WO2001023850A1

WO2001023850A1 - Guided bio scanner and method for dyeing a body component

Info

Publication number: WO2001023850A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/022196
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mahmoud Ladjevardi
Original assignee: Mahmoud Ladjevardi
Priority date: 1999-09-24
Filing date: 1999-09-24
Publication date: 2001-04-05

Abstract

A hand held scanner (10) for determination of the color of a body component has a housing (20) including a light source (22), a detector (26), and a first guiding element (24) that contacts the body surface at least in part. A second guiding element (50) coupled to the housing (20) records the movement of the scanner (10) relative to the body component. The hand held scanner (10) may also be utilized in a scanner system having a central processing unit and an automated mixing device, wherein the automated mixing device mixes at least two cosmetically useful preparations, and wherein the mixing is controlled by the central processing unit.

Description

GUIDED BIO SCANNER AND METHOD FOR DYEING A BODY COMPONENT

Field of The Invention

The field of the invention is cosmetic devices.

Background of The Invention

Colored cosmetic compositions are well known to the art, and have been employed for many purposes. For example, some compositions are particularly useful to lighten up or darken the natural color of hair, while other compositions may be employed to dye gray, or otherwise discolored hair. Still other compositions may be employed to mask aberrations in skin pigmentation. In cases where the colored composition is utilized to blend in with an existing color (e.g., of skin or hair), it is desirable to closely match the existing color with the desired color. Such matching can be performed in various ways known to the art.

One method of matching is to empirically test a series of cosmetic compositions that are potential matches to the desired color. Empirical testing will eventually lead to a relatively good match when a sufficient number of different potentially matching cosmetic compositions are included. However, empirical testing has several disadvantages. Testing of numerous cosmetic foundations or lipsticks may pose economic and hygienic concerns, while testing hair coloring agents is typically be limited to a single color at a time.

Another method of matching is to visually compare the desired color with an exemplary color print on the package of the cosmetic composition. Exemplary color prints are commonly found with hair dyeing products, lipsticks, and cosmetic foundations. Color prints are typically very inexpensive to include in the package or body of the cosmetic composition. However, the reproduction of the color in the printing process does not always exactly match the color of the cosmetic composition. A further, more general disadvantage of visually comparing a desired color with an exemplary color print is that visual evaluation tends to be relatively inaccurate when performed by an untrained person. A trained cosmetician may assist in matching the person's desired color with the sample color displayed on the product, but environmental factors such as ambient light may still lead to a mismatch. Thus, even when performed by a trained person, visual evaluation still remains subjective, and therefore error-prone.

To render the evaluation process more accurate, electronic devices can be employed to determine the color of a person's skin, hair or lips. For example, Kent et al. describe in U.S.Pat. No. 3,736,064 a hand-held instrument that measures the shade level of a persons hair by correlating the shade level with the reflectivity of the hair. Measuring the shade level of hair using a reflectometer provides for a relatively simple and fast method, and reflectometers can typically be manufactured at comparably low cost. However, simple reflectometry does not differentiate hair color. For example, some shades of brown hair may have similar reflectivity to various shades of red hair, although they are clearly different colors. Further problems may arise when hair has different degrees of shine. For example, glossy brunette hair might have similar reflectivity to less glossy blond hair, and may lead to a misreading. More disadvantageously, Kent 's instrument provides results only in an arbitrary scale, i.e. the readouts are not normalized.

A more quantitative approach is shown in U.S.Pat. No. 5,797,750 to Gouriou et al. in which the inventors describe a device that determines the color of a person's skin by employing a video camera to match the persons skin color with a color of a skin foundation. The video camera captures an image of the skin, and a computer connected to the camera determines from the picture a set of chromatic parameters, in particular the RGB (red green blue) and Y (luminance) components. The parameters obtained by this procedure are then compared against a database that contains a palette of reference foundation colors, which correspond to commercially available foundation colors. The computer will determine the closest match between the chromatic parameters and the reference palette, and the test result is displayed on a screen or printed on a printer.

