Customized dispensing system and customized dispensing method

Abstract

To provide a customization discharge system for blending colors without causing a difference between a color of an actual base to be used for mixing and a color of a target.SOLUTION: A customization discharge system 100 comprises: color measurement means 91 for measuring a color of a target; a plurality of containers 5A, 5B in which bases of different colors are stored, respectively; a discharge drive mechanism α for making bases of the respective colors in respective amounts be discharged from the plurality of containers 5A, 5B; a control unit 7 for controlling discharge amounts of the bases; and a storage unit 77 for storing color information obtained by measuring the colors of the stored bases using the color measurement means 91 that is tha same as the color measurement means. The control unit 70 determines blending ratios of the bases using a relation between a color of a measured skin color and the stored color information on the bases.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a customized discharge system and a customized discharge method for discharging a mixture of contents of a plurality of colors.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been proposed a cosmetic device that discharges a customized blend of multiple colors. In such a cosmetic device, it is also known to measure the user's skin color with a camera and create cosmetics according to the measured color. Further, it has been proposed to use a colorimeter as a measurement method. (For example, Patent Document 1)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, sensors such as cameras and colorimeters have some variation in the measured color for each individual device, and there is a possibility of a difference between the color recorded as the color of the cosmetic in the cosmetic device and the color actually measured by a sensor such as a colorimeter. In addition, there are also some individual differences in color due to manufacturing variations on the cosmetic side. If there is a deviation between the stored color information and the measured skin color, for example, when measuring the user's skin color and creating cosmetics by blending the color of the cosmetic stored according to the measured color, there may be a color deviation.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a customized discharge system that can adjust the color without causing a difference between the actual color of the base used for mixing and the color of the object.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, in one aspect of the present invention, A color measuring means for measuring the color of an object, Multiple containers, each containing a base of a different color, A dispensing drive mechanism that dispenses a base of each color in a corresponding amount from the aforementioned multiple containers, A control unit that controls the amount of base material dispensed, The system includes a storage unit that stores color information obtained by measuring the color of the contained base material using the same color measuring means as described above, The control unit determines the mixing ratio of multiple bases based on the relationship between the measured skin color and the stored base color information. We provide a customized dispensing system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, a customized dispensing system can mix colors without creating a difference between the actual color of the base material used in the mixing and the color of the target object. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] External view of a customized dispensing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Control block diagram of the customized dispensing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A partial cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge container included in the dispensing container. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the confluence space of the dispensing device included in the customized dispensing system in a blocked state. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the discharge device with the confluence space open. [Figure 6] A flowchart of the cosmetic dispensing method according to the present invention. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a tool used for measuring the base color. [Figure 8] A diagram showing other examples of tools for measuring base color. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example configuration in which a transparent window is provided in the dispensing device. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of a compounding graph of a base based on lightness. [Figure 11] A diagram showing a modified example of the discharge device of the present invention. [Figure 12] An external view of a customization discharge system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] A diagram showing a color sensor on the back side of the wearable device of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] An external view of a customization discharge system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] A control block diagram of a customization discharge system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] An external view of a customization discharge system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0010] The present invention relates to a customization discharge system and a customization discharge method. The customization discharge system of the present invention includes a discharge device having a plurality of containers and capable of discharging a mixture of a plurality of colors, and a color measurement means capable of measuring the color of an object. The containers contain, for example, colored cosmetics (foundation cosmetics, base makeup cosmetics, point makeup cosmetics), colored paints, and the like as contents.

[0011] <First Embodiment> First, the overall configuration of the customization discharge system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external view of the customization discharge system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the customization discharge system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the customized dispensing system 100 according to the first embodiment comprises a dispensing device 1 and a measuring device 9. Note that G in Figure 1 shows an example of a base color measuring tool whose color is measured by the measuring device 9. In the customized dispensing system 100, the dispensing device 1 and the measuring device 9 are wirelessly connected via wireless communication, or wired via a cable, enabling the transmission and reception of data and control signals.

[0013] Referring to Figure 2, the dispensing device 1 comprises a plurality of dispensing containers 5A, 5B, a dispensing drive mechanism α, a control unit 7, a communication unit 76, a cosmetic color information storage unit 77, a formulation information storage unit 78, a display screen generation unit 81, and a display 8.

[0014] The discharge drive mechanism α includes multiple drive motors 61A and 61B, a central piston 3, and a motor 41 for the central piston.

