GRAY HAIR DETECTION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM
The hair coloring system uses image processing and probabilistic analysis to detect gray or natural hair and apply dye precisely, addressing the challenge of manual detection and application.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022001845
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-03-03
AI Technical Summary
It can be challenging to accurately detect gray or natural hair color, especially in individuals with lighter hair, and to apply hair dye to specific, localized areas without manual effort.
A hair coloring system comprising a device with a processor, an infrared camera, and an optical sensor that captures images of the user's hair, assigns probabilities to each pixel as desired, unwanted, or scalp hair, and applies hair color via an applicator to pixels exceeding a set probability threshold.
The system enables precise detection and localized application of hair dye, ensuring that only unwanted hair areas are colored, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of hair coloring processes.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: GRAY HAIR DETECTION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM ABSTRACT
[0001] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are described in more detail herein in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0002] As people age, their hair often begins to turn gray or white. In some cases, it can be difficult to determine where the gray hair is located, especially if the person has a lighter hair color. Additionally, when people dye their hair, their natural hair color eventually begins to appear at the hairline. As a result, there is a need for systems that can diagnose gray or natural hair color and apply dye to a specific, localized area. This document describes exemplary devices and methods that can detect gray hair and apply localized hair dye to the gray hair.
[0003] In one aspect, a hair coloring system is disclosed, the system comprising at least one cartridge containing a hair color, a hair coloring device configured to receive the at least one cartridge; and a processor communicatively coupled to the hair coloring device, wherein the processor is configured to view an image of a user's hair, define a probability threshold of an unwanted hair color, assign a probability to each pixel of the image as being: desired hair, unwanted hair, or scalp, wherein the desired hair has a desired color and wherein the unwanted hair has an unwanted color, and apply the hair color to the one or more pixels that exceed the probability threshold of the unwanted hair color via an applicator on the hair coloring device.
[0004] In another aspect there is disclosed a method of coloring hair using the system of any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising viewing an image of a user's hair, setting a probability threshold of an unwanted hair color, assigning a probability to each pixel of the image as being desired hair, unwanted hair, or scalp, wherein the desired hair has a desired hair color, and in wherein the unwanted hair has the unwanted hair color, and applying the hair coloring to the one or more pixels that exceed the probability threshold of the unwanted hair color via an applicator on the hair coloring device. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] The foregoing aspects and numerous related advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0006] [Fig.lA] and [Fig.lB] Figures 1A and 1B are examples of hair coloring devices, in accordance with the present technology;
[0007] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an interior view of an exemplary hair coloring device, in accordance with the present technology;
[0008] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a flowchart of a hair coloring process, in accordance with the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] 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.
[0010] Described herein are systems and methods for detecting hair that has an unwanted color and applying a hair dye to that localized hair or area. In some embodiments, the unwanted color is gray or white hair. In some embodiments, the unwanted color is the user's natural hair color. In some embodiments, a user may move the hair coloring device over their hair to detect the unwanted hair. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device includes an infrared camera and an optical sensor for capturing an image of the user's hair as they move the device over their hair.In some embodiments, the hair coloring device may detect unwanted hair, desired hair, and the user's scalp using image processing. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device then applies hair color to the unwanted hair based on the processed images of the user's hair. In one embodiment, the user actuates a user input to instruct the hair coloring device to apply the hair color.
[0011] In one embodiment, the hair coloring device is communicatively coupled to a communication device, such as a telephone. intelligent. In some embodiments, the user may instruct the hair coloring device to begin taking images or applying hair coloring through an interface on the communication device. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device or the communication device may alert the user that hair coloring is about to be applied.
[0012] In some embodiments, the hair coloring device is configured to accept one or more cartridges containing a hair color. In some embodiments, the hair color is a semi-permanent, quasi-permanent, permanent, or temporary hair dye. In some embodiments, the cartridge further contains a hair coloring treatment, such as an oxidant or a toner. In some embodiments, a second cartridge contains the hair coloring treatment. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device applies the hair coloring treatment before applying the hair dye. In some embodiments, the user exchanges cartridges to apply the hair coloring treatment before applying the hair dye.
