EP1240845B1 - Hair colouring advising device - Google Patents

Abstract

Has a data processing system which determines from memorized data and user provided data types of color results which can be achieved. It also advises the user of products or groups of products chosen from a repertoire of products as a function of the color results which can be achieved and of the type of color result wanted. Console (1) which provides personalized advice about hair coloring at a point of sale. The console includes a display (2); a data processor (10) designed to control the displays different messages and/or images; an input system (2) allowing input of data to the data processor; a data collector which collects data concerning the users natural hair color and amount of gray/white hair; the data processor has access to memorized data concerning color characteristics of a group of products which can be reported to the user.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for providing personalized advice on hair coloring.

To guide women in the choice of coloring products, especially in the choice of coloring creams intended to dye the hair in a given color whatever their initial color, it is known to print on the holsters of these colors. and shade tables, comprising, for example, three starting colors, namely light, medium or dark hair, as well as three corresponding shades obtained after application of the coloring product.

For products having a lightening effect, it is known to print shading tables corresponding to the color of the hair before and after application of the coloring product, as well as the results obtained by means of the other products in the range, in order to facilitate the choice of the range and the product which will make it possible to obtain the blondness most adapted to the natural color of the hair.

The choice of a coloring product proves in practice quite difficult, because the woman must sometimes do the sorting between the numerous information appearing on all the cases present on the shelves, and more often has a limited time to do this.

In addition, the indications on the cases are not always very precise and can lead a woman to think that a color result can be achieved when in fact it is a result color neighbor will be reached, which is likely to cause disappointment.

We know at the priority date on the Internet a personalized diagnostic system allowing a user, after informing the system on the color of his hair and the percentage of white hair, to know if the products of the different ranges marketed by a company are suitable considering the natural color of the hair and the percentage of white hair. All ranges are offered on the screen and the user can select a range by clicking on it. A message is displayed to indicate that the range thus selected is not recommended, when the user's hair color or the percentage of white hair is not suitable. Otherwise, the different shades of color that can be obtained with the products of the selected range are displayed on the screen and clicking on a shade, information about the corresponding coloring product is displayed, this information consisting in particular of a reproduction of the color chart printed on the case of the product. Such a site does not offer complete satisfaction. Indeed, it is of no use for a woman wishing to be advised on the point of sale of the products. In addition, on the aforementioned site, the woman must click on each product line to know if the products in this range may be suitable or not, which is tedious when the number of ranges is important.

We also know by WO 00/15073 , EP 290,327 or US 4,434,467 color assist devices in which the user directly enters the desired exact final color. These devices do not offer complete satisfaction.

For example, the device described in US 4,434,467 does not take into account the amount of white hair. Requirement EP 290,327 offers only one coloring formula to the user after processing the data provided by the user. The device described in WO 00/15073 delivers coloring product manufacturing recipes and proves unsuitable for consumer advice in a store where products are self-service, for example.

There is a need to facilitate the choice of hair coloring products, especially at the point of sale.

The invention meets this need by means of a device according to claim 1.

"Input device" means any information acquisition device, whether such information is entered manually on a keyboard or a touch screen, for example, or acquired automatically, in part at least, by means of a portable device for example.

By "type of color result" is meant information relating to hair coloring, wider than the exact final color desired by the user. It may be a term or an expression that may generally describe a coloring result, in particular to indicate whether after coloring, the color of the hair is substantially modified or not, whether the coloring is global or limited to wicks, or expressing a purpose, for example the concealment of white hair.

"White hair" means senescent hair.

Thanks to the invention, the choice of a hair coloring product is facilitated since the user does not have to consult all cases of different coloring products offered for sale.

The invention also makes it possible to directly inform the woman according to the type of color result that she wishes, so that the products which are proposed to her are only products intended to obtain the desired color result, which gives a gain of time.

Advantageously, the advisory device further comprises a support of the display device and the input device.

• demander à l'utilisateur, dans un premier temps, sa couleur naturelle de cheveux et sa quantité de cheveux blancs,
• dans un deuxième temps, déterminer en fonction de ces données provenant de l'utilisateur, les types de résultats couleur pouvant être atteints au vu des caractéristiques des produits répertoriés,
• dans un troisième temps, demander à l'utilisateur parmi les résultats couleur pouvant être atteints le type de résultat couleur souhaité,
• dans un quatrième temps, proposer au vu des caractéristiques des produits répertoriés, des gammes de produits permettant d'obtenir le type de résultat couleur souhaité, puis
• dans un cinquième temps, demander à l'utilisateur de sélectionner une ou plusieurs gammes de produits parmi celles proposées, et pour chaque gamme sélectionnée, indiquer les nuances applicables directement ou avec application préalable d'un décolorant.

Advantageously, the data processing device is arranged for:

• ask the user, at first, his natural hair color and the amount of white hair,
• in a second step, determine according to these data from the user, the types of color results that can be achieved in view of the characteristics of the products listed,
• thirdly, ask the user among the color results that can be achieved the type of color result desired,
• fourthly, proposing, in view of the characteristics of the products listed, ranges of products making it possible to obtain the type of color result desired, then
• in a fifth step, ask the user to select one or more ranges of products from those proposed, and for each selected range, indicate the shades applicable directly or with prior application of a bleach.

Preferably, the device is arranged to offer the user one or more durations of keeping the result according to the natural color of his hair, the amount of white hair and the characteristics of the products listed and to allow the user to confirm the choice of duration when it is unique or to select from several durations when there are at least two.

Thus, the device takes into account the duration of the desired result by the woman, which further facilitates the choice of the product and allows in particular to reduce the time required for the selection of a product, which is important when the device is present on a place of sale and must be available for the greatest number of people.

• le pouvoir couvrant vis-à-vis des cheveux blancs,
• le type de résultat couleur que permet d'obtenir le produit.

