AND SKIN SCANNING DEVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/467,560, filed March 6, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to cosmetics and more specifically to smart cosmetic dispensers that dispense customized cosmetic products based on a variety of inputs including inputs from skin scanning devices.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many people apply cosmetics to their body and/or parts of their face every day. The cosmetics are typically off-the-shelf cosmetics that are selected from a finite number of options. These cosmetics are typically stored in and dispensed from a tube, a jar, a compact, etc. Most users of cosmetics typically only own or have access to a tiny fraction of the available cosmetics due to cost and practicality. However, a user's cosmetic needs can change from day-to-day depending on a variety of factors, such as, for example, weather (sunny, cloudy, rainy, etc.), pollution, time of year (e.g., season), expected activity of the user during the day/night (exercising, working, sun bathing, etc.), ambient temperature, ambient humidity, dryness of skin, color(s) of skin (which can change due to sun exposure and/or aging), time of application of product(s) (e.g., day or night), etc. Thus, a need exists for a system that dispenses a custom formulated cosmetic product based on a variety of inputs/information. The present disclosure is directed to solving these problems and addressing other needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a system includes a housing, a plurality of cartridges, a wireless communication module, one or more processors, and a memory device. The plurality of cartridges is positioned in the housing. The wireless communication module is configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more electronic devices. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the system to: receive, from at least one of the one or more electronic devices, information. The information includes (i) skin information associated with skin of a user, (ii) weather information associated with a weather condition, (iii) activity information associated with an expected activity of the user, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii), and (iii). Based on the received information, a first cosmetic product is dispensed from a first one of the plurality of cartridges and a second cosmetic product is dispensed from a second one of the plurality of cartridges.

[0005] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a system includes a housing, a plurality of cartridges, one or more processors, and a memory device. The plurality of cartridges is positioned in the housing. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the system to: receive information associated with a user of the system. Based on the received information, a first cosmetic product is dispensed from a first one of the plurality of cartridges and a second cosmetic product is dispensed from a second one of the plurality of cartridges.

[0006] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a system for dispensing a custom cosmetic product includes a housing, a plurality of cartridges, one or more processors, and a memory device. The plurality of cartridges is positioned in the housing. Each of the plurality of cartridges stores a respective cosmetic product therein. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the system to dispense a custom cosmetic product. The custom cosmetic product includes cosmetic product from at least two of the plurality of cartridges.

[0007] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method of dispensing a custom cosmetic product includes receiving a plurality of cartridges in a housing of a cosmetic dispensing system. Each of the plurality of cartridges stores a respective cosmetic product therein. Information associated with a user of the cosmetic dispensing system is received. Based on the received information, the custom cosmetic product is dispensed. The custom cosmetic product includes cosmetic product from at least two of the plurality of cartridges.

[0008] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a skin scanning system includes a skin scanning device, one or more processors, and a memory device. The skin scanning device has a handle portion and a head portion coupled to the handle portion. The head portion includes a light source and an optical image scanner. The light source is configured to be aimed at skin of a user. The optical image scanner is positioned adjacent to the light source. The optical image scanner is configured to image at least a portion of the skin of the user, thereby generating image data. The generated image data is reproducible as a plurality of images of the skin of the user. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the system to stitch together at least a portion of the plurality of images, thereby generating a master image of a portion of the skin of the user.

[0009] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a skin scanning device includes a handle portion and a head portion coupled to the handle portion. The head portion includes a light source, an optical image scanner, and a pair of rollers. The light source is configured to be aimed at skin of a user. The optical image scanner is positioned adjacent to the light source. The optical image scanner is configured to image at least a portion of the skin of the user, thereby generating image data. The generated image data is reproducible as a plurality of images of the skin of the user. The pair of rollers is disposed on opposing sides of the optical image scanner. The pair of rollers is configured to (i) directly engage the skin of the user during a scanning operation and (ii) aid in maintaining the optical image scanner a predetermined distance from the skin during the scanning operation.

[0010] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method includes providing a face scanning device including a light source and an optical scanner. A user is instructed, via an audio speaker, to position a tip of the face scanning device adjacent to a first portion of a face of the user. The user is instructed, via the audio speaker, to move the tip of the face scanning device along the face of the user to a second portion of the face of the user. During the moving of the tip of the face scanning device, image data that is reproducible as a plurality of images of the face of the user is generated via the optical scanner. At least a portion of the plurality of images is stitched together via one or more processors, thereby generating a master image of the portion of the face of the user.

[0011] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving, via a wireless communications module, an image of a portion of a face of a user. The image is analyzed, via one or more processors, to determine skin information associated with skin of the user. The skin information is indicative of a present color of the skin of the user, a moisture content of the skin of the user, a dryness measure of the skin of the user, an average pore size of the skin of the user, a range of pore sizes of the skin of the user, a hair follicle density of hair follicles protruding from the skin of the user, an average hair follicle size of hair follicles protruding from the skin of the user, a range of hair follicle sizes of hair follicles protruding from the skin of the user, a presence or lack of acne on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of aging spots on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of moles on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of scars on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of wrinkles on the skin of the user, or any combination thereof. Based on the determined skin information, a recommendation is generated for one or more cosmetic products to be used by the user.

