WO2019021034A1

WO2019021034A1 - Smart device for the application of cosmetics, system including the smart device, and method for providing a subject with advice for the application of cosmetics

Info

Publication number: WO2019021034A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/054511
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cristina MOLLIS
Original assignee: H-Farm S.P.A.
Priority date: 2017-07-25
Filing date: 2017-07-25
Publication date: 2019-01-31

Abstract

A container for cosmetics (1) for providing a subject (46) with advice for application of cosmetics, comprising: a smart portion (2); a portion (6) for containing at least one cosmetic (9), mechanically coupled to the smart portion (2); an image- capturing device (14) carried by the smart portion (2), configured for capturing a sequence of images; a network unit (24), configured for transmitting a signal associated to the sequence of images, and for receiving first information data associated to the advice for application of cosmetics; and a first output device (12; 20) configured for reproducing the first information data in a form intelligible by the subject (46).

Description

"SMART DEVICE FOR THE APPLICATION OF COSMETICS, SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SMART DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SUBJECT WITH ADVICE FOR THE APPLICATION OF COSMETICS"

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a container for cosmetics, to a system including the container for cosmetics, and to a method for providing a subject with advice for the application of cosmetics. The container for cosmetics is, for example, a portable cosmetics case, or else a cosmetic applicator for lips, or another type of container, and, according to the present invention, is defined as "smart" in so far as it is provided with one or more of the following features: network connectivity, capacity of capturing image/video, and capacity of outputting video and/or audio and/or voice.

BACKGROUND ART

Devices for application of cosmetics, for example cosmetics cases or cosmetic bags, have historically been used for carrying and containing various types of cosmetics, such as rouge, face powder, lipstick, etc. Cosmetics cases of a known type typically have variously configured compartments, which house various types of cosmetics, and a mirror, which enables the user to view her own image during steps of application of makeup. Cases of this type are in fact typically used at home, when the user is travelling, or in any case when the user wishes to apply her own makeup .

The same applies, analogously, to cosmetics applicators for lips, for example lipsticks, and in general all applicators or devices for cosmetics.

If the user of the aforementioned product wishes to receive advice on personalised makeup, it is necessary for him to go to specialised shops, or rather to centres in which professional makeup artists operate in so far as, in order to choose the colours of lipsticks and other cosmetics that match the colour of the skin of a person, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the colour of the skin and/or of the morphological characteristics of the person.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to provide a container for cosmetics of an improved type and in particular one that will enable non-professional users to optimise the steps of application of makeup even at home or when they are travelling, receiving similar advice to the advice that they would receive if they went to specialised centres. A further aim of the present invention is to provide a communication system that exploits the advantages of the container for cosmetics and a method for providing advice for the application of cosmetics.

According to the present invention, a container for cosmetics, a system including the container for cosmetics, and a method for providing a subject with advice for the application of cosmetics, are consequently provided as defined in the annexed claims .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof are now described, purely by way of non- limiting example and with reference to the attached drawings, wherein :

figure 1 illustrates a cosmetics case according to an embodiment provided by way of example of the present invention;

- figure 2 illustrates a cosmetics case according to a further embodiment provided by way of example of the present invention;

- figure 3 illustrates a communication system including the cosmetics case of Figure 1 or Figure 2;

- figure 4 illustrates a condition of use of the cosmetics case of Figure 1 or Figure 2; and

- figure 5 illustrates a hardware/software architecture of a remote server of the communication system of Figure 3.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The description of Figures 1-5 makes specific reference to a container for cosmetics implemented as a case for cosmetics. However, as illustrated with reference to the possible variants, it is evident that the present invention applies in general to any container for cosmetics, or device designed to contain cosmetics, such as a lipstick, lip-gloss, lip balm, etc.

Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a cosmetics case 1 according to an aspect of the present invention. The cosmetics case 1 is represented in perspective view in a triaxial reference system X, Y, Z .

The cosmetics case 1 comprises a lid portion 2 and a base portion 6, mechanically coupled together by means of a connection element, for example a hinge 4, which enables a rotation of the lid portion 2 with respect to the base portion 6, forming a rotation constraint about an axis R, parallel to the axis X. The connection element may alternatively comprise an articulation that enables rotary mobile coupling of the lid portion 2 with respect to the base portion 6.

