Multi-nozzle spray disc for automatic cosmetic machine

Abstract

The spray disc includes a number of nozzles on the outer periphery of the spray disc, a center hole, and a number of partitions. The partitions are arranged around the center hole and have the center hole as an inner periphery. Each partition includes an air inlet for receiving compressed air, a liquid tank for storing liquid, and a corresponding nozzle for spraying the liquid with compressed air. The spray disc can be used in an automatic cosmetic machine. In one embodiment, each partition is a modular partition that is separable from other partitions of the spray disc and can be individually removed from the spray disc.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a spray disc for an automatic cosmetic machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Applying makeup to look its best requires skill. For the unskilled, the experience of applying makeup can be frustrating and the results can be unexpected. Not everyone has the time or resources to seek professional help every time makeup is needed.

[0003] Advances in robotics, artificial intelligence and control technologies offer potential opportunities for automating cosmetic application. For example, it has been shown that a robot can be trained to use an eyeshadow brush on a human face. However, for a cosmetic machine to be practical for users, the machine must take into account versatility, ease of use and safety, among other things.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an automated makeup machine that can apply many types of cosmetics to a user's face. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the spray disk includes a number of nozzles on the outer periphery of the spray disk, a center hole, and a number of partitions, the partitions being arranged around and surrounding the center hole, each partition including an air inlet for receiving compressed air, a liquid tank for storing liquid, and a corresponding nozzle for spraying the liquid with the compressed air.

[0006] In another embodiment, the spray disk includes a plurality of nozzles on an outer periphery of the spray disk, a center hole, and a plurality of partitions, the partitions being arranged around the center hole and defining an inner periphery of the center hole, each partition including an air inlet on the inner periphery for receiving compressed air, a liquid tank at the bottom of the partition for storing liquid, and a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles for spraying the liquid with compressed air.

[0007] Other aspects and features will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0008] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings, in which like references denote similar elements. It should be noted that different references to "one" or "an" embodiment in this disclosure do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but such references mean at least one. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it is believed to be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not expressly described. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 shows a spray disk according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 shows a spray disk according to another embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a partition of a spray disk according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a siphon type spray disk according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a slit element according to one embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of external mixing according to one embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of internal mixing according to one embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a valve for controlling the flow of liquid according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] 1 shows a plan view of a valve for controlling the flow of liquid according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an automatic makeup machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for performing an automatic makeup operation according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In the following description, many specific details are described. However, it is understood that the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, well-known circuits, structures and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented without such specific details. Those skilled in the art will be able to achieve the appropriate functionality without undue experimentation after reading the included description.

[0011] Disclosed herein is a spray disc that can be installed or attached to an automated cosmetic machine to spray a skin-related product onto a target area, e.g., an area on the skin, such as a person's face. Skin-related products, also referred to as spray-type skin-related products, include cosmetics, skin care products, medicated skin products, dermatological products, and the like. In some embodiments, the skin-related product may be a liquid or liquid-like material, including suspensions, oils, lotions, or any material of any viscosity that can be sprayed with compressed air. To simplify the following description, hereinafter, the skin-related product will be referred to as a liquid. Although the term "automated cosmetic machine" is used throughout this disclosure, it is understood that the spray disc disclosed herein may be used with any automated machine that can spray a mist of liquid onto the skin of a user. The process of applying the mist of liquid onto the skin of a user may be referred to as an "application session." Although the term "cosmetic session" is sometimes used in this disclosure, it is understood that "makeup" is a non-limiting example of an application of the disclosed spray disc and the machine that sprays the liquid contents in the spray disc.

[0012] In one embodiment, the spray disc includes multiple partitions, each partition including a liquid tank (also called a reservoir) for storing liquid and a nozzle for spraying the liquid. Although the following description focuses primarily on the human face, the devices and methods of the present invention may be applied to any part of the human body. In one embodiment, the spray disc is made of plastic, resin, glass, silicone, metal, any combination of the aforementioned materials, or any variation of the aforementioned materials.

[0013] One type of automated cosmetic machine ("machine") atomizes liquid with compressed air. The machine includes a disk head that receives and rotates a spray disk so that selected nozzles can target the spray at a target area. The disk head may be part of a robot or robotic arm. In one embodiment, the disk head may be mounted on one or more guide rails and / or tracks that allow multi-dimensional movement of the disk head. The machine includes a controller that controls the movement and operation of the disk head. The controller may include software and hardware that executes the software.

