User-selectable color cosmetic-providing device

Abstract

A user-selectable color cosmetic-providing device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of cosmetic cartridges that each accommodate a different color-forming material; a spraying unit that sprays the color-forming materials from the plurality of cosmetic cartridges; a palette including at least one cosmetic-receiving compartment into which the color-forming materials sprayed from the spray unit are deposited; a rotating unit for rotating the palette or the plurality of cosmetic cartridges; and a control unit that controls the rotation of the rotating unit and the spraying operation of the spraying unit on the basis of user-selected color information to provide color cosmetics to the cosmetic-receiving compartment of the palette.

Description

User-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device.

[0002] With the recent surge in public interest in makeup, various techniques from experts are being shared on social media and other platforms. Consequently, many people are attempting DIY makeup, and an increasing number are enjoying applying makeup tailored to their preferences by selecting different shades of color cosmetics daily depending on the occasion, location, and their mood.

[0003] However, the variety of colors available for color cosmetics produced by manufacturers is limited, making it difficult for consumers to select and purchase cosmetics with exactly the same color they desire.

[0004] In addition, people must purchase color cosmetics in prescribed quantities by color from cosmetic companies to try out various makeup shades, and due to the nature of cosmetics, there is a problem in that returns are difficult if the consumer has no intention of using the product after opening.

[0005] To resolve these issues, we propose a technology that allows users to directly produce color cosmetics in various colors of their choice.

[0006] [Prior Art Literature]

[0007] [Patent Literature]

[0008] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-2058733 (Title of Invention: Personalized Cosmetics Vending Machine Reflecting Current Trends and Customer Skin Types through Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analysis)

[0009] In order to solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention has as a technical objective the provision of a user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device capable of printing and providing user-selectable color cosmetic in real time according to the user's selection.

[0010] However, the technical problems that this embodiment aims to solve are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may exist.

[0011] A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of cosmetic cartridges each containing different color-expressing substances, a spraying unit that sprays color-expressing substances from the plurality of cosmetic cartridges, a palette including at least one cosmetic receiving compartment into which the color-expressing substances sprayed from the spraying unit land, a rotating unit that rotates the palette or the plurality of cosmetic cartridges, and a control unit that controls the rotation of the rotating unit and the spraying operation of the spraying unit based on user-selected color information to provide color cosmetic to the cosmetic receiving compartment of the palette.

[0012] According to the means for solving the problem of the present invention described above, since a color cosmetic of the color desired by the user can be provided immediately, there is an effect of improving user satisfaction.

[0013] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, but include all effects understood from the following description.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a user-selectable color cosmetic providing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a cosmetic cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 illustrates the print quality according to the impact distance.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a ventilation unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 illustrates the change in the concentration of the cosmetic color according to the spraying time of a cosmetic cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings to enable those skilled in the art to easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0021] Throughout this specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected" but also cases where they are "electrically connected" with other elements interposed between them. Furthermore, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components, and it should be understood that this does not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0022] The following examples are detailed descriptions to aid in understanding the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, inventions within the same scope that perform the same function as the present invention will also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a user-selectable color cosmetic providing system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 illustrates a user-selectable color cosmetic providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing system includes a user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device (10) and a user terminal (20). An application may be installed and executed on the user terminal (20) to generate user-selectable color information according to user input and to transmit the generated user-selectable color information to the user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device (10). At this time, the user-selectable color information may include at least one of color coordinate information, color composition information, and spray amount information corresponding to the color selected by the user.

[0025] A color cosmetic dispensing device (10) can provide a user-selectable color cosmetic to a cosmetic receiving compartment (210) of a palette (200) by spraying a color-expressing substance from a plurality of cosmetic cartridges (600) based on user-selected color information received through a communication module (400). For example, when a plurality of cosmetic cartridges (600) each provide color-expressing substances of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, the control unit (400) can generate color composition information corresponding to the user-selected color information and control the spraying time and number of sprays of each cosmetic cartridge (600) so that each color-expressing substance is provided to the palette (200) at a set ratio.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, a user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device (10) may include an upper body (11) and a lower body (12). A plurality of cosmetic cartridges (600) and a dispensing unit (100) may be mounted on the upper body (11), and a pallet (200) may be mounted on the lower body (12).

