Intelligent dynamic gesture stabilization for cosmetic applicators configured for users with limited mobility

Abstract

INTELLIGENT DYNAMIC MOTION STABILIZATION FOR COSMETIC APPLICATORS CONFIGURED FOR USERS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY A motion stabilization device is proposed for stabilizing a cosmetic applicator. The motion stabilization device includes a motion stabilizer handle configured to receive an adapter that holds a cosmetic applicator for cosmetic application; and processing circuitry configured to detect a transition from a setup phase to an application phase of the cosmetic application process, and hold the cosmetic application in a fixed position when the transition is detected. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: Intelligent dynamic gesture stabilization for a cosmetic applicator configured for users with limited mobility DOMAIN

[0001] The present disclosure describes a system and features relating to a device for modifying, mitigating, changing, reducing, compensating for, or the like, the movement of a cosmetic applicator caused by involuntary movements, tremors, or the like of a user. CONTEXT

[0002] Involuntary movements of the human body or human tremors can occur in people suffering from motor disorders or even in healthy people. Due to these involuntary movements, a person may have difficulty performing a task that requires care and precision, such as applying a cosmetic composition to a part of the body, in particular the face, hands or feet.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a solution that allows the application of a cosmetic composition compatible with the diverse and disposable nature of cosmetic applicators. SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, a motion stabilization device is provided for stabilizing a cosmetic applicator, comprising: a motion stabilizer handle configured to receive an adapter that carries a cosmetic applicator for cosmetic application; and processing circuitry configured to detect a transition from a setup phase to an application phase of the cosmetic application process, and hold the cosmetic application in a fixed position when the transition is detected.

[0005] In one embodiment, the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on a predetermined change in the movement patterns of the cosmetic applicator.

[0006] In one embodiment, the motion stabilization device further comprises a force sensor, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on a detected threshold amount of force placed on the cosmetic applicator.

[0007] In one embodiment, the motion stabilization device further comprises a torque sensor, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on a detected threshold torque amount placed on the cosmetic applicator.

[0008] In one embodiment, the adapter further includes a Hall effect sensor, and the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on the Hall effect sensor detecting that a cosmetic applicator has been inserted into the adapter.

[0009] In one embodiment, the motion stabilization device further comprises an onboard camera and / or a proximity sensor, and the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition upon detection by the camera and / or the proximity sensor that the cosmetic applicator has moved toward a target area of ​​the cosmetic application.

[0010] In one embodiment, the motion stabilization device further comprises a microphone, and the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on audible user input indicating that the application phase has begun.

[0011] In one embodiment, the motion stabilization device further comprises a switch, and the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on a user activation of the switch indicating that the application phase has begun.

[0012] In one embodiment, the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on detecting that the motion stabilizing device is held in a singular position for a threshold duration.

[0013] In one embodiment, the processing circuitry is configured to provide a learning mode for learning the predetermined change in user-specific movement patterns, wherein in the learning mode the processing circuitry is configured to: (i) record movement patterns before the application phase begins (ii) receive user input directly indicating when the application phase has begun and record movement patterns during the application phase; (iii) receive user input directly indicating that the application phase has ended and record movement patterns after the application phase has ended. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] A more complete appreciation of the embodiments and numerous advantages associated therewith will be readily obtained, as the same will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0015] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] shows a motion stabilizing device.

[0016] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows how the motion stabilization device couples with an adapter and makeup applicator.

[0017] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] shows a diagram of the internal components of a motion stabilizing device.

[0018] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] shows a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the motion stabilizing device in which the receiving portion comprises an electromagnetic positioner instead of the driving elements shown in [Fig.3A].

[0019] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows an overview of a universal adapter handle connection system.

[0020] [Fig.5A] [Fig.5A] shows schematically a situation in which the motion stabilizer is in an establishment phase consisting of using the motion stabilizer device.

[0021] [Fig.5B] [Fig.5B] schematizes a situation in which the motion stabilizer is an application phase

[0022] [Fig.5C] [Fig.5C] shows the different phases of the process which are applicable to the device described above.