[0012] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving, via a wireless communications module, an image of a portion of a face of a user. The image is analyzed, via one or more processors, to determine skin information associated with skin of the user. The skin information is indicative of a present color of the skin of the user, a moisture content of the skin of the user, a dryness measure of the skin of the user, an average pore size of the skin of the user, a range of pore sizes of the skin of the user, a hair follicle density of hair follicles protruding from the skin of the user, an average hair follicle size of hair follicles protruding from the skin of the user, a range of hair follicle sizes of hair follicles protruding from the skin of the user, a presence or lack of acne on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of aging spots on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of moles on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of scars on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of wrinkles on the skin of the user, or any combination thereof. Based on the determined skin information, a custom cosmetic product is developed, via at least one of the one or more processors, for the user. The developed custom cosmetic product includes a blend of two or more separate and distinct products.

[0013] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a system for designing and dispensing a custom cosmetic product includes a cosmetic dispensing machine, a skin scanning device, one or more processors, and a memory device. The cosmetic dispensing machine has a housing and a plurality of cartridges positioned in the housing. Each of the plurality of cartridges stores a respective cosmetic product therein. The skin scanning device has a light source configured to be aimed at skin of a user and an optical image scanner positioned adjacent to the light source. The optical image scanner is configured to image at least a portion of the skin of the user, thereby generating image data. The generated image data is reproducible as a plurality of images of the skin of the user. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the system to (i) stitch together at least a portion of the plurality of images, thereby generating a master image of a portion of the skin of the user; (ii) analyze the master image to generate skin information; (iii) develop a formula for a custom cosmetic product based at least in part on the generated skin information; and (iv) dispense the custom cosmetic product according to the developed formula from the cosmetic dispensing machine. The custom cosmetic product includes cosmetic product from at least two of the plurality of cartridges. [0014] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a system for designing and dispensing a custom cosmetic product includes a cosmetic dispensing machine, a skin scanning device, one or more processors, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the system to: (i) analyze image data generated by the skin scanning device to generate skin information; (ii) develop a formula for a custom cosmetic product based at least in part on the generated skin information; and (iii) dispense the custom cosmetic product according to the developed formula from the cosmetic dispensing machine.

[0015] According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving, via a wireless communications module, an image of a portion of a face of a user. The image is analyzed, via one or more processors, to determine skin information associated with skin of the user. The skin information is indicative of a present color of the skin of the user, a moisture content of the skin of the user, a dryness measure of the skin of the user, an average pore size of the skin of the user, a range of pore sizes of the skin of the user, a hair follicle density of hair follicles protruding from the skin of the user, an average hair follicle size of hair follicles protruding from the skin of the user, a range of hair follicle sizes of hair follicles protruding from the skin of the user, a presence or lack of acne on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of aging spots on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of moles on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of scars on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of wrinkles on the skin of the user, or any combination thereof. Based on the determined skin information, a formula for a custom cosmetic product for the user is develop via at least one of the one or more processors. The developed formula includes a blend of two or more separate and distinct cosmetic ingredients. The custom cosmetic product is dispensed, based on the formula, from a cosmetic dispensing machine.

[0016] The foregoing and additional aspects and implementations of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments and/or implementations, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided next.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The foregoing and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an illustrative block diagram of a cosmetic dispensing system according to some implementations of the present concepts; [0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cosmetic dispensing system according to some implementations of the present concepts;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a skin scanning device according to some implementations of the present concepts;

[0021] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the skin scanning device of FIG. 3;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a face being scanned using the skin scanning device of

FIG. 3 according to some implementations of the present disclosure; and

[0023] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an electronic device running an application to stitch images together according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0024] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific implementations have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a cosmetic dispensing system 100 includes a housing 110, a cartridge storage area 120, and a dispensing manifold 150. The housing 110 can have any shape and/or size and be made of any material (e.g., plastic, metal, rubber, or any combination thereof). The housing 110 is designed to be placed on a table-top or countertop, although the housing 110 floor-standing, can be mounted to a surface (e.g., a table, under a cabinet, etc.) and/or can be attached to a stand resting on the floor. In some implementations, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 is installed in a retail location (e.g., department store, cosmetic selling store, hair salon/barber shop, beauty shop, etc.).

