Apparatus and method for analyzing hair and/or predicting an outcome of a hair-coloring treatment

I

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING HAIR AND/OR PREDICTING

AN OUTCOME OF A HAIR-COLORING TREATMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0005The present application is a continuation-in-part of PCT/IL2014/050850 filed on September 28, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The present application claims priority to the following US provisional patent applications, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety: US 61/984,798 filed on April 27, 2014, US 61/984,861 filed on April 27, 2014, US 61 985,331 filed on April 28, 20.14, and US 62/106,426 filed on January 22, 2015, The present application also claims priority to PCT/IB 2014/064809 filed on September 24, 2014.

BACKGROUND

0007Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for analyzing "natural gray hair" - e.g. in. order to provide a customized hair-coloring composition suitable for the natural, gray hair.

0008For a significant segment of the population, as people age, their hair grays, and their hair becomes 'natural gray.' 'Natural gray hair' may be distinguished from 'artificial gray' hair, where a presence of artificial colorant gives individual hair-shafts their gray color.

0009Natural gray hair is a mixture of two types of hair- hafts: (i) oatural-pigment- containing hair shafts (e.g. melanin-containing hair shafts such as black shafts or red shafts or blond shafts or brown shafts or other tiatural-pigment-containing shafts) and (ii) natural white hair shafts which are substantially melanin-free e.g. due to age. The presence of both color-types of hair-shafts within, a single hair-mixture causes the mixture as a whole to appear as 'gray hair' to the casual naked-eye viewer.

0010For the present disclosure, the term 'shaft¹ refers to an individual hair and is not limited to the 'shaft portion' {i.e. away from the root portion) of an individual hair.

0011Natural, gray hair is one example, but not the only example, of a shafl-color- heterogeneous 'mixture' of hair-shafts also referred to herein as 'a color-heterogeneous mixture of hair; Sometimes, natural gray hair is subjected to a 'hair-coloring treatment' which may change the overall appearance so it is no longer considered 'natural gray.' For the present disclosure, a 'hair-coloring treatment^* is any treatment which modifies the color of hair shafts. Example of hair-coloring treatments include hair-dying treatments (e.g. based upon artificial colorants_.) and. bleaching. Hair-dying treatments include temporary, demi- permanent, semi-permanent or permanent hair-dying (e.g. oxidative hair-dying) treatments.

0012For the present disclosure, 'formerly natural gray hair' is mixture of hair that (i) in the past was "natural gray" but has been transformed by a hair-coloring treatment and (ii) is presently recognizable (e.g. upon inspection b a hair-stylist or other skilled artisan) to have properties indicative of its former status as naturally grey hair. In one example, a mixture of natural black and natural white hair-shafts (i.e. one type of natural gray hair) is artificially dyed red - e.g, b an oxidative hair-dying process.

0013In this example, as a result of the red hair-dye treatment, each natural white hair- shaft becomes a relatively light shade of red, while each natural black hair shaft become a darker shade of red - this is observable upon close inspections of the individual hair shafts. In contrast, the overall appearance of the mixture (i.e. as whole} differs from that of the individual shafts (i.e. viewed in isolation).

0014In this example, before treatment with the red dye, the hair is natural-gray and is a mixture of natural-black and natural white hair-shafts. After the hair-dying process, the hair is 'formerly-natural-gray' and is a mixture of hair-shafts of first and second color- types. The hair shafts of the first color type are the shafts that_T before the dyin process, are natural black - after the dying process, these hair-shafts are dark red. The hair shafts of the second color type are the shafts that, before the dying process, are natural white - after the dying process, these hair-shafts are light red.

0015Hair-coloring has been practiced for millennia, and continues to play an important in modern society. A central problem in the art of hair-coloring is to provide the correct treatment - e.g. the appropriate hair-coloring composition and/or treatment parameters (e.g. treatment time, temperature, etc).

0016PCT/IB2012/051351 discloses a dispensing device comprising a plurality of containers, where each container contains a different respective ingredient for a hair- coloring composition. An. initial spectrum of the hair is measured arid analyzed. In accordance with the results of the analysis, a combination of ingredients for a customized hair-coloring composition {i.e. specific to the user's hair and a desired result to be achieved ) is dispensed from the containers by a dispensing device.

0017The combination of ingredients for the hair-coloring composition is selected according to analysis of a measured hair-spectrum. Therefore, it is highly desirable to accurately measure the initial spectrum of the hair-sample, in order to provide the customized hair-coloring best suited to the user's hair and his/her hair-coloring goals.

0018To date, there is an ongoing need for apparatus and methods of ascertaining a current status of a user's hair - e.g. for the purpose of accurately dispensing the correct combination of ingredients for a hair-coloring composition.

SUMMARY

0020Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for predicting a resu!i of hair-eolor-niodifying treatment on a sample of natural -gray hair (i.e. a mixture of uatural-pignient-containing shafts and natural-white shafts) based upon measuring and analyzing region-specific spectra.

0021In some embodiments, (i) a region-specific spectra of hair material within a first region of the sample is measured and (ii ) a region-specific spectra of hair material within a second region of the sample is measured.

0022In contrast to a sample-representative spectrum (i.e. generated from light scattered from locations throughout the sample), the measured region-specific spectra corresponding to the first region is generated primarily from light scattered from natural - white shaft(s). In contrast to the sample- epresentative spectrum, the measured region- specific spectra corresponding to the second region is generated primarily from light scattered from natural-pi gment-con taming shaft(s).

0023Based upon the first and second region-specific spectra, it is possible to respectively predict a post-treatment state (ί,ε, after subjecting the sample of hair-color- modifying treatment) of the natural-white and natural-pigment-contas.mng shafl(s) by respectively computing first and second post-treatment predicted spectra, Subsequently, in order to predict a post-treatment state representative of the entire sample of hair, the first and second post-treatment spectra may be combined with each other - e.g. in a manner that taking into account relative fractions of natural white and naturai-pigment-containing shafts within the sample. Thus, in. hair samples where natural white shafts are more common, a greater weight may be assigned to a predicted spectrum representing a post-treatment state of the natural white shafts. Conversely, in hair samples where naturai-pigment-containing shafts are more common, a greater weight may he assigned to a predicted spectrum representing a post-treatment state of the natural - igm ent- containing s h aits .

0024Not wishing to be bound by theory, it is noted that different shaft types may respond differently to the same hair-coloring treatment. In situations where the sampie of hair is relatively homogeneous, there is no need to compute region-specific spectra. In these situations, a single spectra, generated by light scattered from locations throughout the sample, may suffice to characterize a 'typical' hair-shaft within the sample.

0025In contrast, for samples of natural-gray hair there is no 'typical' hair-shaft - instead, hair-shafts are either natural white or naturai-pigment-containing shafts, each of which responds differently to the hair treatment. In order to accurately predict a sample- representative post-treatment spectrum, it may therefore be necessary to predict the final spectrum for each type of hair-shaft, and to combine the results.

0026However, in order to accurately predict the final spectrum for each type of hair- shaft, the initial hair-spectrum of each type of hair-shaft should be accurately characterized. Towards this end, methods and apparatus are now disclosed where the initial hair-spectrum of each type of hair-shaft is directly measured by performing region- specific spectral measurement for specific regions within the hair-sample.

0027The preceding paragraphs relate to the specific example of natural gray hair. As will be discussed below, other embodiments relate to formerly natural gray hair.

0028Thus, without limitation on the specifics on the hair-sample, a region- specific spectrum may be respectively measured for a each given region of plurality of regions. Each region-specific spectrum is specific to material of the hair-sample within the given region. The aforementioned teachings may be implemented using a variety of devices for measuring spectra, including but not limited to a hyperspectral imaging device and device comprising color-dispersion optics (e.g. prism or grating) for breaking light into spectral components.

0029Alternatively or additionally, a configuration is disclosed where (i) the. spectrum- measurement device defines an object-plane; (it) the hair is disposed so that the object- plane passes through each given region of the plurality of regions to define, for each given region, a respective "region-object-plane intersection -are a" of the given region; (iii) for each of the given regions, (A) the respective region-object-plane intersection-area has an elongated shape and an aspect ratio of at least 5 (or at least 10 or at least 15) to define an 'elongate axis^' and/or a respective width of the respective region-object-plane intersection-area is at most 100 microns or at most 50 microns or at most 25 microns or at most 15 microns.

0030In this way, when the hair shafts of the sample are aligned with each other to define a hair-shaft elongate axis, and the elongate axis of the respective .region-object- plane intersection-area is aligned with that of the hair shafts of the sample, the region- object-plane intersection-area is adapted to a shape of hair-shafts.

0031Not wishing to be bound by theory, in situations where the hair-sample is homogeneous with respect to shaft color, it is, in general, not problematic if material of multiple shafts is "captured" by a single measure spectrum. In contrast, in other situations (e.g. where the sample is natural gray hair or formerly natural gray hair), there is a need to avoid this as much as possible, without resorting to unnecessarily restricting the region size.

0032Without limiting the scope of claimed subject-matter, it is noted that by employing an optical arrangement and device geometry which adapts the region-object- plane intersection-area to the shape of hair-shafts, it is possible to accomplish this goal,

0033A method of optically acquiring data from keratinous fiber(s) comprises: a. illuminating the keratinous fiber(s) such that light reflected and/or deflected and/or transmitted by the fiber(s) is incident upon a detector and converted into electrical signal(s) by the detector; and b. computing, from electrical signal(s), a plurality of spectra of the keratinous fiber(s) such that each spectrum of the plurality of spectra respectively corresponds to (i) a different respective portion of the keratinous fiber(s) and/or (ii) material within a different sub-region of space within which at least a portion of the keratinous fiber(s) are disposed.

0034In some embodiments, the method is performed so that i. the illuminated fiber(s) are in a first object plane; ii. a first image is formed at an intermediate location along an optical path between, the fiber(s) and the cletector(s), the intermediate location being configured both as a first image plane and a second object plane, the first image being an at least I D-focused image of the fiber(s); and in. a second image is formed at the detector, the second image being an image of the first image.

0035In some embodiments the .method is performed so that due to a presence of at least one imaging system(s): i. the illuminated fiber(s) are. in a first object plane; ii, a first- image is formed at an intermediate location along an optical path between the fiber(s) and the detector(s), the intermediat location being configured both as a first image plane and a second object, plane, the first image being an at least ID-focused image of the fiber(s); and iii. a second image is formed at the detector, the second image being an image of the first image.

0036In some embodiments, the image systera(s) are disposed along the optical path. In some embodiments, a slit or aperture is disposed along the optical path between the keratinous fiber(s) and the derector(s) and the intermediate location substantially corresponds to the slit or aperture.

0037in some embodiments, the detector comprises a plurality of constitutive photo- detectors arranged in a two-dimensional planar array, a plane of which corresponds to an image plane of the second image.

0038In some embodiments, first and second sub-sets (e.g. disjoint sub-sets) of the constitutive photodetectors respectively generate first reflection and second spectra that respectively correspond (i) to first and second portions of the keratinous fibers and/or (ii) material within a first and second subs-region of space within which at least a portion of the keratinous fiber(s) are disposed.

0039In some embodiments, in one direction the sub-sets of photodetectors are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the illuminated fibers are aligned with one another along an alignment axis and the first and second portions of the fibers corresponding to the first and second spectra are aligned with each other along the alignment axis.