[0014] In one embodiment, the controller directs the translational and / or rotational movement of the disk head according to a 3D trajectory calculated based on the user's 3D profile. Once the disk head is properly positioned relative to the target area of ​​the user's face, the controller further directs the disk head to rotate the spray disk to direct the selected nozzle toward the target area. The machine then supplies compressed air to the selected nozzle to spray the liquid in the corresponding liquid tank onto the target area. A series of partitions and corresponding nozzles are selected according to the controller's instructions, and compressed air is supplied to the nozzles in sequence. The controller may further control a valve at the outlet point of each liquid to control the flow of liquid out of the partition and adjust the amount of liquid being sprayed.

[0015] In one embodiment, the spray disc is for single use only, i.e., the spray disc is pre-filled with liquid, placed on the disc head at the beginning of an application session, and can be discarded at the end of the session. Taking a cosmetic application session as an example, the cosmetic application session can include any combination of cosmetic application steps such as applying liquid foundation, highlighter, one or more colors of eyeshadow, and blusher to the user's face.

[0016] In one embodiment, the spray disc may include a single liquid reservoir and a single nozzle. In such an embodiment, the spray disc is referred to as a pod and may have any shape different from a disc shape.

[0017] In one embodiment, the spray disc, nozzle, or at least the liquid tank of the spray disc may be sealed with a removable film before use. For example, the top surface or periphery of the liquid tank may be wrapped with a plastic or foil film. At the start of an application session, the film may be pierced or peeled back to allow the air pressure in the liquid tank to equalize with the surrounding air pressure. Once the application session is over, the spray disc or at least the used liquid tank may be discarded. In some other embodiments, the spray discs described herein may be used multiple times, i.e., for multiple application sessions.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a spray disk 100 according to one embodiment. The spray disk 100 includes a number of partitions 120. Within each partition 120, a liquid tank 140 for storing liquid is provided. On the outer periphery of each partition 120, a nozzle 150 for spraying liquid is provided. In this example, both the top and bottom of the spray disk 100 are aligned with the XY plane (i.e., horizontal plane). It should be noted that the terms "top" and "bottom" used herein refer to the perspective shown in the figures, and when used, the disclosed spray disk and its partitions may be installed in a different orientation than that shown, for example upside down. An example of an upside down orientation is described below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0019] The spray disk 100 has a circular or nearly circular periphery, for example in the shape of a cylindrical disk. A number of partitions 120 are arranged around a rotating spindle 110. The rotating spindle 110 is aligned with a central axis (i.e., Z-axis, also referred to as vertical axis). Although six partitions 120 are shown in this example, it is understood that the spray disk 100 may include any number of partitions 120. Each partition 120 extends radially from the rotating spindle 110 to the outer periphery of the spray disk 100. Each partition 120 includes a corresponding nozzle 150 at the outer periphery of the spray disk 100. More specifically, the nozzles are arranged along the sides of the outer periphery of the spray disk 100.

[0020] The spindle 110 is driven by a motor in the machine to rotate the spray disk 100 about the Z-axis so that selected nozzles can be aimed at a target area. The spindle 110 extends axially along the central axis of the spray disk 100 (i.e., the Z-axis) and rotates the spray disk 100 in a horizontal plane. The spindle 110 may be part of the spray disk 100 or may be attached to a disk head of an automated cosmetic machine. In an alternative embodiment, the spindle 110 may be part of the disk head or part of the machine, i.e., the spray disk 100 may include a center hole that allows for insertion of the spindle 110.

[0021] In this embodiment, each partition 120 includes an air inlet 130 that allows compressed air to pass through. An air compressor within the machine delivers compressed air to a selected air inlet 130 via an air needle or tube. A hollow passageway, called an air channel, extends from the air inlet 130 through the partition 120 to a corresponding nozzle 150. When compressed air is injected into the air inlet 130, liquid in the liquid tank 140 of the selected partition 120 is atomized by the air and ejected from the corresponding nozzle 150.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a spray disk 200 according to an alternative embodiment. The spray disk 200 includes a number of partitions 220, each of which includes a liquid tank 240 for storing liquid and a nozzle 250 for spraying the liquid. The spray disk 200 has the same shape as the spray disk 100 of FIG. 1, except that compressed air is routed through an air tube 230 (seen from the top view shown in FIG. 2) to an air inlet (not shown) of a selected partition 220. The air tube 230 may be part of a machine, a disk head, or the spray disk 200. In this example, the air inlet may be located on the inner circumference of the partition. The compressed air can enter the partition 220 through the air inlet, pass through the air channel, and exit the corresponding nozzle 250 with the atomized liquid.

