System and method for hair dyeing

Abstract

To provide a system configured to develop a dyeing protocol for changing a hair color of a customer to the desired target color.SOLUTION: A system 100 for changing a hair color of a customer from an initial color to a target color by scanning hair of the customer and distributing hair dye includes an input for reading the color measured by a scanning device, a processor for developing a dyeing protocol to change the hair color of the customer to the desired target color by comparing the measured color with the desired target color of the hair, and a dispenser 142 for distributing one or more formulations in accordance with the protocol.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 848,471, filed May 15, 2019, entitled "Electronic System for Hair Dyeing", U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 848,504, filed May 15, 2019, entitled "System and Method for Hair Dyeing", U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 848,438, filed May 15, 2019, entitled "System and Method for Displaying Hair Color", and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 848,498, filed May 15, 2019, entitled "System and Method for Applying Hair Color". The disclosures of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Background Art

[0002] Hair dyeing compositions are used to dye human hair. The color service is a highly profitable area in the salon industry and can constitute a significant portion of the cost structure of operating a salon. The ingredients used to make hair dyeing compositions are generally dispensed separately into containers such as tubes or bottles, enabling the stylist to create a custom blend for each customer. Furthermore, the ingredients of hair dyeing compositions are provided separately to extend their shelf life and avoid harmful chemical reactions that may occur when combined together.

[0003] Hair dyeing is a complex process. When dyeing a customer's hair, the stylist can determine the starting color of the customer's hair and decide which coloring chemicals to apply to the customer's hair to reach the target color. How much the stylist can lighten the customer's starting hair color Based on the identified hand, the application of the coloring chemical can result in the target color of the desired hair or can result in dramatically different outcomes. For example, differences in how different stylists identify the customer's starting hair color can affect whether the result of the coloring chemical is the target color of the desired hair or another hair color. Furthermore, some stylists lack the knowledge and skills required to select and mix components to obtain the appropriate color formulation ratio for a custom hair dye composition for the desired target hair color. These errors, mixing inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and "redo's" encourage more waste.

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0005] The systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure each have several innovative aspects, and only one of them is not solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0006] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in a system for performing hair dyeing. This system includes a scanning device that measures the color of a customer's hair and a hair dye dispensing system. The hair dye dispensing system has a first input that reads the color measured from the scanning device, a processor configured to compare the measured color with a desired hair target color and develop a dyeing protocol for changing the customer's hair color to the desired target color, and a dispenser that dispenses one or more formulations according to the protocol.

[0007] In some embodiments, the scanning device is a colorimeter, a spectrometer, a camera, a video camera, a digital imaging device, an image scanner, a frequency information capture device, and an optical scanner and includes one or more of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the scanning device scans the customer's hair and is configured to measure one or more of hair type, hair density, hair porosity (permeability), hair moisture level , and percentage of gray.

[0008] In some embodiments, the system further includes a memory circuit configured to store a library of lightness values including measured values of each hair color produced by one or more formulations dispensed by the dispenser. In some embodiments, the library includes a look-up table including maximum and minimum lightness values for each hair color produced by the one or more formulations dispensed by the dispenser. In some embodiments, measuring the customer's hair color includes measuring the lightness of the customer's hair and reading the measured color from the scanning device includes reading the measured lightness . In some embodiments, comparing the measured color to the desired hair target color includes identifying the measured color by comparing the measured lightness to the minimum and maximum lightness values in the look-up table.

[0009] In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system further includes a second input for receiving a desired target hair color from one or more of a user interface and a scanning device. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system includes one or more measured values of the customer's final hair color further includes a second input for receiving, and the processor is further configured to identify a difference between the customer's final hair color and the desired hair target color. In some embodiments, the aforementioned processor is further configured to update the one or more formulations based at least in part on the identified difference and to correlate the updated one or more formulations within the customer's profile. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a database including the measured color values and one or more characteristics of the hair of a plurality of customers. The scanning device is further configured to measure one or more characteristics of the customer's hair, and the first input reads the one or more characteristics from the scanning device and reads the measured color and one or more characteristics from the scanning device and the one or more characteristics of the hair of the plurality of customers. The processor is configured to develop the dyeing protocol based on a comparison between the measured one or more characteristics from the scanning device and the one or more characteristics of the hair of the plurality of customers. In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include one or more of hair health, hair color, hair type, hair density, hair thickness, hair permeability, hair moisture level, hair damage, previous formulations applied to the hair, and percentage of gray hair. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system further comprises a second input for receiving one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color, and the processor is further configured to store the received one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color in the database. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system is configured to

[0010] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a database including the measured color values and one or more characteristics of the hair of a plurality of customers. The scanning device is further configured to measure one or more characteristics of the customer's hair, and the first input reads the one or more characteristics from the scanning device and reads the measured color and one or more characteristics from the scanning device and the one or more characteristics of the hair of the plurality of customers. The processor is configured to develop the dyeing protocol based on a comparison between the measured one or more characteristics from the scanning device and the one or more characteristics of the hair of the plurality of customers. In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include one or more of hair health, hair color, hair type, hair density, hair thickness, hair permeability, hair moisture level, hair damage, previous formulations applied to the hair, and percentage of gray hair. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system further comprises a second input for receiving one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color, and the processor is further configured to store the received one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color in the database. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system is configured to measure one or more characteristics of the customer's hair, and the first input reads the one or more characteristics from the scanning device and reads the measured color and one or more characteristics from the scanning device and the one or more characteristics of the hair of the plurality of customers. The processor is configured to develop the dyeing protocol based on a comparison between the measured one or more characteristics from the scanning device and the one or more characteristics of the hair of the plurality of customers. In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include one or more of hair health, hair color, hair type, hair density, hair thickness, hair permeability, hair moisture level, hair damage, previous formulations applied to the hair, and percentage of gray hair. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system further comprises a second input for receiving one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color, and the processor is further configured to store the received one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color in the database. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system is configured to read the measured color and one or more characteristics from the scanning device and the one or more characteristics of the hair of the plurality of customers. The processor is configured to develop the dyeing protocol based on a comparison between the measured one or more characteristics from the scanning device and the one or more characteristics of the hair of the plurality of customers. In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include one or more of hair health, hair color, hair type, hair density, hair thickness, hair permeability, hair moisture level, hair damage, previous formulations applied to the hair, and percentage of gray hair. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system further comprises a second input for receiving one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color, and the processor is further configured to store the received one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color in the database. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system is configured to compare the measured one or more characteristics from the scanning device with the one or more characteristics of the hair of the plurality of customers and develop the dyeing protocol based on the comparison. In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include one or more of hair health, hair color, hair type, hair density, hair thickness, hair permeability, hair moisture level, hair damage, previous formulations applied to the hair, and percentage of gray hair. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system further comprises a second input for receiving one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color, and the processor is further configured to store the received one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color in the database. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system is configured to In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include one or more of hair health, hair color, hair type, hair density, hair thickness, hair permeability, hair moisture level, hair damage, previous formulations applied to the hair, and percentage of gray hair. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system further comprises a second input for receiving one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color, and the processor is further configured to store the received one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color in the database. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system is configured to include one or more of hair health, hair color, hair type, hair density, hair thickness, hair permeability, hair moisture level, hair damage, previous formulations applied to the hair, and percentage of gray hair. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system further comprises a second input for receiving one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color, and the processor is further configured to store the received one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color in the database. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system is configured to receive one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color, and the processor is further configured to store the received one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color in the database. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system is configured to store the received one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color in the database. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system is configured to ​​​​​​​​further comprising a second input for receiving one or more measurement values, wherein the processor is configured to update the database based on the one or more received measurement values of the customer's final hair color. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to develop a future dyeing protocol, at least in part based on the update of the database. In some embodiments, developing the future dyeing protocol includes improving the future dyeing protocol compared to the dyeing protocol to compensate for the one or more characteristics of the customer's hair. In some embodiments, compensating for the one or more characteristics of the customer's hair includes applying a model that determines how to develop the future dyeing protocol to compensate for the one or more characteristics of the customer's hair in view of the desired hair target color. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system further comprises a network interface configured to enable communication with one or more of the foregoing databases or another hair dye dispensing system. In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system is located within a first salon, and other hair dye dispensing systems are located within a second salon different from and remote from the first salon, and the hair dye dispensing system accesses a customer profile of a customer different from the customers of the customer profiles accessed by the other hair dye dispensing systems. In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to generate a customer profile of the customer and store the customer profile in the database, the customer profile including the measured color, the one or more characteristics from the scanning device, the desired hair target color, the customer ​ one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color, and an identifier for said customer.

[0011] In another embodiment, another system for dyeing hair is disclosed. The system includes a scanning device that measures the customer's hair color and one or more brands or lines of hair color. A database of spectral measurements related to hair color provided by hair dyes; and a dye dispensing system. The hair dye dispensing system is adapted to receive a dye from a device user interface. An input for a known formulation, the known formulation comprising a plurality of color terms, In said database of spectral measurements, one or more of said color terms of said known formulations are a processor configured to identify one or more associated spectral values; and and displaying a hair color associated with the known formulation based on the spectral measurements taken. a display, the display displaying the customer's image measured by the scanning device; The known formulation is applied to the customer's hair color to display the hair color.

[0012] In some embodiments, the scanning device is a colorimeter, a spectrum analyzer, a camera, a video cameras, digital imaging devices, image scanners, frequency information capture devices, and optical scanners In some embodiments, the scanning device is adapted to scan the customer's hair. It scans your hair and measures your hair type, hair density, hair permeability, hair moisture level and grey level. In some embodiments, the method is configured to measure one or more of the following: The database of spectral measurements includes a look-up table of colors and color characteristics. The input for the known formula includes one of a color formula or a color name, and the process The processor performs a calculation based on the concentration identified from applying the input to the lookup table. and generating a color of the hair for display. In the above, the database of spectral measurements is stored as a look-up table of colors and color characteristics. the input for the known formula includes one of a color formula or a color name, The processor determines the concentration identified from applying the input to the lookup table. based on said hair color for display.

[0013] In another aspect, a system for dyeing hair is disclosed. The system comprises: A scanning device that measures hair color and is provided with one or more brands or lines of hair dye. A database of spectral measurements related to the color of the hair provided and a hair dye dispensing system In some embodiments, the hair dye dispensing system comprises: an input for reading a measured color; comparing said measured color to a database of spectral measurements; and configured to identify a dyeing protocol for changing the customer's hair color to the measured color. and dispensing one or more formulations according to the identified protocol. It has a dispenser.

[0014] In some embodiments, one or more aspects of any of the above-described systems may be combined with any other or may be integrated with a corresponding system or aspect of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Here, embodiments of the disclosed invention are referred to in detail, and one or more examples thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings sheets. Note that each example is for explaining the present technology and does not limit the present technology is not. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the present technology without departing from the scope of the present technology and. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield yet another embodiment and. Therefore, the present subject matter is intended to cover all such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents .

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention measure the current color of a customer's hair using an electronic device and then accurately provide a hair dye composition that changes the customer's current hair color to a desired color using that information. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However, for a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. The systems and methods described herein may use a device that measures the customer's current hair color and then execute instructions to determine an appropriate composition to place on the customer's hair to reach the desired hair target color. In one embodiment, the device for measuring the customer's current hair color may be a handheld colorimeter device that performs a spectral analysis on the hair to return measurements of the levels of the primary colors reflected by the hair. However, other devices for measuring the customer's hair color are also contemplated. For example, in one embodiment, a stylist can take a high-resolution photograph of the customer's hair and perform an analysis of the colors in the digital image. In another embodiment, a stylist can take multiple photographs or videos and supply that data to the system for analysis of the customer's current hair color. Once the starting level of the customer's current hair color has been measured and the stylist consults with the customer about what the desired target color is, the stylist can input that desired color into the system. In one embodiment, the hair target color can be input into the system by entering the desired color, hue, or other color information. In another embodiment relates to systems and processes for A customer who wants a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However For a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. The systems and methods described herein use a device that measures the customer's current hair color and then execute instructions to determine an appropriate composition to place on the customer's hair to reach the desired hair target color. In one embodiment, the device for measuring the customer's current hair color may be a handheld colorimeter device that performs a spectral analysis on the hair to return measurements of the levels of the primary colors reflected by the hair. However other devices for measuring the customer's hair color are also contemplated. For example, in one embodiment, a stylist can take a high-resolution photograph of the customer's hair and perform an analysis of the colors in the digital image. In another embodiment, a stylist can take multiple photographs or videos and supply that data to the system for analysis of the customer's current hair color. Once the starting level of the customer's current hair color has been measured and the stylist consults with the customer about what the desired target color is, the stylist can input that desired color into the system. In one embodiment, the hair target color can be input into the system by entering the desired color, hue, or other color information. In another embodiment

[0018] a handheld colorimeter device that performs a spectral analysis on the hair to return measurements of the levels of the primary colors reflected by the hair. However other devices for measuring the customer's hair color are also contemplated. For example, in one embodiment, a stylist can take a high-resolution photograph of the customer's hair and perform an analysis of the colors in the digital image. In another embodiment, a stylist can take multiple photographs or videos and supply that data to the system for analysis of the customer's current hair color. Once the starting level of the customer's current hair color has been measured and the stylist consults with the customer about what the desired target color is, the stylist can input that desired color into the system. In one embodiment, the hair target color can be input into the system by entering the desired color, hue, or other color information. In another embodiment However, other devices for measuring the customer's hair color are also contemplated. For example, in one embodiment, a stylist can take a high-resolution photograph of the customer's hair and perform an analysis of the colors in the digital image. In another embodiment, a stylist can take multiple photographs or videos and supply that data to the system for analysis of the customer's current hair color. Once the starting level of the customer's current hair color has been measured and the stylist consults with the customer about what the desired target color is, the stylist can input that desired color into the system. In one embodiment, the hair target color can be input into the system by entering the desired color, hue, or other color information. In another embodiment a stylist can take a high-resolution photograph of the customer's hair and perform an analysis of the colors in the digital image. In another embodiment, a stylist can take multiple photographs or videos and supply that data to the system for analysis of the customer's current hair color. Once the starting level of the customer's current hair color has been measured and the stylist consults with the customer about what the desired target color is, the stylist can input that desired color into the system. In one embodiment, the hair target color can be input into the system by entering the desired color, hue, or other color information. In another embodiment a stylist can take a high-resolution photograph of the customer's hair and perform an analysis of the colors in the digital image. In another embodiment, a stylist can take multiple photographs or videos and supply that data to the system for analysis of the customer's current hair color. Once the starting level of the customer's current hair color has been measured and the stylist consults with the customer about what the desired target color is, the stylist can input that desired color into the system. In one embodiment, the hair target color can be input into the system by entering the desired color, hue, or other color information. In another embodiment By entering the desired color, hue, or other color information, the hair target color can be input into the system. The desired target color may be captured by entering the Pantone number into the system. In another embodiment, the target color may be captured from an existing photograph or image of a hair color printed in a magazine or other source. For example, a stylist can take a digital photograph of a hair color that a customer saw in a fashion magazine, and the system can use the captured color as the target color so that the customer can obtain the same color as seen in the magazine. Using the captured starting color and target color information, the system can process that information along with other information from the customer to determine an appropriate process for changing the customer's hair color. In one embodiment, the stylist will also collect auxiliary information regarding the current state of the customer's hair. For example, the stylist can collect measurements of dryness, thickness, overall hair health, and other measurements that can be used by the system to determine the correct protocol for reaching the target hair color. In some embodiments, the system may propose a protocol that includes a series of color applications that include compositions and treatments for different hair roots compared to the hair tips. In some embodiments, the system may propose to pre-lighten the hair with bleach as an initial step. The system guides the stylist through the process with the proposed formulations and treatments so that the final result is the desired target hair color. Once the stylist applies the formulations and treatments proposed by the system, the stylist can use a handheld sensor (or any of the methods described herein) to obtain

[0019] information regarding the result and adjust the process as necessary.

[0020] or any of the methods described herein) ) Perform a "post" measurement set to determine how close the customer's new hair color is to the desired target color. The system can record this result and use the data collected from the dyeing session to update the process and the coloring calculations and provide colors and procedures for improving future accuracy. Since each customer's hair is different, the final result can vary widely depending on the hair's health, thickness, permeability, gray range, damage, previous treatments, etc. In some embodiments, all of these data items are also collected by the stylist during the session, and as a result, the system can make appropriate decisions about the process and color and continuously improve the formulations and customized treatments for each individual customer. The dye dispensing devices, systems, and methods described herein distribute hair dyes with the ability to generate a relatively large number (e.g., about 16,000,000) of unique color formulations and a series of optional processes involving computer-controlled precision dispensing. The unique color formulations are created by skilled chemists, manufactured remotely in large batches at a factory, etc., and then may be packaged in recyclable, refillable, and reusable canisters. The dye dispensing devices, systems, and methods can dispense dyes such as a "base tone" or "base level" that can make up a majority of the color formulation dispensed, a "pure tone" or "tone value" that is a high-concentration dye of a specific color, and a "developer" that can be different strengths of peroxide and bleach. Combining these components creates unique color formulations. The dyes in the canister can be permanent dyes, semi-permanent dyes, non-permanent dyes, bleach /

[0021] The dye dispensing devices, systems, and methods described herein distribute hair dyes with the ability to generate a relatively large number (e.g., about 16,000,000) of unique color formulations and a series of optional processes involving computer-controlled precision dispensing. The unique color formulations are created by skilled chemists, manufactured remotely in large batches at a factory, etc., and then may be packaged in recyclable, refillable, and reusable canisters. The dye dispensing devices, systems, and methods can dispense dyes such as a "base tone" or "base level" that can make up a majority of the color formulation dispensed, a "pure tone" or "tone value" that is a high-concentration dye of a specific color, and a "developer" that can be different strengths of peroxide and bleach. Combining these components creates unique color formulations. The dyes in the canister can be permanent dyes, semi-permanent dyes, non-permanent dyes, bleach / The dye dispensing devices, systems, and methods described herein distribute hair dyes with the ability to generate a relatively large number (e.g., about 16,000,000) of unique color formulations and a series of optional processes involving computer-controlled precision dispensing. The unique color formulations are created by skilled chemists, manufactured remotely in large batches at a factory, etc., and then may be packaged in recyclable, refillable, and reusable canisters. The dye dispensing devices, systems, and methods can dispense dyes such as a "base tone" or "base level" that can make up a majority of the color formulation dispensed, a "pure tone" or "tone value" that is a high-concentration dye of a specific color, and a "developer" that can be different strengths of peroxide and bleach. Combining these components creates unique color formulations. The dyes in the canister can be permanent dyes, semi-permanent dyes, non-permanent dyes, bleach / The dye dispensing devices, systems, and methods described herein distribute hair dyes with the ability to generate a relatively large number (e.g., about 16,000,000) of unique color formulations and a series of optional processes involving computer-controlled It can be composed of a lightener, a color refresher, a temporary, a toner or a developer. Alternatively in an embodiment, the developer is not supplied into the canister or dispensed by a dye dispensing device, but is supplied into a conventional container. The canister is configured with an internal valve that allows substantially all of the dye within the canister to be dispensed without being contaminated. The system also includes functions for inventory management and communication. The dye dispensing device or system can be integrated with a data capture and chemical agent system, for example, via a network or a central server (such as a cloud-based application, a stand-alone server device, etc.), or directly through a direct connection. Next, the integration can automate inventory management by initiating an automated direct replenishment shipment of the canister. The dye dispensing system can be operated by a stylist using a control panel or application on a mobile device such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or web browser

[0022] The commands can be sent to the system from software operating on an online server or from a central server. such as. The dye dispensing system can be operated by a stylist using a control panel or application on a mobile device such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or web browser etc. The commands can be sent to the system from software operating on an online server or from a central server. In some embodiments, the dye formulation includes at least one dye and an indication of the amount of the dye. In some embodiments, a controller accesses the dye formulation from an internal database, an external database, or input by a user. In some embodiments, at least one canister is supported within at least one opening. In some embodiments, a trolley is configured to hold up to 50 canisters. In some embodiments, the device further includes an optical sensor. The optical sensor detects the position of at least one canister such as. The dye dispensing system can be operated by a stylist using a control panel or application on a mobile device such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or web browser such as. The commands can be sent to the system from software operating on an online server or from a central server. such as. The commands can be sent to the system from software operating on an online server or from a central server.

[0023] In some embodiments, the dye formulation includes at least one dye and an indication of the amount of the dye. In some embodiments, a controller accesses the dye formulation from an internal database, an external database, or input by a user. In some embodiments, at least one canister is supported within at least one opening. In some embodiments, a trolley is configured to hold up to 50 canisters. In some embodiments, the device further includes an optical sensor. The optical sensor detects the position of at least one canister In some embodiments, a controller accesses the dye formulation from an internal database, an external database, or input by a user. In some embodiments, at least one canister is supported within at least one opening. In some embodiments, a trolley is configured to hold up to 50 canisters. In some embodiments, the device further includes an optical sensor. The optical sensor detects the position of at least one canister In some embodiments, a trolley is configured to hold up to 50 canisters. In some embodiments, the device further includes an optical sensor. The optical sensor detects the position of at least one canister The device further includes an optical sensor. The optical sensor detects the position of at least one canister Do.