[0023] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows a flowchart of a process in which the motion stabilizer detects when the user has moved from the establishment phase to the application phase.

[0024] [Fig.7A] [Fig.7A] shows an option in which an actual movement pattern of manipulation of the motion stabilizer is analyzed and where the user's movements match expected movements for the application phase.

[0025] [Fig.7B] [Fig.7B] shows a scenario in which a time region indicates a particular change in the measurements of the X, Y and Z sensors relative to the application phase.

[0026] [Fig.8A] [Fig.8A] schematizes a situation in which a force is applied by the user on the flexible portion of the motion stabilizer handle to cause the cosmetic applicator to orient itself in the desired direction for cosmetic application.

[0027] [Fig.8B] [Fig.8B] shows a situation when the cosmetic adapter shown schematically in [Fig.4] is in use.

[0028] [Fig.9A] [Fig.9A] shows various components of the motion stabilizer and adapter.

[0029] [Fig.9B] [Fig.9B] shows the components included in the receiving portion of the motion stabilizer.

[0030] [Fig.9C][Fig.9D] Figures 9C-9D show how the proximity sensor is used to determine a phase.

[0031] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] shows a flowchart according to a learning method user movement patterns.

[0032] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a diagram showing how machine learning can help determine movement patterns that indicate a particular phase of use.

[0033] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] shows the use of the deep learning model once the training has reached an adequate level.

[0034] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] shows a system that includes a mobile user device, a motion stabilizer, and a server device.

[0035] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] shows the hardware components of a mobile user device.

[0036] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] shows the hardware components of a server device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present disclosure describes a cosmetic applicator system that minimizes, modifies, mitigates, changes, reduces, compensates for, or the like, inadvertent movement by stabilizing, orienting, operating, controlling, etc., an applicator for a user and is also designed to be flexible to accommodate different types of commercially available cosmetic applications. The present disclosure further describes a system and features for enhancing the functionality of such a cosmetic applicator system.

[0038] The basic features and operation of a motion stabilizing device for a cosmetic applicator are described in U.S. Patent No. 11,458,062.

[0039] [Fig.l] shows a conventional motion stabilizing device 1100, which serves as a base unit for receiving a cosmetic applicator according to one embodiment. The device 1100 includes a handle portion 1101, a receiving portion 1102 and a strap 1103. The receiving portion 1102 includes an interface 1104, shown as a male connector that couples with a cosmetic applicator, which will be discussed in detail below. The receiving portion may be used for communication between the base unit and the applicator. Connection to an adapter and / or an applicator may be achieved using a mechanical coupling, such as a screw-in or snap-in connection or using magnets.

[0040] [Fig.2] shows how the device 1100 couples with an adapter 1105 and a makeup applicator 1106. It can be seen that the adapter fits over the exposed end of the receiving portion 1102. The adapter includes electrical mating connectors (a female connector - not shown) in a recessed portion for making contact with the electrical interface of the receiving portion 1101.

[0041] As shown in [Fig. 2], the receiving portion 1102 is configured to contort, articulate, reposition, etc., between an upright position (as shown in [Fig. 1]) and a reclined posture (as shown in [Fig. 2]). This is accomplished using a hinge mechanism contained within the receiving portion 1102. [Fig. 2] shows that the hinge mechanism is a self-leveling / motion-stabilizing hinge.

[0042] [Fig. 3A] shows a diagram of the interior components of the device 1100 according to one embodiment. In the handle portion, the device includes a power source 1301, which may be a battery or the like. The device includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 1302, which may include position sensor circuitry 1307, reader circuitry 1308, control circuitry 1309, and communication interface 1310, as understood in the art.