For the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the lid portion 2 and the base portion 6 may present a shape, in plan view in the plane XY, that is substantially rectangular, with sharp or rounded corners. According to variants, it is possible to envisage a generically polygonal shape. The lid portion 2 may present a substantially flat outer surface 2a and a substantially flat inner surface 2b, at least in a frame region 2b' of the inner surface. Also, the base portion 6 may present a substantially flat outer surface 6a and a substantially flat inner surface 6b, at least in a frame region 6b' of the inner surface 6b. The lid portion 2 and the base portion 6 may be obtained starting from a semi-rigid material, such as vinyl resin or plastic material, or aluminium, or some other material still, so that the lid and base portions 2, 6 will maintain their respective shapes under a moderate pressure. It is also possible for the lid portion 2 and/or the base portion 6 to be obtained by means of wrapping of a soft material about a semi^¬ rigid or completely rigid insert, which provides the structural support and the shape for the respective lid portion 2 and/or base portion 6.

The respective shapes (viewed in the plane XY) of the lid portion 2 and of the base portion 6 are not limited to the rectangular shapes, as described and illustrated above in Figure 1, and may comprise any shape according to various considerations, such as aesthetic factors, or limits of design deriving from other factors (i.e., the size and shapes of particular cosmetic articles) . In addition, according to further variants, also the frame portions 2b' and 6b' may not be flat, but present a shape chosen according to the needs (undulated shape, curvilinear shape, or other shapes) .

A further embodiment of the cosmetics case 1 (here, for example, a case for eye-shadow) is illustrated in Figure 2, where the same reference numbers have been used for the lid portion 2, the base portion 6, and the hinge 4. In this embodiment, the lid portion 2 and the base portion 6 have a respective circular shape in the plane XY . Variants (not illustrated) may likewise envisage an elliptical, or in any case generically curved shape. The person skilled in the art will understand that the shape and size of the lid portion 2 and of the base portion 6 may also be further modified and adapted according to the needs, in a way not illustrated further in the figures.

With reference to both of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the cosmetics case 1 is shown in an operating condition where the case is open or half-open, i.e., presenting an opening angle _LiD between the frame 2b' of the lid portion 2 and the frame 6b' of the base portion 6b greater than zero. The hinge 4 enables a rotary movement about the rotation axis R such as to vary the opening angle _LiD between an operating condition where the case is closed (approximately 0°) and a condition where the case is completely open (e.g., 180°) . In use, during application of makeup, the value of the opening angle ranges between the minimum value with the case closed and the maximum value with the case completely open, for example, between 90° and 130°, so as to be able to capture the image of the face or of portions of the face of the user. For lower values of the angle a_LiD, for example between 10° and 45°, the camera 14 captures images of the base portion 6.

The base portion 6 is configured for housing various types of cosmetics and, for this purpose, has housings, or supports, 8 for cosmetics 9.

An exemplary arrangement of supports 8 for cosmetics 9 is illustrated in Figure 1, and extends over the inner surface 6b of the base portion 6, for supporting various cosmetic articles 9. Various arrangements of the supports 8 for cosmetics 9 may be provided for housing various numbers, sizes, shapes, and types of cosmetics 9.

According to an embodiment, the supports 8 form an insert that can be removed from the base portion 6 so that they can be replaced at the end of use or according to the needs. As an alternative, or in addition, the supports 8 are formed in an integrated form in the base portion 6 and can be filled with new cosmetics when the cosmetics have been used up or according to the needs .

In addition, an insert (not illustrated) may be provided on the surface 6b to prevent the cosmetic articles from coming out. The insert may be of a fixed type (coupled to the hinge 4) and be made of a rigid material, such as plastic, preferably transparent, or else of a removable type (in this case, it may be made of opaque material, or of fabric) . During use, the insert may hence be removed (if removal is envisaged) or rotated about the rotation axis R in such a way that it faces the surface 2b.

The lid portion 2 houses, on the surface 2b, viewing means 12, for viewing the image of the user of the cosmetics case 1 during the use, i.e., during the steps of application of makeup. These viewing means 12 include one or more between a mirror and a screen (display) , for example of a liquid-crystal type (LCD) . The display is optionally provided with a touch panel (of a touchscreen type) .

Furthermore, the lid portion 2 of the cosmetics case 1 houses, in particular in integrated form, a digital photographic camera or video camera 14 (in what follows generically referred to as "camera") , for example a webcam. The camera 14 is housed within the frame 2b' or in a space purposely provided within the viewing means 12. A distance sensor (not illustrated) for measuring a distance from a subject, guaranteeing optimal focusing, may likewise be provided, for example integrated in the camera 14; likewise, means may be provided for adjusting colour balance of the camera.

