FR3133118A1 - GRAY HAIR DETECTION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

GRAY HAIR DETECTION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM The invention relates to a hair coloring system, the system including at least one cartridge containing hair coloring, a hair coloring device comprising one or more chambers configured to receive the at least one cartridge , and a processor communicatively coupled to the dispenser, wherein the processor is configured to view an image of a user's hair, detect one or more hairs within a predetermined color range in the image through processing image, and applying hair coloring to the one or more hairs in a predetermined color range through an applicator on the hair coloring device Figure for abstract: 1

Description

GRAY HAIR DETECTION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM SUMMARY

This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form which are described in more detail herein in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

As people age, their hair often begins to turn gray or white. In some cases, it can be difficult to determine where the gray hairs are, especially if the person has a lighter hair color. Additionally, when people dye their hair, their natural hair color eventually starts to show at their hairline. As a result, there is a need for systems to diagnose gray or natural hair color and apply dye to a specific, localized area. This document is a description of exemplary devices and methods capable of detecting gray hair and applying localized hair dye to gray hair.

In one aspect there is disclosed a hair coloring system, the system comprising at least one cartridge containing hair coloring, a hair coloring device configured to receive the at least one cartridge; and a processor communicatively coupled to the hair coloring device, wherein the processor is configured to view an image of a user's hair, set a probability threshold of unwanted hair color, assign a probability to each pixel of the image as being: desired hair, unwanted hair, or the scalp, in which the desired hair has a desired color and in which the unwanted hair has an unwanted color, and applying the hair color to the one or more pixels that exceed the probability threshold of unwanted hair color through an applicator on the hair coloring device.

In another aspect there is disclosed a hair coloring method using the system of any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising viewing an image of a user's hair, defining a probability threshold of an unwanted hair color, assigning a probability to each pixel of the image as being desired hair, unwanted hair, or the scalp, wherein the desired hair has a desired hair color , and wherein the unwanted hair has the unwanted hair color, and applying the hair color to the one or more pixels that exceed the probability threshold of the unwanted hair color via an applicator on the hair coloring device.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many related advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the detailed description which follows, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

And Figures 1A and 1B are examples of hair coloring devices, in accordance with the present technology;

There is an interior view of an example of a hair coloring device, in accordance with the present technology;

There is a flowchart of a hair coloring process, in accordance with the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Described herein are systems and methods for detecting hair that has an unwanted color and applying hair dye to that localized hair or area. In some embodiments, the unwanted color is gray or white hair. In some embodiments, the unwanted color is the user's natural hair color. In some embodiments, a user can move the hair coloring device over their hair to detect unwanted hair. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device includes an infrared camera and an optical sensor to take an image of the user's hair as the user moves the device over their hair. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device may detect unwanted hair, desired hair, and the user's scalp using image processing. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device then applies hair coloring to the unwanted hair based on the processed images of the user's hair. In one embodiment, the user activates a user input to instruct the hair coloring device to apply hair color.

In one embodiment, the hair coloring device is communicatively coupled to a communications device, such as a smartphone. In some embodiments, the user can command the hair coloring device to begin taking images or applying hair coloring through an interface on the communications device. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device or communication device may alert the user that hair coloring is about to be applied.

In some embodiments, the hair coloring device is configured to accept one or more cartridges containing hair coloring. In some embodiments, the hair color is a semi-permanent, near-permanent, permanent or temporary hair dye. In some embodiments, the cartridge additionally contains a hair color treatment, such as an oxidant or toner. In some embodiments, a second cartridge contains the hair color treatment. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device applies the hair coloring treatment before applying the hair dye. In some embodiments, the user exchanges the cartridges to apply the hair color treatment before applying the hair dye.

