Automated detection of hair characteristics using a formulation dispensing device

Abstract

In some embodiments, a formulation delivery device is provided that includes a motor and a formulation dispensing assembly. The formulation dispensing assembly includes a reciprocating nozzle assembly operated by the motor. The formulation delivery device further includes circuitry configured to generate a signal indicative of application of one or more formulation products dispensed by the formulation dispensing assembly, and circuitry configured to transmit the signal indicative of application of the formulation products to a usage analysis system. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided for automatically determining at least one hair characteristic of a subject. A computing system receives a signal indicative of application of the one or more dispensed formulation products from the formulation delivery device, analyzes the signal to automatically determine the at least one hair characteristic, and stores the at least one hair characteristic in a usage data store.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 302443, filed January 24, 2022, and claims priority to French Patent Application No. 2203627, filed April 20, 2022, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In some embodiments, a formulation delivery device is provided. The formulation delivery device includes a motor and a formulation dispensing assembly. The formulation dispensing assembly also includes a reciprocating nozzle assembly operated by the motor. The formulation delivery device further includes circuitry configured to generate a signal indicative of application of one or more formulation products dispensed by the formulation dispensing assembly, and circuitry configured to transmit the signal indicative of application of the formulation products to a usage analysis system.

[0003] In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided for automatically determining at least one hair characteristic of a subject. The computing system receives a signal from a formulation delivery device indicative of application of one or more dispensed formulation products. The computing system analyzes the signal to automatically determine the at least one hair characteristic. The computing system stores the at least one hair characteristic in a usage data store.

[0004] In some embodiments, a system for automatically determining at least one hair characteristic of a subject is provided, the system including circuitry configured to receive a signal indicative of application of one or more dispensed formulation products from a formulation delivery device, circuitry configured to analyze the signal to automatically determine the at least one hair characteristic, and circuitry configured to store the at least one hair characteristic in a usage data store. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the claimed subject matter will become more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pharmaceutical delivery system according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a pharmaceutical formulation delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an application of a pharmaceutical delivery system according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 4] FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of a pharmaceutical formulation delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4B is a side cross-sectional view of the formulation delivery device of FIG. 4A.

[0011] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a formulation-dispensing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of the formulation-dispensing assembly of FIG. 5A.

[0013] [Figure 6] FIG. 6A is a first perspective view of a formulation cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6B is a second perspective view of the formulation cartridge of FIG. 6A.

[0015] FIG. 6C is an exploded perspective view of the formulation cartridge of FIG. 6A.

[0016] FIG. 6D is a side cross-sectional view of the formulation cartridge of FIG. 6A.

[0017] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating aspects of one non-limiting example embodiment of a usage analysis system according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 8] 8A-8B are flow charts illustrating one non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a method for collecting and using hair characteristic information according to various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The following description generally provides representative examples of the use of a hair scalp treatment formulation delivery system to generate and collect information about a subject's hair, and the use of such information.

[0020] The application of a wide variety of treatment formulations to human hair and scalp tissue is common. In some cases, it is beneficial to apply the treatment formulation to a target portion of the hair or scalp tissue. In one example, application of the treatment formulation to a portion of the hair close to the scalp may be required, for example, when applying a coloring dye to the root of the hair during a color maintenance treatment. In another example, application of the scalp treatment formulation directly to the scalp tissue may be required, with minimal contact with the hair.

[0021] Existing systems for the application of hair and scalp treatment formulations have been widely used. As an example, coloring kits are commonly used to change the appearance of hair color or to blend gray hair, among other uses. Existing hair dyeing systems have several drawbacks, including difficulty in use, time consumption, uneven coverage (due to dye application), unpredictable results, excessive mess, etc. In one aspect, existing coloring systems may be ineffective in blending and coloring the roots of hair when the natural hair color differs from the color of the remainder of the dyed hair after new hair segments grow from the scalp. The present disclosure is directed to solving these and other needs.

[0022] In some embodiments, the hair coloring formulation comprises at least one dye and a separate developer, which are mixed in a controlled ratio. However, in the present disclosure, the "formulation" is not limited to dye and developer. Generally, as used herein, the term "formulation" refers to any of the dye, developer, formulation, fluid, or any mixture thereof. In the present disclosure, the "formulation" includes permanent hair dyes, semi-permanent hair dyes, developers, conditioners, hair growth treatments such as minoxidil manufactured under the trade name ROGAINE®, hair protein treatments, disulfide bond repair hair treatments, fluid hair treatments, fluid scalp treatments, activators, relaxers, and the like.

[0023] As described below, a formulation delivery device is made that is configured to apply formulation to target areas of hair and scalp tissue.While any of the above-mentioned formulations can be suitably applied using the embodiments described herein, this disclosure generally refers to hair coloring formulations as one representative example of the treatment formulations that are applied by the systems and devices described below.However, it is understood that any of the systems, devices, cartridges, and methods can be utilized with any of the above-mentioned formulations.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, information generated during use of a formulation delivery device to dispense and apply a formulation product to a subject's hair is used to automatically determine characteristics of the subject's hair. In some embodiments, these automatically determined characteristics may then be collected and used for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to providing product recommendations that are likely to be useful based on the characteristics of the subject's hair.

[0025] 1 illustrates one exemplary formulation delivery system 100 according to the present disclosure. Formulation delivery system 100 includes a number of different features including a formulation product line 102, a formulation delivery device 104, and an optional platform 106. Together, formulation delivery system 100 enables a customized user experience.

[0026] The formulation product line 102 includes a variety of formulations. Each formulation is stored in the same (common) formulation cartridge 108 type that is configured for use with the formulation delivery device 104. Cartridges of the common formulation cartridge type are typically configured for insertion into a cartridge cavity of a reusable handle of the formulation delivery device. For example, in some embodiments, the formulation cartridge and the washing cartridge have a common cross-sectional shape and dimensions. Additionally, some embodiments of the common formulation cartridge type have a common number and arrangement of output nozzles.

[0027] Thus, a common formulation cartridge 108 type allows a consumer to have access to many different formulations in a single formulation delivery device 104. Exemplary formulation cartridge 108 types are described below in Figures 6A-6D.

[0028] In one exemplary embodiment, the formulation product line 102 includes a hair coloring formulation and a scalp treatment formulation. In other exemplary embodiments, the formulation product line 102 includes at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight of the following different formulations, each stored within the same formulation cartridge 108 type. The different formulations include permanent hair dyes and developers, semi-permanent hair dyes and developers, shampoos, conditioners, hair growth treatments such as minoxidil, hair protein treatments, disulfide bond repair hair treatments, fluid scalp treatments, activators, and relaxers. In further exemplary embodiments, the formulation product line 102 includes any combination of the above, in addition to an optional cleaning cartridge 110 within the same formulation cartridge 108 type.

[0029] The formulation cartridge 108 has an elongated shape and dimensions configured to be inserted into the handle of the formulation delivery device 104, and in particular into a cartridge cavity in the handle. In some embodiments of the formulation delivery system 100, the elongated outer housing has a different structure between the formulation-containing formulation cartridge 108 and the cleaning cartridge 110, but has a common shape and dimensions. For example, in some embodiments, the formulation-containing formulation cartridge 108 has the structure of the partially recyclable embodiment shown in Figures 6A-6D, while the cleaning cartridge 110 has a similar shape and dimensions, but different materials and components.

[0030] Another feature of the formulation cartridge 108 type is a plurality of fluid output nozzles sized and disposed at the distal (forward) end of the formulation cartridge 108 in a configuration that fluidly communicates with a corresponding plurality of fluid inlets (e.g., a first formulation inlet). In some embodiments, the fluid output nozzles are valves of a formulation packet disposed within the formulation cartridge 108.

[0031] An exemplary formulation cartridge 108 type is described below with reference to Figures 6A-6D and is configured to be inserted into the formulation delivery device 104 and store a first formulation and a second formulation.

[0032] The cleaning cartridge 110, which is of the common formulation cartridge 108 type (i.e., having a common outer dimension and multiple fluid output nozzles), allows a user to clean the formulation delivery device 104 by executing a cleaning routine that flows a cleaning fluid (e.g., water) from the cleaning cartridge 110 through the fluid conduits of the formulation delivery device 104, thereby removing residual formulation within the formulation delivery device 104. Advantageously, the cleaning cartridge 110 and cleaning routine allow a significant portion of the formulation delivery device 104 to be reused for different formulations, thereby reducing waste and costs.

[0033] The cleaning cartridge 110 includes a refillable cleaning fluid reservoir disposed within an outer housing. The reservoir is in fluid communication with a number of output nozzles. Thus, a user can fill the cleaning fluid reservoir with a cleaning fluid, such as water, run multiple cleaning routines on the formulation delivery device 104, and refill the cleaning fluid reservoir.

[0034] The formulation delivery device 104 is a connected electro-mechanical appliance that interacts with a user, a formulation cartridge 108, and optionally a platform 106 to provide a customized and personalized user experience. An exemplary formulation delivery device and its subsystems are described below with respect to Figures 4A-5B.

[0035] In general, the formulation delivery device 104 comprises a reusable handle configured to receive a formulation cartridge 108 type, a formulation dispensing assembly, and a controller. The formulation dispensing assembly and controller are both disposed within the reusable handle. The formulation dispensing assembly comprises at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with an electric pump and a reciprocating nozzle assembly. The formulation dispensing assembly is configured to aspirate the formulation or cleaning solution from the formulation cartridge 108 and dispense it through the reciprocating nozzle assembly onto a user's hair, scalp, or body part.