Furthermore, the lid portion 2 of the cosmetics case 1 houses, in particular in integrated form, one or more lighting elements 16, for example, LEDs; the lighting elements 16 are, for example, arranged alongside the viewing means 12, on the frame 2b' . Even more in particular, a first array of LEDs is adjacent to a first side of the viewing means 12 (on the left looking at the viewing means 12) and a second array of LEDs is adjacent to a second side, opposite to the first side along the axis Y, of the viewing means 12 (on the right looking at the viewing means 12) . Some of the lighting elements 16 may be configured in such a way that they light up, in use, the region of body on which makeup is to be applied when the user is using the cosmetics 9; other lighting elements 16 may be configured in such a way that they light up, in use, the surface 6b, where the cosmetics 9 are present, as has been said. An ambient-light sensor may likewise be provided, operatively coupled to the LEDs 16, for enabling functions of automatic turning-on/ turning-off of the LEDs 16. Moreover, the lid portion 2 of the cosmetics case 1 houses, in particular in integrated form, a microphone 18, for example a microphone obtained with micro-electro-mechanical technology. In addition, the lid portion 2 of the cosmetics case 1 houses, in particular in integrated form, speakers 20.

According to alternative embodiments, not illustrated in the figures, the microphone 18 and the speakers 20 may be housed in the base portion 6. Furthermore, one between the lid portion 2 and the base portion 6 likewise houses a central processing unit (CPU) 21 and one or more memories (e.g., RAMs and/or ROMs) 23; the CPU 21 is operatively coupled to the one or more memories 23 by means of a bus 22. In general, the cosmetics case 1 is provided with any device (e.g., microcontroller, microprocessor, CPU, DSP) having a computational capacity and is hence able to execute logic instructions .

In addition, it may be noted that the CPU 21 and the one or more memories 23 are likewise operatively coupled to the camera 14, to the microphone 18, and to the speakers 20, to control operation thereof and, in particular, manage acquisition of video streams by means of the camera 14, manage acquisition of audio streams by means of the microphone 18, manage reproduction of audio streams by means of the speakers 20, and manage reproduction of video streams via the viewing means 12 when the latter include the display. The CPU 21 may likewise be coupled to the LEDs 16 to control the turning-on/ turning-off thereof according to the ambient light and/or the operating state of the cosmetics case (case open/case closed) . Furthermore, one between the lid portion 2 and the base portion 6 likewise houses a network unit 24, for instance a wireless communication module, for example of a Bluetooth or WiFi type. The network unit 24 communicates with the CPU 21 through appropriate wiring, for example via the bus 22.

In one embodiment, the network unit 24 includes a module for reading and managing a SIM telephone card; when the SIM card is inserted in the purposely provided reader, the cosmetics case 1 becomes enabled for access to a network, for example the Internet.

In general, a SIM-card reading module may be provided in addition to or instead of the network unit 24, to enable telephone calls or video calls to be made by exploiting a service made available by the manager of the SIM card used.

Moreover, one between the lid portion 2 and the base portion 6 houses a power-supply unit 28, for example a lithium battery, for providing supply to the various electrical/electronic components described previously. The battery is, moreover, of a rechargeable type. In the absence of the battery, the cosmetics case 1 may likewise be connected to a power-supply socket of a conventional type.

Connection ports (e.g., USB ports) for transfer of data to an external processing unit may likewise be provided in at least one between the lid portion 2 and the base portion 6.

Illustrated with reference to Figure 3 is a communication system 50 including the cosmetics case 1, according to an aspect of the present invention. The cosmetics case 1 is configured for setting up a communication with a mobile device 30, in particular with data-processing capacity, such as for example a smartphone, a palm-top, a tablet, a PDA (personal digital assistant) , or a portable computer. The mobile device 30, according to a possible embodiment, comprises: a processing unit 38, provided with a CPU; a wireless radio 42, for example of a Bluetooth or WiFi type; a display 43; and a storage unit 41, for example designed to store (even only temporarily) data and/or instructions received by the cosmetics case 1. For this purpose, the mobile device 30 may store a software application (app) for interpretation and management of said data and/or instructions, as well as the algorithms for communication with the cosmetics case 1, or for providing further functions to the user.