[0015] Referring to Figure 1, in the dispensing device 1, all components except the display 8 are covered by an outer container, the device case 10. The device case 10 consists of a head case (upper case) 11, a cylindrical case 12, and a bottom case 13. In this embodiment, the display 8 is provided on the side of the bottom case 13.

[0016] An opening 14 is formed on the upper surface of the head case 11, and a recess 15 that is inwardly recessed in a mortar-like (saucer-like) shape is formed around the opening 14.

[0017] In the dispensing device 1, the dispensing containers 5A and 5B are detachable and replaceable cartridges. The detailed behavior of the components of the dispensing device 1 shown in Figure 2 will be described later, along with Figures 3 to 6.

[0018] The measuring device 9 comprises a color sensor 91, a light-emitting unit 92, an operation unit 93, a measurement control unit 94, and a communication unit 95. The color sensor 91, which is the color measurement means, is preferably a colorimeter, but it may also be a small camera with a color analysis function.

[0019] (container) Next, the container will be described using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a dispensing container 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 3, the common configuration of dispensing containers 5A and 5B will be described as the dispensing container 5.

[0020] An example of a container, the dispensing container 5, comprises a container body that serves as a storage case and a dispensing section 53 connected to the container body. The container body consists of a main cylinder 51 with sides and a head section 52 that is attached to the upper end of the main cylinder 51. In Figure 3, the external shapes of the main cylinder 51 and the head section 52 are shown in a cross-sectional perspective view, while the dispensing section 53 and the dispensing mechanism are shown in a perspective view.

[0021] The head portion 52 has a nozzle 54 and a head base 55. The head base 55 is a cap-shaped member having a side surface and a top surface that extend in the same direction as the main body cylinder 51. The nozzle 54 extends horizontally from the head base 55 and pushes the contents horizontally.

[0022] The dispensing section 53 is fitted to the lower part of the main cylinder 51 and rotates relative to the container body, raising the piston 59 and narrowing the internal volume of the filling area inside the container body. The space between the part of the main cylinder 51 above the piston 59 and the head section 52 becomes the filling area where the base material (FH or FL) is filled.

[0023] In the head portion 52, the nozzle 54 has a nozzle passage 541 formed inside, and a discharge port 542, which is a nozzle hole (dispensing hole), is formed at its end. The head base portion 55 is the part that is attached to the main body cylinder 51, and the nozzle 54 and the head base portion 55 are formed integrally.

[0024] The dispensing section 53 comprises an operating cylinder 56, a moving shaft 57, and a rotation restricting section 58. The operating cylinder 56 is mounted on the lower end of the main body cylinder 51 so as to be rotatable relative to it. The moving shaft 57 is housed so as to pass through the main body cylinder 51 and the operating cylinder 56, and its upper end is connected to a piston 59.

[0025] The rotation restricting part 58 is ring-shaped and is fitted into a step in the main body cylinder 51 where the inner diameter changes. The movable shaft 57 is a male screw with a spiral groove or projection formed on its outer circumference, and the inner wall of the central hole of the rotation restricting part 58 is a female screw with an engaging projection formed thereon, so the movable shaft 57 and the rotation restricting part 58 are screw-engaged together.

[0026] Therefore, as the moving shaft 57 rotates, it moves vertically relative to the rotation restricting unit 58. When the operating cylinder 56 rotates relative to the main cylinder 51, the moving shaft 57 housed inside the main cylinder 51 and the operating cylinder 56 rotates, causing the position of the moving shaft 57 relative to the rotation restricting unit 58 to rise. At this time, with the dispensing containers 5A and 5B set in the dispensing device 1, the transmission shaft 63 (see Figure 4), which receives rotational driving force, moves vertically inside the inner cylinder 56I of the operating cylinder 56, which consists of an inner cylinder 56I and an outer cylinder 56O, and as a result, the moving shaft 57 also rotates and moves vertically together with the transmission shaft 63.

[0027] As a result, the piston 59 connected to the tip of the movable shaft 57 rises, narrowing the internal volume of the filling space in the head section 52 and the main body cylinder 51, and pushing the contents upward. Therefore, the contents are pushed out of the discharge port 542 through the nozzle passage 541.

[0028] Furthermore, in this configuration, since there is no moving shaft 57 above the piston 59, the base material FH(FL), which is the contents above the piston 59, can be pushed out without adhering to the moving shaft 57.

[0029] Furthermore, in this configuration, the amount of material dispensed from the discharge port 542 corresponds to the upward movement (indentation) of the piston 59, and the upward movement of the piston 59 corresponds to the rotation amount of the operating cylinder 56. Therefore, by adjusting the rotation amount of the operating cylinder 56, the amount of each base material contained within the device can be adjusted.