[0026] The housing 110 includes the cartridge storage area 120 and the dispensing manifold 150 therein. The cartridge storage area 120 is externally accessible by, for example, the opening of a door or hatch (not shown) of the housing 110. The cartridge storage area 120 includes a multitude of cartridge receiving elements 125a-d sized and positioned to receive a respective cartridge therein. As shown in FIG. 1, a first one of the cartridge receiving elements 125a has a first cartridge 130a coupled thereto. Similarly, a second one of the cartridge receiving elements 125b has a second cartridge 130b coupled thereto; a third one of the cartridge receiving elements 125c has a third cartridge 130c coupled thereto; and a fourth one of the cartridge receiving elements 125d has a fourth cartridge 130d coupled thereto. While four cartridge receiving elements 125a-d are shown in the cartridge storage area 120, it is contemplated that the cartridge storage area 120 can include any number of cartridge receiving elements, such as, for example, one, two, five, ten, twenty, fifty, etc. Further, the cartridge receiving elements 125a-d can be in one or two or more layers (e.g., with respect to vertical) within the cartridge storage area 120.

[0027] The cartridges 130a-d are supported by the cartridge receiving elements 125a-d in a drop and go manner. In some implementations, the cartridges 130a-d snap into the cartridge receiving elements or are otherwise held generally in place by the respective cartridge receiving element 125a-d.

[0028] Each of the cartridges 130a-d can have any shape and any size, and be made of any material(s), etc. such that the cartridge 130a-d is able to store a material 135a-d therein. For example, each of the cartridges 130a-d is designed to store a cosmetic product/ingredient therein. Exemplary cosmetic products/ingredients include, but are not limited to, a lotion ingredient, a sunscreen ingredient, water, a powder ingredient, a liquid ingredient, a gel ingredient, a color ingredient, a moisturizing ingredient, a deodorizing ingredient, a tanning ingredient, a toning ingredient, a pore tightening/closing ingredient a soothing ingredient, a foundation ingredient, a perfume ingredient, an anti-wrinkle ingredient, or any combination thereof. The stored material 135a-d can be in a powder form (e.g., that is mixed with water during dispensing or dispensed as a powder directly), a liquid form, a gel form, etc.

[0029] The dispensing manifold 150 is positioned within the house 110 and adjacent to the cartridge storage area 120 such that the materials 135a-d in the cartridges 130a-d are dispensed and/or otherwise transferred from the cartridges 130a-d into the dispensing manifold 150. The dispensing manifold 150 can include a number of tubes (see, e.g., FIG. 2), valves, sensors, actuators, etc. or the like that aid in transferring the materials 135a-d from the respective cartridges 130a-d to an end or dispensing location (e.g., a hand of a user, a container/bottle, etc.). For example, in some implementations, one or more of the materials 135a-d is dispensed via the dispensing manifold 150 directly into a hand, H, of a user positioned generally below the dispensing manifold 150. In the case that two or more materials 135a-d are dispensed, the user can then mix the two materials in the user's hands and then directly apply the mixed material (e.g., custom cosmetic product) to the desired location (e.g., face of the user, hands of the user, legs of the user, arms of the user, head of the user, etc.). The two or more materials can be dispensed via the dispensing manifold 150 at the same time or sequentially (e.g., a first material is dispensed and the then a second material is dispensed and so on). [0030] In some implementations, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 further includes a mixing system 160. In such implementations, instead of the materials 135a-d being dispensed directly into the user's hand, H, the material 135a-d is dispensed from the cartridges 130a-d into the mixing system 160. The material 135a-d can be dispensed directly into the mixing system 160 or via the dispensing manifold 150. The mixing system 160 can include any number of elements to aid in the mixing of two or more of the materials 135a-d for use (e.g., application) by the user. For example, the mixing system 160 can include a container (e.g., a bottle) that receives the materials and the user can remove the container and manually mix the materials together by, for example, shaking the container (e.g., with a cap attached or with a pump element attached or the like). For another example, the mixing system 160 can include a container (e.g., a bottle, a cup, bowl, etc.) that receives the materials and a vibrating element that vibrates the container and the materials therein to aid in mixing the materials together. For another example, the mixing system 160 can spin and/or shake the container and the materials therein to aid in mixing the materials together. For another example, the mixing system 160 can include a mixing arm and one more mixing blades coupled thereto. The mixing arm is rotated and/or translated such that the one or more mixing blades move relative to the container and/or the materials therein to aid in mixing the materials together. Due to the nature of at least some of the materials being used, the container and/or the mixing blades can be disposable (e.g., one-time use elements). Various other methods for mixing two or more of the materials are contemplated (e.g., using compressed air, magnets, stir rods, etc.).

[0031] The cosmetic dispensing system 100 further includes an actuation mechanism 140 that is position within the housing 110 adjacent to the cartridge storage area 120. The actuation mechanism 140 is able to selectively engage one or more of the cartridges 130a-d at the same time and/or sequentially to cause material(s) therein to be dispensed into the dispensing manifold 150 at substantially the same time or at the same time or sequentially. The actuation mechanism 140 physically and directly engages the cartridges 130a-d to cause the material therein to be dispensed. In some implementations, the actuation mechanism 140 can pierce the cartridges 130a-d to aid in the dispensing.