In use, the mobile device 30 creates an access point to enable the cosmetics case 1 to connect up to it via a wireless communication channel 32 (mode 1) and, then, to a private or public telecommunications network 40. In this context, the mobile device 30 may, for example, provide connectivity to the Internet .

It is evident that further apparatuses 34 (for example, other cosmetics cases similar to the cosmetics case 1) may connect to the mobile device 30, setting up respective communications on respective channels 36.

Alternatively, the cosmetics case 1 may connect up to an existing access point, e.g., a router (mode 2) .

In mode 1, the mobile device 30, through its own radio 42, connects up to a local or public network (e.g., the Internet) and interacts with the cosmetics case 1. Like this, the cosmetics case 1 can access, transfer, and receive data through the Internet exploiting the functions made available by the mobile device 30. In mode 2, the cosmetics case 1 connects up to a wireless interface (e.g., WiFi) of a router, which provides connectivity to the Internet or to another local or public network. In this case, the cosmetics case 1 can directly access, transfer, and receive data through the Internet or other local or public networks .

It is evident that the communication between the cosmetics case 1 and the mobile device 30, and between the mobile device 30 and the network 40, may be made using any connection strategy and protocol of a known type or created ad hoc.

In order to minimise the computational resources required for the cosmetics case 1, the data and information exchanged between the mobile device 30 and the cosmetics case 1 can be encoded according to a communication protocol and language designed to minimise the demand and use of hardware and software resources by the cosmetics case 1.

A remote server 39 is accessible by the cosmetics case 1 through the mobile device 30 and the network 40. The remote server 39 comprises a data-processing unit (e.g., a CPU) 44 coupled to a remote storage unit 47, for processing and storing one or more of the following: data and information regarding the user of the cosmetics case 1, for example one or more preferred products, preferred colours, somatic characteristics, allergens, etc.; photo or video tutorials for the application of makeup; and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) applications, including (software or automated) procedures and tools to improve the knowledge of the user, (software or automated) communication procedures and tools for managing contact with the customer, chat systems, discussion forums, internal tracking of any communication "by" and "for" the user, analysis of contents (e.g., photos and video tutorials) that the users employ, etc. The server 39 has available, for the purposes referred to above, appropriate databases.

The server 39 is likewise operatively coupled to a remote terminal 49, having functions illustrated more fully hereinafter .

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the cosmetics case 1 in a possible condition of use. In particular, according to an aspect of the present invention, the cosmetics case 1 may be used by a user 46 for receiving remote advice for application of makeup.

The cosmetics case 1, in the operating condition where the case is open with an opening angle appropriately chosen by the user 46 according to the latter' s convenience, is positioned on a desk 45. In a possible context of application of the present invention, the user 46 sits on a chair 48, facing the viewing means 12 and the camera 14. In the case where the viewing means 12 comprise a display, the user 46 can display video tutorials received from the remote server 39 through the connection set up with the latter by means of the mobile device 30 and the network 40. In particular, a portion of the display 12 may be dedicated to display of video tutorials, and another portion of the display 12 may be dedicated to showing the image of the user 46 taken by the camera 14 (mirror function) so that the user 46 can immediately apply the techniques learnt from the video tutorial without any need for an additional mirror. The vocal advice of the consultant is reproduced by means of the speakers 20, whereas possible questions or comments by the user 46 are acquired by the microphone 18 and transmitted as audio stream to the consultant (e.g., via VoIP technology) .

It is evident that, if the cosmetics case 1 is provided with a SIM card enabled for making video calls over the telephone network, intermediation of the mobile device 30 is not necessary .

Likewise, if the cosmetics case 1 is provided with SIM card enabled for connecting up to a network (e.g., the network 40 of Figure 3), intermediation of the mobile device 30 is not necessary .

The consultant has available the remote terminal 49, of a mobile or fixed type, provided with a video camera (e.g., a webcam), a display, a microphone, and speakers, to be able to interact with the user 46. In one embodiment, the remote terminal 49 may be of the same type as the cosmetics case 1.