Figures 1A and 1B are examples of hair coloring devices 100, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 has a form factor similar to that of a hairbrush or comb. The hair coloring device 100 may include a body 105, a cartridge 110, and an applicator 190. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 also includes a handle 125. In some embodiments, the handle 125 and the body 110 are removably attached, but in other embodiments, the handle 125 and the body 110 are one piece. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 includes a user input 135.

As illustrated on the , the hair coloring device 100 may include a cartridge 110. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 may include more than one cartridge 100. In some embodiments, the cartridge 110 may be attached to the body 105 of the hair coloring device 100, as illustrated in the , but in certain embodiments, the cartridge can be disposed inside the body 105 of the hair coloring device 100, as illustrated in the . In yet other embodiments, the cartridge 110 may be located on another portion of the hair coloring device 100, for example inside or on the handle 125.

In some embodiments, cartridge 110 contains hair coloring. In some embodiments, the hair color is a semi-permanent hair dye, but in other embodiments, the hair color may be a temporary hair dye. In some embodiments, the hair color is permanent or near-permanent hair color. In some embodiments, the system further includes a second cartridge 110 containing a hair color treatment. In some embodiments, the hair color treatment is a toner. In some embodiments, the hair color treatment is an oxidant. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 110 may accept more than one cartridge 110: one for hair coloring, and one for hair coloring treatment. In some embodiments, the hair dye and the hair color treatment may both be inside the same cartridge 110, but it is separated into chambers to avoid mixing. In some embodiments, each chamber may align with a separate applicator 190 so that they can be dispensed separately. In some embodiments, the hair treatment is applied before applying the hair color.

In some embodiments, the cartridge 110 includes an identifier, such as a QR code or RFID tag, so that the hair coloring device 100 can identify the color of the hair dye, the type of hair dye, or the type hair color treatment. In some embodiments, the color of the hair dye in the cartridge 110 may inform the desired hair color, as described in .

Although user input 135 is illustrated as a button on the , user input 135 can take any number of forms including a touch-type capacitive switch or button. In operation, the user can actuate the user input to begin the imaging process described in detail herein. In some embodiments, the user may further actuate the user input to instruct the device to apply the hair treatment and/or hair color.

In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 includes a plurality of bristles 115. In some embodiments, the bristles are configured to brush the user's hair. In operation, the plurality of bristles 115 may brush the user's hair to detangle and straighten the user's hair, to separate the user's hair into manageable sections for imaging, and to provide a therapeutic massage to the user. user's scalp.

In certain embodiments, such as those illustrated by FIGS 1A and 1B, the applicator 190 is arranged among the bristles. In some embodiments, the applicator is a mechanical pump. In some embodiments, the applicator is a solenoid pump. In some embodiments, the applicator is a microfluidic pump. In some embodiments, the applicator is a mechanical pump. In some embodiments, there is more than one applicator 190 on the hair coloring device 100. In some embodiments, all applicators 190 dispense the same hair color to different locations. In some embodiments, the applicators 190 may dispense different formulations, i.e., one applicator 190 dispenses hair color, while another applicator 190 dispenses hair color treatment. In some embodiments, the user can attach a hair color treatment cartridge to the hair color device, apply the treatment, and then exchange the cartridge for a hair color cartridge, so that the same applicator can dispense the hair color treatment. hair coloring and hair coloring device. In operation, when a user brushes their hair with the hair coloring device 100, hair coloring can be distributed by the applicator to one or more hairs of unwanted color, thereby allowing a localized portion to be dyed. and precise of the user's hair.

There is an interior view of an example hair coloring device 100, in accordance with the present technology. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 has a form factor similar to that of a comb. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 includes a cartridge 110, an accelerometer 120, a gyroscope 130, a contact sensor 150, a processor 160, a contact pin 165, a battery 170, an infrared camera 175, a light source 180 and an optical system 185 arranged in the body 105 of the hair coloring device 100.