[0036] The controller communicates with an encryption chip reader of a cartridge interrogation interface in the reusable handle to read an encryption chip located on the formulation cartridge 108 in order to identify and authenticate which formulation product is stored in the formulation cartridge 108 inserted into the reusable handle at any given time. In some embodiments, the controller also authenticates a cleaning cartridge 110 when it is inserted into the reusable handle. Based on an authenticated formulation product or cleaning cartridge 110, the controller causes the formulation delivery device 104 to execute a formulation routine that dispenses an authenticated formulation from the formulation cartridge through the formulation dispensing assembly. Based on an authenticated cleaning cartridge 110, the controller also causes the formulation delivery device 104 to execute a cleaning routine that dispenses a cleaning fluid through the formulation dispensing assembly.

[0037] In some embodiments, the platform 106 includes engines that personalize the user experience, provide useful analytics, and enable e-commerce. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the platform 106 runs on a mobile device 112, such as a smartphone, tablet, or the like, and interacts with a user (e.g., an end user or a salon technician) and provides actionable information through multiple engines, as described below with respect to Figure 3. In some embodiments, the platform 106 communicates with the formulation delivery device 104 and a network 114 (e.g., a mobile network, a cloud-based enterprise network, a local area network, etc.).

[0038] Together, the formulation product line 102, the formulation delivery device 104, and the platform 106 provide an improved and customized user experience.

[0039] To facilitate understanding of certain exemplary features, Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary formulation delivery device 200. The formulation delivery device 200 shall be understood to have the same features as the formulation delivery device 104 of Figure 1.

[0040] The formulation delivery device 200 includes a reusable handle 202 having a hollow elongated portion configured to reversibly accept a common formulation cartridge type (including the cleaning cartridge 110). The reusable handle 202 also houses a number of subassemblies including a controller 204 including a processor 206 and computer readable media 208 that store a number of engines (described below), a cartridge interrogation interface 210, a power source 212, a formulation dispensing assembly 214, and a position sensor 216.

[0041] In some embodiments, the power source 212 is a direct current (DC) power source, such as a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium ion battery) configured to be charged by plugging into a household AC outlet. In other embodiments, the power source 212 is an alternating current (AC) power source, such as a typical household AC power source that utilizes a power cord (not shown) to power the formulation delivery device 200.

[0042] The formulation dispensing device assembly 214 delivers formulation product and / or cleaning solution from the formulation cartridge 108 to the user's scalp or hair. In one embodiment, the formulation dispensing assembly 214 includes a first fluid conduit in fluid communication with a first formulation inlet (which mates with a first fluid output nozzle of the formulation cartridge 108), a second fluid conduit in fluid communication with a second formulation inlet (which mates with a second fluid output nozzle of the formulation cartridge 108), a motor 218, a pump 220 driven by the motor 218, and a reciprocating nozzle assembly 222 also driven by the motor 218.

[0043] The cartridge interrogation interface 210 is an RFID reader, a near field reader, etc. When the formulation cartridge 108 is inserted into the reusable handle 202, the cartridge interrogation interface 210 is disposed within the reusable handle 202 to read an encryption chip disposed on the formulation cartridge 224 and authenticate the formulation cartridge in association with a formulation routine engine 226, described below. In some embodiments, the cartridge interrogation interface 210 also reads the identification of the formulation product (or an identification of the formulation product) contained in the formulation cartridge 108.

[0044] The position sensor 216 includes one or more sensors that, singly or collectively, aid in determining the position and orientation of the formulation delivery device 200 relative to the user's scalp or hair. In some embodiments, the position sensor 216 includes one or more acceleration sensors, touch sensors (e.g., capacitive touch sensors), proximity sensors (e.g., optical proximity sensors), and the like. Signals transmitted from the position sensor 216 are used by the controller 204, and this particular engine, to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the formulation application to the user's hair or scalp. Signals transmitted from the position sensor 216 may also be used by the controller 204 to help determine hair characteristics.

[0045] The controller 204 is operatively connected (e.g., electrically connected) to a power source 212, a cartridge interrogation interface 210, a formulation dispensing assembly 214, and a position sensor 216. The controller 204 includes a processor 206 (e.g., a general processing unit, a graphical processing unit, or an application specific integrated circuit), a computer readable medium 208 (a tangible machine readable storage medium), and multiple engines implemented as software logic (e.g., executable software code), firmware logic, hardware logic, or various combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the controller 204 includes a transceiver for transmitting signals from any of the engines described below to the mobile device and receiving signals transmitted from the mobile device.

[0046] As used herein, an "engine" refers to logic embodied in hardware or software instructions and may be written in one or more programming languages, including but not limited to C, C++, C#, COBOL, JAVA, PHP, Perl, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, VBScript, ASPX, Go, Python. An engine may be compiled into an executable program or written in an interpreted programming language. Software engines may be called by other engines or by themselves. In general, engines as described herein refer to logic engines that may be integrated with other engines and may also be divided into sub-engines. An engine may be implemented by logic stored on any type of computer readable medium or computer storage device, and may be stored and executed on one or more general purpose computers. Thus, engines or special purpose computers configured to provide this functionality may be created. An engine may be implemented by logic programmed into an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other hardware device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the controller 204 includes a communication interface having circuitry configured to enable communication with a formulation delivery system over the Internet, a cellular network, an RF network, a personal area network (PAN), a local area network, a wide area network, or other networks. The formulation delivery system includes a formulation cartridge 224 (encryption chip), a cleaning cartridge 228, a cartridge interrogation interface 210, a mobile device, and / or other network elements. Thus, the communication interface can be configured to communicate using wireless protocols (e.g., WIFI, WIMAX, BLUETOOTH, ZIGBEE, cellular, 3G, 4G, LTE, infrared, near field, etc.) and / or wired protocols (Universal Serial Bus, FireWire, or protocols or standards including, but not limited to, RS-216, RJ-45, parallel communication buses, etc.). In some embodiments, the communication interface includes circuitry configured to initiate a discovery protocol that enables the controller 204 and other network elements (e.g., the formulation cartridge 108) to identify each other and exchange control information (e.g., the identification of the formulation stored in the formulation cartridge 108). In one embodiment, the communication interface has circuitry configured to conduct the discovery protocol and negotiate one or more pre-shared keys.

[0048] The computer-readable medium 208 is a tangible, machine-readable storage medium that includes a mechanism for storing information in a non-transitory form accessible by a machine (e.g., the processor 206, or the mobile device 112). For example, machine-readable storage media include recordable / non-recordable media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, etc.).

[0049] As used herein, a "computer-readable medium" refers to a removable or non-removable device implementing any technology capable of storing, in a volatile or non-volatile manner, information read by a processor of a computing device, including, but not limited to, hard drives, flash memory, solid-state drives, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), CD-ROM, DVD or other disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, and magnetic disk storage.

[0050] The engines described below are representative and not limiting, and thus some embodiments of the controller 204 include additional engines while other embodiments include less than all of the engines.

[0051] The cartridge interrogation engine 230 communicates with the cartridge interrogation interface 210 to authenticate any formulation cartridge 224 or cleaning cartridge 228 inserted into the reusable handle 202 and obtain information to identify the formulation product contained within the formulation cartridge 224. For example, when the formulation cartridge 224 is inserted into the reusable handle 202, the cartridge interrogation interface 210 reads encryption information from an encryption chip disposed on the formulation cartridge 224. If the cartridge interrogation interface 210 is successful in reading the encryption information from the encryption chip, then the cartridge interrogation engine 230 "unlocks" the formulation delivery device 200 (e.g., the formulation routine engine 226). However, if the cartridge interrogation interface 210 is not successful in authenticating the formulation cartridge inserted into the reusable handle 202, the formulation delivery device 200 is not unlocked. For example, if the product cartridge is a counterfeit cartridge or another cartridge containing an inferior product, the cartridge interrogation engine 230 will not unlock the functionality of the product delivery device 200. In this manner, the cartridge interrogation engine 230 advantageously prevents a user from suffering a loss or having a poor experience.

[0052] The cartridge interrogation engine 230, in some embodiments, is configured to read additional information from the encryption chip, including one or more of a formulation identification, starting formulation amount, formulation expiration date, or formulation manufacturing date. In such embodiments, the cartridge interrogation engine 230 transmits the additional information to other engines for subsequent use.

[0053] The formulation routine engine 226 stores multiple formulation routines for various formulations and causes the formulation dispensing assembly 214 to execute one or more formulation routines based on the formulation cartridge 224 authenticated by the cartridge interrogation engine 230. The formulation routine ejects the authenticated formulation product from the formulation cartridge 224 through the reciprocating nozzle assembly 222. For example, the formulation routine ejects one or more formulations from the reciprocating nozzle assembly 222 at a particular ejection time, a particular liquid flow rate of the pump, a nozzle reciprocating frequency and / or reciprocating amplitude of the reciprocating nozzle assembly 222, and / or other device operating parameters specified by the formulation routine stored in the formulation routine engine 226. In this manner, the formulation delivery device 200 adjusts one or more device operating parameters based on the particular formulation stored in the authenticated formulation cartridge 224 inserted into the formulation delivery device to provide more effective hair and scalp treatment.

[0054] In some embodiments, the formulation routine engine 226 determines the amount of the authenticated formulation dispensed from the formulation cartridge through the formulation dispensing assembly based on the dispense time of the authenticated formulation. Based on the dispense time and / or the dispensed amount, the formulation routine engine 226 causes a visual indicator on the reusable handle 202 to indicate the amount of formulation remaining. This helps the user predict when the formulation cartridge will need to be replaced and encourages the user to conveniently procure additional formulation cartridges using the e-commerce engine of the connected application.