Once again with reference to Figure 4, in a further possible context of application of the present invention, the user 46 is filmed by the camera 14 and the video stream generated is sent in real time, via the mobile device 30 and the network 40, to a consultant, for example a professional make-up artist. Consequently, the consultant operates in remote mode and can observe the image of the user 46 filmed by the camera 14 and instruct the user 46 during all the steps of application of makeup, giving specific advice and suggestions for the application of makeup. As described previously, a portion of the display 12 may be dedicated to the display of the consultant (who, for example, can apply on herself the makeup techniques that she is illustrating to the user 46), whereas another portion of the display 12 may be dedicated to showing the image of the user 46 taken by the camera 14 (mirror function), so that the user 46 does not need an additional mirror. The vocal advice of the consultant is reproduced by means of the speakers 20, whereas possible questions or comments by the user 46 are acquired by the microphone 18 and transmitted as audio stream to the consultant (e.g., via VoIP technology) . As described previously, it is evident that, if the cosmetics case 1 is provided with a SIM card enabled for making video calls over the telephone network, intermediation of the mobile device 30 is not necessary. Likewise, if the cosmetics case 1 is provided with a SIM card enabled for connecting to a network (e.g., the network 40 of Figure 3), intermediation of the mobile device 30 is not necessary.

Furthermore, the camera 14 can be set in such a way that, when the lid portion 2 is partially re-closed on the base portion 6, the camera 14 will capture images or streams of images (videos) of the one or more cosmetics 9, so that the consultant can directly see the type, colour, and possible other characteristics of the cosmetics 9 housed in the base portion 6 and available to the user 46. Used for this purpose is a camera 14 with wide-angle functions, or else it is possible to envisage integration of a plurality of photographic or video cameras designed to photograph or film different regions of the surface 6b that houses the cosmetics 9.

Again, in a further possible context of application of the present invention, the viewing means 16 include a display with touchscreen, and the CPU 21 and the memory 23 are configured for generating and updating on the display (possibly with the aid of a further graphic card) a graphic user interface (GUI) . In this way, the display likewise has functions of data-input device, to enable the user 46 to interact with the consultant in written form.

Furthermore, it is possible to use the display with touchscreen for entering texts in chats or discussion forums, purposely created in order to enable the creation of a community of users who consult one another (chats and forums may be managed at the level of the remote server 39) .

Moreover, it is possible to use the display with touchscreen for navigating a list of consultants, in order to select the desired consultant . In addition, it is likewise possible to envisage generation of photographic or video contents by the user 46, and storage of these contents in the remote storage unit 47 of the remote server 39. These contents may be made available to consultants, other users, or stored in an area reserved to the user who has generated them.

It is evident that, if the lid portion 2 includes a display region and a mirror region set alongside one another, it is not necessary to envisage the functions of division of the image illustrated on the display.

It is likewise evident that, in a possible variant, the consultancy may be provided vocally, i.e., without envisaging transmission of a video from the consultant to the user 46.

The chat, the discussion forum, the choice of a specific consultant, and other operations can again, in addition or as an alternative, be accessible via the app loaded into the mobile device 30.

Irrespective of whether calls or video calls coming from the user of the cosmetics case 1 are made via a SIM card or else exploiting the network connection (e.g., by means of VoIP), the remote server 39 implements capacities of management (e.g., reception/sorting/closing) of said calls or video calls.

The remote server 39 moreover implements a service for management and provision of the tutorials to the user of the cosmetics case 1, on the basis of the requests of the user herself, or on the basis of automatic-choice mechanisms, for example on the basis of data and information regarding the user 1 stored by the remote server 39 (said data and information including, for example, the age of the user, the sex, somatic characteristics, preferred colours of the makeup, etc.) . In particular, Figure 5 shows the functional architecture, for example implemented by means of hardware and/or software blocks, of the remote server 39 in relation to the capacities of provision of services to the user 46 and management of telecommunications between the user 46 and a consultant 70.

The remote server 39 includes a plurality of modules prepared for executing respective computer programs, or respective portions of a computer program, for implementing respective functions. In particular, the remote server 39 includes an authorisation server 60, a presence server 62 (providing a management interface between the remote server and the consultant), a contents processor 64 (e.g., dedicated to management of the image stream at input in or at output from the remote server) , an application-logic server 66, and a voice- and-text processor 68 (e.g., dedicated to automatic voice recognition, for managing possible voice requests from the user 46) . The user 46 may request services from the remote server 39 only following upon authorisation. Management of authorisation credentials of the user 46 is executed by the authorisation server 60. The user 46 sends a signal AUTH_REQ of request for authorisation, including the credentials of the user 46. The authorisation server 60 receives the signal AUTH_REQ, verifies the credentials of the user 46 included in the signal AUTH_REQ, and sends to the user 46 a signal AUTH_RES, which, in the case of positive outcome of the check on credentials, authorises the user 46 to access the services of the remote server 39.

