07.11.07
Color matching with mobiles
Hewlett Packard today demonstrated a new color matching technology that could change the way people shop for products that require color coordination, such as cosmetics. HP Labs, the companys central research arm, has developed a technology that uses sophisticated imaging algorithms and mobile networking to match colors that complement one another, including makeup specific to skin coloring.Retailers, consumer goods and other companies that require a high level of color or image coordination could implement the technology to offer services that help their customers select the right products for their needs.
The color matching technology, which is currently in prototype, builds on HPs expertise in imaging, color science, mobility and networking
This is how it works, instead of sitting down with a consultant at a beauty counter, a shopper photographs herself using a mobile phone camera and while holding a specially designed color chart. The person then sends the photo as an MMS (multimedia message) to an advisory service. That system locates the persons face within the image and color corrects the image for camera and lighting discrepanciesSkin pixels are extracted from the color corrected image of the persons face, and then compared to an existing database of previously captured and analyzed images of skin tones of real people. In a matter of seconds, people using the service receive a text message response with a recommendation on the shades of makeup that are best suited to their complexion.
The technology can work with any mobile operator and on any mobile phone equipped with a camera. Photos demonstrating the color matching technology are available at www.hpl.hp.com/about/media/mobile_image/
Brenda said,
July 11, 2007 at 2:55 pm
It seems to me that if the lighting was wrong it could throw off the skin color and thus not matching the skin color of the woman using the new technology.
Cindy said,
July 11, 2007 at 2:55 pm
I agree with Brenda she has a point unless the lighting is done just right then it will not work.