JP2001078178A - Appearance advice receiving system, appearance advice providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To receive a piece of advice concerning an appearance in nearly real-time by receiving 'the piece of advice concerning the appearance' the advisor at a remote place and outputting the contents of the received advice or the adviser. SOLUTION: The server 11 of a service provider executing an 'appearance advice providing service' where users are registered as a member is connected to a network 10. The server 11 is connected to a terminal 12 owned by a cosmetic adviser, the terminal 13 owned by a beautician or the terminal 14 owned by a stylist or the like. Each adviser generates advice concerning makeup, a hair style or clothes, etc., being his or her own speciality by character, picture or voice. Then it is transmitted to the controller 8 of the user via the server 11. The controller 8 displays the character, the image, and an advised face image in LCD 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an appearance advice receiving system which allows a user to obtain advice on his / her appearance from a remote person in almost real time, and to an appearance advice providing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when it is necessary to pay attention to hairstyles, makeup, clothes, etc. for dating, matchmaking, company interviews, ceremonial occasions, etc., stand by yourself in front of a dressing table or appearance. There was no other way than to change my makeup and hairstyle, try combining different clothes, and consider myself or ask my family. By the way, in recent years, various proposals have been made in the flow of "informatization of houses". For example, Philips has proposed a "net mirror" for news and recruiting information in a telop near a mirror in a washroom, and users can read it while shaving ("NEWSWEEK (Japan Version) 1111. 6.
No. 2 page 19). Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-20411
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4 (Applicant: Inax, which is incorporated in the present specification as a prior art of the present invention) discloses that a camera is provided at a part of or near a mirror of a wash basin, and a user who shoots with a camera. The images of the face, eyes, hair, gums, and the like are imaged, and the images are directly communicated to a medical institution, and the doctor diagnoses while looking at the face of the washbasin user ”(paragraph number 003 of the publication).
3) a wash basin is proposed.

[0003]

However, as described above, what is the user's appearance of hairstyle, makeup, clothes, etc. for tomorrow or today's date, matchmaking, company interview, ceremonial occasion, etc. When in doubt about what is good (is this really good), in near real time,
In the past, the ability to receive advice on the appearance of a person could not be realized at all in the past, and as far as the inventor knows, anyone who tried to realize such a thing (a person who came up with such a "problem") ) Does not exist. The present invention asks the user what to do with hairstyles, makeup, clothing, etc. for tomorrow's or today's date, matchmaking, company interviews, ceremonial occasions, etc. (Is this really good?) It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to receive externally-approximate advice in real time, almost in real time.

[0004]