[0032] The cosmetic dispensing system 100 further includes various electronic components to control the operation of the cosmetic dispensing system 100. Specifically, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memory devices 180, a wireless communication module 185, one or more input devices 190, and one or more electronic display devices 195. The processor 175 is electronically coupled to the memory device 180, the wireless communications module 185, the input device 190, the electronic display device 195, the actuation mechanism 140, the cartridge storage area 120 and/or the cartridge receiving elements 125a-d, the dispensing manifold 150, and the mixing system 160 generally for controlling each of these elements individually and/or in combination.

[0033] The memory device 180 stores instructions that, when executed by the processor 175, cause the cosmetic dispensing system 100 to operate. For example, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 is operable to receive information for use in controlling the dispensing of the materials 135a-d stored in the cartridges 130a-d. The information can be received via the wireless communications module 185, via the input device(s) 190, via the electronic display device(s) 195, other communication modules (e.g., a wired communication module), or any combination thereof. The wireless communication module 185 can wirelessly communicate on WiFi networks, Bluetooth networks, the Internet, or any combination thereof.

[0034] Generally, the received information is associated with the user of the cosmetic dispensing system 100. The information can be skin information associated with skin of the user. The skin information can be received from a variety of sources, such as, for example, a skin scanning device and/or system described elsewhere wherein. The skin information can be indicative of a present color of the skin of the user, an average and/or blended present color or colors of the skin of the user, a desired color for the skin of the user, a moisture content of the skin of the user, a pore size of the skin of the user, a presence or lack of acne on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of aging spots on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of moles on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of scars on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of wrinkles on the skin of the user, or any combination thereof.

[0035] The information can be weather information associated with a weather condition. The weather information can be indicative of an outside temperature, an inside temperature, an outside humidity level, an inside humidity level, a pollution level, an allergen level, a sunny condition, a cloudy condition, a rainy condition, a snowing condition, a windy condition, a UV level, or any combination thereof.

[0036] The information can be activity information associated with an expected activity of the user. The activity information can be indicative of a running activity, a jogging activity, a walking activity, a swimming activity, a sunbathing activity, a sitting activity, a rowing activity, a boating activity, a working activity, a gym activity, a sleeping activity, a bathing activity, or any combination thereof.

[0037] The information can also include an age of the user, a gender of the user, a weight of the user, a height of the user, a hair color of the user, an ethnicity of the user, a geographic location of the user, or any combination thereof. Any combination of information is contemplated as being received by the cosmetic dispensing system 100 for use by the cosmetic dispensing system 100.

[0038] In some implementations, the information or at least a portion of the information is received from the user manually via the one or more input devices 190 and/or the electronic display device 195, which can be a touch screen device. For example, the user can use the input devices 190 and/or the electronic display device 195 to input the age of the user, an expected activity to be performed by the user in the near future (e.g., that day), etc. Alternatively or additionally, the information or at least a portion of the information is received via one or more electronic devices wirelessly coupled to the cosmetic dispensing system 100. Examples of such electronic devices include, but are not limited to, a skin scanning device and/or system, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a computer, a server, an image scanner, a smart thermostat, or any combination thereof.

[0039] In some implementations, once the information is received by the cosmetic dispensing system 100, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 analyzes the received information and designs and/or develops a custom cosmetic product to be dispensed. Specifically, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 can develop a formula for the custom cosmetic product. The formula includes a list of one or two or more separate and distinct materials (e.g., materials 135a-d) and an amount for each of the materials. In some implementations, the formula also includes mixing instructions for mixing the materials 135a-d into the custom cosmetic product (e.g., mixing using the mixing system 160). Once designed and/or formulated, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 operates to dispense one or more of the materials 135a-d from the cartridges 130a-d according to the formula, thereby dispensing/creating a custom cosmetic product including material from at least one of the cartridges 130a-d (e.g., one cartridge, two cartridges, three cartridges, five cartridges, ten cartridges, etc.).

[0040] In lieu of the cosmetic dispensing system 100 developing/designing the formula, in some other implementations, the received information includes or is the formula and the cosmetic dispensing system 100 merely receives the information and dispenses a custom cosmetic product in response thereto. In some such implementations, the developing/designing of the formula is done by a smart phone running an application, a tablet computer running an application, a skin scanning device and/or system, a computer, or any combination thereof.

[0041] The formula and/or the custom cosmetic product can be based on any of the information described herein. For example, in some implementations, the information indicates that the user is expected to sunbath during the current day. In response to such information, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 can include a sunblock and/or UV protecting ingredient in the formula. For another example, in some implementations, the information indicates that the user is expected to exercise during the current day. In response to such information, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 can include an antiperspirant ingredient in the formula. For another example, in some implementations, the information indicates that the user's skin is dry and/or that the current outside weather is dry. In response to such information, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 can include a moisturizing ingredient in the formula. For another example, in some implementations, the information indicates that the user's average pore size is above a threshold size (e.g., for a user of the same age, gender, etc.). In response to such information, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 can include a pore tightening/closing ingredient in the formula. For another example, in some implementations, the information indicates that the user has wrinkles adjacent to their eyes. In response to such information, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 can include an anti-wrinkle ingredient in the formula. For another example, in some implementations, the information indicates that (1) the user is expected to sunbath and (2) the user has wrinkles adjacent to their eyes. In response to such information, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 can include a sunblock and/or UV protecting ingredient and an anti-wrinkle ingredient in the formula. Various other examples are contemplated in view of the information described herein and the exemplary ingredients described herein in addition to other information and/or other ingredients.