0040In some embodiments, a first direction of the array of photodetectors corresponds to varying wavelength and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction corresponds to different portions of the keratinous fibers.

0041In some embodiments, each reflection spectrum of the plurality of spectra respectively corresponds to a different respective disjoint portion of the keratinous fibers.

0042In some embodiments, the method further comprises; c. electronically comparing a spectrum specific to a first of th portions of the keratinous fiber(s) with a spectrum specific to the second of the portions of the keratinous fiber(s); and d. in accordance with the results of the comparison, classifying the keratinous fiber(s) as homogeneou or heterogeneous with respect to color.

0043In some embodiments, the method further comprises: c. electronically comparing a reflection spectrum specific to a first of the portions of the keratinous ftber(s) with a reflection spectrum specific to the. second of the portions of the keratinous fiber(s); and d. in accordance with the results of the comparison, classifying the keratinous fiher(s) as homogeneous or heterogeneous with respect to color.

0044In some embodiments, the method further comprises; c. electronically comparing a spectrum specific to a first of the portions of the keratinous fiber(s) with a spectrum specific to the second of the portions of the keratinous fiber(s); and d. dispensing a combination of hair-coloring agents according to the results of the comparing.

0045In some embodiments, the method further comprises: c. electronically comparing a reflection spectrum, specific to a first of the portions of the keratinous fiber(s) with a reflection spectrum specific to the second of the portions of the keratinous fiber(s); and d. dispensing a combination of hair-coloring agents according to the results of the comparing.

0046A fiber-coloring-related method comprises: a, disposing keratinous fibers of a subject so that a different portion of the fiber(s) is respectively located in a different sub- region of a region of space divided into a plurality of sub-regions; b. for each sub-region of the plurality, respectively acquiring spectral data specific to the respective portion of the keratinous fibers disposed within the sub-region; and c. electronically comparing spectral data specific to a first of the portions of the keratinous fiher(s) with spectral data specific to the second of the portions of the keratinous fiberfs).

0047A fiber-eoloring-related method comprises: a. disposing keratinous fibers of a subject so that a different portion of the fiber(s) is respectively located, in a different sub- region of a region of space divided into a plurality of sub-regions; b. for each sub-region of the. plurality, measuring a respective spectrum specific to the respective portion of the. keratinous fiber disposed within, the sub-region; and c electronically comparing a first of the spectra descriptive of a first portion of the fiber(s) with a second of the spectra of descriptive of a second portion of the fiber(s).

0048In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second spectra are reflection spectra.

0049In some embodiments, the method is performed to compute a uniformity and or homogeneity parameter,

0050In some embodiments, the uniformity and/or homogeneity parameter is a hair- strand uniformity and/or homogeneity parameter.

0051In some embodiments, the uniformity and/or homogeneity parameter is a color- space parameter.

0052In some embodiments, the color-space parameter is a LAB color-space value. In some embodiments, the method further comprises in accordance with the results of the comparing, dispensing a combination of hair-coloring agents.

0053In some embodiments, the method further comprises: classifying the keratinous fiher(s) as homogeneous or heterogeneous with respect to color and/or color-space value, wherein the dispensing is performed in. accordance with the results of the classifying.

0054In some embodiments, the method further comprises: classifying the keratinous i ber(s) as homogeneous or heterogeneous with respect to color and/or color-space value.

0055A method of coloring keratinous fibers comprises: a. disposing keratinous fibers of a subject so that a different fiber(s) sub-population is respectively located in each sub- region of a region of space divided into a plurality of sub-regions; b. for each of the sub- regions, respectively acquiring spectral data specific to the respective sub-population of the keratinous fibers disposed within the sub-region; c. electronically comparing spectral data, specific to a first of the sub-populations with spectral data specific to the second of the sub-populations; and d. computing a parameter related to hair homogeneity in accordance with the results of the electronic comparing.

0056In some embodiments, (i) the method further comprises: e. in accordance with the comparing of the spectral data, electronically classifying the keratinous fibers as natural- grey hair or as artificially colored grey hair; and the dispensing is performed in accordance with the results of the classifying.

0057In some embodiments, the image is anisotropically magnified at different, magnification values in orthogonal axes in the image plane - i.e. a first magnification value which may be equal to one or to any other value; i.e. a second magnification value which is different from the first t magnification value in the second axis.

0058In some embodiments, the method is performed so that the image plane that is co- planar with the slit or aperture is an image plane containing a only- i D-focused-image that is focused in a first axis within the image plane and blurred in a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis.

0059A system for acquiring spectral data from keratinous fiber(s) comprises: a, a device housing defining a fiber(s)-placement location; b. a source light configured to illuminate keratinous fiber(s) when situated at the fiber- placement location so that at least a portion of the fiber(s) is situated within a region of space; c. apparatus configured for each of the sub-regions, to respectively acquire spectral data specific to the material disposed within each sub-region.

0060A system for acquiring spectral data from keratinous fiber(s) comprises: a, a device housing defining a fiber(s)-placement location; b. a source light configured to illuminate keratinous fiber(s) when situated at the fiber-placement location so that at least a portion of the fiber(s) is situated within a region of space; c. apparatus configured for each of the sub-regions, to respectively acquire spectral data specific to a different portion of the keratinous fiber(s).

0061In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a monochromator or spectral analyzer.

0062In some embodiments, the monochromator or spectral analyzer comprises at least one of a grating and a prism. in some embodiments, a slit or aperture is disposed upon an optical path between the fiber(s) and light detector.

0063A. system for acquiring spectral data from keratinous fiber(s) comprises: a. a device housing defining a fibers-placement location; b. a source of light configured to illuminate keratinous fibers when situated at the fiber-placement location; c, a slit or aperture or collimathig lens; d, a grating and/or prism and/or other color-dispersion optics; e. a detector for detecting light; and f. first and second optical systems configured to focus light refiected and/or deflected and/or transmitted by the illuminated keratinoas fibers so that: i. light reflected and/or deflected and/or transmitted by the keratinous fiber(s) is focused by the first imaging system to form an at least I D-focused image of the keratinous fiber(s) at an intermediate location along an optical path between the. fiber(s) and the detector; and ii. the grating and/or prism and/or other color-dispersion optics and the second optical system are situated on an optical path between the slit or aperture or collimating lensand the detector such that the light reflected from and/or deflected b and/or transmitted by the keratinous fibers reaches the detector via the grating and/or prism and/or other color-dispersion optics and the second optical system, wherein; A. a presence of the grating and/or prism and/or other color-dispersion optics causes the detector to detect spectral data of the keratinous fifaer(s); and B. a presence of the second imaging system focuses keratinous-fiber(s)-reflected and/or deflected and/or transmitted light on the detector {e.g. on a planar array thereof) to form. on. the detector, an image of the keratinous fiber(s) at the intermediate iocation(s). This image may be

0064In some embodiments, the intermediate loeatlon(s) may correspond to a location of the slit (or other aperture) or to a location of the grating and/or prism and/or other col or- dispers ion optic .

0065A system for acquiring spectral data from keratinous fiber(s) comprises: a. a device housing defining a fiber(s)-placement location; b. a light source configured to illuminate keratinous fibers when situated at the fiber-placement location; c. a 2D planar array of photodetectors; and d. optical components configured to form, from light reflected and/or deflected, and/or transmitted by the fiber(s): i. spectral data in a first dimension of the 2D planar array of photodetectors; and ii. an at least 1 D-focused image of the keratinous fibers in a second direction of the 2D planar array of photodetectors, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

0066In some, embodiments, the slit defines an elongate axis and the keratinous fibers(s) are substantially aligned in a direction that is perpendicular to the elongate axis of the slit.

0067A method of optically acquiring data from keratinous fiber(s) comprises: a. illuminating the fiber(s) by light such that light reflected by the fiber(s) subsequently passes through a slit or aperture; and b, analyzing the output of photodetectorCs) to (i) determine spectral data of the illuminated fiber(s) and/or (a) calculate a hair treatment from the analyzed output, wherein the illuminated fiber(s) are in an object plane and a presence of one or more optical components on an optical path between the fiber(s) and the siit or aperture cause the formation of an image plane so that the slit or aperture is located within the image plane.

0068In some embodiments, the image is anisotropically magnified at different magnification values in orthogonal axes in the image plane - i.e. a first magnification, value which may be equal to one or to any other value; i.e. a second magnification value which is different, from the first magnification value in the second axis.

0069In some embodiments, the image plane that, is co-planar with the slit or aperture is an image plane containing a only- I D-focused- image that is focused in a first axis within the image plane and blurred in a second axis that is within the image plane and is orthogonal to the first axis.

0070A method of optically acquiring data from keratinous fiber(s) comprises: a. illuminating the fiberis) by light such that light reflected by the fiber(s) subsequently passes through a slit or aperture; and b. analyzing the output of photodetecior(s) to (i) determine spectral data of the illuminated fiber(s) and/or (ii) calculate a hair treatment from the analyzed output, wherein the illuminated fi.ber(s) are in an object plane and a presence of one or more optical components on an optical path between the fiber(s) and the slit, or aperture cause the formation first and second only- ID-focused-images on opposite sides of the slit or aperture and wherein light from both the first and second only-lD-focused-images is incident upon and detected by the photodetectorCs) (e.g. to re- combine the only- ID-focused-image . In some embodiments, the first only- ID-focused-image is focused in a first direction and blurred in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the second only- ID-focused- image is focused in. the second direction and blurred in the first direction.

0071In. some embodiments, the illuminated fibers are aligned with each other.

0072In some embodiments, at least one of the spectrum(s), or at least a plurality of spectrum(a) are reflection spectrum(a) or absorption spectrum(a) or transmission spectrum(a).

0073In some embodiments, the keratinous fiber(s) are iHuminated by incoherent light, A method of optically acquiring data from keratinous fiber(s) comprises: a, illuminating the keraiirious fiber(s); b. from light reflected and/or deflected and/or transmitted by the fiber(s), respectively forming first and second only- ID-focused images of the .fiber(s) at first and second intermediate locations; c, passing from light of the first and second only- I D-focused images through color-dispersion optics; and d. receiving, by a light detector, light from the first and second only- ID-focused images after this light has passed through the color-dispersion optics so as to detect spectrum(a) of the keratinous fiber(s).

0074In some embodiments, the first and second only- ID-focused images are formed are formed by optical components comprising a toric lens.

0075A system for optically acquiring data from keratinous fiber(s), the system comprising: a. it source of light configured to illuminate the keratinous fiher(s); b. an imaging system configured to respectively form, from light reflected and/or deflected and/or transmitted by the fiber(s), first and second only- ID-focused images of the fiber(s) at first and second intermediate locations; c, color-dispersion optics configured to receive light of the first and Second only-l D-focused images; and d, by a light detector configured to receive light from the first and second only-ID-focused images after this light has passed through the color-dispersion optics so as to detect spectmm(a) of the keratinous ftber(s).

0076In some embodiments, the first only- I D-image is focused in a first image-plane direction and blurred in a second image-plane direction orthogonal to he first image- plane direction and the second only- I D-image is focused in the second image-plane direction and blurred in the first image-plane direction.

0077In some embodiments, the keratinous fiber(s) are aligned along an alignment axis.

