Virtual Cosmetics Interface for Facial Feature Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Trying on and purchasing beauty products can be inconvenient due to the need for physical visits to stores and trying multiple products, which wastes time and does not leverage expert recommendations.

Innovation Solution

A computing device-based cosmetics enhancement interface that allows users to virtually try on beauty products using digital photographs, with interactive conversations for product recommendations and e-commerce transactions, utilizing predefined rules and user preferences to simulate product applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users physically visit stores to try on beauty products, then they can experience product application firsthand, but it requires significant time investment and travel effort

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConvenience of product trialVSAvoidTime required for store visits and product trial

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of the user's face using digital photograph analysis and facial feature detection. This virtual replica allows unlimited product trials without physical travel, directly resolving the contradiction by providing store-like product application experience at home while eliminating time-consuming store visits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically applying makeup products with a digital simulation system. The virtual makeup application algorithm digitally overlays cosmetic products on the user's facial features in photographs, substituting the manual physical trial process with an automated computational approach that saves time and effort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If users try multiple beauty products in stores, then they can find satisfactory matches, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSpeed of product selectionVSAvoidComplexity of product evaluation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis by detecting facial features, skin tone, and anatomical characteristics from the user's photograph before product selection begins. This pre-processing prepares the digital face model and product parameters in advance, enabling rapid virtual trial of multiple products without the cumbersome step-by-step physical application process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters such as product color, shade, and application style by digitally adjusting the virtual makeup layers on the facial feature model. Users can rapidly switch between different product parameters (e.g., lipstick colors, eyeshadow shades) to evaluate multiple options quickly, dramatically improving productivity while keeping the interface simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system provides personalized recommendations, then it can tailor products to user preferences, but it requires complex analysis of user data and preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePersonalization of product recommendationsVSAvoidComplexity of preference analysis system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service analysis by automatically detecting facial features, skin tone, and anatomical characteristics from uploaded photographs without requiring manual user input. The algorithm autonomously extracts relevant parameters and generates personalized product recommendations based on the detected features, providing adaptability while avoiding complex manual data collection processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can indicate which virtual product trials they prefer, and the system uses this feedback to refine future recommendations. The algorithm analyzes user interactions with the virtual trial interface and adjusts its recommendation algorithm accordingly, enabling continuous personalization through simple user feedback rather than complex data analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10956009B2Method and system for interactive cosmetic enhancements interface

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 LOREAL SA

AI summary

Provided is a method and system of providing a cosmetics enhancement interface. The method comprises showing, at the display screen of a computing device having a memory and a processor: a digital photograph including facial features; an interactive dialog portion reflecting a conversational input received and a subsequent response provided thereto from the computing device; and a product display portion; receiving an inquiry, as reflected in the interactive dialog portion, related to a cosmetic product for application onto a selected facial feature; receiving a selection of the cosmetic product based on a matching to the at least one facial feature according to a predefined rule; displaying, at the product display portion, a product representation associated with the selected cosmetic product; receiving an update request; and updating the digital photograph showing a modification to the facial feature on the display screen by simulating application of the selected cosmetic product thereon.