[0042] A method of dispensing a custom cosmetic product using the cosmetic dispensing system 100 is now described. Initially, a user or operator stocks the cosmetic dispensing system 100 with a multitude of the cartridges 130a-d storing a variety of ingredients/materials (e.g., cosmetic ingredients, water, etc.). In some implementations, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 reads each of the cartridges 130a-d and the material/ingredient therein using a scanning system, such as, for example, a barcode reading system. In some implementations, the materials are manually entered into the cosmetic dispensing system 100 by the user via the input devices 190 and/or the electronic display device 195.

[0043] With the materials/ingredients positioned/loaded into the cosmetic dispensing system 100, information associated with the user of the cosmetic dispensing system is received. The information is received via the wireless communications module 185 from one or more electronic devices and/or via the input devices 190 of the cosmetic dispensing system 100. The information can be any item of information or combination of information described herein. Based on the received information, a custom cosmetic product is dispensed from the cartridges 130a-d and/or designed (e.g., formulated).

[0044] The dispensing occurs through the dispensing manifold 150 in response to the actuation mechanism 140 acting upon the cartridges 130a-d. The custom cosmetic product can be dispensed directly into a hand of the user, a container, or the mixing system 160. The custom cosmetic product can include materials from one or more of the cartridges 130a-d. The materials can be dispensed and applied to the user's skin simultaneously (at the same time) or sequentially. That is, the materials can be dispensed and mixed and the mixed materials are applied together, or one material can be dispensed and applied to the skin of the user followed by a second material being dispensed and applied to the skin of the user. The later referred to as a layering technique, which results in the custom cosmetic product.

[0045] In some implementations, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 monitors the levels of materials 135a-d in the cartridges 130a-d to determine if any of the cartridges 130a-d is low on material and/or empty. The cosmetic dispensing system 100 can include one or more scales in the various cartridge receiving elements 125a-d to determine the relative levels of materials. Alternatively or additionally, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 can include any number of sensors to measure the levels of materials in the cartridges 130a-d. In some implementations, in response to the cosmetic dispensing system 100 determining that a cartridge is low or empty, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 automatically transmits a reorder signal (e.g., via the wireless communications module 185) to, for example, a supplier of the cartridges. In some implementations, the cosmetic dispensing system 100 sends a low or empty cartridge notification to the user in lieu of, or in addition to, the reorder signal (e.g., to the user's smart phone via text message, to the user via an email, to the user via an application running on the user's smart phone that is associated with the cosmetic dispensing system 100, etc.).

[0046] Now referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a cosmetic dispensing system 200 is shown according to some implementations of the present disclosure. The cosmetic dispensing system 200 is similar to the cosmetic dispensing system 100 in that the cosmetic dispensing system 200 includes a housing 210, a cartridge storage area 220, cartridge receiving elements 225a-e, cartridges 230a-e storing materials 235a-e, an actuation mechanism 240, a dispensing manifold 250, one or more processors 275, one or more memory devices 280, a wireless communications module 285, one or more input devices 290, and an electronic display device 295 that are the same as, or similar to, the housing 110, the cartridge storage area 120, the cartridge receiving elements 125a-e, the cartridges 130a-d storing the materials 135a-d, the actuation mechanism 140, the dispensing manifold 150, the one or more processors 175, the one or more memory devices 180, the wireless communications module 185, the one or more input devices 190, and the electronic display device 195.

[0047] In some implementations, the cosmetic dispensing systems 100, 200 of the present disclosure do not include a mixing system 160, 260. In some such implementations, each of the cartridges 130a-d, 230a-e stores a pre-mixed blend of two or more materials (e.g., cosmetic materials) therein (e.g., two materials, three materials, five materials, ten materials, one hundred materials, etc.). The pre-mixed blends of materials in the cartridges 130a-d, 230a,e can be custom designed for the user based on a variety of information, such as, for example, skin information, weather information, activity information, any information associated with the user, or any combination thereof. For example, a first one of the cartridges 130a, 230a can include a first blend of materials therein custom designed for a user to apply on sunny days; whereas a second one of the cartridges 130b, 230b can include a second blend of materials therein custom designed for the user to apply at night (e.g., for a date night); whereas a third one of the cartridges 130c, 230c can include a third blend of materials therein custom designed for the user to apply prior to working out; whereas a fourth one of the cartridges 130d, 230d can include a fourth blend of materials therein custom designed for the user to apply prior to going to work.