[0055] The cleaning routine engine 232 stores cleaning routines and causes the formulation dispensing assembly 214 to execute the cleaning routine after the cleaning cartridge 228 (having a reservoir filled with cleaning fluid) is inserted into the reusable handle 202 and authenticated by the cartridge interrogation engine 230. The cleaning routine expels cleaning fluid (e.g., for a predetermined time and at a predetermined flow rate) from the authenticated cleaning cartridge 228 through the reciprocating nozzle assembly 222 to expel any residual formulation within the formulation dispensing assembly 214. The cleaning routine is useful, for example, after one formulation has been utilized within the formulation delivery device 200, but before a second, different formulation is utilized. In some embodiments, the cleaning routine operates the pump 220 at a higher flow rate than one or more (or all) formulation routines stored by the formulation routine engine 226 to clear any residual formulation.

[0056] According to the methods of the present disclosure, a method of cleaning any of the formulation delivery devices includes inserting a cleaning cartridge at least partially filled with cleaning fluid into a reusable handle of the formulation delivery device and running a cleaning routine until the cleaning fluid dispensed through the formulation dispensing assembly is clean.

[0057] The power management engine 234 provides power from the power source 212 to one or more of the controller 204, the cartridge interrogation interface 210, the formulation dispensing assembly 214, or the position sensor 216. Additionally, the power management engine 234 conserves available power resources (e.g., conserves battery life) by toggling the formulation delivery device 104 between a sleep state (passive state) and an awake state (active state). In some embodiments, the power management engine 234 is configured to measure the amount of power consumed by the motor 218 and / or the pump 220 during operation and generate a signal based on the power consumption that may be usable to derive hair characteristics.

[0058] The sleep / awake engine 236 manages whether the formulation delivery device 200 is in an awake or sleep state. The formulation delivery device 200 is in a sleep state by default, which provides little power from the power source 212 to the formulation dispensing assembly 214, the cartridge interrogation interface 210, and / or the controller 204. In the sleep state, the formulation delivery device 200 cannot execute formulation or cleaning routines. In contrast, in the awake state, the controller 204, the cartridge interrogation interface 210, the formulation dispensing assembly 214, and the position sensor 216 are sufficiently powered to enable the formulation delivery device 104 to execute one or more formulation or cleaning routines. In some embodiments, the formulation delivery device 104 is "awakened" or brought into an awake state from a sleep state by a single press of a button located on the reusable handle 202 or by the insertion of a formulation cartridge 224 or a cleaning cartridge 228 into the reusable handle 202. In some embodiments, the formulation delivery device 200 returns to a sleep state after a predetermined period of inactivity (eg, 120 seconds of inactivity).

[0059] The location engine 238 utilizes the location signal provided by the location sensor 216 to determine the location of the formulation delivery device 200. This location information is then provided to other engines (including, but not limited to, the formulation routine engine 226) to facilitate execution of the formulation routine, e.g., a calibration routine. In some embodiments, the location engine 238 provides the location signal (via the transceiver) to a mobile device or a usage analysis system. For example, the location information is provided to enable execution of a calibration routine (described below), to enable the platform 106 to display the correct application indication based on the location signal, to enable the usage analysis system to determine hair characteristics, or for other purposes.

[0060] 3 shows an overview of an exemplary platform 300, which has all the features of the platform 106 of FIG. 1 and is to be understood as being compatible with all formulation delivery systems and devices of the present disclosure. As mentioned above, the platform 300 is configured to operate on a device (e.g., a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet). As one representative example, but not limited to, the platform 300 is described in the context of a mobile device 302 connected to a network 304.

[0061] The mobile device 302 has a display 306 (e.g., an LED or LCD display), a processor 308, and a computer-readable medium 310 that stores a number of engines. One or more of the engines described below can present one or more user interfaces on the display 306. The display 306 may be a touch-sensitive display configured to accept user input. Thus, for each engine, the user interface presented on the display 306 is configured to display information and accept user input.

[0062] Platform 300 includes a number of engines for personalizing the user experience, including a user profile engine 312 and a user routines engine 314. The engines described below are representative and not limiting. Thus, some embodiments of platform 300 include additional engines and other embodiments include less than all of the engines.

[0063] The user profile engine 312 builds one or more profiles for users of the formulation delivery device 104. These profiles are provided as inputs to other engines, such as the user routine engine 314 and the e-commerce engine 324. Accordingly, the user profile engine 312 provides one or more user interfaces that prompt the user to provide one or more user profile inputs. The one or more user profile inputs include hair color, hair type (e.g., curly, straight), colored / non-colored condition, ethnicity, hair condition (e.g., damaged), scalp condition (e.g., itchy), and / or age. The user profile engine 312 accepts and stores the user profile inputs. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the user profile inputs may be automatically determined and collected based on information regarding application of the dispensed formulation product, as described in further detail below.

[0064] In some embodiments, the user profile engine 312 communicates with the user routine engine 314 by providing one or more user profile inputs, or the entire user profile, to the user routine engine 314. The user routine engine 314 then utilizes the one or more user profile inputs to create one or more user-specific routines for the user and / or select one or more tutorials to present on the display 306.

[0065] In some embodiments, the user profile engine 312 is in communication with the formulation delivery device 104. For example, in some embodiments, the user profile engine 312 adjusts at least one device operating parameter (e.g., flow rate, delivery time, shuttle amplitude, or shuttle frequency) of the formulation routine generated by the formulation routine engine based on one or more of the user profile inputs.

[0066] The user routine engine 314, in some embodiments, assists users in effectively utilizing the connected formulation delivery device by formulating one or more user-specific routines for each user based on one or more user profile inputs. That is, the user routine engine 314 builds a new formulation routine (rather than selecting a predefined formulation routine) to effectively treat one or more conditions or achieve one or more goals identified by the user profile inputs. As a representative example, if the user input indicates that the user's hair is colored and damaged, the user routine engine 314 builds a user-specific routine that selects a hair repair formulation and shampoo formulation appropriate for the user's hair color from a formulation product line, and displays (e.g., as instructions) the user-specific routine for utilizing the selected hair repair formulation and shampoo at determined intervals to improve the health of the user's hair.

[0067] Additionally, the user routine engine 314 displays on the display 306 a) one or more passive tutorials for formulation routines, cleaning routines, and / or calibration routines, and / or one or more active instruction sets that instruct the user as he or she uses the formulation delivery device.

[0068] In some embodiments, the user routine engine 314 receives one or more of the user profile inputs, or the entire user profile, from the user profile engine 312. The user routine engine 314 then displays a passive tutorial (e.g., a pre-recorded instructional video) targeted to the user based on the received user profile input or the user profile. As an example, the user routine engine 314 receives a user profile input from the user profile engine 312 indicating that the user's hair is being colored and displays a tutorial on the display 306 that shows the user how to use the formulation delivery device to color the user's hair.

[0069] In some embodiments, the user routine engine 314 receives one or more position signals from a position sensor of the formulation delivery device via the controller. Based on the received position signals, the user routine engine 314 instructs the user on how to use the formulation delivery device when the user uses the formulation delivery device (e.g., instructs the user to move the formulation delivery device in a particular direction, at a particular speed, in a particular pattern, to a particular spatial boundary). As an example, the user routine engine 314 receives a position signal from the position sensor indicating that the formulation delivery device is positioned at the user's left temple, and based on the received position signal, the user routine engine 314 displays a video instructing the user to apply a scalp treatment formulation by moving the formulation delivery device from the left temple to the right temple while expelling the scalp treatment formulation.

[0070] In some embodiments, the user routine engine 314 receives a position signal from the formulation delivery device and displays the correct application indication based on the position signal.

[0071] The calibration engine 316 helps the user calibrate the formulation delivery device, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the formulation routine executed by the formulation delivery device. In some embodiments, the calibration engine 316 displays a passive tutorial (e.g., a pre-recorded instructional video) that instructs the user how to complete the calibration routine. In some embodiments, the calibration engine 316 provides one or more active instruction sets that instruct the user how to complete the calibration routine when the user uses the formulation delivery device and when the calibration engine 316 receives a position signal from the formulation delivery device.

[0072] According to one exemplary calibration routine, the calibration engine 316 prompts the user to place the formulation delivery device at multiple calibration positions on the user's body part, for example, in a particular order (e.g., left temple, then right temple, then front hairline, then back hairline). The user then moves the formulation delivery device to each calibration position and (the calibration engine 316) indicates with a button press or other action on the formulation delivery device when the formulation delivery device is in a designated calibration position and / or while the user moves the formulation delivery device from one calibration position to another.

[0073] Based on the position signal received from the position sensor of the formulation delivery device, the calibration engine 316 and / or the formulation delivery device records the calibration position. The calibration engine 316 and / or the formulation delivery device then adjusts one or more user-specific routines based on the recorded calibration position. In some embodiments, this adjustment step includes adjusting the spatial limits and / or temporal duration of one or more formulation routines stored in the formulation routine engine.

[0074] For the benefit of greater control over the formulation delivery device and a more customized user experience, the manual adjustment engine 318 allows a user to manually adjust one or more device operating parameters (e.g., flow rate, delivery time, oscillation amplitude, or oscillation frequency) of the formulation delivery device. Accordingly, the manual adjustment engine 318 presents a user interface having one or more user-adjustable virtual sliding scales, switches, editable value fields, and the like. The user interface is configured to accept one or more operating parameter inputs from a user. The manual adjustment engine 318 receives the operating parameter inputs and transmits the operating parameter inputs to the formulation delivery device (e.g., formulation routine engine). The formulation delivery device adjusts the corresponding device operating parameters based on (e.g., to match) the corresponding operating parameter inputs.

