or storage (e.g., in a product data store 983 or a user profile data store 985). The client computing device 901 may be used by a consumer, personal care professional, or other entity to interact with other components of the system 900, such as the applicator assembly device 960, the pigment applicator 970, and / or the remote computer system 980. In one embodiment, the client computing device 901 is a mobile computing device such as a smartphone or tablet computing device equipped with the components 920 and the client application 940 or provided with the components through electronic coupling with a peripheral device.

[0101] Illustrative components and features of the remote computer system 980 will now be described. The remote computer system 980 includes one or more server computers that implement one or more of the illustrated components, for example, in a cloud computing arrangement. The remote computer system 980 includes a projection engine 987, the 3D model engine 981, the data store product data 983, and the user profile data store 985. In one embodiment, the 3D model engine 981 uses image data (e.g., color image data, infrared image data) and depth data to generate a 3D model of the target body surface. The image data is obtained from the client computing device 901, e.g., from the camera(s) 921 or sensor(s) 927 that are integrated or otherwise electronically coupled with the client computing device 901. In one embodiment, image data and depth data associated with a user are stored in the user profile data store 985. In one embodiment, user consent is obtained before storing any information that is personal to a user or that can be used to identify a user.

[0102] In one embodiment, the mapping / projection engine 987 performs processing of data relating to a cosmetic routine, such as generating maps of target surfaces using image / sensor data and / or generating a projection of the cosmetic routine drawings, which may then be transmitted to the client computing device 901. The cosmetic routine information may include, for example, programmatic exposure pattern instructions for illuminating the target body surface which may be provided as instructions to be executed by the control engine 931, by the client application 940, or by the sources 925 directly.

[0103] In some embodiments, the projection engine 987 generates cosmetic design data using user information from the user profile data store 985, the product data store 983, the 3D model engine 981, or another source or combination of sources. The 3D model engine 981 may employ machine learning or artificial intelligence techniques (e.g., pattern matching, feature extraction and matching, classification, artificial neural networks, deep learning architectures, genetic algorithms, or the like). For example, to generate the cosmetic design according to a surface mapping of a face, the projection engine 987 may analyze a facial mapping generated by the 3D model engine 981 to measure or map contours, wrinkles, skin texture, etc.of the target body surface (e.g., the face 102 of the subject of [Fig. 1 ]). The projection engine 987 may receive data describing a cosmetic design based on an identifier code provided by the user via the applicator assembly device 960, the pigment applicator 970, and / or directly from the client computing device 901. In such a scenario, the projection engine 987 may use this information to generate . a projection of the cosmetic design (e.g., cosmetic design 210 of [Fig.2]) onto the target body surface.

[0104] The devices shown in [Fig. 9] may communicate with each other via a network 950, which may include any suitable communication technology including, but not limited to, wired technologies such as DSL, Ethernet, fiber optics, USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt; wireless technologies such as WiFi, WiMAX, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, 10G, and Bluetooth; and private networks (e.g., an intranet) or public networks (e.g., the Internet). In general, communications between the computing devices or components of [Fig. 9], or other computing components or devices used in accordance with the described embodiments, occur directly or through intermediary components or devices.

[0105] Many alternatives to the arrangements disclosed and described with reference to Figures 1 and 9 are possible. For example, functionality described as being implemented in multiple components may instead be consolidated into a single component, or functionality described as being implemented in a single component may be implemented in multiple illustrated components, or in other components not shown in Figures 1 or 9. As another example, the devices of Figures 1 and 9 that are illustrated as including particular components may instead include more components, fewer components, or different components without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. As another example, functionality that is described as being performed by a particular device or subcomponent may instead be performed by one or more other devices in a system.For example, the 3D model engine 914 may be implemented in the client computing device 901 or in another device or combination of devices.

[0106] In addition to the technical benefits of the disclosed embodiments that are described elsewhere herein, numerous other technical benefits are achieved in certain embodiments. For example, the system 900 allows certain aspects of the process to be independently conducted by personal care devices or client computing devices, while shifting other processing loads to the remote computer system 910 (which may be a relatively powerful and reliable computing system), thereby improving performance and preserving battery life for the functionality provided by the personal care devices or client computing devices.