[0048] Selection of which one of the pre-mixed materials that is to be dispensed for use/application by the user can be based on any number of inputs. For example, the user can select a first pre-mixed material manually. For another example, the cosmetic dispensing system 100, 200 automatically determines which pre-mixed material should be dispensed based on one or more pieces of information (e.g., skin information, weather information, activity information, etc., or any combination thereof).

[0049] In some such implementations, the cosmetic dispensing system 100, 200 monitors the inventory of the cartridges 130a-d, 230a-e and is designed to automatically order replacement cartridges when the level of material/product reaches a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold can vary based on a number of factors. In some implementations, the threshold varies based on a predictive analysis (e.g., based on future predicted information and/or historical data). For example, the cosmetic dispensing system 100, 200 may analyze a predicted seven day weather forecast to determine the threshold for the cartridge(s) containing pre-mixed product with UV protecting ingredients (or any other ingredient(s)) and based on that analysis adjust the threshold accordingly (e.g., if the forecast shows only one day with expected sunshine, the threshold might be adjusted (e.g., extended) prior to signaling a reordering being necessary). For another example, the cosmetic dispensing system 100, 200 may analyze historical data associated with a number of times per week or month on average that the user indicated a workout activity requiring use of the cartridge(s) containing pre-mixed product with an antiperspirant ingredient (or any other ingredient(s)) and based on that analysis adjust the threshold accordingly (e.g., if the analysis shows the user works out three days per week on average, the threshold might be adjusted (e.g., shortened), thereby signaling that a reordering might be necessary soon (e.g., today, tomorrow, etc.)).

[0050] Now generally referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a skin scanning device 300 includes a handle portion 310 and a head portion 320. The handle portion 310 is configured to be held by a hand of a user. The handle portion 310 can include one or more contoured portions shaped as finger grips to aid the user in holding the handle portion 310 in an ergonomic manner. The handle portion 310 is coupled to the head portion 320 via a neck 315. The neck 315 allows the head portion 320 to move, flex, bend, pivot, rotate, etc. relative to the handle portion 310.

[0051] The head portion 320 includes one or more light sources 330 and an optical image scanner 340. The light source(s) 330 are positioned such that the light source(s) 330 are aimed at skin (e.g., face) of a user when the skin scanning device 300 is being used/operated to scan a user's skin (e.g., face). The light source(s) 330 is shown as including a first set of four light sources in a row on a first side of the optical image scanner 340 and a second set of four light sources in a row on a second opposing side of the optical image scanner 340. Any number of light sources 330 and arrangements thereof relative to the optical image scanner 340 is contemplated.

[0052] The optical image scanner 340 is positioned such that the optical image scanner 340 can image the skin of the user when the head portion 320 is moved along the skin of the user, such as, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, which is described below. The optical image scanner 340 can include one or more imaging sensors of any manufacture, make, model, etc. The optical image scanner 340 is a high resolution image scanner that is capable of imaging skin at a range of resolutions, such as, for example, 25 dots-per-inch or pixel s-per-inch (hereinafter referred to as DPI), 50 DPI, 100 DPI, 150 DPI, 200 DPI, 400 DPI, 500 DPI, 1000, DPI, 1500 DPI, etc. or any resolution in-between or any range of resolutions in- between (e.g., between 200 DPI and 500 DPI). In some implementations, the optical image scanner 340 is selected such that the optical image scanner 340 can image skin and generate image data that is reproducible as one or more images of the skin of the user, wherein each of the images has a resolution such that the reproduction of the one or more images is operable to be evaluated (e.g., manually by a human reviewing the reproduced image on a display device and/or automatically by a processor/computer program) to determine a pore size of the user, a wrinkle size of the user, a hair follicle size of the user, etc.

[0053] In some implementations, the skin scanning device 300 further includes a pair of rollers 350 disposed on opposing sides of the optical image scanner 340. The pair of rollers 350 is sized and positioned to directly engage the skin of the user during a scanning operation and to aid in maintaining the optical image scanner 340 a predetermined distance from the skin during the scanning operation.

[0054] The skin scanning device 300 further includes a number of other elements that can be positioned in the handle portion 310 and/or the head portion 320. For example, the skin scanning device 300 can further include one or more processors 355, one or more memory devices 360, a wireless communications module 365, one or more input devices 370, one or more electronic display devices 375, one or more audio speakers 380, one or more sensors 385a,b,c, or any combination thereof.

[0055] As shown, the one or more sensors 385a,b,c includes a temperature sensor 385a for use in measuring an ambient temperature; a humidity sensor 385b for use in measuring an ambient humidity; and one or more movement/position sensors 385c for use in measuring movements, position (e.g., positions relative to an established origin of a face of the user, of a base station for the skin scanning device 300, etc.), accelerations, etc. of the skin scanning device 300. The movement sensors 385c can include one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopes, or any combination thereof.