[0043] For example, like sensor circuit 1307, the PCBA may include at least one inertial sensor and at least one distributed motion sensor to detect involuntary muscle movements and measure signals related to these involuntary muscle movements that are created when a user adversely affects the movement of the applicator. These sensors also detect movement of the stabilized output relative to the device. The control circuitry sends voltage commands to the motion generating elements (described below) in response to the signals to cancel the user's tremors or involuntary muscle movements. This cancellation maintains and stabilizes a position of the applicator, keeping it stable.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a system and method in accordance with the present invention may utilize various implementations of the control circuitry and sensor circuitry and which would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the control circuitry 1309 includes an electrical system capable of producing an electrical response from sensor inputs such as a programmable microcontroller or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In one embodiment, the control circuitry includes an ATMEGA8A 8-bit programmable microcontroller manufactured by Atmel due to its low overall cost, low power consumption, and ability to be used in high-volume applications.

[0045] In one embodiment, the at least one inertial sensor in the sensor circuit is a sensor including, but not limited to, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a combination of both. In one embodiment, the at least one motion sensor distributed in the sensor circuit is a non-contact position sensor including, but not limited to, a Hall effect magnetic sensor.

[0046] The system created by the combination of the sensor circuitry, the control circuitry, and the motion generating elements may be a closed-loop control system that senses motion and acceleration at various points in the system and transmits detailed information to a control algorithm that moves the motion generating elements appropriately to cancel out the net effect of a user's involuntary muscle movements and thereby stabilize the position of the applicator. The operation and details of the control system elements and the control algorithm are within the art, as described in US PG Publication 2014 / 0052275AL

[0047] The communication interface 1310 may include a network controller such as BCM43342 Wi-Fi, frequency modulation and a Bluetooth combo chip from Broadcom, for interfacing with a network.

[0048] In the receiving portion of the device, there may be two motor elements to enable three-dimensional movement of the receptacle as anti-shake movement. The two motor elements include a y-axis motor element 1303 and an x-axis motor element 1304, each connected to and controlled by the PCB A 1302. Each of the motor elements may be servo motors as understood in the art. The device further includes an end effector coupling 1305, which is configured to be coupled with the adapter 1105. The end effector coupling 1305 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader 1306, configured to read an RFID tag, which may be included with the applicator, as shown below.

[0049] [Fig. 3B] shows a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the device 1100 in which the receiving portion comprises an electromagnetic positioner 1311 instead of the driving elements shown in [Fig. 3A]. The electromagnetic positioner 1311 may have U-shaped magnetic cores 1312 arranged around a non-magnetic tube 1313, filled with a magnetic fluid 1314. Each of the magnetic cores has arm portions surrounded by windings 1315. The magnetic cores may be controlled by the control circuitry of the PCB A 1302 to act as a controllable active magnetic field generating structure which is used to generate a varying magnetic field which acts on the magnetic fluid, causing it to move, thereby allowing the armature to be moved into the desired coordinate position and / or orientation.Details of the implementation of the electromagnetic positioner 1311 are found in U.S. Patent No. 6,553,161.

[0050] In the conventional motion stabilization device described above, there is a problem, namely that the interface 1104 which receives the adapter 1105 requires a specific attachment point to properly align with the interface.

[0051] Therefore, the embodiments below provide a universal adapter connection between the handle of the motion stabilization device to improve the user experience and reduce the difficulty and time required to configure the system for use.

[0052] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a cosmetic applicator. The cosmetic applicator may be used for a variety of cosmetic applications, including, but not limited to, mascara, eyeliner, eyebrow products, lip products (lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, etc.), skin and / or hair products. In one embodiment, the cosmetic applicator may include an adapter, wherein the adapter may connect the cosmetic applicator to a motion stabilizer. The motion stabilizer may be, for example, a handle that may prevent involuntary movements such as tremors or spasms. These movements may interfere with the application of cosmetic products and may also make general interaction with cosmetic applicators or tools difficult.For example, many cosmetic products require twisting motion or force to open or extrude the product. It may be difficult for users to achieve the range of motion or precision necessary to apply these forces to the cosmetic. In one embodiment, the cosmetic applicator may contain a cosmetic product and may allow the appropriate force to be applied to the cosmetic product to open, close, mix, stir, agitate, extrude, or achieve other similar functions necessary for application.