[0027] The upper body (11) or lower body (12) may include one or more of an output unit (820) for displaying the operating status of the device, a USB port (830) for performing data communication with an external device, and a power button (810) for controlling the operation of the device. For example, the output unit (820) may be composed of a display device, a light-emitting display device, or an audio output device, and the USB port (830) may be used as an interface for collecting maintenance logs and upgrading firmware.

[0028] Additionally, although the upper body (11) and the lower body (12) are shown separated, they may be mounted within a cylindrical housing. Furthermore, the upper body (11) and the lower body (12) may be detachably coupled through a magnetic coupling structure, a hook coupling structure, or various other coupling methods. For example, the magnetic coupling structure may include one or more magnets disposed on the lower surface of the upper body (11) and one or more metal plates disposed on the upper surface of the lower body (12), and the upper body (11) and the lower body (12) may be coupled in an aligned state by the attractive force between the magnets and the metal plates. Additionally, the magnetic coupling structure may further include guide pins and guide holes that guide the coupling positions of the upper body (11) and the lower body (12), so as to suppress positional errors during the coupling process. As another example, the hook coupling structure may include an elastic hook formed on the upper body (11) and a catch formed on the lower body (12), and the upper body (11) and the lower body (12) may be coupled by the elastic hook being engaged with the catch in an elastically deformed state. At this time, when a user operates a release button or release lever, the elastic hook may be disengaged from the catch, and the upper body (11) and the lower body (12) may be separated.

[0029] The spraying unit (100) may be configured to spray a color-expressing substance contained in a plurality of cosmetic cartridges (600) onto a palette (200). For example, the spraying unit (100) may include a piezo plate, and a nozzle through which the color-expressing substance is sprayed may be formed on the piezo plate. Additionally, the piezo plate may include a piezoelectric driving unit that deforms according to an electrical signal, and a droplet may be formed through the nozzle and discharged onto the palette (200) by the driving of the piezoelectric driving unit.

[0030] Additionally, the spray unit (100) may be configured to be located at the bottom of each cosmetic cartridge (600) to spray a color-expressing substance contained within the cosmetic cartridge (600) onto a palette (200) according to the command of the control unit (400). Furthermore, the color-expressing substance sprayed onto the palette (200) may be in any one of the forms of solid, powder, liquid, gel, and gas. The color-expressing substance may be composed of a single-component substance or a composition containing multiple components, and may have its own color. For example, the color-expressing substance may include pigments, dyes, and natural or artificial raw materials that exhibit color, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Such color-expressing substances may be composed of ingredients harmless to the human body, such as FDA-approved pigments, food-grade pigments, and mineral-based pigments, and may include additives such as preservatives, moisturizers, and antioxidants.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 3(a), the cosmetic cartridge (600) can be manufactured in the form of a single cartridge separated by color, so that it can be replaced by color in the upper body (11). For example, a plurality of cartridge mounting slots may be formed in the upper body (11), and each cartridge mounting slot may be separated into a position corresponding to a specific color-expressing substance. However, the single cartridges may also be manufactured in the form of an integrated assembly, and the entire cartridge may be replaced at once by replacing the assembly.

[0032] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 3(b), a plurality of cosmetic cartridges (600) can be manufactured in the form of a module in which they are integrally combined. For example, the module may be configured to include a plurality of cartridge receiving portions, each receiving a color-expressing substance of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, within a single common housing.

[0033] The cosmetic cartridge (600) may include an outer housing (610), an inner housing (620), an ink foam (630), and an elastic member (640).

[0034] The outer housing (610) forms the outer periphery of the cosmetic cartridge (600) to protect the internal components and may include a coupling structure for mounting on the upper body (11). An inner housing (620) is positioned to be accommodated inside the outer housing (610), and the inner housing (620) may be fixed in a position surrounded by the outer housing (610) or supported in an aligned state by a guide portion and a support portion formed in the outer housing (610).