Preferably, for each listed product, the stored data comprise at least:

• the covering power vis-à-vis the white hair,
• the type of color result that the product can obtain.

• la durée de tenue du résultat,
• les bases naturelles d'application et/ou le pouvoir éclaircissant ou décolorant du produit.

Preferably, for each listed product, the stored data further comprises:

• the duration of the result,
• the natural bases of application and / or the lightening or bleaching effect of the product.

Advantageously, the data processing device is arranged to ask the user the color of his complexion and select among the listed products those which are listed as being in harmony with the indicated complexion.

Thus, the device makes it possible to harmonize the color of the coloration with that the complexion of the woman.

In a particular embodiment, the data processing device comprises a first filter for selecting among the products listed those applicable for a given quantity of white hair.

• il y a adéquation entre la couleur naturelle des cheveux et les bases naturelles d'application des produits répertoriés lorsque l'information est disponible parmi les données mémorisées, ou
• une condition spécifique au type de résultat couleur susceptible d'être proposé est vérifiée par la couleur naturelle des cheveux et le pouvoir éclaircissant ou décolorant des produits.

Still in a particular embodiment, the data processing device comprises a second filter for selecting for each type of color result likely to be proposed, those for which:

• there is adequacy between the natural color of the hair and the natural bases of application of the products listed when the information is available among the stored data, or
• a condition specific to the type of color result likely to be proposed is verified by the natural color of the hair and the lightening or bleaching effect of the products.

• la condition C + P_E + P_D ≥ 8 est vérifiée, où C est la couleur naturelle des cheveux, C étant exprimée en numéro de nuance, variant de 1 à 10 du plus foncé au plus clair, P_E est le pouvoir éclaircissant exprimé en différence de numéros de nuance, et P_D est le pouvoir décolorant exprimé en différence de numéros de nuance lorsqu'un décolorant peut être utilisé, ou
• parmi les données mémorisées associées à chaque produit figure une indication selon laquelle le produit convient à l'application sur des cheveux de la couleur de ceux de l'utilisateur.

In particular, the data processing device can be arranged to propose, after application of the first and second filters, a first type of color result corresponding to blond hair all over the hair, when:

• the condition C + P _E + P _D ≥ 8 is verified, where C is the natural color of the hair, C being expressed in nuance number, varying from 1 to 10 from the darkest to the lightest, P _E is the lightening power expressed in difference of nuance numbers, and P _D is the bleaching power expressed in difference of nuance numbers when a bleaching agent can be used, or
• among the stored data associated with each product is an indication that the product is suitable for application to hair the color of those of the user.

The data processing device may also be arranged to provide a second type of color result, corresponding to blond hair on only part of their hair, after application of the first and second filters, when among the stored data associated with each product listed. an indication that the product is suitable for application to hair of the color of the user's hair.

The data processing device can be further arranged to provide a third type of color result, corresponding to non-blond hair having a different color of the natural color on all or part of the hair, after application of the first and second filters, when among the stored data associated with each product listed is an indication that the product is suitable for application on hair of color of those of the user.

The data processing device can be further arranged to provide a fourth type of color result, corresponding to shading of the white hair, after application of the first and second filters, when among the stored data associated with each listed product is an indication that the product is suitable for application on hair of the color of those of the user.

Advantageously, the data processing device comprises a first reading engine for reading, among the selected products by applying the first and second filters, the duration or durations of holding the result and cause the display of the holding durations of the result appearing among the products thus selected.

Preferably, the device comprises a third filter for selecting from among the products selected by application of the first and second filters those whose duration of holding of the result corresponds to the duration of holding of the result chosen by the user, this duration of holding the result having been chosen from those determined by the first reading engine.

The stored data comprise for each product listed an indication of the membership of the product to a specific product range.

Advantageously, the data processing device comprises a second reading engine for reading the product ranges to which belong the selected products after application of the first and second filters at least, and preferably the third filter also.

Advantageously, the device comprises a shade display engine for displaying the product grades of a product range selected by the user among the product ranges determined by the second reading engine.

Advantageously, the device comprises a third reading engine for reading the shades adapted to a given color of the selected products by applying the first and second filters and preferably the third filter also and determine the products that are listed as more suitable. especially to the color of complexion indicated by the user.

The device can be arranged to operate autonomously, without being connected to a computer server.

However, it is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the device is connected, in particular via the Internet, to a remote server and communicates under IP with the latter.

The device may comprise for example a mirror allowing the woman to more easily compare the color of her hair with that of a color chart and also facilitating the determination of the percentage of white hair.

The device may include an image acquisition element, in particular a camera.

Thus, for example, the mirror can be replaced by an image acquisition element, in particular a camera for collecting an image of the user's hair.

The device may further comprise an image insertion engine for embedding an image of the user's hair on the displayed image, in order to make it easier for the user to compare the color of his hair or the color of his hair. amount of white hair with comparison models displayed on the screen and / or with strands of a mech.

The device may further include both a mirror and a camera.

The device may comprise at least one mechier, in particular a mudier of colors, preferably comprising ten shades of colors, in particular black, brown, dark chestnut, chestnut, light brown, dark blond, blond, light blond, very light blond, very blond very clear.

The device may also comprise at least one mechier for determining the amount of white hair.

The device may include two scales for evaluating the amount of white hair, one being arranged to allow the determination of the amount of white hair by a user with light hair and the other by a user with dark hair.

Each meter for determining the amount of white hair may comprise at least five wicks corresponding respectively to the percentages of following white hair: none, less than 30%, 30 to 50%, 50 to 80% and more than 80%.

Advantageously, the display device is constituted by a touch screen.

The device can be attached to at least one rack capable of containing listed coloring products.

The device advantageously comprises lighting means, in particular the hair of the user.