Although Gouriou 's approach advantageously replaces subjective judgment with considerably more precise chromatic analysis of an image, Gouriou 's video analysis still remains problematic in many aspects. For example, lighting conditions (e.g., bright sunlight falling through a window, or fluorescence light from a light bulb) may interfere with the measuring process. Furthermore, irrespective of the area from which the picture is taken, the analysis will result in one single average value for the entire area. Fine hair, birthmarks, blood vessels, or inhomogeneous pigmentation present in most individuals will therefore add to inaccuracies of the test result.

Although various methods are known to the art to determine a color of a body component, and to match that color with the color of a cosmetic composition, all or almost all of the known methods suffer from one or more disadvantages. Therefore, there is still a need to provide apparatus and methods for determining the color composition of a body component, and to match the color with the color of a cosmetic composition.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a hand held scanner to determine the color of a body component that has a housing including a light source, a detector, and a first guiding element that is coupled to the housing and that contacts the body surface at least in part. A second guiding element, also coupled to the housing records the movement of the scanner relative to the body component.

In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, the light source comprises a fluorescent or incandescent light source, and the detector comprises a video chip or a photo diode. While the first guiding element is preferably comb-shaped, alternative first guiding elements may be also shaped or otherwise conformed to body components other than hair, including lips, hands, forearms, and legs. Regardless of the shape, it is preferred that the first guiding element is detachable from the hand held scanner.

In another aspect of the inventive subject matter, the scanner may be electronically connected to a central processing unit, which in turn may be electronically connected to an automated mixing device, wherein the automated mixing device mixes at least two cosmetically useful components, and wherein the mixing is controlled at least in part by the central processing unit.

In a further aspect of the inventive subject matter, a method is presented in which a color of a body component is matched with a color of a cosmetically useful composition, wherein a color composition of the body component at a plurality of locations is acquired, and resolved into a plurality of individual colors using a central processing unit. The individual colors are then displayed, and an individual color is selected. Subsequently, a cosmetically useful composition having the selected individual color is produced in an automated mixing device, wherein the automated mixing device is controlled by the central processing unit according to the selected individual color.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

Brief Description of The Drawing Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bio scanner according to the inventive subject matter.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a scanner system including the bio scanner of claim 1.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "body component" refers to any external portion of a human body that is accessible without passing through the skin barrier. Particularly contemplated portions of the body include the skin, the lips, fingernails, and hair.

As also used herein, the term "cosmetic composition" refers to any mixture of cosmetic components topically applied to a body component that relates to, or enhances the beauty of a person, particularly the beauty of complexion, and the beauty of hair. Contemplated cosmetic components include lipids, vitamins, minerals, organic acids, peroxides, and active and passive coloring agents, wherein active coloring agents are reagents that react with a body component to produce a color, while passive coloring agents include colored reagents. Especially contemplated cosmetic compositions include hair- and skin coloring agents, but also lipstick and nail polish.

As further used herein, the term "automated mixing device" refers to an apparatus that mixes at least two components in a mixing compartment to produce a cosmetic composition, whereby the flow and/or ratio of the components is either controlled by automated valves or by automated application of pressure. An example for a typical automated mixing device can be found in U.S.Pat. No. 5.163,010 to Klein et al. In contrast, a simple beaker and a spatula are not considered an automated mixing device, because a beaker and spatula do not operate with an automated valve or nressure.

As still further used herein, the term "color composition" refers to a plurality of colors having at least one predominant color tone with one or more than one undertones or shades that may or may not be similar to the predominant color tone. For example, a fair skin with several blonde hairs has a color composition with a pink-white predominant color tone and an additional golden- yellow shade. In contrast, an evenly blue cardboard has no color composition, because there is no undertone, or additional shade.

Referring first to Figure 1, a bio scanner 10 generally has a housing 20 and a handle 30. The first guiding element 24 with a plurality of openings 24A is detachably connected to the housing 20 and fixed to the bio scanner 10 via a lock 32. Also connected to the housing 10 is the second guiding element 50 having a detachable wheel 52, a light source 22, and a detector 26. The signal transmitt- ing portion 40 is connected to the detector 26, the light source 22, and the second guiding element 50 (connection not shown). An exemplary hair 60 is guided by the first guiding element 24 to one of the openings 24A. and further guided by the second guiding element 50 along the underside of the bio scanner 10.