[0056] A method of scanning and/or imaging a portion of a user's skin using the skin scanning device 300 is now described in reference to FIG. 5. Specifically, a portion of the user's face is shown as being scanned/imaged according to some implementations of the present disclosure. Initially, a user or operator turns on the skin scanning device 300 via, for example, one of the input devices 370. In some implementations, the skin scanning device 300 is then wirelessly connected with an electronic device, such as, for example, the cosmetic dispensing system 100, a smart phone running an application associated with the skin scanning device 300, a tablet computer running an application associated with the skin scanning device 300, a computer, a server, the Internet, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0057] The scanning can begin at the user's pleasure by placing the optical image scanner 340 adjacent to the user's face and moving the skin scanning device 300 along the skin of the user's face. Alternatively or additionally, the skin scanning device 300 can instruct the user where and when to position the skin scanning device 300. For example, the skin scanning device 300 can provide audio instructions via the one or more audio speakers 380. In some such implementations, as shown in FIG, 5, the skin scanning device 300 first instructs the user to position a tip of the skin scanning device 300 adjacent to a right temple portion of the face of the user. This position (right temple portion) can be used as the origin of the scan to take place from which the skin scanning device 300 can measure its relative position for use in determining that all desired portions of the user's face are scanned/imaged.

[0058] With the skin scanning device 300 so positioned, the skin scanning device 300 instructs the user to move the tip of the skin scanning device 300 along the face of the user generally downward to the user's right jaw line. It is during this movement of the skin scanning device 300 that the optical image scanner 340 generates image data that is reproducible as one or more images of the face of the user. In some implementations, the scan of the user's face from the right temple portion to the right jawline results in a multitude of images (e.g., two images, three images, five images, ten images, one hundred images, etc.) that are stitched together to form a first image strip. The skin scanning device 300 can continue with additional instructions or the user can simply move the skin scanning device 300 along a number of sections of the user's face, for example, generating additional image strips (where each additional image strip is comprised of one or more images that is stitched together) that can then be stitched together with the first image strip, until the desired portion of the face is scanned. As shown in FIG. 5, the user's face is divided into eight sections with arrows A-H illustrating the path of the head portion 320 of the skin scanning device 300 to scan/image the face of the user. Various other paths for the head portion 320 of the skin scanning device 300 are contemplated. For example, instead of moving the head portion 320 of the skin scanning device 300 generally in a vertical manner in a series of generally vertical movements, the user can scan the user's face by moving in a generally horizontal manner in a series of generally horizontal movements across the face of the user.

[0059] In some implementations, the skin scanning device 300 analyzes the scanned portions of the face of the user to determine if all desired locations of the face are scanned/imaged. In some such implementations, the skin scanning device 300 uses the movement/position sensors 385c and/or data generated therefrom to determine that all desired areas of the face of the user are scanned/imaged. In some such implementations, if the skin scanning device 300 determines that one or more desired portions of the face were not scanned, the skin scanning device 300 causes an indication of such a determination to be made to the user/operator of the skin scanning device 300. For example, one or more audio instructions can be played to the user, via, for example, the one or more audio speakers 380 (e.g., instructing the user to position the skin scanning device 300 at the missing area/portion of the face and rescan as needed). For another example, the indication of missing area/portion can be illustrated to the user via a representation of (and/or an image of) the user's face displayed on one or more electronic display devices. Such electronic display devices can be of, for example, a device coupled to the skin scanning device 300, such as a tablet computer, a smart phone, and/or the cosmetic dispensing system 100, 200.

[0060] In addition to or in lieu of playing the audio instructions, the audio speaker 280 can be used to play music, audio clips, prerecorded audio messages, or any combination thereof.

[0061] Once the user completes the scanning/imaging of the user's face, a stitching process may begin. Alternatively, the stitching can occur during at least a portion of the scanning. That is, the stitching can be synchronous or asynchronous with the scanning. The stitching process stitches together at least a portion of the generated images, thereby generating a master image of at least a portion of the face of the user. In some implementations, the master image of the at least a portion of the face of the user is reproducible as an image of a majority portion of the face of the user. That is, the scanning/imaging process results in a multitude of images that are stitched together to form a single master image that can be two- dimensional and/or three-dimensional. The scanning/imaging operation can generate any number (e.g., 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 1000, 10,000, etc.) of separate and distinct images of various portions of the face of the user that may or may not overlap partially or completely with one another. In some implementations, each of the images has a generally square shape, a generally rectangular shape, or any other shape or combination of shapes. The stitched master image can be based on any number of images and/or strips of stitched images (e.g., at least five separate and distinct images, at least fifty separate and distinct images, at least two hundred separate and distinct images, etc.). Due to the large number of images that can be required to be stitched together to generate/create the stitched master image, in some implementations, the stitched master image can have a file size of more than five megabytes, more than ten megabytes, more than twenty megabytes, more than fifty megabytes, more than one hundred megabytes, more than one thousand megabytes, etc.