The illustrated hair coloring device 100 includes an accelerometer 120 and a gyroscope 130. In some embodiments, the accelerometer 120 and the gyroscope 130 are communicatively coupled to the processor 160. In operation, the accelerometer 120 measures the vibration or accelerating the hair coloring device in the x, y, and z directions to determine the orientation of the hair coloring device 100. The gyroscope 130, in operation, similarly senses the angular velocity and orientation of the hair coloring device capillary 100.

In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 includes a contact sensor 150, communicatively coupled to the processor 160. In some embodiments, the contact sensor is also communicatively coupled to a contact pin 165. In some embodiments, contact sensor 150 communicatively coupled to contact pin 165 on hair coloring device 100 is configured to sense proximity to a user's hair. In some embodiments, contact pin 165 is on one or more of the plurality of bristles 115. In operation, when a user brushes their hair with hair coloring device 100, contact pin 165 detects proximity between the plurality of hairs 115 and the scalp of the user (not shown on the ). The contact pin may communicate this proximity to the contact sensor 150, which may also communicate with the processor 160, to determine whether the plurality of hairs 115 are in close enough proximity to the scalp to apply hair color. Although only one contact pin 165 is shown on the , the hair coloring device 100 may include any number of contact pins 165, including a contact pin 165 on each of the plurality of bristles 115 on the hair coloring device 100. In some embodiments, each Individual contact pin 165 provides separate proximity so that hair coloring is applied by the applicator(s) 190 only to the area in sufficient contact with the scalp.

In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 includes a battery 170. Although the battery 170 will be described in more detail, the hair coloring device may include other power sources, e.g., capacitors. In one embodiment, the battery 170 is a rechargeable battery 170 configured to receive electrical power from an external source when, for example, the electrical power to the rechargeable battery 170 is depleted. In another embodiment, the battery 170 is a single-use battery 170. In one embodiment, a useful life of the single-use battery 170 corresponds to an expected usage interval of the hair coloring device 100. As it is used over time, the coloring device capillary 100 may wear out, become dirty or no longer be able to provide the intended benefits. In this regard, when the single-use battery 170 runs out, the hair coloring device 100 may be configured to signal to a user that the hair coloring device 100 is ready for replacement, cleaning, reconditioning, and the like.

In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 further includes an infrared camera 175, a light source 180, and an optical system 185 communicatively coupled to the processor 160. In some embodiments, the light source 180 and the infrared camera 175 are communicatively coupled to the optical system 185. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device further includes an optical system configured to determine whether lighting conditions are suitable for viewing the user's hair . In some embodiments, the optical system 185 may sense whether the user is in suitable lighting conditions to detect hair of an unwanted color on the user's head with the infrared camera, as described further. in detail on the . If it is determined that the user is not in adequate lighting conditions, the light source 180 may illuminate the user's hair to better detect hair of an unwanted color. If this lighting is still not sufficient to detect the user's hair, for example if the user is in a dark room, the hair coloring device 100 can alert the user to move to a other place. After determining that the lighting conditions are adequate to detect the user's hair, the infrared camera can view an image of the user's hair.

When the user brushes or combs their hair with the hair coloring device 100, the infrared camera views images of the user's hair. The processor can then assign a probability to each pixel in each image as either (1) desired hair, (2) unwanted hair, or (3) scalp based on the color of each pixel. In some embodiments, the desired hair is hair that has a desired color that a user wishes their hair to have. In some embodiments, the desired color is the color of the hair dye in the cartridge 110 of the hair coloring device 100. In some embodiments, a user can select the desired hair color either with a user interface on the hair coloring device, or with a separate communication device communicatively coupled to the hair coloring device. In some embodiments, the unwanted hair is hair that has an unwanted color. In some embodiments, the unwanted color is chosen from gray or white. In some embodiments, the unwanted color is the user's natural hair color, such as when a user's roots grow out after a user dyes their hair.

