Multi-nozzle spray disc for automatic cosmetic machines

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Applying makeup to look its best requires skill. For the untrained, the experience can be frustrating and the results can be disappointing. Not everyone has the time or resources to seek professional help every time they need makeup.

[0003] Advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and control technology offer potential opportunities for automating cosmetic application. For example, it has been shown that robots can be trained to use eyeshadow brushes on a human face. However, for a makeup machine to be practical for users, it must consider versatility, ease of use, and safety, among other things.

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

[0005] In one embodiment, the spray disc includes a plurality of nozzles on the periphery of the spray disc, a center hole, and a plurality of partitions, the partitions being arranged around the center hole and having the center hole as an inner periphery, and each partition includes an air inlet for receiving compressed air, a liquid reservoir for storing liquid, and a corresponding nozzle for spraying the liquid with compressed air.

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

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

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

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

[0010] In the following description, many specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this specification. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be practiced without such specific details. Those skilled in the art will be able to achieve the appropriate functionality without undue experimentation, given the included description.

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

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

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

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

[0015] In one embodiment, the spray disc is disposable, i.e., the spray disc is pre-filled with liquid, placed on the disc head at the beginning of an application session, and discarded at the end of the session. Taking a cosmetic makeup session as an example, the cosmetic makeup session may include any combination of makeup application steps, such as applying liquid foundation, highlighter, one or more colors of eye shadow, and blush to a user's face.

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

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

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

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

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

[0021] In this embodiment, each partition 120 includes an air inlet 130 that allows compressed air to pass through. An air compressor within the machine delivers compressed air to selected air inlets 130 via air needles or tubes. Hollow passages, called air channels, extend from the air inlets 130 through the partitions 120 to corresponding nozzles 150. When compressed air is injected into the air inlets 130, the liquid in the liquid reservoir 140 of the selected partition 120 is atomized by the air and ejected from the corresponding nozzles 150.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0040] 6A and 6B show two examples of atomizing a liquid. Atomization occurs with a nozzle 650, which may be any of the nozzles described above. Using FIG. 3 as an example, FIGS. 6A and 6B show top views of a plane that intersects line A-A' and extends parallel to the XY plane. Using FIG. 4 as an example, FIGS. 6A and 6B show top views of a plane that intersects line C-C' and extends parallel to the XY plane. The air channels, liquid channels, nozzles, and outlets are not drawn to scale. It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses embodiments of air channels and liquid channels having relative lengths, widths, shapes, curvatures, and / or angles different from those shown in these figures.

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

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

[0043] FIG. 6B shows a schematic diagram of internal mixing according to one embodiment. In this internal mixing embodiment, a subchannel of air channel 640 leads to a liquid channel 642 within an internal mixing chamber 670, where the liquid is mixed with compressed air. The mixture then exits through a single outlet 656. Thus, the nozzle 650 in this internal mixing embodiment consists solely of this single outlet 656. In this embodiment, the nozzle 650 may be identical to the outlet 656. The air channel 640 may split into two or more subchannels before reaching the internal mixing chamber 670. Similar to FIG. 6A, the liquid channel 642 carrying liquid from a corresponding liquid reservoir may be coupled to a valve 680 to control the amount of liquid flowing to the corresponding nozzle 650. More details about the valve 680 are provided below with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In another embodiment, the amount of liquid sprayed may be controlled by adjusting the pressure of the compressed air.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

1. A spray disc comprising: a plurality of nozzles on the periphery of the spray disc; A center hole and a plurality of partitions arranged around the center hole and having the center hole as an inner periphery, each partition including an air inlet for receiving compressed air, a liquid tank for storing liquid, and a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles for spraying the liquid with the compressed air; Including, Each partition further includes a top piece at the top of the liquid tank, the top piece comprising: an air channel extending from the air inlet to the corresponding nozzle for passing the compressed air therethrough, the air inlet for receiving the compressed air from a passage extending axially to the center bore of the spray disk; and a siphon tube extending downward from the air channel to the liquid reservoir for sucking the liquid upward into the air channel as the compressed air passes through the air channel; Including, spray disc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. 2. The spray disc of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the liquid tank is covered with a film, and the film is perforated when the top piece is placed on the liquid tank.

14. A spray disc comprising: a plurality of nozzles on the periphery of the spray disc; A center hole and a plurality of partitions arranged around the center hole and having the center hole as an inner periphery, each partition including an air inlet at the inner periphery for receiving compressed air, a liquid tank at a bottom of the partition for storing liquid, and a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles for spraying the liquid with the compressed air; Including, Each partition is a modular partition that is separable from other partitions of the spray disc and individually removable from the spray disc, and each partition further includes a top piece on top of the liquid tank, the top piece comprising: an air channel extending from the air inlet to the corresponding nozzle for passing the compressed air therethrough, the air inlet for receiving the compressed air from a passage extending axially to the center bore of the spray disk; and a siphon tube extending downward from the air channel to the liquid reservoir for sucking the liquid upward into the air channel as the compressed air passes through the air channel; Including, spray disc.

15. 15. The spray disc of claim 14, wherein the spray disc rotates about a vertical center under command of a controller and receives the compressed air to spray liquid from a series of nozzles onto the user's skin.

16. 15. The spray disc of claim 14, wherein the spray disc is coupled to a proximity sensor operative to detect a distance between the spray disc and a user.

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