[0024] In some embodiments, the canister includes a valve, a nozzle, and a dye. When a downward force is applied to the selected canister, the valve opens and the dye is dispensed through the nozzle. When a downward force is applied to the selected canister, the valve opens and the dye is dispensed through the nozzle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a second dispenser having a second lever arm configured to be connected to a second actuator to provide a second protrusion. When the selected canister is aligned with the dispensing area, the second dispenser applies a downward force to the selected canister and dispenses the selected dye. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a second dispenser having a second lever arm configured to be connected to a second actuator to provide a second protrusion. When the selected canister is aligned with the dispensing area, the second dispenser applies a downward force to the selected canister and dispenses the selected dye. When the selected canister is aligned with the dispensing area, the second dispenser applies a downward force to the selected canister and dispenses the selected dye. When the selected canister is aligned with the dispensing area, the second dispenser applies a downward force to the selected canister and dispenses the selected dye.

[0026] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes an instrument that communicates with a controller. The instrument measures the dispensed amount of the selected dye, and the dispenser stops dispensing when the dispensed amount of the selected dye is equal to the amount of dye in the dye formulation for at least one of the dyes. In some embodiments of the method, the method further includes an instrument that measures the dispensed amount of the selected dye. The dispenser stops dispensing when the dispensed amount of the selected dye is equal to the amount of dye in the dye formulation for at least one of the dyes. The steps of measuring and stopping for each of at least one of the dyes are repeated until the dye formulation is complete. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes an instrument that communicates with a controller. The instrument measures the dispensed amount of the selected dye, and the dispenser stops dispensing when the dispensed amount of the selected dye is equal to the amount of dye in the dye formulation for at least one of the dyes. In some embodiments of the method, the method further includes an instrument that measures the dispensed amount of the selected dye. The dispenser stops dispensing when the dispensed amount of the selected dye is equal to the amount of dye in the dye formulation for at least one of the dyes. The steps of measuring and stopping for each of at least one of the dyes are repeated until the dye formulation is complete. The dispenser stops dispensing when the dispensed amount of the selected dye is equal to the amount of dye in the dye formulation for at least one of the dyes. The steps of measuring and stopping for each of at least one of the dyes are repeated until the dye formulation is complete. In some embodiments of the method, the method further includes an instrument that measures the dispensed amount of the selected dye. The dispenser stops dispensing when the dispensed amount of the selected dye is equal to the amount of dye in the dye formulation for at least one of the dyes. For each of at least one of the dyes, the steps of measuring and stopping are repeated until the dye formulation is complete. For each of at least one of the dyes, the steps of measuring and stopping are repeated until the dye formulation is complete.

[0027] In some embodiments, the alignment of the selected canister with the dispensing area is performed by a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the tray. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a shaft having an extension, and the dispenser is coupled to the extension. The alignment of the selected canister with the dispensing area is performed by a drive mechanism. In some embodiments, the alignment of the selected canister with the dispensing area is performed by a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the tray. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a shaft having an extension, and the dispenser is coupled to the extension. The alignment of the selected canister with the dispensing area is performed by a drive mechanism. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a shaft having an extension, and the dispenser is coupled to the extension. The alignment of the selected canister with the dispensing area is performed by a drive mechanism. The alignment of the selected canister with the dispensing area is performed by a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the shaft while the tray is stationary. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a truck coupled to a tray having at least one cart. The cart is configured to hold at least one canister. Alignment of the selected canister with the dispensing area is performed by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured to carry the cart along the track.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a dye dispensing system 110 incorporating a dye dispensing apparatus 100 according to some embodiments. The dye dispensing apparatus 100 has a housing 102 made of metal, plastic, composite material, or combinations thereof. The apparatus 100 may be mounted on a wall, fixed to a countertop, attached to a cart, or the housing 102 may be provided with mounting holes to enable multiple apparatuses 100 to be connected. For loading and removing canisters, or resolving any significant matters that may arise, a door 104 is provided to provide access to the interior of the housing 102. The door 104 may be located in the upper region of the housing 102 (as shown) or on the sidewall of the housing 102. The door 104 may have lock options. A panel 106 having a screen or display may be used to input inputs for communication with the apparatus 100 or the entire dispensing system, or to serve as an information center. For example, the panel 10 6 may display power mode, login function, queue for dispensing, and system messages. Hair color or dye may be dispensed into a hidden location-like dispensing area 108 located in the lower region of the housing 102. ​

[0029] Device 100 may communicate with one or more mobile devices 112 via network 114 if desired. In some embodiments, device 100 includes a controller 116. The cont roller 116 may be housed within housing 102 or remotely located from device 100 and communicate with system 110 via a network 114 such as the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), etc. Thus, the controller 116 may be an embedded microcontroller within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices . The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 embedded within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 embedded within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 embedded within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 embedded within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 embedded within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 embedded within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 embedded within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 embedded within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 embedded within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 embedded within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 embedded within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 embedded within device 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission may be wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof), and may be achieved via a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet®, a router, cellular communication, satellite communication, etc. This system may be capable of functioning as a Wi-Fi hub. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, or mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone. In another embodiment, the controller 116 is a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile device 112 When configured as such, etc., the user interface is part of the controller 116 and may also be used to input an input for communication with the device 100 or the system 110, or as an information center.

[0030] In some embodiments, the system 110 also includes an optical or similar scanner 111. In some embodiments, the scanner 111 may be any optical or other scanning or imaging device that captures information about a customer's hair from a scan or image of the customer's hair. In some embodiments, the scanner 111 may comprise a digital imaging device (e.g., a camera or a scanner device) or a handheld color scanner. The scanner 111 scans the customer's hair and may determine one or more characteristics of the customer's hair, including but not limited to color, type, density, porosity, percentage of gray, moisture level, etc. The scanner 111 may transmit the determined hair characteristics to another device, such as the mobile device 112 or the controller 116, via the network 114. The scanner 111 may be used to determine hair color levels and / or texture conditions that are much more accurate compared to the vision of most stylists. The hair color levels and / or texture conditions of the customer's hair from the scanner 111 are recorded and may be compared with other data from previous treatments (of the same or different customers) using one or more algorithms, models, neural networks, work, analysis, as applied to a database of stored information. The information from the scanner 111 may also be used for each step of the overall color service. The scanner 111 may transmit the determined hair characteristics to another device, such as the mobile device 112 or the controller 116, via the network 114.

[0031] The scanner 111 may be used to determine hair color levels and / or texture conditions that are much more accurate compared to the vision of most stylists. The hair color levels and / or texture conditions of the customer's hair from the scanner 111 may be recorded and compared with other data from previous treatments (of the same or different customers) using one or more algorithms, models, neural networks, work, analysis, as applied to a database of stored information. The information from the scanner 111 may also be used for each step of the overall color service. The hair color levels and / or texture conditions of the customer's hair from the scanner 111 may be recorded and compared with other data from previous treatments (of the same or different customers) using one or more algorithms, models, neural networks, work, analysis, as applied to a database of stored information. The information from the scanner 111 may also be used for each step of the overall color service. By making it readable before, during, and after, the stylist can apply the dye formulation. It can be utilized during a steady process to assist in guiding the entire cation. The information from scanner 111 obtained before the application of the dye formulation can help the stylist determine how much the customer's hair needs to pass through the color space (from the initial hair color) to be darkened or lightened to reach the target color. During the application of the dye formulation, using scanner 111 for reading can help determine the current state of the customer's hair (such as hair color, texture, etc.) in a much more accurate way. The measurement can inform or instruct what the next best dye formulation to apply to the customer's hair is in order to move the customer's hair to the optimal next position in the color and / or texture space (e.g., the best position to provide to obtain the target hair color). After reading (e.g., the measurement of the customer's hair after the dye formulation has been fully applied ), it can be confirmed whether the target level has been reached, and those results are stored in a database of previous processes, completed results, and / or customer information and / or hair characteristics.

[0032] The dye formulation recipe specifies at least one dye and the amount of the dye. This may be a recipe for generating a hair dye composition for the color service to be performed on the customer. The dye formulation recipe may include data 117 from an internal database, an external database, or user input.

[0033] Requests, commands, responses, and data can be transmitted via network 114. The device 100 and system 110 may support DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) assignment of internal IP addresses and may initiate communications via network 114 in response to an input. Network 114 may utilize Ethernet and Internet protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol), HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), or HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), and data formats such as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), or XML (Extensible Markup Language) for these transactions. In various embodiments, these communications may include user interface interactions, periodic device 100 timeouts, events of system 110 such as when a canister is inserted or removed, or completion of a dispensing sequence. Communication between device 100 and controller 116 may occur via a direct or independent access

[0034] channel via network 114. If the primary network connection The material distribution system 110 can be connected together via the network 114. Each dispensing device 100 is connected, data is collected, and there may be one central controller 116 or server that operates as a hub for distributing commands to the plurality of dye distribution systems 110. The central controller 116 can receive and transmit data, information, or commands. By providing the network 114 in this way, high-quality customer service and color formulation analysis become

[0035] possible. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of exemplary components of a computing system 200 involved in the dye distribution system 110 of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the computing system 200 is integrated with or incorporated within the dye distribution system 110. In some embodiments, the computing system 200 is external to the dye distribution system 100 and is remotely accessible by the dye distribution system 100, for example, as a remote server. For the purposes of the discussion herein, the computing system 200 is assumed to be part of the dye distribution system 110. The computing system 200 can be utilized, for example, by or with one or more mobile devices 112, controller 116, device 100, scanner 111, etc. Computing devices and systems are, for example, IBM (International Business Machines Corporation), Macintosh, or computing devices or systems that are Linux / Unix In this state, the computing system 200 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs) 205, each of which can include a conventional or proprietary microprocessor. In some embodiments, the CPU 205 can perform various calculations, associations, etc. on the data stored in the data store. Therefore, the CPU 205 enables the computing system 200 to process the information in the data store and generate information for transmission to and between other devices. The computing system 20 0 further includes one or more memories 232 such as random access memory (RAM: random access memory) for temporarily storing information, and one or more read-only memories (ROM: read only memory) for permanently storing information, and one or more mass storage devices 222 such as hard drives, diskettes, solid state drives, or optical media storage devices. Usually, the components of the computing system 200 are connected to the computer using a standard-based bus system 290. In different embodiments, the standard-based bus system 290 can be implemented in, for example, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), Micro Channel, SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), ISA (Industrial Standard Architecture), EISA (Extended ISA), and networked architectures. Further, the functions provided to the components and modules of the computing system 200 are shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), Micro Channel, SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), ISA (Industrial Standard Architecture), EISA (Extended ISA), and can be implemented in a networked architecture. Additionally, the functions provided to the components and modules of the computing system 200 are shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. coupled to fewer components and modules than shown, or may be further separated into additional components and modules.

[0036] Computing system 200 is generally controlled and coordinated by operating system software such as Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows Server, Unix, Linux, SunOS, Solaris, iOS, Blackberry OS, or other compatible operating systems. For a Macintosh system, the operating system can be any usable operating system such as MAC OS X. In other embodiments, computing system 200 can be controlled by its own operating system. Conventional operating systems control computer processes for execution, schedule threads, perform memory management, provide file systems, networking, input / output services, and in particular provide a user interface such as a graphical user interface. An exemplary computing system 200 can include one or more generally available input / output (I / O) devices and interfaces 212 such as a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, and printer. In one embodiment, the input / output devices and interface 212 include one or more display devices such as a monitor, display screen, or similar display components that enable visual presentation of data to the user. More specifically, the display device is, for example, a user

[0037] For example, the computing system 200 may include one or more generally available input / output (I / O) devices and interfaces 212 such as keyboards, mice, touchpads, and printers. In one embodiment, the input / output devices and interface 212 include one or more display devices such as monitors, display screens, or similar display components that enable visual presentation of data to the user. More specifically, the display device is, for example, a user - User interface or GUI (graphical user interface), application software Provide ware data and the presentation of multimedia presentations. The computing system 200 may include, for example, one or more multimedia devices such as speakers, video cards, graphics accelerators, and microphones. .

[0038] In some embodiments, the input / output device and interface 212 provide a communication interface to various external devices. In certain embodiments, the computing system 200 is electronically coupled to one or more networks via one or more network devices 214 through wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless communication links, and this network includes, for example, one or more of a LAN, WAN, and / or the Internet. For example, the computing system 200 is electronically coupled to the network 114 of FIG. 1 via a wired or wireless connection using the network device 214. Using the network device 214, the computing system 200 can communicate via a wired or wireless communication link with various computing devices and / or other electronic devices through the network . In some embodiments, the network device 214 enables one computing system 200 (e.g., device 100) to communicate with another computing system 200 (e.g., controller 116, or one or more mobile devices 112, or a database not shown in FIG. 1). Additionally, or alternatively, the networking device 214 enables the scanner 111 to communicate with another computing system 200 shown in the system 110 such as, for example, a controller 116, or one or more mobile devices 112, or a database not shown in FIG. 1). Furthermore, or alternatively, the networking device 214 enables the scanner 111 to communicate with another computing system shown in the system 110 It may be possible to communicate with the system 200. Through such communication, the customer and / or the stylist can, for example, view the scanned hair color and corresponding hair characteristics (penetration, density, moisture content, percentage of the gray range of the hair, etc.) on one or more mobile devices 112 or panel 1 06 of the device 100. In some embodiments, the customer and / or the stylist can associate and save the scanned information as part of the customer profile stored in, for example, the memory 232 or the mass storage device 22 2.

[0039] In some embodiments, the input / output device and interface 212 may generate or provide a user interface (UI :user interface). The UI enables a customer, a stylist, and / or other users of one or more mobile devices 112, the controller 116, the scanner 111, and / or the device 100 to interact with any device of the system 110. In some embodiments, the UI enables a customer, a stylist, and / or other users to view, update, and / or store customer information (e.g., stored hair characteristics), and update and / or adjust dye formulation information, input information of the target hair color, etc. In some embodiments, the UI enables a customer, a stylist, and / or other users to monitor and / or control the operation of the device 100, the controller 116, and / or the scanner 111. The computing system 200 further includes a color analysis module 216. The color analysis module is based on the scanning or optical capture of a sample using the scanner 111

[0040] ​ 、It is possible to determine and / or analyze the color of the exposed sample or specimen. For example, the operator or user of the scanner 111 (e.g., a stylist, customer, or another user) can scan the specimen using the scanner 111. The specimen may include samples such as human hair having a specific color, natural fabric, yak hair, synthetic fabric, etc. The output of the scanner 111 can include one or more CIE (International Commission on Illumination) LAB values. The color analysis module 216 receives the LAB values from the scanner 111, generates a library of lightness values for a lookup table of hair colors, and / or can identify the hair color or dye color of the specimen from the lookup table.

[0041] In some embodiments, the scanner 111 and the color analysis module 216 generate a library of lightness values. The library of lightness values may be specific to a particular brand or line of hair color, or may be a collection of all or many brands or lines of hair color. When the library of lightness values is complete for a particular line of hair color, it includes measurement values for all formulated colors for that line of hair color. When the library of lightness values is complete for all or many lines of hair color, the library includes measurement values for all formulated colors for the lines of hair color included. When generating the library of lightness values for the lookup table, the scanner 111 measures the CIELAB values of various hair colors applied to specimens of one or more brands of hair color. In some embodiments, the CIELAB measurements include the lightness value for each measured hair color.

[0042] ​ is stored, for example, in the large-capacity storage device 222 or the network storage device. Samples The reference CIELAB values can be further measured using a spectrophotometer, and the corresponding CIELAB values from the spectrophotometer are also stored, for example, in the large-capacity storage device 222 or the network storage device. Once the lightness (L) value is known for each of the samples, a lookup table is created. The lookup table can include columns for specific hair colors in the second and third columns with corresponding minimum and maximum allowable lightness values (from the scanner 111 and the spectrophotometer) for the identified hair colors (e.g., 1N-12N identifiers for natural hair colors, etc. ). Thus, a single row in the lookup table can include ( (1) a specific identifier for the hair color in the first column (e.g., name, number, etc.), (2) the corresponding minimum lightness level associated with the identified hair color in the second column, and (3) the maximum lightness level associated with the identified hair color in the third column.

[0043] Once the lookup table is generated, the color analysis module 216 can use the data in the lookup table to identify the color of the customer's hair scanned by the scanner 111, or the color of the scanned sample or specimen. For example, a stylist (or the customer) scans the customer's hair at three different locations to identify the CIELAB measurement values associated with the customer's hair. The three locations can include the root location of the customer's hair, the shaft location on the customer's hair, and the tip location of the customer's hair. The measurement values from the scanner 111 can be transmitted to the computing system 200, and the color analysis module can use these values to identify the customer's hair color. The measurement values from the scanner 111 can be transmitted to the computing system 200, and the color analysis module ​The Hue 216 can identify a single lightness value corresponding to all three measurements of the customer's hair. . For example, the color analysis module 216 (or the scanner 111) averages the lightness measurements from the three measurement positions to generate a single lightness measurement value. In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 (or the scanner 111) generates the median of the three lightness measurement values as the single lightness measurement value. In some embodiments, other calculations are used to determine the single lightness measurement value. In some embodiments, the three lightness measurement values and the single lightness measurement value are stored in the mass storage device 222 or the network storage device. Based on the determined single lightness measurement value, the color analysis module 216 refers to a lookup table to identify the hair color level (e.g., name, identifier, etc.) associated with the single lightness measurement value based on the single lightness measurement value being between the minimum lightness level and the maximum lightness level for a particular hair color. For example, the color analysis module 216 identifies that the single lightness measurement value is L = 34, and the color analysis module 216 refers to the lookup table to identify the hair color level where L = 34 is between the corresponding minimum and maximum lightness measurements. If color 8 has a maximum L value of 35 and a minimum L value of 30, the color analysis module

[0044] 216 identifies that the customer's hair color level corresponds to color level 8. In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 can calculate the exact hair color level based on the relationship between the single lightness measurement value and the minimum / maximum lightness levels. For example, for a single lightness measurement value of L = 34 where the minimum and maximum L values are 30 and 35 respectively, the color analysis module 216 identifies that the single lightness measurement value is L = 34, and the color analysis module 216 refers to the lookup table to identify the hair color level where L = 34 is between the corresponding minimum and maximum lightness measurements. If color 8 has a maximum L value of 35 and a minimum L value of 30, the color analysis module 216 identifies that the customer's hair color level corresponds to color level 8. In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 can calculate the exact hair color level based on the relationship between the single lightness measurement value and the minimum / maximum lightness levels. For example, for a single lightness measurement value of L = 34 where the minimum and maximum L values are 30 and 35 respectively, the color analysis module 216 can calculate the exact hair color level based on the relationship between the single lightness measurement value and the minimum / maximum lightness levels. For example, for a single lightness measurement value of L = 34 where the minimum and maximum L values are 30 and 35 respectively, the color analysis module The hue 216 can determine that the customer's hair color level is 8.8 (30 reaches color level 8, and then 4 / 5 reaches color level.8). The color analysis module 216 can round the color level of 8 .8 to the nearest whole (9) or half (8.5) color level. In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 provides the identified color level for display to the customer or stylist via the UI of the computing system 200. The identified color level may be stored with the customer's profile or in the mass storage device 222 or network storage device, further or instead. In some embodiments, a name or image of the color corresponding to the color level may be displayed via the UI for visual confirmation by the customer and / or stylist . Alternatively, instead of determining a single lightness measurement corresponding to three measurements from the customer's hair, the color analysis module 216 may identify the color corresponding to the lightness measurements from three measurement positions from a look-up table . Thus, the color analysis module 216 can identify up to three different color levels (or more color levels if more than three measurements are obtained from the customer's hair) depending on how different the lightness measurements are from each other for each measurement position.