The invention further relates to a method according to claim 34.

The term "receive" should be understood in a broad sense and include acquisition by any means, for example by a computer network, a measuring device, an interactive voice system, among others.

Received data can be raw or pre-processed.

The reception of the data can be done in a direct or indirect way.

As used in the present invention, the term "supply" may refer, in turn, to making available for use and / or display, to give, generate for use and / or produce. It may be "provided" manually or automatically, directly or indirectly, physically and / or electronically, which may include providing by means of a computer network, verbal communication, electronic transmission, a telephone transmission, an interactive voice system or in the form of a hard copy, among others.

"Providing" may also include an exchange of information across one or more networks, display or printing devices and / or storage means.

The aforementioned method may comprise the step of receiving information representative of the desired color result selected from the types of color results attained and the information provided may be based on the information representative of the desired color result.

The information relating to at least one hair coloring product may include information relating to the hair coloring product lines and the method may include the step of receiving from the user a selection of at least one desired range the desired range providing colors that can be achieved by direct application or by preliminary application of a bleach.

The method may also include the step of providing, based on the natural hair color, the percentage of white hair and information on all hair coloring products, information relating to at least one duration of the hair coloring. color result, the method may further comprise the step of receiving a third piece of information representative of a desired duration selected from said at least one duration provided. This third piece of information can be a simple confirmation of a desired duration or a selection of a desired duration among several proposed durations.

The method may also include the step of receiving data representative of all hair coloring products, including white hair coverage and the types of color result that can be achieved. These data may also include the duration of the product and at least one natural basis of application and / or lightening power and / or bleaching power.

The method may also include the step of receiving information representative of the skin tone of the user, the information provided to the user then being a function of this complexion.

The method may also comprise the step of selecting, from information on all hair coloring products, information relating to a first subset of products corresponding to the first piece of information received, this selection being carried out at using a first filter.

From this information relating to a first subset of products, it is possible to select information relating to a second subset of products corresponding to the second piece of information received, this selection being made by a second filter.

The first filter may select hair coloring products providing appropriate coverage of the user's white hair.

1. a) une information relative aux produits ayant une base naturelle d'application correspondant à la deuxième information, et
2. b) une information relative aux produits satisfaisant une condition spécifique du type de résultat couleur.

For each type of color result that can be achieved, the second filter can select, from the first subset, at least:

1. (a) information relating to products having a natural basis of application corresponding to the second information, and
2. (b) information relating to products satisfying a specific condition of the type of color result.

The method may also include the step of providing an attainable color result corresponding to blonde hair throughout the hair when a condition C + P _E + P _D ≥ 8 is satisfied, C being the natural hair color of the hair user, P _E representing the lightening power and P _D representing the bleaching power.

The method may also include the step of providing a color result corresponding to blonde hair on only a portion of the hair, when the product is suitable for application to hair of the color of those of the user.

The method may further comprise the step of providing a color attainable result corresponding to non-blond hair having a color different from its natural color on all or part of the hair when the product is suitable for the application on hair of the color of those of the user.

The method may further comprise the step of providing a color attainable result corresponding to shading of the white hair when the product is suitable for application to hair of the color of the user's hair.

The information relating to the second subset of coloring products may include at least one duration, the latter may then be provided to the user.

The method may include the step of selecting, from a information relating to the second subset of products, a third subset of products corresponding to the desired duration, this selection being made using a third filter.

All hair coloring products may include ranges of hair coloring products, and each range may include at least one coloring product.

The method may also include the step of reading from at least the second or third subset ranges associated with the product information.

The method may further comprise the step of providing a grade of a product corresponding to the desired range selected by the user.

The method may further comprise the step of reading, from at least the second or third subset, at least one shade associated with the information relating to at least one hair coloring product, this shade being consistent with the complexion of the user.

• acquérir une image de l'utilisateur,
• afficher l'image de l'utilisateur sur un écran, et
• superposer une deuxième image sur une portion de l'image correspondant aux cheveux de l'utilisateur, la deuxième image étant configurée pour
  1. a) permettre de comparer la couleur des cheveux de l'utilisateur avec au moins une nuance, et
  2. b) permettre de comparer le pourcentage de cheveux blancs de l'utilisateur avec au moins un exemple de pourcentage de cheveux blancs.

The method according to the invention may also comprise the following steps:

• acquire an image of the user,
• display the image of the user on a screen, and
• superimpose a second image on a portion of the image corresponding to the hair of the user, the second image being configured to
  1. a) make it possible to compare the user's hair color with at least one shade, and
  2. b) allow to compare the percentage of the user's white hair with at least one example of percentage of white hair.

The method of the invention may also include the step of allowing the user to purchase at least some hair coloring products.

The method may also include the step of offering for sale at least some hair coloring products.

The process may be carried out at least substantially entirely at a point of sale of hair coloring products.

Information on at least one hair coloring product may include information relating to at least a plurality of products or a plurality of subsets of products.

The first information and the second information may be received via an input device, and information relating to at least one product may be displayed on a display device.

The second information can be obtained using a measuring device.

We can receive the first information, the second information and provide product information through a network.

The term "network" may include a public computer network such as the Internet or a telephone network, a private network, a virtual private network, or any other mechanism for enabling communication between two or more locations. The network may include one or more wired or wireless connections. Wireless communications may include radio transmissions via airwaves, however those skilled in the art will appreciate that other various communication techniques may be used to provide wireless transmission including infra-red, cellular, micro-wave, and wireless transmission. wave, satellite, bluetooth radio and broad spectrum radio.

The method may also include the step of allowing the user to compare his hair with one or more scales representing natural hair colors and percentages of white hair.