[0053] [Fig. 4] shows an overview of a universal adapter handle connection system 400. The basic features and operation of the universal adapter handle connection system 400 are described in co-pending U.S. applications 18 / 091,882; 18 / 091,920; 18 / 091,843; 18 / 091,925; 18 / 148,957; 18 / 148,880; and 18 / 148,930. The system includes a motion stabilizing device 150 that includes a handle portion 151 and a hinge portion 152 (receiving portion) that is functionally similar to the device 1100 shown in [Fig. 1]. It further includes a universal adapter 100 which attaches to the device 150 and also contains different types of cosmetic product applicators.

[0054] Currently, the device described above does not know when the user is applying makeup or establishing positioning. This can cause difficulties in controlling the position of the device once it begins applying makeup, because the device will sometimes continue to move when it does not intend to move (i.e., wants it to remain stationary in space once it begins application). The device must understand when the user transitions from establishing the orientation of the device to actually applying makeup.

[0055] These features below provide a solution for detecting (either automated or by user input) when the user moves from the establishment to the application. When the application is detected, the device pauses / maintains its orientation in space to allow the user to perform a precise and controlled application. This does not mean that the device will be held static in a fixed state, but rather that the position of the applicator will attempt to remain stationary in space while the motion stabilizer makes constant adjustments to account for involuntary movements of the user's hands.

[0056] [Fig.5A] schematically illustrates a situation in which the motion stabilizer is in an establishment phase of using the motion stabilizer device. In this phase, the user may be attempting to attach the cosmetic applicator to the motion stabilizer and does not yet wish the motion stabilizer to be oriented and held in the position required for application of the cosmetic product.

[0057] [Fig.5B] schematizes a situation in which the motion stabilizer is in an application phase and the user is ready for the motion stabilizer to be oriented and maintained in the position required for the application of the cosmetic product.

[0058] [Fig.5C] shows the various phases of the process that are applicable to the device described above. Phase 501 involves inserting a cosmetic applicator (such as a lipstick) into an adapter on the device. Phase 502 involves the user grasping the device to begin using it. Phase 503 involves bringing the device into the target application area (such as a user's lips). Phase 504 involves the actual application of the cosmetic product to the target application area. Finally, phase 505 involves removing the applicator from the target area and completing the process.

[0059] The embodiments below provide a solution for detecting (either automated or by user input) when the user transitions from setting to applying. When application is detected, the device will pause / maintain its orientation to allow the user to perform a precise and controlled application. The device must understand when the user transitions from setting the device's orientation to actually applying makeup. Once this is detected, the device will maintain its current orientation until the application is completed or otherwise directed by the user.

[0060] The features described below allow for: (i) stable positioning of the device once the application is launched; (ii) increased user confidence that the device will do what it intends to do; and (iii) potentially less user interaction, which improves accessibility for users who have fine motor problems or pain

[0061] [Fig.6] shows a flowchart of a process in which the stabilizer of motion stabilizer detects when the user has transitioned from the establishment phase to the application phase. Upon such detection, the motion stabilizer will maintain the orientation of the cosmetic applicator in the proper position for cosmetic application (such as the position shown in [Fig.5B]). At step 601, the motion stabilizer is in the establishment phase, which may include the user lifting the motion stabilizer from a base unit and / or inserting the cosmetic applicator into the motion stabilizer. At step 602, the motion stabilizer detects a transition from the establishment phase to the application phase. Upon such detection, at step 603, the motion stabilizer will maintain the general orientation of the cosmetic applicator in the user's desired position for makeup application.Different options for performing the detection step in step 602 will be described below.

[0062] [Fig.7A] shows an option in which an actual movement pattern of manipulation of the motion stabilizer is analyzed and when the user's movements match expected movements for the application phase, the transition to the application phase is detected. [Fig.7A] shows an example of measurements taken by the accelerometer in the X, Y and Z directions during a movement of the motion stabilizer during a setup phase.

[0063] [Fig.7B] depicts a scenario in which a time region indicated by 3401 indicates a particular change in the measurements of the X, Y, and Z sensors relative to the application phase. Depending on the type of change, the motion stabilizer detects that the application phase has begun.

