Predictive Application for an AI-Powered Hair Treatment Dispensing Device

Abstract

Predictive Application for an AI-Powered Hair Treatment Dispensing Device A hair care formulation dispensing system includes a communication device that includes processing circuitry capable of taking a photo of a user's hair, uploading the photo to an application on a communication device, applying an algorithm to the photo to detect one or more hair characteristics, sensing one or more environmental conditions with one or more sensors, and recommending a hair care treatment regimen of one or more hair care formulas based on the one or more hair characteristics, and the one or more environmental conditions.The system also includes one or more cartridges containing one or more hair care formulas, and a dispensing device configured to dispense one or more hair care formulas from the one or more cartridges based on the hair care treatment regimen. Figure for abstract: 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Predictive application for an AI-powered hair treatment dispensing device SUMMARY

[0001] The following describes a personalized hair care formula and hair color recommendation application for use at home that works with localized trends, social media, environmental factors, hair characteristics, and user photography, and is communicatively coupled to a specialized dispenser for dispensing the recommended or desired hair care formulations and colors. In some embodiments, the ingredients in the dispenser allow the hair care product to be instantly mixed to achieve the user's preferred end result and then conveniently transported.

[0002] 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 to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for dispensing hair care formulations comprising:

[0004] one or more cartridges containing one or more hair care formulas;

[0005] a communication device that includes processing circuitry configured to:

[0006] uploading a digital image of a user's hair into an application on a communication device;

[0007] applying an algorithm to the digital image to detect one or more hair characteristics;

[0008] sensing one or more environmental conditions with one or more sensors; and

[0009] recommending a hair care treatment regimen of one or more hair care formulas based on the one or more hair characteristics, and the one or more environmental conditions; and

[0010] a dispensing device configured to dispense one or more hair care formulas from the one or more cartridges based on the hair care treatment regimen.

[0011] According to particular embodiments, the system comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any combination: technically possible: - the processing circuitry is further configured to install a user profile before taking a digital image of a user's hair; - establishing the user profile includes responding to a user questionnaire, the user questionnaire provides the user with a series of inputs, and the series of inputs includes a prior hair treatment, desired hair quality, or a hair concern; - the processing circuitry is further configured to diagnose one or more hair conditions with an artificial intelligence algorithm; - recommending the hair care regimen further includes creating the hair care regimen based on one or more other users having similar hair characteristics, similar environmental conditions, or a combination of both; - the recommendation of the hair care regimen further includes the analysis of the one or more hair care formulas to ensure that there are no adverse interactions between the one or more hair care formulas; - the recommendation of the hair care regimen further includes analyzing the one or more hair care formulas and the one or more hair characteristics of the user to ensure that there are no adverse interactions between the one or more hair care formulas and the user's hair; - the processing circuitry is further configured to accept feedback from the user on the user's favorite formulations to improve the AI ​​algorithm; - the processing circuitry is further configured to adjust a recipe of the hair care formula(s) based on a determination of daily air quality; and - the processing circuitry is further configured to adjust a recipe of the hair care formula(s) based on a determination of daily UV exposure. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] 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 drawings which accompany it, in which:

[0013] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a perspective overview of an exemplary hair care dispensing device, in accordance with the present technology;

[0014] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an example of a cartridge, in accordance with the present technology;

[0015] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a top-down view of a basic example of a hair care dispensing device, in accordance with the present technology;

[0016] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a diagram showing an exemplary primary process sequence of a hair care formulation process, in accordance with the present technology;

[0017] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a process diagram showing an exemplary process for selecting a hair care formulation, in accordance with the present technology;

[0018] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a diagram showing an example of a connected hair care delivery system, in accordance with the present technology;

[0019] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is an example of a system for dispensing hair care formulations, in accordance with the present technology;

[0020] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents an example of a system for dispensing a hair color, in accordance with the present technology.

[0021] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is an example of a system for dispensing hair formulations, in accordance with the present technology;

[0022] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is an example of a hair care regimen as prescribed by a hair care delivery system, in accordance with the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] 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.