[0075] The analytics engine 320 receives device operating parameters (e.g., from a drug product delivery device) and calculates useful analytics, which the analytics engine 320 then provides to a user via a user interface and / or to third parties via the network 304. Exemplary analytics include drug product usage patterns, drug product purchase predictions, and drug product delivery device diagnostics. In some embodiments, the analytics engine 320 communicates with the network 304 (e.g., an analytics platform located on one or more cloud-based servers) to obtain additional information and / or calculate the analytics.

[0076] In some embodiments, the formulation delivery device comprises a location sensor that transmits a location signal to the controller and a transceiver that transmits the location signal to the mobile device. The formulation delivery device transmits the location signal to the analytics engine 320. The analytics engine 320 retrieves user suggestions from an analytics platform on the network 114 based on the received location signal and displays the user suggestions.

[0077] The formulation creation engine 322 enables a user to create a custom formulation based on a user's selection of one or more formulation inputs that correspond to one or more desired results (e.g., a desired hair color), one or more formulation inputs (e.g., an indication that the user's hair is damaged), and / or one or more user profile inputs provided to the user profile engine 312. Thus, the formulation creation engine 322 is configured to receive one or more user profile inputs from the user profile engine 312 and formulate a custom formulation based on these inputs.

[0078] To facilitate user creation of a custom formulation, the formulation creation engine 322 provides a user interface having one or more user-adjustable virtual sliding scales, switches, editable value fields, etc. corresponding to each formulation input. In some embodiments, the formulation creation engine 322 communicates with a network 304 (e.g., a database of formulations located on one or more cloud-based servers) to obtain additional information and / or formulate the custom formulation.

[0079] The e-commerce engine 324 presents a purchasing interface through which a user can purchase (including one-time or subscription-based) products associated with the formulation delivery device. In some embodiments, the e-commerce engine 324 retrieves one or more custom formulations from the formulation creation engine 322 (or components thereof) and presents options on the purchasing interface for the user to purchase one or more formulation cartridges 108 containing the custom formulations. In some embodiments, the e-commerce engine 324 retrieves one or more user profile inputs and / or user-specific routine inputs from the user profile engine 312 and presents options on the purchasing interface for the user to purchase one or more formulation cartridges containing formulations targeted to the user profile inputs (e.g., a formulation cartridge containing a hair repair formulation if the user input indicates damaged hair). In some embodiments, the e-commerce engine 324 presents options on the purchasing interface for the user to purchase the cleaning cartridge 110 or the formulation delivery device 104 and / or components thereof. Such purchasing interfaces and purchasing options may be based on formulation usage patterns and / or formulation purchase predictions retrieved from the analytics engine 320.

[0080] 4A-4B illustrate an exemplary formulation delivery device 400 and its components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The formulation delivery device 400 is configured to accept a formulation cartridge type 402 (including a cleaning cartridge of the same type). One formulation cartridge embodiment of the formulation cartridge type 402 is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 6A-6D. The formulation cartridge 402 shown in FIG. 4A is to be understood to have the same features as those described therein. Some embodiments of the formulation delivery device 400 include a formulation cartridge 402 and / or an optional pull-through adapter 404.

[0081] The formulation delivery device 400 includes a reusable handle 406 formed from ABS plastic, similar hard polymer, or other material. In some embodiments, the reusable handle 406 is an assembly formed from multiple shells configured to be joined with fastening elements, such as snaps, screws, etc. The reusable handle 406 has a hollow elongated gripping portion having a cartridge cavity therein that is sized and dimensioned to receive a formulation cartridge 402 type. In some embodiments, the cavity includes keying features that allow for easy and accurate insertion of the formulation cartridge 402 type. For example, some embodiments include a cartridge interface 408 having a flat docking surface disposed in the opening that interfaces with a corresponding docking surface of the formulation cartridge 402 when the formulation cartridge 402 is properly inserted into the opening.

[0082] The reusable handle 406 houses a formulation dispensing assembly 410, as well as a controller 412 (described below with respect to FIGS. 4B-5B). The formulation dispensing assembly 410 and the controller 412 have similar features to the formulation dispensing assembly 214 and the controller 204, respectively, of FIG. 2. One embodiment of a formulation dispensing assembly is described in detail below with respect to FIGS. 5A-5B, with it being understood that the formulation dispensing assembly 410 shown in FIG. 4A has similar features as described therein.

[0083] The formulation dispensing assembly 410 dispenses the formulation or cleaning fluid from the formulation cartridge 402. The formulation dispensing assembly 410 includes a reciprocating nozzle assembly 414 (described below) having a pump, a fluid conduit, a mixing chamber, and a nozzle extending away from the front end of the reusable handle 406 between a number of optional standoff portions 416. The reciprocating nozzle assembly 414 includes a number of annular nozzles that reciprocate back and forth along a trajectory of the reusable handle 406 while dispensing the formulation onto the user's skin or hair. In some embodiments, the reciprocating nozzle assembly 414 reciprocates with a reciprocating amplitude of 7.0-12.0 mm (e.g., 8.0 mm-11.0 mm, or 9.0-10.0 mm) and / or a reciprocating frequency of 5.0 Hz-10.0 Hz (e.g., 6.0 Hz-9.0 Hz, 6.0 Hz-8.0 Hz). The oscillation amplitude and / or oscillation frequency can be adjusted by a formulation routine engine, a cleaning routine engine, a user routine engine, a manual adjustment engine, or other engine.

[0084] 4B, the formulation cartridge 402 has one or more formulation packs 418 disposed therein. Each formulation pack 418 has an output nozzle 420 that protrudes through a distal (forward) end of the formulation cartridge 402 in a configuration that is in fluid communication with a corresponding formulation inlet 422 of the formulation dispensing assembly 410 when the formulation cartridge 402 is fully inserted into a cartridge cavity 424.

[0085] A button 426 disposed on the reusable handle 406 and electrically connected to the controller 412 activates the mechanisms of the formulation delivery device 400 described above. In some embodiments, pressing the button 426 activates any of the engine mechanisms described above in FIG. 2. For example, in some embodiments, pressing the button 426 activates a sleep / awake engine stored in the controller 412, which awakens the formulation delivery device 400 from a sleep state to an awake state. In some embodiments, pressing the button 426 while a formulation cartridge is inserted into the reusable handle 406 activates a formulation routine engine stored in the controller 412, which initiates a formulation routine.

[0086] In some embodiments, pressing the button 426 while the cleaning cartridge is inserted into the reusable handle 406 activates a cleaning routine engine stored in the controller 412, thereby initiating a cleaning routine. A visual indicator 428 (e.g., LED) located along the reusable handle 406 indicates one or more of the amount of formulation remaining or the amount of battery remaining, for example, based on the delivery time determined by the formulation routine engine of the controller. Some embodiments include additional buttons and / or multiple types of visual indicators 428 with different functionality and are not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the visual indicator 428 is a multi-segment LED with each segment corresponding equally to the percentage of formulation remaining in the formulation cartridge.

[0087] The controller 412 comprises logic that, when executed by a processor of the controller 412, causes a cartridge interrogation interface 430 (e.g., an RFID reader) located in the reusable handle 406 to read an encryption chip 432 on the formulation cartridge 402 to authenticate the formulation cartridge 402. The encryption chip 432 stores at least one of an identifier for the formulation cartridge 402, a formulation identification, a starting formulation quantity, a formulation expiration date, or a formulation manufacturing date.

[0088] The controller 412 also comprises logic that, when executed, causes the formulation delivery device to execute a formulation routine that dispenses a mixed formulation (of the first and second formulations) from the formulation cartridge 402 via the formulation dispensing assembly based on authentication of the formulation cartridge 402. For example, the formulation delivery device authenticates the first and second formulations after (or upon) insertion of the formulation cartridge into the reusable handle, and then executes a formulation routine that, in response to pressing a button on the reusable handle, causes the formulation dispensing assembly 410 to mix the first and second formulations continuously or continuously and dispense the formulations from the reciprocating nozzle assembly at one or more of the predetermined device operating parameters (formulation flow rate, reciprocation frequency, or reciprocation amplitude) for as long as the button is pressed.

[0089] Also, in some embodiments, the controller 412 comprises logic that, when executed, causes the formulation delivery device to execute a cleaning routine that dispenses cleaning fluid through the formulation dispensing assembly based on authentication of a cleaning cartridge inserted into the reusable handle. For example, the formulation delivery device authenticates a cleaning cartridge inserted into the reusable handle. Then, in response to pressing a button on the reusable handle, executes a cleaning routine that causes the formulation dispensing assembly 410 to continuously or continuously dispense cleaning fluid (e.g., water) from the reciprocating nozzle assembly at one or more of the predetermined device operating parameters (cleaning fluid flow rate, reciprocating frequency, or reciprocating amplitude) for as long as the button is pressed. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid flow rate is higher than any formulation flow rate of one or more formulation routines stored in the controller 412 for the benefit of effectively flushing residual formulation from the formulation dispensing assembly.

[0090] The pull-through adapter 404 attaches to the reusable handle 406 over the reciprocating nozzle assembly 414. In some embodiments, the pull-through adapter 404 provides an audible feedback signal when properly engaged with the reusable handle 406.