0078In some embodiments, i. the keratinous fiber(s) are aligned along an ^'alignment axis; ii. the first only-lD-iinage is focused in a first -image-plane direction along the alignment axis and blurred in a second image-plane direction orthogonal to the first image-plane direction; and iii. the second only- I D-image is focused in the second image- plane direction and blurred in the first image-plane direction.

0079In some embodiments, the first and second only- ID -focused images are recombined at the light detector.

0080In some embodiments, the first and second oniy- lD-focused images are recombined into a 2D-focused-image at the light detector.

0081In some embodiments, the reflected and/or deflected and/or transmitted by the fiber(s) passes through an aperture or a slit en route to the color-dispersion optics.

0082In some embodiments, an image plane location of the first or second only- ID- focused image corresponds to a plane of slit or the aperture.

0083In some embodiments, further comprising according to the detected spect umta), calculating a hair-treatment recipe and/or dispensing a combination of hair-coloring agents.

0084A method of predicting a result of a hair-color-modifying treatment on a sample of haii^", the method comprising: a. for each given region of a plurality of distinct regions, respectively measuring a region-specific spectrum of respective material of the hair- sample respectively disposed within the given region; and b. computing first and second predicted post-treatment spectra respectively from first and second initial spectra by respectively predicting a transformation of the first and second initial spectra following subjecting the sample of hair to the hair-color-modifying treatment, the first and second initial spectra being distinct and (i) derived from the plurality of measured region-specific spectra and/or (ii) corresponding to first and second of the measured region -specific spectra.

0085In some embodiments, the method wherein; i. the haif-sample is a sample of .natural -gray hair that is a mixture of natural white shafts and natural-pigment-containins shafts; ii. each measured region- specific spectrum of a first set of the measured region- specific spectra is generated primarily by light scattered from natural white shaftis): iii. each measured region-specific spectrum of a second set of the measured region-specific spectra is generated primarily by light scattered from natural .-pigment-containing shaftis); iv. the first and second initial spectra are respectively representative of the first and second set of spectra and are respectively derived therefrom.

0086Examples of naturai-pigment-contaihing shafts include natural-black shafts, natural-brown shafts, natural-red. shafts and natural-blond shafts.

0087In some embodiments, the method i. .the hair-sample is a sample of formerly natural-gray hair that: (A) was formerly mixture of natural white shafts and natural- pigment-containing shafts; and (B) is presently a mixture of shafts of first and second color-types that are respectively derived from the natural white and the natoral- pigmented-containing shafts; if., each measured region-specific spectrum of a first set of the measured region-specific spectra is generated primarily by light scattered from shaftis) of the first color-type; iii. each measured region-specific spectrum of a second set of the measured region-specific spectra is generated primarily by light scattered from shaftfs) of the second color-type; and iv, the first and second initial spectra are respectively representative, of the first and second set of spectra and are respectively derived therefrom.

0088In some embodiments, the method of any preceding claim, further comprising: [ computing from the first and second post-treatment spectra, a predicted sample- representative post-treatment spectrum representing the predicted spectrum for the entire sample of hair after subjecting to the hair-color- modifying treatment.

0089In one example, the post-treatment spectrum may be computed so as to reduce a distance, in color space between hair shafts of the first and second color type (e.g. natural white and natural-pigment-containmg shafts) and also to minimize a distance in color space between hair-shafts of each type and a target color (e.g. LAB value).

0090In some embodiments, the method wherein (i) the predicted sample-representative post-treatment spectrum is further computed in accordance with a hair-shaft color- heterogeneity parameter of the hair-sample and/or (ii) multiple region-specific spectra are compared, to each other, and the predicted sample-representative post- reatment spectrum is computed according to the resul s of the comparing of the region- specific spectra.

0091In some embodiments,, the method wherein the hair-shaft colo.r-beterogene.ity parameter describe relative fractions of natural white shafts and naturai-pigmented shafts within a sample of natural gray hair.

0092In some embodiments, a different predicted sample-representative post- treatment, spectrum is respectively computed for each candidate hair-color-modifying treatment of a plurality of candidate hair-color-modifying treatments, and wherein a recommended hair- col o.r~modifying treatment is obtained upon comparing predictions for each of the candidate hair-color-modifying treatments.

0093in some embodiments, the method further comprising computing a combination of ingredients for a hair-coloring composition in accordance with the sample- representative post-treatment spectrum, and dispensing the computed combination of ingredients.

0094In some embodiments, the method wherein step (b) is performed respectively for each candidate hair-color-modifying treatment of a plurality of candidate hair-color- modifying treatments, and wherein a recommended hair-color-modifying treatment is obtained upon comparing predictions for each of the candidate hair-color-modifying treatments.

0095In some embodiments, the method further comprising computing in a combination of ingredients for a hair-coloring composition in accordance with the predicted post-treatment spectra computed in step (b).

0096in some embodiments, the measured spectra are reflection spectra or transmission spectra or absorption spectra.

0097In some embodiments, the method wherein the measuring of the spectra is performed by a spectral imaging device (e.g. hyperspectral imaging)

0098in some embodiments, the method wherein the measuring of the spectra includes passing light reflected and/or deflected and/or transmitted, by hair(s) of the sample through a prism or a grating. In some embodiments, the method wherein each measured spectrum includes at least one reading i the [200 nra, 400 am] range and/or at least one reading in the [400 nra, 600 nm] range and/or or at least one reading in the [600 nm, 800 nm] range .

0099In some embodiments, the method wherein each measured spectrum includes at least one reading in the [600 + N*50 nm.1000 nni] range, wherein N is an integer having a value of at least 1 or at least 2 or at least 3 or at least 4 or at least 5.

0100In some embodiments, the method wherein each measurement spectrum includes at least one reading in ail of the following ranges: { [400 rmi,500 nm],[500 tim.600 nm i .foOO nm, 700 nmj,[700 nm, 800 am] }.

0101In some embodiments, the method wherein each measurement spectrum includes at least one reading in all of the following ranges: [ [400 nm,500 nm),[500 nm,600 nm],[600 nm, 700 nm],f 800 nm, 1000 nm] } .

0102In some embodiments: i. each region-specific spectrum measurement is performed by a measurement device defining an object plane; ii, the sample hair is disposed so that the object plane passes through each of the regions; iii. the perpendicular projection of each region into the object plane yields a respective elongated area of the object-plane defining an elongate axis; iv. each elongated area defined by the projection of a respective region into the object plane has a respective aspect ratio equal to at least 5 or at least 10 and/or a respective width of each elongated area of the object plane is at most 100 microns or at most 50 microns or at most 25 microns or most 15 microns; and v, all of the elongated axes are aligned with each other.

0103In some embodiments, the method performed on a sample of hair-shafts that are aligned with each other to define a hair-alignment-axis, the hair-alignment axis being aligned with each of the elongate axes of the region-object-plane intersection areas.

0104In some embodiments, a method of predicting a result of a hair-color-modifying treatment on a sample of hair, the method comprising: a. for each given region of a plurality of distinct regions, respectively performing a region-specific colorimetric measurement of respective material of the hair-sample disposed within the given region to respectively acquire colorimetric measurement data specific to material respectively disposed in the given region; b. computing first and second predicted post-treatment colorimetric data respectively from first and second initial colorimetric data bv respectively predicting a transformation of the first and second initial coiorimetnc data following subjecting the sample of hair to the hair-color-modifying treatment, the first and second initial coiorimetnc data being distinct and (i) derived from the plurality of region-specific colorimetric measurement data and/or (a) corresponding to first and second of the region -specific colorimetric data.

0105in some embodiments, the method wherein: i. the hair-sample is a sample of natural-gray hair that is a mixture of natural white shafts and natural-pigment-containing shafts; ii. each colorimetric measurement of a first set of the colorimetric measurements is generated primarily by light scattered from natural white shaft(s); Hi. each colorimetric measurement of a second set of the colorimetric measurements is generated primarily by light scattered from natural-pigment-containing; shaft(s); iv. the first initial colorimetric data is representative of the colorimetric measurement data acquired by measurements of the first set of colorimetric measurements; and v. the second initial colorimetric data is representative of the colorimetric measurement data acqiured by measurements of the second set of colorimetric measurements.

0106In some embodiments, i, . the hair-sample is a sample of formerly natural-gray hair that; (A) was formerly a mixture of natural white shafts and natural-pigment- containing shafts; and (B) is presently a mixture of shafts of first and second color-types that are respectively derived from the natural white and the natural-pigmented-containing shafts; ii. each colorimetric measurement of a first set of the colorimetric measurements is generated primarily by light scattered from shaft(s) of the first color-type; Hi. each colorimetric measurement of a second set of the colorimetric measurements is generated primarily by light scattered from shaft(s ) of the second color-type, iv. the first initial colorimetric data is representative of the colorimetric measurement data acquired by measurements of the first set of colorimetric measurements; and v. the second initial colorimetric data is representative of the colorimetric measurement data acquired by measurements of the second set of colorimetric measurements;

0107In some embodiments,: i, each region- specific colorimetric measurement is performed b a measurement device defining an object plane; ii. the sample hair is disposed so that the object plane passes through each of the regions; iii. the perpendicular projection of each region into the object plane yields a respecti ve elongated area of the object-plane defining an elongate axis; iv. each elongated area defined by the projection of a respective region into the object plane has a respective aspect ratio equal to at least 5 or at least 10 and/or a respective width of each elongated area of the object plane is at most 100 micron or at most 50 microns or at most 23 microns or most 15 micro s; and v. all of the elongated axes are aligned with each other.

0108In some embodiments, the method performed on a sample of hair-shafts that ate aligned with each other to define an hair-alignment-axis, the hair-alignment axis being aligned with each of the elongate axes of the region-objeet-piane intersection areas.

0109in some embodiments, the method further comprising: computing from the first and second post-treatment colorimetric data, a predicted sample-representative post- treatment colorimetric data representing the predicted colorimetric data for the entire sample of hair after subjecting to the hair-co.lor-modifying treatment.

0110In some, embodiments, the method wherein (i) the predicted sample-representative post-treatment colorimetric data is further computed in accordance with a hair-shaft color-heterogeneity parameter of the hair-sample and/or (ii) multiple region-specific colorimetric data are compared to each other, and the predicted sample-representative post-treatment colorimetric data is computed according to the results of the comparing of the region- specs fie colorimetric data.

0111In some embodiments, the method wherein the hair-shaft color-heterogeneity parameter describes relative fractions of natural white shafts and natural -pigmented shafts within a sample of natural gray hair.

0112In some embodiments, the method wherein a different predicted sample- representative post-treatment colorimetric data is respectively computed for each candidate hair-color-modifying treatment of a plurality of candidate hair-color-modifying treatments, and wherein a recommended hair-color-modifying treatment is obtained upon comparing predictions for each of the candidate hair-color-modifying treatments.

0113In some embodiments, the method further comprising computing a combination of ingredients for a hair-coloring composition in accordance with the sample- representative post-treatment colorimetric data, and dispensing the computed combination of ingredients. In some embodiments, the method wherein the region-specific colorimetric data is LAB data or RBG data.

0114In some embodiments, the method wherein: i. each of the region-specific spectrum measurements is performed by a measurement device defining object and image planes; ii. each of the region-specific spectra is generated by light which is optically processed so that: A. along each given line of a set of parallel lines in the image plane, only light from a corresponding line of a set of parallel, lines in die object plane reaches the given line i the image plane; and or B. for each given point along each given line of the set of parallel, lines in the image plane, light of only a single wavelength from multiple locations along the corresponding lin in. the object plane reaches the given point of the given line; and/or C. along each given line of the set of parallel lines in the image plane, the wavelength of light received from the object plane monotonically increases.