[0107] In general, the word "engine," as used herein, means the logic embodied in hardware or software instructions written in a programming language, such as C, C++, COBOL, JAVA™, PHP, Perl, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, VBScript, ASPX, Microsoft.NET™, and / or the like. An engine may be compiled into executable programs or written in interpreted programming languages. Software engines may be callable from other engines or from within themselves. Generally, the engines described herein refer to logic modules that may be merged with other engines or divided into sub-engines. Engines may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium or computer storage device and may be stored on and executed by one or more general-purpose computers, creating a specialized computer configured to provide the engine or its functionality.

[0108] As understood by those skilled in the art, a "data store" as described herein may be any suitable device configured to store data for access by a computing device. An example of a data store is a highly reliable, high-throughput relational database management system (DBMS) running on one or more computing devices and accessible over a high-speed network. Another example of a data store is a key-value store. However, any other suitable technique and / or storage device capable of quickly and reliably providing the stored data in response to queries may be used, and the computing device may be accessible locally rather than over a network, or may be provided as a cloud service.A data store may also include data stored in an organized manner on a computer-readable storage medium, as described below. Those skilled in the art will recognize that separate data stores described herein may be combined into a single data store, and / or that a single data store described herein may be separated into multiple data stores, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0109] [Fig. 10] is a block diagram that illustrates aspects of an exemplary computing device 1000, in accordance with various embodiments. Although multiple different types of computing devices are described with reference to the various embodiments, the exemplary computing device 1000 describes various elements that are common to many different types of computing devices. Although [Fig. 10] is described with reference to a computing device that is implemented as a device on a network, the description below is applicable to servers, personal computers, mobile phones, smartphones, digital tablets, embedded computing devices, and other devices that may be used to implement portions of embodiments of the present disclosure.Further, those skilled in the art and others will recognize that the computing device 1000 may be any of many devices currently available or to be developed.

[0110] In its most basic configuration, the exemplary computing device 1000 includes at least one processor 1002 and one system memory 1004 connected by a communications bus 1006. Depending on the exact configuration and type of device, the system memory 1004 may be volatile or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), EEPROM, flash memory, or similar memory technology. Those skilled in the art and others will recognize that the system memory 1004 typically stores data and / or program modules that are immediately accessible to and / or are being operated by the processor 1002. In this regard, the processor 1002 may serve as the computing center of the computing device 1000 by supporting the execution of instructions.

[0111] As further illustrated in [Fig. 10], the computing device 1000 may include a network interface 1010 comprising one or more components for communicating with other devices on a network. Embodiments of the present disclosure may access basic services that utilize the network interface 1010 to perform communications using common network protocols. The network interface 1010 may also include a wireless network interface configured to communicate via one or more wireless communication protocols, such as WiFi, 2G, 3G, LTE, WiMAX, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, and / or the like. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the network interface 1010 illustrated in [Fig. 10] may represent one or more wireless interfaces or physical communication interfaces described and illustrated above with respect to particular components of the system 100 of [Fig. 1].

[0112] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 10], the computing device 1000 also includes a storage medium 1008. However, services may be accessed using a computing device that does not include means for retaining data on a local storage medium. Therefore, the storage medium 1008 illustrated in [Fig. 10] is represented by a dotted line to indicate that the storage medium 1008 is optional. In any event, the storage medium 1008 may be volatile or non-volatile, removable or non-removable, implemented using any technology capable of storing information, including, but not limited to, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, a CD-ROM, a DVD or other storage disk, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, a magnetic storage disk, and / or the like.

[0113] As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" includes volatile and non-volatile and removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology capable of storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. In this regard, the system memory 1004 and the storage medium 1008 shown in [Fig. 10] are only examples of computer-readable media.

[0114] Suitable implementations of computing devices that include a processor 1002, system memory 1004, a communications bus 1006, a storage medium 1008, and a network interface 1010 are known and commercially available. For ease of illustration and because it is not important to understanding the claimed subject matter, [Fig. 10] does not show some of the typical components of many computing devices. In this regard, the exemplary computing device 1000 may include input devices, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a microphone, a touch input device, a touchscreen, and / or the like.These input devices may be coupled to the exemplary computing device 1000 via wired or wireless connections including RF, infrared, serial, parallel, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, USB, or other suitable connection protocols using wireless or physical connections. Similarly, the exemplary computing device 1000 may also include output devices such as a display, speakers, a printer, etc. Because these devices are well known in the art, they are not illustrated or described further herein.