In one preferred embodiment, housing 20 and handle 30 are fabricated from black, non- translucent polyethylene and have an overall shape of a hairbrush. First guiding element 24 is a detachable comb-shaped matt-finished Teflon™ (perfluorinated hydrocarbon) strip (approximately 3 inches x 1 inch) with 8 openings of about V₈ inch x V₈ inch to receive hair of a person at least partially while the person performs a combing motion with the bio scanner. A snap-type lock 32 on handle 30 retains detachable first guiding element 24 fixed to the bio scanner. Second guiding element 50 is mounted to the inside of housing 20 and comprises an opto-electronic pulse generator, an axle, and detachable wheel 52. For each complete turn of detachable wheel 52, the pulse generator of second guiding element 50 produces 10 electronic pulses. Detachable wheel 52 has a cylindrical shape with a length of approximately 3.5 inches and a diameter of about 0.5 inch, and is fabricated from recycled paper. Light source 22 is a 10W incandescent light bulb mounted to the inside of housing 20, while detector 26 is a 3 inch x 0.5 inch low-resolution video chip with a lens system focused on the first guiding element, mounted inside housing 20 such that the detector detects light reflected from the first guiding element and the body component. Signal transmitting portion 40 comprises a plurality of copper wires, each being electrically connected to the pulse generator, the light source, and the detector.

In alternative embodiments the housing and handle need not be restricted to be fabricated from black, non-translucent polyethylene, but may be made from alternative materials, including various synthetic polymers, metal, natural products, and any reasonable combination thereof. For example, when light weight or elasticity is particularly desirable, polycarbonate, polyester, or polyvinyl chloride are contemplated as appropriate materials. On the other hand, when rigidity and sturdiness is especially required, the housing and handle may be fabricated from aluminum, stainless steel, etc. Natural products, and especially wood are contemplated as alternative materials when a more esthetically pleasing bio scanner is desired.

With respect to the color of the bio scanner it should be recognized that a particular color is not critical to the inventive concept presented herein. Consequently, any uniform color, color mixture or color pattern is contemplated. For example, if a more conservative look is desired, uniform black, blue, or red may be chosen, while in a more progressive look purple waves on orange background, or a black and white checkerboard color scheme may be elected.

It should further be appreciated that the bio scanner need not necessarily have the shape of a hairbrush. Depending on the particular application of the bio scanner, various alternative forms with or without handle are contemplated, including a pen-shape for scanning lip color, a shape similar to that of a mouse for a computer for scanning arms or legs, and a half-moon shape for scanning finger- and toe nails.

In further aspects of alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the use of the bio scanner predominantly determines size and shape of the first guiding element. As used herein, the term "first guiding element" generally refers to an element of the bio scanner that is specifically shaped or otherwise conformed to contact at least part of a body component, thereby helping to guide the bio scanner along the body component. For example, for a curved body component such as a fingernail or a lip it is contemplated to have a correspondingly curved first guiding element, while for larger, less curved body surfaces such as the back, or the upper leg a less curved, or even planar first guiding element is appropriate. When the body component comprises hair, the first guiding element may advantageously be comb-shaped. With respect to the openings it is contemplated that the number of openings is mainly determined by the kind of body component to be scanned. Large and little curved body surfaces may require no, or only a single opening, while fine body surfaces may benefit from 2-10, or more openings. With respect to the size of the opening it is contemplated that many sizes are appropriate, including between !Λ" x '/V', and less, and 1.5" x 0.5", and more. It should be appreciated that while in preferred embodiments the first guiding element is detachably connected to the housing, the first guiding element may also be permanently fixed to the bio scanner.

