Virtual makeover

• US 6,293,284 B1
• Filed: 05/08/2000
• Issued: 09/25/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Elizabeth Arden Company Division of Conopco Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Division of Conopco Incorporated
• Inventors: Rigg, Richard T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wilson, John J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Doan, Robyn Kieu
• Application Number:
  US09/567,280
• Time in Patent Office: 505 Days
• Field of Search: 132/200, 434/100, 434/98, 434/81, 434/262, 382/128, 382/294, 382/130, 382/151, 364/400, 364/413.01, 364/479.02
• US Class Current: 132/200
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 2044/007 Devices for determining the condition of hair or skin or for selecting the appropriate cosmetic or hair treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 44/005 for selecting or displaying personal cosmetic colours or hairstyle
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 11/001 Texturing; Colouring; Generation of texture or colour inpainting G06T5/77

Abstract

A method and apparatus is provided for virtual color makeover of a customer'"'"'s face. A digital image is taken of the customer'"'"'s face. Natural skin color is determined by a differential analysis among at least two different sites along the face to identify an area without color. The identified area without color is then used as a basis for projecting the customer'"'"'s face with the natural skin color. Consultant'"'"'s choice of preprogrammed color palettes matching the measured natural skin color is then projected on the facial image. A customer'"'"'s personal choice such as fashion, natural or go-to-work looks can be registered for modifying the consultant'"'"'s choice color palette. The selected color palette can then be identified as a set of color cosmetic products which are provided to the customer.

Claims

1. A method for applying a virtual makeover to a person'"'"'s face, the method comprising:

(i) directing a digital camera at a person'"'"'s face to register an image of at least a portion thereof;

(ii) calculating color parameters on two or more areas of the image to identify a natural color of the skin;

(iii) transmitting the image to a monitor for displaying the face;

(iv) correlating the natural skin color with a predetermined palette of colors appropriate to the calculated natural skin color;

(v) locating areas of the face for application of a color cosmetic;

(vi) displaying the facial image with the predetermined color palette on the located areas; and

(vii) optionally placing an order for color cosmetics corresponding to the predetermined color palette.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the located areas are lips and in step (vi) displaying on the lips a lipstick of a color other than that of the natural color of the skin.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the located areas are around the eyes and in step (vi) displaying around the eyes an eyeliner or eye shadow of a color other than the natural color of the skin.

5. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of assigning to a customer, represented by the person'"'"'s face, a barcode symbol or other designation correlating ordered color cosmetics with the customer.

6. The method according to claim 1 further comprising inquiring with a customer represented by the person'"'"'s face on their own color preferences which input is then registered to change the color of the located areas of the displayed facial image.

2. An apparatus for applying virtual makeover to a person'"'"'s face, the apparatus comprising:

(i) a digital camera for acquiring information on the person'"'"'s facial image;

(ii) a computer having a program for calculating color on two or more different areas of the facial image not normally covered by cosmetics to identify a natural color of the person'"'"'s skin;

(iii) a monitor for displaying the facial image;

(iv) a program for painting a predetermined color palette correlated with the natural skin color onto certain located areas of the face normally subject to color cosmetic treatment; and

(v) a printer delivering a printout of the predetermined color palette.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the located areas are lips and the painting program displays on the lips a lipstick having a color other than that of the natural color of the skin.

8. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the located areas are around the eyes and the painting program displays around the eyes an eyeliner or eye shadow of a color other than the natural color of the skin.

9. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the painting program further registers identifying the person'"'"'s face as belonging to a customer identified as a barcode symbol or other designation correlating an ordered color cosmetic with the customer.

10. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the painting program further includes inquiring with a customer represented by the person'"'"'s face on their own color preferences which input is then registered to change the color of the located areas of the displayed facial image.