Abstract: A computer system generates a computer-guided personal care routine based at least in part on a digital model of a user's face. In an embodiment, a computer system generates the model based on one or more images or scans of the user's face, and generates a computer-guided personal care routine based on the model, environmental data (e.g., temperature data, humidity data, pollution data, UV radiation data), and user data. In an embodiment, a routine generated on this basis includes multiple steps to be carried out using a computer-controlled skin care device as well as user prompts related to execution of such steps that are configured to be presented in a user interface. In an embodiment, the computer-guided routine includes one or more operational settings (e.g., brush head speed, cleansing duration) for the computer-controlled skin care device that are automatically set at appropriate times according to the generated routine.

Abstract: One variation of a method includes: accessing a skin type of a user; predicting a first set of locations occupied by the user during a first future time interval; based on historical ultraviolet irradiance data and the first future time interval, calculating a first predicted unprotected ultraviolet radiation exposure of the user during the first future time interval; calculating a maximum allowable ultraviolet radiation exposure for periods within the first future time interval based on the skin type of the user; calculating a first minimum sun protection factor predicted to reduce the first predicted unprotected ultraviolet radiation exposure to less than the maximum allowable ultraviolet radiation exposure; selecting a first sunscreen formula characterized by a first sun protection factor greater than the first minimum sun protection factor; and shipping the first volume of the first sunscreen formula to the user prior to the first future time interval.

Abstract: A hair-coloring predictive test system and method allowing the pre-application testing of one or more hair dyes by applying the dye to a striated color-base blotter formulated and colored to correspond to a client's hair, either before or after optional lightening, resulting in an example swatch showing the highlights, mid-tones, and shadow tones that will be seen in the corresponding real hair.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of teaching a child the letters of the alphabet, the numbers, the shapes, and the primary colors by a caregiver. The method features obtaining a teachable clothing system featuring a teachable clothing article of clothing having a character attached thereon. The character is located in view of a wearer when worn. The character is reachable by a hand of the wearer when worn. The system features a teachable clothing game book. The method features outfitting the teachable clothing article of clothing on a child, verbalizing a character name, verbalizing a character color, pointing to an object in an occupied room having the same character color as the character, and reading the teachable clothing game book to the child at a child's end of the day and playing a game described in the teachable clothing game book with the child.

Abstract: Described herein is a color display for cosmetics. The color display has a partially transparent flap with color swatches placed thereon, which allows the user to view a color as it may appear on their body.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a personalized digital face chart. A digital image of a subject's face is obtained. A facial region of the digital image is identified from a background region of the digital image. A line drawing is generated based on at least the facial region of the digital image. The line drawing is stylized to generate a personalized digital face chart. A user interface configured to accept at least one face chart modification from a user is provided. The personalized digital face chart is modified based on the at least one face chart modification.

Abstract: An image information processing system, which processes image information of a customer wearing products, includes: a customer information database, storing customer information in association with customer code information; and a product information database, enabling storage of product information, concerning the products that the customer wears, in association with order code information. Acquisition of the image information of the customer in the state of wearing products is enabled by a digital camera, and by means of a trial fitting catalog preparation process, a trial fitting catalog, in which the image information acquired by the digital camera unit are included with the customer code information of the customer, who wore the products, and the order code information on the products, is prepared and output by a printer.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a personalized face chart. A digital image of the subject's face is obtained. A facial region of the digital image is identified. A line drawing is generated based on at least the facial region of the digital image.

Abstract: Methods of previewing a representation of a costume are provided. The method includes removably affixing two or more cling elements to a smooth surface in a non-overlapping manner, the two or more cling elements being disposed concurrently on and directly contacting the smooth surface, and the two or more cling elements comprising a portion of the representation of the costume to allow one of the following: a first person to view a semblance of a costumed image comprising a reflection of the first person with the affixed two or more cling elements each positioned over the reflection of the first person, and a second person to view through the smooth surface a portion of the first person with the affixed two or more cling elements each positioned adjacent the portion of the first person viewed through the smooth surface. The method also includes displaying the smooth surface.