[0024] The application (“app”) disclosed below is configured to operate in conjunction with an AI-enabled, motorized cartridge system that creates customized hair care formulations. In operation, the user may take a photo, or upload a photo, of their hair with a communication device, such as a smartphone camera, and open the app on the smartphone. In some embodiments, the app uses AI to analyze the user's hair, including but not limited to general hair condition, damage, color, copper content, presence of lice, humidity, texture, and / or dandruff. In some embodiments, the app also assesses environmental conditions that may influence the condition of the user's hair. Examples of conditions include, but are not limited to, UV index, air quality, pollen, weather, temperature, and humidity.

[0025] In some embodiments, the app also evaluates user inputs, including current hair color, previous hair treatments, hair length, and hair texture. In some embodiments, the user may select specific hair concerns, such as moisture, curl, texture, UV protection, or color. In some embodiments, the user's selection may include a questionnaire, giving the user a set of prompts to answer in order to determine which products would best suit their specific needs.

[0026] In one embodiment, the app provides suggestions based solely on the data analyzed in the photo. In one embodiment, the app provides suggestions based on suggestions provided to other users with similar hair characteristics and environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the app creates a regimen of hair care products. In some embodiments, this hair care regimen is a daily recommendation. In other embodiments, this regimen is a weekly or monthly regimen of recommended products.

[0027] In some embodiments, a customized blend of high-performance hair care products is then dispensed in a determined dose at the top of the device, into a dispensing chamber. In some embodiments, this dose is a single dose for a single application. In some embodiments, there are sufficient doses for a weekly number of applications, for example, seven doses for all seven days of the week. In some embodiments, one or more hair care blends are dispensed.

[0028] With regular use, the AI ​​platform can evaluate the appearance of a user's hair over time, and a user's hair treatment history, helping users identify what works, and calibrating future formulas. The AI-powered system can optimize the effectiveness of personalized formulas. By regularly taking photos, users enable the intelligent system to recognize the effects of the hair care formula and adjust the dosage of active ingredients accordingly. However, in some embodiments, the user can override the system's recommendations if they are looking for a specific product.

[0029] In one embodiment, the hair care formulation process incorporates real-time trend information as well as color matching technology, in the case of hair dyes and root touch-ups, in its personalized product offerings, as described below. In some embodiments, a user may create their own personalized hair dyes or hair care formulations based on their personal characteristics such as skin tone and eye color. In some embodiments, the dispensing device may dispense hair color as well as other hair care materials necessary for the hair color, such as a bleach or colorant. In some embodiments, the dispensing device may dispense other hair care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, serum, masks, lice treatment, leave-in products, and mousse.

[0030] In some embodiments, the dispensing system is configured to accept three cartridges containing a hair care material, but in other embodiments, the number of cartridges may be more or less. In some embodiments, the cartridges slide into the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the cartridges snap into the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the cartridges may contain one or more active ingredients beneficial for hair care, such as zinc oxide or tea tree oil, etc. In some embodiments, the cartridges are color-coded or have a specific shape to allow the user to better distinguish them from one another.In some embodiments, the cartridges have an RFID or QR code so that the dispensing device can determine what hair care material is inside the cartridge.

[0031] In some embodiments, the dose of hair care formula is a single dose. In some embodiments, the user can double or triple this dosage with an additional squeeze. In some embodiments, the dispensing device can prescribe a weekly regimen that the user can receive daily. In some embodiments, the dose of hair care formula is sufficient for the entire weekly regimen. In one embodiment, the cartridge contains one or more hair or scalp treatment formulations. Examples of treatment formulations include a permanent hair dye; a semi-permanent hair dye; a developer; a conditioner; a hair growth treatment, such as minoxidil manufactured under the trade name ROGAINE.RTM.; a protein hair treatment; a disulfide bond repairing hair treatment, such as OLAPLEX.RTM.; a hair flow treatment; a scalp flow treatment, and the like. Although any hair and scalp treatment formulation is suitably applied using embodiments of the apparatus described herein, the present disclosure generally . reference to a hair color formulation as an example of a treatment formulation applied by the apparatus described below. However, it should be appreciated that any of the hair and scalp treatment formulations listed are interchangeable with the coloring formulation described herein. See, for example, US20190098974.