[0091] 5A-5B show an exemplary formulation dispensing assembly 500, which is compatible with any of the formulation delivery devices, formulation cartridges, and cleaning cartridges described herein. The primary function of the formulation dispensing assembly 500 is to dispense a mixed formulation of two different formulations from the formulation cartridges onto the skin or hair of a user. In some embodiments, the formulation dispensing assembly 500 dispenses the mixed formulation at a flow rate of 20-40 mL / min or 120 mL per 4 minutes, e.g., 20-35 mL / min, 20-30 mL / min, 20-25 mL / min, 25-35 mL / min, 25-30 mL / min, or 35-40 mL / min.

[0092] The formulation dispensing assembly 500 includes a first formulation inlet 502 and a second formulation inlet 504, and a first fluid conduit 506 and a second fluid conduit 508. The first fluid conduit 506 and the second fluid conduit 508 are in fluid communication with the first formulation inlet 502 and the second formulation inlet 504, respectively. In some embodiments, each of the first formulation inlet 502 and the second formulation inlet 504 is formed as a protrusion extending rearwardly from the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, respectively, towards the rear end of the reusable handle (i.e., extending towards the cartridge cavity when disposed in the reusable handle). The protrusion is configured to protrude into the formulation cartridge.

[0093] The formulation dispensing assembly 500 also includes a motor 510, a gearbox 512 operably coupled to the motor 510, and a pump 514 driven by the motor 510 via the gearbox 512. In some embodiments, the pump 514 is a peristaltic pump, which has been discovered to improve formulation delivery when utilized in combination with the mixing chamber and tapered formulation channel described herein.

[0094] The reciprocating nozzle assembly 516 includes a plurality of annular nozzles 518 arranged on a comb 520, which, in use, circulate back and forth along the orbit of the reusable handle 406 while dispensing formulation onto the user's skin or hair to achieve a more uniform formulation coverage. Each nozzle 518 includes a formulation channel 522 extending therethrough. Each formulation channel is fluidly connected to the first fluid conduit 506 and the second fluid conduit 508 via a manifold 524. In some embodiments, each formulation channel 522 is tapered for the benefit of increased formulation dispensing rate and / or better mixing of the two formulations. Tapered formulation channels have proven advantageous when utilized in combination with other features described herein, for example, when the pump 514 is a peristaltic pump and / or when the turbulent mixing chamber includes one or more helical mixers 526.

[0095] The motor 510 and gearbox 512 drive the reciprocating nozzle assembly 516 in a linear reciprocating motion. In one embodiment, the linear reciprocating motion is motivated by an eccentric roller 528 coupled to an output shaft 530 of the gearbox 512. The eccentric roller 528 rotates within an annular bracket of the comb 520. Driving the pump 514 and the reciprocating nozzle assembly 516 with a common motor 510 improves power efficiency and reduces weight and size. This improves the form factor of the formulation delivery device. Nevertheless, some embodiments use two or more motors to drive the pump 514 and the reciprocating nozzle assembly 516.

[0096] Nozzle 518 is in fluid communication with first fluid conduit 506 and second fluid conduit 508 via turbulent mixing chamber 532. Turbulent mixing chamber 532 mixes a first formulation drawn from a formulation cartridge via first fluid conduit 506 with a second formulation drawn from a formulation cartridge via second fluid conduit 508 to generate a mixed formulation. In particular, turbulent mixing chamber 532 combines the two formulations in a common chamber under pressure and mixes the two formulations by flowing them through one or more mixing elements to generate a turbulent flow (as distinguished from laminar flow) of the mixed formulation. The ratio of the first formulation to the second formulation varies depending on the embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the mixed formulation is a mixture of the first formulation and the second formulation in a ratio of about 0.8:1.0 to 1.2:1.0, e.g., 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, or 1.15.

[0097] In some embodiments, the turbulent mixing chamber 532 is disposed between the pump 514 and the reciprocating nozzle assembly 516. In this configuration, the two formulations are mixed just prior to ejection. This produces a more uniform formulation consistency compared to mixing the formulations upstream of the pump 514, resulting in better formulation ejection from the nozzle 518.

[0098] In some embodiments, the turbulent mixing chamber 532 includes a helical mixer 526 disposed therein. Some embodiments include a plurality of helical mixers 526 fluidly connected in series along a fluid path within the turbulent mixing chamber 532 to improve mixing. In some embodiments, each helical mixer has an outer diameter between 2.00 mm and 5.00 mm, e.g., between 3.0 mm and 4.00 mm, e.g., 3.18 mm. In some embodiments, each helical mixer has an overall length between 20.0 mm and 40.0 mm, e.g., between 25.0 mm and 35.0 mm, e.g., 33.0 mm. In some embodiments, each helical mixer has a length-diameter pitch (defined as total length / [outer diameter*#mixing elements]) between 0.75 and 1.25, e.g., between 0.80 and 0.90, e.g., 0.865. The combination of the aforementioned specifications has been found to produce the best blend of mixed formulations. In particular, best blending of the mixed formulations occurs when the two formulations are not mixed until downstream of pump 514, just upstream of reciprocating nozzle assembly 516, and also when pump 514 is a peristaltic pump.

[0099] In use, pump 514 draws formulation from a connected formulation cartridge, through first and second fluid conduits 506, 508, through turbulent mixing chamber 532, through manifold 524, and through nozzle 518. In the illustrated embodiment, first and second fluid conduits 506, 508 remain fluidly separated downstream of pump 514 to prevent mixing of the two formulations until turbulent mixing chamber 532. As previously discussed, mixing the two formulations just prior to ejection (i.e., between pump 514 and manifold 524) improves consistency of the mixed formulation.

[0100] 6A-6D show an exemplary formulation cartridge 600 of a formulation cartridge type that is compatible with any of the formulation delivery systems, formulation delivery devices, and formulation product lines described herein. However, the formulation delivery systems, formulation delivery devices, and formulation product lines described herein are not required to use the particular sustainable formulation cartridge 600 shown in FIGS. 6A-6D.

[0101] The formulation cartridge 600 is a sustainable embodiment specifically designed to reduce waste and environmental impact while providing a user-friendly experience. To that end, the formulation cartridge 600 includes two main components: a handle portion 602 and a disposable refill packet 604. The disposable refill packet 604 is configured to reversibly slide into the handle portion 602. Historically, known cartridges have been designed to be completely discarded after the formulation stored therein has been depleted, leading to significant waste and high consumer costs.

[0102] The formulation cartridge 600 is configured such that the handle portion 602 is indefinitely reusable and only the disposable refill packets 604 need to be disposed of or recycled after the formulation stored therein has been exhausted. Additionally, each disposable refill packet 604 is configured to be disassembled into smaller components, some of which can be recycled and others can be discarded.

[0103] The handle portion 602 is sized, dimensioned, and configured to be repeatedly inserted into the cartridge cavity of the formulation delivery device. Accordingly, the handle portion 602 is formed of ABS plastic, similar hard polymer, or other material. The handle portion 602 includes a hollow handle portion 602 configured to receive a disposable refill packet 604 therein and a tray portion 606 extending away from the handle portion 602. The handle portion 602 is a two-piece assembly in the exemplary embodiment shown (although in other embodiments it may be one piece) and is sized and dimensioned to form a seamless extension to the formulation delivery device handle when fully inserted into the cartridge cavity of the formulation delivery device handle. The tray portion 608 projects away from the handle portion 602 and has a U-shape configured to support the disposable refill packet 604 (e.g., front body portion 610). To facilitate secure engagement and easy removal, the handle portion 602 includes a cartridge release 612 (e.g., including a latch) formed therein. The cartridge release 612 engages the formulation delivery device upon proper and complete insertion.

[0104] The disposable refill packet 604 contains a first formulation packet 614 and a second formulation packet 616, which contain a first formulation and a second formulation, respectively. The first formulation packet 614 and the second formulation packet 616 each have a volume between 40 mL and 70 mL, e.g., 50 mL to 60 mL, or 55 mL. In some embodiments, the first formulation packet 614 and the second formulation packet 616 have different volumes.

[0105] The first and second formulations can each be any formulation described herein. The formulations can be, for example, permanent hair dyes, semi-permanent hair dyes, color developers, conditioners, hair growth agents such as minoxidil, hair protein treatments, disulfide bond repair hair treatments, fluid hair treatments, activators, relaxers, fluid scalp treatments, etc. In some embodiments, the first and second formulations are different. For example, in some embodiments, the first formulation is a hair dye and the second formulation is a color developer. In other embodiments, the first and second formulations are the same (e.g., a conditioner or scalp treatment formulation).