Abstract: A tinted mirror which has been treated to reflect a modified image of skin is used to allow a subject to consider a potential change of the appearance of his/her skin, which would follow from the application of a cosmetic product such as self-tanning product. The mirror may be tinted with a brown hue so as to reflect an image that corresponds to the change of coloration of skin after the application of a self-tanning product. The invention may be used in beauty parlor or supermarket aisle to help a subject visualize the potential effect of a self-tanning product on his/her skin.

Abstract: A gate for a pet enclosure having limited visibility from inside the enclosure of events taking place outside the enclosure. In one embodiment, the gate of the present invention is formed from a plurality of removable panels which define an outer facial surface of the gate. At least one portal is provided in the gate for limited protrusion of a pet's face into the portal only to the extent of the nose and eyes of the pet. The portal is provided about its perimeter with an artistic which enhances the outer appearance of the gate itself, and when associated with a pet animal's partial exposure within the portal, provides a striking and enjoyable, sometimes comical, visual alteration of the facial surface of the gate. In various embodiments, the artistic associated with a given portal in the gate may be changed employing plural artistics which are arrayed on a moveable mount which positions selected artistics in register with selected ones of a plurality of portals defined in the gate.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a half mirror for allowing light incident from the rear to pass through to the front and reflecting light incident from the front toward the front, a display section placed at the rear of the half mirror, an image pickup section for picking up an image of the user and generating user image data, an image data retention section for retaining a plurality of pieces of attachment member image data, an image combining section for combining the attachment member image data selectively read from the image data retention section and the user image data to generate combined image data, and an image display control section for displaying the combined image data on the display section.

Abstract: A toy or game piece for producing color includes a housing formed in the shape of a toy; a color reader to read a sample and generate data; a processing device to process the generated data and determine a color of the sample based on the generated data; and a light emitting element to produce light corresponding to the determined color. The light emitting element may include two or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) of different colors. The processing device controls the intensity of each LED to cause the light emitting element to produce the corresponding color that is substantially similar to the determined color.

Abstract: A kit for assisting in the selection of an adornment to be worn by a person is provided. The kit includes one or more option charts displaying a number of options of different possible facial and/or head colour characteristics for comparison with the facial and/or head colour characteristics of the person and also includes one or more colour charts displaying a corresponding number of collections of suitable adornment colours. Each collection of suitable adornment colours is associated with a different option on the one or more option charts. The kit further includes a plurality of members, each providing a different possible facial outline shape for comparison with the facial outline shape of the person. Each facial outline shape has an associated collection of suitable adornment shapes. A method for using the kit is also provided.

Abstract: A diagnostic article and method is disclosed wherein the article includes a mirror, a plurality of attribute selection sites arranged along or associated with the mirror with each of the sites having a plurality of choice selectors, and an output for recommending at least one personal care product based upon input from the choice selectors. A diagnostic for skin includes attribute selection sites hosting questions related to a customer's age, skin coloration, dryness, sunburn susceptibility, pimple breakout affinity, wrinkle formation and pore size. Hair, dental and underarm products may also be personalized by the diagnostic system. The mirror allows a customer in-store to more accurately answer attribute questions through reference to the customer's mirror reflection.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a retail display accessory is provided for assisting a consumer in color coordinating a first article of clothing (e.g., a tie) with a second article of clothing (e.g., a shirt). The accessory is in the form of an article having a front section and an opposing rear section with a slot being formed therebetween for receiving the first article of clothing. The front section has a first indicia section identifying a predominant color of the first article of clothing which is received in the slot and a second indicia section that identifies colors for the second article of clothing that are complementary to the color of the first article of clothing and produce a color coordinated outfit.