[0023] In other alternative embodiments, the air inlet may be located anywhere on any surface of the partition (top, bottom, or inner periphery). It is understood that compressed air may be delivered to the air inlet of each partition via alternative mechanisms and the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2 are not limiting. Additionally, the nozzle of each partition may be located anywhere on the periphery of the partition. As with the spray disc 100 of Figure 1, in use the disclosed spray disc and its partitions may be installed in an orientation different from that shown, for example upside down. An example of an upside down orientation is described below with reference to Figure 4.

[0024] In one embodiment, the spray discs described herein may be a few centimeters in diameter (e.g., 4-6 cm) and a few centimeters in thickness (e.g., 1.5-2.0 cm), although spray discs of different sizes may also be used.

[0025] In one embodiment, the spray disk may include two or more layers of partitions. For example, the spray disk 100 may be stacked on top of the spray disk 200 along the Z-axis direction. Alternatively, the spray disks 100 or 200 may be stacked back to back. Both the spray disks 100 and 200 may receive compressed air from their respective air inlets accessible by an air needle from the top, bottom, inner circumference, or another surface. The automatic makeup machine may include two or more air needles to deliver compressed air to two or more nozzles simultaneously. In another embodiment, the spray disk may include three or more layers of partitions. The air inlets of each partition may be located anywhere accessible by an air needle or tube. Stacking layers of partitions allows multiple liquids to be sprayed simultaneously to the user to reduce the duration of the application session. In one embodiment, each of the stacked spray disks may be rotated or moved independently of each other.

[0026] In one embodiment, the central axis of the spray disk (e.g., spindle 110) may be oriented horizontally toward the target area such that the spray disk rotates like a Ferris wheel. That is, all nozzles of the spray disk may be located on the front side of the spray disk (i.e., the side facing the user), and compressed air may be supplied to the partition from the front side, back side, or inner periphery of the partition. In this embodiment, two or more partitions may be selected to spray liquid simultaneously.

[0027] In one embodiment, each partition of the spray disc has the same size and shape. In some embodiments, the partitions may have different sizes and / or shapes. For example, some partitions may be larger than others to accommodate a larger liquid reservoir for more liquid. In one embodiment, all partitions have the same size, but some partitions may have a larger liquid reservoir than the other partitions. Furthermore, the partitions may have different shapes than the examples of Figures 1 and 2, and the partitions may also have different shapes from each other.

[0028] In one embodiment, each nozzle of the spray disk has the same size and shape. In some embodiments, the nozzles of the spray disk may have different sizes and / or shapes to produce different spray patterns. For liquids, the viscosity of the liquid may be a factor in determining the nozzle size.

[0029] In some embodiments, the periphery of the spray disc may have a shape other than circular. For example, the shape of the periphery of the spray disc may be rectangular, square, oval, polygonal, scallop-shaped, or any geometric shape. Similarly, each partition of the spray disc may have any geometric shape, and the partitions may be arranged in any geometric configuration.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a partition 300 of a spray disk according to one embodiment. The internal elements of the partition 300 are shown in dashed lines. The partition 300 may be any of the partitions in the spray disk described herein. The shape of the partition 300 is shown by way of example, and it is understood that the partitions described herein may have three-dimensional shapes different from those shown. The partition 300 includes an air inlet 330 at a surface (e.g., the top surface in the figure) and an air channel 340 connecting the air inlet 330 to the nozzle 350. In alternative embodiments, the air inlet 330 may be located at the bottom surface or the inner periphery of the partition 300. At the top of the partition 300 is a liquid tank 320 that contains a liquid. At the bottom of the liquid tank 320 is an opening 360 through which the contained liquid flows to the nozzle 350 via a liquid channel located at the bottom of the partition 300. In some embodiments, the partition 300 may be placed either top-side up or top-side down when in use.