[0032] In one embodiment, the app generates a user experience based on one or more inputs indicative of a hair type; a hair or scalp goal; climate, exposome, or geolocation information; a hair and scalp cleansing, conditioning, and styling regimen; and the like.

[0033] In one embodiment, the app generates a user experience based on one or more inputs indicative of a scalp condition. Examples of scalp conditions include: dandruff, dry scalp, irritated skin, oily skin (seborrheic dermatitis), presence of Malassezia, scalp eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair care products, and the like.

[0034] In one embodiment, the app generates a user experience based on one or more inputs indicative of hair type. Examples of hair type include twisted hair, defined curls or spirals, straight hair, wavy hair, and the like.

[0035] In one embodiment, the app generates a user experience based on one or more inputs indicative of hair color. Examples of hair color include black, blonde, brown, gray, red, silver, white, and the like.

[0036] In one embodiment, the app generates a user experience based on one or more inputs indicative of hair condition, hair porosity, hair elasticity, hair width, hair health, and the like.

[0037] Examples of hair or scalp purposes include: adding shine, body, and volume; caring for color-treated hair; coloring your hair; defining curls; growing longer, stronger hair; moisturizing hair; removing buildup; removing sebum; smoothing hair; treating damage; treating frizz, and the like.

[0038] [Fig. 1] is a perspective overview of an exemplary hair care dispensing device 100, in accordance with the present technology. The visible portion of the hair care dispenser 100 includes a base 102. The base 102 provides support for a dispenser body 106. In some embodiments, the base 102 provides power to the device, for example with an electrical cord (not shown in [Fig. 1]). A dispensing container 108 is disposed above the dispenser body 106, a power button (not shown in [Fig. 1]) may be disposed partially within the dispenser body 106 such that the dispenser body 106 secures placement of the power button, and a lighted indicator button (not shown in [Fig.l]) may be disposed partially within the dispenser body 106 such that the dispenser body 106 secures placement of the lighted indicator button. The lighted indicator button may be a mechanical or capacitive touch-type button. The dispenser body 106 may provide a base for the dispensing container 108.

[0039] [Fig. 2] depicts an exemplary cartridge, in accordance with the present technology. The cartridge 114 has a round, cylindrical body and a nozzle 160 at a first end. The nozzle 160 is further disposed near a cartridge key 132. The cartridge 114 contains and dispenses a quantity of hair care material into the dispensing container 108 as needed. In some embodiments, the cartridge 114 dispenses the hair care material by rotation of a cartridge gear while the cartridge 114 remains in place substantially vertically along the Y-axis. A circumferential groove 270 is provided at a second end of the cartridge 130 and is used to secure the cartridge 114 in the dispensing device 100.

[0040] A quantity of hair care material is released from the cartridge 114 through the tip 160 by a first rotational movement of the first end relative to the second end of the cartridge 114. The rotational movement of the first end of the cartridge 114 in a second direction, opposite the first rotational movement, may close the tip 160 of the cartridge 114.

[0041] [Fig. 3] is a top-down view of an exemplary base of a dispensing device, in accordance with the present technology. In one embodiment, the base 102 is to be connected to the body 106 of the dispensing device 100 in a manner that allows it to be rotated open to expose a plurality of cartridge openings 140. In some embodiments, the base 102 is removed entirely to access the cartridge openings 140. In some embodiments, the base 102 is attached to the body 106 by a hinge, screw, magnet, or other fastening mechanism. As illustrated, one or more cartridges 130 may be inserted into the plurality of cartridge holes 140. Although three cartridge holes 140 are illustrated in [Fig. 3], any number of cartridge holes 140 may be located in the body 106 of the dispensing device 100.