0115In. some embodiments, the method wherein, .for each of the region-specific colorimetric measurements is based upon light processed by optics defining an object plane and an image plane such that i. .along each given line, of a set of parallel lines in the image plane, only light from a corresponding line of a set of parallel lines in the object plane reaches the given line in the image plane; and/or ii. for each given point along each given line of the set of parallel lines in the image plane, light of only a single wavelength from multiple locations along the corresponding line in the objec plane reaches the give point of the given line; and/or iii. along each given line of the set of parallel lines in the image plane, the wavelength of light received from the object plane monotoniealiy increases.

0116A method of optically acquiring data from a sample of hair by a measurement device defining object and image planes, the method comprising: a. disposing the hair sample so that the object plane passes through the sample of hair; and b. optically processing light reflected and/or deflected and/or transmitted by hair of the sample of that, upon reaching the image plane: i. along each given line of a set of parallel lines in the image plane, only light from a corresponding line of a set of parallel lines in the object^" plane reaches the given fine in the image plane; ii. for each given point along each given line of the set of parallel lines in the image plane, light of only a single wavelength from multiple locations along the corresponding line in the object plane reaches the g ven point of the given line; and iii. along each given line of the set of parallel lines in the image plane, the wavelength of light received from the object plane monotonieally increases .

0117In some embodiments, the processed light is received by an array of photodetectors to detect one or more spectrum(a) the sample of hair or of a portion thereof.

0118In some embodiments, performed to measure spectra as follows; for each given region of a plurality of regions, a respective region- specific spectrum of respective material of the hair-sample respectively disposed within the given region is measured, in some embodiments, i. the sample hair is disposed so that the object plane passes through each of the regions; ii. the perpendicul r projection of each region, into the object plane yields a respective elongated area of the object-plane defining an. elongate axis; iii, each elongated area defined by the projection of a respective region into the object plane has a respective aspect ratio equal to at least 5 or at least 10 and/or a respective width of each elongated area of the object plane is at most 100 microns or at most 50 microns or at most 25 microns or most 15 microns; and iv. all of the elongated axes are aligned with each other.

0119In some embodiments, performed on a sample of hair-shafts that are aligned with each other to define an hair-aiignroent-axis, the hair-alignment axis being aligned with each of the elongate axes of the elongated areas.

0120A method of optically acquiring data from a sample of hair by a measurement device defining object and image planes, the method comprising: for each given region of a plurality of regions, respectively measuring a region-specific spectrum of respective material of the hair-sample respectively disposed within the given region, wherein; i. the sample hair is disposed so that the object plane passes through each of the regions; ii. the perpendicular projection of each region into the object plane yields a respective elongated area of the object-plane defining an elongate axis; iii, each elongated area defined by the projection of a respective region into the object plane has a respective aspect ratio equal, to at least 5 or at least 10 and/or a respective width of each elongated area of the object plane is at most 100 microns or at most. 50 microns or at most 25 microns or most 15 microns; and iv. all of the elongated axes are aligned with each other. In some embodiments, the method wherein the measurements are performed when hair shafts of the sample of hair are aligned with each other to define a hair-shaft alignment axis that is aligned with all of the elongate axes of the elongated area of the object planes,

0121in some embodiments, the method performed such that, a thickness of each elongated area of the object plane is at most 100 microns or at most 50 microns.

0122in some embodiments, the method wherein the spectrum are generated by light which is (i) reflected and/or deflected and/or U'ansmitted by hair of the sample and (i.i) subsequently optically processed so that, upon reaching the image plane: i. along each given line of a set of parallel lines in the image plane, only light from a corresponding line of a set of parallel lines in the object plane reaches the given line in the image plane; and ii. for each given point along each given line of the set of parallel lines in the image plane, light of only a single wavelength from multiple locations along the corresponding line in the object plane reaches the given point of the given line; and iii . along each given line of the set of parallel lines in the image plane, th wavelength of light received from the object plane monotonicaliy increases.

0123In some embodiments, the method wherein light for tire measurement of the regio -dependent spectra is processed by color-dispersion optics, and the spectrum is generated by the color-dispersion-optics-processed light.

0124In some embodiments, the method wherein, performed on a sample of gray hair, or on a sample of formerly gray hair.

0125In some embodiments, the method further comprising measuring, obtaining or computing a hair heterogeneity parameter and computing a hair-coloring treatment and/or dispensing ingredients for a hair-coloring composition according to the results of the hair heterogeneity parameter (e.g. the combination of the hair heterogeneity parameter and the optically acquired data and/or the measured regio -specific spectra - for example, the results of analyzing the measured region-specific spectra).

0126In some embodiments, the method further comprising (i) directly or indirectly comparing first and second of the region-specific spectra and (ii) computing a hair- coloring treatment and/or dispensing ingredients for a hair-coloring composition according; to the results of the comparing (e.g. the combination of the results of the comparing and the optically acquired data and/or the measured region-specific spectra - for example, the results of analyzing the measured region-specific spectra).

0127In some embodiments, the method further comprising (i) detecting locations of hair-shaft boundaries and (ii) computing a hair-coloring treatment and/or dispensing ingredients for a hair-coloring composition according to the results of the detecting of the hair-shaft boundaries, (e.g. the combination of the results of the detecting the hair-shaft bondaries and the optically acquired data and/or the measured region-specific spectra - for example, the results of analyzing the measured region-specific spectra).

0128In some embodiments, a method of computing a spectral data related to a plurality of keratinous fiberfs), the method comprising: a. illuminating keratinous fiberfs) on a user's head; b. detecting light from the illuminated fibers to one acquire user spectra] measurement-data; c. computing a scalp-spectrum-simiiarity-parameter by measuring aft extent of a correlation between (i) the user-spectral -measurement-data and (ii) one or more portions of a scalp spectrum; and d. contingent upon a similarity exceeding a threshold, generating an alert signal.

0129In some embodiments, a method of computing a reflection spectrum related to a plurality of keratinous fiberf s), the method comprising: a. subjecting keratinous fiberfs) on a user's head to one or more spectral measurements to acquire user-spectral-data; b. anal yzing the user-spectral-data to determine a presence or an extent of a presence of one or more scalp-spectrum recognition feature(s) within the user-spectral-data; and c. contingent upon the results of the determining, generating an alert signal.

0130in some embodiments, a method of computing a reflection spectrum related to a plurality of keratinous fiber(s), the method comprising: a. subjecting keratinous fiber(s) on a user's head to one or more spectral measurements to acquire user-spec tral-data; b. analyzing the user-spectral-data to determine a compute a likelihood that the user-spectral data is indicative of scalp-spectrum(a) rather than hair-speetrum(a); and c. contingent upon the results of the determining, generating an alert signal .

0131In some embodiments, a method comprising: a. subjecting keratinous fiberfs) on a subject's head to one or more spectral measurements to acquire subject-spectral-data: b. subtracting a function of a scalp spectral data from the user-spectral data to obtain scalp- noise-reduced spectral data of. keratinous fiberfs) on the user's head; and c. computing a hair-coloring recipe or dispensing- hair-coloring agents in accordance with the scalp- noise-reduced spectral data.

0132In some embodiments, the method wherein the scalp-spectral data is acquired from a person other than the user.

0133In some embodiments, the method wherein the scalp-spectra! data is acquired by subjecting a different, section of the subject's head to a spectral measurement.

0134In some embodiments, a method of reducing scalp-related noise in keratinous fiber spectroscopic data, the method comprising: a. disposing keratinous fibers of a subject so that a different portion of. the fiberis) is respectively located in a different sub- region of a region of space divided into a plurality of sub-regions; b. for each sub-region of the plurality, respectively acquiring spectroscopic data specific to the respective material disposed within the sub-region; and c. computing, from output of the -photodetectors from the incident light, a plurality of sub-region-specific reflection spectra that each reflection spectrum of the plurality respectively corresponds to different of the sub-regions; i. analyzing, each respective spectrum to determine a respective sealp- speefmm-similanty parameter; e, for a first and a second of the sub-region-specific reflection spectra, each having a different respective- non-zero scaip-spectrum-similarity parameter, computing a function of the first and second sub-region-specifie reflection spectra to generate a third spectrum having a scalp-spectra-simiiarity parameter that is less than both that of the first and second sub-region-specific spectra.

0135in some embodiments, a method of acquiring optical data from keratinous fiber(s). the method comprising: a. disposing keratinous fibers of a subject so that a different portion of the fiber(s) is respectively located in a different sub-region of a region, of space divided into a plurality of sub-regions; b. for each sub-region of the plurality, respectively acquiring spectroscopic data specific to the respective material disposed within the sub-region; and c. computing, from output of the photodetectors from the incident light, a plurality of sub-region-specific reflection spectra that each reflection spectrum of the plurality respectively corresponds to different of the sub-regions cl. analyzing each respective spectrum to determine a respective scalp-spectram-similarity parameter; e, for a first and a second of the sub-region-specific reflection spectra, each having .a different respective non-zero scalp-spectrum-similarity parameter, computing a function of the ^"first and second sub-region-speeifie reflection spectra to generate a third spectrum having a sealp-spectm-siiuilarity parameter that is less than both that of the first and second sub-region-specific spectra.

0136In some embodiments, a method of acquiring optical data from keratinous fiber(s), the method comprising: a. disposing keratinous fibers of a. subject, so that a different portion of the fiber s) is respectively located in a different sub-regio of a region of space divided into a plurality of sub-regions; b, for each sub-region of the plurality, respectively acquiring spectroscopic data specific to the respective material disposed within the sub-region; and c. computing, from output of the photodetectors from, the incident light, a plurality of sub-region-speeifie reflection spectra that each reflection spectrum of the plurality respectively corresponds to different of the sub-regions; d. analyzing each respective spectrum to determine a respective scalp-spectrum-similarily parameter; e. in accordance with the results of the analysis, ranking the sub-region- specific reflection spectra; and f. estimating an initial color of the keratinous fiber(s) by assigning a greater weight to the sub-region-specific-ref!eciion ranked to have a lower scalp-spectrum-simiiarity parameter; and g. in accordance with the estimated initial color and a target color, computing a hair-coloring recipe and/or dispensing ingredients of hair- coloring recipe.

0137In some embodiments, no region of the plurality is contained within any other region of the plurality.

0138In some ^'embodiments, all regions of the plurality have the same volume, or wherein for every given region-pair of the set of region-pairs defined by the plurality of regions, a respective volume ratio characterizing the given region-pair is at most 2 or at most 1.5.

0139In some embodiments, there is no overlap between any two regions of the plurality, or wherein for ever given region-pair of the set of region-pairs defined by the plurality of regions, a respective overlap-fraction characterizing the region pair is at most 50%, or at most 30%, of at most 20% or at most 10%.

0140In some embodiments, the method wherein: i. the measurements are performed by a measurement device defining an object plane; ii, the measurements are performed when the sample of hair is disposed so that the object plane passes through the hair sample to define, for each given region of the plurality of regions, a respective regi on :object-plane intersection -area, thereby defining a plurality of region -object-plane intersection areas.