[0045] The identified color(s) of the scanned customer's hair can correspond to the customer's starting or initial hair color(s). By using the scanner 111 and the look-up table with the color analysis module 216, compared to using only the stylist's eyesight

[0046] (s). As compared, it is possible to identify a more precise or accurate initial hair color(s) for a customer Therefore, since a stylist may not be able to "stare at" the customer's initial hair color without variation among stylists, by integrating the lookup table, scanner 11 1, and color analysis module 216, variability or inconsistency when applying hair dye to the customer's hair can be reduced. (For example, without using scanner 111, lookup table, and color analysis module 216) Incorrectly identifying the initial hair color may result in an inaccurate identification of the formulation to be applied to the customer's hair to obtain the desired target hair color, leading to an incorrect final hair color table, and color analysis module 216) Incorrectly identifying the initial hair color may result in an inaccurate identification of the formulation to be applied to the customer's hair to obtain the desired target hair color, leading to an incorrect final hair color and may result in an incorrect final hair color

[0047] Computing system 200 also includes a formulation module 218. The formulation module 218 can determine a dye or color formulation for application to the customer's hair based on various inputs. For example, computing system 200 uses color analysis module 2 16 to determine the customer's initial hair color(s) and receives, via the UI, the customer's target hair color(s). Based on the determined initial hair color(s) and the received target hair color(s), formulation module 218 can determine an appropriate formulation or combination of formulations to change the customer's hair color as desired. In some embodiments, when formulation module 218 determines a formulation or combination of formulations, the corresponding formulation information is displayed to the customer or stylist via the UI for verification 16 to determine the customer's initial hair color(s) and receives, via the UI, the customer's target hair color(s). Based on the determined initial hair color(s) and the received target hair color(s), formulation module 218 can determine an appropriate formulation or combination of formulations to change the customer's hair color as desired. In some embodiments, when formulation module 218 determines a formulation or combination of formulations, the corresponding formulation information is displayed to the customer or stylist via the UI for verification

[0048] For example, if the above-described lightness measurement values are different at the roots and tips of the customer's hair and the customer's target hair color ​​​​​​​​If the same regardless of the location within the customer's hair, the formulation module 218 generates different formulations for application to different locations of the customer's hair. If the roots are lighter than the tips, the customer's hair may require a darker formulation to be applied to the roots compared to the tips. In some embodiments, the formulation module 218 can determine that it is necessary to pre-lighten the customer's hair with bleach as part of the change to the target color of the hair. Given the various complexities in coloring the customer's hair, the formulation module 218, together with the color analysis module 216, the scanner 111, and the look-up table, improves the accuracy and efficiency of the hair dyeing process applied by the stylist and removes any guesswork from the identification of the formulation to achieve the target color of the customer's hair, helping the stylist achieve the desired result. Thus, regardless of which device of the system 110 the formulation module 218 operates on, the formulation determined based on the customer's initial hair color and the target color of the customer's hair is communicated to the device 100 and dispensed into the container 154 for the stylist to apply to the customer's hair. In some embodiments, the formulation generated by the formulation module 218 is communicated to the stylist for review and / or adjustment before the stylist dispenses the color from the device 100. In some embodiments, the stylist generates or selects the formulation without reviewing the results from the formulation module 218.

[0049] After the stylist applies the formulation to the customer's hair, rinses off the excess color from the customer's hair, and dries the hair, the stylist or the customer uses the sensor 111 to measure the customer's hair

[0050] ​ The lightness measurement of "after" can be performed. The subsequent lightness measurement value can be compared with the target color of the desired hair to determine how close or far the final color is from the target color. In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 can identify the difference between the final color and the target color (e.g., the difference in lightness value or the difference in color level). The difference can be stored, for example, in the mass storage device 222 or the network storage device in association with the customer profile. In some embodiments, the identified difference is associated with the customer and can then be used by the formulation module 21 8 to update future formulation decisions. For example, the formulation module 21 8 can update its algorithm and / or the formulation selection to approach the target color in future applications. Since each customer's hair may respond differently to the formulation, if two customers have the same initial hair color and the same formulation is applied, the final colors may still be very different depending on various characteristics of the customer's hair, including hair health, thickness, permeability, gray range, damage, previous treatment, etc. Therefore, the storage of the before and after measurement values may help improve the accuracy of the device 100 and the formulation module 218. This recorded data will be provided to continuously improve the formulation and customize the treatment for each individual customer. As an example of using only one magnitude of lightness from the CIELAB measurement values, assume that the starting L value of the customer's hair is L = 40 and the customer desires to have darker hair, L = 30. The stylist (or the formulation module 218) aims for L = 30 as measured in the sample. Even so, the final color may vary significantly depending on various characteristics of the customer's hair, including hair health, thickness, permeability, gray range, damage, previous treatment, etc. Therefore, the storage of the before and after measurement values may help improve the accuracy of the device 100 and the formulation module 218. This recorded data will be provided to continuously improve the formulation and customize the treatment for each individual customer. values may help improve the accuracy of the device 100 and the formulation module 218. This recorded data will be provided to continuously improve the formulation and customize the treatment for each individual customer. This recorded data will be provided to continuously improve the formulation and customize the treatment for each individual customer.

[0051] As an example of using only one magnitude of lightness from the CIELAB measurement values, assume that the starting L value of the customer's hair is L = 40 and the customer desires to have darker hair, L = 30. The stylist (or the formulation module 218) aims for L = 30 as measured in the sample. As an example of using only one magnitude of lightness from the CIELAB measurement values, assume that the starting L value of the customer's hair is L = 40 and the customer desires to have darker hair, L = 30. The stylist (or the formulation module 218) aims for L = 30 as measured in the sample. As an example of using only one magnitude of lightness from the CIELAB measurement values, assume that the starting L value of the customer's hair is L = 40 and the customer desires to have darker hair, L = 30. The stylist (or the formulation module 218) aims for L = 30 as measured in the sample. ​A formulation is created. However, when the formulation is applied to the customer's hair with L = 40 and the customer's hair is very porous and absorbs color more than expected, the final result may actually be L = 25 and may be too dark. System 110 stores the before and after measurements to recognize over-absorption of color and, in the future, select a target color for hair with L = 35 that will result in a target level of L = 30 when the formulation is applied to the customer's hair. Alternatively, if the customer desires a much lighter color, e.g., L = 60, the resulting formulation may first decolorize the customer's hair to L = 70 and then apply another formulation to darken the hair to L = 60.

[0052] The examples and embodiments described herein generally refer to lightness measurements as a result of CIELAB measurements. However, it is understood that similar correlations exist for the color components from CIELAB measurements, and there are look-up tables, etc. For example, CIELAB measurement values include a lightness value, a color value from green to red, and a color value from blue to yellow. Thus, in some embodiments, different color values from CIELAB measurements are used to generate additional look-up tables or add additional information to a single look-up table to enable color analysis module 216 to identify the initial hair color based on lightness and color values. This also enables formulation module 218 to generate a formulation that changes the initial hair color to the target hair color based on lightness and color measurements.

[0053] Computing system 200 further includes a remote data module 220. ​​​​​The remote data module 220 can integrate the system 110 with the networked database 208 (described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6 below). In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 can store data in the networked database 208 and / or retrieve data from the database 208. The remote data module 220 can further perform one or more functions on the data retrieved from the networked database 208. For example, the remote data module 220 can perform one or more runs of model analysis, apply a neural network, and / or use it in other ways on the data stored in the networked database 208 to improve the customer's dyeing session. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 can store data in the networked database 208 and / or retrieve data from the database 208. The remote data module 220 can further perform one or more functions on the data retrieved from the networked database 208. For example, the remote data module 220 can perform one or more runs of model analysis, apply a neural network, and / or use it in other ways on the data stored in the networked database 208 to improve the customer's dyeing session. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 can store data in the networked database 208 and / or retrieve data from the database 208. The remote data module 220 can further perform one or more functions on the data retrieved from the networked database 208. For example, the remote data module 220 can perform one or more runs of model analysis, apply a neural network, and / or use it in other ways on the data stored in the networked database 208 to improve the customer's dyeing session. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 can store data in the networked database 208 and / or retrieve data from the database 208. The remote data module 220 can further perform one or more functions on the data retrieved from the networked database 208. For example, the remote data module 220 can perform one or more runs of model analysis, apply a neural network, and / or use it in other ways on the data stored in the networked database 208 to improve the customer's dyeing session. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 can store data in the networked database 208 and / or retrieve data from the database 208. The remote data module 220 can further perform one or more functions on the data retrieved from the networked database 208. For example, the remote data module 220 can perform one or more runs of model analysis, apply a neural network, and / or use it in other ways on the data stored in the networked database 208 to improve the customer's dyeing session. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 can store data in the networked database 208 and / or retrieve data from the database 208. The remote data module 220 can further perform one or more functions on the data retrieved from the networked database 208. For example, the remote data module 220 can perform one or more runs of model analysis, apply a neural network, and / or use it in other ways on the data stored in the networked database 208 to improve the customer's dyeing session. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 can store data in the networked database 208 and / or retrieve data from the database 208. The remote data module 220 can further perform one or more functions on the data retrieved from the networked database 208. For example, the remote data module 220 can perform one or more runs of model analysis, apply a neural network, and / or use it in other ways on the data stored in the networked database 208 to improve the customer's dyeing session. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 can store data in the networked database 208 and / or retrieve data from the database 208. The remote data module 220 can further perform one or more functions on the data retrieved from the networked database 208. For example, the remote data module 220 can perform one or more runs of model analysis, apply a neural network, and / or use it in other ways on the data stored in the networked database 208 to improve the customer's dyeing session.

[0054] In one embodiment, one of the remote data modules 220 of the devices for each system 110 can store the information captured from the scanner 110 in the networked database 208. The information retrieved from the database 208 can be stored locally and / or used by the remote data module 220 in the analysis to improve the dye formulation for the current customer's dyeing session. In one embodiment, one of the remote data modules 220 of the devices for each system 110 can store the information captured from the scanner 110 in the networked database 208. The information retrieved from the database 208 can be stored locally and / or used by the remote data module 220 in the analysis to improve the dye formulation for the current customer's dyeing session. In one embodiment, one of the remote data modules 220 of the devices for each system 110 can store the information captured from the scanner 110 in the networked database 208. The information retrieved from the database 208 can be stored locally and / or used by the remote data module 220 in the analysis to improve the dye formulation for the current customer's dyeing session. In one embodiment, one of the remote data modules 220 of the devices for each system 110 can store the information captured from the scanner 110 in the networked database 208. The information retrieved from the database 208 can be stored locally and / or used by the remote data module 220 in the analysis to improve the dye formulation for the current customer's dyeing session. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 can apply one or more models, neural networks, etc. to calculate the most likely results of a particular dyeing session using the information received from the scanner 111 applied to the customer's hair. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 can apply one or more models, neural networks, etc. to calculate the most likely results of a particular dyeing session using the information received from the scanner 111 applied to the customer's hair. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 can apply one or more models, neural networks, etc. to calculate the most likely results of a particular dyeing session using the information received from the scanner 111 applied to the customer's hair. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 can apply one or more models, neural networks, etc. to calculate the most likely results of a particular dyeing session using the information received from the scanner 111 applied to the customer's hair. In some embodiments, the model, neural network, etc. can use the information from the scanner 111 applied to the customer's hair. Information on hair characteristics etc. from previous customers (e.g. networked databases) 208) to expand the possible outcomes and resulting dye formulations. The remote data module 220 can then be used to achieve a desired color tone or texture. Uses analysis, modeling, and / or neural networks to formulate the formulation module 218 can generate an output of a method for adjusting and / or regulating the dye preparation. The dye formulation module 218 uses input from the remote data module 220 to prepare the dye formulation. 220 rather than using input from the remote data module 220. , the customer's hair color is changed from the initial color value to the target color value so that the final color value is closer to the target color value. The resulting dye preparation (or pigment or other chemical) may be used in the preparation of any of the dyes described herein. As described above, the dye, pigment or dyes can be delivered electronically to the device 100, and the device can then deliver one or more dyes, pigments or dyes to the device. The material may contain other materials to achieve the desired color or texture. Dispense the appropriate amount of material so that the accuracy to the tea is within the determined range.

[0055] Hair color applications using dyes, pigments, or bleaches as described herein In this application, the underlying process includes one or more steps before, during, and after the application of the dye formulation. This may include capturing start, middle, and end color or texture state information. In some embodiments, at each step of applying a dye formulation, the database 208 stores the dye formulation. Remote data management for any data that can be used to improve the next steps of the application In some embodiments, the improvements are mined by the database 220. Analysis and processing are performed considering models and / or neural networks applied to hair information, and compared with the information being processed, etc., and may include adjustment of the dye formulation considering the information captured about the customer's hair during application of the dye formulation. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 determines the information in the networked database 208 that best matches the customer's hair, and uses that information to create updates and / or prescriptions for each step of the dye formulation application to achieve the desired color tone (tone) or texture result, and based on that, the dye formulation can be adjusted. Compared with the information being processed, etc., it may include adjustment of the dye formulation considering the information captured about the customer's hair during application of the dye formulation. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 determines the information in the networked database 208 that best matches the customer's hair, and uses that information to create updates and / or prescriptions for each step of the dye formulation application to achieve the desired color tone (tone) or texture result, and based on that, the dye formulation can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 determines the information in the networked database 208 that best matches the customer's hair, and uses that information to create updates and / or prescriptions for each step of the dye formulation application to achieve the desired color tone (tone) or texture result, and based on that, the dye formulation can be adjusted. / or prescriptions to achieve the target color tone (tone) or texture result, and based on that, the dye formulation can be adjusted. Subsequently, the dye formulation can be adjusted.

[0056] In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 improves the probability of generating a dye formulation that includes the exact amounts of each chemical element, dye, etc. required to accurately achieve the target color tone and / or texture when an initial color tone and / or texture is provided, and can use multiple information sources and information types (e.g., information from the local scanner 111 and information from the networked database 208). The ability to use modeling and / or neural networks or similar processing to better predict which dye formulation, etc. will accurately achieve the desired color tone and / or texture reduces the amount of manual testing required by stylists, etc., and can demonstrate that the dye formulation recommended by the system 110 is effective and most suitable for achieving the target color tone and / or texture, and thus manual testing may not be required to confirm the numerous manual tests that would otherwise be needed. When an initial color tone and / or texture is provided, to accurately achieve the target color tone and / or texture, the remote data module 220 can use multiple information sources and information types (e.g., information from the local scanner 111 and information from the networked database 208) to improve the probability of generating a dye formulation that includes the exact amounts of each chemical element, dye, etc. required. The ability to use modeling and / or neural networks or similar processing to better predict which dye formulation, etc. will accurately achieve the desired color tone and / or texture reduces the amount of manual testing required by stylists, etc., and can demonstrate that the dye formulation recommended by the system 110 is effective and most suitable for achieving the target color tone and / or texture, and thus manual testing may not be required to confirm the numerous manual tests that would otherwise be needed. In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 improves the probability of generating a dye formulation that includes the exact amounts of each chemical element, dye, etc. required to accurately achieve the target color tone and / or texture when an initial color tone and / or texture is provided, and can use multiple information sources and information types (e.g., information from the local scanner 111 and information from the networked database 208). In some embodiments, the remote data module 220 improves the probability of generating a dye formulation that includes the exact amounts of each chemical element, dye, etc. required to accurately achieve the target color tone and / or texture when an initial color tone and / or texture is provided, and can use multiple information sources and information types (e.g., information from the local scanner 111 and information from the networked database 208). The ability to use modeling and / or neural networks or similar processing to better predict which dye formulation, etc. will accurately achieve the desired color tone and / or texture reduces the amount of manual testing required by stylists, etc., and can demonstrate that the dye formulation recommended by the system 110 is effective and most suitable for achieving the target color tone and / or texture, and thus manual testing may not be required to confirm the numerous manual tests that would otherwise be needed. The ability to use modeling and / or neural networks or similar processing to better predict which dye formulation, etc. will accurately achieve the desired color tone and / or texture reduces the amount of manual testing required by stylists, etc., and can demonstrate that the dye formulation recommended by the system 110 is effective and most suitable for achieving the target color tone and / or texture, and thus manual testing may not be required to confirm the numerous manual tests that would otherwise be needed. The ability to use modeling and / or neural networks or similar processing to better predict which dye formulation, etc. will accurately achieve the desired color tone and / or texture reduces the amount of manual testing required by stylists, etc., and can demonstrate that the dye formulation recommended by the system 110 is effective and most suitable for achieving the target color tone and / or texture, and thus manual testing may not be required to confirm the numerous manual tests that would otherwise be needed. The ability to use modeling and / or neural networks or similar processing to better predict which dye formulation, etc. will accurately achieve the desired color tone and / or texture reduces the amount of manual testing required by stylists, etc., and can demonstrate that the dye formulation recommended by the system 110 is effective and most suitable for achieving the target color tone and / or texture, and thus manual testing may not be required to confirm the numerous manual tests that would otherwise be needed. The ability to use modeling and / or neural networks or similar processing to better predict which dye formulation, etc. will accurately achieve the desired color tone and / or texture reduces the amount of manual testing required by stylists, etc., and can demonstrate that the dye formulation recommended by the system 110 is effective and most suitable for achieving the target color tone and / or texture, and thus manual testing may not be required to confirm the numerous manual tests that would otherwise be needed. The ability to use modeling and / or neural networks or similar processing to better predict which dye formulation, etc. will accurately achieve the desired color tone and / or texture reduces the amount of manual testing required by stylists, etc., and can demonstrate that the dye formulation recommended by the system 110 is effective and most suitable for achieving the target color tone and / or texture, and thus manual testing may not be required to confirm the numerous manual tests that would otherwise be needed.

[0057] In some embodiments, computing system 200 receives information from one or more of the devices of FIG. 1 (e.g., device 100, one or more mobile devices 112, controller 116 etc.) via network 114 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, a networked data storage device (not shown in this figure) stores data for one or more mobile devices 112 or controller 116, and / or any other computing device that is local or remote to any of the devices shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, information from each customer's customer profile, previous characteristics of the customer's hair, previously applied formulations, and / or one or more of the results from previously applied formulations are stored in a networked data storage device. The data storage device can include one or more internal and / or external data sources that store and / or provide the corresponding data described above. The data sources can include internal (e.g., local or first party) and external (e.g., remote or third party) data sources, which store, for example, one or more customer profiles for each customer, hair characteristics, relationships between hair characteristics and dye formulations, results from dye formulation applications, etc.

[0058] Generally, as used herein, the term "module" refers to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or a set of software instructions that may have entry and exit points written in, for example, a programming language such as Java, Lua, C, or C++. A software module is compiled into an executable program. ​It may be inked, installed in a dynamic link library, or written in an interpreted programming language such as BASIC, Perl, or Python. A software module can be called from other modules or from itself, and / or called in response to detected events or interrupts. It will be understood that a software module configured to execute on a computing device may be provided on a computer-readable medium such as a compact disk, digital video disk, flash drive, or any other tangible medium. Such software code may be stored partially or entirely on the memory device of one or more mobile devices 112 or controllers 116 for execution by the computing system 200. The software instructions may be incorporated into firmware such as an EPROM (erasable and programmable read only memory). A hardware module may be composed of connected logic units such as gates and flip-flops, and / or may be composed of programmable units such as a programmable gate array or a processor. It will be further understood that the modules described herein are preferably implemented as software modules, but may be represented by hardware or firmware, or a combination thereof. In general, the modules described herein can be combined with other modules regardless of their physical organization or storage device. Refers to a logical module that can be cut or divided into sub - modules.

[0059] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an internal portion of the dye dispensing device 100 shown in Figure 1, according to some embodiments. The tray 118 within the housing 102 is well - connected to the housing 102 and is configured to hold at least one canister 120. A bearing may be connected to the tray 118 to allow the tray 118 to rotate. The tray 118 may have any shape, such as a round, carousel - like configuration, and may be operated by a drive mechanism 1 such as a motor 24. The tray 118 communicates with the controller 116. In other embodiments, the tray 118 is fixed. The tray 118 is configured to have at least one opening.

[0060] In some embodiments, there may be multiple rows of openings, such as two concentric rows. For example , the tray 118 may have an inner row with 20 openings and an outer row with 30 openings, and can include up to 50 openings arranged in two rows. In other embodiments, the tray 118 may be a square with 40 openings arranged in 4 rows. In yet another embodiment, the tray 118 may be an octagonal shape with 40 openings arranged in a cluster. The shape of the tray 118 and the arrangement of the openings are customizable depending on the application. The ability to change the size, shape, and number of openings allows the device 100 to reduce its overall size to accommodate space constraints within a salon. Further more, if a particular application requires a small number of canisters 120, the overall size of the device 100 can be reduced. It can be reduced. For example, the salon provides a limited amount of color formulation, and thus may only require 10 canisters 120 instead of a maximum of 50 canisters 120. It may not be necessary.

[0061] Each canister 120 can include an identifier, an internal valve, a nozzle, a sleeve, and a dye. The sleeve is configured to contain the dye. In one embodiment, the canister 120 is modular and interchangeable with each other. The storage capacity can be, for example, up to 8.6 ounces, but may vary depending on the size of the sleeve. In practice, the dye cannot be exposed to air until immediately before the coloring treatment. Therefore, the canister 120 is sealed and will be composed of a metal such as aluminum, a composite material, or a combination thereof.

[0062] Each canister 120 is labeled with a unique identifier such as a barcode, a QR code, a catalog number, or an icon code. This identifier may be scanned, read, and recognized by a device such as a reader or a scanner. The reader may be a stand-alone unit or part of the controller 116 and may be disposed within the housing. The reader may be connected to the side wall or the upper wall of the housing at the dispenser or at any position in a situation where the canister 120 is directly observed. Other technologies such as RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology and NFC (near-field communication) technology can be used to uniquely identify the canister 120. In some embodiments, the identifier confirms the presence of the canister 120 within the device 100 and the color of the dye, etc. of the canister 12 Identify specific contents within 0. Product name, date when canister 120 was filled with a specific dye Affix, amount of dye remaining in canister 120, lot or batch number, and any other information such as any other memo that the manufacturer may wish to include can be included in the identifier. be possible.