[0031] In one embodiment, the surface area of ​​the partition 300 may be perforated at the start of an application session to allow the air pressure in the fluid reservoir 320 to equalize with the surrounding air pressure. Alternatively, the surface area of ​​the partition 300 may include a needle-sized vent that connects to the fluid reservoir 320 inside the partition. The vent may be covered with a film or foil. At the start of an application session, the film or foil may be removed to expose the vent.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a siphon type spray disk 400 (referred to as spray disk 400) according to one embodiment. The spray disk 400 includes multiple partitions 405, one of which is shown in the dashed area. The spray disk 400 may include one or more partitions, and the number of partitions shown in FIG. 4 is a non-limiting example. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the partition 405 on a vertical plane cut along the Z direction across line B-B'. The partition 405 includes a liquid tank 420 located at the bottom and an air channel 440 for passing compressed air through the top of the liquid tank 420. A siphon tube 460 connected to the air channel 440 is inserted into the liquid tank 420. The air channel 440 receives compressed air from a passage extending through the disk central axis 480 (i.e., Z direction). The liquid in the liquid tank 420 is sucked upward into the air channel 440 as the compressed air passes through it. The compressed air mixes with the liquid in the air channel 440 and forces the liquid out of the nozzle 450 to form a liquid spray. In one embodiment, a valve 470 is positioned at the entrance of the air channel 440 (i.e., air inlet 475), and the valve 470 can be opened and closed to control the entry of compressed air. In the example of Figure 4, the air inlet 475 is located at the inner periphery of the partition 405.

[0033] In one embodiment, the spray disc 400 is composed of a top piece and a bottom piece. The top piece includes the top cover of the spray disc 400 and also includes an air channel and corresponding siphon tubes and nozzles. The air channel supplies compressed air to the corresponding nozzles of the corresponding partitions. The bottom piece includes the liquid tank of the corresponding partition. Before use, a user can place the top piece on the bottom piece to form the spray disc 400. In one embodiment, the top surface of the bottom piece (i.e., the liquid tank) may be wrapped or covered with a plastic or foil film. The film may be perforated or peeled off at the start of an application session.

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a top part 410 and a bottom part (i.e., liquid tank 420) belonging to a partition 405. The top part 410 includes an upper surface 490, an air channel 440, a siphon tube 460, an air inlet 475, and a valve 470. The bottom part includes a liquid tank 420. The siphon tube 460 may have a sharp tip at the lower end. When the top part 410 is placed on the liquid tank 420, the siphon tube 460 can pierce the film on the upper surface of the liquid tank 420 and insert into the liquid tank 420. For a spray disk with K partitions, the corresponding K siphon tubes of the top part can be used to pierce the K liquid tanks simultaneously.

[0035] In alternative embodiments, the spray disk 400 may include a single partition, also referred to as a pod. The pod includes a single liquid tank and a single nozzle that sprays a mist of liquid onto the user's skin. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the pod may include a top piece and a bottom piece. In alternative embodiments, the pod may have a different shape than the disk.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a slit element 510 according to one embodiment. The partition 500 may be any of the partitions previously described (e.g., partition 300 of FIG. 3 or partition 405 of FIG. 4) with an additional component, the slit element 510. The slit element 510 includes a slit 520 along the X-direction, which is the direction into the page when viewed. A disk center axis 580 (i.e., Z-axis) is shown for reference. The slit 520 is positioned in front of the nozzle 550 and may be linear, arched, or other shaped. The slit element 510 may be attached to the partition 500 or may be integrated as part of the partition 500. As an example, the partition 500 may contain an eyeliner liquid (not shown) and the slit 520 may be shaped like the outline of an eye. The use of the slit 520 allows the liquid spray to form a desired pattern on the target area.

[0037] 1-4, any of the partitions of the aforementioned spray discs may be modular partitions (also called modular lobes) that can be mixed and matched with other modular partitions by a user to form a customized spray disc. Each modular partition is separable from other partitions of the spray disc and individually removable from the spray disc.

[0038] A spray disc with modularized partitions is referred to as a modularized spray disc. Any of spray discs 100 (FIG. 1), 200 (FIG. 2), and / or 400 may be a modularized spray disc. The modularized spray disc may have a circular or approximately circular shape. The modularized spray disc includes a plurality of modularized partitions. The modularized partitions may be arranged together on a disc frame (e.g., a tray) to form the spray disc. The disc frame may be part of the spray disc or disc head. The disc frame may be disposable (e.g., made of plastic) or may be multi-use (e.g., made of metal).

[0039] In one embodiment, a user may customize a spray disc by mixing and matching different partitions containing different liquids according to the user's preferences. A user may purchase modular partitions separately and assemble them into a customized spray disc. The modular partitions and the liquids contained therein may be produced by different manufacturers and sold under different brands.

[0040] Figures 6A and 6B show two examples of atomizing liquid. Atomization is performed by a nozzle 650, which can be any of the nozzles described above. Taking Figure 3 as an example, Figures 6A and 6B show top views of a plane that crosses the line A-A' and extends parallel to the XY plane. Taking Figure 4 as an example, Figures 6A and 6B show top views of a plane that crosses the line C-C' and extends parallel to the XY plane. The air channels, liquid channels, nozzles, and outlets are not drawn to scale. It is understood that the present disclosure covers embodiments of air and liquid channels that have different relative lengths, widths, shapes, curvatures, and / or angles than those shown in these figures.