• un dispositif de traitement de données, et
• une mémoire couplée de manière fonctionnelle au dispositif de traitement de données,

la mémoire stockant des informations relatives à un ensemble de produits de coloration capillaire, et des instructions destinées à être exécutées par le dispositif de traitement de données pour :

• recevoir une première information représentative du pourcentage de cheveux blancs de l'utilisateur,
• recevoir une deuxième information représentative de la couleur naturelle des cheveux de l'utilisateur,
• déterminer, en fonction de la première information, de la deuxième information, et des informations relatives à un ensemble de produits de coloration capillaire, des types de résultats couleur pouvant être atteints, et
• fournir, en fonction des types de résultats couleur pouvant être atteints et de l'ensemble des produits de coloration capillaire, des informations relatives à au moins un produit.

The invention also relates to a device for providing personalized advice on hair coloring, comprising:

• a data processing device, and
• a memory operatively coupled to the data processing device,

the memory storing information relating to a set of hair coloring products, and instructions for execution by the data processing device for:

• receive a first information representative of the user's percentage of white hair,
• receive a second piece of information representative of the natural color of the user's hair,
• determine, based on the first information, the second information, and information relating to a set of hair coloring products, types of color results that can be achieved, and
• providing, based on the types of color results that can be achieved and all the hair coloring products, information relating to at least one product.

• recevoir une première information représentative d'au moins un état des cheveux du sujet,
• recevoir une deuxième information représentative d'au moins un résultat de coloration désiré par l'utilisateur,
• fournir des informations relatives à une pluralité de produits de coloration capillaire, en fonction au moins de la première information et de la deuxième information,
• recevoir une troisième information représentative de la sélection par l'utilisateur d'un produit de coloration capillaire parmi une pluralité de produits, et
• fournir des informations relatives à au moins un produit de coloration capillaire sélectionné.

According to another of its aspects, the invention also relates to a method for providing personalized advice on hair dyeing, comprising the following steps:

• receive first information representative of at least one state of the subject's hair,
• receiving a second piece of information representative of at least one coloring result desired by the user,
• providing information relating to a plurality of hair coloring products, based at least on the first information and the second information,
• receiving third information representative of the user selection of a hair coloring product from a plurality of products, and
• provide information relating to at least one selected hair coloring product.

• un dispositif de traitement de données, et
• une mémoire couplée fonctionnellement au dispositif de traitement de données, cette mémoire stockant des informations relatives à un ensemble de produits de coloration capillaire, et des instructions destinées à être exécutées par le dispositif de traitement de données, afin de mettre en oeuvre le procédé défini précédemment.

The invention further relates, in another aspect, to a device for providing personalized advice on hair coloring, comprising:

• a data processing device, and
• a memory operably coupled to the data processing device, which memory stores information relating to a set of hair coloring products, and instructions to be executed by the data processing device, for implementing the previously defined method .

• recevoir une première information représentative d'au moins un résultat couleur désiré par l'utilisateur,
• fournir au moins un type de durée en fonction au moins de la première information,
• recevoir une deuxième information représentative d'une durée choisie à partir d'au moins un type de durée,
• fournir, en fonction d'au moins la première information et la deuxième information, des informations relatives à une pluralité de produits de coloration capillaire,
• recevoir une troisième information représentative d'une sélection par l'utilisateur d'au moins un produit parmi la pluralité de produits, et
• fournir des informations relatives à au moins un produit sélectionné.

The invention further relates, in another aspect, to a method for providing personalized advice on hair coloring, comprising the following steps:

• receive first information representative of at least one color result desired by the user,
• provide at least one type of duration based on at least the first information,
• receive a second piece of information representative of a duration chosen from at least one type of duration,
• providing, based on at least the first information and the second information, information relating to a plurality of hair coloring products,
• receiving third information representative of a selection by the user of at least one of the plurality of products, and
• provide information on at least one selected product.

• un dispositif de traitement de données, et
• une mémoire couplée fonctionnellement au dispositif de traitement de données, la mémoire stockant des informations relatives à un ensemble de produits de coloration capillaire, et des instructions destinées à être exécutées par le dispositif de traitement de données, afin de mettre en oeuvre le procédé défini précédemment.

The invention further relates, in another aspect, to a device for providing personalized advice on hair coloring, comprising:

• a data processing device, and
• a memory operably coupled to the data processing device, the memory storing information relating to a set of hair coloring products, and instructions to be executed by the data processing device, to implement the previously defined method .

• recevoir une première information représentative d'au moins un état des cheveux de l'utilisateur,
• recevoir une deuxième information représentative d'une durée de résultat de coloration,
• fournir, en fonction d'au moins la première information et la deuxième information, des informations relatives à une pluralité de produits de coloration capillaire,
• recevoir une troisième information représentative de la sélection par l'utilisateur d'au moins un produit parmi la pluralité de produits, et
• fournir des informations relatives à au moins un produit sélectionné.

According to another of its aspects, the invention also relates to a method for providing personalized advice on hair dyeing, comprising the following steps:

• receive first information representative of at least one state of the user's hair,
• receive a second piece of information representative of a duration of coloration result,
• providing, based on at least the first information and the second information, information relating to a plurality of hair coloring products,
• receiving third information representative of the user selection of at least one of the plurality of products, and
• provide information on at least one selected product.

• un dispositif de traitement de données, et
• une mémoire fonctionnellement couplée au dispositif de traitement de données, cette mémoire stockant des informations relatives à un ensemble de produits de coloration capillaire, et des instructions destinées à être exécutées par le dispositif de traitement de données, afin de mettre en oeuvre le procédé défini précédemment.

The invention also relates to a device for providing personalized advice on hair coloring, comprising:

• a data processing device, and
• a memory operatively coupled to the processing device of data, this memory storing information relating to a set of hair coloring products, and instructions to be executed by the data processing device, in order to implement the method defined above.