[0030] <Internal configuration of the dispensing device> Next, the internal configuration of the discharge device 1, including the dispensing containers 5A and 5B, will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. Figures 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of the discharge device 1. Specifically, Figure 4 shows the merging space closed state with the central piston 3 in the first position (closed position), and Figure 5 shows the merging space open state with the central piston 3 in the second position (open position).

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, a columnar body 2 with a confluence space 21 is provided inside the head case 11, and a central piston 3 is installed in the confluence space 21.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the central piston 3 is provided so as to be insertable into an opening 14 on the upper surface of the head case 11. The piston head 31 of the central piston 3 fits inside the inner wall of the confluence space 21, and the central piston 3 is movable between a first position shown in Figure 4 and a second position shown in Figure 5, which is spaced apart from the opening 14.

[0033] When the central piston 3 is in the first position (closed position) shown in Figure 4, the discharge ports 542A and 542B of the nozzles 54 of the dispensing containers 5A and 5B are closed by the piston head 31 of the central piston 3 in the confluence space 21.

[0034] In the discharge device 1, the central piston 3 shown in Figure 4 is in the first position after discharge and in the standby state. In this embodiment, the first position is such that the top surface 31U of the piston head 31 is in approximately the same position as the opening surface 14U of the opening 14.

[0035] When the central piston 3 is in the second position shown in Figure 5, the discharge port 542 of the nozzle 54 is in communication with the confluence space 21 (becomes in a state of communication), and the contents can flow into the confluence space 21 from the multiple discharge ports 542A and 542B. In this state, the contents discharged from the multiple dispensing containers 5A and 5B, through the nozzle passages 541A and 541B of the multiple nozzles, and from the multiple discharge ports 542A and 542B merge in the confluence space 21.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the dispensing containers 5A and 5B are set in the dispensing device 1, the nozzle 54 of the head portion 52 of the dispensing container 5 engages with a part of the columnar body 2, thereby restricting and fixing the circumferential rotation of the head portion 52 and the main body cylinder 51.

[0037] Furthermore, in portions of the discharge device 1 other than the radial center, extrusion units (rotary drive units) 6A and 6B are provided below the dispensing containers 5A and 5B.

[0038] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the extrusion sections 6A and 6B are each equipped with a drive motor 61, a rotating shaft 62, and a transmission shaft 63. The transmission shaft 63 is provided at the tail plug, which is the lower end of the operating cylinder 56 of the dispensing containers 5A and 5B. The rotating shaft (output shaft) 62 of the drive motor 61 is connected to the transmission shaft 63, and the transmission shaft 63 rotates and moves up and down inside the inner cylinder 56I of the operating cylinder 56, thereby causing the moving shaft 57 to rotate and move up and down.

[0039] In this configuration example, when the drive motors 61 of the extrusion sections 6A and 6B rotate the rotating shaft 62, the rotational force is transmitted to the operating cylinder 56 via the transmission shaft 63, causing the operating cylinder 56 to rotate relative to the fixed main body cylinder 51. As a result, the piston 59 rises and pushes the base materials FH and FL, which are the contents, out of the discharge ports 542A and 542B of the horizontally extending nozzle 54 into the central confluence space 21, respectively.

[0040] Furthermore, the central piston 3 is driven to move by a piston drive unit 4 located at the bottom of the central piston 3. In this example, the central piston 3 can move up and down between a first position located above, as shown in Figure 4, and a second position located below, as shown in Figure 5.

[0041] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the central piston 3 is formed to be long in the vertical direction and consists of a piston head 31 that contacts the columnar body 2, a large-diameter portion 32 that has a larger diameter than the piston head 31, and a piston rod 33 provided below the large-diameter portion 32. The piston head 31 of the central piston 3 moves up and down inside the confluence space 21 formed in the columnar body 2.

[0042] In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, the piston drive unit 4 includes a central piston motor 41, which is a rotating motor (positioning gear motor) that generates rotational force, a rotating shaft 42, and a rotating transmission cylinder 43.

[0043] In this configuration example, a piston rod 33 with a male screw shape and multiple protrusions is formed at the lower end of the central piston 3, away from the opening 14. The rotation transmission cylinder 43, which is connected to the rotating shaft 42, has a female screw shape with, for example, a helical groove formed on its inner circumference, and engages with the piston rod 33 via a screw. The rotating shaft 42 and the rotation transmission cylinder 43 are rotation transmission bodies that transmit the rotational force of the central piston motor 41, which is a rotating motor, as the moving force of the central piston 3.