[0042] A nozzle 160 of each cartridge 114 is disposed within one of the cartridge holes 140. Various additional substructures and covers may be disposed between the internal components of the hair care dispenser 100 and the dispenser body 106.

[0043] [Fig.4] is a diagram showing an example of a process sequence primary processes of a hair care formulation process 400, in accordance with the present technology. The examples provided herein each include three cartridges 114, although the same process may be used by the hair care dispenser 100 equipped with any number of cartridges 114. The hair care formulation process 400 includes a detection process S410, a selection process S420, and a dispensing process S430. An additional mixing process S440 may be performed by a user.

[0044] The detection processes S410, the selection process S420 and the dispensing process S430 are performed by the hair care dispensing device 100 based on commands received from a controller (not shown), the controller sending data to the user and receiving input from the user via the smart device 300 (as shown in [Fig.6]) or by indicators on the hair care dispensing device 100 itself.

[0045] [Fig. 5] is a process diagram showing an exemplary process S420 for selecting a hair care formulation, in accordance with the present technology. Process S420 includes a process for selecting a hair care formulation. Process S420 includes steps for identifying possible combinations of hair care formulations based on the type and amounts of hair care materials present in the hair care dispenser 100, as established by the detection process S410.

[0046] In one embodiment, process S420 includes a step 422a allowing the user to select a hair care formulation based on color matching in a photo, a step 422b allowing the user to select a hair care formulation based on recommendations or to select a hair care formulation based on another process. US Patent 8,634,640, describes a method of selecting a color from an image or photo in a camera or electronic device, and using color reference data to substantially match the color.

[0047] In one embodiment, a step 422d is based on a user selecting a set of hair care formulations that are possible for the types and amounts of hair care materials present in the hair care dispenser 100, or a step 422c allows the user to select from a broader set of hair care material inventory 204 that is possible for the types and amounts of hair care materials that the hair care dispenser 100 is capable of using.

[0048] In another example, a step 423 of process S420 includes the ability for a user to select a desired dose unit 118. Varying the dose unit 118 may change the set of hair care formulations available to inside the hair care dispenser 100 if a larger quantity of one or more hair care materials is required than is available to dispense a specific quantity of a dosage unit 118 for a specific hair care formulation.

[0049] For example, in the case of a hair color or root touch-up, if cartridge A contains a yellow hair care material, cartridge B a red hair care material, and cartridge C a green hair care material, and only one dose unit 118 of cartridge A remains, the user will not be able to choose to dispense any combination of dose units 118 and hair care formulation requiring more than one dose unit 118 of yellow hair care material.

[0050] In another embodiment, a hair diagnosis (sometimes referred to herein as a hair profile) may be performed to provide a recommended plurality of predetermined qualities that the user may select based on an analysis of the user's hair characteristics. The hair diagnosis determines an appropriate hair care formulation for the user based on an imaging operation performed on the user's hair.

[0051] For hair care formulations that are possible but not available based on the results of the detection process S410, the hair care dispenser 100 may communicate to the user the hair care materials needed to dispense those hair care formulations.

[0052] In one example, at step 424, the user selects a dosage unit 118 of a currently unavailable hair care formulation. Step 424 may determine which hair care materials, such as the type of cartridges 114, are needed to mix and dispense the selected hair care formulation.

[0053] In another example, step 424 may determine which additional hair care formulations may become available if a specific cartridge 114 is replaced with a full but otherwise identical cartridge 114. In another example, step 424 may determine which additional hair care formulations may become available if a cartridge 114 is replaced with another cartridge 114 containing a different hair care material.

[0054] Step 425 determines whether to proceed to step 426 to prompt the user to confirm and continue dispensing a hair care formulation or to proceed to step 427 to signal which cartridge(s) 114 are needed to dispense the desired cosmetic formulation, based on the result of step 425.

[0055] Once the dispensing process S430 is complete, the user can perform the process S440 of manually mixing the released cosmetic material, producing the requested hair care formulation.

