Selective Skin Tone Applicator for Even Cosmetic Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cosmetic application methods fail to precisely target areas of the skin that require modification, leading to unnatural appearances, material waste, and increased exposure to allergens.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a detector and applicator system analyzes skin images to identify specific areas for targeted composition application, using a processing unit to control the application of cosmetic compositions to enhance aesthetic appearance and health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If manual application of cosmetic is applied across the entire surface of the skin, then a uniform appearance is created, but the appearance becomes unnatural, flat, and painted
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies cosmetic composition selectively to specific locations on the skin based on image analysis, rather than uniformly across the entire surface. The processor identifies areas needing treatment and controls the applicator to deposit composition only at those locations, creating local customization that maintains natural appearance while achieving uniformity where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The skin surface is divided into multiple discrete locations or regions based on image analysis. The system segments the treatment area into zones that require cosmetic application and zones that do not, allowing selective application to specific segments rather than treating the entire surface uniformly.
2Quantity of substance
If cosmetic is applied indiscriminately over large areas of skin, then coverage is achieved, but material is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes cosmetic material usage by applying composition only to specific locations where it is needed, rather than indiscriminately over large areas. The processor analyzes skin images to identify treatment zones and directs the applicator accordingly, reducing material waste while maintaining adequate coverage of problematic areas.
3Loss of substance
If manual application is used to target only specific portions of skin, then material waste is reduced, but precision and control are insufficient creating unnatural or splotchy appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical application with an automated system comprising image capture, digital processing, and controlled applicator mechanisms. The processor analyzes skin images to precisely identify treatment locations and controls the applicator to deposit composition with high precision, eliminating the imprecision and lack of control inherent in manual application methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image capture and analysis to provide feedback about skin conditions, which the processor uses to determine precise application locations and amounts. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high precision in targeting specific skin areas while optimizing material usage, preventing both waste and unnatural appearance.
4Quantity of substance
If a continuous layer of cosmetic is applied, then coverage is achieved, but a film is imparted over large portions of skin causing less natural feel and decreased breathability
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies cosmetic composition in a discontinuous, location-specific manner rather than as a continuous layer across large portions of skin. By targeting only specific areas needing treatment, the system maintains skin breathability and natural feel in untreated areas while still achieving adequate coverage and correction where required.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and method for selectively applying a cosmetic composition to a treatment surface (e.g., skin) to alter an aesthetic appearance of the skin. The device (100) includes a detector (110) obtaining image data corresponding to an image of an area of skin and an applicator (120) applying the composition to the skin. The applicator (120) is aligned to apply the composition to a location within the imaged area of skin. The device analyzes the image data and selectively applies the composition to the location when a reflectance value of the area of skin is (i) less than a reflectance value of a selected tone, and (ii) greater than a reflectance value of the location. The reflectance value of the selected tone may be generated based on image data corresponding to a region of skin adjacent to the area of skin. The device and method aim to reduce appearance of undesirable skin artifacts and enhance the aesthetic appearance of skin while limiting the need for the application of a continuous layer of cosmetic composition.