[0115] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is understood that the methods and systems described herein are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or particular implementations. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the sole purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to be limiting.

[0116] As used herein and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as "from about" a particular value and / or "to about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, an alternative embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value constitutes an alternative embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both relative to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0117] “Optional” or “optionally” means that the event or circumstance described hereinafter may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not occur.

[0118] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word "includes" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps. "Exemplary" means "an example of" and is not intended to give an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. "Such as" is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Claims

Claims

1. An applicator assembly device (110, 120; 220; 440; 960), comprising: a substrate; and a plurality of applicator elements disposed on the substrate, together defining an applicator assembly, each applicator element comprising: an applicator member (420; 520, 520-1, 520-2; 620; 720; 840) having a length substantially orthogonal to an exterior surface of the substrate, a first portion of the length extending from the exterior surface of the substrate and a second portion of the applicator member (420; 520, 520-1, 520-2; 620; 720; 840) extending through the substrate, wherein the first portion defines a first end and the second portion defines a second end opposite the first end; and an applicator surface defined by the first end, each applicator element further comprising: an actuator, disposed on the substrate and operatively coupled to the applicator member (420;520, 520-1, 520-2; 620; 720; 840), the actuator being configured to reposition the applicator surface relative to the outer surface by moving the applicator member (420; 520, 520-1, 520-2; 620; 720; 840).;

2. The applicator assembly device (110, 120; 220; 440; 960) of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a shape memory alloy, a micromotor, an electromagnetic coil, a pneumatic circuit, or a piezoelectric material.

3. The applicator assembly device (110, 120; 220; 440; 960) of claim 1, wherein the applicator member further comprises a spring assembly mechanically coupled with the second portion to oppose movement of the applicator surface toward the outer surface.

4. The applicator assembly device (110, 120; 220; 440; 960) of claim 1, wherein each applicator element further comprises a flexible material disposed on the applicator surface.

5. The applicator assembly device (110, 120; 220; 440; 960) of claim 4, wherein the flexible material comprises a porous material.

6. The applicator assembly device (110, 120; 220; 440; 960) of claim 1, wherein: the applicator assembly device (110, 120; 220; 440; 960) further comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation in an energy range, the source being optically coupled with the applicator assembly; each applicator member (420; 520, 520-1, 520-2; 620; 720; 840) comprises an optical material that is substantially transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the energy range; and each applicator member (420; 520, 520-1, 520-2; 620; 720; 840) is optically coupled with the source to conduct the electromagnetic radiation to the applicator surface.

7. The applicator assembly device (110, 120; 220; 440; 960) of claim 1, wherein each applicator element further comprises an electroactive polymer actuator disposed at the first end, the electroactive polymer actuator comprising: a first electrode; an electroactive polymer layer electronically coupled with the first electrode; and a second electrode, electronically coupled with the electroactive polymer layer, wherein the electroactive polymer actuator transitions between a first position and a second position in accordance with a voltage applied to the electroactive polymer layer; and a flexible layer covering the electroactive polymer actuator and defining the applicator surface, wherein the applicator surface is recessed into the applicator member (420; 520, 520-1, 520-2; 620; 720;840) when the electroactive polymer actuator is in the second position, and wherein the applicator surface projects from the first end when the electroactive polymer actuator is in the first position.;

8. The applicator assembly device (110, 120; 220; 440; 960) of claim 1, further comprising: a pigment reservoir; and a fluid conduit coupled with the pigment reservoir; wherein the applicator member (420; 520, 520-1, 520-2; 620; 720; 840) further comprises a channel coupled with the pigment reservoir via the fluid conduit, the channel terminating at the applicator surface.

9. The applicator assembly device (110, 120; 220; 440; 960) of claim 1, further comprising: one or more processors; control circuitry electronically coupled to the one or more processors and the applicator members; and a non-transitory computer-readable memory in electronic communication with the one or more processors and storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations including: receiving a cosmetic drawing describing a configuration of the applicator members; and initializing the applicator assembly in accordance with the drawing, wherein initializing the plurality of applicator members includes repositioning a subset of the applicator members (420; 520, 520-1, 520-2; 620; 720; 840) relative to the exterior surface.

Images