[0063] The reading device communicates with the controller 116. The reading device is configured to scan, read, and recognize the identifier labeled on the canister and transmit the information to the controller 11 6. The controller 116 can recognize the information embedded in the identifier, such as the product name, can amount remaining in the st 120, and the lot or batch number. In another embodiment There may be two or more reading devices designed to identify canisters 120 placed in a specific area of the tray 118 For example, one reading device can identify the canisters 120 in the inner row of the tray 118 and another reading device can identify the canisters 12 0 in the outer row of the tray 118.

[0064] The canister 120 is recyclable, refillable, and reusable within the system 110 and is configured to be pressurized by gas. The canister 120 may include a port for injecting gas For example, the canister 120 may be a nitrogen-pressurized can ister 120. The gas and the dye are separated within the canister by an internal sieve that allows the dye to move uniformly downward towards the internal valve when an external force or pressure is applied to the canister 120 When a force is applied to the upper end of the canister 120, the valve is pressed against the protrusion of the coupler, opening the valve and allowing the dye to be dispensed through the nozzle ​. The internal valve enables the canister 120 to dispense substantially all of the contents of the internal, such as dye, through the nozzle by the device 100. In another embodiment, the canister 120 utilizes a gravity feed system that uses gravity to move the dye 134 downward through the canister 120.

[0065] The dispenser 142 includes at least one actuator. The actuator can include mechanical and electrical components such as solenoids, motors and / or piston and rod assemblies, lever arms, and protrusions. The actuator communicates with the controller 1 16. The actuator is connected to a first end of the lever arm, and the protrusion is connected to a second end of the lever arm. The mounting bracket connects the dispenser 142 to a surface such as the housing 102. The mounting bracket is connected to the lever arm at a connection point. The connection point functions as a support and pivot point for the lever arm. When the actuator operates, the internal rod of the actuator moves upward, and the lever arm connected to the first end of the actuator also moves upward. At the connection point, the lever arm moves downward like a lever effect, and thus the protrusion moves downward, enabling it to contact the surface (not shown) of the canister 1 20. This action applies pressure to the canister 120 and initiates the dispensing of the dye.

[0066] In some embodiments, the protrusion is configured to pivot and rotate to enable full contact with the upper end of the canister 120. The protrusion is a component that extends from the end of the lever arm, and in some embodiments, the protrusion may be part of the lever arm. This protrusion ​ The starting point is designed to optimally fit the upper end surface of the canister 120. In some embodiments the protrusion may have a flat or curved surface of a spring-like material such as plastic or rubber to provide flexibility and suction force. In other embodiments, the protrusion 148 is composed of a rigid material that provides resistance to the upper end surface of the canister 120.

[0067] When the canister 120 is aligned with the dispensing area 108, the dispenser 142 applies a downward force to the canister 120 to dispense the dye. For example, the controller 116 communicates with a reader device. The reader device identifies the selected dye within the selected canister 120 associated with the dye formulation based on the identifier. The selected canister 120 is aligned with the dispensing area 108 The controller 116 communicates with an actuator that actuates and positions the lever arm together with the protrusion directly above the selected canister 120 The dispenser 142 applies a downward force to the selected canister 120 while the protrusion is in direct contact with the upper end surface of the canister 120. This causes the valve of the canister 120 to open and the dye to leak out through the nozzle of the canister 120. The dye is dispensed in an amount such as from 0.01 grams to 140.00 grams within any programmed range.

[0068] The controller 116 starts and stops the dispensing of the dye via the dispenser 142 and enables a variable dispensing speed. For example, the dispensing can start slowly, increase, level off, and then decrease as it approaches the dispensing of the required amount of dye. The speed of dispensing depends on the amount of dye to be dispensed and the time the device 100 needs to complete the dye formulation. ​​Moreover, it can be customized. In another embodiment, a second dispenser that operates in the same manner as the first dispenser may be provided within the apparatus 100. When there are multiple dispensers, the dispensers may operate one by one alternately or simultaneously. The apparatus 100 further includes an instrument that communicates with the controller 116. The instrument measures the dispensed amount of the selected dye, and the dispenser stops dispensing when the dispensed amount of the selected dye is equal to the amount of the dye in the dye formulation for at least one of the dyes. The plate is disposed within the dispensing area 108 and is disposed vertically below at least one opening together with the selected canister 120. The plate may be configured together with the instrument to measure the contents on the plate. The instrument may be a transducer, a scale, a gauge such as a strain gauge, or a combination thereof. A container is disposed on the upper part of the plate. A container such as a cup or a bowl collects the dye when the dye is dispensed from the canister 120. To ensure stability, the container may be fixed or snapped to the plate. The instrument measures the amount of the dispensed dye and then transmits this data to the controller 116. In one embodiment, dispensing is not performed unless the container is in the appropriate position. This can be visually indicated by an indicator light. The measurement and stop process for each of at least one dye will be repeated until the dye formulation is completed. In general, the salon industry relies on the knowledge and skills of stylists to produce dye formulations, dispense the correct amount of dye contained in the dye formulations, and mix them by hand. This results in inaccuracy and repetition.

[0069] The apparatus 100 further includes an instrument that communicates with the controller 116. The instrument measures the dispensed amount of the selected dye, and the dispenser stops dispensing when the dispensed amount of the selected dye is equal to the amount of the dye in the dye formulation for at least one of the dyes. The plate is disposed within the dispensing area 108 and is disposed vertically below at least one opening together with the selected canister 120. The plate may be configured together with the instrument to measure the contents on the plate. The instrument may be a transducer, a scale, a gauge such as a strain gauge, or a combination thereof. A container is disposed on the upper part of the plate. A container such as a cup or a bowl collects the dye when the dye is dispensed from the canister 120. To ensure stability, the container may be fixed or snapped to the plate. The instrument measures the amount of the dispensed dye and then transmits this data to the controller 116. In one embodiment, dispensing is not performed unless the container is in the appropriate position. This can be visually indicated by an indicator light. The measurement and stop process for each of at least one dye will be repeated until the dye formulation is completed. In general, the salon industry relies on the knowledge and skills of stylists to produce dye formulations, dispense the correct amount of dye contained in the dye formulations, and mix them by hand.

[0070] This results in inaccuracy and repetition. This results in inaccuracy and repetition. may result in impossible outcomes. A recyclable, refillable, and reusable dye dispensing system and method of the present invention that provides a unique hair dye composition to a canister reduces waste and improves hair color services through dye formulation and dispensing control, thus retaining customers while providing new customer opportunities. FIG. 4 shows a simplified schematic diagram of components used in a method for preparing a dye formulation according to some embodiments. In this embodiment, the components may be various color base levels 156 and color tone values 158 of different pigments included in the canister 120. These components are dispensed by the device 100 according to the dye formulation and collected in the container 154. To produce the final hair dye composition for use on the customer's hair, for example, 5 - 40% of the developer 160 can be added to the dye formulation or made part of the dye formulation. In a non - limiting example, a customer wishes to change the color of their hair. To use the dye dispensing device 100 and method 1100, the stylist uses a user interface such as a device 112 like a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile phone. This

[0071] can also be done via an application or software package or program. The stylist inputs information about the customer to whom the dye formulation (dye recipe), such as the desired color, hair length, hair thickness, hair texture, etc., is to be applied. The controller 116 generates a request for the dye formulation based on that information. The dye formulation consists of internal databases, external databases, or data 117 from user input. For example, that information. The dye formulation consists of internal databases, external databases, or data 117 from user input. For example, In some embodiments, the dye formulation may be created by the controller 116 accessing a database stored in the controller 11 6, or a database stored remotely from the device 100, or the user may input the dye formulation. The dye formulation includes an identifier 128 and a specified amount of each of at least one dye 134. The dye formulation includes, like a recipe, the identifier 12

[0072] 8 and the amount of each dye 134 required to complete the dye formulation, and may be composed of at least one dye 134. In this example, three different dyes 134 are required for the dye formulation. For example, 0.1 gram of dye F1, 5.05 grams of dye F2, and 4.03 grams of dye F3 constitute the dye formulation (dye preparation).

[0073] In one embodiment, a formulation code is generated and input to a panel 106 of the device 100 or to a device 112 such as a computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone that may be the same as the controller 116 via a user interface. The formulation code may also be associated with a particular stylist and used to track different information or aspects by the stylist. For example, the stylist inputs the formulation code on a touch screen disposed on the device 100, or on the panel 106. In another embodiment, the stylist inputs information on a personal mobile device 112. Next, the controller 116 transmits a signal to the reader 136, and the reader 136 reads the identifier 128 on the canister 120 and, based on the identifier 128, associates it with a dye formulation such as dye F1. ​​​​​​​​​Identify the selected dye 134 within the selected canister 120. The controller 116 sends a signal to a drive mechanism such as a motor, and in this embodiment, the drive mechanism rotates the tray 118 until the dye F1 of the selected canister 120 is aligned with the dispensing area 108. The actuator receives a signal from the controller 116, and the lever arm moves or translates until the protrusion is positioned directly above the selected canister 120 of dye F1. A downward force is applied by the actuator to the selected canister 120 of dye F1 via the lever arm and the protrusion, applying pressure to the selected canister 120 of dye F1. In one embodiment, a pressure of 10 - 15 psi is applied for about 0.01 seconds to 3.0 seconds so that 0.01 grams of dye F1 is dispensed. The dye is dispensed through a nozzle and collected in a container 154 placed on the plate 150 of the dispensing area 108. An instrument such as a transducer connected to the plate measures the provided amount of the selected dye associated with the dye formulation and provides feedback to the controller 116 so that the controller 116 can stop the dispensing of the dispenser 142. The dispenser 142 stops dispensing when the dispensed amount of the selected dye is equal to the amount of dye in the dye formulation for at least one dye. This ensures that the exact amount of dye dispensed is guaranteed. In this example, the instrument measures the dispensed dye F1 and sends a signal to the controller 116 reporting that 0.01 grams of dye F1 has been received. Next, the controller 116 looks for the next identifier 128 in the dye formulation, which is dye F2, to read and continue the process.

[0074] The controller 116 then looks for the next identifier 128 in the dye formulation, which is dye F2, to read and continue the process. The dispenser 142 stops dispensing when the dispensed amount of the selected dye is equal to the amount of dye in the dye formulation for at least one dye. This ensures that the exact amount of dye dispensed is guaranteed. In this example, the instrument measures the dispensed dye F1 and sends a signal to the controller 116 reporting that 0.01 grams of dye F1 has been received. Next, the controller 116 looks for the next identifier 128 in the dye formulation, which is dye F2, to read and continue the process. In this example, the instrument measures the dispensed dye F1 and sends a signal to the controller 116 reporting that 0.01 grams of dye F1 has been received. Next, the controller 116 looks for the next identifier 128 in the dye formulation, which is dye F2, to read and continue the process. Send a signal to the device. That step of the method is repeated in the same way as repeating the measurement and stop steps for each of at least 1 of two dyes until the dye formulation is complete. This includes identifying the canister 120 of dye F2, rotating the tray 118 , dispensing the selected dye, and measuring the amount of the dispensed dye. Thereafter, method 1100 is repeated to dispense the contents of dye F3. When the contents of dye F1, dye F2, and dye F3 are dispensed, the dye formulation is complete. In some embodiments , F1, F2, F3~F(x) may be developers instead of dyes. When the dye formulation is complete, the stylist is notified by a display light and / or a message on the user interface or panel 106. When all of the dyes are provided from the canister 120 and the canister 120 is empty, the canister 120 may be refilled and reloaded into the dye dispensing device 100, so the canister 120

[0075] may be recyclable, refillable, and reusable. In one embodiment, the canister 120 is refilled remotely by the manufacturer and then shipped to Saigon. The refilled canister 120 may be loaded into the device 100 through the door 104 of the housing 102.

[0076]

[0076] The device, system or method may send notifications in the form of a display light, a message on the user interface or the like during operation. For example, the stylist may be given an instruction on the user interface to load a specific canister 120. This can occur when the necessary dye in the canister 120 is not available within the apparatus 100, when a particular canister runs out of dye during dispensing, or when the dye dispensing apparatus, system, or method malfunctions.

[0077] FIG. 5 is a front view of the dye dispensing apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. The apparatus may be operated by the panel 106 or the mobile device 112. In one embodiment, a plurality of apparatuses 100 are attached together, each having one canister 120, communicating, and controlled by the controller 116. The dye formulation is composed of different dyes, e.g., F1, F2, F3 to F(x), and may be communicated to the user on the panel 106 or by the mobile device 112. After F1 is dispensed, the container 154 may be moved to the next apparatus 100 where F2 is to be dispensed. After F2 is dispensed, the container 154 may be moved to the next apparatus 100 where F3 is to be dispensed, and so on until the dye formulation is complete. Alternatively, there may be only one apparatus 100, and the selected canister 120 may be loaded after each dye is dispensed until the dye formulation is complete. The user may be instructed via the user interface to achieve the loading and removal of the canister 120 and / or the movement of the container 154 to collect the dispensed dye.

[0078] The dye dispensing system or method is a comprehensive solution that provides precise reproducibility of the ordered dye formulation, packaging innovation, assistance for in-store product inventory, and a reordering function. In some embodiments, substantially all of the dye in the canister is utilized. The salon industry generally ​Concerns related to waste, inventory management costs, storage costs, and the quality of hair color formulations during hair coloring services The industry is troubled by customer retention problems and high customer acquisition costs. Regarding hair dyes, the industry generally relies on small containers such as tubes filled with dyes. When performing a color service for a customer, a stylist uses a portion of the dye in the tube to mix the hair color, and multiple tubes are generally required. This results in residual hair color and packaging being distributed to the water system and landfills, causing stress to the environment due to excessive packaging and waste. Additionally, the unused portion of the dye in the container may not be needed for another customer or may be rendered useless by exposure to oxygen, often becoming waste. In contrast to a typical dye tube, using a canister eliminates the tubes, dye waste, and packaging. A typical dye tube is about 1.7 ounces to 3.2 ounces. In one embodiment, using a canister configured to contain 8.6 ounces allows multiple tubes to be replaced by a single recyclable, refillable, and reusable canister. The dye dispensing system 110 may be configured to track inventory and generate reports. For example, the identifier of each canister 120 may be read during installation, and from that, the dye dispensing system 110 may monitor, track, and reorganize the inventory. Self-diagnostic scans may be performed by the controller 116 or a reader,

[0079] or a combination of the two, to monitor the current operating state, position errors, warnings, or faults. For example, the identifier of each canister 120 may be read during installation, and therefrom, the dye dispensing system 110 may monitor, track, and reorganize the inventory. Self-diagnostic scans may be performed by the controller 116 or a reader, or a combination of the two, to monitor the current operating state, position errors, warnings, or faults.

[0080] The dye dispensing system 110 may automate the refill procedure of the canister 120 and the salon payment procedure. For example, the inventory management system may initiate a replacement order. The order may be with an exclusive vendor that provides automatic shipping, thus reducing the salon owner's inventory storage costs and management effort. The inventory may be reviewed against the shipping data for tracking information from order to delivery. The canister 120 with the dye may automatically issue an invoice and be automatically purchased electronically, thus minimizing the payment effort and streamlining the salon's accounts receivable processing. In some embodiments, the method has a tiered marketing strategy that offers direct sales to upper-tier salons and representatives of manufacturers for lower tiers. In other embodiments, direct shipping of factory canisters reduces transportation costs and outer packaging. Conventionally, stylists manually mix combinations of hair color dyes provided manually from tubes, containers, or bottles. The industry relies on primitive tools for manual mixing. An inadequately mixed hair color formulation can cause hot spots on the scalp and result in inconsistent hair color. In one embodiment, a lid for the container 154 is provided. The lid is configured to have an opening through which the dispensed dye may flow when the lid is attached to the container. The lid may also be configured to have a foamer driven by a motor. When the lid is attached to the container 154, the dispensed dye within the container 154 may be mixed to an appropriate viscosity by the foamer, thereby enabling all of the dye to be uniformly mixed so as not to leave unmixed color on the surface of the container 154. The order may be with an exclusive vendor that provides automatic shipping, thus reducing the salon owner's inventory storage costs and management effort. The inventory may be reviewed against the shipping data for tracking information from order to delivery. The canister 120 with the dye may automatically issue an invoice and be automatically purchased electronically, thus minimizing the payment effort and streamlining the salon's accounts receivable processing. In some embodiments, the method has a tiered marketing strategy that offers direct sales to upper-tier salons and representatives of manufacturers for lower tiers. In other embodiments, direct shipping of factory canisters reduces transportation costs and outer packaging. Conventionally, stylists manually mix combinations of hair color dyes provided manually from tubes, containers, or bottles. The industry relies on primitive tools for manual mixing. An inadequately mixed hair color formulation can cause hot spots on the scalp and result in inconsistent hair color. In one embodiment, a lid for the container 154 is provided. The lid is configured to have an opening through which the dispensed dye may flow when the lid is attached to the container. The lid may also be configured to have a foamer driven by a motor. When the lid is attached to the container 154, the dispensed dye within the container 154 may be mixed to an appropriate viscosity by the foamer, thereby enabling all of the dye to be uniformly mixed so as not to leave unmixed color on the surface of the container 154. The order may be with an exclusive vendor that provides automatic shipping, thus reducing the salon owner's inventory storage costs and management effort. The inventory may be reviewed against the shipping data for tracking information from order to delivery. The canister 120 with the dye may automatically issue an invoice and be automatically purchased electronically, thus minimizing the payment effort and streamlining the salon's accounts receivable processing. In some

[0081] embodiments, the method has a tiered marketing strategy that offers direct sales to upper-tier salons and representatives of manufacturers for lower tiers. In other embodiments, direct shipping of factory canisters reduces transportation costs and outer packaging. Conventionally, stylists manually mix combinations of hair color dyes provided manually from tubes, containers, or bottles. The industry relies on primitive tools for manual mixing. An inadequately mixed hair color formulation can cause hot spots on the scalp and result in inconsistent hair color. In one embodiment, a lid for the container 154 is provided. The lid is configured to have an opening through which the dispensed dye may flow when the lid is attached to the container. The lid may also be configured to have a foamer driven by a motor. When the lid is attached to the container 154, the dispensed dye within the container 154 may be mixed to an appropriate viscosity by the foamer, thereby enabling all of the dye to be uniformly mixed so as not to leave unmixed color on the surface of the container 154. The order may be with an exclusive vendor that provides automatic shipping, thus reducing the salon owner's inventory storage costs and management effort. The inventory may be reviewed against the shipping data for tracking information from order to delivery. The canister 120 with the dye may automatically issue an invoice and be automatically purchased electronically, thus minimizing the payment effort and streamlining the salon's accounts receivable processing. In some embodiments, the method has a tiered marketing strategy that offers direct sales to upper-tier salons and representatives of manufacturers for lower tiers. In other embodiments, direct shipping of factory canisters reduces transportation costs and outer packaging. Conventionally, stylists manually mix combinations of hair color dyes provided manually from tubes, containers, or bottles. The industry relies on primitive tools for manual mixing. An inadequately mixed hair color formulation can cause hot spots on the scalp and result in inconsistent hair color. In one embodiment, a lid for the container 154 is provided. The lid is configured to have an opening through which the dispensed dye may flow when the lid is attached to the container. The lid may also be configured to have a foamer driven by a motor. When the lid is attached to the container 154, the dispensed dye within the container 154 may be mixed to an appropriate viscosity by the foamer, thereby enabling all of the dye to be uniformly mixed so as not to leave unmixed color on the surface of the container 154. The order may be with an exclusive vendor that provides automatic shipping, thus reducing the salon owner's inventory storage costs and management effort. The inventory may be reviewed against the shipping data for tracking information from order to delivery. The canister 120 with the dye may automatically issue an invoice and be automatically purchased electronically, thus minimizing the payment effort and streamlining the salon's accounts receivable processing. In some embodiments, the method has a tiered marketing strategy that offers direct sales to upper-tier salons and representatives of manufacturers for lower tiers. In other embodiments, direct shipping of factory canisters reduces transportation costs and outer packaging. 。The foaming device may be configured to be disengaged from the motor, for example, by a push-and-turn (pressing and rotating) mechanism that operates counterclockwise with respect to the rotation of the foaming device. The materials of the container and the foaming device may minimize friction and assist in the cleaning of hydrophobic materials. The foaming device is removable and may be cleaned after each use.