[0064] [Fig.8A] schematizes a situation in which a force is applied by the user on the flexible portion of the motion stabilizer handle to cause the cosmetic applicator to orient itself in the desired direction for cosmetic application. A force or torque sensor may be included in the motion stabilizer which detects a force or torque threshold which will indicate that the transition to the application phase is detected.

[0065] [Fig.8B] depicts a situation where the cosmetic adapter 100 shown schematically in [Fig.4] is in use. In this situation, there may not be a force that bends the flexible portion of the motion stabilizer by a significant amount, but rather the applicator may be twisted into the desired position. In this situation, a torque sensor is used to determine if a threshold amount of torque has been applied, which will indicate that the transition to the application phase is detected.

[0066] [Fig.9A] shows a situation in which the cosmetic adapter 100 includes a Hall effect sensor 910 that can detect the presence of a cosmetic applicator that has been inserted into the adapter. With this type of sensor, the application phase can be detected based solely on the insertion of the applicator if normally no further adjustment is made after insertion.

[0067] [Fig.9A] further shows that the cosmetic adapter 100 includes an on-board camera and / or a proximity sensor 920. With this type of sensor, detection of the application phase can be made based on a combination of inserting the applicator into the adapter and moving the adapter toward the user.

[0068] [Fig.9A] further shows that the motion stabilizer may include means allowing the user to directly input that the application phase has begun. For example, the motion stabilizer includes a microphone 930, which will allow the user to input voice commands to "hold" the applicator at the current position for the application phase. Alternatively, the motion stabilizer includes a slide switch 940, which will allow the user to directly toggle the motion stabilizer to hold its position for the application phase.

[0069] [Fig.9A] further shows that the motion stabilizer includes timer circuitry 950. The timer can be used to enter a "pause" mode if the device is held in a singular position for a threshold duration (i.e., 3 seconds).

[0070] [Fig.9B] shows additional details about the receiving portion 152. The receiving portion 152 includes a flex sensor 960, as understood in the art, for detecting forced flexing of the receiving portion when the user is in the establishment phase. The receiving portion further includes a torque / force sensor 970, as understood in the art, which can detect a force to twist or turn the adapter that is disposed on the receiving portion 152.

[0071] Figures 9C and 9D further illustrate how the onboard camera and / or proximity sensor 920 is used to detect the start of application and the end of the application phase. [Fig. 9C] shows (for the lipstick example) that the sensor 920 detects when the device is brought within X inches of a user, which can be used to detect the start of the application phase. [Fig. 9D] shows that the sensor further detects (after the application phase has started) that the device is moved outside the range of X inches from the user, which can be used to detect the end of the application phase.

[0072] Additionally, it was noted above for Figures 7A and 7B, that a change in the movement patterns may be detected to determine when an application phase is initiated. In connection with this feature, the apparatus may learn from a diagnostic process to determine a user's profile (i.e. types of movements made for their disability) and automatically recognize by their movements that the application is attempted.

[0073] For example, [Fig. 10] shows a flowchart according to this learning method. At step 1001, the motion stabilizer may be set to "learning mode," in which the user operates voice commands or the slide switch 940 to indicate when the application process has begun. During a predetermined number of uses, the motion stabilizer will record the movement patterns before the application phase has begun in the establishment phase (step 1002) and during the application phase after the user has entered the voice or switch command to hold the applicator in the correct configuration (step 1003).The user may also enter a "hold" (or similar) command or deactivate the slide switch to indicate that the application has ended, and the device will record movement patterns indicating that the application phase has ended (step 1004).

[0074] Although the above example describes a situation in which the user enters a learning phase to learn his or her own movement patterns, the user can also avoid the learning phase and exploit a "crowdsourcing" technique that takes advantage of the movement patterns of other users who have a similar profile or characteristics.