0141In some embodiments, the method wherein no region :object-plane intersection area of the plurality of region-object-plane intersection areas is contained within any other region:object-plane intersection-area of the plurality.

0142In some embodiments, the method wherein all region :object-piane intersection- areas of the plurality of region:object-plane intersection-areas have the same size, or wherein for every given intersection-area-pair of the set of intersection-area-pairs defined by the plurality of region-object-plane intersection areas, a respective size ratio characterizing the given intersection-area-pair is at most 2 or at most 1.5.

0143In some embodiments, the method wherein there is no overlap between any two intersection-areas- of the pluralit of region-object-plane intersection areas, or wherein for every given intersectio -area-pair of the set of pairs of intersection -areas defined by the plurality of region-object-plane intersection areas, a respective overlap-fraction characterizing the given intersection-area-pair is at most 50%, or at most 30%, of at most 20% or at most 10%.

0144Apparatus for predicting a result of a hair-color-modifytng treatment on a sample, of hair, the apparatus comprising: a, a spectrum-measuring device configured to measure a plurality of spectra as follows: for each given region of a plurality of distinct regions, respectively measuring a region-specific spectrum of respective material of the hair- sample respectively disposed within the given region; and b. electronic circuitry configured to compute first and second predicted post-treatment spectra respectively from first and second initial spectra by respectively predicting a transformation of the first and second initial, spectra following subjecting the sample of hair to the hair-color-modifying treatment, the first and second initial spectra being distinct and (i) derived from the. plurality of measured regi on -specific spectra and/or (ii) corresponding to first and second of the measured region-specific spectra.

0145In some embodiments, the spectrum measuring device includes by color- dispersion optics and/or a hyperspectfal device.

0146Apparatus for predicting a result of a hair-color-modifying treatment on a sample of hair comprises: a. colo-rimetric-data measuring device configured to measure a colorimetric dat as follows; for each giver, region of a plurality of distinct regions, respectively performing a region-specific colorimetric measurement of respective material of the hair-sample disposed within the given region to respectively acquire coloriiiietric measurement data specific to material respectively disposed in the given region; b. electronic circuitry configured to compute first and second predicted post- treatment colorimetric data respectively from first and second initial colorimetric data by respectively predicting a transformation of the first and second initial colorimetric data following subjecting the sample of hair to the hair-color-modifying treatment, the first and second initial colorimetric data being distinct and (i) derived from the plurality of region-specific colorimetric measurement data and/or (ii) corresponding to first and second of the region-specific colorimetric data.

0147in some embodiments, the electronic circuitry includes any combination of software, hardware and firmware.

0148Apparatus for optically acquiring data from a sample of hair comprising: a. a measurement device comprising optics and a planar array of photodetectors, the optics and the planar array defining object and image planes, the optics configured, when the sample of hair is disposed so the object plane passes through the sample of hair, to optically process light reilected and/or deflected and/or transmitted by hair of the sample of that, upon reaching the image plane: i. along each given line of a set of parallel lines in. the image plane, only light from a corresponding line of a set of parallel lines in the object plane reaches the given line in the image plane; ii. for each given point along each given line of the set of parallel lines in the image plane, light of only a single wavelength from multiple locations along the corresponding line in the object plane reaches the given point of the given line; and iii. along each given line of the set. of parallel lines in the image plane, the wavelength of light received from the object plane monotonica!ly increases,

0149in some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to compute from the optically acquired data a hair-coloring treatment and/or configured to dispense ingredients for a hair-coloring composition according to the results of the hair heterogeneity parameter. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to compute the treatment and/or dispense the ingredient according to results of comparing of region -specific spectra and/or according to detected hair-shaft boundaries.

0150In some embodiments, the apparatus is i. configured to receive, measure, detect, compute and/or obtain a hair heterogeneity parameter; and ii. configured to compute a hair-coloring treatment and/or configured to dispense ingredients for a hair-coloring composition in accordance with both (A) the optically acquired data and/or the measured speetrum(a) and/or the measured colonmetric data and (B) the hair heterogeneity parameter.

0151In some embodiments, the apparatus is i. configured to detect hair-shaft boundaries: and ii. configured to compute a hair-coloring treatment and/or configured to dispense ingredients for a hair-coloring composition in accordance with both (A) the optically acquired data and/or the measured spectrum(a) and/or the measured colonmetric data and (B) the hair shaft boundaries.

0152In some embodiments, the apparatus is i. configured to directly or indirectly compare measured spectra; ii. configured to compute a hair-coloring treatment and/or configured to dispense ingredients for a hair-coloring composition in accordance with the results of the comparing,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0154FIG. I is a block diagram of a system for preparing a customized hair-coloring composition in accordance with measured optical properties of the. user's hair.

0155FIGS. 2 and 3A-3B respectively illustrate example dispenser and hair-reader devices.

0156FIG. 4 is a flow-chart of a method for preparing a customized hair-coloring com osition.

0157FIG. 5 is a flow-chart of method for predicting post- treatment spectra according to measured region-specific spectra.

0158FIG. 6A illustrates hair-shafts on a window of a hair-reader device. FIGS. 6B and 8 illustrate cross-sections .of ilmminated. hair-shafts.

0159FIGS. 6C and 7 A are top-down views of illuminated hair-shafts.

0160FIG. 7B illustrates an intersection between a plurality of regions and an Object- plane.

0161FIG. 9 is a flow-chart of method for predicting post-treatment colorimetric data according to measured region-specific colorimetric data,

0162FIG. lOA is a flow chart is a technique for predicting a result of a hair-color- modifying treatment, according to some embodiments.

0163FIG. 10B illustrates clusters according to shaft color-properties.

0164FIG. 1 1 is a close-up of substantially-aligned hair shafts on a window of hair- reading device.

0165FIG, 12 A- 1 2B illustrate a plurality of keratinous fibers on a window of a spectral, hair-reade .

0166FIG. 13A illustrates an apparatus for measuring region-specific spectra of hair. FIG. 13B illustrates a two-dimensional array of photodetectors .

0167FIGS. 14A- 14B, 15A-15B, 16- 16B illustrate corresponding parallel lines in the object plane and the image plane.

0168FIG. J6C illustrates object-plane-projected regions (e.g. elongated areas of the object-piane) formed by projecting regions of space into the object plane.

0169FIGS. 17-27 illustrate additional embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

0171The claims below will, be better understood by referring to the present detailed description of example embodiments with reference to the figures. The description, embodiments and figures are not to be taken a limiting the scope of the claims. It should be understood that not every feature of the presently disclosed methods and apparatuses is necessary in every implementation. It should also be understood that throughout this disclosure, where a process or method is shown or described, the steps of the method may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless it is clear from the context that one step depends on another being performed first. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning "having the potential, to"), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e. meaning "must").

0172It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

0173Definitions For convenience, in the context of the description herein, various terms are presented here. To the extent that definitions are provided, explicitly or implicitly, here or elsewhere in this application, such definitions are understood to be consistent with the usage of the defined terms by those of skill in the pertinent art(s). Furthermore, such definitions are to be construed in the broadest possible sense consistent with such usage.

0174For the present disclosure, an "image" refers to one or more of (i) an image that is focused in both dimensions of an image plane (hereinafter a '2D-focused image') and (ii) an Oniy-1 D-focused-image' that is focused in only a first dimension of the image plane and blurred in the second dimension of the image plane that is orthogonal to the first dimension. In the context of images, I D refers to a single dimension (one-dimension) within the image plane and 2D refers to two dimensions within the image plane. The only- 1 D-focused-image image may be generated using any optics known in the art including but not limited to a toric lens - the skilled artisan will appreciate that other lenses or other optical components other than lenses (e.g. mirrors) may be used. The terms 'partial image' and a 'only- ID-focused-image' are used interchangeably.

0175An 'at least ID-focused image' refers to either an 'only- ID-focused- image' or to a

0176'2D-f^'ocused image. ' Thus any reference to 'an at least .ID-focused image' means that (i) in some embodiments, the image may be an "only-lD-focused-image" and (ii.) in other embodiments, the image may be a '2D- focused image.'

0177Any reference to an 'image' without specifying the number of dimensions in which the image is focused ma relate either to an Only- .1 D-focused-image' (in some embodiments) or to a '2D-focosed image' (in other embodiments). When ii image is formed at an intermediate location' this means that either (i) a 2D-foeused image is formed at the intermediate location (e.g. at a single intermediate location); (ii) only one only- iD-focused-image is formed at a single intermediate location or (iii) first and second only-1 D-focused-tmages (i.e. respectively focused in first and second directions (for example, the first and second directions are orthogonal to each other) and respectively blurred in orthogonals to the first and second directions) are formed in first and second intermediate locations. Thus, an 'intermediate location' refers to one or more intermediate locations.

0178For the present disclosure, 'color-dispersion optics' refers to optical components which breaks light into spectral components. Examples of col or- dispersion optics include but are not limited to a prism and a grating.

0179A "light detector" or a "detector" refers to one or more photodetectors - e.g. configured as an image sensor and/or in a ID or 2D array of photodetectors. In another example, a scanning detector apparatus equivalent to a I D or 2D 'starting' array of photodetectors is used. When light is focused in an image plane at the light detector, the photodeieetor of the light detector is within the image plane,

0180A 'slit¹ is a particular type of aperture having a relatively high aspect ratio (e.g. at least 5 or at least 7,5 or at least 10 or ar least 15) - i.e. a length significantly exceeds a width thereof. For the present disclosure, for any embodiment requiring or reciting a 'slit' an aperture may be substituted.

0181The term "color-imparting agent" refers to a hair-coloring agent (e.g. for example, for permanent hair-coloring) or to an ingredient thereof .

0182Unless specified otherwise, when, a region, is "projected" into a plane, every point of the region is subjected to a perpendicular projection into the plane,

0183A "substantial majority" means at least 75%. In some embodiments, a 'substantial majority' is at least 90% or at least 95% or at least 99%. Unless specified otherwise, a 'majority' means 'at least a majority.' Unless specified otherwise, 'at least a majority' means that, in some embodiments, the 'majority' is at least a substantial majority - i.e. at least 75% or at least 90% or at least 95% or at least 99%.

0184Electronic circuitry may include may include any executable code module (i.e. stored on a computer-readable medium) and/or firmware and/or hardware element(s) including but not limited to field programmable logic array (FPLA) elements , hardwired logic element(s), field programmable gate array (FPGA) element(s), and application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) element(s). Any instruction set architecture may be used including but not limited to reduced instruction set computer (RISC) architecture and/or complex instruction set computer (CISC) architecture. Electronic circuitry may be located in a single location or distributed among a plurality of locations where various circuitry elements may be in wired or wireless electronic communication with each other.

0185A 'hair-coloring treatment' is any treatment which modifies the color of hair shafts. Examples of hair-coloring treatments include hair-dying treatments (e.g. based upon artificial colorants) and bleaching. Examples of hair-dying treatments are temporary, demi-petmanent, semi-permanent or permanent hair-dying (e.g. oxidative hair-dying).

0186A 'spectrum^* of material (e.g. hair) may be a reflection spectrum, a transmission spectrum, or an absorption spectrum - i.e. light may be scattered from the material in any modes. A "spectrum" includes readings (i.e. actual measurements) for at least 5 distinct wavelengths - measurements are performed for every wavelength of a set of wavelengths SET ~ [λ,, A?.. v} where A,> Xi if j>i, where N >-5.