[0056] [Fig. 6] is a diagram showing an example of a connected hair care dispensing system, in accordance with the present technology. A system 600, which implements the hair care dispenser 100 described above, includes at least the hair care dispenser 100 and a connected communication device 300. Optionally, the system may also include one or more external servers 410 that are implemented as part of a cloud computing environment. Further, the system may optionally include a hair care material inventory 204 which is an inventory of possible hair care materials that can be inserted into the hair care device 100.

[0057] The connected device 300 may be a personal computer (PC), a laptop, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a smartphone, a tablet, a UMPC (ultramobile personal computer), a netbook, or a notebook-type personal computer. In the examples below, the connected device 300 is assumed to be a tablet, such as an Apple iPad.

[0058] The connected communication device 300 is capable of wireless communication with the hair care dispenser 100 by means of wireless communication interface circuitry on the hair care dispenser 100. However, the communication device 300 is also capable of having a wired connection with the hair care dispenser 100 by means of a USB interface on the apparatus 100. In addition, each device, including the hair care dispenser 100, can communicate with each other and with the one or more external devices through an Internet connection via an 802.11 wireless connection to a wireless Internet access point, or a physical connection to the Internet access point, such as through an Ethernet interface.Each connected communication device 300 is capable of wireless communication with other devices, for example via a Bluetooth connection or other wireless means as well.

[0059] The connected communication device 300 is configured to receive information from a user to generate a hair care formulation that will be used by the hair care dispenser 100 to dispense a hair care material into a dispensing container 108.

[0060] [Fig. 7] shows an exemplary system 700 for dispensing hair care formulations in accordance with the present technology. The system 700 includes the dispenser 710 (such as the cosmetics dispenser 100), a user smartphone device 720 (such as the communication device 300), and a cloud platform 730. The smartphone is shown to include two functional blocks of installing the smartphone application ("app") 721 and using the smartphone app 722. Installing the app for smartphone 721 involves establishing initial setup information to configure a user profile of the user, as described below. The setup information can then be used when the smartphone application is used and can also be sent to the cloud platform 730 for use in sending a selection of styles relevant to the user.

[0061] Use of the smartphone application itself may include the user actually making selections that result in the determination of a color, quality, or quantity of hair care material and performing interactive communication with the dispenser, such as sending the recipe to the dispenser and tracking the status of the dispenser (such as inventory and remaining volume of cartridges in the dispenser). The smartphone application also performs interactive communication with the cloud platform.For example, the smartphone application may receive the selection of relevant styles as described above, provide direct feedback from the user about the styles that the cloud platform has previously sent, and notify the cloud platform of the colors and recipes actually selected by the user and distributed by the distributor. Such feedback may provide a form of machine learning to the cloud platform and improve the algorithms used by the cloud platform.

[0062] [Fig. 8] depicts an exemplary system 800 for dispensing hair color in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the exemplary system may also dispense hair color for root touch-ups, and hair care materials associated with the hair color, such as bleach and colorant.

[0063] In some embodiments, the system suggests a trendy hair color to the consumer after analyzing trends on social media by combining favorite colors, tastes, geolocation, favorite influencers, previous selection, likes, etc. In some embodiments, the user can choose a color based on a style, try it on virtually, and adjust it if necessary to produce the formula on the spot with a connected dispenser (such as the hair care dispenser 100). It is also possible to suggest a color based on the user's outfit scanned with a selfie photo. The consumer can save their favorite colors and share them with their virtual community. In some embodiments, the user can save previous dispensed colors to continue coloring their hair to that desired shade.

[0064] In operation, the user smartphone ultimately provides a recipe to the dispensing device via a smartphone application (“app”). The smartphone app interacts with both the connected dispenser and a cloud platform. Before a user performs normal operations (use) of the smartphone app, the app must be installed 820 with installation information to set up a user profile. Installation of the app may be based on the following multiple installation inputs including an onboarding questionnaire (such as favorite color, previous color treatments, hair length, hair texture, etc.), social media credentials (such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, etc.), favorite influencers to suggest similar hair colors, geolocation to determine local fashion, and environmental data (UV index, pollution, humidity, pollen).