[0106] As shown in Figure 6C, each formulation packet includes a formulation-containing packet 622 and a valve 624 through which the formulation exits the packet 622. Exemplary formulation packets are described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2018 / 052345, filed September 24, 2018, and assigned to L'Oreal SA, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 133110, filed December 23, 2020, and assigned to L'Oreal SA, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0107] The disposable refill packet 604 also includes a disposable elongated body portion 626. The disposable elongated body portion 626 provides structure to the disposable refill packet 604 and includes the first formulation packet 614 and the second formulation packet 616. In some embodiments, the body portion 626 has an overall length between 150 mm and 250 mm (e.g., 175 mm to 225 mm, 185 mm to 215 mm, 195 mm to 205 mm, or 200 mm) and a maximum cross-sectional dimension of 25 mm to 50 mm (e.g., 30 mm to 45 mm, 35 mm to 40 mm, or 36 mm). The body portion 626 includes a rear body portion 628 and an elongated front body portion 610. The rear body portion 628 has a larger cross-sectional dimension than the front body portion 610 and remains within the handle portion 602 (e.g., by a friction fit) during use. The elongated front body portion 610 is supported by the tray portion 606 of the handle portion 602 and protrudes into the cartridge cavity of the pharmaceutical delivery device during use.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 626 is constructed from a recyclable material, such as structured paper (e.g., cardboard). In some embodiments in which the body portion 626 is formed from paper, the paper has a weight between 8 and 12 points (e.g., 8.5 points, 9.0 points, 9.5 points, 10.0 points, 10.5 points, 11.0 points, or 11.5 points) to provide sufficient rigidity without excessive disposable material. In some such embodiments, the body portion 626 is formed from a single recyclable material. By way of example, in the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 626 is formed from a single piece of paper. As shown in FIG. 6C, this folding configuration forms an eight-sided polygonal cross-section in the rear body portion 628 and a six-sided polygonal cross-section in the front body portion 610. To facilitate assembly, some embodiments of the body portion 626 include one or more scores or guidelines to ensure proper folding. The polygonal cross-sections of the illustrated embodiments are representative and not limiting. Other embodiments have a triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, body portion 626 has the shapes and configurations described herein but is not constructed from recyclable materials.

[0109] The optional packet sleeve 630 provides a number of important advantages. First, the packet sleeve 630 provides additional structure to the disposable refill packet 604 by sliding over and reinforcing the front body portion 610. Thus, in some embodiments, the packet sleeve 630 has a greater weight or thickness compared to the material forming the body portion 626, although this is not required. In some embodiments, the packet sleeve 630 is also formed of a recyclable material, which may be the same recyclable material as the body portion 626.

[0110] Second, the packet sleeve 630 couples with the valve frame 632. For example, the illustrated packet sleeve 630 includes a plurality of engagement member recesses 634 configured to reversibly couple with engagement members of the valve frame 632.

[0111] Third, the packet sleeve 630 facilitates disassembly of the disposable refill packet 604. As shown in Figures 6A and 6C, the packet sleeve 630 includes an optional integral tearaway 636 (e.g., perforations with a pull tab). In use, after the formulation is depleted, the user pulls the pull tab of the integral tearaway 636, thereby separating the valve frame 632 from the packet sleeve 630. Once this action is completed, the packet sleeve 630 is recycled and the valve frame 632 is discarded. In some embodiments, the integral tearaway 636 is disposed on the body portion 626, for example the front body portion 610.

[0112] While packet sleeve 630 provides a number of advantages, it is optional. In some embodiments, one or more of the above-described features of packet sleeve 630 are integrally formed with body portion 626.

[0113] The valve frame 632 provides a rigid structure to support the formulation packet valve 624 and the encryption chip 638 for precise and secure coupling with a formulation delivery device (particularly a formulation dispensing assembly of the formulation delivery device) and for precise positioning of the encryption chip 638 adjacent to a cartridge interrogation interface of the formulation delivery device. The valve frame 632 is thus formed from ABS plastic, HDPE, or other rigid polymer or other material. A plurality of valve openings 640 extend through the front end of the valve frame 632. Each valve opening 640 receives and secures one of the formulation packet valves 624. To enable coupling with the packet sleeve 630 (or the body portion 626 in some embodiments), the valve frame 632 includes engagement members 642 (e.g., tabs) extending therefrom.

[0114] The encryption chip 638 is disposed on the disposable refill packet 604, for example, on the body portion 626 or (as in the illustrated embodiment) on the valve frame 632. The encryption chip 638 is disposed on the disposable refill packet 604 such that it is read by a cartridge interrogation interface of a formulation delivery device when the formulation cartridge 600 is inserted into the formulation delivery device. The encryption chip 638 thus stores information about the formulation cartridge 600 and its contents, such as at least one of an identifier for the formulation cartridge 600, a formulation identification, a starting formulation quantity, a formulation expiration date, or a formulation manufacturing date.

[0115] Thus, the body portion 626, the packet sleeve 630, the formulation packet, and the valve frame 632 form the disposable refill packet 604. During use, the disposable refill packet 604 is reversibly matable with the handle portion 602, for example, by a friction fit and / or a number of optional mating tabs 644 on the body portion 626 or the packet sleeve 630. The mating tabs 644 engage the handle portion 602 upon insertion of the disposable refill packet 604 into the handle portion 602 and are retained therein until forcibly withdrawn from the handle portion 602. To further aid in retention of the disposable refill packet 604 within the handle portion 602, the illustrated handle portion 602 includes one or more optional retention elements 646, which in this embodiment are deflectable tabs that engage the disposable refill packet 604.

[0116] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating aspects of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a usage analysis system according to various aspects of the disclosure. The illustrated usage analysis system 702 may be implemented by any computing device or collection of computing devices, including, but not limited to, a desktop computing device, a laptop computing device, a mobile computing device, a server computing device, a computing device of a cloud computing system, and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, at least some components of the usage analysis system 702 may be provided by the mobile device 302 or other elements of the platform 300 described above. In some embodiments, the usage analysis system 702 is configured to receive a signal generated by the formulation delivery device 104 to automatically determine one or more hair characteristics of the subject. In some embodiments, the usage analysis system 702 may correlate the hair characteristics with the applied formulation product and may use the correlation to determine a formulation product recommendation based on the detected hair characteristics.

[0117] As shown, usage analysis system 702 includes one or more processors 704 , one or more communication interfaces 706 , a usage data store 710 , a model data store 720 , and a computer-readable medium 708 .

[0118] As used herein, a "data store" refers to any suitable device configured to store data for access by a computing device. One example of a data store is a reliable, high-speed relational database management system (DBMS) running on one or more computing devices and accessible over a high-speed network. Another example of a data store is a key-value store. However, any other suitable storage technology and / or device capable of quickly and reliably providing stored data in response to a query may be used. The computing device may be accessible locally rather than over a network, or may be provided as a cloud-based service. A data store may also include data stored in an organized manner on a computer-readable storage medium, such as a hard disk drive, flash memory, RAM, ROM, or any other type of computer-readable storage medium. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the separate data stores described herein may be combined into a single data store and / or the single data store described herein may be separated into multiple data stores without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0119] In some embodiments, the processor 704 may include any suitable type of general-purpose computer processor. In some embodiments, the processor 704 may include one or more special-purpose computer processors or AI accelerators optimized for particular computing tasks, including, but not limited to, a graphical processing unit (GPU), a vision processing unit (VPT), ​​and a tensor processing unit (TPU).

[0120] In some embodiments, communications interface 706 includes one or more hardware and / or software interfaces suitable for providing communications links between components. Communications interface 706 may support one or more wired communications technologies (including, but not limited to, Ethernet, FireWire, and USB), one or more wireless communications technologies (including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Bluetooth, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE), and / or combinations thereof.

[0121] As shown, computer-readable medium 708 has stored thereon logic that, in response to execution by one or more processors 704, causes usage analysis system 702 to provide a usage collection engine 712, a model training engine 714, a recommender engine 716, and a characteristic detection engine 718.

[0122] In some embodiments, the usage collection engine 712 is configured to receive signals indicative of usage of the formulation delivery system 100, including but not limited to signals generated by the formulation delivery device 104, and store the signals in the usage data store 710. In some embodiments, the model training engine 714 is configured to train one or more machine learning models based on the usage information (including but not limited to at least one of a machine learning model trained to detect hair characteristics and a recommender model) and store the trained models in the model data store 720. In some embodiments, the recommender engine 716 is configured to recommend a formulation product using a recommender model from the model data store 720. In some embodiments, the characteristic detection engine 718 is configured to derive hair characteristics from the subject based on the signals generated by the formulation delivery device 104, and may use a machine learning model from the model data store 720 for this purpose.

[0123] The configuration of each of these components is further described below.

[0124] 8A-8B are flow charts illustrating non-limiting exemplary embodiments of methods for collecting and using hair characteristic information according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In method 800, a usage analysis system 702 receives a signal generated by a formulation delivery device 104 and uses the signal to automatically determine one or more hair characteristics of a subject. The automatically determined hair characteristics are combined with information about a formulation applied to the subject's hair and stored in a usage data store 710. The information stored in the usage data store 710 is then used to train a recommender engine 716 to provide formulation product recommendations for the subject and others.

[0125] The process of automatically detecting hair characteristic information relieves the subject from having to manually input this information, which the subject may not be knowledgeable enough to provide accurate information. Furthermore, the automatically detected hair characteristic information may be more accurate than manually collected hair characteristic information. As a non-limiting example, the technique described below can distinguish different curl tightnesses as different types of hair, whereas manually collected hair characteristic information may describe different types of curls simply as "curly". Similarly, the process of automatically collecting information (including hair characteristic information and formulation product identification) eliminates errors that may be introduced by misidentification of formulation products or hair characteristics due to manual input. With this more accurate and reliable information, the recommender engine 716 is trained to provide more useful and effective recommendations, improving the system's functionality.

[0126] From a start block, the method 800 proceeds to block 802, where a user loads a formulation cartridge 108 into the formulation delivery device 104. As discussed above, the step of loading the formulation cartridge 108 into the formulation delivery device 104 brings the encryption chip 432 of the formulation cartridge 108 within range of the cartridge interrogation interface 210.