Once authorised, the user 46 may request a list of services from the remote server 39. The application-logic server 66 handles the requests of information by the user 46 on the list of services offered by the remote server 39. In particular, the user 46 sends a signal LIST_REQ of request for a list of services to the remote server 39; this signal LIST_REQ is received and processed by the application-logic server 66, which sends a signal LIST_RES including a list of services accessible to the user 46, such as a session of consultancy by the consultant 70. Once the user 46 has gained access to the list of services accessible to the remote server 39, she may request a specific service. The user 46 can send a signal SERV_REQ including the request for gaining access to a service provided by the remote server 39. The application-logic server 66 receives the signal SERV_REQ for requesting access to a service, and processes the request in order to send an output signal DATA_OUT to the user 46, regarding the service requested. For instance, the output signal DATA_OUT may contain video and/or audio data. The steps of processing of the request of the user 46 are performed by the application-logic server 66 interacting with the presence server 62, the contents processor 64, the language processor 68, and the consultant 70.

In particular, the application-logic server 66 communicates with the presence server 62 in order to set up and maintain a communication channel with the consultant 70.

Furthermore, the application-logic server 66 communicates with the contents processor 64 in order to select contents regarding the service requested by the user 46 and processes them in a form adequate for use by the user 46; for example, the contents processor 64 may carry out a scaling of the resolution of output video data according to the communication channel between the remote server 39 and the user 46. The application-logic server 66 moreover communicates with the contents processor 64 in order to execute complex data-processing operations, such as image recognition. For instance, the contents processor 64 may compare images at input, for example received by the user 46 and regarding makeup contained in the cosmetics case 1, with images stored in a database. In addition, the application-logic server 66 communicates with the language processor 68 in order to analyse, automatically recognise, and process data regarding voice or text messages, coming from the user 46 and/or from the consultant 70. Automatic voice or hand-writing recognition is carried out by means of software tools of a type in themselves known, which do not form the subject of the present invention.

Moreover, the application-logic server 66 exchanges signals with the consultant 70, processes them, and transmits them to the user 46. These signals include information such as the availability of the consultant to provide the service requested, or the possibility of booking appointments or providing personalised information.

From what has been described and illustrated above, the advantages that the present invention affords are evident.

In particular, the viewing means 12 (display and/or mirror) are integrated in the lid portion 2, together with the camera 14 and the LEDs 16, so that the dimensions of the cosmetics case 1 are optimised and contained and its structure is simplified. This compactness improves transportability of the cosmetics case 1. Furthermore, the use of a touchscreen display for implementing the viewing means 12 makes any data-input apparatus unnecessary (such as a keyboard), making possible implementation of a graphic user interface for managing start-up of a video call, closing of a video call, use of a forum or of a chat, and in general for remote interaction with consultants and/or other users.

Furthermore, the present invention affords specialised consultancy from professional make-up artists without the need to go to centres where professionals of the sector operate. Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations may be made to what has been described and illustrated herein, without thereby departing from the sphere of protection of the present invention, as defined in the annexed claims.

For instance, the cosmetics case described may include any number and any type of cosmetics, makeup or accessories for the application of makeup and cosmetics.

Likewise, the housings or supports 8 may have any shape, and be designed to contain cosmetics or makeup in the form of powder, creams, gels, liquids, semi-liquids, or else be designed to contain accessories for application of makeup and cosmetics.

The mobile device 30 may be replaced by a desktop computer. According to further variants, it may be noted that the speakers 20 and the display 12 are output devices that receive advice only via audio or only via video.

Likewise, the microphone 18 is optional in so far as the user 46 may render herself visible to the consultant, exclusively exploiting the video (and possibly presenting her own request for advice/help in written form via chat, or after having previously sent a written request via e-mail, discussion forum, or other mode still, such as a telephone request via the mobile device 30) .

Furthermore, the light sources 16 are optional and, if present, may be implemented using any technology. For instance, it is possible to control the display 12 (if present) by locally increasing the brightness thereof (e.g., in the proximity of the frame 2b'), so as to simulate a "torch" effect.

What has been described previously applies, mutatis mutandis, to any other container for cosmetics. For instance, the present invention finds further application in the field of applicators of cosmetics for lips (e.g., cosmetics containing at least one from among pigments, oils, waxes or emollients) . In this case, the base portion may have a hollow cylindrical shape and is designed to contain the aforesaid pigments, oils, waxes or emollients, etc., in particular in the form of creams or gels. Also, the lid portion has a hollow cylindrical shape and is fitted on the base portion to cover it and protect the contents thereof.