[0041] FIG. 6A shows a schematic diagram of external mixing according to one embodiment. An opening 660 leads to a liquid tank. A liquid channel 641 connects the opening 660 to a liquid outlet 655. In this external mixing embodiment, the liquid channel 641 extends radially to the liquid outlet 655 at the outer periphery of the spray disk to deliver liquid to the nozzle 650. In one embodiment, the liquid channel 641 may be coupled to a valve 680 to control the amount of liquid exiting the nozzle 650. Non-limiting examples of the valve 680 are provided below with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In another embodiment, the pressure of the compressed air may be adjusted to control the amount of liquid sprayed.

[0042] In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the air channel 640 splits or branches into two (or more) sub-channels before reaching the outer periphery of the spray disk. Each sub-channel extends to an air outlet 653 at the outer periphery to deliver pressurized air to the nozzle 650. The air outlet 653 may be located or positioned opposite the liquid outlet 655. In alternative embodiments where the air channel 640 splits into more than two sub-channels, the air outlet 653 may surround the liquid outlet 655. This allows the nozzle 650 in the external mixing embodiment to be configured with multiple outlets, including the liquid outlet 655 and two or more air outlets 653. The air exiting the air outlet 653 creates a low pressure area near the liquid outlet 655, drawing liquid from the corresponding liquid tank.

[0043] FIG. 6B shows a schematic diagram of internal mixing according to one embodiment. In this internal mixing embodiment, a sub-channel of the air channel 640 leads to a liquid channel 642 in an internal mixing chamber 670 where the liquid is mixed with compressed air. The mixture is then discharged from a single outlet 656. This allows the nozzle 650 in the internal mixing embodiment to consist of only this single outlet 656. The nozzle 650 in this embodiment may be the same as the outlet 656. The air channel 640 may be split into two or more sub-channels before reaching the internal mixing chamber 670. Similar to FIG. 6A, the liquid channel 642 carrying liquid from a corresponding liquid tank may be coupled to a valve 680 to control the amount of liquid flowing to the corresponding nozzle 650. Details of the valve 680 are described below with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In another embodiment, the pressure of the compressed air may be adjusted to control the amount of liquid sprayed.

[0044] It should be noted that the liquid channels 641, 642 and the air channel 640 may have any cross-sectional shape and the cross-sectional area of ​​each channel may vary (e.g., taper) towards the nozzle 650. The air channel 640 may be divided into sub-channels at different points than in the examples of Figures 6A and 6B.

[0045] 7A and 7B show plan views of valves 700 and 720, respectively, according to some embodiments. Referring also to FIGS. 6A and 6B, valves 700 and 720 may be examples of valves 680 used to control the amount of liquid flowing into a corresponding nozzle 650. A liquid channel 641 or 642 enters the valve 700 or 720 and is divided into multiple paths, such as three paths (P1, P2, and P3) with different cross-sectional sizes, which may be widths, diameters, diagonal lengths, depths, areas, or other measurements. For example, the cross-sectional sizes of the three paths are in a ratio of 1:2:4, and each of these three paths may be individually controlled to open or close independently of the other paths. As an example, each path may be coupled to a needle or rod-like element that can move vertically upwards (to open) and downwards (to close). Depending on the amount of liquid required (flow rate), the automatic cosmetic machine (specifically, a controller in the machine) can determine the combination of opening and closing the paths to select one of the eight combinations provided by the three paths. In the embodiment of FIG. 7A, the three paths reconnect to one channel before exiting the valve 500. In the embodiment of FIG. 7B, the three paths do not reconnect to one channel before exiting the valve 520.

[0046] It should be understood that the liquid channel 641 or 642 may be divided into any number of paths within the valve 680 (FIGS. 6A and 6B). In one embodiment, the liquid channel 641 or 642 within the valve 680 may be divided into multiple (e.g., N) paths having binary-coded cross-sectional sizes. More specifically, the cross-sectional size of path k (i.e., P k ) is c·2 k where c is a constant and k is an index from 0 to (N-1). P k The amount of liquid flowing through is P k is directly proportional to the cross-sectional area of k This means that the number of open paths is 2 kA binarized path size allows the machine to adjust the displacement of the selected liquid in steps of 1 volume unit, from 0 to (2 N -1) can be controlled to a range of volumetric units. The valves 680 in each partition of the spray disk can be controlled independently of the other valves.