[0065] The installation entries are used during regular use of the app on the smartphone, but they are also transmitted to a cloud platform, which may be an external server device connected via the Internet.

[0066] Actual use of the smartphone app 810 includes selecting a hair color selection mode. In this example, the modes include a mode for selecting a social media trend recommendation by algorithms that are executed in the cloud platform (discussed in more detail below). Another mode allows the user to create their own hair color using a wide variety of color options.

[0067] Another mode may allow the user to match a hair color to their "style" based on a self-portrait photo. In this example, the shade and finish selection in the photo is extracted. The user may virtually try on the hair color in real time and adjust the presented color. In some embodiments, the user may decide whether or not to additionally dispense other formulations for dyeing their hair, such as a bleach or colorant.

[0068] Once the recipe is sent to the dispenser and the hair color shade is dispensed, the user can apply the hair color. In some embodiments, the app provides instructions on how to use the products in the most effective manner.

[0069] Following the use of the hair color, the user can use the app to provide feedback on whether or not he or she liked the result. The user can also save his or her favorite style and color for future use, and the user can share his or her style and color on the web via a social media platform. In addition, the user can save the fact and date of coloring his or her hair so that the app can remind him or her to touch up your roots, re-dye your hair, or recommend specific products for color-treated hair, such as color-safe shampoo and conditioner.

[0070] The cloud platform implements functions shown at 830, such as a remote algorithm workflow and an improvement process.

[0071] In the workflow performed by the cloud platform, personal social media accounts (influencers, trending styles, etc.) may be harvested to find data related to hair colors. The cloud platform may then perform comparisons of an extracted color with the most popular colors among one or more user communities, while taking into account user installation inputs received from the user's smartphone device. Taking into account all the collected data, the final step is for the cloud platform to send the user the results of the analysis in the form of the selection of relevant styles mentioned above. In some embodiments, the application may analyze these inputs and ensure that there will be no adverse reactions related to these mixed products.In some embodiments, the app may analyze the user's hair photo to ensure that the products will not have an adverse effect on the user's hair. In some embodiments, the app may warn the user about the possibility of achieving their desired hair color (e.g., warn the user that it may take multiple hair color treatments to go from black hair to blonde hair).

[0072] In the improvement process performed by the cloud platform and the smartphone app, the user can save their favorite styles and "like" popular colors to enrich the harvesting algorithms for relevant recommendation later. The cloud platform can further aggregate user feedback, and the platform can send new users the most trending colors in their region.

[0073] The operations of the dispenser at block 840 are already described above, but are summarized as follows. The dispenser receives an order to dispense a certain proportion of each cartridge. The dispenser dispenses it into a dispensing container (such as dispensing container 108) and the user can mix it to achieve the desired color. In some embodiments, the dispenser may dispense other hair care formulations to assist in dyeing the user's hair, such as a bleach or colorant. In some embodiments, the hair care formulations are dispensed separately, one formulation after the other. In some embodiments, the hair care formulations are dispensed simultaneously. The dispenser returns the remaining inventory of formulas to the consumer app to ensure that only dispensable colors are available in the user interface when the user makes a selection.

[0074] [Fig. 9] is an example of a system 900 for providing hair care formulations to the user, in accordance with the present technology. The system illustrated in [Fig. 9] may prescribe the most effective hair care formulation for the user based on their geolocation, environmental factors, personal preferences, desired results, UV exposure, and hair characteristics or hair diagnostics assessed with a smartphone. In some embodiments, the system is able to adjust the proportions of active ingredients to achieve the most effective recipe on a daily basis. In some embodiments, the system prescribes a hair care regimen. In some embodiments, the hair care regimen is a daily regimen. In some embodiments, the hair care regimen is a weekly regimen (as shown in [Fig. 10]).The user can save his favorite formulations and share them with his virtual community.