[0062] The stitching process can be performed onboard, for example, by the one or more processors 355 of the skin scanning device 300. Alternatively, the stitching process can be performed by a different electronic device, such as, for example, the cosmetic dispensing system 100, a smart phone running an application associated with the skin scanning device 300, a tablet computer running an application associated with the skin scanning device 300, a computer, a server, the Internet, etc., or any combination thereof. In such alternatives, the image data generated by the skin scanning device 300 can be transmitted wirelessly (e.g., via the wireless communications module 365) and/or in a wired fashion (e.g., via a USB cable, etc.).

[0063] The stitching process can be aided by movement data generated by the one or more movement sensors 385c. Specifically, the movements of the head portion 320 of the skin scanning device 300 during the scanning/imaging of the skin can be used to aid in arranging (e.g., overlapping) the generated images for use in the stitching. As such, a user can scan the user's face with the skin scanning device 300 in a variety of scanning paths (e.g., generally vertical strips, generally horizontal strips, diagonal strips, random strips, or any combination thereof).

[0064] The master image and/or the underlying image data can be analyzed to generate skin information associated with the skin of the user. Further, the master image and/or the underlying image data can be compared with previous master images of the user's face for use in, for example, determining how a particular product or products has impacted the skin of the user over time. The results of such a determination can itself be skin information used by the devices and/or systems of the present disclosure for developing a future product or products to be used by the user. The above noted analysis and/or comparison can be performed onboard, for example, by the one or more processors 355 of the skin scanning device 300. Alternatively, the analysis and/or comparison can be performed by a different electronic device, such as, for example, the cosmetic dispensing system 100, a smart phone running an application associated with the skin scanning device 300, a tablet computer running an application associated with the skin scanning device 300, a computer, a server, the Internet, etc., or any combination thereof. In some such alternatives, the master image can be transmitted wirelessly (e.g., via the wireless communications module 365) and/or in a wired fashion (e.g., via a USB cable, etc.).

[0065] This generated skin information can be indicative of a color or colors of the skin of the user, a moisture content of the skin of the user, a dryness measure of the skin of the user, an average pore size of the skin of the user, a range of pore sizes of the skin of the user, a hair follicle density of hair follicles protruding from the skin of the user, an average hair follicle size of hair follicles protruding from the skin of the user, a range of hair follicle sizes of hair follicles protruding from the skin of the user, a presence or lack of acne on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of aging spots on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of moles on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of scars on the skin of the user, a presence or lack of wrinkles on the skin of the user, or any combination thereof.

[0066] In some implementations, the skin scanning device 300, the smart phone running the application associated with the skin scanning device 300, the tablet computer running an application associated with the skin scanning device 300, and/or the cosmetic dispensing system 100, generates a recommendation based on the determined skin information. For example, the recommendation can be for the user to use one or more cosmetic products.

[0067] In some implementations, the skin scanning device 300, the smart phone running the application associated with the skin scanning device 300, a tablet computer running an application associated with the skin scanning device 300, and/or the cosmetic dispensing system 100, transmits the generated master image, a portion of the underlying image data, determined skin information, a recommendation, or any combination thereof to a third party (e.g., a doctor, a nurse, a hospital, etc.) for evaluation.

[0068] In some implementations, the skin scanning device 300, the smart phone running the application associated with the skin scanning device 300, a tablet computer running an application associated with the skin scanning device 300, and/or the cosmetic dispensing system 100, develops a custom cosmetic product and/or a formula for the custom cosmetic product for the user based on the generated master image, a portion of the underlying image data, determined skin information, a recommendation, or any combination thereof. The developed custom cosmetic product can include a blend of any number of separate and distinct products/ingredients (e.g., one ingredient, two ingredients, five ingredients, ten ingredients, fifty ingredients, etc.).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 6, a smart phone 400 (or a tablet computer) is shown running the application that is associated with the skin scanning device 300. As shown, the application is in the process of stitching together images 410 received from, for example, the skin scanning device 300 to generate the master image 450. In some implementations, each of the images 410 is generally square shaped and at least partially overlaps with each of the images 410 surrounding it. In some implementations, each of the images 410 has a resolution of at least about 25 DPI, 50 DPI, 100 DPI, 150 DPI, 200 DPI, 400 DPI, 500 DPI, 1000, DPI, 1500 DPI, etc. In some implementations, each of the images 410 corresponds to a portion of the skin of the user having an area of about 0.1 square inches, 0.25 square inches, 0.5 square inches, 0.75 square inches, 1.0 square inches, 1.5 square inches, 2.0 square inches, 3.0 square inches, etc. It is contemplated that the application running on the smart phone 400 (or a tablet computer) can be programed to perform a number of other operations, such as, for example, (1) to analyze the master image 450 and/or its underlying image data to generate skin information, (2) to generate one or more recommendations (e.g., cosmetic product/ingredient recommendations for the user), (3) to develop a custom cosmetic product and/or a formula for the custom cosmetic product, (4) to transmit information to a third party associated with the user and/or the skin information, etc.

[0070] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments and implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Each of these embodiments and implementations and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which is set forth in the claims that follow.