[0035] The inner housing (620) may include a receiving space in which an ink foam (630) is received. For example, the inner housing (620) may have a sealed structure such that one end of the ink foam (630) is open so that one end of the ink foam (630) is positioned in a direction corresponding to the discharge position of the spray unit (100), and so that a color-expressing material flowing out from the ink foam (630) is delivered to the spray unit (100) without leakage.

[0036] The ink foam (630) may be mounted in the receiving space of the inner housing (620) while impregnated with or containing a color-expressing material, and may be configured so that the ink foam (630) maintains stable contact with the spray unit (100) even if the color-expressing material is gradually consumed during the use of the device (10). To this end, an elastic member (640) may be disposed at the end of the ink foam (630), and the elastic member (640) may elastically press the ink foam (630) in the direction where the spray unit (100) is located while being supported by the inner wall or support of the inner housing (620). Accordingly, the color-expressing material impregnated with or contained in the ink foam (630) is continuously supplied to the spray unit (100) by elastic pressurization along with capillary action inside the ink foam (630), and the phenomenon of delayed or interrupted discharge during the operation of the spray unit (100) is suppressed, thereby enabling smooth discharge. For example, the elastic member (640) may be a coil spring as shown in FIG. 3, but is not limited thereto, and may be a structure that pressurizes the ink foam (630) in the discharge direction with a constant pressure.

[0037] Additionally, the cosmetic cartridge (600) may include a contact pad (650) that is electrically connected to the control unit (400) and an authentication chip (660) that stores cartridge authentication information. The contact pad (650) and the authentication chip (660) may each be mounted on the cosmetic cartridge (600), or, if multiple cosmetic cartridges (600) are manufactured as a single module, they may be mounted on the module.

[0038] Meanwhile, the cartridge authentication information may include one or more of the following: a cartridge identifier, color information of the color-expressing substance, manufacturing information, expiration date information, remaining amount information, cumulative usage information, and authenticity verification information. The control unit (400) can electrically communicate with the authentication chip (660) through the contact pad (650) to read the cartridge authentication information, and based on the read cartridge authentication information, can perform at least one of checking whether the cosmetic cartridge (600) is installed, determining the type of the cosmetic cartridge (600), setting the spray parameters of the color-expressing substance, and allowing or restricting the operation of the device (10). For example, the control unit (400) can set the spray time, number of sprays, and spray order of the spray unit (100) based on the color type and spray characteristic information stored in the authentication chip (660), and can control the operation of the spray unit (100) or output a warning to the user if the expiration date information stored in the authentication chip (660) deviates from the standard or if the authenticity verification information is inconsistent. Additionally, the control unit (400) can calculate the cumulative usage and remaining amount information generated during the use of the device (10), and by recording the calculated cumulative usage and remaining amount information on the authentication chip (660), it is possible to manage the usage history of the same cosmetic cartridge (600) and provide guidance on the replacement time.

[0039] The palette (200) may include one or more cosmetic receiving compartments (210) into which a color-expressing substance sprayed from the spraying unit (100) is deposited. For example, the cosmetic receiving compartments (210) may be arranged in a circular shape and four may be provided, as shown in FIG. 2, but the number of cosmetic receiving compartments (210) is not limited thereto.

[0040] The rotating part (300) may be configured to rotate the pallet (200) and the spraying part (100) relative to each other. In other words, the rotating part (300) may include a motor, a reduction gear and a rotating shaft, and may be implemented in a manner that rotates the pallet (200) or rotates a plurality of cosmetic cartridges (600).

[0041] When the rotating part (300) is mounted on the upper body (11), the rotating part (300) can rotate a cartridge support structure that supports a plurality of cosmetic cartridges (600) so that the discharge position of each cosmetic cartridge (600) is sequentially positioned above the cosmetic receiving compartment (210) of the pallet (200). Conversely, when the rotating part (300) is mounted on the lower body (12), the rotating part (300) can rotate the pallet (200) so that the cosmetic receiving compartment (210) of the pallet (200) is sequentially positioned below the discharge position of the plurality of cosmetic cartridges (600).