[0082] In another embodiment, the dye dispensing system 110 is configured to have a 360° image capture capability designed to generate an image of the customer's head and shoulders. The associated application provides a hair and face avatar along with a palette of dye colors for the customer to try on, thereby enabling the customer to imagine how they would look with different colored hair. Once selected, the target color may be converted into a formulation for dispensing by the dye dispensing system 110. In a further embodiment, an optical scanner may capture a three-dimensional image of the customer that may be used to calculate the amount of dye required to dye the hair and transmit that information to the dye dispensing system 110.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, the dye dispensing system is configured with a sensor for providing hair color feedback. Digital profiles of the customer's hair before and after hair color application may be evaluated to assess the quality of the dye formulation related to the target color selected by the customer. Each customer's hair has different characteristics that affect the result of the hair color treatment. A feedback loop optimizes and customizes the difference between the target and actual colors for each customer and converts it into a customized formulation recipe based on an algorithm. ​​​​​​​​​​​​Data may be provided for each use to optimize the formulation towards a target color. When data is collected from a customer, the system may be able to learn adjustments to the formulation and thereby accurately create a formulation that achieves the target color with fewer applications. Also, this may improve the "first treatment", which is a common source of anxiety for both stylists and customers. When data is collected from a customer, the system may be able to learn adjustments to the formulation and thereby accurately create a formulation that achieves the target color with fewer applications. Also, this may improve the "first treatment", which is a common source of anxiety for both stylists and customers. When data is collected from a customer, the system may be able to learn adjustments to the formulation and thereby accurately create a formulation that achieves the target color with fewer applications. Also, this may improve the "first treatment", which is a common source of anxiety for both stylists and customers.

[0084] In further embodiments, the apparatus 100 and method may dispense other liquids such as, for example, developers, shampoos, conditioners, additives, or any combination thereof. In further embodiments, the apparatus 100 and method may dispense other liquids such as, for example, developers, shampoos, conditioners, additives, or any combination thereof.

[0085] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and process for measuring a customer's current hair color and then using that information along with information aggregated from a plurality of other customers to accurately provide a hair dye composition that changes the customer's current hair color to a desired color. For example, the systems described herein that incorporate and / or utilize a lookup table or similar structure to store associations between hair parameters and color may be networked with other systems and utilize such networked information to improve hair dye compositions. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However, for a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. Hair coloring is complex and often it can be difficult to know the final color of a customer's hair after applying a dye formulation. Further, variations in one or more aspects or characteristics of a customer's hair can Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and process for measuring a customer's current hair color and then using that information along with information aggregated from a plurality of other customers to accurately provide a hair dye composition that changes the customer's current hair color to a desired color. For example, the systems described herein that incorporate and / or utilize a lookup table or similar structure to store associations between hair parameters and color may be networked with other systems and utilize such networked information to improve hair dye compositions. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However, for a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. Hair coloring is complex and often it can be difficult to know the final color of a customer's hair after applying a dye formulation. Further, variations in one or more aspects or characteristics of a customer's hair can Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and process for measuring a customer's current hair color and then using that information along with information aggregated from a plurality of other customers to accurately provide a hair dye composition that changes the customer's current hair color to a desired color. For example, the systems described herein that incorporate and / or utilize a lookup table or similar structure to store associations between hair parameters and color may be networked with other systems and utilize such networked information to improve hair dye compositions. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However, for a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. Hair coloring is complex and often it can be difficult to know the final color of a customer's hair after applying a dye formulation. Further, variations in one or more aspects or characteristics of a customer's hair can Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and process for measuring a customer's current hair color and then using that information along with information aggregated from a plurality of other customers to accurately provide a hair dye composition that changes the customer's current hair color to a desired color. For example, the systems described herein that incorporate and / or utilize a lookup table or similar structure to store associations between hair parameters and color may be networked with other systems and utilize such networked information to improve hair dye compositions. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However, for a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. Hair coloring is complex and often it can be difficult to know the final color of a customer's hair after applying a dye formulation. Further, variations in one or more aspects or characteristics of a customer's hair can Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and process for measuring a customer's current hair color and then using that information along with information aggregated from a plurality of other customers to accurately provide a hair dye composition that changes the customer's current hair color to a desired color. For example, the systems described herein that incorporate and / or utilize a lookup table or similar structure to store associations between hair parameters and color may be networked with other systems and utilize such networked information to improve hair dye compositions. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However, for a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. Hair coloring is complex and often it can be difficult to know the final color of a customer's hair after applying a dye formulation. Further, variations in one or more aspects or characteristics of a customer's hair can Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and process for measuring a customer's current hair color and then using that information along with information aggregated from a plurality of other customers to accurately provide a hair dye composition that changes the customer's current hair color to a desired color. For example, the systems described herein that incorporate and / or utilize a lookup table or similar structure to store associations between hair parameters and color may be networked with other systems and utilize such networked information to improve hair dye compositions. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However, for a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. Hair coloring is complex and often it can be difficult to know the final color of a customer's hair after applying a dye formulation. Further, variations in one or more aspects or characteristics of a customer's hair can Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and process for measuring a customer's current hair color and then using that information along with information aggregated from a plurality of other customers to accurately provide a hair dye composition that changes the customer's current hair color to a desired color. For example, the systems described herein that incorporate and / or utilize a lookup table or similar structure to store associations between hair parameters and color may be networked with other systems and utilize such networked information to improve hair dye compositions. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However, for a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. Hair coloring is complex and often it can be difficult to know the final color of a customer's hair after applying a dye formulation. Further, variations in one or more aspects or characteristics of a customer's hair can Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and process for measuring a customer's current hair color and then using that information along with information aggregated from a plurality of other customers to accurately provide a hair dye composition that changes the customer's current hair color to a desired color. For example, the systems described herein that incorporate and / or utilize a lookup table or similar structure to store associations between hair parameters and color may be networked with other systems and utilize such networked information to improve hair dye compositions. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However, for a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. Hair coloring is complex and often it can be difficult to know the final color of a customer's hair after applying a dye formulation. Further, variations in one or more aspects or characteristics of a customer's hair can Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and process for measuring a customer's current hair color and then using that information along with information aggregated from a plurality of other customers to accurately provide a hair dye composition that changes the customer's current hair color to a desired color. For example, the systems described herein that incorporate and / or utilize a lookup table or similar structure to store associations between hair parameters and color may be networked with other systems and utilize such networked information to improve hair dye compositions. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However, for a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. Hair coloring is complex and often it can be difficult to know the final color of a customer's hair after applying a dye formulation. Further, variations in one or more aspects or characteristics of a customer's hair can Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and process for measuring a customer's current hair color and then using that information along with information aggregated from a plurality of other customers to accurately provide a hair dye composition that changes the customer's current hair color to a desired color. For example, the systems described herein that incorporate and / or utilize a lookup table or similar structure to store associations between hair parameters and color may be networked with other systems and utilize such networked information to improve hair dye compositions. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However, for a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. Hair coloring is complex and often it can be difficult to know the final color of a customer's hair after applying a dye formulation. Further, variations in one or more aspects or characteristics of a customer's hair can Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and process for measuring a customer's current hair color and then using that information along with information aggregated from a plurality of other customers to accurately provide a hair dye composition that changes the customer's current hair color to a desired color. For example, the systems described herein that incorporate and / or utilize a lookup table or similar structure to store associations between hair parameters and color may be networked with other systems and utilize such networked information to improve hair dye compositions. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a specific hair target color in mind when entering a salon. However, for a stylist, knowing how to change a customer's current hair color to a desired color can sometimes be a challenge. Hair coloring is complex and often it can be difficult to know the final color of a customer's hair after applying a dye formulation. Further, variations in one or more aspects or characteristics of a customer's hair can , The hair dye composition can affect how it changes the customer's hair. For example, The hair of different customers may react differently to the same hair dye composition, so that two customers starting with the same hair color may end up with different colors in a situation where the same hair dye composition is applied. Embodiments of the present invention assist in formulating a dye composition that appropriately enables a stylist to dye a customer's hair to reach a target color by comparing the characteristics of the customer's hair with a large dataset of other previous dyeing sessions. For example, a stylist can obtain multiple current measurements of the customer's hair to determine the hair's characteristics. These measurements and characteristics, along with the target color of the hair, may be input into the system. The system then compares these starting measurements and characteristics, as well as the target color, with a large dataset of previous dyeing sessions to output a protocol proposed to enable the customer to reach the target color. The system can use artificial intelligence and machine learning processes to compile and analyze previous customer data, and then execute instructions to identify corresponding characteristics from the database of previous hair characteristic data, and instructions to determine an appropriate protocol and composition to place on the customer's hair to reach the desired target color of the hair. It can use information from the database. In one embodiment, a stylist can use an electronic device to measure the current color of the customer's hair. The device can be a handheld colorimeter, an optical sensor, a camera, a narrow or wide frequency information capture device, or various characteristics of the hair (hair health, color, type, density, thickness, permeability, etc.). Instructions for determining an appropriate protocol and composition to place on the customer's hair to reach the desired target color of the hair, along with information from the database can be used.

[0086] In one embodiment, a stylist can use an electronic device to measure the current color of the customer's hair. The device can be a handheld colorimeter, an optical sensor, a camera, a narrow or wide frequency information capture device, or various characteristics of the hair (hair health, color, type, density, thickness, permeability, Measurements including the gray range, damage, moisture level, previous treatments, and the primary colors reflected by the hair, etc.) to return for the hair, which is a similar apparatus for performing an analysis on the hair may be. However, other apparatuses for measuring these characteristics of the customer's hair are also conceivable. For example in one embodiment, the stylist can take a high-resolution photograph of the customer's hair and perform an analysis of the colors within the digital image . In another embodiment, the stylist can take a plurality of photographs or videos and supply the data to the system for analysis of the customer's current hair color. The starting characteristics of the customer's current hair are measured, and when the stylist consults the customer about what the desired target color is , the stylist inputs the measured characteristics and the desired color into the system and compares them with the database of the measured characteristics stored so that a hair dye composition can be generated .

[0087] In one embodiment, the target color of the hair can be input into the system by entering the desired color, hue, or other color information . In another embodiment, the desired target color can be captured by entering a Pantone (or similar) number or identifier into the system . In another embodiment, the target color may be captured from an existing photograph or image of a hair color printed in a magazine or other source. For example, the stylist can take a digital photograph of the hair color the customer saw in a fashion magazine, and the system can use the captured color as the target color so that the customer can obtain the same color as seen in the magazine .

[0088] Using the captured hair characteristics, the system can provide a customer with the captured hair characteristics ​​​To identify the estimated results when applying a dye composition to hair, a centralized database or can access several distributed databases or storage devices. For example, the system can search a centralized or distributed database for other customers with similar hair characteristics and dyeing results based on the corresponding target color and dye composition, and better determine the dye composition for customers with the captured hair characteristics to obtain the target color.

[0089] Based on the obtained hair characteristics, the obtained database information, and the target color information, the system can process that information to determine an appropriate process for changing the customer's hair color. In some embodiments, the system may propose a protocol that includes a series of color applications including compositions and treatments for different hair roots compared to the tips of the hair. In some embodiments, the system may propose to pre-lighten the hair with bleach as an initial step. The system guides the stylist through a process with the proposed formulation and treatment so that the final result is the desired target color of the hair. When the stylist applies the formulation and treatment proposed by the system, the stylist can perform a "post" measurement set using a handheld sensor to determine how close the customer's new hair color is to the desired target color. The system records this result and uses the data collected from the dyeing session

[0090] to refine the process and color calculations and provide colors and procedures for improving future accuracy. For example, the results can be used to refine the process and color calculations and provide colors and procedures for improving future accuracy. For example, the results can be , to show how one or more hair characteristics affect the change of the customer's initial hair color to the final hair color, together with one or more of the customer's hair characteristics and target color, may be stored in one of a centralized database or a plurality of distributed databases. These results can enable the system to compensate for hair characteristics that may be specific to the customer when generating a dye composition to reach the target color of the hair. By making the results available (via a centralized database or a distributed database) to other systems, other systems can use the same information to improve the generation of the dye composition and compensate for one or more hair characteristics.

[0091] In some embodiments, the dye dispensing system 110 of FIG. 1 may represent a salon or a similar facility supported by one or more stylists for whom one or more customers come for a hair color service. As described above and as described herein, the dye dispensing system 110 (e.g., a salon) includes an apparatus used to accurately dispense a dye composition and / or formulation to be applied to a customer's hair by a stylist. In some embodiments, each of the dye dispensing systems 110 can include a database or data storage device having data regarding the customers and / or stylists specific to that system 110 (e.g., a particular salon that makes up system 110). For example, the database (not shown) of system 110 stores customer profiles and includes past hair characteristics and hair colors. For example, the database of system 110 includes the customer profiles of each customer who has visited the salon or used system 110. In some embodiments, the customer profile ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The profile includes a customer identifier (e.g., customer name, phone number, etc.) and details of previously measured or provided hair characteristics (e.g., one or more of hair health, color, type, density, thickness, porosity, gray range, damage, moisture level, previous treatments, level of primary color reflected by the hair, etc.). In some embodiments, the customer profile also includes details of previous hair dyeing sessions, which include the initial starting hair color, the desired target hair color, the final hair color, and / or details regarding the dye composition and / or formulation applied to the customer's hair to transition from the initial hair color to the final hair color. In some embodiments, this data stored in or associated with the customer's profile can be used to improve future hair dyeing sessions for the customer. This is because analyzing the previous results and hair characteristics to identify the changes that will occur in future dyeing sessions ensures that the final color is closer to the target color of the hair, thereby improving future outcomes for the customer (and thus the stylist and salon).

[0092] In some embodiments, the data stores within the database of system 110 associated with each customer profile are also used collectively. For example, the data for each customer is anonymized and can be used to improve the coloring of another customer of system 110 who shares one or more of the initial hair color, the target hair color, or one or more of the hair characteristics. For example, assume a previous customer had an initial hair color with a first color value (and / or lightness value) and a desired target hair color with a second color value, and a first dye formulation was applied to the customer's hair resulting in a final hair color with a third color value. If another customer has the same initial hair color with the same first color value and the same desired target hair color as the previous customer, the data from the previous customer's dyeing session can be used to predict what the final hair color might be with different dye formulations or to optimize the dyeing process for the new customer. first color value of the initial hair color The stylist having the next customer with a target color for the desired hair having a second color value can adjust the dye formulation to help ensure that the final color approaches the target color. The adjustment made to the dye formulation may be informed by the results from previous customers, as well as the similarities and / or differences in hair characteristics between the previous customer and the next customer. For example, if both the previous and next customers have porous hair and the final hair color of the previous customer was darker than the target color, the stylist may identify that the next customer's hair will (due to similar porosity) absorb extra color and adjust the next dye formulation to contain less color in an attempt to approach the target color. Similarly, other similarities or differences in hair characteristics will inform the stylist how to adjust, or whether to adjust, the dye formulation. By collectively using the hair characteristics of all the customers of system 110, the stylist (and / or system 110) can use a large dataset to instruct and / or inform the dye formulation. By aggregating and / or analyzing the large dataset and using machine learning or artificial intelligence processes, system 110 can incorporate previous results and the hair characteristics that led to those previous results and improve the results of applying the dye formulation to the customer's hair by improving over time through feedback and backpropagation loops. As more information becomes available for aggregation and analysis, the improvements to the dye formulation will bring the target hair color and the final hair color closer together.

[0093]

[0094] FIG. 6 is a network of multiple dye dispensing system 110 environments of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a working diagram. As described above, the environment of the dye dispensing system 110 in FIG. 1 can accommodate or represent a salon or other facility where a customer collaborates with a stylist to dye the customer's hair. Furthermore, these individual salons or systems 110 can themselves be networked to enable communication of information between different salons or systems 110. As shown in FIG. 6, three systems 110 can be networked together via a network 210. Each of the first system 110a, the second system 110b, and the third system 110c can include, as described with reference to FIG. 1, locally (e.g., within the system 110 or salon) networked devices 100, and one or more mobile devices, etc. Further, the network 210 may connect the systems 110a - 110c to a networked database 208. In some embodiments, the networked database 208 can act as a centralized database storing information (e.g., hair characteristics from each customer of systems 110a - 110c, initial hair color from a dyeing session, target hair color, and final hair color, corresponding attitudes that may affect the coloring result, etc.) in a common anonymized format. In some embodiments, the networked database 208 can also store a customer profile that enables a customer to move to any of the systems 110a - 110c and receive a customized hair dyeing service based on previous visits. As described above, the hair characteristics of all customers of a single system 110, the initial hair color, hair color, etc. From each customer of systems 110a - 110c, initial hair color from a dyeing session, target hair color, and final hair color, corresponding attitudes that may affect the coloring result, etc. Are stored in a common anonymized format as a centralized database that can operate. In some embodiments, the networked database 208 enables a customer to move to any of the systems 110a - 110c and receive a customized hair dyeing service based on previous visits. Can also store a customer profile that allows. To receive a customized hair dyeing service based on previous visits. .

[0095] As described above, the hair characteristics of all customers of a single system 110, the initial hair color, hair Based on the target color and one or more similarities among one or more hair characteristics, it can be beneficial and / or referential for preparing future customer dye formulations. By aggregating customer information from multiple systems 110 within the networked database 208, each of the networked systems 110a - 110c has access to more information so that the adjustment to the dye formulation can be further improved to make the final color from the dyeing session as close as possible to the customer's target color. As more and more systems 110 are networked with the networked database 208 and the customer's hair characteristics and dyeing session results (e.g., initial, target, and final hair colors) are stored in the networked database 208, the networked systems 110 can utilize the customer's hair characteristics, initial hair color, and hair target color, along with the information stored in the networked database 208 and analysis, and models, etc., to have improved resources for preparing future customer dye formulations to better characterize the dye formulation so that the final color is as close as possible to the target color. In some embodiments, the networked database 208 (or, for example, a distributed storage device that is distributed among each system 110 but networked for access by all networked systems 110) can store the information captured by the scanner 111 of each system 110, as well as any manual or other inputs. The networked database 208 (or distributed device) In some embodiments, the networked database 208 (or, for example, a distributed storage device that is distributed among each system 110 but networked for access by all networked systems 110) can store the information captured by the scanner 111 of each system 110, as well as any manual or other inputs. The networked database 208 (or distributed device) For use when preparing future customer dye formulations, by using the customer's hair characteristics, initial hair color, and hair target color, along with the information stored in the networked database 208 and analysis, and models, etc., to have improved resources.

[0096] In some embodiments, the networked database 208 (or, for example, a distributed storage device that is distributed among each system 110 but networked for access by all networked systems 110) can store the information captured by the scanner 111 of each system 110, as well as any manual or other inputs. The networked database 208 (or distributed device) can store the information captured by the scanner 111 of each system 110, as well as any manual or other inputs. The networked database 208 (or distributed device) can store the information captured by the scanner 111 of each system 110, as well as any manual or other inputs. The networked database 208 (or distributed device) can store the information captured by the scanner 111 of each system 110, as well as any manual or other inputs. The networked database 208 (or distributed device) The information in the scanner 111 is used to determine the most likely outcome of the dyeing session. To calculate the results, one or more remote data modules (described in more detail herein) In some embodiments, the scanner 111 and The color analysis module 216 may include a database of hair characteristics and / or a library of hair values (e.g. For example, a look-up table of hair lightness values or other hair characteristics described herein. and / or utilize libraries or databases as described in more detail herein. Include details on how hair characteristics affected the hair dye process, such as This can be done.

[0097] Using a lookup table as described above, the color analysis module 216 The data in the scan table is used to It is possible to identify the color of a scanned customer's hair or the color of a scanned swatch or sample. For example, a stylist (or a customer) can measure various hair characteristics associated with the customer's hair. To identify the value, the customer The three positions are the root position of the customer's hair, the shaft position on the customer's hair, The measurements from the scanner 111 may include the location of the customer's hair, and the tip location of the customer's hair. The color analysis module 216 may be configured to transmit the color information to the computing system 200. , a single lightness and / or color value can be identified that corresponds to all three measurements of the customer's hair. For example, the color analysis module 216 (or the scanner 111) may generate a single brightness and / or color image. The lightness and / or color measurements from the three measurement locations are averaged to produce a measurement of In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 (or scanner 111) generates a median value of three lightness and / or color measurements as a single lightness and / or color measurement. In some embodiments, other calculations are used to determine a single lightness and / or color measurement. In some embodiments, the three lightness and / or color measurements, as well as the single lightness and / or color measurement, are stored in the mass storage device 222 or the network storage device. Based on the determined single measurement, the color analysis module 216 looks up a hair color level (e.g., name, identifier, etc.) associated with the single measurement based on the single measurement being between a minimum level and a maximum level for a particular hair color. For example, the color analysis module 216 identifies that the single measurement is L = 34, and the color analysis module 216 refers to a look-up table to identify the hair color level for which L = 34 is between the corresponding minimum and maximum measurements. If color 8 has a maximum L value of 35 and a minimum L value of 30, the color analysis module 216 identifies that the customer's hair color level corresponds to color level 8.