0187When a measurement (e.g. a spectra or a measurement of coioriometric data) 'correspond to' a region of space (or of a plane), the measurement is specific to hair- material withi that region,

0188A "set" refers to "one or more." By way of example, a "set of spectrum(a) " is one or more spectrum(a).

0189Unless other specified, a plurality of regions refers to a plurality of distinct regions.

0190A 'representative' data-object (e.g. representative coiorimetrk data, or a representative spectrum) of a set of data objects may be computed by comparing the data objects for common feature (i.e. where the representative is selected on the basis of a common feature), or by computing a central tendency value {e.g. an average, or a median value or any other representative value {e.g. , a first statistical moment), or according to any other technique appropriate for the art of hair-analysis, When second data (e.g. a spectrum or a portion thereof, or colorimetrie data) is "derived from" first data, the first data may be obtained by subjecting the first data to analysis and to obtain the second data according to the results of the analysis. For example, the second data may be a mathematical transformation - i.e. second_d ta - flfirstjiata). In another example, it is possible to analyze the first data with respect to a database, and to obtain the second data from the first data according to the results of the analysis. By way of example, it is possible (i) to store a library of one of more spectrura(a), (ii) to compare a measured region-specific spectrum(a) to the librar -stored spectrum, and to iii) retrieve one or more spectram(a) from the library according to the results of the comparing.

0191One. particular example relates to computing a 'representative spectrum' that represents a plurality of measured, region-specific spectra. In this particular example, it is possible to store library of spectra where each spectrum characterizes a different respective hair shade - each of the measured region-specific spectra is compared to the spectra of the libraries to determine common, features. According to this particular example, the library-residing spectra having the most common feature is designated as the 'representative spectrum' that is representative of the plurality of measured region- specific spectra.

0192When first and second data-objects (e.g. spectra or colorimetrie data) are 'compared' to each other, they are either directly compared, or indirectly compared (e.g. the first and second data-objects may both be directly compared, to a third data-object).

0193An 'initial spectrum' relates to a spectrum before a hair-treatment.

0194An 'inter-shaft heterogeneity hair parameter,' also referred to as a 'hair heterogeneity parameter, relates to color-property variations (or lack thereof) between individual hair shafts. One example of a 'hair heterogeneity parameter' is the information that, a hair sample, is 'natural gray hair' or formerly natural gray hair' or 'neither gray hair nor formerly natural gray hair.' Another exampie of a hair heterogeneity parameter is the fact that a particular hair-sample is a mixture of 25% black hair (i.e. a particular shade of black) and 75% white hair. In different embodiments,, a device (e.g. a 'measurement device^* for optically acquiring data - for example, to detect one or more spectra and/or to detect coiorimetric data) may be said to "define an object plane" and or to "define an image plane,"

0195When a device 'defines' an 'image plane,' the image plan location is, definition, a location of the planar array of photodetectors

0196When a device 'defines an object plane,' by definition, all of the following features are provided : A. the device comprises 'optics' and a planar array of photodetectors; B. light is received by the planar array of photodetectors and converted into electrical signals - e.g. the coiorimetric data and/or spectra(um) .may be read, or derived, from the electrical signals C. before reaching the photodetectors, the light is processed by optics en route to the photodetectors. The optics define a relationship between an object plane and an image plane.

0197By definition, the image plane is co-planar with the photodetectors of the planar array of photodetectors. Since the planar' array of photodetectors specifies the location of the image plane, and since the optics specifies the relationship between the image plane and the object plane, a device is said to "define an object plane."

0198FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for preparing a customized hair-coloring composition in accordance with measured optical properties of the user's hair. FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively illustrate example dispenser and hair-reader devices - e.g. useful in the system of FIG, 1. FTG. 4 is a flow-chart of a routine for preparing a hair-coloring composition - for example, using the system of FIG. 1.

0199FIGS. 5-27 relate to methods and apparatus for optically acquiring data (e.g. spectral data) from keratinous liber(s). For example, a plurality of spectra of the keratinous fiber(s) may be detected such that each spectrum corresponds to (i) a different respective portion of the keratinous fiber(s) and/or (ii) material within a different sub- region of space within which at least a portion of the keratinous fiber(s) are disposed.

0200A Discussion of FIGS. .1 -4

0201FIG, 1. is a block diagram of a system for (i) optically measuring one or properties (e.g. spectra or coiorimetric data) of hair and, (ii) in accordance with the optically-measured properties, dispensing material from containers to provide a customized hair-coloring composition. For example, a user desires to color his/her hair to a target shade. An optical measurement of the user's "initial hair" is performed, and. a hair-coloring composition, customized according to the initial state of the user's hair as well as the hair-coloring target is prepared.

0202Illustrated in PIG. 1 are hair reader 3110, system controller 3120, and dispenser device 3130. In the non-limiting example of PIG. 1, system controller 3120 includes dispensing decision engine 3140 which includes recipe-search engine 3150, prediction engine 3160 and recipe-scoring engine 3170.

0203Hair reader 3110 optically acquires optical data from hair - for example by illuminating the hair and detecting light reflected by and/or transmitted by and/or deflected by the hair. System controller 3120 (e.g. comprising a digital computer) receives both the optical data and hair target data (e.g. describing a target shade desired the user). In accordance with the received data, the system controller 3120 computes (e.g. dispensing decision engine 3140) using a customized recipe for the hair-coloring composition - e.g. including respective quantities of a plurality of different materials stored in dispenser 3110.

0204The dispenser proceeds to dispense the materials (e.g. into a mixing vessel— NOT SHOWN in FIG. i) for the hair-coloring composition. These materials may be automatically or manually mixed to form a customized hair-coloring composition, which is applied to the user's hair.

0205In various examples* the hair-reader 3110 may be or include any one or more (i.e. any combination) of the following: a camera or any other imaging device, a spectrometer (e.g. including 'color-dispersion optics'), a spectrograph, a h perspectral imaging device. In different examples, a reflection and/or absorption and/or transmission spectrum may be measured.

0206One non-limiting example of a dispenser 3130 of hair-coloring agents is Illustrated in FIG. 2. In this non-limiting example, a plurality of containers 180A-180Q are engaged to dispenser 3130, such that each container contains therein different respective material related to hair-coloring. Dispense!' 3130 dispenses a combination of these material into a mixing vessel (NOT SHOWN) - e.g. located in port 182.

0207In the example of FIG. 1 , system controller 3120 Includes dispensing decision engine 3140 which computes (a) preferred recipe(s) for dispensing material for the hair- coloring composition. Towards this end. a number of candidate recipes may be considered, selected, from a relatively 'large' number of possibilities by receipt-search engine 3150 (For each candidate, recipe, the predicted outcome of treating the user's hair according to the candidate recipe may be computed by prediction engine 3160 and scored by scoring engine 3170. For example, scoring engine 3170 may compare the predicted outcome with the hair-target data describing the shade desired by the user.

0208In one example, one or more of 3140, 3150, 3160, and/or 3170 is implemented as software stored in volatile or non-volatile memory).

0209FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a non-limiting example of a hair-reader 3110 in accordance with some embodiments. Hair-reader 3110 includes a housing 804 (e.g. opaque) and a window 808. In FIG. 3B, a plurality of keratinous fibers 812 are substantially aligned along an alignment axis which corresponds to the 'y' axis.

0210FIG. 4 is a flow-chart of a non-limiting example of a technique for hair-coloring for example, using the system of FIG. 1. . In step S101, user-target data is received and. stored (e.g. in volatile and/or non-volatile computer-readable storage). Typically, the user-target data relates to a selected shade or color - e.g. a user desires to color his/her hair to the selected shade or color. In step S105, characteristic of a user's hair are measured - e.g. using at least a hair-reader device (e.g. for measuring at least one hair- reflection value or for measuring a hair-reflection-spectrum(a)) such as that illustrated in FIGS. 2 or 4 or that disclosed in PCT/IB2012/051351 or any related hair-reader device, as discussed below. These characteristics may be electronically analyzed in step SI 09. According to the technique of FIG, 4, it is possible to compute a 'customized' hair- treatment that is specific to (i) an initial pre-treatraent state of the user's hair (e.g. as measured, in step S105 and analyzed in step S109) and (ii) the user-target data.

0211The term 'user-target' typically includes to a target color shade - e.g. expressible as a value in color-space such as Hunter Lab color space or any other color space. In addition to a target color shade, user- target data may also include some other desired characteristic of any proposed hair-treatment - e.g. a treatment of 'roots-only' as opposed to 'entire-hair-shaft,' a maximum treatment, time, etc.

0212A plurality of hypothetical or 'candidate' hair-treatment protocols may be analyzed and considered. A 'hair-treatment' may refer to any one of: (A) content of a hair-coloring composition (or more than one hair-coloring composition which may be applied sequentially or simultaneously - for example, a dye-containing composition and a bleaching composition) to be applied to the hair and/or (B) other treatment parameters - e.g. treatment durations, treatment temperature. Computing or specifying a 'hair- treatment' may include specifying at least absolute or relative quantities or loads' (i.e. expressed in molar terms, or as weights, or a volumes, or in. any other manner known in the art) of one or more hair-coloring agents of a hair-coloring composition (e.g. a 'multi- agent¹ composition). The term 'hair-coloring agent' may include an artificial colorant/dye, an oxidizer, an alkal.izer or an other substance used in the art for temporary, semipermanent, demi-permanent or permanent hair-coloring. A hair-coloring agent may be in any phase or form, including but not limited to liquid, gel, mouse, cream, solid, powder, tablet, or any other form known in the art. Optionally, a ¾air-treatment' also includes data relating to treatment time, treatment temperature, multi-stage treatments or an other parameter of treatment. For example, a hair-treatment may entail production of multiple distinct combinations of hair-coloring agents - e.g. a coloring mixture and a bleaching mixture which are applied in different stages.

0213For the present disclosure, the term 'hypothetical' and 'candidate' are used interchangeably and refer to possible treatments that may or may not be actualized.

0214Typically, the specific characteristics of each user's hair is quite individual (e.g. based upon his/her genotype, age, environmental effects etc.) and the number of potential target shades or colors may also be relatively large. Because of the myriad possible combinations of initial and target hair characteristics, the number of possible candidate/hypothetical hair-treatment protocols may be extremely large, and it is not always known a priori which hair-treatment protocols are predicted to be effective (or most effective) to transform hair from its initial state to a state matching the target data received in step Si 01 ,

0215As such, it may be necessary to electronically analyze multiple hypothetical hair treatments to identify a treatment for set of more than one hypothetical hair-treatments) which successfully transforms the initial hair to a target color.

0216This is done in steps S113 and SI 17» Thus, in step S113, a post-protocol state for the hair is predicted for the hair-characteristics measured in step S.1.05 and a specific candidate hair-treatment. Ifi step S1I7, it is electronically determined if this post- protocol state matches the specifications of the user target-data.

0217The term 'hair-color treatment" is not restricted to introducing colorants (e.g. artificial colorants) into the hair (i.e. 'coloring') but may also include hair-bleaching.

0218In one non-limiting example, (i) in step S105 one or more initial reflection spectumfa) are measured, (it) in step SI 13 a hypothetical post-treatment reflection spectrum is computed from the initial reflection spectrum and specifics of a candidate hair-treatment protocol, and a color value (e.g. an LAB value) is computed from the hypothetical post-treatment reflection spectrum; mid (iii) in step S117 this initiai-hair- specific and candidate-protocol-specific LAB value is compared to an LAB value associated with the user-target data received, in step S101.