[0044] Furthermore, the outer circumference of the large-diameter portion 32 of the central piston 3 is provided with members that restrict the rotation of the central piston 3, such as projections extending in the vertical direction, grooves, and polygonal prism shapes. Therefore, when the rotation transmission cylinder 43 rotates, the rotation of the central piston 3 is restricted, and the rotational force from the central piston motor 41 is transmitted as a force that moves the central piston 3 in the forward and backward directions.

[0045] In the above configuration, a piston rod 33 with a male screw shape is provided at the lower part of the central piston 3, and the rotation transmission cylinder 43 has a female screw. However, as long as they engage in a screw-like manner, the male and female orientations of the screws may be reversed. For example, the male and female orientations of the screw engagement may be reversed, a helical groove may be formed on the piston rod 33, and an engaging projection may be provided at the upper end of the rotation transmission cylinder 43 to engage with the helical groove. Alternatively, a cylindrical engaging portion may be provided on the lower side of the piston, and the rotation transmission body may engage with the inner circumference of the cylindrical engagement, that is, the engagement between the cylinder of the engaging portion and the shaft may be reversed.

[0046] Furthermore, a control board 70, a display control board 80, and a communication unit 76 are provided below the drive motor 61 and the central piston motor 41. The control board 70 is equipped with the control unit 7, storage units 77 and 78 shown in Figure 2. The display control board 80 is equipped with a display screen generation unit 81.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the circumference of the central piston 3 and the diameter of the opening 14 on the upper surface of the head case 11 are approximately the same size. When the central piston 3 is in the first position, the lowest part of the recess 15 of the upper surface 11U, which is the discharge surface, is at approximately the same height as the top surface (upper surface in this example) 31U of the piston head 31. Therefore, the various types of contents discharged from the discharge ports 542A and 542B into the confluence space 21 are pushed out by the central piston 3, and all of them are completely pushed out of the discharge device 1.

[0048] Therefore, after the discharge operation of the dispensing containers 5A and 5B and the subsequent extrusion operation of the central piston 3, no contents will remain inside the confluence space 21, thus eliminating the need to clean the inside of the discharge device 1 after the discharge operation.

[0049] Furthermore, after the extrusion operation, the central piston 3 remains in the first position (closed position) shown in Figure 4, thereby closing and blocking the discharge port 542 of the nozzle 54 and the confluence space 21, and maintaining a state in which the inflow of multiple contents into the confluence space 21 is prevented.

[0050] Therefore, even when the mixing ratio is changed for subsequent use, the discharge device 1 of this embodiment can perform the discharge operation without considering the mixing ratio of the contents from the previous use, and without requiring cleaning. In addition, when not in use, multiple holes are effectively sealed to prevent the contents from volatilizing.

[0051] (Customized dispensing method) Next, the customized dispensing method of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the customized dispensing method of cosmetics of the present invention.

[0052] In step S1, the color sensor 91 of the measuring device 9 sequentially measures the colors of the cosmetic (base) FH and FL contained in the dispensing containers 5A and 5B. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the color is measured by the color sensor 91, which is the color measuring means, while the base dispensed from each of the multiple dispensing containers 5A and 5B is being dispensed onto a measuring tool (G or RS). Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, a transparent portion is provided in the dispensing containers 5A and 5B and the cylindrical case 12 of the dispensing device, allowing the color of the contained base to be seen. The color of the base is then measured by the color sensor 91, which is the color measuring means, through the transparent portion while the base is contained.

[0053] In step S2, the measured colors of cosmetic products FH and FL are associated with the dispensing containers 5A and 5B, respectively, by the measurement information acquisition unit 71, and stored in the cosmetic color information storage unit 77 of the dispensing device 1. The color information at this time may be lightness or RGB.

[0054] In step S3, the color sensor 91 of the same measuring device 9 as in step S1 is used to measure the color of the object, which is the skin color of the user.

[0055] In step S4, the mixing ratio calculation unit 72 of the dispensing device 1 calculates a mixing ratio of cosmetic that matches the measured skin color of the user, by referring to the colors of the stored cosmetic FH and FL. An example of the mixing ratio calculation will be described later with reference to Figure 10.

[0056] In step S5, the discharge volume setting unit 73 sets the amount of cosmetic FH and FL to be used (discharge volume) based on the calculated mixing ratio. Then, the parameter conversion unit 74 sets various parameters such as the piston push-up amount (push-up amount) required to dispense the set amount from the dispensing containers 5A and 5B, and the timing of the movement of the central piston, taking into account the time required for pushing.