It should also be appreciated that the first guiding element not only guides at least part of the body component, but also reflects the light from the light source in the housing. The reflection of light by the first guiding element is especially advantageous, when the detector in the housing receives exclusively light reflected from body component and the first guiding element. In this case, not only undesired stray light is excluded, but the reflected light from the first guiding element may also be used as a reference light (i.e. calibration light), thereby eliminating the need for external calibration. Thus, the light reflected from the first guiding element is used to normalize the light reflected from the body component. Although it is preferred that the entire first guiding element may generate the calibration light, it is also contemplated that the first guiding element may have a dedicated reflective surface to generate the calibration light. Such dedicated surface may hereby have the same color as the first guiding element, or may have a different color. For example, a first guiding element in a bio scanner used for color determination of skin of a Caucasian may have a lighter shade than the first guiding element used for someone of African descent. It is still further contemplated that when a dedicated reflective surface is present on the first guiding element, the first guiding element may be made from translucent or transparent material. When calibration is derived from an external source, or no calibration is required, the first guiding element may be entirely translucent or transparent and not have a dedicated reflective surface. For example, for the color determination of hair on the forearm of a person, the person's skin color may be utilized as a background, which is subtracted from a picture containing skin and hair of that person. Likewise, when only a skin tone, or the color of a fingernail is desired, the first guiding element need not be reflective at all. It should therefore also be appreciated that bio scanners are contemplated having at least one of a transparent first guiding element, a transparent first guiding element with a dedicated reflective surface, and a reflective first guiding element.

With respect to the material, the first guiding element may be fabricated from various materials other than Teflon™, including natural and synthetic polymers, metal, and any reasonable mixture thereof. Especially contemplated materials are sterilizable and/or disposable materials, including soft- and hard plastics such as polyethylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc., but also paper and carton materials, and aluminum or stainless steel.

First guiding element 24 is preferably temporarily affixed by a snap-type lock, however, the nature of the lock is not critical to the inventive concept presented herein. Appropriate alternative locks may include hook-and-loop-type fasteners, single-, or double-sided adhesive tape, etc.

As used herein, the term "second guiding element" refers to an element of the bio scanner that has a movable portion that detects a movement of the bio scanner relative to the body component, wherein the second guiding element preferably assists to guide the movement of the bio scanner along a straight or diagonal path along the body component. However, it is contemplated that the second guiding element may also guide the bio scanner along curved paths. With respect to second guiding element 50 it is contemplated that alternative second guiding elements need not necessarily be mounted on the inside of housing 20, but may be coupled to the housing in various alternative locations. For example, where relatively small surfaces are scanned, the second guiding element may be mounted on an external portion of the bio scanner. It is further contemplated that a bio scanner for relatively strongly curved body components (e.g., fingers or toes) may have more than one second guiding element to ensure permanent contact of at least one wheel to the body component. Likewise, contemplated bio scanner need not be limited to an opto-electronic pulse generator as a signal generator, but may have alternative signal generators, including a magneto- eiectronic pulse generator, or an AC-, or DC- generator-type signal generator, etc.

It should further be appreciated that detachable wheel 52 need not be restricted to a cylindrical form of 3.5 inches in length and 0.5 inch in diameter, but may vary considerably so long as the alternative wheel is sized and dimensioned to maintain at least partially contact with the body surface that is scanned. For example, where registration of movement of the bio scanner in more than one dimension is desirable, it is contemplated that appropriate detachable wheels may have the form of a ball in a cage similar to pointing devices for a computer. Alternatively, where unidirectional scanning is preferred, contemplated wheels may have the shape of a disk. Similarly, the size and number of appropriate wheels may vary considerably. Thus, depending on the shape of the second guiding element, and the mode of the attachment of the second guiding element to the housing, the guiding of the scanner may be restricted to one or more particular directions.

The ability to detach the wheel from the second guiding element is especially advantageous when the body component being scanned comprises skin or hair, which may potentially contain human pathogens or parasites. Therefore it is contemplated that the parts of the bio scanner that contact the body component (i.e. first guiding element and the wheel of second guiding element) are disposable.