In some embodiments, processor 160 sets a probability threshold to determine whether or not to apply hair coloring to pixels that have a probability of being unwanted hair. In some embodiments, the probability threshold is hard-coded into processor 160. In some embodiments, the probability threshold may be adjusted based on user preferences or needs. For example, the threshold may be higher if the desired hair color and the undesired hair color are not very distinct from each other, such as when a user tries to dye their dark brown hair black. Likewise, the threshold can be lowered when the desired hair color and the undesired hair color are distinct from each other, such as when a user tries to dye their blonde hair black. In some embodiments, the probability threshold is set to 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%. If the probability assigned to the pixel exceeds the probability threshold, the processor 160 instructs the applicator 190 to apply the hair color to this specific area. In some embodiments, processor 160 may detect one or more strands of hair based on pixel line segments. In this case, if the average of the pixels within the hair strand exceeds the probability threshold, the processor 160 can instruct the applicator 190 to apply the hair color to the specific hair strand.

In some embodiments, the hair coloring device 100 includes a plurality of bristles 115. In some embodiments, the plurality of bristles are spaced with a varying pitch distance such that more or fewer hairs are separated by the plurality of bristles 115. In some embodiments, the plurality of bristles 115 are hollow. In some embodiments, only one or more bristles 115a, 115b, 115c of the plurality of bristles 115 are hollow. In certain embodiments, one or more bristles 115a, 115b, 115c are arranged on one or more applicators 190, so that when the applicators apply hair coloring, it is applied through one or more bristles 115a, 115b, 115c. Although three bristles 115a, 115b, 115c are illustrated, any number of bristles may be disposed on the one or more applicators 190, including all of the bristles 115.

There is a flowchart of a hair coloring process, in accordance with the present technology. At block 300, the process begins. At block 310, the lighting conditions of a location are captured. Light conditions can be sensed with a light sensor. In some embodiments, the light sensor is on a hair coloring device (such as hair coloring device 100). In other embodiments, the light sensor is on a communications device, such as a smartphone or tablet. In some embodiments, the optical system performs a reading of light from the surrounding area to ensure that it will be able to view the user's hair as described herein. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device includes a light source that turns on if the optical system detects that light conditions are less than adequate. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device, the communication device, or both alert the user to move to more optimal conditions to begin viewing. In some embodiments, the user triggers reading of the light sensor by actuating a user input on the hair coloring device or communication device.

At block 320, the user's hair is visualized. In some embodiments, the user's hair is viewed with an infrared camera on the hair coloring device, but in other embodiments, the user's hair is viewed with a communications device. In some embodiments, the user can move the hair coloring device over their hair to capture their entire hair. In some embodiments, the user can select a particular location, such as the hairline, to move the hair coloring device there.

At block 330, the infrared camera displays images of the user's hair. The processor can then assign a probability to each pixel in each image as either (1) desired hair, (2) unwanted hair, or (3) scalp. In some embodiments, the processor assigns probability based on the color of the pixel. In some embodiments, the processor assigns probability based on detected segments in the image. In another embodiment, the processor assigns the probability based on both the color of the pixel and the segments detected in the image. As described herein, the desired hair has a desired hair color. The desired hair color can be selected by the user or matched to the color of the hair dye in the cartridge of the hair coloring device. In some embodiments, the unwanted hair is hair that has an unwanted color. In some embodiments, the unwanted color is gray or white. In some embodiments, the unwanted color is the user's natural hair color, such as when a user's roots grow out after a user dyes their hair. In some embodiments, the unwanted hair color is any color distinct from the desired hair color.

In some embodiments, processor 160 may set a probability threshold to determine whether or not to apply hair coloring to pixels that have a probability of being unwanted hair. In some embodiments, the probability threshold is hard-coded into processor 160. In some embodiments, the probability threshold may be adjusted based on user preferences or needs. In some embodiments, the probability threshold is set to 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%. If a pixel exceeds the probability threshold, the processor 160 instructs the applicator 190 to apply the hair color to that specific area. In some embodiments, the processor 160 may detect one or more strands of hair based on lines of pixel segments. In this case, if the average of the pixels within the segment exceeds the probability threshold, the processor 160 can instruct the applicator 190 to apply the hair color to the specific strand.

