Acoustic Skin Detection Device for Precise Cosmetic Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for camouflaging skin blemishes are either time-consuming and require great accuracy or cannot effectively address blemishes in hard-to-reach areas without assistance.

Innovation Solution

A device equipped with a non-colorimetric detection system responsive to soundwaves, moisture, and other physical parameters, allowing for automatic detection and application of a composition to keratinous materials like skin, enabling accurate and efficient camouflage without the need for extensive user attention or assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a layer of covering composition is deposited to mask non-uniformities by going beyond them in all directions, then the application technique is simple and does not require great accuracy, but the result is not very natural

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication technique simplicityVSAvoidcamouflage accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies makeup composition locally only to the detected non-uniform zones rather than uniformly across the entire skin surface. The system uses acoustic detection to identify specific areas with non-uniform reflectance and deposits composition precisely at those locations, achieving both accuracy and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the non-uniformity is covered in a masking composition in highly accurate manner covering only the blemish itself, then the camouflage result is accurate and natural, but the process requires a great deal of attention and becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamouflage accuracyVSAvoidapplication speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual inspection and manual application process with an automated acoustic detection system and automated composition delivery system. The microprocessor-controlled system detects non-uniformities using acoustic waves and automatically controls the composition application, eliminating the need for manual attention while maintaining high precision and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs both detection and application functions automatically without requiring continuous human intervention. The microprocessor controls the entire process from detecting non-uniformities to depositing composition, enabling the device to serve itself in completing the makeup application task efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If help from another person is used to apply composition to zones that are difficult or impossible to see, then accurate application to hard-to-reach areas is achieved, but the process becomes more complex and requires additional resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication accuracy to hard-to-reach zonesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single handheld device: acoustic wave generation, acoustic signal detection, non-uniformity identification, and composition application. This multi-functional integration allows the device to independently handle all aspects of the makeup application process, including reaching hard-to-access areas, without requiring external assistance or additional complex systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise and efficient application of cosmetic compositions to various skin areas, including hard-to-reach zones, without requiring extensive user expertise or assistance, providing a natural-looking camouflage solution.

Implementation Method 1

a non-colorimetric detection system that is responsive to soundwaves and being a handpiece including a microphone in order to sense noise representative of rubbing against skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoundwave detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP2326203B1A device for applying a composition on human keratinous material
Publication Date: 2015.05.06 LOREAL SA
  • EP2326203B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2326203B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2326203B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for applying a cosmetic composition on human keratinous material, the device comprising: a non-colorimetric detection system; an application system for applying the composition to keratinous material, comprising a reservoir containing the cosmetic composition; and a processor unit for controlling the application system as a function at least of data received from the detection system.