In still further aspects of alternative embodiments, the light source 22 may be various light sources other than a 10W incandescent light bulb. For example, contemplated light sources may include fluorescent light bulbs and chemoluminescent or electroluminescent light sources. Although white light is preferred, monochromatic light sources including laser diodes are also contemplated. With respect to the power it is contemplated that appropriate light sources produce sufficient quantities of light to permit detectable reflected light from the first guiding element and/or the body component. For example, a laser diode may require as little as several milliwatt, while a fluorescent light source may have 15 Watt to generate reflective light. It is still further contemplated that also external light sources are appropriate, including natural and artificial light sources, whereby external light may be guided into the bio scanner via a light guide (e.g., fiber optic), or the external light may enter the bio scanner through an opening in the housing. Depending on the light source and body component measured with the bio scanner, detector 26 need not necessarily be a 3 inch x 0.5 inch low-resolution video chip with a lens system focused on the first guiding element, so long as alternative detectors still detect light reflected from the first guiding element and the body component. Consequently, where fine differences in coloration are to be detected, the detector may comprise a high resolution video chip, while in less demanding applications a simple photo cell with a filter may suffice. Alternatively, a diode array may be employed where immediate resolution of the reflected light in its spectral components is desired. In still further alternative configurations, more than one detector may be utilized, wherein one or more detectors may detect light reflected from the body component and one or more detectors detect light reflected from the first guiding element. It should further be appreciated that various lens systems may be employed in the bio scanner to either focus or disperse the reflected light with respect to the detector.

Although the signals generated in the detector and the second guiding element are preferably transmitted via a plurality of copper wires, alternative signal transmitting portions are also contemplated, including conductive elements, light, or electromagnetic waves. Appropriate conductive elements may include single or multiple metal wires, such as silver, gold, aluminum, copper, and any reasonable combination thereof. Where wireless data transfer is preferred, infrared light or visible light may be used to establish data transfer between the bio scanner and a receiving unit. Alternatively, radio frequency may be utilized as a carrier of the signals produced in the bio scanner.

In alternative embodiments the bio scanner may be utilized in a scanner system comprising a central processing unit (CPU) to gather, store, or electronically interpret the data transmitted via the signal transmitting portion, whereby the CPU may be located in various places. For example, the CPU may advantageously be disposed within the housing of the bio scanner, when compactness is especially desired, but may also be located in a separate unit. Alternatively, the CPU may comprise a personal computer, which may perform various functions, including data gathering, storage, and calculations, and controlling of further devices. When a CPU is coupled to the bio scanner via a signal transmitting portion, it is especially contemplated that the CPU is also electronically coupled to an automated mixing device that mixes at least two ingredients to produce a cosmetic composition, wherein the mixing is controlled by the CPU. There are many known automated mixing devices for cosmetic compositions, and an exemplary automated mixing device is shown in U.S.Pat No. 5,163,010 to Klein et al., hereby incorporated by reference. The automated mixing device may be employed to produce various cosmetic compositions, including a hair dyeing solution, tanning solution, and tattoo ink.

In a method of matching the color of a body component with the color of a cosmetic composition, a bio scanner is utilized to acquire a color composition of the body component at a plurality of locations. The color composition is then resolved into a plurality of individual colors using a central processing unit, and the individual colors are displayed on a display. An individual color is selected from the plurality of individual colors, and a cosmetic composition having the selected individual color is produced in an automated mixing device, wherein the automated mixing device is controlled by the central processing unit according to the selected individual color.

An exemplary configuration of a bio scanner 100 having a CPU and an automated mixing device 180 is shown in Figure 2. The bio scanner 110 is electronically coupled to the CPU/monitor 160 via a signal transmitting portion 140. The CPU/monitor 160 is further electronically connected to the automated mixing device 180 by connector 170. The automated mixing device 180 is coupled to cosmetic components 182 that are mixed in a mixing valve 186 to the final cosmetic composition 184, which may be a hair dying solution, a tanning solution, a cosmetic foundation, or a tattoo ink. Referring to Figure 3, a bio scanner 320 with an exemplary first guiding element 325 contacts part of body component 310, wherein the body component is contemplated to be a hair, a lip, a hand, a forearm, a leg, or a skin.