Means for Solving the Problems (Glossary, scope of the present invention, etc.) In the present invention, a "remote advisor" providing "advise on the appearance of the user's makeup, hairstyle, clothes, etc." It is desirable to be a professional such as a makeup adviser, hairdresser, dress adviser, and stylist. However, those who do not have a professional title (those who do not have such a job as their main job.
For example, ordinary employees, high school girls, housewives, etc.), there are many people who have the same level of sense of appearance as makeup, hairstyle, clothes, etc. Good. In the present invention, the user display unit is not limited to a conventional "mirror" provided on a stand, a dressing table, or a washstand as long as it captures a user's face or body, and an image from a camera that images the user. (A liquid crystal display device or the like) for displaying the information. Further, in the present invention, the terminal possessed by the advisor side may be a portable communication terminal such as a notebook personal computer or a mobile phone with a display. In the present invention, the user can also appoint an advisor who provides advice on his appearance. In this case, the user may request the advice by sending the image directly to the nominated advisor's address,
The user may access a site (homepage) such as the Internet that provides advice, and enter the name and identification number of the adviser to be designated there. (Contents of the Present Invention) Claim 1 A system for a user to receive “advice on his / her own appearance” such as his / her own makeup, hairstyle, and clothes, provided in front of the user, A user display unit (mirror or display) for projecting, and an imaging unit provided at or near a part of the user display unit, the imaging unit for imaging a face or a body of the user; Transmitting means for transmitting an image from the means to a remote advisor via a communication network; and receiving, from the remote advisor, "advice on appearance" of the image transmitted by the transmitting means via the communication network. Receiving means for
An advice output unit provided at or near a part of the user display unit, the advice output unit for outputting the content of the advice received by the receiving unit or a person who gives advice; The appearance advice receiving system characterized by the following. Claim 2 A system for allowing a user to receive advice regarding the appearance of his / her own makeup, hairstyle, clothes, etc., wherein the user display unit (mirror or display) is provided in front of the user to project the user's face or body. ), Imaging means provided at or near a part of the user display unit, and imaging means for imaging a user's face or body, and at or near a part of the user display unit. Voice input means for inputting a question relating to the appearance of the user, and an image from the imaging means and a voice from the voice input means to a remote advisor via a network. Transmitting means for transmitting, and, via a network, "advice on appearance" of the image transmitted by the transmitting means at a remote location. Receiving means for receiving from an adviser, and an advice display unit provided at or near a part of the user display unit, which displays the content of the advice received by the receiving unit or a person who gives advice. Advice display section, and an advice sound output section provided at or near a part of the user display section, for outputting sound of the advice received by the receiving means. And the appearance advice receiving system characterized by having. 3. The appearance advice receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the user display unit is a dressing table including a mirror that reflects the face and body of the user. 4. 4. The appearance advice receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the user display unit is a washstand including a mirror that reflects a user's face and body. 5. Claim 5 The claim 1 or 2, wherein the user display unit is a look including a mirror for reflecting a user's body,
The appearance advice receiving system characterized by that. 7. A system for providing a user with "advice on his / her own appearance" such as makeup, hairstyle, and clothes of the user, wherein the system is provided in front of the user to display a user's face or body. A part (mirror or display), imaging means provided at or near a part of the user display part, imaging means for imaging the face or body of the user, and an image from the imaging means. Transmission means for transmitting to an advisor at a remote place via a communication network, and advice for transmitting "advice on appearance" of the image transmitted by the transmission means from the advisor to the user at the remote place via the communication network A transmission unit, and an advice output unit provided at or near a part of the user display unit, wherein the advice transmission unit And a advice output unit for outputting the content of the advice transmitted from the communication means or a video of the person giving the advice.

[0005]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a “look and feel advice receiving system including a look” according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the look and feel of FIG.
1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a figure provided with a mirror 3 for photographing the body of the user 2. This figure 1 is provided with a mirror 3 in the center and a microphone 4 in the upper part.
A camera 5, a small LCD (liquid crystal display) 6, and a speaker 7 are provided. The microphone 4, the camera 5,
The LCD 6 and the speaker 7 are connected to a control device 8 including a computer. The control device 8 is connected to a network 10 such as the Internet via a modem 9. The network 10 is connected to a server (computer) 11 of a service provider that provides a “real-time appearance advice providing service for members” to which the user has registered as a member. The server 11 is connected to advisor terminals relating to appearances scattered at each point. For example, the server 11 includes a terminal 12 owned by a makeup advisor,
A terminal 13 owned by a hairdresser, a terminal 14 owned by a stylist, and the like are connected. Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. For example, suppose that the user has to go to a company interview one hour later, but he is wondering what to do with his or her makeup, hairstyle, clothes, etc. In this situation, the user first tries to make his own makeup, hairstyle, and clothes on his own, but he is not confident and does not know if this is good. You want it. In that case,
The self-appearance (make-up face, hairstyle set with a hairdryer, clothes that have been coordinated by oneself) is reflected on the mirror 3 and the appearance is imaged with the camera 5, and the image data is transmitted to the control device 8 and the modem. 9 to the server 11 via the network 10. Also, at that time, the user said, `` I want advice on this point, I want to give advice because I am not confident, I want you to advise on makeup, hairstyle, clothing suitable for that because I am interviewing for a job from now on, Since today is a sunny day in the middle of summer, I would like to advise on makeup, hairstyles, and clothing that are suitable for such situations. ”(Even in other cases, advise clothing that is suitable for tomorrow's matchmaking and dating situations. The data of a question such as “want” is created in text or voice, and the created data is sent to the server 11 together with the image data.
Send to The question data may be created by the user's voice input from the microphone 4 or may be input by characters using a keyboard (not shown).