Abstract: As shown in FIG. 1, a hairstyle design system comprises an image-processing device 1, an input/output device 2, a graphic system 3, a display device 4, a head-development drawing information-storage device 5, and a hairstyle-design information-storage device 6. In other words, the beautician or the customer designs a desired hairstyle while looking at the display device 4. Information on the designed hairstyle is stored in the head-development drawing information-storage device 5 as numerals and/or symbols assigned to each of a plurality of divided sections. When processing hair, the beautician displays a head-development drawing on the display device 4, and by referring to the drawing the beautician cuts or applies permanent wave to the hair in order to design a hairstyle precisely as desired by the customer and reproduce a predetermined hairstyle accurately.

Abstract: A device for displaying at least one hair swatch upon a support having a noncylindrical dome shaped portion. At least one hair swatch is held securely on the device, such that it extends over the dome shaped portion and such that it is shaped by the profile of the dome shaped portion. A cover can be provided to conceal one or more locations at which the swatch or swatches are fastened to the support. The cover can have an opening through which the dome and swatch extend. A plurality of the devices can also be arranged within a display having, for example, rows and columns of the display devices.

Abstract: A diagnostic article and method is disclosed wherein the article includes a mirror, a plurality of attribute selection sites arranged along or associated with the mirror with each of the sites having a plurality of choice selectors, and an output for recommending at least one personal care product based upon input from the choice selectors. A diagnostic for skin includes attribute selection sites hosting questions related to a customer's age, skin coloration, dryness, sunburn susceptibility, pimple breakout affinity, wrinkle formation and pore size. Hair, dental and underarm products may also be personalized by the diagnostic system. The mirror allows a customer in-store to more accurately answer attribute questions through reference to the customer's mirror reflection.

Abstract: There is provided a game system and information storage medium in which a player can easily grasp the contents of the saved data or the game state on the data saving. The game system can play a game based on a desired saved data when the desired saved data is selected and loaded from items of saved data. The game system has a saved-contents reminder image generating section (144) for generating a saved-contents reminder image containing at least one of scene and character which remind a player of the contents of the saved data or the game state on the data saving, and a load information selecting section (114) which outputs the saved-contents reminder image when a player selects saved data to be loaded. The contents of a frame buffer on the data saving may be used as a saved-contents reminder image.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of comparison samples configured to substantially simulate the appearance of a keratinous element. Each comparison sample may be configured to substantially simulate both a color and an appearance characteristic other than color of the keratinous element.

Abstract: A fabric selection system, for allowing a user to visualize an item as if it were fabricated using any of numerous selected fabric samples, comprising a carrier. A graphic representation of the item is imprinted on the carrier, having object lines which include an outline and object lines which depict interior details of the item. The object lines are silver metallic in color and may be heat transferred using metal foil and a die in the shape of the object lines. The outline defines a window which is transparent so that when the carrier is held over one of the selected fabric samples, the selected fabric sample may be viewed through the window so that the item can be visualized in conjunction with that fabric sample. The carrier has a background area outside of the outline which is less than transparent so as to at least partially obscure the selected fabric sample so that the user can focus upon the selected fabric sample in conjunction with the item.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the invention may provide beauty advice. Personal information about a subject may be obtained. The personal information may include at least demographic information about the subject. The demographic information may include a geographic location of the subject. Based on the demographic information, local information may be determined. Then, based on the personal information and the local information, at least one recommendation for use of at least one beauty product may be generated and presented.

Abstract: In character representation whereby an actual or imaginary character is represented electronically, naked body image data showing the state of the character when not carrying or wearing any equipment at all is previously prepared, and furthermore, item image data showing the state of an item of equipment when it is applied to the naked body image data is previously prepared for each type of equipment item. When an item of equipment to be worn or carried by the character is selected, the naked body image data is composed with item image data corresponding to the item of equipment selected at the item of equipment selection state, and the composed data is displayed.