• recevoir une première information représentative d'au moins un état des cheveux de l'utilisateur,
• fournir, en fonction d'au moins la première information, au moins un type de résultat couleur,
• recevoir une deuxième information représentative d'un résultat couleur désiré par l'utilisateur, et
• fournir, en fonction d'au moins la première information et la deuxième information, des informations relatives à au moins un produit.

The invention further relates, in another aspect, to a method for providing personalized advice on hair coloring, comprising the following steps:

• receive first information representative of at least one state of the user's hair,
• provide, based on at least the first information, at least one type of color result,
• receive a second piece of information representative of a color result desired by the user, and
• providing, based on at least the first information and the second information, information relating to at least one product.

• un dispositif de traitement de données, et
• une mémoire couplée fonctionnellement au dispositif de traitement de données, cette mémoire stockant des informations relatives à un ensemble de produits de coloration capillaire et des instructions destinées à être exécutées par le dispositif de traitement de données, afin de mettre en oeuvre le procédé défini précédemment.

The invention also relates to a device for providing personalized advice on hair coloring, comprising:

• a data processing device, and
• a memory operably coupled to the data processing device, which memory stores information relating to a set of hair coloring products and instructions to be executed by the data processing device, in order to implement the method defined above.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un dispositif de conseil conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 1A représente isolément un appareil portable apte à effectuer au moins une mesure de couleur sur les cheveux,
• la figure 2 est un schéma simplifié représentant différents organes constitutifs du dispositif de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est un schéma en blocs illustrant différentes étapes de fonctionnement du dispositif,
• la figure 4 illustre l'application de différents filtres et moteurs de lecture aux données mémorisées,
• la figure 5 est un tableau indiquant la nature des données associées par exemple à chaque produit répertorié, et
• les figures 6 à 15 sont des représentations schématiques des informations s'affichant sur l'écran au cours du fonctionnement du dispositif.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a consulting device according to the invention,
• the Figure 1A represents in isolation a portable device able to carry out at least one measurement of color on the hair,
• the figure 2 is a simplified diagram representing different constituent organs of the device of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating different stages of operation of the device,
• the figure 4 illustrates the application of different filters and read engines to the stored data,
• the figure 5 is a table indicating the nature of the data associated for example with each product listed, and
• the Figures 6 to 15 are schematic representations of the information displayed on the screen during operation of the device.

We have shown on the figure 1 an example of device 1 according to the invention, comprising a touch screen 2, a color wick 3, two wickers of white hair 4 and 5, lighting ramps 6 and a mirror 7, the assembly being supported by a support 8.

The touch screen 2 is connected to a central unit 10 which is shown diagrammatically on the figure 2 which comprises a microprocessor data processing device 11 connected to data storage means 12 such as for example a hard disk and / or a read-only memory and / or a random access memory and / or a CD-ROM.

In a variant, the data processing device 11 can also be connected to an interface 13 enabling the device 1 to communicate with a remote server, in particular under IP protocol for exchanging information or enabling remote data processing, for example.

The support 8 which is in the general form of a terminal is joined in the example described to racking 15 containing products 16 listed in the device 1, as will be explained below.

The mirror 7 may be replaced, in a variant not illustrated, by a camera connected to an image-embedding device making it possible to display the image observed by the camera on a portion of the screen 2, in order to allow the user to compare the image of his hair with different shades displayed, for example.

The data storage means 12 comprise in particular, for a set of products listed and likely to be proposed, data concerning the characteristics of these products, in particular the data mentioned in the table of the figure 5 , namely the possibility of action of the product according to the percentage of white hair, the color effect obtained, the duration of the result, the trade name of the shade, the shade of the base and that of the primary and secondary reflections, the reference number, the lightening power, the tone (for a selection depending on the complexion of the woman), the natural basis of application.

The information which appears for each product in the column "possibility of action as a function of the% of white hair" is for example the percentage of white hair below which the product has an action sufficiently covering to lead to a satisfactory result.

The device 1 is arranged to allow the user to indicate, at first, the natural color of his hair.

To do this, the device 1 proceeds as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 in a first step 20 the display on the screen 2 of a page shown in the figure 6 , with the colors of the ten numbers of shades usually used to determine the color of the hair.

The action buttons are confused with each of the shades displayed.

The user can press the action button corresponding to the shade that is his, for example black, brown, dark chestnut, chestnut, light brown, dark blond, blond, light blond, very light blond or very very light blond , the selected action button corresponding to the information 32 on the figure 4 as we will see later.

The device 1 stores this natural hair color and proceeds in a next step 21 to the display of a screen as shown in FIG. figure 7 , if the user's hair is blond or at the figure 8 if the user's hair is rather brown.

Each image has five action buttons corresponding to percentages of white hair respectively zero, less than 30%, between 30 and 50%, between 50 and 80% and more than 80%.

The user can use the 4 and 5 hair strands to select an action button. The action button selected corresponds to information 31 on the figure 4 as explained below.

Alternatively, or additionally, the device 1 may comprise a portable device 2 'able to perform a measurement on the hair.

We have shown Figure 1A an example of such a device. This may comprise one or more detectors, or a camera 19 and appropriate signal processing means for delivering information concerning the color of the hair, for example one or more numbers corresponding to the pitch and to the reflections of the hair. hair. The information can be delivered directly, by a wired connection or not, to the data processing device 11, which relieves the user of having to select a color.

An example of a portable device for measuring hair color is described in US 3,736,064 .

More complex devices, for example comprising colorimeters or spectrocolorimeters, can be used if necessary.

One of the devices described in WO 97/44642 , WO 96/41139 or WO 98/11410 could still be used after modifications possibly.

When the portable device comprises a camera 19, it can also be used to replace the mirror 7, as indicated above.