In a preferred method, the hair color of an individual is acquired by guiding the bio scanner (vide supra) along a few inches of hair, wherein the bio scanner is connected to a personal computer with an LCD color monitor, and wherein the personal computer is connected to an automated mixing device for cosmetic compositions. The acquired color composition of the hair is processed in the computer via RGB splitting to determine the chromatic parameters of the color composition, and to yield a plurality of individual colors derived from the color composition. The individual colors are displayed on the color monitor, and an individual color is selected from the displayed colors. The computer compares the chromatic parameters of the selected color to chromatic parameters stored in a database in the personal computer corresponding to various mixtures of hair dyeing compounds. The computer then selects the mixture of hair dyeing compounds with the closest match in chromatic parameters to the selected color, and controls the mixing valves of the automated mixing device according to preset parameters for the mixture of hair dyeing compounds to produce the hair dye according to the selected individual color.

For the process of matching the color of a hair dyeing formulation to a particular hair color, it is especially contemplated that a single automated mixing device may produce any desired hair dyeing formulation requiring no more than approximately 20 coloring and modifying subtone agents. The components for such formulation may advantageously comprise a limited set of individual coloring agents, which correspond to various levels of natural hair color, and an additional set of independent modifying subtone agents that lighten or darken a particular coloring agent. For example, 10 individual coloring agents, corresponding to 10 levels of natural hair color may be combined with 10 modifying subtone agents to produce 100 different color tones.

Employing modifying subtone agents is especially desirable, because this process significantly reduces the number of dyeing solutions over known processes in which for each coloring agent a dependent set of modifying subtone agents is required.

Although the body component is preferably hair, it is also contemplated that alternative body components may also include body components other than hair, including skin, lips, finger nails, and toe nails. With respect to the computer and monitor it is contemplated that various modifications may be made without departing from the inventive concept presented herein. For example, instead of a personal computer, a laptop, or palm top computer may be employed. Similarly, a cathode ray tube or active matrix display may be used to display the individual colors.

It should also be recognized that a plurality of individual colors is displayed, which may or may not be accompanied by a display of the color composition. Displaying a plurality of individual colors is especially advantageous, because all body components naturally exhibit a variation in color to at least some degree. By displaying a plurality of individual colors derived from the color composition, the patron has a choice of his or her preferred color tone within the color composition to optimize the matching. Furthermore, it is contemplated that more than one individual color may be selected from the color composition to produce a single, intermediate dyeing solution, or multiple dyeing solutions within the range of the color composition.

With respect to the processing step of the color composition, various methods other than

RGB splitting are contemplated, including RGBY-splitting, and conversion to gray-scale. In cases where the detector is a photodiode with a filter, no color splitting may be required at all. Alternatively, reflected white light may be optically spread into its spectral components by a prism or a grid, and a photomultiplier or a diode array may detect the reflected light.

In further aspects of alternative embodiments, the cosmetic composition need not necessarily be a hair dyeing mixture, but may be various alternative compositions, including cosmetic foundation, lip stick, or tattoo ink.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of a bio scanner and methods for matching a color of a body component with a color of a cosmetic composition have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A hand held scanner to determine the color of a body component, comprising:

a housing having a light source and a detector;

a first guiding element that is coupled to the housing and that contacts at least part of the body component; and

a second guiding element that is coupled to the housing and that records a movement of the scanner relative to the body component.

2. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a handle.

3. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the light source comprises an incandescent light source.

4. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the light source comprises a fluorescent light source.

5. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the detector comprises a video chip.

6. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the detector comprises a photodiode.

7. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the first guiding element is comb-shaped.

8. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the first guiding element is detachable from the housing.

9. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the first guiding element is sized and dimensioned to contact at least in part one of a hair, a lip, a hand, a forearm, and a leg.

10. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the second guiding element comprises a cylinder-shaped wheel.

1 1. The scanner of claim 1 wherein at least part of the second guiding element is detachable.

12. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the body component comprises at least one of a hair, a hand, a forearm, a leg, skin, and a lip.

13. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the detector detects light reflected from the body component, and light reflected from the first guiding element.

14. The scanner of claim 13 wherein the light reflected from the first guiding element is used to normalize the light reflected from the body component.