[0057] Then, in step S6, the motor 41 for the central piston is driven to move the piston head 31 of the central piston 3 to the retracted position in the merging space 21. Note that the operation in step S6 may be performed after S3 and in parallel with the operations in S4 and S5.

[0058] In step S7, the drive motors 61A and 62B are driven respectively to push up the pistons 59A and 59B with a push amount corresponding to the set discharge amount, discharging the cosmetic products FH and FL from the dispensing containers 5A and 5B into the merging space 21, respectively.

[0059] In step S8, the central piston motor 41 is driven to move the central piston 3, thereby moving the piston head 31 to the closed position in the confluence space 21, and pushing the cosmetic product discharged into the confluence space 21 out of the device (upwards).

[0060] In step S9, the user mixes the dispensed cosmetic products and applies the mixture to the skin.

[0061] If you want to dispense the same mixture repeatedly, from the second time onward, you can omit steps S1 to S5 and execute steps S6 to S10.

[0062] For example, when this customized dispensing system is used in a user's personal home, steps S1 to S10 should all be performed during the initial setup. Furthermore, if the user feels their skin color has changed—for example, due to sun exposure causing darker skin, or due to aesthetic treatments or cosmetic procedures—it is preferable to measure the user's skin color in step S3, update the appropriate color, and then perform the transition process.

[0063] Furthermore, since the retractable containers 5A and 5B are replaceable cartridges, it is preferable to perform steps S1 and S2 if, for example, the color of one or both of the cosmetics is changed. Also, due to manufacturing process tolerances, even cosmetics of the same type may have slightly different shades depending on the lot. Therefore, if you are concerned even if the color is the same, it is preferable to perform steps S1 and S2 when replacing the retractable container with a new one.

[0064] In the present invention, sensors that measure color, such as cameras and colorimeters, have slight variations in the color measured from one device to another. This could lead to discrepancies between the color recorded as the color of the cosmetic product stored in the dispensing device and the color actually measured by the colorimeter or other sensor. Furthermore, the cosmetic products themselves also have slight individual color variations due to manufacturing variations. If there is a discrepancy between the stored color information and the measured skin tone, for example, when measuring the user's skin tone and creating a cosmetic product by formulating the stored cosmetic color to match the measured color, a color discrepancy may occur. In contrast, in the present invention, since the color of the base and the color of the target object are measured with the same measuring device, the color can be formulated without causing a discrepancy between the color of the base stored in the customized dispensing device and the color of the target object.

[0065] In this example, step S4 calculated the proportion of cosmetic ingredients to match the measured skin tone of the user. However, if the user wants to use the mixed base as a concealer, they may be instructed to intentionally set a color darker than the measured skin tone. Conversely, if the user wants to use it as a highlighter, they may be instructed to set a color lighter than the measured skin tone.

[0066] (Method for measuring base color 1: Tool 1) In step S1 of Figure 6 above, the base material contained in the cartridge is dispensed onto a base material color measuring tool and measured by a color sensor.

[0067] Figure 7 shows an example of a tool for measuring the base color. Figure 7(a) is a perspective view, and Figure 7(b) is a top view. In this example, the tool for measuring the base color is a microscope slide G.

[0068] In this example, the base materials (e.g., foundation) FH and HL contained in the dispensing container are dispensed onto a glass slide G, which is a color measuring tool, and the color of the base material on the glass slide G is measured by a color sensor 91. This glass slide G may be white or transparent.

[0069] (Method 1 for measuring base color: Tool 2) Figure 8 shows another example of a base color measurement tool. Figure 8(a) is a perspective view, and Figure 8(b) is a top view. In this example, the base color measurement tool is a recessed cassette RS. The recessed cassette RS has multiple recesses R1 and R2 formed therein.

[0070] In this example, the base material contained in the dispensing container is dispensed onto the recesses (container sections) R1 and R2 of a recessed cassette, which is a base material color measuring tool, and the color of the base material contained in the recesses R2 and R2 is measured by the color sensor 91. For example, the recessed cassette RS is transparent, and the color sensor 91 measures from the side or from below the recessed cassette RS.

[0071] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when dispensing base FH from a dispensing container onto a base color measuring tool and measuring the color, the color of the dispensing container does not need to be visible from the outside of the dispensing device. Therefore, the contents of the dispensing container may be substances that are easily affected by light. For example, this may include cosmetics containing vitamins (vitamins A, C, etc.) and their derivatives.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, when dispensing base FH, FH from dispensing containers 5A and 5B onto a base color measuring tool to measure the color, the measuring device 9 may be built into the dispensing device 1, or the measuring device 9 may be mounted on the outer surface of the dispensing device 1.