[0127] At block 804, the cartridge interrogation engine 230 of the formulation delivery device 104 determines the identity of the one or more formulation products dispensed from the formulation cartridge 108. In some embodiments, the cartridge interrogation engine 230 reads the identity of the one or more formulation products from the encryption chip 432 using the cartridge interrogation interface 210. In some embodiments, the cartridge interrogation engine 230 obtains a unique identifier from the encryption chip 432 and queries a data store for the identity of the one or more formulations based on the unique identifier, or provides the unique identifier as an identifier of the one or more formulation products such that an upstream component can use the unique identifier to query a data store to determine the actual one or more formulation products.

[0128] At block 806, the formulation delivery device 104 transmits an identification of the one or more formulation products to the usage analysis system 702. In some embodiments, the formulation delivery device 104 communicates an identification of the one or more formulation products to the mobile device 302. The mobile device 302 communicates the formulation products to the usage analysis system 702 (or includes a component of the usage analysis system 702).

[0129] At block 808, the usage collection engine 712 of the usage analysis system 702 stores an identification of the one or more formulation products in the usage data store 710. In some embodiments, the usage collection engine 712 may create a record in the usage data store 710 that associates an identification of a subject (e.g., a user account, login, email address, phone number, etc.) to which the one or more formulation products are applied with the one or more formulation products.

[0130] At block 810, the user uses the formulation delivery device 104 to dispense and apply one or more formulation products to the subject's hair. In some embodiments, the user may be the same person as the subject, such as in embodiments where the user uses the formulation delivery device 104 to apply one or more formulation products to his or her hair. In some embodiments, the user and the subject may be different people, such as in embodiments where the user is a stylist who uses the formulation delivery device 104 to apply one or more formulation products to a customer / subject. In dispensing and applying the one or more formulation products, the motor 218 drives the reciprocating nozzle assembly 222, and the one or more formulation products are dispensed from the multiple annular nozzles 518 of the reciprocating nozzle assembly 222.

[0131] At block 812, one or more sensors of the formulation delivery device 104 generate a signal indicative of application of the expelled formulation product. In some embodiments, multiple different signals may be generated by different sensors of the formulation delivery device 104.

[0132] One non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a signal indicative of application of the dispensed formulation product is a signal generated by the position engine 238 based on the position of the platform 106 sensed by the position sensor 216. In some embodiments, such a signal may be a raw signal generated by the position sensor 216, or the like, while in other embodiments, such a signal may be a three-dimensional representation of the position and orientation of the formulation delivery device 104 over time during application. Depending on various hair characteristics (including but not limited to thickness and curl type), the path may be used to determine the hair characteristics. The path guides the formulation delivery device 104 by the user while dispensing the formulation product. For example, combing tight curls may result in less smooth movement through the hair than combing straight hair. As another example, the user may be provided with instructions to use different brushing patterns (e.g., a straight pattern for straight hair and a zigzag pattern for curly hair), such that the movement of these different brushing patterns may be detected and correlated to the hair characteristics using the position information.

[0133] Another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a signal indicative of application of the dispensed formulation product is a signal generated by the power management engine 234 based on the power consumption of the motor 218. Depending on various hair characteristics (including but not limited to thickness, coarseness, and curl type), the amount of power consumed by the motor 218 may vary due to the different amounts of physical resistance offered by hair with different characteristics. Alternatively, the power consumed by the motor 218 may vary more or less depending on the hair characteristics (e.g., the standard deviation of the power consumption may be greater for curly hair and less for straight hair). Thus, the signal based on the power consumption of the motor 218 may be usable to determine the hair characteristics, as described in more detail below.

[0134] Yet another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a signal indicative of application of the dispensed formulation product is an audio signal generated by a microphone attached to the formulation delivery device 104, the mobile device 302, or another suitable device. Depending on different hair characteristics, the sounds generated by moving the comb 520 of the formulation delivery device 104 through the subject's hair may be different. Thus, the audio signal may be usable to determine one or more hair characteristics.

[0135] At block 814, the formulation delivery device 104 transmits information regarding application of the expelled formulation product to the usage analysis system 702. In some embodiments, the information regarding application of the expelled formulation product may be raw signals indicative of application of the expelled formulation product. In some embodiments, the information regarding application of the expelled formulation product may be processed information (e.g., three-dimensional position information derived from signals generated by the position sensor 216).

[0136] At block 816, the usage collection engine 712 of the usage analysis system 702 stores information regarding application of the exhaled formulation product in the usage data store 710. In some embodiments, the information regarding application of the exhaled formulation product is stored in (or associated with) the usage record created at block 808.

[0137] The method 800 then proceeds to a continuation terminal ("Terminal A"). From Terminal A (FIG. 8B), the method 800 proceeds to block 818, where the characteristic detection engine 718 of the usage analysis system 702 determines one or more hair characteristics of the subject based on the information stored in the usage data store 710. In some embodiments, the characteristic detection engine 718 automatically determines the one or more hair characteristics based on the information regarding application of the dispensed formulation transmitted at block 814 and stored in the usage data store 710 at block 816.

[0138] Any suitable technique may be used to determine hair characteristics based on information regarding application of the dispensed formulation product ("application information"). In some embodiments, a range of types of application information that correlate to a particular hair characteristic may be established, and the application information may be compared to this range. As a non-limiting example, it may be empirically determined that the power consumption of curly hair varies within a first range, and the power consumption of straight hair varies within a second range. Thus, the power consumption reported by the formulation delivery device 104 may be compared to these ranges. The hair characteristic (e.g., straight hair or curly hair) may be determined based on which range the reported power consumption falls into. As another non-limiting example, it may be empirically determined that the volume of an audio signal detected by a microphone is within a first range for straight hair and within a second range for curly hair. The volume of the audio signal reported by the formulation delivery device 104 may be compared to these ranges to determine the hair characteristic. In some embodiments, heuristics other than ranges may be used to associate a type of application information (including, but not limited to, maximum, minimum, difference between maximum and minimum, mean, standard deviation, and entropy) to a hair characteristic.

[0139] In some embodiments, the application information may be processed using one or more machine learning models to detect hair characteristics. For example, power consumption information or location information may be provided as input to the machine learning model. The machine learning model may provide an output that classifies a type for a given hair characteristic (e.g., curly vs. straight, coarse vs. shiny, thick vs. thin). Any suitable technique may be used to train such a machine learning model, including, but not limited to, collecting ground truth labeled training data from subjects with known hair characteristics, and using gradient descent, Adam optimizer, or any other suitable technique to train the machine learning model using the ground truth labeled training data. Furthermore, any suitable type of machine learning model may be used, including, but not limited to, decision trees, naive Bayes classifiers, artificial neural networks, artificial recurrent neural networks (including, but not limited to, long short-term memory (LSTM) networks), and convolutional neural networks.

[0140] In the above discussion, the hair characteristics are simplified to straight and curly for ease of discussion. In some embodiments, the hair characteristics may be a specific curl type and curl amount from the Andre Walker Hair Typing System (i.e., Type 1A-C (straight), Type 2A-C (wavy), Type 3A-C (curly), or Type 4A-C (coilly)), the LOIS Hair Typing System, the NaturallyCurly Hair Typing System, or any other hair typing system. In some embodiments, other hair characteristics may be automatically detected, including, but not limited to, coarseness, density, thickness, length, texture, scalp condition, amount of damage, etc.

[0141] Also, the above discussion assumes that hair characteristics are classified into established / recognizable categories. In some embodiments, machine learning can be used to cluster hair characteristics into categories that do not necessarily correlate to established / recognizable categories. For example, clustering analysis of the application information can determine arbitrary categories of hair characteristics (e.g., Type A hair, Type B hair, Type C hair). The application information can indicate that a subject's hair is similar even if traditional hair characteristics such as curl type, moisture content, etc. do not necessarily match.

[0142] At block 820, the characteristic detection engine 718 stores the one or more hair characteristics of the subject in the usage data store 710. In some embodiments, the characteristic detection engine 718 can associate the one or more hair characteristics with an identity of the subject. In some embodiments, the characteristic detection engine 718 can also associate the one or more hair characteristics with information regarding application of the dispensed formulation product.

[0143] At block 822, the usage collection engine 712 collects additional information related to the subject and stores the additional information in the usage data store 710. The additional information may be associated with the subject's identity, information regarding application of the dispensed formulation product, or both in the usage data store 710. In some embodiments, the additional information may include evaluation information provided by the subject or user regarding the applied formulation product.

[0144] In some embodiments, the additional information may include hair characteristics that could not be determined automatically from the application information, including, but not limited to, color, moisture content, damage, or style. In some embodiments, this additional information may be collected via questionnaire responses entered by a user, or automatically collected from images taken of the subject or the subject's hair. In some embodiments, this additional information may be collected by a sensor, such as hair moisture information collected by a moisture sensor. In some embodiments, the additional information may include environmental information regarding the environment to which the hair is or will be exposed, including, but not limited to, humidity levels, sun exposure, and environmental temperature. This environmental information may be collected in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to, querying a data store that includes environmental information regarding the subject's location, using a sensor that directly measures environmental information, and / or receiving environmental information via a questionnaire.

[0145] At block 824, the model training engine 714 of the usage analysis system 702 trains the recommender engine 716 based on the information stored in the usage data store 710. In some embodiments, the recommender engine 716 itself may be trained by the model training engine 714, while in other embodiments, a recommender model may be trained by the model training engine 714, stored in the model data store 720, and retrieved / used by the recommender engine 716 when appropriate. Any technique may be used to implement the recommender model and / or the recommender engine 716, including, but not limited to, collaborative filtering techniques, content-based filtering techniques, and hybrid techniques. Additionally, any suitable technique for training may be used, including identifying groups of subjects based on similarities in the ratings provided or hair characteristics.