[0075] In operation, a user's smartphone ultimately provides a recipe to the dispensing device via a smartphone app. The smartphone app interacts with both the connected dispenser and a cloud platform. Before a user performs normal operations (use) of the smartphone app, the app must be installed 910 with setup information to configure a user profile. The app installation may be based on one or more setup inputs, including a welcome questionnaire (such as desired hair quality, hair length, previous hair treatments, hair concerns, etc.), hair care analysis by a hairdresser or by AI algorithms with a self-portrait, geolocation based on the location detection function of the smartphone, and / or environmental data (UV index, pollution, humidity, pollen, etc.).

[0076] The installation entries are used during regular use of the app on the smartphone, but they are also transmitted to a cloud platform, which may be an external server device connected via the Internet.

[0077] Effective use of the 920 smartphone app includes the collection of geolocation-based environmental data and combining it with a smartphone diagnosis assessing hair characteristics (oily hair, gray hair, dullness, lice, dandruff, etc.)

[0078] In some embodiments, the user may also collect data from a UV sensor, such as a wearable UV sensor described in U.S. Patent No. 10,060,787, which will provide an accurate measurement of cumulative UV exposure. received. Based on historical hair assessment data and environmental factors, the app will process the ideal formulation to protect a user's hair from overexposure to UV radiation.

[0079] In some embodiments, the app compares user input and environmental factors around the user and recommends one or more hair care formulations based on choices made by users with similar hair characteristics, desired results, and environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the app ensures that there will be no adverse reactions between the recommended products and the user's hair. In some embodiments, the application ensures that there will be no adverse reactions between the recommended products themselves.

[0080] When the user is satisfied with the formulation, they can press a button displayed on the app to dispense the formula and an internal neural network will decompose the requested formulation into different cartridge ingredients. Once the recipe is sent to the dispenser and the formulation is dispensed, the user can apply the formulation. The user can provide feedback on their favorite formulations for a specific period of time.

[0081] The cloud platform implements the functions shown at 930, such as a remote algorithm workflow and an improvement process. In the workflow performed by the cloud platform, based on environmental forecasts on UV, pollen, pollution, temperature, specific notifications are sent to the app user to adjust the recipe. Further, given an input of the user's geolocation, which may provide a determination of air quality using a tool such as Breezometer™ and a forecast of the local UV index (or UV exposure obtained based on a UV sensor as described above), the cloud platform may adjust the recipe to respond to environmental factors such as UV exposure and air quality.

[0082] In the improvement process carried out by the cloud platform and the smartphone app, the user can save his favorite recipes that are most effective over time or that achieve the results desired by the user. The user can also share his recipes with the community.

[0083] The cloud platform may then aggregate all user feedback and send new users the most trending formulations in their area. In some embodiments, the cloud platform may send recommendations to other users with similar hair characteristics in the same general locality.

[0084] The operations of the dispenser at block 940 are already described above, but are summarized as follows. The dispenser receives an order to dispense a certain proportion of each cartridge. The dispenser dispenses the top portion, and the user can mix it to achieve the desired formulation. Finally, the dispenser returns the remaining formula inventory to the consumer app to ensure that only dispensable ingredients are available in the user interface when the user makes a selection.

[0085] [Fig. 10] is an example of a hair care regimen as prescribed by a hair care delivery system, in accordance with the present technology.

[0086] In some embodiments, the app recommends a hair care regimen to a user based on their previous hair treatments, hair characteristics, and environmental conditions. A weekly regimen is illustrated, but the prescribed regimen may be of any duration, e.g., daily or monthly.