15. A scanner system comprising:

the scanner of claim 1 ;

a central processing unit electronically connected to the scanner via a signal transmitting portion; and

an automated mixing device electronically connected to the central processing unit, wherein the automated mixing device mixes at least two ingredients to produce a cosmetic composition under the control of the central processing unit.

16. The scanner system of claim 15 wherein the central processing unit comprises a personal computer.

17. The scanner system of claim 15 wherein the cosmetic composition is selected from the group consisting of a hair dyeing solution, a tanning solution, a cosmetic foundation, and a tattoo ink.

18. The scanner system of claim 15, wherein the cosmetic composition is fabricated from a plurality of coloring agents, and a plurality of independent modifying subtone agents.

19. The scanner system of claim 18 wherein the cosmetic composition is fabricated from a total of 10 coloring agents, and a total of 10 independent modifying subtone agents.

20. A method of matching a color of a body component with a color of a cosmetic composition, comprising:

acquiring a color composition of the body component at a plurality of locations; resolving the color composition into a plurality of individual colors using a central processing unit;

displaying the plurality of individual colors;

visually selecting an individual color from the plurality of individual colors; and

the central processing unit controlling a mixing device that combines a plurality of cosmetic components to produce a cosmetic composition that matches the selected individual color.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the body component comprises at least one of a hair, a skin, and a lip.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein the central processing unit comprises a personal computer.

23. The method of claim 20 wherein the step of displaying comprises displaying the plurality of individual colors on one of a cathode ray tube, an active matrix screen, and a liquid crystal screen.

24. The method of claim 20 wherein the cosmetic composition is selected from the group consisting of a hair dyeing solution, a tanning solution, a cosmetic foundation, and a tattoo ink.

AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 16 March 2000 (16.03.00); original claims 1, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 20 amended ; remaining claims unchanged (3 pages)]

1. A hand held scanner to determine the color of a body component, comprising: a housing having a light source and a detector; a first guiding element that is coupled to the housing and contacts a body component, and that guides the housing in a substantially linear motion relative to the body component; and a second guiding element that is coupled to the housing and that records a movement of the scanner relative to the body component.

2. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a handle.

4. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the detector comprises a video chip.

6. The scanner of claim 1 wherein the detector comprises a photodiode.

7. A hand held scanner to determine the color of a body component, comprising: a housing having a light source and a detector; a comb-shaped guiding element that is coupled to the housing and that contacts at least part of the body component; and a second guiding element that is coupled to the housing and that records a movement of the scanner relative to the body component.

10. A hand held scanner to determine the color of a body component, comprising: a housing having a light source and a detector; a first guiding element that is coupled to the housing, contacts at least part of the body component, and comprises a cylinder shaped wheel; and a second guiding element that is coupled to the housing and that records a movement of the scanner relative to the body component.

11. A hand held scanner to determine the color of a body component, comprising: a housing having a light source and a detector; a first guiding element that is coupled to the housing and that contacts at least part of the body component; and a second guiding element that is detachably coupled to the housing and that records a movement of the scanner relative to the body component.

13. A hand held scanner to determine the color of a body component, comprising: a housing having a light source and a detector that detects light reflected from the body component, and light reflected from the first guiding element. a comb-shaped guiding element that is coupled to the housing and that contacts at least part of the body component; and a second guiding element that is coupled to the housing and that records a movement of the scanner relative to the body component.

15. A scanner system comprising: the scanner of claim 1; a central processing unit electronically connected to the scanner via a signal transmitting portion; and an automated mixing device electronically connected to the central processing unit, wherein the automated mixing device mixes at least two ingredients to produce a cosmetic composition under the control of the central processing unit.

20. A method of matching a color of a body component with a color of a cosmetic composition, comprising: acquiring a color composition of the body component at a plurality of locations; deriving a predominant color tone from the color composition using a central processing unit; displaying a plurality of colors selected from a variety of shades of the predominant color tone; visually selecting an individual color from the plurality of colors; and the central processing unit controlling a mixing device that combines a plurality of cosmetic components to produce a cosmetic composition that matches the selected individual color.

3. The method of claim 20 wherein the step of displaying comprises displaying the plurality of colors on one of a cathode ray tube, an active matrix screen, and a liquid crystal screen.