[0047] To control the mixture ratio of air and the selected liquid, the air compressor can adjust both the speed of the air flow and the amount of air delivered to the corresponding nozzle, and the controller within the machine can adjust the discharge of the selected liquid by controlling the opening and closing of each path of the corresponding valve.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an automatic cosmetic machine 800 ("machine 800") according to one embodiment. It is understood that the embodiment of FIG. 8 is simplified for illustrative purposes. Additional hardware components may be included. Machine 800 includes a disk head 840 to which a spray disk 830 (such as any of the spray disks described above) is attached and which may be removed after use. Machine 800 includes a controller 810, which may further include processing hardware such as one or more general-purpose processors, special-purpose circuits, or a combination thereof. Controller 810 is coupled to memory 815. Memory 815 may include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), SRAM, flash memory, and other non-transitory machine-readable storage media, such as volatile or non-volatile memory devices. In one embodiment, memory 815 may store instructions that, when executed by the processing hardware, cause the processing hardware to control the automatic cosmetic operation of machine 800, as well as the movement and spraying operation of spray disk 830. Controller 810 may automatically control an air pump valve or air pump to expel the amount of air required for optimal performance to control the flow of liquid to the nozzle.

[0049] The machine 800 further includes a motor module 850 that includes multiple motors. Under the control of the controller 810, the motor module 850 enables the movement of the disk head 840 and the rotation of the spray disk 830. Although the motor module 850 is shown as a single block in FIG. 8, it is understood that the motor module 850 may include multiple motors at multiple locations within the machine 800 to control different movements of the disk head 840 and the spray disk 830. The machine 800 further includes an air compressor 820 that provides compressed air to the spray disk 830 according to the commands of the controller 810. The machine 800 further includes a mechanical component 860, such as a robotic component, that moves the disk head 840 according to the commands of the controller 810.

[0050] In one embodiment, the machine 800 further includes an imaging device 811 (e.g., one or more cameras) capable of capturing a 3D profile of the area of ​​interest, such as a 3D facial image of a user. Based on the 3D profile, the controller 810 can determine a series of positions and orientations of the disk head 840 to apply or spray liquid from the spray disk 830 and direct the motor module 850 to move the disk head 840 according to the series of positions and orientations. The imaging device 811 can also be used to monitor the liquid application process (e.g., a makeup process). The controller 810 may use information from the camera to ensure the safety and proper use of the machine 800. In one embodiment, the spray disk 830 or the disk head 840 may be marked with a number of fiduciary markings. One or more disk-facing cameras may be installed on a portion of the machine 800 facing the disk head 840 such that the disk-facing cameras can continuously monitor the position and orientation of the spray disk 830 based on the fiduciary marks during an application session. One or more user-facing cameras may monitor the position and orientation of the user's face. Based on the monitored data, the controller 810 can further determine the distance and angle between the spray disc 830 and the user's face to determine whether it is safe to apply makeup to the face.

[0051] In one embodiment, a proximity sensor 832 may be attached to or coupled to the spray disk 830 or disk head 840 to detect the presence of a nearby user (e.g., when the user's face is within a predetermined range or distance). Based on information from the proximity sensor 832, the machine 800 may generate an alert and / or pause any movement if the detected distance between the target area (e.g., the user's face) and the spray disk 830 falls below a threshold. When the distance exceeds the threshold, machine operation may resume. Use of the proximity sensor 832 may avoid unintended collisions between machine components and the user to protect the user. As a non-limiting example, a proximity sensor manufactured by Omron Industrial Automation (ia.omron.com) may be used.

[0052] In one embodiment, the spray disk 830 is attached to an ultrasonic transducer 834, also referred to as an ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic transducer 834 may be part of the spray disk 830, attached to the bottom of the spray disk 830, or may be part of the disk head 840. When the machine 800 is operating, the ultrasonic transducer 834 vibrates the spray disk 830 to prevent clogging and settling of the liquid. Alternatively or additionally, the ultrasonic transducer 834 may shake and / or rotate the spray disk 830 to homogenize the liquid prior to a coating session. As a non-limiting example, ultrasonic transducers (also known as miniature ultrasonic motor-driven rotary stages) manufactured by PI USA (pi-usa.us) may be used.