[0042] The control unit (400) receives user-selected color information from a user terminal (20) through a communication module (500), controls the rotation unit (300) based on color composition information corresponding to the received user-selected color information, and can sequentially position one cosmetic receiving compartment (210) below the dispensing position of a plurality of cosmetic cartridges (600). For example, the communication module (500) may be a hybrid communication system that supports both wired and wireless communication, or a single communication system that supports only one of wired and wireless communication. For wired communication, an Ethernet interface is provided and can support a transmission speed of 10 / 100 / 1000 Mbps. For wireless communication, one or more of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), and cellular communication may be included.

[0043] The communication module (500) can support external data downloads, program updates, etc. for the execution of a user-selectable color cosmetic provision program executed by the control unit (400).

[0044] The communication module (500) supports integration with cloud services to provide backup of user data, trend analysis, and AI-based color recommendation services. It can optimize the amount of data transmitted through data compression technology and manage data transmission according to priority through QoS (Quality of Service) functions.

[0045] Additionally, the control unit (400) controls the spraying time and number of sprays for each of the plurality of cosmetic cartridges (600) so that each color-expressing substance is deposited in the cosmetic receiving compartment (210) in a set amount. Accordingly, a color cosmetic corresponding to a user-selected color can be provided within a single cosmetic receiving compartment (210).

[0046] The control unit (400) may include a processor or memory. For example, the processor may control other components by executing instructions stored in memory. The processor may execute instructions stored in memory or perform operations according to instructions stored in memory.

[0047] A processor is a component capable of performing calculations and controlling other devices. It primarily refers to a Central Processing Unit (CPU), Application Processor (AP), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), etc.

[0048] The processor can provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc., that are input or output through the components examined above, or by running applications stored in memory.

[0049] The memory can store data that supports various functions. The memory can store a number of application programs (or applications) running on the device (10), data for the operation of the device (10), and instructions. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Additionally, the applications may be stored in the memory, installed on a computing device, and driven by a processor to perform the operation of the device (10).

[0050] The memory may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, SSD type (Solid State Disk type), SSD type (Silicon Disk Drive type), multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory; RAM), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory; ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk.

[0051] The control unit (400) includes computing means such as memory and a processor, and can provide a user-customized color cosmetic product to the user by executing a user-selectable color cosmetic product providing program stored in memory.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 4, if the distance between the discharge position of the spraying unit (100) and the pallet (200) is shortened, the discharged color-expressing material may be concentrated in a specific area, and the printing pattern may become uneven. Conversely, if the distance between the discharge position and the pallet (200) is set large, the uniformity of the spraying pattern may be improved, but the size of the device (10) may increase or the spraying area may become excessively wide. For example, the control unit (400) may set a target distance between the discharge position and the pallet (200) based on the design dimensions or set values ​​of the device (10), and may set the spraying conditions and ventilation conditions together to correspond to the target distance.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 5, the user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device (10) may further include a ventilation unit (700) so that the color-expressing substance is uniformly sprayed even over a short distance. The ventilation unit (700) may include a plurality of ventilation holes (710) and a fan (720) positioned on the side of the discharge position of the spraying unit (100). The fan (720) forms an airflow by introducing or discharging air through the ventilation holes (710), and the control unit (400) can control the fan (720) in conjunction with the spraying operation. In addition, the control unit (400) can more precisely control the scattering and diffusion of the color-expressing substance by variably controlling the rotation speed and driving time of the fan (720) based on the characteristics of the selected color-expressing substance or the spray amount information.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit (400) can control the spraying time for each of the multiple cosmetic cartridges (600) to gradually change the concentration of each color-expressing substance. Even when using the same color-expressing substance, as the spraying time increases, the amount of color-expressing substance provided to the palette (200) increases, and thus the color concentration can increase. The control unit (400) can combine the spraying time control with color composition information to provide various color-colored cosmetics corresponding to the user's selection. Additionally, the control unit (400) can perform multiple spraying operations on the same cosmetic receiving compartment (210) to form a color concentration in a stacking manner, or change the spraying order of different color-expressing substances to improve the uniformity of the mixture.