[0073] (Method for measuring base color 2) The above describes an example in which the base material is actually dispensed onto a base material color measuring tool and its color is measured with a color sensor. However, the color of the base material may also be measured in its contained state.

[0074] Figure 9 shows an example configuration in which a transparent window is provided in the dispensing device. In this configuration, a transparent window W or notched window is provided in the cylindrical case 12A of the dispensing device 1A, and the main cylinder 51, which houses the dispensing containers 5A and 5B, is transparent.

[0075] Furthermore, in the dispensing device 1A shown in Figure 9, the contents are visible from the outside, and it is preferable that the base materials contained in the dispensing containers 5A and 5B are materials that are not easily altered by light. Alternatively, the window W may be configured to be openable and closable only for color measurement.

[0076] (Mixing ratio calculation method) Figure 10 shows an example of the formula used in step S4 of the flow in Figure 6 to calculate the cosmetic formulation ratio that matches the measured user's skin tone, by referring to the stored cosmetic FH and FL colors. Figure 10 shows an example of a formulation graph based on lightness.

[0077] In the example in Figure 10, for the sake of clarity, the cosmetics contained in the retractable containers 5A and 5B are, for example, a blend of a light foundation H and a dark foundation L, differing only in brightness. Differences in brightness refer to variations in brightness within the ochre family where the ratio of yellow and red tones is the same, variations in brightness within the beige ochre family, variations in brightness within the pink ochre family, etc.

[0078] In this example, based on the color measurement results, the mixing ratio of foundation H and foundation L is referenced, using the mixing graph in Figure 10, to approximate the measured skin tone (Target) of the user.

[0079] In Figure 10, an example of calculating the mixing ratio focusing only on brightness was explained. However, the bases contained in the dispensing containers 5A and 5B may also be bases where the mixing ratios of yellow and red tones differ in addition to brightness. In that case, the mixing ratio is calculated by considering the color parameter in addition to the brightness parameter.

[0080] Furthermore, while Figure 10 illustrates an example of referring to a blending graph to calculate the blending ratio, the blending information storage unit 78 may also store the blending formula and blending table in order to calculate the blending ratio.

[0081] Figures 1 to 10 illustrate an example of a formulation for dispensing two types of bases, but the dispensing device 1 may contain three or more dispensing containers containing three or more bases of different colors. In that case, the color information of the three or more bases is stored in the cosmetic color information storage unit 77, and a formulation graph or formulation table for blending the three or more bases is stored in the formulation information storage unit 78.

[0082] Furthermore, in the example in Figure 10, the mixing ratio of cosmetics was calculated to match the measured skin color of the user. However, the mixing ratio may be set to intentionally deviate from the skin color. For example, if the mixed base is to be used as a concealer, the mixing ratio should be calculated to set a color darker than the measured skin color. Conversely, if it is to be used as a highlighter, the mixing ratio should be calculated to set a color lighter than the measured skin color. Also, if there is redness on the face due to skin irritation, the mixing ratio should be calculated to produce a color that can conceal the redness. The ratio can be adjusted as appropriate according to the user's needs.

[0083] If the user requests that the color produced by color mixing not match the measured skin tone, it is preferable to input instructions before step S4 in Figure 6, for example, from the display 8 or the operation unit 93 of the measuring device 9.

[0084] <Modified Discharge Device 1> Figure 11 shows a modified example of a dispensing device included in a customized dispensing device. In Figures 4 and 5 above, the dispensing device 1 was described in which the contents dispensed from multiple dispensing containers are pushed out using a central piston. However, a dispensing device that has multiple dispensing containers does not necessarily need to have a central piston.

[0085] As shown in Figure 11, in this configuration, the upper surface of the head case 110 of the discharge device 1B is provided with an outer recess 150 shaped to conform to the recess 210 of the columnar body 2. Multiple fitting holes 140A and 140B are formed on the side surface of the outer recess 150, into which the tips of the nozzles 54A and 54B that protrude from the recess 210 can be fitted.

[0086] The side surface of the outer recess 150 on the upper surface 110U of the head case 110 is formed to be continuous with the discharge surfaces 54PA and 54PB, which are the discharge ports 542 that are nozzle holes in the nozzles 54A and 54B.