• il y a adéquation entre la couleur naturelle des cheveux correspondant à l'information 32 et les bases naturelles d'application des produits répertoriés, lorsque l'information est disponible pour ces produits, ou
• une condition spécifique au type de résultat couleur susceptible d'être proposé est vérifiée par la couleur naturelle des cheveux correspondant à l'information 32 et le pouvoir éclaircissant ou décolorant des produits.

The device 1 comprises, as can be seen in the figure 4 a first filter 30 which makes it possible to extract, according to the information 31 concerning the percentage of white hair, from the set P of the products listed, the products that are applicable taking into account this percentage of white hair and a second filter 34 to select, among the products resulting from the selection by the first filter 30 and for each type of color result likely to be proposed, the products for which:

• there is a match between the natural color of the hair corresponding to the information 32 and the natural bases of application of the products listed, when the information is available for these products, or
• a condition specific to the type of color result likely to be proposed is verified by the natural color of the hair corresponding to the information 32 and the lightening or bleaching effect of the products.

A set of data P _1,2 is formed by applying the first 30 and second 34 filters.

This set of data P _1,2 concerns all the products likely to be offered to the user considering the natural color of his hair and the percentage of white hair.

The device 1 is arranged to propose the different types of color result that can be obtained by means of the products contained in the set P _1,2 by displaying the screen represented in FIG. figure 9 .

In this figure, all the types of color result to be displayed.

The type of color result "blond all the hair" is proposed in step 22 when the condition C + P _E + P _D ≥ 8 is verified, where C is the natural hair color, C being expressed in nuance number, varying from 1 to 10 from darkest to lightest, P _E is the lightening power expressed as a difference in shade numbers and P _D is the bleaching power expressed as a difference in shade numbers when a bleaching agent can be used, or where the stored data associated with each product is an indication that the product is suitable for application to hair the color of those of the user.

The type of color result "blond, wicks or scan" is proposed in step 22 when among the stored data associated with each listed product is an indication that the product is suitable for application on hair of the color of those of the user.

The type of color result "color shades, rather natural result, subtle" is proposed in step 22 when there are products allowing shades whose number is less than or equal to C + P _E + P _D.

It should be noted that the bleaching power P _D is equal to at most 4 and that if the brightening power P _E of the product is greater than 2, then there is no discoloration possible and the bleaching power P _D will be equal to 0.

In fact, given the diversity of the products listed, this option is always proposed by the device 1.

The option "color shades, color scanning", is proposed in step 22 when at least one listed product is able to be applied to the natural color of the hair of the user.

In practice, this option is always proposed by the device 1.

The option "color shades, intense result" is proposed in step 22 when the same conditions as for the option "rather natural, subtle result" are verified.

The "shading of white hair" option is proposed in step 22 when there are listed products that can be applied to the user's hair, given the percentage of white hair of the user.

The user selects in step 23 the type of color result desired by pressing the corresponding action button, which corresponds to the information 45 of the figure 4 .

The device 1 determines in step 24 the duration of results that can be obtained by means of the products of the set P _1,2 .

To do this, the device 1 comprises a read engine 35 arranged to read, among the products of the set P _1,2 , or the duration of the result of these products.

We have shown figure 10 three result periods corresponding respectively to "a shampoo", "a few shampoos" and "6 to 8 weeks", and on the figure 11 the "permanent" result duration.

In step 25, the device 1 asks the user to select a duration of result or, if necessary, to confirm the only proposed duration of the result, by pressing the corresponding action button, which makes it possible to enter information 38 from the figure 4 .

The device comprises a third filter 37 for selecting from the product set P _1.2 those whose duration of result corresponds to the duration of result selected or validated in step 25.

This gives a set of data P _1,2,3 .

The third filter 37 is implemented in step 26.

The device 1 comprises a reading engine 40 for reading the different ranges of products A ₁ ,..., B ₁ ,..., C ₁ ,..., D ₁ ,..., Which can be found among the products of the set P _1,2,3 and cause the display in step 27 of a screen such as that shown in FIG. figure 12 .

The user can select in step 28 a range by pressing the corresponding action button, which corresponds to the information 43 on the figure 4 .

A shading display engine 41 displays the shades of the products of the selected range so that step 28 can be displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. figure 13 .

The device 1 displays the grades that can be obtained by direct application of a product and those that can be obtained after application of a bleach.

The device 1 is arranged to ask, in step 29, the user to indicate his complexion, namely in the example described "clear" or "mat / golden" by displaying a screen shown in FIG. figure 14 , which corresponds to the information 44 of the figure 4 .

The device 1 comprises a reading engine 42, in order to determine among the displayed products those which are listed (column "tone" of the table of the figure 5 ) as being in harmony with the user's complexion, and signal them by framing them for example, as shown in figure 15 .

The next step 30 corresponds to the display of the case of the product selected by the user, and if necessary, application tips.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described.

In particular, step 29 of advice of a hair stylist and steps 24 and 25 of selection or confirmation of a duration of result can be eliminated.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device 1 may also include an image insertion engine for modifying an image of the user, acquired by means of the image acquisition device, in order to assist the user by providing information to the device 1.

Once an image of the user is acquired, the image insertion engine 60 can segment a portion of the image corresponding to the user's hair.

Segmentation techniques well known to those skilled in the art can be used.

A second image corresponding to the segmented portion may be superimposed on the user's image and may therefore alter the appearance of the user's hair.

The second image can be configured to display a shade or percentage of white hair as stored by the device 1. This function can be used to help the user to better determine the natural color of his hair or a percentage of white hair .