[0055] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

[0056] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the concept of equivalents thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0058] 10: Color cosmetic dispensing device

[0059] 11: Upper body 12: Lower body

[0060] 100 : Injection part

[0061] 200 : Palette 210 : Cosmetic compartment

[0062] 300 : Rotating part

[0063] 400 : Control unit

[0064] 500: Communication module

[0065] 600: Cosmetic cartridge

[0066] 610 : External housing 620 : Internal housing

[0067] 630: Ink foam 640: Elastic member

[0068] 650: Contact pad 660: Authentication chip

[0069] 700 : Ventilation part

[0070] 710 : Vent 720 : Fan

[0071] 810 : Power button 820 : Output section

[0072] 830 : USB port

[0073] 20 : User terminal

Claims

1. In a user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device, Multiple cosmetic cartridges, each accommodating a different color-expressing substance; A spraying unit that sprays the color-expressing substance from the plurality of cosmetic cartridges; A palette comprising at least one cosmetic receiving compartment into which the color-expressing substance sprayed from the above-mentioned spraying unit lands; A rotating part for rotating the above pallet or the plurality of cosmetic cartridges; and A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device comprising a control unit that controls the rotation of the rotating part and the spraying operation of the spraying part based on user-selected color information to provide color cosmetic to the cosmetic receiving compartment of the palette.

2. In Paragraph 1, The control unit above generates color composition information corresponding to the user-selected color information, and based on the color composition information, By controlling the above-mentioned rotating part, at least one of the plurality of cosmetic receiving compartments is sequentially positioned at the bottom of the plurality of cosmetic cartridges, and A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device that controls the spraying time for each of the plurality of cosmetic cartridges to ensure that a color-expressing substance is deposited in at least one cosmetic receiving compartment.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above cosmetic cartridge is External housing; An inner housing accommodated inside the outer housing above; An ink foam that is accommodated inside the inner housing and impregnates or accommodates a color-expressing material; and A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device comprising an elastic member that contacts the end of the ink foam and elastically presses the ink foam in the discharge direction.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above cosmetic cartridge is A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device comprising a contact pad electrically connected to the above-mentioned control unit.

5. In Paragraph 1, A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device, wherein the above-mentioned spraying unit comprises a piezo plate having a nozzle formed therein for spraying the color-expressing substance.

6. In Paragraph 1, An upper body in which the above plurality of cosmetic cartridges and the above spray unit are mounted; and It includes a lower body on which the above pallet is placed, A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device in which the above-mentioned rotating part is mounted on the upper body or the lower body and rotates the cosmetic cartridge or the palette, respectively.

7. In Paragraph 6, A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device in which the upper body and the lower body are detachably coupled.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above upper body or lower body is Output unit displaying device status; A USB port for performing data communication with an external device; and A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device comprising one or more power buttons that control device operation.

9. In Paragraph 1, A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device further comprising a ventilation unit that generates airflow between the discharge position of the above-mentioned spray unit and the upper part of the above-mentioned pallet.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above ventilation part A plurality of ventilation holes located on the side of the discharge position of the above-mentioned injection unit; and A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device comprising a fan that controls the scattering and diffusion of a color-expressing substance sprayed at the discharge position of the spraying part by introducing or discharging air through the plurality of ventilation holes.

11. In Paragraph 10, A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device in which the above-described control unit controls the operation of the fan in conjunction with the above-described spraying operation.

12. In Paragraph 1, A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device further comprising a communication module that transmits and receives control signals or data signals to and from a user terminal or an external network device.

13. In a user-selectable color cosmetics provision system, A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and A user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing system comprising a user terminal in which an application is executed to receive user-selectable color information and transmit said user-selectable color information to said user-selectable color cosmetic dispensing device.

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