[0013] Figures 1A and 1B are examples of hair coloring devices 100, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 has a form factor similar to that of a hairbrush or comb. The hair coloring device 100 may include a body 105, a cartridge 110, and an applicator 190. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 also includes a handle 125. In some embodiments, the handle 125 and the body 110 are removably attached, but in other embodiments, the handle 125 and the body 110 are integral. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 includes a user input 135.
[0014] As illustrated in [Fig.lA], the hair coloring device 100 may include a cartridge 110. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 may include more than one cartridge 100. In some embodiments, the cartridge 110 may be attached to the body 105 of the hair coloring device 100, as illustrated in [Fig.lA], but in some embodiments, the cartridge may be disposed within the body 105 of the hair coloring device 100, as illustrated in [Fig.2]. In still other embodiments, the cartridge 110 may be located on another portion of the hair coloring device 100, for example, inside or on the handle 125.
[0015] In some embodiments, the cartridge 110 contains a hair color. In some embodiments, the hair color is a semi-permanent hair dye, but in other embodiments, the hair color is a semi-permanent hair dye. pillaire may be a temporary hair dye. In some embodiments, the hair color is a permanent or near-permanent hair color. In some embodiments, the system further includes a second cartridge 110 containing a hair color treatment. In some embodiments, the hair color treatment is a toner. In some embodiments, the hair color treatment is an oxidant. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 110 may accept more than one cartridge 110: one for the hair color, and one for the hair color treatment. In some embodiments, the hair dye and the hair color treatment may both be within the same cartridge 110, but the cartridge is separated into chambers to prevent mixing.In some embodiments, each chamber may align with a separate applicator 190 so that they may be dispensed separately. In some embodiments, the hair treatment is applied prior to the application of the hair color.
[0016] In some embodiments, the cartridge 110 includes an identifier, such as a QR code or an RFID tag, so that the hair coloring device 100 can identify the hair dye color, the hair dye type, or the hair coloring treatment type. In some embodiments, the hair dye color in the cartridge 110 can inform the desired hair color, as described in [Fig. 2].
[0017] Although the user input 135 is illustrated as a button in [Fig. 1A], the user input 135 may take any number of forms including a switch or a capacitive touch-type button. In operation, the user may actuate the user input to begin the imaging process described in detail herein. In some embodiments, the user may further actuate the user input to instruct the device to apply the hair treatment and / or hair coloring.
[0018] In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 includes a plurality of bristles 115. In some embodiments, the bristles are configured to brush the user's hair. In operation, the plurality of bristles 115 may brush the user's hair to detangle and smooth the user's hair, to separate the user's hair into manageable sections for imaging, and to provide a therapeutic massage to the user's scalp.
[0019] In some embodiments, such as those illustrated by FIGS. 1A and 1B, the applicator 190 is disposed among the bristles. In some embodiments, the applicator is a mechanical pump. In some embodiments, the applicator is a solenoid pump. In some embodiments, the applicator is a microfluidic pump. In some embodiments, the applicator is a mechanical pump. In some embodiments, there is more than one applicator 190 on the hair coloring device 100. In some embodiments, all of the applicators 190 dispense the same hair coloring to different locations. In some embodiments, the applicators 190 may dispense different formulas, i.e., one applicator 190 dispenses a hair coloring, while another applicator 190 dispenses a hair coloring treatment. In some embodiments, the user may attach a hair coloring treatment cartridge to the hair coloring device, apply the treatment, and then exchange the cartridge for a hair coloring cartridge, so that the same applicator can dispense the hair coloring treatment and the hair coloring device.In operation, when a user brushes their hair with the hair coloring device 100, hair color may be dispensed by the applicator onto one or more hairs whose color is not desired, thereby dyeing a localized and precise portion of the user's hair.
[0020] [Fig. 2] is an interior view of an exemplary hair coloring device 100, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 has a form factor similar to that of a comb. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 includes a cartridge 110, an accelerometer 120, a gyroscope 130, a contact sensor 150, a processor 160, a contact pin 165, a battery 170, an infrared camera 175, a light source 180, and an optical system 185 disposed within the body 105 of the hair coloring device 100.