[0053] In one embodiment, the machine 800 may include a user interface 812, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), through which the controller 810 may communicate with the user, for example, about the makeup process and color options, and guide the user through the makeup process. The controller 810 may execute control software stored in a memory 815 of the machine 800 to perform such control operations. In one embodiment, the machine 800 may further include a network interface 813 to connect to a wired and / or wireless network that transmits and / or receives voice, digital data, and / or media signals. For example, the machine 800 may communicate with a user device 880 via the network interface 813. The user may download an app 890 to the user device 880, which may be a computing device and / or communication device, such as a smartphone, a wearable device, a portable device, a computer, etc. The app 890 may provide the user with many different makeup templates, including makeup styles, colors, face areas, etc., and the user may select a combination of these options. The app 890 transfers information from the user to the controller 810 of the machine 800 during the set-up phase or at the start of an application session for the user.

[0054] In one embodiment, the app 890 can simulate a makeup result of applying a selected makeup template to a user's face with a selected spray disk, regardless of whether the selected spray disk is loaded into the machine 800. For example, the user can scan or enter into the user device 880 a code printed on the selected spray disk, and the app 890 generates a number of makeup results based on the liquid contained in the selected spray disk. The user device 880 can display the simulated makeup results for the user to preview.

[0055] A code, such as a barcode, a QR code, a radio frequency (RF) ID, or another machine-readable identification code, may be printed on the spray disc 830 to designate the set of liquids contained therein. This set of liquids may be used as a cosmetic type or cosmetic template. The machine 800 reads the code and performs an error check. Based on the code, the machine 800 may determine and inform the user whether the user has loaded the correct spray disc into the machine 800, e.g., whether the spray disc 830 can be used for the cosmetic template selected by the user. Error checking of the code may also be performed for security purposes, such as to prevent counterfeiting.

[0056] In an embodiment in which the spray disc 830 is a modularized spray disc, each partition of the modularized spray disc may have a machine-readable identification code (e.g., a barcode, a QR code, an RFID, etc.) printed on a surface to identify the liquid stored in that partition. The machine 800 can check the code of each partition in the modularized spray disc to determine whether to assemble the correct partition into the modularized spray disc for the selected cosmetic template and notify the user. The code of each partition can be utilized for security purposes such as to prevent counterfeiting.

[0057] The following description provides further details of the operation of the controller 810 (FIG. 8). During an application session, the controller 810 instructs the motor module 850 to move the disk head 840 along a 3D trajectory to position the spray disk 830 at an appropriate distance and angle on the target area (e.g., the user's face). The distance and angle may be determined based on 3D imaging of the face. The controller 810 instructs the motor module 850 to rotate the spray disk 830 around a central axis (coincident with the Z-axis) to aim selected nozzles at the face. The sequence of disk head movements and spray disk rotations may be determined based on a preselected makeup template (i.e., a makeup pattern). For example, a festival-style preselected makeup template may include foundation, highlighter, two-tone eyeshadow, and blusher. Accordingly, the controller 810 determines the actuation sequence (nozzles A, B, C, D, E) and the flow rate of each liquid reservoir. The controller 810 instructs the motor module 850 to move the disk head 840 in front of the target area of ​​the face according to the 3D face image and rotate the spray disk 830 by a predetermined angle. For example, when a foundation is selected, the spray disk 830 is rotated so that the selected partition containing the foundation faces the user and the corresponding nozzle is aimed at the target area of ​​the user's face. The air compressor 820 injects compressed air into the air inlet of the selected partition to spray the foundation on the user's face.

[0058] 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 900 for spraying a liquid contained in a multi-nozzle spray disk to a user, according to one embodiment, performed by an automated cosmetic machine. A non-limiting example of an automated cosmetic machine may include the machine 800 of FIG. 8. A non-limiting example of a multi-nozzle spray disk may include the spray disks 100 (FIG. 1), 200 (FIG. 2), and 400 (FIG. 4), which may further include one or more components shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8. Referring also to FIG. 8, the steps of the method 900 may be performed by the controller 810 or by components of the machine 800 under the control of the controller 810.

[0059] Method 900 begins at the beginning of an application session. In step 910, the machine determines a set of positions and a set of corresponding nozzles on the spray disk to spray liquid on the user's skin. In step 920, the machine moves the disk head to one of the positions. In step 930, the machine rotates the spray disk about the central axis of the spray disk to aim the corresponding nozzles at a target area on the user's skin. In step 940, the machine supplies compressed air to the corresponding nozzles to spray the liquid on the target area.

[0060] Various functional components or blocks are described herein. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the functional blocks are preferably implemented through circuitry (either special purpose circuitry or general purpose circuitry operating under the control of one or more processors and coded instructions) that typically include transistors configured to control the operation of the circuitry in accordance with the functions and operations described herein.