Claims (59)

1. Apparatus (1) for providing personalized advice concerning hair tinting, in particular at a point-of-sale, comprising:

   . a display device (2);

   . a data processor apparatus (10) suitable for controlling the display device in particular to display various messages and/or images thereon; and

   an input device (2;2') enabling to input information (31, 32, 38, 43, 44, 45) into the data processor apparatus, said input device enabling to input information (31, 32, 45) concerning natural hair color of the user and his/her percentage of senescent hair,

   said data processor apparatus having access to stored data relating to the tinting characteristics of a set of listed products (P) that can be offered to the user; characterized by the fact that said data processor apparatus is arranged to:

   . determine, on the basis of said information (31, 32, 45) concerning natural hair color of the user and his/her percentage of senescent hair provided by the user and of said stored data, the types of attainable color results,

   . ask the user for the desired type of color result from amongst those which can be attained, and

   . propose products or sets of products listed as a function of the types of attainable color results and the type of desired color result.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a support (8) for the display device and the input device.
3. Apparatus according to either preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the data processor apparatus is arranged:

   . firstly, to ask the user for the user's natural hair color and percentage of senescent hair;

   · secondly, to respond to the data from the user to determine the types of color result that can be obtained given the characteristics of the listed products;

   · thirdly, to ask the user for the desired type of color result from amongst those which can be attained;

   · fourthly, having regard to the characteristics of the listed products, to propose ranges of products that enable the desired type of color result to be obtained; and then

   fifthly, to ask the user to select one or more ranges from amongst those proposed, and in each selected range to indicate the shades that are directly attainable or that are attainable after prior application of a bleach.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the data processor apparatus is arranged to offer the user one or more durations concerning how long the result will last as a function of the natural color of the user's hair, the percentage of senescent hair, and the characteristics of the listed products, and to enable the user to confirm the duration on offer when there is only one duration or to select amongst a plurality of durations when there are at least two.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that for each listed product, the stored data comprises at least:

   · covering ability concerning senescent hair; and

   · the type of color result that the product makes it possible to obtain.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that for each listed product, the stored data further comprises:

   · the length of time the result lasts; and

   · the natural application bases and/or the lightening or bleaching power of the product.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the data processor apparatus is arranged to request the user's complexion and to select amongst the listed products those which are listed as suiting the complexion specified.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the data processor apparatus includes a first filter (30) for selecting amongst the listed products (P) those which are applicable for a given percentage of senescent hair.
9. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the data processor apparatus includes a second filter (34) for selecting for each type of color result that can be offered, those in which:

   · the natural color of the hair and the natural application bases of the listed products are compatible, when this information is available in the stored data; or

   · a condition specific to the type of color result that can be offered is satisfied by the natural color of the hair and by the lightening or bleaching power of the products.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the data processor apparatus is arranged, after applying the first and second filters, to offer a first type of color result corresponding to blonde hair for the whole head whenever:

    .the condition C + P_E + P_D ≥ 8 is satisfied, where C is the natural color of the hair, C being expressed as a shade number lying in the range 1 to 10 from darkest to fairest, P_E is the lightening power expressed as a difference in shade numbers, and P_D is the bleaching power expressed as a difference of shade numbers when it is possible to use a bleach; or

    · the stored data associated with each product includes an indication as to whether the product is suitable for application to hair having the same color as the user's hair.
11. Apparatus according to claims 9 and 10, characterized by the fact that the data processor apparatus is arranged, after applying the first and second filters, to offer a second type of color result corresponding to blonde hair over a portion only of the hair, whenever the data stored in association with each listed product includes an indication as to whether the product is suitable for application to hair having the color of the user's hair.
12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by the fact that the data processor apparatus is arranged, after applying the first and second filters, to propose a third type of color result corresponding to hair that is not blonde and having a color that is different from its natural color over all or part of the hair, whenever the data stored in association with each listed product includes an indication as to whether the product is suitable for application to hair having the color of the user's hair.
13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by the fact that the data processor apparatus is arranged, after applying the first and second filters, to offer a fourth type of color result corresponding to shading senescent hair, whenever the data stored in association with each listed product includes an indication as to whether the product is suitable for application to hair having the color of the user's hair.
14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized by the fact that the data processor apparatus includes a first read engine (35) for responding to the products selected by applying the first and second filters, by reading the duration(s) during which the result will last and by causing the result durations that appear amongst the products selected in this way to be displayed.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that it includes a third filter (37) for selecting from amongst the products selected by applying the first and second filters, those products which have durations over which the result lasts that correspond to the duration selected by the user, said duration being selected from amongst those determined by the first read engine (35).
16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the data stored for each listed product includes an indication concerning a determined range of products to which the product belongs.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that the data processor apparatus includes a second read engine (40) for reading the ranges of products to which the selected products belong after applying at least the first and second filters (30, 34), and preferably after applying the third filter (37) also.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that it includes a shade display engine (41) for displaying the shades of the products in a range of products selected by the user from amongst the ranges of products determined by the second read engine (40).
19. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that it further includes a third read engine (42) for reading the shades suitable for a complexion of a given color from amongst the products selected by applying the first and second filters (30, 34) and preferably the third filter (37) also, for determining those products which are listed as being more particularly suitable for the complexion color given by the user.
20. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it is arranged to operate as a stand-alone unit, without being connected to a computer server.
21. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it further includes a mirror (7).
22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes an image acquisition element.
23. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized by the fact that said image acquisition element comprises a camera.
24. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized by the fact that it comprises an image insertion engine enabling the displayed image to have overlaid thereon an image of the user's hair so as to make it easier for the user to compare the color of the user's own hair or the percentage of senescent hair therein with the examples displayed on the screen for comparison purposes or with swatches in a swatch sampler.
25. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes at least one swatch sampler.
26. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes a sampler (3) of colored swatches preferably comprising ten color shades, in particular black, brown, dark chestnut, chestnut, pale chestnut, dark blonde, blonde, light blonde, very light blonde, and lightest blonde.
27. Apparatus according to either one of the two preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it further comprises at least one swatch sampler (4, 5) enabling the percentage of senescent hair to be determined.
28. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it has two samplers (4, 5) enabling the percentage of senescent hair to be evaluated, one being arranged to allow the percentage of senescent hair to be determined for a user having fair hair and the other for a user having dark hair.
29. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the sampler for determining the percentage of senescent hair has at least five swatches corresponding respectively to the following percentages of senescent hair: none, less than 30%, 30% to 50%, 50% to 80%, and more than 80%.
30. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the display device is constituted by a touch-sensitive screen (2).
31. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it is adjacent to at least one set of shelves (15) suitable for containing the listed tinting products.
32. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes lightening means (6) in particular for lightening the user's hair.
33. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the display device comprises a hand-held device capable of measuring hair color:
34. A method for providing hair tinting advice using the device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