0219In different embodiments, it is possible to measure a reflection spectrum, a transmission spectrum, a spectrum of deflected light, and an absorption spectrum.

0220In step S121, a protocol that matches the user target-data is selected. Optionally, for example, if more than one candidate protocol matches the user target-data, these candidate protocols may be analyzed and/or scored, and a more preferred matching hair- coloring protocol may be .selected accordingly.

0221In step S125, according to the selected hair-coloring protocol, respective quantities of hair-coloring agent, for a plurality of hair-coloring agents, are each dispensed according to a specifics of the hair-coloring protocol selected in step S121.

0222One non-limiting example of a dispenser of hair-coloring agents is illustrated in FIG. 2. in this non-limiting example, different respective hair-coloring agents are- disposed in each container of a plurality of containers 180A-180Q. In response to the results of step S121, for at least 2 or at least 3 or at least 4 or at least 5 or at least any number of hair-coloring agents, respective quantities of each hair-coloring agent are dispensed into a vessel (not shown) located in port 192.

0223In some embodiments, the dispenser is automatic and includes electronic circuitry for regulating quantities of hair-coloring agents tha are dispensed.

0224For the present disclosure, a dispensing a plurality of hair-coloring agents according to the results of some sort of computational and/or electronic operation(s) (e.g. a predicting of a post-bypothetical-hypothetical-hair-treatment spectrum (e.g. reflection spectrum) or a color value derived thereirota) refers to one or more of two situations: (it a situation whereby electronic circuitry automatically controls a dispensing device (the skilled-artisan is directed to PCT/IB2012/051 351 incorporated herein by reference) and/or (ii) a situation whereby hair-coloring instructions computed from an electronic predicting is communicated to a human user (e.g. visually via a computer screen or in any other maimer). The hair-coloring instructions may relate to relative quantities of hair- coloring agents and the human user follows the instniciion to, for example, dispense hair- coloring agent(s) according to the quantities specified by the computer-provided instructions. The container for a chemical agent may have, any form factor (e.g. rigid container, tube, etc) and may either may mounted to a dispenser device as illustrated in FIG. 2 or may be a 'free' or unmounted container.

0225Once these agents are dispensed into the vessel, one or more steps may, optionally, be performed to transform the contents of the vessei (not shown) into a hair- coloring mixture, which may then be applied to the user's hair to color the hair.

0226For the present disclosures, the terms ' input keratinous fiber(s)' and 'initial hair' are used interchangeably — both refers to keratinous f^'tbers(s) (e.g. hair) which is subjected to one or measurements (e.g. optical measurements and/or reflection measurements - for example, to measure a hair-reflection spectrum(a)) for the purpose of predicting a final state of one or more hypothetical hair-treatments.

0227The skilled artisan will appreciate that not every step of FIG. 4 is required in every embodiment, the order of steps of FIG. 4 is not limiting— the steps may be performed a different order, additional steps may be performed, and one or more steps may be modified.

0228A Discussion of PIGS. 5-8

0229FIG. 5 is a flow-chart of method for predicting post- treatment spectra according to measured region-specific spectra. FIG. 5 is explained with reference to FIGS . 6-7,

0230In step S201, a plurality of region-specific spectra are measured as follows— for each given region Region; of a plurality of regions { Region >, Region^ , ... Region^} {N is a positive integer having a value of a least 2; / is a positive integer having a value between 1 and N), a region-specific spectrum SPEQRegiorii j for hair-material disposed within the given region Region,- is measured. FIG. 6A is a close-up of the portion of FIG. 3B where the hair-shafts are disposed. FIG. 6A relates to one type of natural-gray hair. In the example of FIG, 6A, five hair- shafts 812A-812E are illustrated -- shafts 812B and 812E are natural-black hair shafts (i.e. by virtue of a presence, of natural hair pigments theremjand shafts 812A, 81 C and 812D are natural-white hair shafts substantially free of melanin.

0231FIG. 6B is a cross-section, view of the same five hair-shafts. In the example of FIG. 6Bs illumination is "from below" - the block-arrows of FIG. 6B that are labeled with an ./ illustrate this illumination. Light reflected back "down" from the hair shaft is collected by a detector. In this example, the region-dependent spectra are generated on the basis of the reflected light Also illustrated in FIG. 6B is object plane 820, defined by optics of the detector (NOT SHOWN), As shown in FIG. 6B, object plane 820 passes through the hair-shafts.

0232FIG. 6C illustrates a cross section of the same five hair-shafts 812A-812E in the x-y plane - e.g. in object plane 820.

0233The intersection between a 'region of space' (i.e. in 3-dimensions, having finite dimensions) and object plane is a portion or 'area of the plane.' By wave of example, when an. infinite plane, passes through a solid sphere, the intersection is the locus of points within a spectrum. Thus, the intersection between a 'region of space' and a plane (e.g. an object plane_.) is referred to either as a 'slice of the object plane' or a ^" region-object-plane intersection- area" .

0234The term " regioii:object-plan.e intersection-area" refers- to the area of object plane 820 contained given region. When an object plane 'passes through' a plurality of regions, the object plane and the regions define a plurality of 'region:object-plane intersection areas."

0235As will be discussed below (see FIG. 16), the intersection between a region of space and an area may also be obtained by subjecting the region of space to a perpendicular projection. Thus, in some embodiments, a 'region: object- lane intersection of a region is synonymous with a peipendicular projection of the region.

0236FIG. 7A illustrated a portion of the planar-region of FIG, 6A— in the x -direction, FIG. 7 A is restricted to the portion of the x-axis between x_/ and j and is restricted to the portion of the y-axis between v; and >^> In one example related to FIGS. 6A-6B, it is possible to defi e 228 regions of space ( all shaped as rectangular prisms) as follows: (A) ail regions are bound in the z~ direction by zi and z?; (B) Region.) of space is bound by x; and ? (i.e. in the χ-directson) and bound by >^>_/ and y₂ (i.e. in the y-direction); Region? of space is bound by x₂ and ,x (i.e. in the x-direction) and bound by y; and y? {i.e. in the y-direetion); ... Region 12 of space is bound by x_}2 and x_}3 (i.e. in the x-direction) and bound by yv and >¾ (i.e. in the y- direclion); Region^, of space is bound by xi and x₂ (i.e. in the x-direction) and bound by y? and Vj (i.e. in the y-directioti); ... Region?? of space is bound by x₎₂ and x_;-J (i.e. in the x-direction) and bound by v/y and y?o (i.e. in the y-direction).

0237Due to space constraints, these regions are not explicitly labeled as such in FIG. 6C. As noted above. FIG. 7 A illustrates a portion of the planar-region of FIG. 6C. In FIG. 7B, an intersection between object-plane 820 and some of the 228 regions are labeled.

0238The locations in FIG. 7B correspond to those of FIG. 7A. In particular, FIG. 7B relates to the following regions-of- pace Region_/, Region,- j , Regi n^ , Regions_? ; Region?, Region 14 , Regiortia Region^ ; Regions, Region is , Region?_/ , Region^ ; Region4 >, Regi n^ , Regions , gion^ ;

0239Because these regions-of-space are three-dimensional, and because FIG. 7B is a two-dimensional figure, what is illustrated in FIG. 7B is not, in fact, each entire region, but rather a 'slice' of each region - i.e. an intersection between each region and a plane passing (e.g. object-plane 820) through all of the regions. These regions are labelled "object-plane slice' of the regoin - in this context, the terra 'slice' is synonymous with 'region :object-plane intersection areas.' - thus, what is illustrated in FIG. 7B are. 16 such 'intersection-areas' describing a respective intersection between each of 16 regions and a plane (e.g. object-plane 820) passing through all of the regions.

0240The "object-plane-slice of region¹ illustrates in FIG. 7B are all, in fact, perpendicular projections of the region in to the object-plane 820.

0241The regions of the object plane, illustrated in FIG. 7B (i.e. actually, two- dimensional 'slices' or 'intersection areas' are illustrated ), are all 'single-shaft' with respect to white shaft 812A - Region } Regi n] , Region^ and Region^. - for all of these regions, their respective spectra Spec(R gioni), Spec(Region- ), Spec(Region₂s), and Sp€C(Regions7) are generated primarily from light reflected from one of the natural- white hair shafts (i.e. shaft 812A ). Similarly, the intersection of all of the regions with the object plane includes only locations where white-shaft-material is located.

0242The following regions of the object plane, illustrated in FIG. 7.B , are all of which are 'single-shaft' with respect to black shaft 812 - Region_*. Region m , Regioi and Region,;!). - for all of these regions, their respective spectra Spec(Region₄), ^■Spec{Region )_t Sp c(RegioH2s)_> and Spec(Region4₍)) are generated primarily from light reflected from one of the natural-black hair shafts (i.e. shaft 812B). Similarly, the intersection of all of the regions with the object plane includes only locations where black-shaft-material is located.

0243Reference is made, once again, to FIG.5. in step 201 , a set of region-specific spectra {Spec(Region)), Spec⁽Region?h ... Spec(Region^)} are generated.

0244Based upon these region-specific spectra, it is possible to designate and/or compute "initial spectra" in step S205. The term 'sample partial' in step $205 relates to the fact that the spectra is representative of only a portion of the sample, and not of the sample as a whole. Steps S205-S I3 are now explained in terms of two non-limiting examples.

0245First example related to step S205-S213 - It may be decided that since the intersection of Region i and the object-plane 820 only includes locations within a white shaft 812A, that Spec( Region i) is representative of white-hair-shaft spectra. Alternatively or additionally, it may be decided that since Spec(Regioni) is generated primarily from light scattered by white hair-shaft (i.e. shaft 812A), that Spec(Regioni is representative of white-hair-shaft spectra.

0246It may be decided that since the intersection of Regioru and the object-plane 820 only includes locations within a white shaft, that SpecfRegioru) is representative of black- hair-shaft spectra 8.12B. Alternatively or additionally, it -may be decided that since Spec(Regbru) is generated primarily from light scatted by a black hair-shaft (i.e. shaft 812B), that Spec(Regiori4) is representative of black-hair-shalt spectra.

0247In this "first" example, in step S209 a transformation of Spex Region/) after subjecting the hair-sample to a hair-coloring treatment is predicted — the result is TREA TMENT_TRANSFORMED( Spec( Region _/)_,}, This may be performed using an method known in the art, including but not limited to techniques disclosed in US 7,1 10,1.17 and PCT/IB2012/051351, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. For example, (i.) initial concentration(s) of one or more natural pigments within the hair-shaft may be computed from Spec(Regioni) , (is) an influence a bleaching upon natural pigments (i.e. having the computed initial concentration(s» and/or a final concentration of artificial colorants may be computed according to the particulars of the hair-coloring process and (Hi) TREA TMENTJTRANSFORMED(Spec^' { Region _/) ) may be computed according to the final predicted concentration of natural and artificial colorants within hair shafts that are initially natural-white (i.e. as represented by Spe Regio/i,'))},

0248In this "first" example, Spvc( Region^ is representative of the natural-black hair shaft spectrum. Thus, in this first example, in step S213 a transformation of Spec(Re.gion4) after subjecting the hair-sample to a hair-coloring treatment is predicted— the result is TREATMENT_ TRANSFORMED( Sp ( Regioru)).