[0075] [Fig. 11] is a diagram showing how machine learning can help determine movement patterns that indicate a particular phase of use. During training, data is collected from previous users who have captured data as described above with a label corresponding to the phase of use. For example, a captured movement pattern representing the transition to the application phase may be input. However, any data captured from the aforementioned capturing mechanisms may be used. These inputs are provided at stage 1101, with the label of the phase (application phase in this example). Although the application phase is used in this example, data corresponding to one of the phases (such as setup or post-application) may be used and labeled appropriately.

[0076] Inputs are provided to a deep learning algorithm in step 1102. The deep learning algorithm used may be based on available software as known in the art, such as Tensorflow, Keras, Mxnet, Caffe, or Pytorch. The result of the labeled training will be a neural network in step 1103. The created neural network has nodes of each layer that are grouped together, the groupings overlap, and each grouping brings data to several nodes of the next layer.

[0077] [Fig. 12] shows the use of the deep learning model once training has reached an adequate level. This is called the “inference time” because the recommendation will be inferred from the unlabeled input data. It can be seen that the input stage does not have a label of the phase itself. Data inputs detected by a user are fed to the trained neural network at step 1202, which will provide an output at step 1203 of the phase that best fits the input data. With the neural network model described here, complex diagnostic results can be leveraged to determine a personalized motion stabilization profile for a user without having to devise predetermined manual adjustments.

[0078] [Fig. 13] shows a system 1300 according to one embodiment comprising a mobile user device 1310 and the motion stabilizer 1320 described above. The system further comprises a cloud server device 1330 that connects to both the smartphone and the motion stabilizer. The smartphone may be communicatively coupled with the motion stabilizer and receive any of the data captured by the motion stabilizer as described above. The smartphone may transmit data to the server device as needed. For example, the server device may be operated to analyze the data and make determinations based on the data, such as one of the determinations about the current phase, as described above.

[0079] Further, although the embodiments described above describe functionality performed by a server device 1330, it will be appreciated that the functionality may be performed by the user device 1310 or a personal computer (not shown) of the user.

[0080] [Fig. 14] is a more detailed block diagram illustrating a mobile user device 1310 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the user device 1310 is a smartphone. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described herein may be adapted for implementation on other devices (e.g., a laptop, tablet, server, e-reader, camera, navigation device, etc.). The exemplary user device 1310 includes a controller 3110 and a wireless communication processor 3102 connected to an antenna 3101. A speaker 3104 and a microphone 3105 are connected to a voice processor 3103.

[0081] The controller 3110 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs), and may control each element of the user device 1310 to perform functions relating to communication control, processing of audio signal, to the control of audio signal processing, to the processing and control of still and moving images and to other kinds of signal processing. The controller 3110 can perform these functions by executing instructions stored in a memory 3150. Alternatively or in addition to the local storage of the memory 150, the functions can be performed using instructions stored on an external device accessed over a network or on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. As described above in connection with Figure 16, the controller 3110 can execute instructions enabling the controller 3110 to function as the display control unit 3211, the operation management unit 3212 and the game management unit 3213 shown schematically in [Fig. 14].

[0082] Subsequently, a hardware description of the server device 1330 according to exemplary embodiments is made with reference to [Fig. 15]. In [Fig. 15], the server device 1330 comprises a CPU 1700 which performs the processes described above / below. The process data and instructions may be stored in the memory 1702. These processes and instructions may also be stored on a storage media disk 1704 such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a portable storage medium, or may be stored remotely. Furthermore, the claimed advances are not limited by the form of the computer-readable media on which the inventive process instructions are stored.For example, instructions may be stored on CD, DVD, in FLASH memory, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, hard disk, or any other information processing device with which the [device] communicates, such as a server or a computer.

[0083] Further, the claimed advances may be provided as a utility application, background daemon, or component of an operating system, or a combination thereof, executing in conjunction with the CPU 1700 and an operating system such as Microsoft Windows 7, UNIX, Solaris, LINUX, Apple MAC-OS, and other systems known to those skilled in the art.