Optionally, at block 340, the hair coloring device senses its proximity to the user's hair with a contact sensor. In some embodiments, proximity to the user's hair is sensed with a contact sensor to ensure that hair coloring will only be applied to the one or more unwanted hairs. In some embodiments, the user can move the device closer to their hair to ensure that the hair care material is applied, as described herein, to the target areas. In some embodiments, the hair coloring device or communication device alerts the user to move the hair coloring device closer or further away from their hair.

Optionally, at block 351, the hair coloring device alerts the user that it will begin applying hair coloring and/or hair coloring treatment. In some embodiments, the alert is an auditory alert. In some embodiments, the alert is a tone or a flashing LED. In some embodiments, the alert is issued to the communication device instead of the hair coloring device. Alternatively, at block 352, the hair coloring device waits to apply hair coloring and/or hair coloring treatment until it receives a command from the user. In some embodiments, the command is given by the user by actuating a user input. In some embodiments, the user input is a button, touchpad, or switch. In some embodiments, the command is given with the communication device, for example by a user operating the touch screen of the communication device in response to a notification or pop-up window on the communication device.

At block 360, hair color and/or hair color treatment is applied to the user's hair in the detected locations. In some embodiments, the user may move the hair coloring device over their hair to apply the hair color and/or hair color treatment. In some embodiments, block 360 occurs simultaneously with blocks 330 and 340, so that when the hair coloring device detects the one or more hairs and ensures that it is in proximity to the user's hair, it also applies the hair color and/or coloring treatment to the user's hair.

In operation, a user may move the hair coloring device over their hair, the hair coloring device may detect, for example, any gray hair the user may have and immediately apply hair coloring to the user's gray hair . Optionally, the user can move the hair coloring device over their hair several times to ensure that any gray hairs they have are covered in dye.

At block 370, the process ends.

Claims (10)

Hair coloring system, the system comprising:
at least one cartridge containing hair coloring;
a hair coloring device configured to receive the at least one cartridge; And
a processor communicatively coupled to the hair coloring device, wherein the processor is configured to:
view an image of a user's hair;
define a probability threshold of unwanted hair color;
assigning a probability to each pixel of the image as being: desired hair, unwanted hair, or the scalp, in which the desired hair has a desired color and in which the unwanted hair has an unwanted color; And
applying hair coloring to the one or more pixels that exceed the probability threshold of the unwanted hair color through an applicator on the hair coloring device. The system of claim 1, wherein the hair coloring device further comprises a plurality of bristles configured to brush the user's hair. A system according to claim 2, wherein one or more of the plurality of bristles are hollow and disposed on the applicator such that when the applicator applies the hair color, it is applied through the one or more fur. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the applicator is a piezoelectric pump. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the applicator is a mechanical pump. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hair coloring device further comprises an optical system configured to determine whether lighting conditions are suitable for viewing the user's hair. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the hair coloring device further comprises a contact sensor communicatively coupled to a contact pin on the hair coloring device configured to sense proximity of hair to the hair coloring device. 'user. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the hair color is a semi-permanent hair dye, or a temporary hair dye. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the system further comprises a second cartridge containing a hair color treatment;
wherein the hair color treatment comprises a toner or an oxidant. Hair coloring process using the system of any one of the preceding claims, the process comprising:
viewing an image of a user's hair;
defining a probability threshold for unwanted hair color;
assigning a probability to each pixel of the image as being desired hair, unwanted hair, or scalp, in which the desired hair has a desired hair color, and in which the unwanted hair has unwanted hair color; And
non-therapeutic application of hair coloring to the one or more pixels that exceed the probability threshold of unwanted hair color via an applicator on the hair coloring device.