    receiving first information representative of a subject's percentage of senescent hair;

    receiving second information representative of the subject's natural hair color;
    determining, based on the first information, the second information, and information relating to a set of hair tinting products, types of attainable color results;

    receiving an information representative of a desired color result chosen from the types of attainable color results and,

    providing, based on the types of attainable color results, the set of hair tinting products and the information representative of a desired color result, information relating to at least one hair tinting product.
35. The method of claim 34, characterized by the fact that the information relating to at least one hair tinting product comprises information relating to ranges of hair tinting products, and wherein the method further comprises receiving a subject's selection of at least one desired range, wherein the desired range provides shades attainable through one of direct application and a prior application of a bleach.
36. The method according to claim 34 or 35, characterized by the fact that it comprises providing, based on the natural hair color, percentage of senescent hair, and the information relating to the set of hair tinting products, information relating to at least one duration, wherein the at least one duration corresponds to a temporal duration of the color result; and by the fact that it further comprises receiving third information representative of a desired duration chosen from the at least one duration.
37. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized by the fact that the receiving third information representative of a desired duration includes receiving one of a confirmation of a desired duration and a selection of one desired duration from a plurality of durations.
38. The method of according to any one of claims 34 to 37, characterized by the fact that it comprises receiving data representative of the set of hair tinting products, wherein the data includes information representative of the ability to cover senescent hairs and the types of attainable color results.
39. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the data representative of the set of hair tinting products includes information representative of a product duration, and at least one of a natural application base, a lightening power, and a bleaching power.
40. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 39, characterized by the fact that it comprises receiving information representative of a subject's complexion, wherein the providing is further based on the subject's complexion.
41. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 40, characterized by the fact that it comprises selecting, from the information relating to the set of hair tinting products, information relating to a first subset of hair tinting products corresponding to the first information, wherein the selecting is performed using a first filter.
42. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it comprises selecting, from the information relating to first subset of hair tinting products, information relating to a second subset of hair tinting products corresponding to the second information, wherein the selecting is performed using a second filter.
43. The method according to claim 41 or 42, characterized by the fact that the first filter selects hair tinting products providing appropriate coverage based on the subject's percentage of senescent hair.
44. The method according to claim 42, characterized by the fact that, for each determined type of attainable color result offered, the second filter selects, from the first subset, at least one of: a) information relating to hair tinting products having a natural application base corresponding to the second information, and b) information relating to hair tinting products satisfying a condition specific to types of color results.
45. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 44, characterized by the fact that it comprises providing an attainable color result corresponding to blonde hair for the whole head when a condition C+Pe+Pd ≥ 8 is satisfied, wherein C represents the subject's natural hair color, Pe represents a lightening power, and Pd represents a bleaching power.
46. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 45, characterized by the fact that it comprises providing an attainable color result corresponding to blonde hair over only a portion of the hair when the hair tinting product is suitable for application to hair having the same color as the subject's natural hair color.
47. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 46, characterized by the fact that it comprises providing an attainable color result corresponding to hair that is not blonde and having a color that is different from the at least a portion of the subject's natural hair color when the hair tinting product is suitable for application to hair having the same color as the subject's natural hair color.
48. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 47, characterized by the fact that it comprises providing an attainable color result corresponding to shading senescent hair, when the hair tinting product is suitable for application to hair having the same color as the subject's natural hair color.
49. The method according to any one of claims 43 to 48, characterized by the fact that the information relating to the second subset of hair tinting products comprises at least one duration, and wherein the method comprises providing the at least one duration to the subject.
50. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it comprises selecting, from information relating to the second subset of hair tinting products, a third subset of hair tinting products corresponding to a desired duration, wherein the selecting is performed using a third filter.
51. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the set of hair tinting products includes ranges of hair tinting products, and wherein each range includes at least one hair tinting product.
52. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it comprises reading, from at least one of the second subset and the third subset, ranges associated with the information related to the hair tinting products.
53. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 52, characterized by the fact that it comprises providing shades of the hair tinting products corresponding to the desired range selected by the subject.
54. The method according to any one of claims 50 to 53, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

    reading, from at least one of the second subset and the third subset, at least one shade associated with the information relating to the at least one hair tinting product, wherein the shade is suitable for the subject's complexion.
55. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 54, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

    acquiring an image of the subject;

    displaying the image of the subject on a display; and

    overlaying a second image on a portion of the image corresponding to the subject's hair, wherein the second image is configured for a) comparing the color of the subject's hair with the at least one shade and, b) comparing the subject's percentage of senescent hair with at least one example of percentage of senescent hair.
56. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 55, characterized by the fact that the information relating to at least one hair tinting product comprises information relating to at least one of a plurality of products and a plurality of subsets of products.
57. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 56, characterized by the fact that the first information and second information are received via an input device and the providing comprises displaying the information relating to at least one product on a display device.
58. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 57, characterized by the fact that at least the receiving of the second information comprises receiving information obtained via a measurement device.
59. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 58, characterized by the fact that at least one of the receiving of first information, the receiving of second information, and the providing occurs via a network.

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