[0084] The hardware elements to obtain the [device] may be realized by various circuitry elements, known to those skilled in the art. For example, the CPU 1700 may be a Xenon or Core processor from Intel of America or an Opteron processor from AMD of America, or may be other types of processors that would be recognized by those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the CPU 1700 may be implemented on an FPGA, ASIC, PLD or using discrete logic circuits, as would be recognized by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the CPU 1700 may be implemented as multiple processors working in parallel to execute the instructions of the inventive processes described above.

[0085] The [device] of [Fig. 15] also comprises a network controller 1706, such than an Intel Ethernet PRO network interface card from Intel Corporation of America, to interface with the 1717 network. As can be appreciated, the 1717 network may be a public network, such as the Internet, or a private network such as a LAN or WAN, or any combination thereof and may also include PSTN or ISDN subnets. The 1717 network may also be wired, such as an Ethernet network, or wireless, such as a cellular network including EDGE, 3G, and 4G wireless cellular systems. The wireless network may also be WiFi, Bluetooth, or any other known form of wireless communication.

[0086] The [device] further includes a display controller 1708, such as an NVIDIA GeForce GTX or Quadro graphics adapter from NVIDIA Corporation of America for interfacing with the display 1710, such as a Hewlett Packard HPL2445w LCD monitor. A universal I / O interface 1712 interfaces with a keyboard and / or mouse 1714 as well as a touchscreen panel 1716 on or separate from the display 1710. The universal I / O interface also connects to various peripherals 1718, including printers and scanners, such as a Hewlett Packard OfficeJet or DeskJet.

[0087] A sound controller 1720 is also provided in the [device], such as Creative's Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium, to interface with the speakers / microphone 1722 and thereby provide sounds and / or music.

[0088] The universal storage controller 1724 connects the storage media disk 1704 to the communication bus 1726, which may be an ISA, EISA, VESA, PCI, or the like, to interconnect all components of the [device]. A description of the general features and functionality of the display 1710, keyboard and / or mouse 1714, as well as the display controller 1708, storage controller 1724, network controller 1706, sound controller 1720, and universal I / O interface 1712 is omitted here for brevity because these features are known.

[0089] The above-mentioned features will give the user increased confidence that the device will do what it intends to do. By potentially requiring less user interaction, the above features improve accessibility for users who have fine motor or pain problems.

[0090] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

Claims

1. A motion stabilizing device (1100; 150) for stabilizing a cosmetic applicator, comprising: a motion stabilizer handle (1101; 151) configured to receive an adapter that carries a cosmetic applicator for cosmetic application; and processing circuitry (1302) configured to detect a transition from a setup phase to an application phase of the cosmetic application process, and hold the cosmetic application in a fixed position when the transition is detected.

2. The motion stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on a predetermined change in movement patterns of the cosmetic applicator.

3. The motion stabilization device of claim 1, further comprising a force sensor (970), wherein the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on a detected threshold amount of force placed on the cosmetic applicator.

4. The motion stabilization device of claim 1, further comprising a torque sensor (970), wherein the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on a detected threshold torque amount placed on the cosmetic applicator.

5. The motion stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the adapter further comprises a Hall effect sensor (910), and the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on the Hall effect sensor (910) detecting that a cosmetic applicator has been inserted into the adapter.

6. The motion stabilization device of claim 1, further comprising an onboard camera and / or a proximity sensor (920), and the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on the camera and / or the proximity sensor (920) detecting that the cosmetic applicator has moved to a target area of ​​the cosmetic application.

7. The motion stabilization device of claim 1, further comprising a microphone (930), and the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on audible user input indicating that the application phase has started.

8. The motion stabilization device of claim 1, further comprising a switch (940), and the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on a user activation of the switch indicating that the application phase has begun.

9. The motion stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to detect the transition based on detecting that the motion stabilization device is held in a singular position for a threshold duration.

10. The motion stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to provide a learning mode for learning the predetermined change in user-specific movement patterns, wherein, in the learning mode, the processing circuitry is configured to: (i) record movement patterns before the application phase has begun (ii) receive user input directly indicating when the application phase has begun and record movement patterns during the application phase; (iii) receive user input directly indicating that the application phase has ended and record movement patterns after the application phase has ended.