The lid portion may comprise a panel structure, for example of a type that can be rolled up in the form of flexible printed circuit board, including integrated electronic components designed to perform the functions already illustrated previously with reference to Figures 1-5. This panel structure includes one or more of the following: a display device (screen), which is also of a flexible type; a photographic and/or video camera; a microphone; one or more lighting elements (e.g. LEDs); a data- input device; and in general, all the previous elements described with reference to the lid portion 2 of the cosmetics case 1. The lid portion can thus be defined as "smart" in so far as it includes advanced functions for processing and management of information data.

Likewise, also the base portion may include electronic components, for example ones responsible for transmission/reception of data (network unit) for wireless connection with the corresponding lid portion and with a public/private communications network, and in general all the aforementioned elements described with reference to the base portion 6 of the cosmetics case 1. The functions, possible uses, and advantages of such a container for cosmetics for lips are the same as those already illustrated with reference to the cosmetics case and are not illustrated any further herein. The present invention may likewise apply to any device for cosmetics or container for cosmetics, including lipstick, lip- gloss, mascara, rouge, foundation cream, eyeliner, lip pencil, liquid eyeliner or concealer.

Claims

1. A container for cosmetics (1), for providing a subject (46) with advice for the application of one or more cosmetics, comprising:

- a first portion (2) ;

- a containment portion (6), adapted to house at least one cosmetic ( 9 ) ;

- an image-capturing device (14) carried by the first portion (2), configured for capturing a sequence of images;

- a network unit (24), configured for transmitting a signal associated to said sequence of images and receiving first information data associated to said advice for the application of one or more cosmetics; and

- a first output device (12; 20) configured for reproducing said first information data in a form intelligible by said sub ect (46) .

2. The container for cosmetics according to Claim 1, wherein the first portion (2) houses at least one display device (12) .

3. The container for cosmetics according to Claim 2, wherein the display device (12) includes a mirror or a display, or both.

4. The container for cosmetics according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the network unit (24) is moreover configured for receiving second information data associated to said advice for the application of cosmetics,

the container for cosmetics further comprising a second output device (20; 12) configured for reproducing said second information data in a form intelligible by said subject (46), wherein the first output device (12; 20) is one between a speaker (20) and a display (12), and the second output device (20; 12) is the other between the speaker (20) and the display (12) .

5. The container for cosmetics according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a microphone (18) configured for acquiring voice signals of said subject (46), said one network unit (24) being moreover configured for transmitting said voice signals.

6. The container for cosmetics according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more light sources housed in said first portion (2) .

7. The container for cosmetics according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a processing unit (21, 23), coupled to the image-capturing device (14) and to the network unit (24), configured for:

receiving said sequence of images from the image-capturing device (14), and sending to the network unit (24) said signal associated to the sequence of images.

8. The container for cosmetics according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the network unit (24) comprises at least one among: a Bluetooth module, a WiFi module, and a SIM module .

9. The container for cosmetics according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (2) and/or the containment portion (6) have a respective shape chosen from among a parallelepiped, a cylinder, a cylinder with an elliptical base, and a prism.

10. The container for cosmetics according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container for cosmetics is a case or bag for cosmetics.

11. The container for cosmetics according to Claim 10, further comprising a connection element (4), designed to couple the first portion (2) to the containment portion (6) in a rotatable manner, so that the first portion (2) and the containment portion (6) are mutually orientable in order to vary an angle (CXLID) between the first portion (2) and the containment portion (6), in such a way that :

the image-capturing device (14) captures one or more images of the cosmetics (9) in a first condition of use of the cosmetics case (1) where said angle has a first value, and

the image-capturing device (14) captures one or more images of the subject (46) in a second condition of use of the cosmetics case (1) where said angle has a second value greater than the first value.

12. The container for cosmetics according to Claim 11, wherein the first portion (2) likewise has the function of a lid of the containment portion (6) .

13. The container for cosmetics according to any one of Claims 1-9, wherein said container for cosmetics is a container for a lipstick or a lip-gloss or a lip balm.

14. The container for cosmetics according to any one of Claims 1-9, wherein said container for cosmetics is an applicator of a cosmetic for lips.