[0061] While the present invention has been described with respect to several embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the description should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 100, 200, 830: Spray disc 110: Rotating spindle 120, 220, 300, 405, 500: Partition 130,330,475:Air inlet 140, 240, 320, 420: Liquid tank 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650: Nozzle 230: Air tube 340, 440, 640: Air channel 360,660:Opening 400: Siphon type spray disc 410: Top part 460: Siphon tube 470,680,700,720: Valve 480:Disc center axis 490:Top surface 510: Slit element 520: Slit 580:Disc center axis 641,642: Liquid channel 653: Air outlet 655:Liquid outlet 656:Exit 670: Internal mixing chamber 800: Automatic makeup machine 810: Controller 811: Imaging device 812: User Interface 813: Network interface 815: Memory 820: Air compressor 832: Proximity sensor 834: Ultrasonic transducer 840: Disk head 850: Motor module 860: Mechanical Components 880: User device 890: App

Claims

1. A spray disc comprising: a plurality of nozzles on a periphery of the spray disc; Center hole and a plurality of partitions arranged around the center hole and having the center hole as an inner periphery, each partition including an air inlet for receiving compressed air, a liquid tank for storing liquid, and a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles for spraying the liquid with the compressed air; Including, spray disc.

2. 10. The spray disk of claim 1, wherein each partition is a modular partition that is separable from other partitions of the spray disk and individually removable from the spray disk.

3. The spray disk of claim 2 , wherein a surface of the modularized partition includes a machine-readable identification code that identifies the liquid within the modularized partition.

4. 10. The spray disk of claim 1, further comprising a machine readable identification code on a surface of the spray disk, the machine readable identification code identifying a set of liquids within the spray disk.

5. 2. The spray disc of claim 1, wherein each nozzle is configured with a liquid outlet through which a corresponding liquid exits the spray disc and two or more air outlets through which the compressed air exits the spray disc, and the corresponding liquid is mixed with the compressed air outside the spray disc.

6. 10. The spray disc of claim 1, wherein each partition further comprises an internal mixing chamber in which the compressed air is mixed with a corresponding liquid before reaching a corresponding nozzle.

7. 2. The spray disc according to claim 1, wherein each liquid tank is connected to a corresponding nozzle via a liquid channel, and before reaching the corresponding nozzle, the liquid channel is divided into a plurality of paths of different sizes, and the opening and closing of each path is controlled individually.

8. Each partition is an air channel for passing compressed air through the top of the liquid tank; a siphon tube extending downwardly from the air channel to the liquid tank; The spray disc of claim 1 further comprising:

9. 10. The spray disk of claim 1, further comprising a slit element coupled to the partition, the slit element comprising a slit disposed in front of a nozzle of the partition.

10. 10. The spray disk of claim 1, further comprising an ultrasonic transducer attached to a bottom surface of the spray disk, the ultrasonic transducer operative to vibrate the spray disk.

11. The spray disc of claim 1 , wherein the periphery of the spray disc has a generally circular shape.

12. 10. The spray disc of claim 1, wherein the spray disc is made of any one of plastic, resin, glass, silicone, and metal.

13. 10. The spray disc of claim 1, wherein each liquid is one of a cosmetic product, a skin care product, a medicated skin product, and a dermatological product.

14. a top part including a top cover of the spray disc and an air channel for supplying the compressed air to a corresponding nozzle of a corresponding partition; a bottom part containing a liquid reservoir of said corresponding partition; The spray disc of claim 1 further comprising:

15. 15. The spray disc of claim 14, wherein an upper surface of the bottom part is covered with a film, the film being perforated when the top part is placed onto the bottom part.

16. A spray disc comprising: a plurality of nozzles on a periphery of the spray disc; Center hole and a plurality of partitions arranged around the center hole and having the center hole as an inner periphery, each partition including an air inlet at the inner periphery for receiving compressed air, a liquid tank at a bottom of the partition for storing liquid, and a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles for spraying the liquid with the compressed air; Including, spray disc.

17. 17. The spray disk of claim 16, wherein each partition is a modular partition that is separable from other partitions of the spray disk and individually removable from the spray disk.

18. 17. The spray disc of claim 16, wherein the spray disc rotates about a vertical center under command of a controller and receives the compressed air to spray liquid from a series of nozzles onto the user's skin.

19. a top piece including a top cover of the spray disk, air channels, and nozzles, each air channel supplying the compressed air to a corresponding nozzle; a bottom part of the partition containing the liquid reservoir; 17. The spray disc of claim 16 further comprising:

20. 17. The spray disc of claim 16, wherein the spray disc is coupled to a proximity sensor operative to detect a distance between the spray disc and a user.

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