[0087] The contents dispensed from multiple dispensing containers 5A and 5B through multiple nozzles converge at the outer recess 150 of the head case 110 via the discharge ports 542A and 542B. The user then wipes the contents that have flowed into the outer recess 150 with their finger, cotton, or cotton swab before use.

[0088] Therefore, in the configuration shown in Figure 11, it is preferable that the diameter of the recess 210 and the outer recess 150 be wide enough for a finger to be inserted, and that the depth be shallow.

[0089] <Modification 2> Although the discharge devices in Figures 4, 5, and 11 above show examples of discharging contents upward, the discharge devices included in the customized discharge system of the present invention may also discharge downward. In the case of downward discharge, in the configuration with a central piston as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the central piston is on the upper side, it becomes the position where the confluence space is open by the piston head (second position), and when the central piston is on the lower side, it becomes the position where the confluence space is closed by the piston head (first position).

[0090] Alternatively, the dispensing device included in the customized dispensing system of the present invention may dispense laterally.

[0091] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the customized dispensing system used a dedicated measuring device 9 for color measurement, but the measuring device may be a wearable device 90 having a sensor capable of measuring color.

[0092] Figure 12 is an external view of a customized dispensing system 100C according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The customized dispensing system 100C of this embodiment comprises a dispensing device 1 and a wearable device 90. In the customized dispensing system 100C, the dispensing device 1 and the wearable device 90 are wirelessly connected by wireless communication in a manner that enables the transmission and reception of data and control signals.

[0093] Figure 13 shows the color measurement means on the back side of the wearable device 90 according to the second embodiment. The color measurement means in this embodiment is a small camera 910 provided on the back of the wearable device 90. In order to ensure brightness during measurement, it is preferable that a light-emitting unit 920 is provided near the small camera 910 on the back of the wearable device 90, as shown in Figure 12.

[0094] In this embodiment, the color of the base material contained in the dispensing container and the color of the target object, which is the user's skin color, are measured using the same color measuring means, a wearable device. Therefore, the dispensing device 1 can mix colors without causing any difference between the color of the base material stored in the dispensing device 1 and the color of the target object.

[0095] <Third Embodiment> In the customized dispensing system of the first embodiment described above, a display unit was provided on the dispensing device 1. However, the display function of the customized dispensing system may also be provided on a connectable information processing terminal. The information processing terminal may be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet.

[0096] The configuration of the third embodiment will be described using Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is an external view of the customized dispensing system 100D according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The customized dispensing system 100D of this embodiment includes an information processing terminal 300 in addition to a dispensing device 1D and a measuring device 9. Furthermore, the dispensing device 1D does not have a display unit, and in the customized dispensing system 100D, the dispensing device 1, the information processing terminal 300, and the measuring device 9 are wirelessly connected by wireless communication in a manner that enables the transmission and reception of data and control signals.

[0097] Figure 15 is a control block diagram of the customized dispensing system 100D according to the third embodiment. Referring to Figure 15, only the differences from Figure 2 will be explained. In this embodiment, the dispensing device 1D is not provided with a display unit, and some of the display and calculation functions of the dispensing device may be provided on the information processing terminal 300 side.

[0098] The information processing terminal 300 includes a control unit 340, storage units 345 and 346, a display screen generation unit 331, a display 330, and a communication unit 350. For example, the functions of the control unit 340, storage units 345 and 346, and display screen generation unit 331 for dispensing customization control are introduced in the information processing terminal 300 by installing a dedicated application.

[0099] In Figure 15, an example is shown in which the mixing ratio calculation function in the control unit is provided on the information processing terminal side. However, the mixing ratio calculation function may also be provided on the dispensing device side, as in the first embodiment.

[0100] Furthermore, in a dispensing device to which an information processing terminal can be connected, a display device may also be provided on the dispensing device side.

[0101] In this embodiment as well, the color of the base material contained in the dispensing container and the color of the target object are measured using the same measuring device 9. Therefore, the dispensing device 1D can mix colors without causing any discrepancy between the color of the base material stored in the information processing terminal 300 of the customized dispensing system 100D and the color of the target object.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a user wishes to avoid matching the measured skin tone with colors created by mixing, such as concealer or highlighter, their request can be more easily entered via an information processing terminal.

[0103] <Fourth Embodiment> Figure 16 is an external view of a customized dispensing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The customized dispensing system 100E of this embodiment does not have a dedicated measuring device, and comprises a dispensing device 1E and an information processing terminal 300E.