15. A communication system (50) for providing a subject (46) with advice for the application of cosmetics, comprising:

- a container for cosmetics (1) according to any one of Claims 1-14;

- a routing device (30), connected to the network unit (24) of the container for cosmetics (1) for receiving said signal associated to said sequence of images and transmitting the first information data; and

- a remote server (39), coupled to the routing device (30), configured for receiving said signal associated to said sequence of images and generating said first information data.

16. The communication system according to Claim 15, wherein the routing device (30) is one of the following: a router, a portable communication device, and a desktop computer.

17. The communication system according to Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the routing device (30) and the remote server (39) are coupled together by means of a telecommunications network (40) of a private or public type.

18. The communication system according to any one of Claims 15-

17, wherein the remote server (39) comprises a database storing one or more video tutorials regarding advice for the application of cosmetics, said first information data including at least one of said video tutorials.

19. The communication system according to any one of Claims 15-

18, further comprising a remote device (49), which can be used by a remote operator to provide consultancy for application of cosmetics ,

wherein the container for cosmetics (1) and the routing device (30) are likewise configured for co-operating in order to send, to the remote server (39), a message of request for advice for the application of cosmetics generated by said sub ect (46),

the remote server (39) being moreover configured for enabling bidirectional communication between the container for cosmetics (1) and the remote device (49),

said first information data comprising audio and/or video data generated by the remote device (49) on the basis of audio and/or video signals acquired by said remote operator.

20. The communication system according to any one of Claims 15-

19, wherein said remote server (39) includes one or more processing and storage units (44, 47) configured for processing and storing one or both of the following: data and information regarding the subject (46) ; and applications of customer- relations management, CRM.

21. The communication system according to any one of Claims 15- 19, wherein said remote server (39) is moreover configured for managing calls or video calls coming from said subject (46) .

22. A method for providing a subject (46) with advice for the application of one or more cosmetics by means of a container for cosmetics (1) comprising: a first portion (2) ; a portion (6) for containing at least one cosmetic (9), mechanically coupled to the first portion (2) ; an image-capturing device (14), carried by the first portion (2) ; a network unit (24) ; and a first output device (12; 20), comprising the steps of:

- capturing, by means of the image-capturing device, a sequence of images of said subject (46) ;

- transmitting, to a remote server (39), a signal associated to said sequence of images;

- receiving, from the remote server (39), first information data associated to advice for the application of cosmetics; and - reproducing, by the container for cosmetics (1), said first information data in a form intelligible by said subject (46) .

23. The method according to Claim 22, further comprising the step of receiving, from the network unit (24), second information data associated to said advice for the application of one or more cosmetics,

the container for cosmetics (1) further comprising a second output device (20; 12),

the method comprising the step of reproducing said second information data in a form intelligible by said subject (46) between an audio signal and a video signal.

24. The method according to either Claim 22 or Claim 23, further comprising the steps of:

acquiring voice signals of said subject (46) by means of a microphone (18) carried by said container for cosmetics (1) ; and transmitting, by means of the network unit (24), said voice signals .

25. The method according to any one of Claims 22-24, wherein said container for cosmetics is a cosmetics case or cosmetic bag and further comprises a connection element (4) for coupling the first portion (2) rotatably to the containment portion (6) so that the first portion (2) and the containment portion (6) are mutually orientable in order to vary an angle (CXLID) between the first portion (2) and the containment portion (6),

the method further comprising the steps of:

capturing one or more images of the cosmetics (9) in a first condition of use of the cosmetics case (1), where said angle has a first value; and

capturing one or more images of the subject (46) in a second condition of use of the cosmetics case (1), where said angle has a second value greater than the first value.

26. The method according to any one of Claims 22-25, further comprising the step of transmitting, by the remote server (39), said first information data, including one or more video tutorials regarding advice for the application of cosmetics.

27. The method according to any one of Claims 22-26, further comprising the steps of:

sending to the remote server (39), by the container for cosmetics (1), a message of request for advice for the application of cosmetics generated by said subject (46) ;

generating, by a remote device (49) that can be used by a remote operator to provide consultancy for application of cosmetics, audio and/or video data on the basis of audio and/or video signals acquired by said remote operator; and

enabling, by the remote server (39), bidirectional communication between the container for cosmetics (1) and the remote device (49) .

28. The method according to any one of Claims 22-27, further comprising the step of managing, via the remote server (39), calls or video calls coming from said container for cosmetics (1) on the basis of a command issued by said subject (46) .