[0098] In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 can calculate an accurate hair color level based on the relationship between the single measurement and the minimum / maximum levels. For example, for a single measurement of L = 34 where the minimum and maximum L values are 30 and 35 respectively, the color analysis module 216 can determine that the customer's hair color level is 8.8 (30 reaches color level 8, and then 4 / 5 reaches color level.8). The color analysis module 216 rounds the color level of 8.8 to the nearest whole (9) or half ( In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 generates a median value of three lightness and / or color measurements as a single lightness and / or color measurement. In some embodiments, other calculations are used to determine a single lightness and / or color measurement. In some embodiments, the three lightness and / or color measurements, as well as the single lightness and / or color measurement, are stored in the mass storage device 222 or the network storage device. Based on the determined single measurement, the color analysis module 216 looks up a hair color level (e.g., name, identifier, etc.) associated with the single measurement based on the single measurement being between a minimum level and a maximum level for a particular hair color. For example, the color analysis module 216 identifies that the single measurement is L = 34, and the color analysis module 216 refers to a look-up table to identify the hair color level for which L = 34 is between the corresponding minimum and maximum measurements. If color 8 has a maximum L value of 35 and a minimum L value of 30, the color analysis module 216 identifies that the customer's hair color level corresponds to color level 8. In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 can calculate an accurate hair color level based on the relationship between the single measurement and the minimum / maximum levels. For example, for a single measurement of L = 34 where the minimum and maximum L values are 30 and 35 respectively, the color analysis module 216 can determine that the customer's hair color level is 8.8 (30 reaches color level 8, and then 4 / 5 reaches color level.8). The color analysis module 216 rounds the color level of 8.8 to the nearest whole (9) or half ( In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 generates a median value of three lightness and / or color measurements as a single lightness and / or color measurement. can be rounded to the color level of 8.5). In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 provides the identified color level for display to the customer or stylist via the UI of the computing system 200. The identified color level can be stored with the customer's profile, or in the mass storage device 222 or network storage device, or instead. In some embodiments, the name or image of the color corresponding to the color level is presented via the UI for visual confirmation by the customer and / or stylist.

[0099] Alternatively, instead of determining a single measurement value corresponding to three measurements from the customer's hair, the color analysis module 216 may identify the color corresponding to the measurements from the three measurement positions from a look-up table. Thus, the color analysis module 216 can identify up to three different color levels (or more color levels if more than three measurements are obtained from the customer's hair) depending on how different the measurements are from each other for each measurement position.

[0100] Embodiments of the invention described herein further relate to a system and method for identifying a dye formulation for a customer based on a desired hair color and then displaying to the customer an image or representation of the predicted hair color based on the identified formulation. As is known, a customer desiring a new hair color can have a particular target hair color in mind. In some cases, the customer brings a sample of the hair color to the stylist and asks the stylist to create a hair dye protocol and dye formulation that will result in hair matching the sample hair color. However, when a stylist applies a desired recipe or formulation to a customer's hair and wants to show the customer what it will look like, and make adjustments in real time or near real time, and adjust the dye formulation and show the customer the results of the adjustment, this can sometimes be a challenge. One embodiment of the present invention is a system for displaying to a customer a hair color that is likely to be the result of dying the customer's hair with a particular formulation. By modifying a particular formulation on a display device, a stylist can show the customer various different hair colors that will appear on the customer's hair after treatment. In one embodiment, the target hair color can be obtained by measuring the target hair color from a printed or digital color sample and then creating a protocol and a dye formulation to match the customer's hair color to the color sample. However, when a stylist applies a desired recipe or formulation to a customer's hair and wants to show the customer what it will look like, and make adjustments in real time or near real time, and adjust the dye formulation and show the customer the results of the adjustment, this can sometimes be a challenge. One embodiment of the present invention is a system for displaying to a customer a hair color that is likely to be the result of dying the customer's hair with a particular formulation. By modifying a particular formulation on a display device, a stylist can show the customer various different hair colors that will appear on the customer's hair after treatment. In one embodiment, the target hair color can be obtained by measuring the target hair color from a printed or digital color sample and then creating a protocol and a dye formulation to match the customer's hair color to the color sample. In some embodiments of the present invention, the system includes an apparatus for inputting a target hair color and then measuring one or more current hair measurements of the customer, such as, for example, one or more of the tone, texture, and other hair characteristics of the color. The system can then (1) determine an appropriate protocol and dye composition and / or formulation for applying to the customer's hair to reach the desired target hair color from the initial hair color and / or (2) execute instructions for showing the final hair color predicted when the dye formulation and the input hair color are given. In one embodiment, the predicted final hair color may be shown on the screen of an electronic device configured to show the predicted final hair color with the customer's hair, face, and / or body. For example, the customer may be a person who has previously used a friend or a stylist who introduced the customer (or family, etc.) to the customer. However, when a stylist applies a desired recipe or formulation to a customer's hair and wants to show the customer what it will look like, and make adjustments in real time or near real time, and adjust the dye formulation and show the customer the results of the adjustment, this can sometimes be a challenge. One embodiment of the present invention is a system for displaying to a customer a hair color that is likely to be the result of dying the customer's hair with a particular formulation. By modifying a particular formulation on a display device, a stylist can show the customer various different hair colors that will appear on the customer's hair after treatment.

[0101] In some embodiments of the present invention, the system includes an apparatus for inputting a target hair color and then measuring one or more current hair measurements of the customer, such as, for example, one or more of the tone, texture, and other hair characteristics of the color. The system can then (1) determine an appropriate protocol and dye composition and / or formulation for applying to the customer's hair to reach the desired target hair color from the initial hair color and / or (2) execute instructions for showing the final hair color predicted when the dye formulation and the input hair color are given. In one embodiment, the predicted final hair color may be shown on the screen of an electronic device configured to show the predicted final hair color with the customer's hair, face, and / or body. For example, the customer may be a person who has previously used a friend or a stylist who introduced the customer (or family, etc.) to the customer. However, when a stylist applies a desired recipe or formulation to a customer's hair and wants to show the customer what it will look like, and make adjustments in real time or near real time, and adjust the dye formulation and show the customer the results of the adjustment, this can sometimes be a challenge. One embodiment of the present invention is a system for displaying to a customer a hair color that is likely to be the result of dying the customer's hair with a particular formulation. By modifying a particular formulation on a display device, a stylist can show the customer various different hair colors that will appear on the customer's hair after treatment. In one embodiment, the target hair color can be obtained by measuring the target hair color from a printed or digital color sample and then creating a protocol and a dye formulation to match the customer's hair color to the color sample.

[0102] In one embodiment, the predicted final hair color may be shown on the screen of an electronic device configured to show the predicted final hair color with the customer's hair, face, and / or body. For example, the customer may be a person who has previously used a friend or a stylist who introduced the customer (or family, etc.) to the customer. However, when a stylist applies a desired recipe or formulation to a customer's hair and wants to show the customer what it will look like, and make adjustments in real time or near real time, and adjust the dye formulation and show the customer the results of the adjustment, this can sometimes be a challenge. One embodiment of the present invention is a system for displaying to a customer a hair color that is likely to be the result of dying the customer's hair with a particular formulation. By modifying a particular formulation on a display device, a stylist can show the customer various different hair colors that will appear on the customer's hair after treatment. There may be a desire to use a particular dye formulation. In such embodiments, the stylist list can capture a customer's photograph and then overlay the expected final color based on the dye formulation and the customer's starting hair color. In some embodiments, an electronic device determines an appropriate dye composition and / or formulation for bringing the customer from their initial hair color to a desired target color.

[0103] In another embodiment, the customer may bring in a photograph or image containing the target hair color, and the stylist uses a device (e.g., a handheld scanner or similar device) to scan the hair color from the photograph or image, identify the target color, and generate a formulation that will bring the target hair color to the customer's own hair. Since each customer's hair has unique characteristics such as color, health, etc., the dye formulations used for each customer to reach the same target hair color may be different. Thus, the system can input all variables from the customer's own hair, calculate the predicted hair color, and display it on an electronic display, so that the customer can confirm that the final appearance and color of the hair are the desired appearance. In one embodiment, the stylist can take a digital image of the customer, and the system identifies the portion of the image that is hair and can display to the customer the final appearance of the dyed hair color according to various formulations determined by the system or input by the stylist.

[0104] In one embodiment, the device used to measure the customer's current or target hair color may be a colorimeter. In other embodiments, for measuring the customer's current or target hair color The device used is a digital camera. However, other devices are also conceivable. For example, in one embodiment, the stylist takes a high-resolution photo of the customer's hair placed adjacent to a printout or chart of a set of standard colors known to the system and can perform an analysis of the customer's hair color in the digital image.

[0105] In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 (e.g., as described above) can provide analysis and output in various embodiments. For example, when there is a formulation for a hair dye composition or product that the customer or stylist may want to use but does not know how the final color will look when mixed, the color analysis module 216 can provide an output. In such an embodiment, when the dye formulation is input into the system 110 (e.g., via the UI or similar input / output devices and interfaces 212), the color analysis module 216 inputs or reads what hair color, texture, etc. the input dye formulation is applicable to, and then displays the resulting hair color, texture, etc. on one of the displays of the mobile device 112 (e.g., via the UI or input / output devices and interfaces 212 ). In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 applies the determined hair color, texture, etc. to the customer's image, thereby enabling the customer to see how the result of the dye formulation is expected to look specifically on the customer's own hair. Thus, the color analysis module 216 can enable the stylist and the customer to see the expected final hair color, etc. before starting the hair transformation process.

[0106] Furthermore, or alternatively, the color analysis module 216 can provide the results when the customer has the desired hair color, and the results include which specific dye components should be mixed to achieve it (e.g., when the color analysis module generates a dye formulation based on the desired hair color). In some embodiments, as described in more detail herein, the color analysis module 216 can operate in conjunction with the formulation module 218. When generating a hair color for display based on the provided dye formulation, the color analysis module

[0107] 216 can perform a plurality of steps. In some of the steps, it cooperates with the computing system 200 and / or other components of the system 110. For example, the color analysis module 216 (or an external component) can create and / or access a library of spectral signatures for all the colors of a particular hair color line or brand, or for many hair color lines or brands. In some embodiments, when creating a library (e.g., for all the base colors, natural colors, and pure tones (pure tones) of a particular color brand or line), the scanner 111 and the color analysis module 216 generate a library of spectral values based on the measurement values of the samples scanned using the scanner 111 and / or a spectrophotometer. In some embodiments, the measured samples may contain a dye applied to an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) wool cloth at a sufficient concentration for 30 minutes before measurement. In some embodiments, the measured samples are of different dye concentrations, media (e.g., human hair, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, animal hair, etc.), and are based on the measurement values of the samples scanned using the scanner 111 and / or a spectrophotometer. In some embodiments, the measured samples are of different dye concentrations, media (e.g., human hair, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, animal hair, etc.), and may contain a dye applied to an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) wool cloth at a sufficient concentration for 30 minutes before measurement. In some embodiments, the measured samples are of different dye concentrations, media (e.g., human hair, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, animal hair, etc.), Or has a set time. In some embodiments, the spectral measurement value is the spectrum of the dye Luc signature and / or XYZ color or CIELAB value (e.g., lightness and / or color value) May include measurements of. The measurement value, together with the name or other identifier of the corresponding dye or color, For example, a large-capacity storage device 222, or a local or networked data Stored in a library on a base (not shown). This process can be repeated for all colors of a color brand or line And / or for many or all color brands or lines, and thus the resulting library can contain a large Database of colors and color information. The measurement values stored in the color spectrum library can include wavelengths etc. associated with a specific Color name.

[0108] When a library exists, the stylist and / or customer can input a desired or known formulation into the Computing system 200. For example, a desired or known Formulation can be typed in manually via the input / output device or interface 212 or UI Obtained, or selected from a list of existing formulations. In some embodiments, a desired Or known formulation may be scanned from another document or barcode etc. For example, A desired or known formulation may be 40g of 6N and 60g of RO. A known formulation Contains the gram weights for two different colors or components of a known dye formulation. The first gram Weight is 40g and the second gram weight is 60g.

[0109] The color analysis module 216 can convert the gram weights of the known formulation into concentrations The concentration may include the relative concentration of the dye bath. Calculating the concentration involves calculating a part of the whole for each of the identified colors. The color analysis module 216 can sum both gram weights (40g + 60g = 100g) and then divide each gram weight by the sum (40g / 100 g = 0.4 and 60g / 100g = 0.6). Thus, the concentrations C1 and C2 are 0.4 and 0.6 respectively. Depending on the known formulation, there may be N concentrations solved by the color analysis module 216.

[0110] Once the concentrations C1 and C2 are known, the color analysis module 216 reviews the color spectrum library based on the color inputs 6N and RO. For example, 6N and RO can represent colors by one or more color brands or lines having information stored in the color spectrum library. In some embodiments, the color spectrum library can operate as a lookup table and the color analysis module 216 can search for known color inputs within the spectrum library. As described above, the measurements stored in the color spectrum library can include, for example, wavelengths associated with specific color names. In some embodiments the color spectrum library includes a color spectrum signature defined as R (in units of wavelength or nm). The R value can correspond to a reflectance value (e.g., color reflectance) for an opaque (infinite "optical thickness") material. Thus, based on the two color inputs 6N and RO, the color analysis module 216 identifies the R values R1 and R2 respectively. For a known formulation having N colors and concentrations, the N R values can be determined from the spectral color library. concentrations, the N R values can be determined from the spectral color library. For a known formulation having N colors and concentrations, the N R values can be determined from the spectral color library.

[0111] The color analysis module 216 converts the identified spectral signatures R1 and R2 into constants. In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 can be identified according to Equation #1. The obtained spectral signatures R1 and R2 can be converted into a value F that represents the absorption during scattering.

[0112] F=(1-R)2 / 2*R Formula #1 Since there are two R values for a given formulation (R1 and R2), there are two F values (for each R value). Therefore, based on equation #1, the color analysis module 216 calculates two F As mentioned above, if N colors are included in a known formulation, the color analysis Module 216 can generate N F values based on the N R values, and so on. Based on the determined concentration and F value, the color analysis module 216 determines the color of the known formulation. For example, the color analysis module 216 may generate visual colors for each of the densities C1 and C2. 2 and its corresponding F1 and F2 (F spectrum) values for the entire known formulation. The results can be summed up. For the 60 g RO and 60 g RO, the color analysis module 216 calculates the summed F based on Equation #2. Creates a mixed value.

[0113] FMixed=C1*F1+C2*F2 Formula #2 If there are N terms in a known formulation, the FMixed value is the C and Multiply the values by F and add them together.

[0114] The color analysis module 216 then converts the FMixed result into a reflectance spectrum according to equation #3. Convert it back to a Tor signature.

[0115] RMixed=1-FMixed-(2*FMixed+FMixed 2)1 / 2 Expression #3 The color analysis module 216 then converts the color of the image into a color image using one or more commonly understood conversion methods. The RMixed spectral signature can be converted to an RGB color using the color analysis model. The module 216 may be used to display the image on a UI or to present to a customer and / or stylist. In some embodiments, the RGB colors can be transmitted to The known formulations are displayed on the UI (e.g., displayed on the customer's image) so that the customer can see In some embodiments, customers and and / or the stylist may modify the final predicted color as desired. (e.g., one or more of the gram weight or identified colors) can be adjusted In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 provides an updated image on the UI. Customer and / or Stylist may make changes to known formulas, such as recalculating any changes made to the formula. This process is performed on a known formulation. This can be repeated for any adjustments that may be made.

[0116] In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 may include a spectral library. Special situations can be encountered with respect to the color of the paint. For example, in some known formulations may be used to calculate the FMixed and RMixed values, one or more concentrations and / or Color is ignored. For example, a known formulation may contain one or both of the color amounts 00N and 12N. If so, the color analysis module 216 may calculate the densities differently than described above. can be achieved. For example, the color analysis module 216 can generate a visual color based on a known formulation and ignore the 00N term or the 12N term. Thus, as described above, the color analysis module 216 can handle the remaining color terms while ignoring the spectral signature of the 00N term and calculate the concentration of 6N of 40g together with 60g of 00N using a known equation. Therefore, for 40g of 6N and 60g of 00N of a known formulation, C1 = 40g / 100g =.4 and FMixed = C1 * F1.

[0117] Regarding converting the desired color into an appropriate dye formulation or composition, the color analysis module 21 6 can use the color spectral library described above. For example, based on all the color and measurement (e.g., spectrum, etc.) information stored in the color spectral library, the color analysis module 216 (or an external component) can create a large database of virtual mixtures. For example, the color analysis module 216 or other components can create a virtual mixture database (which may be stored in a mass storage device 222 or an external or networked database) based on performing all possible combinations of colors and concentrations (e.g., up to 4 colors) in the color spectral library. In some embodiments, the number of colors in the combination may be limited to 3 colors, 5 colors, or any other number. Generally, when the virtual mixture database is created to include possible formulations, color information within the color spectral database is provided. The color analysis module 216 compares the desired color with the colors in the virtual mixture database and identifies the formulation from the equivalent of the closest color, thereby ​​​​​​​-The closest matching formulation within the database can be found for the desired color (e.g., as scanned by scanner 111 or other optical scanners). In some embodiments the match is calculated by the delta E CMC (Color Measurement Committee) color difference equation.

[0118] Thus, the color analysis module 216 can identify the mixture within the virtual mixing database that has the closest DE (delta E) CMC to the desired color. The identified mixture can then be displayed on the UI or output to the formulation module 218. In some embodiments, the customer and / or stylist can make adjustments to the identified mixture and formulation, updating any changes in real-time and showing the expected final color based on the changes.

[0119] Thus, the color analysis module 216 provides more accurate and rapid results for color and / or formulation decisions, thereby avoiding the problem of mathematically predicting oxidative hair color mixing and trial-and-error in a salon.

[0120] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for preparing a dyeing service, having the appropriate amount and formulation of dye to be dispensed for the dyeing service, and applying the dye formulation to the customer's hair to facilitate the color application process. In some embodiments, identifying the dye formulation for the customer's dyeing service is based on the desired hair color and / or known dye formulations, as well as the customer's initial hair color. In some embodiments, the customer's hair hair characteristics are obtained and used in creating the customer's hair dyeing service. As is known ​​​ For customers desiring a new hair color, a specific target hair color can be kept in mind. In some cases, the customer can bring a sample hair color to the stylist and ask the stylist to create a hair dye protocol and dye formulation that will result in hair matching the sample hair color. However, it can sometimes be a challenge for the stylist to manually generate, dispense, and apply a dye formulation to the customer's hair to obtain the target hair color without trial and error or with minimal trial and error. The methods and systems described herein enable adjustment in real time or near real time to adjust the dye formulation and show the customer the result of the adjustment. One embodiment of the invention is a system that displays to the customer a hair color that is likely to result from dyeing the customer's

[0121] In some embodiments of the invention, the system inputs the target hair color and then, for example, includes an apparatus for measuring the customer's current hair measurements relating to one or more of color tone, texture, and other hair characteristics. The system then can determine (1) an appropriate protocol and dye composition and / or formulation to place on the customer's hair to reach the desired target hair color from the initial hair color and / or (2) dispense the dye composition and / or formulation and / or (3) execute instructions to instruct and / or facilitate the application of the dye composition and / or

[0122] formulation to the customer's hair. In some embodiments, the instructions assist the stylist in managing the steps, times, techniques, etc. of the color application to the

[0123] In another embodiment, a customer may bring in a photo or image containing the target hair color, and the stylist uses a device (e.g., a handheld scanner or similar device) to scan the hair color from the photo or picture, identify the target color, and generate a formulation that will result in the target hair color on the customer's own hair. Since each customer's hair has unique characteristics such as color, health, etc., the dye formulations used by each customer to reach the same target hair color may be different. Thus, the system can input all variables from the customer's own hair and calculate and generate

[0124] an appropriate dye formulation for application to the customer's hair. In one embodiment, the device used to measure the customer's current or target hair color may be a colorimeter. In other embodiments, the device used to measure the customer's current or target hair color is a digital camera. However, other devices for measuring the customer's hair color are also conceivable. For example, in one embodiment, the stylist takes a high-resolution photo of the customer's hair

[0125] placed adjacent to a printed-out or chart of a set of standard colors known to the system, and can perform an analysis of the customer's hair color within the digital image. When there is a formulation for a hair dye composition or formulation that the customer or stylist wants to use but is unsure how the final color will look when mixed, the color analysis module 216 can provide an output. In such Thus, the color analysis module 216 inputs or reads which hair color, texture, etc. the input dye formulation is to be applied to, and then displays the resulting hair color, texture, etc. on one of the displays of the mobile device 112 (e.g., via the UI or the input / output device and interface 212). In some embodiments, the color analysis module 216 applies the determined hair color, texture, etc. to the customer's image, thereby enabling the customer to see how the result of the dye formulation would specifically look on their own hair. Thus, the color analysis module 216 can enable the stylist and the customer to see the expected final hair color, etc. before starting the hair transformation process. Further, or alternatively, the color analysis module 216 can provide the results when the customer has the desired hair color, and the results can include which specific dye components should be mixed to achieve it (e.g., when the color analysis module generates a dye formulation based on the desired hair color). In some embodiments, as described in more detail herein, the color analysis module 216 can operate in conjunction with the formulation module 218. The color analysis module 216 provides more accurate and rapid results for color and / or formulation determination, thereby avoiding the problem of mathematically predicting oxidative hair color mixing and trial-and-error in the salon. In some embodiments, one or more of the devices 112 used by the stylist and / or the customer have an application that automates the hair dyeing service.