[0087] In some embodiments, the app may use knowledge of a user's prior treatment or use of the dispensing device to shape the regimen. In some embodiments, the app may use a user's environmental conditions, such as pollution, UV exposure, and pollen. In some embodiments, the app may use the user's hair characteristics (such as color, texture, or length) or a hair diagnosis (such as lice, oily hair, or dandruff) to shape the regimen. In some embodiments, the app may use the user's preferences (such as the number of weekly showers or a user's favorite products).In some embodiments, the app may recommend a regimen based on the regimen of another user with similar hair characteristics, environmental factors, and / or preferences. In some embodiments, the app may use known product recommendations and product time periods to shape the regimen (such as a manufacturer's recommendation to use a hair mask instead of a conditioner twice a week). In some embodiments, the app may use calendar data and user input relating to specific dates (such as a date night on a specific Friday) to shape the regimen (i.e., prescribing a hair mask the day before, or a hair gel for styling the same day).In some embodiments, the potential for adverse reactions between the hair care products themselves, or between the hair care products and the user's hair, is used to shape the regimen. In some embodiments, the app may use a combination of some or all of the described methods to create a regimen. In some embodiments, the hair care formulations are dispensed daily. In some embodiments, the hair care formulations are dispensed . allocated for the entire regimen, i.e. enough doses for the week, month, etc.

[0088] In the example shown in [Fig. 10], an example weekly regimen has been prescribed to a user. On Monday, the user dispenses a hair color, along with a colorant and a bleach to facilitate coloring. In some embodiments, the user may inform the app that they have applied the hair color, so that the app may prescribe touch-ups to the user's dyed hair, as shown on Sunday of the example regimen.

[0089] On Tuesday, the app prescribes a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner. In some embodiments, the app may use the user's dispensing and application of hair color to shape the regimen. In some embodiments, the app may use the user's saved preferences to recommend a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner.

[0090] On Wednesday, the application does not prescribe any product. In some embodiments, this may be based on user preferences. In some embodiments, this may be based on a manufacturer's recommendations (e.g., the prescribed specific color-protecting shampoo should only be used three times per week).

[0091] On Thursday, the application prescribes a color-protecting shampoo and a hair mask. Again, this may be done based on a manufacturer's recommendation or the user's personal preference. In some embodiments, the hair mask recommendation may be based on the absence of adverse reactions between the prescribed color-protecting shampoo and the specific hair mask.

[0092] On Sunday, a root touch-up formula is prescribed. This may also be recommended based on a manufacturer's recommendation or the user's personal preference.

[0093] In some embodiments, a regimen may be prescribed based on environmental factors. For example, the app may recommend a hair care formulation with zinc oxide when environmental sensors detect a certain amount of UV exposure for the user based on their location.

[0094] In some embodiments, the regimen may be prescribed based on other users having similar hair characteristics and environmental conditions. For example, the app may prescribe a hair care formulation with zinc oxide based on the preference of another user living in the same general location.

Claims

Claims

1. A hair care formulation dispensing system comprising: one or more cartridges containing one or more hair care formulas; a communication device (300) that includes processing circuitry configured to: upload a digital image of a user's hair into an application on a communication device (300); apply an algorithm to the digital image to detect one or more hair characteristics; sense one or more environmental conditions with one or more sensors; and recommend a hair care treatment regimen of one or more hair care formulas based on the one or more hair characteristics, and the one or more environmental conditions;and a dispensing device (100) configured to dispense one or more hair care formulas from the one or more cartridges based on the hair care treatment regimen, the processing circuitry further configured to install a user profile prior to taking a digital image of a user's hair, establishing the user profile including responding to a user questionnaire, wherein the user questionnaire gives the user a series of inputs, and wherein the series of inputs includes a prior hair treatment, desired hair quality, or a hair concern.;

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to diagnose one or more hair conditions with an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein recommending the hair care regimen further comprises creating the hair care regimen based on one or more other users having similar hair characteristics, similar environmental conditions, or a combination of both.

4. A system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the Hair care regimen recommendation further includes analysis of the one or more hair care formulas to ensure that there are no adverse interactions between the one or more hair care formulas.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein recommending the hair care regimen further comprises analyzing the one or more hair care formulas and the one or more hair characteristics of the user to ensure that there are no adverse interactions between the one or more hair care formulas and the user's hair.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to accept feedback from the user about the user's favorite formulations to improve the AI ​​algorithm.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to adjust a recipe of the one or more hair care formulas based on a determination of daily air quality.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to adjust a recipe of the one or more hair care formulas based on a determination of daily UV exposure.

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