Abstract: A merchandise display system having a rack and prong members is arranged for displaying and vending plural articles of merchandise (e.g. belts) of a respective style, with articles of each of these styles being in plural groups of different sizes. A plurality of prong members projecting outward from the base have a first indicium associated therewith, represented by an associated style color. A plurality of hang tags for suspending the articles from the prong members have the same color as the associated style color of the given prong member, for matching the hang tag with a respective prong member. The style colors of the first indicia is used to distinguish by style, origin or price. Each of the hang tags further include a second indicium associated therewith, represented by an associated size color to distinguish the articles by size, each size having a distinctive associated size color. Accordingly, the two indicium of colors are used to segregate the articles on the rack by both style and size.

Abstract: A cosmetic application training system includes a substrate having a facial image thereon, the facial image divided into multiple facial regions; and one or more transparent overlays having outlines of the facial image regions including printed instructions for applying make-up to each of the facial image regions; wherein the substrate is treated to permit application and removal of the make-up directly onto the substrate. Multiple pads with different facial region images are also contemplated, with removable facial region pieces being interchangeable.

Abstract: There is disclosed a soft skin make-up mannequin head having an "ideal" facial configuration, the make-up mannequin head having a smooth, realistic surface and texture simulative of human skin. The make-up mannequin head is accompanied by at least one flexible, soft-skin companion mask carrying a facial configuration identical with the facial configuration carried by said make-up mannequin head. The companion mask is stretchable and elastically resilient and mountable tightly upon said make-up mannequin head and selectively removable therefrom. The make-up mannequin head and associated companion mask presented particularly is intended for the teaching, training and practice of application of permanent make-up using tattoo techniques.

Abstract: A computer game for designing and printing nail coverings includes a set of stored software instructions receivable within the processor unit of the computer to control operation of a color printer and a series of displayed images upon the monitor display screen. The user is able to call up an image of a hand which may be personalized to a skin tone matching the user's skin tone or may be colored dramatically different. The user is able to select from various icons displayed on the monitor display screen which may then be applied to each nail of the hand image. In addition, a series of photos provided by a digital camera input to the processor unit may be selected and sized to fit within a reference photo frame for use in printing the photo image upon selected nails. Once the color printer has processed the blank laminated sheet, a plurality of nail covers which are formed of the peel and stick self-adhesive structure of the blank sheet are printed upon each nail cover.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to novel systems and methods for displaying an interactive event, such as a race car video game. Numerous display devices are disclosed for displaying video and audio elements of the video game to both current players and to individuals not currently playing the video game. The race car video game further has seating for two occupants, a driver and a crew member and has a separate video monitor for the crew member, through which the crew member can selectively view the race from different viewpoints and can obtain race information. The display of the race car game to individuals not currently playing the game varies according to several factors to enhance the attraction and interest in the race car video game.

Abstract: A cosmetology training, teaching and practice system, and a make-up mannequin kit, each charcterized by provision of a soft skin make-up mannequin head having a body carrying an oval symmetrical facial configuration and plural soft skin flexible, elastic, resilient and stretchable companion mask members suitable for mounting upon the make-up mannequin head. Each of the companion mask members having, each of which is formed of size and shape conforming to the size of the make-up mannequin head and having a facial configuration identical to the facial configuration of said make-up mannequin head. Each companion mask member having a surface of skin tone and color representative of the skin tone and color of different plural human ethnic and racial origin. The selected companion mask is stretched to mount upon the make-up mannequin head and is sufficiently resilient to spring back in tight engagement with the facial configuration of the make-up mannequin head.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a kit for use at childrens' parties or other special occasions; for example, birthday parties. The kit includes a T-shirt or similar article of clothing with pre-printed indicia, indicating the nature of the occasion or displaying a company's logo or other identifying phrases. The pre-printed indicia may also include directions for using the kit as described following. The kit includes a variety of fabric paints, a backing material to prevent the paints from bleeding through the fabric, brushes, markers and the like suitable for use on fabrics, and instructions. The purpose of the kit is to allow the participants at the special occasion to decorate the shirt with their handprints as a keepsake of the occasion.