[0021] The illustrated hair coloring device 100 includes an accelerometer 120 and a gyroscope 130. In some embodiments, the accelerometer 120 and the gyroscope 130 are communicatively coupled to the processor 160. In operation, the accelerometer 120 measures the vibration or acceleration of the hair coloring device in the x, y, and z directions to determine the orientation of the hair coloring device 100. The gyroscope 130, in operation, similarly senses the angular velocity and orientation of the hair coloring device 100.
[0022] In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 includes a contact sensor 150, communicatively coupled to the processor 160. In some embodiments, the contact sensor is also communicatively coupled to a contact pin 165. In some embodiments, the contact sensor 150 communicatively coupled to the contact pin 165 on the hair coloring device 100 is configured to sense the proximity of a user's hair. In some embodiments, the contact pin 165 is located on one or more of the plurality of bristles 115. In operation, when a user brushes their hair with the hair coloring device 100, the contact pin 165 detects the proximity between the plurality of bristles 115 and the user's scalp (not shown in [Fig. 2]). The contact pin may communicate this proximity to the contact sensor 150, which may also communicate with the processor 160, to determine whether the plurality of bristles 115 are in close enough proximity to the scalp to apply the hair coloring. Although only one contact pin 165 is shown in [Fig. 2], the hair coloring device 100 may include any number of contact pins 165, including a contact pin 165 on each of the plurality of bristles 115 on the hair coloring device 100.In some embodiments, each individual contact pin 165 provides separate proximity so that hair color is applied by the applicator(s) 190 only to the area in sufficient contact with the scalp.
[0023] In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 includes a battery 170. Although the battery 170 is described in more detail, the hair coloring device may include other power sources, e.g., capacitors. In one embodiment, the battery 170 is a rechargeable battery 170 configured to receive power from an external source when, for example, the power supply of the rechargeable battery 170 is depleted. In another embodiment, the battery 170 is a single-use battery 170. In one embodiment, a useful life of the single-use battery 170 corresponds to an intended usage interval of the hair coloring device 100. As it is used over time, the hair coloring device 100 may become worn, dirty, or no longer be able to provide its intended benefits.In this regard, when the single-use battery 170 becomes depleted, the hair coloring device 100 may be configured to signal to a user that the hair coloring device 100 is ready to be replaced, cleaned, reconditioned, and the like.
[0024] In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 further includes an infrared camera 175, a light source 180, and an optical system 185 communicatively coupled to the processor 160. In some embodiments, the light source 180 and the infrared camera 175 are communicatively coupled to the optical system 185. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device further includes an optical system configured to determine whether the lighting conditions are suitable for viewing the user's hair. In some embodiments, the optical system 185 can sense whether the user is in suitable lighting conditions for detecting hair of an unwanted color on the user's head with the infrared camera, as further described in [Fig. 3]. If it is determined that the user is not in adequate lighting conditions, the light source 180 may illuminate the user's hair to better detect hair of an unwanted color. If this illumination is still not sufficient to detect the user's hair, for example if the user is in a dark room, the hair coloring device 100 may alert the user to move to another location. After determining that the lighting conditions are adequate to detect the user's hair, the infrared camera may view an image of the user's hair.
[0025] When the user brushes or combs their hair with the hair coloring device 100, the infrared camera views images of the user's hair. The processor can then assign a probability to each pixel in each image as being either (1) desired hair, (2) unwanted hair, or (3) scalp based on the color of each pixel. In some embodiments, the desired hair is hair that has a desired color that a user wishes to have for their hair. In some embodiments, the desired color is the color of the hair dye in the cartridge 110 of the hair coloring device 100.In some embodiments, a user may select the desired hair color, either with a user interface on the hair coloring device or with a separate communication device communicatively coupled to the hair coloring device. In some embodiments, unwanted hair is hair that has an unwanted color. In some embodiments, the unwanted color is selected from gray or white. In some embodiments, the unwanted color is the user's natural hair color, such as when a user's roots grow out after a user dyes their hair.