The server 11 transmits the transmitted image data and question data of the user's appearance to the terminals 12, 13, and 14 of the advisors, respectively.
Send to Each adviser creates his / her specialized advice on makeup, hairstyle, clothes, etc. by text / image or voice (at this time,
The advisor captures his face image). The content of these advices (characters / images or voices) and the face image of the advisor are sent to the user's control device 8 via the server 11. The control device 8 displays characters or images constituting the received advice and the face image of the advice on the LCD 6. Further, the control device outputs a sound constituting the advice from the speaker 7.
When the sent advice is divided into advice on makeup, advice on hairstyle, and advice on clothes, the control device 8 sequentially outputs them in an appropriate order. Further, when the user does not understand the content of the output advice or wants to hear additional advice, the user sends an additional question message from the microphone 4 to the server 11 to send the additional advice. You can ask. In addition, the user can make a “videophone call” (a videophone can be configured by the camera 4, the microphone 4, the LCD 6, and the speaker 7 in FIG. 1) between the user and the advisor via the server 11. You can receive advice while sending your makeup, hairstyle, and clothing in real time. According to such a two-way videophone system, the user can change the hairstyle, change the makeup, change the combination of clothes, etc. at the same time while receiving the advice of a remote advisor on the spot. In parallel, you can receive various advices in real time.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 3 is a view showing a “visual appearance advice receiving system including a dressing table” according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, portions common to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In FIG.
Is a dressing table provided with a mirror, and 22 is a flat portion on which a makeup tool is placed. The “appearance advice receiving system including a dressing table” in FIG. 3 can also obtain substantially the same effects as in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a “visual advice receiving system including a wash basin” according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, portions common to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 4, 31
Is a wash basin provided with a mirror, and 32 is a recessed basin.
Also in the “appearance advice receiving system including a wash basin” in FIG. 4, substantially the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Extension / modification. The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various changes can be made. For example, Embodiment 1
In Nos. 1 to 3, the mirror 3 is provided as a "user display unit for photographing the user's face and body in front of the user's eyes" provided in the figure 1, the dressing table 2, and the washstand 3. According to the present invention, a display for displaying image data from the camera 5 may be provided as a “user display unit” instead of the mirror 3. In each of the above embodiments, the “camera 5, the microphone 4, the LCD 6, and the speaker 7” are all incorporated as a part of the appearance 1, the dressing table 2, and the sink 3. Then
Positioning any or all of the “camera 5, microphone 4, LCD 6, and speaker 7” separately from the appearance 1, the dressing table 2, and the wash basin 3, and the positions near the appearance 1, the dressing table 2, and the wash basin 3 May be arranged. In the present invention, a plurality of cameras 5 may be installed (camera 5
If a plurality of cameras are installed and the user is imaged from a plurality of angles, the user's image can be configured as a three-dimensional image, and the user's appearance can be imaged and analyzed from a plurality of angles. Therefore, it is possible to provide more accurate advice).