[0126]

[0127]

[0128] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It is possible. In some embodiments, one or more mobile devices 112 can include one or more of a mobile phone, a tablet let, or a personal computer. The application can include a plurality of other components or functions, including a customer record-keeping system, a laboratory for color design, a customer application tion, and a dispenser / device management tool. It can be.

[0129] FIG. 7 is a screenshot of a customer record-keeping system showing an exemplary customer list view of an application for automating hair dyeing services. This screen of the application shows a list of recent and all customers and provides the option to add a new customer or select other functions of the application (laboratory and / or dispenser / device). The application provides options for customer profiles, hair color applications, and / or selection of a customer's history. It is possible to select. The application provides selections of customer profiles, hair color applications, and / or a customer's history.

[0130] FIG. 8 is a screenshot of a new customer information input screen, for example, accessed via the screen shown in FIG. 7. This screen provides the first step of the service process. This begins by creating a customer record that includes the name and contact information of a particular new customer. The information entered via the screen shown in FIG. 8 may be stored by the application in a local database or a remote (or networked) database. The information entered via the screen shown in FIG. 8 may be stored by the application in a local database or a remote (or networked) database.

[0131] FIGS. 9-11 show screenshots of input screens for generating and / or updating a customer's hair profile and consultation information. For example, FIG. 9 shows an application The profile tool within captures and / or records the customer's hair profile and provides one or more templates for generating consultation information. The profile tool can save any captured images or videos related to the customer's profile, as well as any captured images of the customer and the customer's current hair style and color. FIG. 10 shows how different features or aspects and / or characteristics of the customer's hair (including length, density, porosity, type, and percentage of gray, whether the hair has been previously dyed or not) are stored in relation to the hair profile. In some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 10, the information used to add to the customer's hair profile is obtained from visual observations made by the stylist and / or sensor devices such as cameras, optics, or other sensors. This information is stored in the hair profile using a sensor device linked to the application via a wired or wireless connection and may be used to determine the starting level or color of the customer's hair. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template. shows Any captured images or videos related to the customer's profile, as well as any captured images of the customer and the customer's current hair style and color can be saved by the profile tool. FIG. 10 shows how different features or aspects and / or characteristics of the customer's hair (including length, density, porosity, type, and percentage of gray, whether the hair has been previously dyed or not) are stored in relation to the hair profile. In some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 10, the information used to add to the customer's hair profile is obtained from visual observations made by the stylist and / or sensor devices such as cameras, optics, or other sensors. This information is stored in the hair profile using a sensor device linked to the application via a wired or wireless connection and may be used to determine the starting level or color of the customer's hair. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template. Any captured images or videos related to the customer's profile, as well as any captured images of the customer and the customer's current hair style and color can be saved by the profile tool. FIG. 10 shows how different features or aspects and / or characteristics of the customer's hair (including length, density, porosity, type, and percentage of gray, whether the hair has been previously dyed or not) are stored in relation to the hair profile. In some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 10, the information used to add to the customer's hair profile is obtained from visual observations made by the stylist and / or sensor devices such as cameras, optics, or other sensors. This information is stored in the hair profile using a sensor device linked to the application via a wired or wireless connection and may be used to determine the starting level or color of the customer's hair. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template. FIG. 10 shows how different features or aspects and / or characteristics of the customer's hair (including length, density, porosity, type, and percentage of gray, whether the hair has been previously dyed or not) are stored in relation to the hair profile. In some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 10, the information used to add to the customer's hair profile is obtained from visual observations made by the stylist and / or sensor devices such as cameras, optics, or other sensors. This information is stored in the hair profile using a sensor device linked to the application via a wired or wireless connection and may be used to determine the starting level or color of the customer's hair. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template. FIG. 10 shows how different features or aspects and / or characteristics of the customer's hair (including length, density, porosity, type, and percentage of gray, whether the hair has been previously dyed or not) are stored in relation to the hair profile. In some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 10, the information used to add to the customer's hair profile is obtained from visual observations made by the stylist and / or sensor devices such as cameras, optics, or other sensors. This information is stored in the hair profile using a sensor device linked to the application via a wired or wireless connection and may be used to determine the starting level or color of the customer's hair. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template. FIG. 10 shows how different features or aspects and / or characteristics of the customer's hair (including length, density, porosity, type, and percentage of gray, whether the hair has been previously dyed or not) are stored in relation to the hair profile. In some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 10, the information used to add to the customer's hair profile is obtained from visual observations made by the stylist and / or sensor devices such as cameras, optics, or other sensors. This information is stored in the hair profile using a sensor device linked to the application via a wired or wireless connection and may be used to determine the starting level or color of the customer's hair. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template. FIG. 10 shows how different features or aspects and / or characteristics of the customer's hair (including length, density, porosity, type, and percentage of gray, whether the hair has been previously dyed or not) are stored in relation to the hair profile. In some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 10, the information used to add to the customer's hair profile is obtained from visual observations made by the stylist and / or sensor devices such as cameras, optics, or other sensors. This information is stored in the hair profile using a sensor device linked to the application via a wired or wireless connection and may be used to determine the starting level or color of the customer's hair. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template. In some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 10, the information used to add to the customer's hair profile is obtained from visual observations made by the stylist and / or sensor devices such as cameras, optics, or other sensors. This information is stored in the hair profile using a sensor device linked to the application via a wired or wireless connection and may be used to determine the starting level or color of the customer's hair. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template. In some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 10, the information used to add to the customer's hair profile is obtained from visual observations made by the stylist and / or sensor devices such as cameras, optics, or other sensors. This information is stored in the hair profile using a sensor device linked to the application via a wired or wireless connection and may be used to determine the starting level or color of the customer's hair. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template. This information is stored in the hair profile using a sensor device linked to the application via a wired or wireless connection and may be used to determine the starting level or color of the customer's hair. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template. This information is stored in the hair profile using a sensor device linked to the application via a wired or wireless connection and may be used to determine the starting level or color of the customer's hair. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template. This information is stored in the hair profile using a sensor device linked to the application via a wired or wireless connection and may be used to determine the starting level or color of the customer's hair. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template. FIG. 11 shows how different information regarding the customer's visit is input into the customer's profile via the consultation information template.

[0132] FIGS. 12 - 16 show screenshots of input screens for generating or preparing a color application for the customer. Tapping the "Create" command in FIG. 12 can start the color application design process. FIG. 13 shows the menu that appears after tapping "Create", and this menu allows the selection of one or more color formulations from the color library. Tapping the "Create" command in FIG. 12 can start the color application design process. FIG. 13 shows the menu that appears after tapping "Create", and this menu allows the selection of one or more color formulations from the color library. Tapping the "Create" command in FIG. 12 can start the color application design process. FIG. 13 shows the menu that appears after tapping "Create", and this menu allows the selection of one or more color formulations from the color library. FIG. 13 shows the menu that appears after tapping "Create", and this menu allows the selection of one or more color formulations from the color library. To (e.g., based on a scanned, desired color, etc.) customize a color within a laboratory To design, create a new application, or import into a color application workspace associated with one or more customers from a color library or customer history, and / or edit a selected existing application To provide a stylist with four options, including Importing into a color application workspace, and / or editing a selected existing application FIG. 14 shows how, in some embodiments, a color library stores previously designed color formulations and enables a stylist (or another stylist or customer) to select one or more colors and select a "Use" command to move them to a customer application workspace FIG. 10 shows how, in some embodiments, a color library stores previously designed color formulations and enables a stylist (or another stylist or customer) to select one or more colors and select a "Use" command to move them to a customer application workspace To select one or more colors and select a "Use" command to move them to a customer application workspace To enable them to be moved to a customer application workspace FIG. 15 shows how, for each color formulation within a customer application workspace, a selected color or library color is displayed The stylist or customer can rearrange the sequence of color steps (i.e., the colors displayed in top-to-bottom display order) by touching, holding, and dragging the three rows of icons next to the color image of the formulated color for that step The stylist or customer can rearrange the sequence of color steps (i.e., the colors displayed in top-to-bottom display order) by touching, holding, and dragging the three rows of icons next to the color image of the formulated color for that step By touching, holding, and dragging the three rows of icons next to the color image of the formulated color for that step That is, the colors displayed in top-to-bottom display order In some embodiments, a customer application, whether simple or complex, includes one or more steps, and each step has a common set of elements or protocols The elements can include, as shown in FIG. 16: 1) a formulation applied to the hair, 2) the amount of that formulation, 3) the location on the hair where that formulation is applied, 4) a range of a) permanent, b) demi, c) toner, d) gloss, or e) semi-permanent, and 5) one or more additives such as co-binders As shown in FIG. 16 1) A formulation applied to the hair, 2) the amount of that formulation, 3) the location on the hair where that formulation is applied 4) A range of a) permanent, b) demi, c) toner, d) gloss, or e) semi-permanent In some embodiments, where a customer application includes one or more steps thereof It can be configured to settings such as

[0133] Figures 17-19 show screenshots of the screen for tracking the distribution of customer color applications. As shown in Figure 16, when the customer application is completed, the customer or stylist can select the "Distribute" command to send the formulation for the color application to device 100, and the stylist or assistant can start the process of outputting the chemical substance identified by the color application dye formulation via the touch screen on device 100 (e.g., via panel 106). In some embodiments, the chemical substance for the color application dye formulation is automatically distributed to container 154, or when container 154 is detected. The customer application workspace transitions from the application creation process to the application service process, during which the color application is distributed and applied to the customer's hair. At this point in the process, additional items including an elapsed time timer, a rinse timer, and the option / ability to take before and after customer photos are shown on the screen. Also, each step of the color application process is numbered clearly to present the clear meaning of the appropriate order of steps to achieve the target color of the hair. Figure 18 shows that when the "Distribute" command is executed or selected, the distribution tool shows the formulation queued by the customer's name, along with the position of the selected hair (if any), and shows an image of the color of the formulation, along with the option to remove the formulation (e.g., by selecting the trash can icon). In Figure 19, the screen shows the distribution in the processing state on device 100. on device 100 (e.g., via panel 106), starting the process of outputting the chemical substance identified by the color application dye formulation. In some embodiments, the chemical substance for the color application dye formulation is automatically distributed to container 154, or when container 154 is detected. The customer application workspace transitions from the application creation process to the application service process, during which the color application is distributed and applied to the customer's hair. At this point in the process, additional items including an elapsed time timer, a rinse timer, and the option / ability to take before and after customer photos are shown on the screen. Also, each step of the color application process is numbered clearly to present the clear meaning of the appropriate order of steps to achieve the target color of the hair. Figure 18 shows that when the "Distribute" command is executed or selected, the distribution tool shows the formulation queued by the customer's name, along with the position of the selected hair (if any), and shows an image of the color of the formulation, along with the option to remove the formulation (e.g., by selecting the trash can icon). In Figure 19, the screen shows the distribution in the processing state on device 100. In some embodiments, the chemical substance for the color application dye formulation is automatically distributed to container 154, or when container 154 is detected. The customer application workspace transitions from the application creation process to the application service process, during which the color application is distributed and applied to the customer's hair. At this point in the process, additional items including an elapsed time timer, a rinse timer, and the option / ability to take before and after customer photos are shown on the screen. Also, each step of the color application process is numbered clearly to present the clear meaning of the appropriate order of steps to achieve the target color of the hair. Figure 18 shows that when the "Distribute" command is executed or selected, the distribution tool shows the formulation queued by the customer's name, along with the position of the selected hair (if any), and shows an image of the color of the formulation, along with the option to remove the formulation (e.g., by selecting the trash can icon). In Figure 19, the screen shows the distribution in the processing state on device 100. The customer application workspace transitions from the application creation process to the application service process, during which the color application is distributed and applied to the customer's hair. At this point in the process, additional items including an elapsed time timer, a rinse timer, and the option / ability to take before and after customer photos are shown on the screen. Also, each step of the color application process is numbered clearly to present the clear meaning of the appropriate order of steps to achieve the target color of the hair. Figure 18 shows that when the "Distribute" command is executed or selected, the distribution tool shows the formulation queued by the customer's name, along with the position of the selected hair (if any), and shows an image of the color of the formulation, along with the option to remove the formulation (e.g., by selecting the trash can icon). In Figure 19, the screen shows the distribution in the processing state on device 100. At this point in the process, additional items including an elapsed time timer, a rinse timer, and the option / ability to take before and after customer photos are shown on the screen. Also, each step of the color application process is numbered clearly to present the clear meaning of the appropriate order of steps to achieve the target color of the hair. Figure 18 shows that when the "Distribute" command is executed or selected, the distribution tool shows the formulation queued by the customer's name, along with the position of the selected hair (if any), and shows an image of the color of the formulation, along with the option to remove the formulation (e.g., by selecting the trash can icon). In Figure 19, the screen shows the distribution in the processing state on device 100. Also, each step of the color application process is numbered clearly to present the clear meaning of the appropriate order of steps to achieve the target color of the hair. Figure 18 shows that when the "Distribute" command is executed or selected, the distribution tool shows the formulation queued by the customer's name, along with the position of the selected hair (if any), and shows an image of the color of the formulation, along with the option to remove the formulation (e.g., by selecting the trash can icon). In Figure 19, the screen shows the distribution in the processing state on device 100. Figure 18 shows that when the "Distribute" command is executed or selected, the distribution tool shows the formulation queued by the customer's name, along with the position of the selected hair (if any), and shows an image of the color of the formulation, along with the option to remove the formulation (e.g., by selecting the trash can icon). In Figure 19, the screen shows the distribution in the processing state on device 100. Figure 18 shows that when the "Distribute" command is executed or selected, the distribution tool shows the formulation queued by the customer's name, along with the position of the selected hair (if any), and shows an image of the color of the formulation, along with the option to remove the formulation (e.g., by selecting the trash can icon). In Figure 19, the screen shows the distribution in the processing state or indicates that it is queued for a service. The stylist can use this screen to duplicate and / or delete steps.

[0134] Figures 20-24 show screenshots of screens for tracking the application of color applied to a customer's hair and related applications, and / or a rinse timer. Figure 20 shows that a formulation is dispensed to any of the steps related to the customer application, and the elapsed time timer and rinse timer each start counting up and down, respectively. The step for the currently dispensed formulation, when started here, indicates an "Apply" command that counts the number of seconds while the stylist applies the currently dispensed formulation to the customer's hair according to the application. As shown in Figure 21, the "More" command appears or may be requested to allow the stylist to dispense more of the same formulation if the application to the defined target area of the currently dispensed formulation needs to be completed. When the "More" command is selected, an additional amount of dye is added to the queue of the apparatus 100 and dispensed by the apparatus 100 after being added to the customer application service screen. In some embodiments, a colored square is shown around a color image depicting the color of the dispensed formulation, which indicates the color (e.g., the color of the square) At the top, it seems that all timers, including the elapsed time, rinse, application, and processing timers, are stopped. When the "Apply" command from Figure 20 is selected, the term "Applying" appears on the screen, and Figure 22 shows that the timer starts counting up moment by moment. Figure 23 shows that when the color is completely applied to the target area of the customer's hair, the stylist or assistant or customer can select the "Applying" command, which stops the "Apply" timer and starts the processing timer. The amount of time the color is present on the customer's hair after the application step is directly related to the resulting tone. The device can calculate the amount of time it takes for the color to be processed on the customer's hair and reach the target tone result. Figure 24 shows that when the stylist selects the "Rinse" command, all timers stop and the screen displays the total time of application and processing for the customer's pre - application. This information is retained within the system and made available to other operators of device 100 who can use the information to improve the stylist's skills and results for the stylist and / or customer. When the "Apply" command from Figure 20 is selected, the term "Applying" appears on the screen, and Figure 22 shows that the timer starts counting up moment by moment. Figure 22 shows that when the "Apply" command from Figure 20 is selected, the term "Applying" appears on the screen, and the timer starts counting up moment by moment. Figure 23 shows that when the color is completely applied to the target area of the customer's hair, the stylist or assistant or customer can select the "Applying" command, which stops the "Apply" timer and starts the processing timer. Figure 23 shows that when the color is completely applied to the target area of the customer's hair, the stylist or assistant or customer can select the "Applying" command, which stops the "Apply" timer and starts the processing timer. Figure 23 shows that when the color is completely applied to the target area of the customer's hair, the stylist or assistant or customer can select the "Applying" command, which stops the "Apply" timer and starts the processing timer. The amount of time the color is present on the customer's hair after the application step is directly related to the resulting tone. The device can calculate the amount of time it takes for the color to be processed on the customer's hair and reach the target tone result. Figure 24 shows that when the stylist selects the "Rinse" command, all timers stop and the screen displays the total time of application and processing for the customer's pre - application. Figure 24 shows that when the stylist selects the "Rinse" command, all timers stop and the screen displays the total time of application and processing for the customer's pre - application. This information is retained within the system and made available to other operators of device 100 who can use the information to improve the stylist's skills and results for the stylist and / or customer. This information is retained within the system and made available to other operators of device 100 who can use the information to improve the stylist's skills and results for the stylist and / or customer. This information is retained within the system and made available to other operators of device 100 who can use the information to improve the stylist's skills and results for the stylist and / or customer.

[0135] Figure 25 shows a screen shot of a customer history screen for an application to the customer's hair. At the completion of the color application service, a record of the service, including the date, type of application service, and service quality rating, is recorded in the customer's customer history. At the completion of the color application service, a record of the service, including the date, type of application service, and service quality rating, is recorded in the customer's customer history. In some embodiments, an email, text message, or other notification can be generated for the customer to send the application, providing an opportunity for feedback on the stylist, management, dyeing process, salon, etc., which can be any of the above. In some embodiments, an email, text message, or other notification can be generated for the customer to send the application, providing an opportunity for feedback on the stylist, management, dyeing process, salon, etc., which can be any of the above. In some embodiments, an email, text message, or other notification can be generated for the customer to send the application, providing an opportunity for feedback on the stylist, management, dyeing process, salon, etc., which can be any of the above. Service ratings for these may be pre-set. In some embodiments, the stylist selects an application within the customer history and executes a "Use" command to use that application for the same or a different customer.

[0136] Figures 26-28 show screenshots of screens for generating new colors for application to a customer's hair. As shown in Figure 26, when the stylist selects the "Create" command as described above during the customer application creation process, the stylist can further select the "Color Creation" option. Such a selection can display the "Color Creation" screen of Figure 26, which is part of the laboratory tool introduced above. The "Color Creation" tool has a unique and powerful performance that enables the stylist and / or customer or other operator to create tones using formulation elements from one or more hair color brands or lines and immediately see what the resulting tone will be. In some embodiments, the resulting tone can be displayed to the customer to show how the hair tone will look on the customer (e.g., overlay on the customer's hair). In some embodiments, when the stylist adds specific formulation elements to the created formulation or adjusts their amounts, one or more algorithms calculate the resulting tone, which is displayed for the stylist. Next, the formulation can be sent to device 100 using the "Sample" command, copied to the customer's application workspace using the "Use" command, or held in a named library using the "Save" Then, the "Color Creation" tool provides the stylist with the ability to view the results of a selected set of a line of mixable hair colors in a specific combination as applied to the customer's hair. In some embodiments, the "Color Creation" tool provides the stylist with the ability to present a set of hair colors that can be selected from the color space using a color wheel, as shown in FIG. 28. The screen of FIG. 28 shows that the stylist or customer can select a lightness level representing a range of lightness defined by the L value in the CIELAB color space, and then tap somewhere on the color wheel to select a hair color level. The setting of the navigation arrows can provide the stylist and / or customer with the ability to perform fine-grained navigation through the color space of the color wheel. In some embodiments, the "Color Creation" tool provides the stylist with the ability to view the results of a selected set of a line of mixable hair colors in a specific combination as applied to the customer's hair. In some embodiments, the "Color Creation" tool provides the stylist with the ability to present a set of hair colors that can be selected from the color space using a color wheel, as shown in FIG. 28. The screen of FIG. 28 shows that the stylist or customer can select a lightness level representing a range of lightness defined by the L value in the CIELAB color space, and then tap somewhere on the color wheel to select a hair color level. The screen of FIG. 28 shows that the stylist or customer can select a lightness level representing a range of lightness defined by the L value in the CIELAB color space, and then tap somewhere on the color wheel to select a hair color level. The setting of the navigation arrows can provide the stylist and / or customer with the ability to perform fine-grained navigation through the color space of the color wheel. The setting of the navigation arrows can provide the stylist and / or customer with the ability to perform fine-grained navigation through the color space of the color wheel. The setting of the navigation arrows can provide the stylist and / or customer with the ability to perform fine-grained navigation through the color space of the color wheel. The setting of the navigation arrows can provide the stylist and / or customer with the ability to perform fine-grained navigation through the color space of the color wheel.