[0026] In some embodiments, the processor 160 sets a probability threshold to determine whether or not to apply hair coloring to pixels that have a probability of being unwanted hair. In some embodiments, the probability threshold is hard-coded into the processor 160. In some embodiments, the probability threshold may be adjusted based on user preference or need. For example, the threshold may be higher if the desired hair color and the unwanted hair color are not very distinct from each other, such as when a user is trying to dye their dark brown hair black. Similarly, the threshold may be lowered when the desired hair color and the unwanted hair color are distinct from each other, such as when a user is trying to dye their blond hair black. In some embodiments, the probability threshold may be adjusted based on user preference or need. lization, the probability threshold is set to 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%. If the probability assigned to the pixel exceeds the probability threshold, the processor 160 instructs the applicator 190 to apply the hair color to that specific area. In some embodiments, the processor 160 may detect one or more strands of hair based on line segments of pixels. In this case, if the average of the pixels within the strand of hair exceeds the probability threshold, the processor 160 may instruct the applicator 190 to apply the hair color to the specific strand of hair.
[0027] In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 includes a plurality of bristles 115. In some embodiments, the plurality of bristles are spaced apart with a varying pitch distance such that more or less hair is separated by the plurality of bristles 115. In some embodiments, the plurality of bristles 115 are hollow. In some embodiments, only one or more bristles 115a, 115b, 115c of the plurality of bristles 115 are hollow. In some embodiments, one or more bristles 115a, 115b, 115c are disposed on one or more applicators 190, such that when the applicators apply hair color, the hair color is applied through the one or more bristles 115a, 115b, 115c. Although three bristles 115a, 115b, 115c are illustrated, any number of bristles may be disposed on the one or more applicators 190, including all of the bristles 115.
[0028] [Fig. 3] is a flowchart of a hair coloring method, in accordance with the present technology. At block 300, the method begins. At block 310, the lighting conditions of a location are sensed. The light conditions may be sensed with a light sensor. In some embodiments, the light sensor is on a hair coloring device (such as hair coloring device 100). In other embodiments, the light sensor is on a communication device, such as a smartphone or tablet. In some embodiments, the optical system takes a light reading of the surrounding area to ensure that it will be able to view the user's hair as described herein.In some embodiments, the hair coloring device includes a light source that turns on if the optical system detects that the light conditions are less than adequate. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device, the communication device, or both alert the user to move to more optimal conditions to begin viewing. In some embodiments, the user triggers the light sensor reading by actuating a user input on the hair coloring device or the communication device.
[0029] At block 320, the user's hair is visualized. In some embodiments lization, the user's hair is viewed with an infrared camera on the hair coloring device, but in other embodiments, the user's hair is viewed with a communication device. In some embodiments, the user can move the hair coloring device over their hair to capture their entire hair. In some embodiments, the user can select a particular location, such as the hairline, to move the hair coloring device there.
[0030] At block 330, the infrared camera views images of the user's hair. The processor may then assign a probability to each pixel in each image as being either (1) desired hair, (2) unwanted hair, or (3) scalp. In some embodiments, the processor assigns the probability based on the color of the pixel. In some embodiments, the processor assigns the probability based on segments detected in the image. In another embodiment, the processor assigns the probability based on both the color of the pixel and the segments detected in the image. As described herein, the desired hair has a desired hair color. The desired hair color may be selected by the user or match the color of the hair dye in the cartridge of the hair dye device.In some embodiments, unwanted hair is hair that has an unwanted color. In some embodiments, the unwanted color is gray or white. In some embodiments, the unwanted color is the user's natural hair color, such as when a user's roots grow out after a user dyes their hair. In some embodiments, the unwanted hair color is any color distinct from the desired hair color.
[0031] In some embodiments, the processor 160 may set a probability threshold to determine whether or not to apply hair color to pixels that have a probability of being unwanted hair. In some embodiments, the probability threshold is hard-coded into the processor 160. In some embodiments, the probability threshold may be adjusted based on user preference or need. In some embodiments, the probability threshold is set to 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%. If a pixel exceeds the probability threshold, the processor 160 instructs the applicator 190 to apply the hair color to that specific area. In some embodiments, the processor 160 may detect one or more strands of hair based on lines of pixel segments.In this case, if the average of the pixels within the segment exceeds the probability threshold, the processor 160 can instruct the applicator 190 to apply the hair color to the specific strand.