Abstract: A new image board with detachable and interchangeable accessories kit for allowing a user to create an imaginative, novel, three-dimensional work of art. The inventive device includes a card member with an image displayed on an image surface and a plurality of circular perforation sets extending through the card member such that the tearing out of a circular perforation set forms an accessory aperture through the card member. A plurality of accessory members for mounting to the card member image surface are provided. Each accessory member has a mounting portion for extending through an accessory aperture for mounting the accessory member to the card member image surface.

Abstract: The method and device are for identifying and tracking garment and accessories in order to avoid repeating in wearing of the same garment and accessories to the same social function or occasion in its next occurrence. Distinctive identification devices are attachable to the garment and/or accessories after each function and the occasion is recorded either on such identification devices or in an associated recording device such that it can be ascertained that in the next occurrence of the same social function the same garment and accessories would not be worn again.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for illustrating and teaching hair coloring techniques. More particularly, this invention relates to a unique method and apparatus for educating a person on hair coloring procedures, and determining in advance appropriate proportions of hair coloring to be added to the basic hair color of a person in order to achieve a desired color effect on the basic hair color. An apparatus comprising a holder for releasably holding one or more colored filament swatches; a swatch comprising a group of elongated colored filaments, held together in parallel relationship with another, and secured together at one end by a filament base.

Abstract: A wardrobe management system having a log book in a calendar format with specified areas therein for recording garment identification and alpha-numeric information, a plurality of garment marking tags having garment type and numerical information recorded thereon, a plurality of fastening devices for use in removably securing marking tags to garments without permanent damage to the garments, and at least one storage container for housing the marking tags, the fastening devices, and small garment accessories, such as suit pocket handkerchiefs, jewelry, and scarves. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use in organizing men's and women's business wardrobes to ensure no repetition of clothing worn at functions attended by the same groups of people.

Abstract: A selection of scaled photographic images of appearance modifications are printed with opaque backing on clear transparent overlay sheets. An instant color photograph of a user is removably attached by Velcro to an opaque carrier page. The overlay sheets each overlay the carrier page one at a time to view what the user would look like with the appearance modifications. Overlay sheets are bound together in a spiral binder to permit ease of use and storage and updating with replacable pages. A scaled viewing guide slides removably into a slotted U-shaped holder around the camera viewfinder. Additional views of the appearance modifiers viewed from different angles and information and images of products related to the appearance modifiers may be printed on each overlay sheet.

Abstract: A system for displaying and selecting, a process for selecting, and a device for selecting hair dye shades, which allow the consumer to make a knowledgeable and informed hair dye selection. A horizontal or vertical axis along which hair dyes are arranged by similar colors and shades; another axis, perpendicular to the first axis, along which hair dyes are arranged by the length of duration of effect; a hair dye shade selector comprising color samples that each represent the haircolor that will result when hair of a particular color is treated with a particular hair dye are included; on-shelf consumer education and instruction materials regarding hair dye; display system indicators; and packaging indicators.

Abstract: Skin coloration categories are identified based upon blue and yellow undertones of the skin using a color measuring device, developing the Hunter b value, utilizing that value alone to determine which of several categories of skin coloration a subject's skin exhibits. Category selection is made by comparison of measured Hunter b with ranges of Hunter b value of skin color categories. Instrumentation to effect the method includes the color measuring device, a central processing unit (CPU), memory storing the ranges of Hunter b, and an output device such as a printer, LCD, or CRT. The skin color Hunter b is calculated and compared to stored ranges to assign a category. The output device displays the category of skin color based upon the central processing unit's comparison. Colors compatible with skin color categories are identified or formulated based upon broad color family designation, yellow, brown, red, etc.