[0137] FIG. 29 shows a screen where a color application can be selected for the customer. As described above, the applications described herein include the ability to organize customer color applications into ordered steps. In some embodiments, the application includes a library of predefined customer application types. In some embodiments, each color application is unique compared to all other color applications according to the number of steps, the location on the hair where each step is applied, and the unique configuration of each step. During the "creation" process of the customer application, the stylist can select from a library of predefined applications. As described above, the applications described herein include the ability to organize customer color applications into ordered steps. In some embodiments, the application includes a library of predefined customer application types. In some embodiments, the application includes a library of predefined customer application types. In some embodiments, each color application is unique compared to all other color applications according to the number of steps, the location on the hair where each step is applied, and the unique configuration of each step. In some embodiments, each color application is unique compared to all other color applications according to the number of steps, the location on the hair where each step is applied, and the unique configuration of each step. During the "creation" process of the customer application, the stylist can select from a library of predefined applications. During the "creation" process of the customer application, the stylist can select from a library of predefined applications.

[0138] In some embodiments, a "create" command for editing an existing color application Options are provided from the mand to the stylist, whereby the stylist can customize the color application type. If the color application is inherent in its configuration, the stylist can name the type of application designed by the stylist. The application further gives the stylist the ability to publish the colors and applications designed on the social media platform. In addition to the above capabilities, the laboratory tool uses the "Convert" command to view a list of hair color suppliers and a named line of the hair color tones they offer. The stylist has the option to select from a list of suppliers as shown in Figure 30 of the available color conversion tool screen. This may enable the color of one brand or line to be converted to a similar color of another brand or line. Figure 31 shows the screen that enables the stylist to access the color option menu and select a specific tone. The stylist then selects a specific item and in Figure 32 can view the tone and a formulation that reproduces the selected tone using a color of another brand as a formulation element. The stylist can then select one of four commands including the "Use" command to use the tone in the customer's application, the "Sample" command to output the formulation to see the actual color on device 100 that can apply the formulation to ISO cloth or hair, the "Map" command to view the tone on the color wheel, or the "Customize" command to draw the formulation into the create color tool in the laboratory. If the color application is inherent in its configuration, the stylist can name the type of application designed by the stylist. If the color application is inherent in its configuration, the stylist can name the type of application designed by the stylist. The application further gives the stylist the ability to publish the colors and applications designed on the social media platform. The application further gives the stylist the ability to publish the colors and applications designed on the social media platform. In addition to the above capabilities, the laboratory tool uses the "Convert" command to view a list of hair color suppliers and a named line of the hair color tones they offer. In addition to the above capabilities, the laboratory tool uses the "Convert" command to view a list of hair color suppliers and a named line of the hair color tones they offer. The stylist has the option to select from a list of suppliers as shown in Figure 30 of the available color conversion tool screen. The stylist has the option to select from a list of suppliers as shown in Figure 30 of the available color conversion tool screen. This may enable the color of one brand or line to be converted to a similar color of another brand or line. Figure 31 shows the screen that enables the stylist to access the color option menu and select a specific tone. Figure 31 shows the screen that enables the stylist to access the color option menu and select a specific tone. The stylist then selects a specific item and in Figure 32 can view the tone and a formulation that reproduces the selected tone using a color of another brand as a formulation element. The stylist then selects a specific item and in Figure 32 can view the tone and a formulation that reproduces the selected tone using a color of another brand as a formulation element. The stylist can then select one of four commands including the "Use" command to use the tone in the customer's application, the "Sample" command to output the formulation to see the actual color on device 100 that can apply the formulation to ISO cloth or hair, the "Map" command to view the tone on the color wheel, or the "Customize" command to draw the formulation into the create color tool in the laboratory. The stylist can then select one of four commands including the "Use" command to use the tone in the customer's application, the "Sample" command to output the formulation to see the actual color on device 100 that can apply the formulation to ISO cloth or hair, the "Map" command to view the tone on the color wheel, or the "Customize" command to draw the formulation into the create color tool in the laboratory. The stylist can then select one of four commands including the "Use" command to use the tone in the customer's application, the "Sample" command to output the formulation to see the actual color on device 100 that can apply the formulation to ISO cloth or hair, the "Map" command to view the tone on the color wheel, or the "Customize" command to draw the formulation into the create color tool in the laboratory. The stylist can then select one of four commands including the "Use" command to use the tone in the customer's application, the "Sample" command to output the formulation to see the actual color on device 100 that can apply the formulation to ISO cloth or hair, the "Map" command to view the tone on the color wheel, or the "Customize" command to draw the formulation into the create color tool in the laboratory. The stylist can then select one of four commands including the "Use" command to use the tone in the customer's application, the "Sample" command to output the formulation to see the actual color on device 100 that can apply the formulation to ISO cloth or hair, the "Map" command to view the tone on the color wheel, or the "Customize" command to draw the formulation into the create color tool in the laboratory.

[0139] The applications described herein enable the profiling of the hair of one or more customers, the consultation, application service processes, formulations, and the storage, retention, and retrieval of resulting images, the real-time design and customization of hair color tones, the visualization of color spaces, and selection from within color spaces, providing a variety of advantages. This application provides an automated step-by-step customer application service tool, automated application control of a computerized dispenser for precision dispensing control, and a library of colors from which formulations designed by a stylist can be stored or drawn from an existing library that may include contributions from other stylists. The application also has an application type library with support and training information to improve the skills of the stylist, the ability to select from a wide range of tones provided by other hair color suppliers and replicate them using colors from other brands, the ability for stylists and managers to call up records that can be used for quality control and training purposes, the ability to call up formulations and applications from customer history records, the ability to accurately reproduce formulations, tones, and applications to provide consistent results to customers, the ability to recommend courses of action or identify steps that can generate results other than those the stylist is trying to achieve to assist the stylist, and the ability to design a customer application remotely before the application service process and send the formulation to an apparatus 100 for the next dispensing. The application also has the ability to name the designed colors, source The ability to share colors and applications designed with other stylists or customers on the Yarume media, and to distribute sample amounts for testing on ISO cloth and hair, and to record the results using sensor technology and retain that information for later use is provided. Although this specification has described in detail specific embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of alterations, modifications, and equivalents of these embodiments upon achieving the foregoing understanding. It is understood that these and other modifications and variations to the invention may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention. Accordingly, the subject matter is intended to embrace such modifications and variations.

[0140]

[0141] <Additional Embodiments> As used herein, "system," "instrument," "device," and "apparatus" generally encompass both hardware (e.g., mechanical and electronic) and, in some implementations, associated software (e.g., a dedicated computer program for graphics control) elements.

[0142] It should be understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that a particular embodiment may achieve one advantage or group of advantages as taught or suggested herein without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. It will be appreciated that it may be configured to operate in an optimized manner.

[0143] Each process, method, and algorithm described in the previous section may be embodied in a code module executed by one or more computer systems or computer processors including computer hardware, and may be fully or partially automated by the code module. The code module may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or computer storage device such as a hard drive, solid state memory, optical disk, and / or the like. The system and modules may also be transmitted on various computer-readable transmission media including wireless-based and wired / cable-based media as a generated data signal (e.g., as part of a carrier wave or other analog or digital propagated signal), and may take various forms (e.g., as part of a single or multiplexed analog signal, or as a plurality of discrete digital packets or frames). The process and algorithm may be implemented partially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The results of the disclosed processes and process steps may be stored persistently or otherwise in any type of non-transitory computer storage device such as, for example, a volatile or non-volatile memory device.

[0144] Many other variations other than those described herein will be apparent from this disclosure. For example, depending on the embodiment, any particular operation, event, or function of any of the algorithms described herein may be executed in a different sequence and may be added. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​can be combined or can be completely excluded (e.g., not all of the described operations or events are necessary for the implementation of the algorithm). Further, in certain embodiments, operations or events can be performed simultaneously rather than sequentially, for example, by multi-threading, interrupt processing, or by multiple processors or processor cores, or on other parallel architectures. Further, different tasks or processes can be performed by different machines and / or computing systems that can function together.

[0145] The various exemplary logical blocks, modules, and algorithm elements described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, and components have been generally described herein in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the system. The described functionality can be implemented in various ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0146] The various features and processes described herein can be used independently of one another or can be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, a particular method or process block can be It may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein may also be not limited to any particular sequence, and the associated blocks or states may be executed in any appropriate other sequence. For example, the described blocks or states may be executed in an order other than the specifically disclosed order, or multiple blocks or states may be combined into a single block or state. Exemplary blocks or states may be executed serially, in parallel, or in any other manner. Blocks or states may be added to or removed from the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The exemplary systems and components described herein may be configured differently from those described. For example, components may be added, removed, or rearranged compared to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.

[0147] The various exemplary logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or executed by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (''DSP''), an application specific integrated circuit (''ASIC''), a field programmable gate array (''FPGA''), or other programmable logic device, discrete gates or transistors, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, a processor A processor can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, or a combination of the same. The processor may be a computer-implemented program. In another embodiment, the device may include electrical circuitry configured to process instructions that can The processor performs logical operations without processing computer-executable instructions. The processor may be, for example, a DSP or other programmable device. Combined with microprocessors, multiple microprocessors, and DSP cores One or more microprocessors running It may also be implemented as a combination of digital and non-digital devices. As will be described, the processor may include primarily analog components. Some or all of the signal processing algorithms described herein may be implemented using analog circuits or analog-to-digital circuits. The computing environment may be implemented in a variety of ways, including digital and mixed circuitry. Microprocessor-based computer systems, mainframe computers , digital signal processors, portable computing devices, device controllers Any task, including but not limited to a computer, a computing engine within a device The present invention may include any type of computer system.

[0148] Any method, process or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein The components of the system may be implemented directly in hardware or in one or more memory devices. The present invention is implemented as a software module stored in a microprocessor and executed by one or more processors. It can be applied or implemented in a combination of the two. The software module is in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, media, or physical computer storage device known in the art. An example of a storage medium can be connected to the processor such that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integral with the processor. The storage medium may be volatile or non-volatile. The processor and the storage medium may be present within an ASIC. The ASIC may be present in a user terminal.

[0149] In particular, conditional terms such as "can", "able to", "would", or "may" are generally intended to convey that a particular feature, element, and / or step, in a way that other embodiments do not, is included in a particular embodiment, unless specifically stated otherwise or understood differently in the context in which it is used. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that a feature, element, and / or step is necessarily required in one or more embodiments in any form, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included

[0150] As used herein, a "data storage system" includes a hard disk drive, solid state memory, and / or any other type of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be accessed by or accessed to the described access devices, servers, or other computing devices such as computers, or that can be implemented in a computing system. The data storage system can be local and / or remote, distributed, or partitioned across multiple storage devices, further or alternatively, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as is known in the art. In yet other embodiments, the data storage system may include or be embodied as a data storage web

[0151] As used herein, the term "determine" encompasses a wide variety of operations. For example, "determine" can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, database, or other data structure), and ascertaining, etc. Also, "determine" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), and accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), etc. Also, "determine" can include resolving, selecting,

[0152] As used herein, the terms "selectively" or "selective" can encompass a wide variety of operations. For example, a "selective" process can include determining one option from a plurality of options. A "selective" , pre-configured input, or user-initiated input. In some implementations, n input switches can be used to provide the selection functionality. A selection can include a selection switch, where n is the number of inputs used to make the selection.

[0153] As used herein, the term "providing" encompasses a wide variety of actions. For example, "providing" can mean storing a value in a location for subsequent retrieval, or sending a value directly to the recipient. "Providing" can include transmitting a value, sending or storing a reference to a value, etc. It may also include encoding, decoding, encryption, decryption, verification, and validation, and the like.

[0154] As used herein, the term "message" refers to communicating (e.g., transmitting or Messages can be sent in a variety of formats, including XML documents, Machine-readable information such as fixed-field messages, comma-separated messages, etc. In some implementations, a message may include one or more of the information. Although described in the singular, It will be understood that a message may be composed, transmitted, stored, received, etc., in multiple parts. Wax.

[0155] As used herein, a "user interface" (interactive user interface) is a A user interface (also called a graphical user interface or UI) is a device that receives input signals. to provide electronic information to the user and / or in response to any received input signal. A network that includes data fields and / or other controls to provide information to a user. can refer to the base interface. The UI can be implemented in whole or in part using technologies such as HTML, ADOBE (registered trademark) ), FLASH (registered trademark), JAVA (registered trademark), MICROSOFT (registered trademark) .NET (registered trademark), web services, and rich site summary (RSS), etc. In some implementations the UI may be included in a stand-alone customer (e.g., a thick client, a fat client) configured to communicate (e.g., send and receive results) according to one or more of the described manners .

[0156] Disjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is to be understood in a context other than the context in which it is generally used to present that items, terms, etc. can be X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z), unless otherwise specified. Thus, such disjunctive language is generally not intended to, and should not, imply that a particular embodiment requires the presence of at least one of each of X , at least one of Y, or at least one of Z .

[0157] Any process description, element, or block in the flow diagrams described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as potentially representing a portion of a module, segment, or code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or step in a process. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, depending on the functions involved, elements or functions may be removed and, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order ​Alternative implementations that can be executed in an order different from the order shown are within the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0158] Unless otherwise specified, articles such as "a" or "an" are generally to be construed as including one or more recited items. Thus, phrases such as "an apparatus configured" are intended to include one or more of the recited apparatuses. Such one or more recited apparatuses can also be configured collectively to perform the recited enumeration. For example, " a processor configured to perform enumerations A, B, and C" can include a first processor configured to perform enumeration A that operates in conjunction with a second processor configured to perform enumerations B and C.

[0159] All of the methods and processes described herein can be implemented by software code modules executed by one or more general-purpose computers and can be partially or fully automated. For example, the methods described herein can be executed by a computing system and / or any other suitable computing device. The method may be executed on a computing device in response to software instructions or the execution of other executable code read from a tangible computer-readable medium. A tangible computer-readable medium is a data storage device that can store data readable by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable media include read-only memory, random access memory, other volatile or non-volatile memory devices, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, flash drives, and optical data storage devices. ​​​​​​​ A storage device is included.

[0160] Numerous variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein, and it should be emphasized that one of the elements is to be understood as one of the other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The foregoing description details particular embodiments. However, it will be understood that the foregoing content can be implemented in many ways, regardless of how detailed it may appear in the text. Also, as described herein, the use of specific terms when describing particular features or aspects of the system and method should not be construed as redefining the terms herein so as to be limited to any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the system and method associated with those terms. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that information, messages, and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips, which may be referred to throughout the above description, may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof. The foregoing description details particular embodiments. However, it will be understood that the foregoing content can be implemented in many ways, regardless of how detailed it may appear in the text. Also, as described herein, the use of specific terms when describing particular features or aspects of the system and method should not be construed as redefining the terms herein so as to be limited to any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the system and method associated with those terms. Regardless of how detailed the foregoing content may appear in the text, it will be understood that the system and method can be implemented in many ways. Also, as described herein, when describing specific features or aspects of the system and method, the use of specific terms should not be construed as redefining the terms herein so as to be limited to any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the system and method associated with those terms. Regardless of how detailed the foregoing content may appear in the text, it will be understood that the system and method can be implemented in many ways. Also, as described herein, when describing specific features or aspects of the system and method, the use of specific terms should not be construed as redefining the terms herein so as to be limited to any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the system and method associated with those terms. It should be noted that the use of specific terms when describing particular features or aspects of the system and method should not be construed as redefining the terms herein so as to be limited to any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the system and method associated with those terms.

[0161] Those skilled in the art will understand that information, messages, and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips, which may be referred to throughout the above description, may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips, which may be referred to throughout the above description, may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips, which may be referred to throughout the above description, may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips, which may be referred to throughout the above description, may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

Claims

1. A scanning device for measuring the color of a customer's hair, a first input for reading the color measured by the scanning device, a processor configured to compare the measured color with a desired hair target color and develop a dyeing protocol for changing the customer's hair color to the desired target color, and a hair dye dispensing system having a dispenser for dispensing one or more formulations according to the protocol. A system comprising a stem.

2. The scanning device includes one or more of a colorimeter, a spectrum analyzer, a camera, a video camera, a digital imaging device, an image scanner, a frequency information capture device, and an optical scanner. The system according to claim 1.

3. The scanning device is configured to scan the customer's hair and measure one or more of the type of hair, the density of hair, the permeability of hair, the moisture level of hair, and the percentage of gray. The system according to claim 2.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a memory circuit configured to store a library of lightness values including measured values of each hair color generated by one or more formulations dispensed by the dispenser.

5. The library includes a look-up table containing the maximum and minimum lightness values for each hair color generated by the one or more formulations dispensed by the dispenser. The system according to claim 4.

6. Measuring the color of the customer's hair includes measuring the lightness of the customer's hair. Reading the measured color from the scanning device includes reading the measured lightness. The system according to claim 5.

7. Comparing the measured color with the desired hair target color includes identifying the measured color by comparing the measured lightness with the minimum and maximum lightness values in the look-up table. The system according to claim 6.

8. The hair dye dispensing system further comprises a second input for receiving the desired hair target color from one or more of a user interface and the scanning device. The system according to claim 1.

9. The hair dye dispensing system further includes a second input for receiving one or more measured values of the customer's final hair color. The processor is further configured to identify the difference between the customer's final hair color and the desired hair target color. ​ ​ The system according to claim 1.

10. The processor is further configured to update the one or more formulations based at least in part on the identified difference and correlate the updated one or more formulations within the customer's profile. The system according to claim 9.

11. The system further comprises a database including the measured value of the color and one or more characteristics of the hair of a plurality of customers. The scanning device is further configured to measure one or more characteristics of the customer's hair. The first input is further configured to read the one or more characteristics from the scanning device and read the measured color and the one or more characteristics from the scanning device and the one or more characteristics of the hair of the plurality of customers. The processor is configured to develop the dyeing protocol based on a comparison between the one or more measured characteristics from the scanning device and the one or more characteristics of the hair of the plurality of customers. The system according to claim 1.

12. The one or more characteristics include one or more of hair health, hair color, hair type, hair density, hair thickness, hair permeability, hair moisture level, hair damage, previous formulations applied to the hair, and percentage of gray hair. The system according to claim 11.

13. The hair dye dispensing system further comprises a second input for receiving one or more measured values of the customer's final hair color. The processor is further configured to store the received one or more measured values of the customer's final hair color in the database. The system according to claim 11.

14. The hair dye dispensing system further comprises a second input for receiving one or more measured values of the customer's final hair color. The processor is further configured to update the database based on the received one or more measured values of the customer's final hair color. The system according to claim 11.

15. The processor is further configured to develop a future dyeing protocol based at least in part on the update of the database. The system according to claim 14.

16. Developing the future dyeing protocol includes improving the future dyeing protocol compared to the dyeing protocol to compensate for the one or more characteristics of the customer's hair. The system according to claim 15. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

17. Compensating for the one or more characteristics of the customer's hair takes into account the desired hair target color and applies a model that determines how to develop the future dyeing protocol to compensate for the one or more characteristics of the customer's hair, the system of claim 16.

18. The hair dye dispensing system further comprises a network interface configured to enable communication with one or more of the database or another hair dye dispensing system, the system of claim 11.

19. The hair dye dispensing system is disposed within a first salon, and another hair dye dispensing system is disposed within a second salon different from and remote from the first salon, and the hair dye dispensing system accesses a customer profile of a customer different from the customers of the customer profiles accessed by the other hair dye dispensing system, the system of claim 18.

20. The processor is further configured to generate a customer profile of the customer and store the customer profile in the database, the customer profile including a measured color, the one or more characteristics from the scanning device, the desired hair target color, one or more measurements of the customer's final hair color, and an identifier of the customer, the system of claim 11.

21. A scanning device for measuring the color of a customer's hair; A database of spectral measurements related to the color of hair provided by one or more brands or lines of hair dyes; An input for a known formulation from a device user interface, the known formulation including a plurality of color terms; A processor configured to identify one or more spectral values in the database of spectral measurements related to one or more of the color terms of the known formulation; and A display for displaying the color of hair related to the known formulation based on the identified spectral measurements, the display representing the color of the hair by applying the known formulation to the color of the customer's hair measured by the scanning device, a system comprising a hair dye dispensing system.

22. The scanning device is a colorimeter, a spectrometer, a camera, a video camera, comprising one or more of an imaging device, an image scanner, a frequency information capturing device, and an optical scanner equipped with The system according to claim 21.

23. The scanning device scans the customer's hair and measures one or more of hair type, hair density, hair penetrability, hair moisture level, and percentage of gray. configured to The system according to claim 22.

24. The database of spectral measurements includes a look-up table of colors and color characteristics 、 The input for the known formulation includes one of a color formulation or a color name, The processor is further configured to generate the color of the hair for display based on the concentration identified by applying the input to the look-up table. The system according to claim 21.

25. The database of spectral measurements includes a look-up table of colors and color characteristics The input for the known formulation includes one of a color formulation or a color name, 、 The processor is further configured to generate the color of the hair for display based on the concentration identified by applying the input to the look-up table. The system according to claim 21.

26. A scanning device for measuring the color of a customer's hair, A database of spectral measurements related to the colors of hair provided by one or more brands or lines of hair dyes, An input for reading the color measured from the scanning device, A processor configured to compare the measured color with the database of spectral measurements and identify a dyeing protocol for changing the customer's hair color to the measured color, and and A hair dye dispensing system having a dispenser for dispensing one or more formulations according to the identified protocol. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Images