[0032] Optionally, at block 340, the hair coloring device senses its proximity with the user's hair with a contact sensor. In some embodiments, the proximity of the user's hair is sensed with a contact sensor to ensure that the hair color will only be applied to the one or more unwanted hairs. In some embodiments, the user may move the device closer to their hair to ensure that the hair care material is applied, as described herein, to the target areas. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device or the communication device alerts the user to move the hair coloring device closer to or further from their hair.
[0033] Optionally, at block 351, the hair coloring device alerts the user that it is about to begin applying the hair coloring and / or hair coloring treatment. In some embodiments, the alert is an auditory alert. In some embodiments, the alert is a tone or a flashing LED. In some embodiments, the alert is issued on the communication device instead of the hair coloring device. Alternatively, at block 352, the hair coloring device waits to apply the hair coloring and / or hair coloring treatment until it receives a command from the user. In some embodiments, the command is given by the user by actuating a user input. In some embodiments, the user input is a button, touchpad, or switch.In some embodiments, the command is given with the communication device, for example by a user actuating the touchscreen of the communication device in response to a notification or pop-up window on the communication device.
[0034] At block 360, the hair color and / or hair color treatment is applied to the user's hair in the detected locations. In some embodiments, the user may move the hair coloring device over their hair to apply the hair color and / or hair color treatment. In some embodiments, block 360 occurs simultaneously with blocks 330 and 340, such that when the hair coloring device detects the one or more hairs and ensures that it is in proximity to the user's hair, it also applies the hair color and / or color treatment to the user's hair.
[0035] In operation, a user may move the hair coloring device over their hair, the hair coloring device may detect, for example, any gray hair the user may have and immediately apply hair coloring to the user's gray hair. Optionally, the user may move the hair coloring device over their hair multiple times to ensure that all gray hair they have is covered with dye.
[0036] At block 370, the method terminates.
Claims
Claims
1. A hair coloring system, the system comprising: at least one cartridge containing a hair coloring agent; a hair coloring device configured to receive the at least one cartridge; and a processor communicatively coupled to the hair coloring device, wherein the processor is configured to: view an image of a user's hair, via a camera, such as an infrared camera; define a probability threshold of an unwanted hair color; assign a probability to each pixel of the image as being: desired hair, unwanted hair, or scalp, wherein the desired hair has a desired color and wherein the unwanted hair has an unwanted color; and apply the hair coloring agent to the one or more pixels that exceed the probability threshold of the unwanted hair color via an applicator on the hair coloring device;wherein the hair coloring device further comprises an optical system configured to determine whether the lighting conditions are suitable for viewing the user's hair.;
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the hair coloring device further comprises a plurality of bristles configured to brush the user's hair.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein one or more of the plurality of bristles are hollow and disposed on the applicator such that when the applicator applies the hair color, the hair color is applied through the one or more bristles.
4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the applicator is a piezoelectric pump.
5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the applicator is a mechanical pump.
6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hair coloring device further comprises a contact sensor communicatively coupled to a contact pin on the hair coloring device configured to detect proximity to the user's hair.
7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Hair coloring is a semi-permanent hair dye, or a temporary hair dye.
8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the system further comprises a second cartridge containing a hair coloring treatment; wherein the hair coloring treatment comprises a toner or an oxidant.
9. A method of coloring hair using the system of any preceding claim, the method comprising: viewing an image of a user's hair; defining a probability threshold for an unwanted hair color; assigning a probability to each pixel of the image as being desired hair, unwanted hair, or scalp, wherein the desired hair has a desired hair color, and wherein the unwanted hair has the unwanted hair color; and non-therapeutically applying the hair color to the one or more pixels that exceed the probability threshold of the unwanted hair color via an applicator on the hair coloring device, the method further comprising determining whether the lighting conditions are suitable for viewing the user's hair.