Abstract: A replicating process and replicated element for simulating the color and texture of powdery substances such as cosmetics is provided. A pigment is mixed with a color match vehicle and placed on embossed paper by silk screening to reproduce a colored textured surface similar to the actual product. The replicated element is then placed on a display panel or an actual container in which the product is sold for display purposes.

Abstract: A set is provided which includes a tag, removably attached to an article of clothing, having a swatch of the material from which the clothing was made and an indication of the type of clothing and the year in which it was purchased; and an index box for arranging tags in accordance with the type of clothing purchased. Also provided is a tag holder for subsequent shopping. The method of using these by removing the tags from the clothing, placing them in the index box, and subsequently removing them and transporting them for comparision shopping purposes is disclosed.

Abstract: Kits adapted to allow subjective evaluation and communication of gemstones include a number of simulated gemstones which are arranged in an ordered set according to their respective hue, chroma and/or value characteristics. Each of the simulated gemstones includes a multifaceted gemstone body portion (which preferably closely resembles a brilliant cut diamond) and a handle portion radially extending from the body portion. The handle portion allows the multifaceted body portion to be manipulated in ambient light conditions so the color can be adequately observed. The simulated gemstones are formed of a molded plastics material which exhibits unique color hue, chroma and value characteristics. The hue, chroma and value characteristics may be varied within an ordered set of the simulated gemstones so as to achieve a close color match with natural gemstones. These ordered sets of simulated gemstones may thus be displayed in respective trays.

Abstract: A board game on which the players simulate a shopping trip to a mall by moving their distinctive markers along a route defined by rectangles depicting stores of various types. A spinner determines the number of squares a player moves her marker during a turn. Playing cards having decorative portions of different designs are stacked in storage areas, each associated with a rectangle of a store. Each player has a frame with a plurality of cavities for receiving and depicting the decorative portions of the cards. A player wins the game by being the first to fill all of the cavities in her frame with cards having decorative portions of the same design. A replica of an outfitted mannequin is formed on the front face of the frame. Several windows of transparent material are formed in the front face of the frame within the replica of the mannequin so that the decorative portions of the cards which are inserted in the frame will be visible as portions of the outfit of the mannequin.

Abstract: A method for the selection of proper colors for individual wearers depending upon the underlying color of the skin of the wearer and the intensity thereof. The method includes the steps of providing a group of classifications of color temperature, preferably four in number, and using a spectrophotometer, or a draping technique of material to determine the color temperatures of the skin of the user, and a determination of the classification in which those color temperatures fall is made. A predetermined group of colors are classified within each category, so that upon determination of the proper classification for an individual user, reference may be made to the proper predetermined group of colors as a guide for appropriate apparel, cosmetic make up, or hair tint selection.

Abstract: A color coordination cone which permits a hair colorist to examine color mixtures before actual application. It is comprised of an internally illuminated cone-shaped base apparatus over which one or more transparent color cones comprised of twenty-four longitudinal color bands in eleven shades is placed. The color cones are rotated one over the other to examine the effect of mixing one color with another. In another embodiment of the invention, a colorless, transparent conical sheath with external tracks in radial planes corresponding to the edges of color cone shade levels is slid over the color cone. Elongated strips in various hues are slid between certain sets of adjacent tracks so that a particular hue on a strip will be positioned over a particular hue on the color cone and the results determined.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for use in the method, for selecting and coordinating the color of a person's wardrobe and accessories to flatter and complement the person. The method includes a color spectrum analysis of the natural tones of the person's skin, preferably by use of a color filter system. The color spectrum analysis is performed to determine the distribution and concentration of at least one, and preferably, two, primary colors. Wearing apparel and accessory items are categorized into classes based on the concentration of the preselected color in these items and the classes most closely matching the proportions of the selected primary color found in the skin tones of the person are selected for that person's wardrobe and accessories. The method uses a set of color filters with coded indicia that provide a facile manner in determining the distribution and concentration of the selected primary color.