[0104] The color measurement means in this embodiment is a miniature camera 310 provided on the information processing terminal 300E. To ensure brightness, it is preferable to provide a light-emitting unit 320 near the miniature camera 310. In Figure 15, the miniature camera 310, which is the color measurement means in the information processing terminal 300, is shown as an in-camera located on the front side, but the miniature camera may also be an out-camera located on the rear side.

[0105] In this embodiment as well, the color of the base material contained in the dispensing container and the color of the target object are measured by the camera 310 of the information processing terminal 300E, which is the same color measuring means. Therefore, the dispensing device 1E can mix colors without causing any difference between the color of the base material stored in the information processing terminal 300E of the customized dispensing system 100E and the color of the target object.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment as well, if the user wishes to avoid matching the measured skin tone with colors created by mixing, such as concealer or highlighter, the user's request can be more easily entered via an information processing terminal.

[0107] (Variations of the base material) The above example uses cosmetics as the base material, and the user's skin is given as an example of the object to be measured for adjusting and matching the color of the mixture to be dispensed.

[0108] However, the dispensing device of the present invention may also be applied to other dispensing systems that require color adjustment. For example, it may be used when a base material is used as a coating agent, the object to be painted is used as the object to be painted, and multiple colors of coating agents are mixed and applied to the object to be painted.

[0109] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the embodiments of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Dispensing device 5, 5A, 5B Dispensing container (container) 59A, 59B Piston 9. Measuring device 90 Wearable Devices 91 Color sensor (color measurement means) 100, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E Customizable Dispensing System 300 Information Processing Terminals 310 Miniature camera (color measurement method) 910 Miniature camera (color measurement method)

Claims

1. A color measuring means for measuring the color of an object, Multiple containers, each containing a base of a different color, A dispensing drive mechanism that dispenses a base of each color in a corresponding amount from the aforementioned multiple containers, A control unit that controls the amount of base material dispensed, The system includes a storage unit that stores color information obtained by measuring the color of the contained base material using the same color measuring means as described above, The control unit determines the blending ratio of multiple bases based on the relationship between the measured skin color and the stored base color information. Customizable dispensing system.

2. The device comprises the plurality of containers and a dispensing device on which at least the dispensing drive mechanism is mounted, The color measuring means can be connected to the dispensing device by wire or wireless connection. The customized dispensing system according to claim 1.

3. Each of the aforementioned plurality of containers is a dispensing container, The dispensing container comprises a container body capable of holding contents and a nozzle provided at the top of the container body, and the contents contained in the container body are discharged from the nozzle by pushing a piston provided inside the container body. The discharge drive mechanism of the discharge device drives each of the pistons provided in each of the dispensing containers to push them in, The control unit controls the amount the piston is pushed in by the dispensing drive mechanism so that it dispenses the base material of each color in an amount corresponding to the determined mixing ratio. The customized dispensing system according to claim 2.

4. The dispensing device is equipped with the control unit and the storage unit. The customized dispensing system according to claim 2.

5. The color measuring means is a colorimeter that can be connected to the dispensing device via wired or wireless communication. The customized dispensing system according to claim 4.

6. The color measuring means is a small camera mounted on a wearable device that can be connected to the ejection device via wireless communication. The customized dispensing system according to claim 4.

7. The ejection device and the color measuring means have an information processing terminal that can be connected via wireless communication. The control unit and the storage unit are executed by the information processing terminal. The customized dispensing system according to claim 2.

8. The color measuring means is a small camera mounted on the information processing terminal. The customized dispensing system according to claim 7.

9. The color of the base material stored in the memory unit is measured by the color measuring means while the base material dispensed from each of the plurality of containers is being dispensed onto a measuring tool. The customized dispensing system according to claim 1.

10. Each of the aforementioned plurality of containers has a transparent portion that allows the color of the base material contained within to be seen. The color of the base material is measured by the color measuring means from the transparent portion of each container while it is contained. The customized dispensing system according to claim 1.

11. The aforementioned object is the user's skin, The aforementioned multiple bases are colored cosmetics that can be applied to the skin. The customized dispensing system according to claim 1.

12. A customized dispensing method in a dispensing system capable of containing multiple colored bases, A color measuring device stores the color information of multiple contained base materials. The same color measuring means as described above is used to measure the color of the object. The mixing ratio of multiple colored bases is determined by the relationship between the color of the measured object and the stored color information of the base. The base material of each color is dispensed in amounts corresponding to the determined mixing ratio. Customizable dispensing method.

13. The aforementioned object is the user's skin, The aforementioned multiple bases are colored cosmetics that can be applied to the skin. The customized dispensing method according to claim 12.

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