[0146] In block 826, the usage analysis system 702 uses the recommender engine 716 to provide a notification of one or more recommended formulation products for at least the subject. In some embodiments, the usage analysis system 702 may process information in the usage data store 710 (including, but not limited to, the subject's hair characteristics) via the recommender engine 716 to determine recommended products for the subject that the subject has likely not used before, and may send a notification of the recommended products to the subject via email, text message, social media message, targeted advertisement, in-app notification, or any other suitable technique. In some embodiments, the action of block 826 may be performed at a predetermined rate (e.g., once a day, once a week, etc.). In some embodiments, the action of block 826 may be performed for a given subject once information about the subject is stored in the usage data store 710.

[0147] In some embodiments, other types of recommendations besides product recommendations may be provided by the recommender engine 716. For example, in some embodiments, the formulation routine engine 226 operates the formulation dispensing assembly 214 according to a formulation routine, and the recommender engine 716 may provide the new formulation routine as a recommendation to change parameters of the formulation routine, such as the routine length, the liquid flow rate of the pump 220, the reciprocating frequency or amplitude of the reciprocating nozzle assembly 222, or other device operating parameters. As another example, in some embodiments, the recommendation may take the form of coaching provided to the user. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the recommendation may include ingredients for a customized formulation product to be compounded for the subject.

[0148] As shown, the method 800 then proceeds to an end block and ends. In some embodiments, the method 800 (or portions thereof) may be repeated instead of proceeding to an end block. For example, the usage analysis system 702 may use the recommender engine 716 to provide notifications of one or more recommended formulation products multiple times to the subject, individuals other than the subject, or both the subject and other individuals. As another example, the usage analysis system 702 may collect usage information related to multiple subjects before training the recommender engine 716, and may retrain the recommender engine 716 after collecting usage information related to additional subjects.

[0149] Much of the description of method 800 assumes, for simplicity, that a single value for a given hair characteristic (e.g., curly, thin) is determined for a given subject. In some embodiments, multiple values ​​for a given hair characteristic may be determined for a given subject. For example, a first curl type may be determined in a first region and a second curl type may be determined in a second region. In some embodiments, the presence of each value of the hair characteristic may simply be detected and recorded, while in other embodiments, location information obtained from position sensor 216 may be used to assign a region of the hair or head associated with each detected value of the hair characteristic.

[0150] The application may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise specified, such quantities and numbers are not limiting but are representative of possible quantities or numbers associated with the application. In this regard, the application may also use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" means any number greater than 1, such as, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. The terms "about," "approximately," "near," etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For purposes of this disclosure, for example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), and further includes all possible permutations when more than two elements are listed.

[0151] The embodiments disclosed herein may utilize circuitry for purposes such as implementing the techniques and methodologies described herein, operatively connecting two or more components, generating information, determining operating conditions, and / or controlling an appliance, device, or method. Any type of circuitry may be used. In one embodiment, the circuitry may include one or more computing devices, such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any combination thereof, including discrete digital circuit elements, analog circuit elements, or electronic circuits, or any combination thereof, among others.

[0152] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more ASICs having multiple predefined logic components. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more FPGAs having multiple programmable logic components. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a hardware circuit implementation (e.g., an implementation in analog circuitry, an implementation in digital circuitry, etc., and combinations thereof). In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a combination of a circuit and a computer program product having software or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that cooperate to cause the device to perform one or more methodologies or techniques described herein. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a circuit that requires software, firmware, etc. to operate, such as, for example, a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes an implementation that includes one or more processors or portions thereof and associated software, firmware, hardware, etc. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a baseband integrated circuit, an application processor integrated circuit, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device, or other computing device. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more remotely located components. In one embodiment, the remotely located components are operably connected via wireless communication. In one embodiment, the remotely located components are operatively connected via one or more receivers, transmitters, transceivers, and the like.

[0153] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more computer readable media drives, interface sockets, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, memory card slots, etc., and one or more input / output components (e.g., graphical user interfaces, displays, keyboards, keypads, trackballs, joysticks, touch screens, mice, switches, dials, etc.), as well as any other peripheral devices. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more user input / output components operatively connected to at least one computing device for controlling (electrically, electromechanically, software-implemented, firmware-implemented, or otherwise, or a combination thereof) one or more aspects of the embodiment.

[0154] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a computer readable media drive or memory slot configured to accept a signal bearing media (e.g., a computer readable memory media, a computer readable recording medium, etc.). In one embodiment, a program for causing the system to perform any of the disclosed methods can be stored on, for example, a computer readable recording medium (CRMM), a signal bearing media, etc. Non-limiting examples of signal bearing media include recordable media such as any form of flash memory, magnetic tape, floppy disks, hard disk drives, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), Blu-ray disks, digital tape, computer memory, and transmission type media such as digital and / or analog communication media (e.g., fiber optic cables, wave guides, wired communication links, wireless communication links (e.g., transmitters, receivers, transceivers, sending logic, receiving logic, etc.)). Further non-limiting examples of signal bearing media include, but are not limited to, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-ROM, Super Audio CD, CD-R, CD+R, CD+RW, CD-RW, video compact disc, Super Video Disc, flash memory, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk, mini-disk, non-volatile memory card, EEPROM, optical disk, optical storage, RAM, ROM, system memory, web server, and the like.

[0155] The detailed description of the present disclosure described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as an illustration of various embodiments of the present disclosure, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and is not intended to represent the only embodiment. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration, and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Similarly, any step described herein may be interchangeable with other steps or combinations of steps to achieve the same or substantially similar results. In general, the embodiments disclosed herein are non-limiting, and the inventors contemplate that other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure may include structure and functionality from two or more of the specific embodiments shown in the figures and described herein.

[0156] In the foregoing description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it will be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of the features described herein.

[0157] This application may include references to directions such as "vertical," "horizontal," "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom." These references, and other similar references throughout this application, are intended to aid in the description and understanding of particular embodiments (such as when an embodiment is positioned for use) and are not intended to limit the disclosure to those orientations or locations.

[0158] The application may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise specified, such quantities and numbers are not intended to be limiting, but rather to be illustrative of possible quantities or numbers associated with the application. In this regard, the application may also use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" means any number greater than 1, such as, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. The terms "about," "approximately," and the like, refer to the stated value plus or minus 5%. "Based on" means "based at least in part on."

[0159] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, the aspects of the disclosure that are intended to be protected should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Moreover, the embodiments described herein should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. It is to be understood that variations and modifications may be made by others, and equivalents may be employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, modifications, and equivalents be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for automatically determining at least one hair characteristic of a subject, the method comprising: The method includes the steps of receiving, analyzing, and storing. The receiving step includes receiving, by a computing system, a signal from a formulation delivery device indicative of application of one or more dispensed formulation products; The analyzing step includes analyzing, by the computing system, the signal to automatically determine the at least one hair characteristic; The method, wherein the storing step includes storing, by the computing system, the at least one hair characteristic in a usage data store.

2. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: The signal is a signal based on a position detected by a position sensor of the pharmaceutical product delivery device; a signal based on the power consumption of a motor of the pharmaceutical delivery device; and and a signal based on an audio signal generated by a microphone of the formulation delivery device.

3. 3. A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, further comprising: The method, wherein analyzing the signal to automatically determine the at least one hair characteristic comprises providing the signal as an input to at least one machine learning model.

4. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the signal to automatically determine the at least one hair characteristic comprises comparing the signal to one or more ranges associated with values ​​of the hair characteristic.

5. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: receiving, by the computing system, additional information related to the subject; The method, wherein the additional information includes at least one of moisture level and color.

6. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: The at least one hair characteristic comprises: Curl Type Roughness, density, Thickness, length, texture, Scalp condition, and and an amount of damage.

7. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: The method further comprising training a recommender engine using at least the hair characteristics stored in the usage data store.

8. A computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: providing, by the computing system, the at least one hair characteristic as an input to a recommender engine for generating recommendations; and The method further comprises providing, by the computing system, a notification of the recommendation to the subject.

9. 1. A system for automatically determining at least one hair characteristic of a subject, comprising: The system comprises circuitry configured to perform the actions of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. 1. A pharmaceutical formulation delivery device comprising: Motor, a formulation dispensing assembly comprising a reciprocating nozzle assembly actuated by said motor; circuitry configured to generate a signal indicative of application of one or more formulation products dispensed by the formulation dispensing assembly; and A device comprising circuitry configured to transmit the signal indicative of the application of the pharmaceutical product to a usage analysis system.

11. 11. The pharmaceutical formulation delivery device of claim 10, A device, wherein the signal indicative of the application of the formulation product dispensed by the formulation dispensing assembly comprises a signal indicative of power consumed by the motor while the reciprocating nozzle assembly is operating.

12. 12. A pharmaceutical formulation delivery device according to claim 10 or claim 11, Further comprising a position sensor; The device, wherein the signal indicative of the application of the formulation product dispensed by the formulation dispensing assembly comprises a signal indicative of a position of the formulation delivery device detected by the position sensor.

13. A pharmaceutical formulation delivery device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising: a cartridge interrogation interface configured to retrieve information from a formulation cartridge inserted into the formulation delivery device; and The device further comprises circuitry configured to transmit the information obtained from the formulation cartridge to the usage analysis system.

14. A pharmaceutical formulation delivery device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising: circuitry for operating the motor to dispense a formulation product in accordance with a formulation routine; and The device further comprises circuitry configured to receive a new formulation routine from the usage analysis system based on hair characteristics determined using the signal indicative of the application of the formulation product.

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