EP1433418A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Skin diagnostic imaging method and apparatus
Assignee: Unilever PLC
•
Filing: 2003-11-28
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2023-11-28
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus is provided for identifying imperfections in a person's facial, forearm or hand skin and for recommending an appropriate remedial cosmetic. The method includes providing an apparatus having a programmable computer, a camera connected to the computer, at least one visible wavelength light source for separately generating at least two different color images and at least one ultraviolet wavelength light source for an ultraviolet light image. Further, the method includes placing the ultraviolet and color images into a program of the computer and processing the images for pinpointing areas of skin requiring preventative treatment including those with skin damage. A remedial set of cosmetic products can thereby be recommended.
Inventors
- 👤 Miles Hugh Unilever R&D Eddowes
- 👤 Chrisine Elizabeth Kennedy
- 👤 John Gilbert Cahill
- 👤 Sanjay A Shirsat
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/68; A61B5/6887; A61B5/6888; A61B5/0059; A61B5/44; A61B5/441; A61B5/442
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
A method for identifying imperfections in a person's
skin and for recommending appropriate remedial
cosmetics, the method comprising: (i) providing an apparatus which includes: (a) a program for storing information; (b) a camera connected to the program; (c) at least one visible wavelength light source
associated with the camera for separately
generating at least two different color
images; and (d) at least one ultraviolet wavelength light
source associated with the camera for
generating an ultraviolet light image; (ii) positioning a body part of a person within a
photographical area of the light sources and
camera; (iii) obtaining the at least two different color and
ultraviolet light images of the body part which
information is placed into the program; (iv) processing the images via the program and thereby
identifying personal aspects selected from the
group consisting of skin attributes, signs of skin
damage and defects; and (v) recommending a cosmetic productmost suitable to
the person based upon the identified personal
aspects.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising the
step of shielding the person's eyes from flashes of light
emanating from the light sources.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim2 wherein the step of
shielding comprises instructing the person to close their
eyes at a point prior to obtaining of an image of the
person's face.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein the step of
shielding is achieved by a baffle placed in a path
between the person's eyes and a flashing light source of
the apparatus.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
33 words
The method according to any of thepreceding claims
wherein the at least two different color images are
generated separately from a red wavelength source, a
green wavelength source and a blue wavelength source.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
37 words
The method according to any of the preceding claims
wherein the at least two different color images are
generated by placing different color band pass filters in
front of the camera and flashing a white light source.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
44 words
The method according to any of the preceding claims
wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one near
infrared wavelength light source and the step of
generating a near infrared wavelength light image of the
body part which information is placed into the program.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
31 words
The method according to any of the preceding claims
wherein the apparatus further comprises a monitor screen
for displaying the person's body part, the monitor screen
being connected to the program.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
34 words
The method according to any of the preceding claims
wherein the apparatus further comprises a printer, and
the method further comprises delivering through the
printer a discount coupon for purchase of the recommended
product.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
33 words
A method according to any of the preceding claims further
comprising printing an image of the person's body part in
schematic mode with areas highlighted to identify need
for remedial cosmetic product treatment.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
56 words
An apparatus comprising: (a) a program for storing information; (b) a camera connected to the program; (c) at least one visible wavelength light source
associated with the camera for separately generating
at least two different color images; and (d) at least one ultraviolet wavelength light source
associated with the camera for generating an
ultraviolet light image.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus according to claim 11 further comprising
a printer, the program being programmed to print via
the printer a discount coupon for purchase of a
recommended product.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12 further
comprising a monitor screen for displaying a body part
of a person, the monitor screen being connected to the
program.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
34 words
The apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 13
wherein the at least two color images are generated
separately from a red wavelength source, a green
wavelength source and a blue wavelength source.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
20 words
The apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 14
further comprising at least one near infrared
wavelength light source.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.