Further, according to the present invention, the LC of each of the above embodiments is used.
D6 may be provided in the mirror 3. The configuration for that will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
5A and 5B of JP-A-7-204114 are cited as they are (the following description of FIG. 5B of the present application refers to the description of the publication). It was done.) As shown in FIG. 5B, the mirror 3M
A liquid crystal panel 26 (corresponding to the “LCD 6” of the present embodiment) is disposed in close contact with the back surface of the glass 25. A metal thin film 27 is provided on the back of the liquid crystal panel 26. 28 is a support for supporting the mirror 3M. When used as a normal vanity table, the liquid crystal display is turned off, and functions as a normal mirror. When displaying the output result or displaying the other party's image of the two-way communication, the liquid crystal panel 26 is made to appear on the ONIDW mirror 3M. In the present invention, the camera 5 of each of the above embodiments may be provided in the mirror 3. The configuration for that is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to (a) and (c). FIGS. 5A and 5C are directly quoted from FIGS. 5 and 7 of JP-A-7-204114.
The description of (c) is based on the description in the above-mentioned publication.) As shown in FIG. 5C, a camera 21 (“camera 5” of the present embodiment) is provided on the back surface of the glass 25 of the mirror 3M.
Corresponding). The glass 25 is a half mirror only for the camera 21. Reference numeral 29 denotes a metal thin film of a half mirror.

[0011]

As described above, according to the present invention, the user can use tomorrow or today's date, matchmaking, company interview,
When wondering what to do with hairstyles, makeup, clothes, etc. for a ceremonial occasion, etc. (Is this really good?), It is now possible to receive remote advice on appearance in almost real time Thus, great benefits can be provided to users.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another configuration of the present invention.

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] October 18, 2000 (2000.10.
18)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All figures

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

FIG. 2

FIG. 3

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

Claims (6)

[Claims] Claims 1. A system for a user to receive "advice on his / her own appearance" such as his / her makeup, hairstyle, clothes, etc., wherein the user is provided in front of the user to project his / her face or body. Display (mirror or display)
An imaging unit provided at or near a part of the user display unit, an imaging unit for imaging a face or a body of a user, and an image from the imaging unit is remotely controlled via a communication network. Transmitting means for transmitting to a local advisor, receiving means for receiving, via a communication network, "advice on appearance" of the image transmitted by the transmitting means from a remote advisor, An advice output unit provided in part or in the vicinity thereof, the advice output unit for outputting the content of the advice received by the reception unit or a person who gives advice; Advice receiving system. 2. A system for allowing a user to receive advice regarding the appearance of his / her own makeup, hairstyle, clothes, etc., comprising a user display unit (mirror) provided in front of the user's eyes for projecting the user's face or body. Or display)
An imaging unit provided at or near a part of the user display unit, an imaging unit for imaging a user's face or body, and provided at or near a part of the user display unit. Voice input means for inputting a question regarding the user's appearance, and transmitting an image from the imaging means and voice from the voice input means to a remote advisor via a network. Transmitting means, receiving means for receiving, via a network, an "advice on appearance" of the image transmitted by the transmitting means from an advisor at a remote place, at or near a part of the user display unit An advice display unit provided in the display unit for displaying the content of the advice received by the receiving unit or a person who gives advice. An advice display unit, an advice sound output unit provided at or near a part of the user display unit, and an advice sound output unit for outputting sound of the advice received by the receiving unit. The appearance advice receiving system characterized by comprising: 3. The appearance advice receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the user display unit is a dressing table including a mirror for reflecting a user's face and body. 4. The appearance advice receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the user display unit is a washstand including a mirror for reflecting a user's face and body. 5. The appearance advice receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the user display unit is a figure including a mirror for reflecting a user's body. 6. A system for providing a user with “advice on his / her appearance” such as makeup, hairstyle, and clothes of the user, wherein the system is provided in front of the user and is used to project the face or body of the user. User display (mirror or display)
An imaging unit provided at or near a part of the user display unit, an imaging unit for imaging a face or a body of a user, and an image from the imaging unit is remotely controlled via a communication network. Transmitting means for transmitting to a local advisor, an advice transmitting means for transmitting, via a communication network, "advice on the appearance" of the image transmitted by the transmitting means from the advisor to a remote user, the user An advice output unit provided at or near a part of the display unit, the advice output unit for outputting the content of the advice transmitted from the advice transmission unit or a video of a person who gives advice. An appearance advice providing system characterized by the following.