0249Thus, the 'first example' relates to the case where the first and second initial spectra correspond to first and second region-specific spectra.

0250Second example related to step S205-S213 - In this example, an initial spectra representative the 'white hair shafts' (i.e. which is subseqoeniiy transformed in step S209) is defined in step S205 according to the average of the following region-specific spectra (all of which are generated primarily by light scattered from natural-white hair shafts and/or generated from matter within a region of space whose intersection with the object plane 820 only includes locations within a white shaft) — Spec(Regiortj), Spec(Regionij), Spec(Region2s), and Spec(Region^). Thus, the first initial spectrum, according to this second example, is AVG(Spec(Regi.otii), Spec(Regionu), Spec(Region25)_> Spec(R gionjj)}.

0251Thus, in this "second" example, the first spectrum is 'derived from' a plurality of region-specific spectra - i.e. to be representative of white shafts.

0252In this example, an initial spectra representative the 'black hah shafts' (i.e. which is subsequently transformed in step S213) is defined in step S2 5 according to the average of the following region-specific spectra (all of which are generated primarily by light scattered from natural-black hair shafts and/or generated from matter within a region of space whose intersection with the object plane 820 only includes locations within a black shaft) - Sp c(Regkmj), SpeciRegionm), Spec(Regiott2s), and Spec(Regiori₄(,). Thus, the first initial spectrum, according to this second example, is A VC(Spec(Region₄), Spec(Regiorixfi), Spec( Region-is), Spec( Region^)))-

0253The sample-representative predicted spectra (i.e. computed in step S217) may be used in any manner and for any purpose. In some embodiments, the method includes step S221 where the predicted spectra is used to compute a hair-coloring treatment and/or dispense ingredients therefor.

0254Reference is now made to FIG. 8 which may be compared to FIG. 6B. In the example of FIG, 6 , a single row of hair-shafts is illustrated. In the example of FIG. 8, an upper row of hair-shafts 812F-812K is_. shown in addition to the lower row of hair-shafts 812A-812E. When illuminated from below, scattering (in this reflection) is performed primarily but not exclusively by the lower row 8.12A-812E of hair-shafts which are the "front row' relative to the illumination.

0255Before discussing FIG. 9, an additional group of terms are now defined,

0256A plurality of regions { Region _/, Region? , ... Region_N) defines a set of "region- pairs" as the set of ail pairs ( Region_j, Region/,; ) where j.k both positive integers between i and N and j≠k.}

0257A "^"volume ratio" between two regions Regioti_j, Region^ is (i) i if they have the same volume or (ii) otherwise, is the ratio between the volume of the larger region to the volume of the smaller region.

0258For two overlapping regions Region;, Region*, (i.e. a 'pair' of regions that overlap) where j.k both positive integers between 1 and N and j≠k, the combined region is the union. Regiott_j u Region . The overlap fraction is the overlapping regions is the ratio between: (i) a volume of the overlapping portion of the region of the region-pair - i.e. a volume of Region,- n Region_k and (ii) a volume of the combined region Region; Region_/,-

0259For an object plane OP and a plurality of regions Region; the region:objeet-plane intersection area, of region Region, is the portion, of the object plane OP contained within Region; , Unless specified otherwise, the term 'intersection area' Intersection.. Area refers to a region :object-plane intersection, area. FIG 7B relates to the intersection of 16 regions with an object-plane and illustrates 16 portions of the object-plane - all of these portions (referred to as 'slices of the region' } of the intersection plane, are regiomobject-plane intersection areas or 'intersection areas.'

0260For an object plane OP and a plurality of regions {Region_/, Region? , ... Region^ } , the plurality of regions defines a plurality of region-object-plane intersection areas as follows: for a regiori:object-piane intersection-area, the 'size' is the 'area' and is given in dimension of length² - e.g. mrn", or microns^*

0261A "size ratio" between two regioniobjeet-plane intersection-areas (i.e. a pair of the intersection-areas) is (i) 1 if the each of the intersection-areas has the same size; or (ii) the ratio between the larger of the intersection-areas and the smaller of the intersection-areas .

0262For two overlapping regions Intersection_arecij, Interseciion_Area_k defining where j,k both positive integers between 1 and N and j≠k, the combined area is the union Intersection _Area_j U Intersection_Arecii . The overlap fraction is the overlapping intersection-areas (i.e. of a 'pair of intersection -areas') is the ratio between: (i) a size of the overlapping portion the intersection-area-pair - i.e. a size of Intersection^ rea_j n Regioti_k and (ii) a size of the combined region .lniersecthm_Area_j u Inlersection_A reai_c

0263Discussion of FIG. 9

0264Reference is now made to FIG. 9. in step S251, a plurality of region-specific coiorimetric measurements are performed - e.g. to acquire, for each region, LAB data or RGB data or any other coiorimetric data in the art. In step S255, first and second sample- partial coiorimetric data are defined. The 'sample partial' coiorimetric data is representative of only a portion of the sample, and not of the sample as a whole.

0265The first and second coiorimetric data are respectively transformed in step S2S9 and S263. In step S267, sample-representati e coiorimetric data is computed from the first and second sample-partial predicted post-treatment coiorimetric data.

0266The sample-representative predicted coiorimetric data (i.e. computed in step S217) may be used in any manner and for any purpose. In some embodiments, the method includes step S261 where the predicted spectra is used to compute a hair-coloring treatment and/or dispense ingredients therefore.

0267A Discussion of FIGS. lOA- iOB

0268FIG. iOA is a flow chart is a technique for predicting a result of a hair-eolor- modifytng treatment, according to some embodiments. in ste S3 1, a determination is made if the hair-sample is a shaft-color- inhomogeneous mixture of hair (e.g. natural-gray hair) or not. If not. then in step S305, it is possible to operate in a hair-homogeneous mode 305. This determination may be made in any manner - in one example, a hair-stylist or other expert user may manually input data. Alternatively or additionally, optically-acquired data of a sample of hair may be analyzed to make the determination. For example, pixel data of a camera-acquired image of the hair may be compared to each other. In another example and as discussed below, sub-region-specit c data for multiple sub-regions may be compared to each other.

0269In step S309, hair-shafts and/or regions thereof are classified according to hair shaft color-type. For example, natural- gray hair comprising white shafts and black shafts may be treated with a red dye to create formerly natural-gray hair comprising (i) light-red hair shafts (i.e. first color type) and (it) dark-red hair shafts (i.e. second color type).

0270In one non-limiting example related to automatically detecting of hair type, it is possible to form clusters (see FIG. 10B) - e.g. in LAB space or according to any other color-related property. In the non-limiting example of FIG, 10B, each shaft iss represented by a different point. In the example of FIG. 10B, it may be concluded that regions Ri , R2, R5 and R8 are associated with a first cluster (e.g. natural-white hair) and R3, R4, R7 and R6 are associated with a second cluster (e.g. natural black hah).

0271Discussion of FIGS, 11- 12

0272FIG. 11 a close-up of substantially-aligned hair shafts on window 808 of hair- reading device— window 808 includes a transparent surface 820 (e.g. of glass or plastic) and a support frame 816 for supporting transparent surface 820 on housing 804,

0273FIG. 12A- 12B illustrate a plurality of keratinous fibers on a window of a spectral hair-reader 3110. FIG. 12A is a cross-section view while FIG. 12B is a side view. An illumination source 118 illustrates keratinous fibers, and light (e.g. primarily light of diffusive reflections) therefrom passes through slit or aperture 120. Additional components of the system of FIG. 1.2A are illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B, discussed below,

0274FIG. 13 A is an non-limiting example of an apparatus for measuring a plurality of spectra of hair-shafts, each spectrum corresponding to a different respective sub-region in which a different respective set of hair-shafts (or portions thereof) are disposed. One salient feature of FIG. 13A is the presence of two imaging system 1080 and 1070, each of which comprises a different respective set of optical components).

0275In one non-limiting example, illustrated in FIG. 13B, detector 180 comprises an array (e.g. two-dimensional - for example, planar array) of photodetector — in the example of FIG. 12, this is an 8X3 array, though any other section of dimensions (e.g. comprising at least 2 rows and at least 2 columns) may be used. For example, a CCD or CMOS array may be employed.

0276In some embodiments, imaging system 1080 is operative to focus light reflected and/or deflected and/or transmitted from hair-shafts 812 before this reflected and/or deflected and/or transmitted light passes through slit or aperture 120 so that (i) the hair- shafts 812 are located in an object-plane and (ii) slit or aperture 120 is located in an image plane. In this non-limiting embodiment, the. image located at 'image' plane is an 'intermediate image.' The 'intermediate image' (e.g. at slit or aperture 120) may be an only- ID-focused-image - for example, a focused in a dimension perpendicular to hair- alignment axis 812— for example, along the x-axis (see 992 of FIG. 6).

0277In some embodiments, imaging system 1070 is operative to focus light reflected and/or deflected and/or transmitted from the hair-shafts after passing through slit 120 so that the hair slit 120 (or another 'intermediate' location where the intermediate image) is in an object plane and photodetectors 180 (e.g. a planar two-dimensional array thereof - e.g. a CCD or CMOS array) are in an image plane 180— thus, photodetectors 180 receive an image of slit 120 on which an image of hair- shafts 812 is present— an 'image of an 'image.'

0278Alternatively, instead of a two-dimensiotial array of photodetectors (i.e. a 'starting' system), a scanning system may be employed - e.g. to achieve the effect of detecting a two-dimensional image at a focal plane of imaging system 1070.

0279The image is not required to be located exactly on slit or aperture 120. in and may be located on any location another intermediate location along the optical path between

0280Also illustrated in FIG. 13A is grating 150, Alternatively, a prism may be used.

0281In another example, it is possible to detect reflection spectrum(a) and/or absorption spectrum/a) and or transmission spec rum(a) using photodetector that have wavelength and/or 'color^' (i.e. in the visible range or any other spectrum) sensitivity. Similarly, there is no requirement of a slit or elongated aperture -- other optical components ) (e.g. lens(es)) may be configured to provide this .functionality.

0282Thus, some embodiments relate to any device (e.g. monochromator device) configured to measure spectral data (e.g. a reflection, absorption or transmission spectrum) of the keratinous fiber (s).

0283As illustrated in the non-limiting example of FIG. 13B, (i) Row A of the 2D-array of photodeteetors 180 is used to detect spectral data of keratinous fiber(s) within sub- region 8.40A; (ii) Row B of the 2D-array of photodeiectors 180 is used to detect spectral data of keratinous fibcr(s) within sub-region 840B; (iii) Row C of the 2D-array of photodeteetors 180 is used to detect spectral data of keratinous fiber(s) within sub-region 840C. Examples of such spectrum are illustrated in the right-hand column of FIG. 13B.

0284A Discussion of FIGS, 14-16

0285When light is processed by optics of FIGS. 13A- J.3B, one or more (i.e. any combination of) Feature A and or Feature B and/or Feature C may be provided.

0286Reference is now made to FIG. 14A, FIG. 14A illustrates 3 parallel lines in the object plane Line_A , Lines and Liner, and 3 object lines in the image plane Lme_A- , Lin r and Line ., Line A- is a 'corresponding line' relative to ¾ , Lines- is a 'corresponding line' relative to Lines , and so on (i.e. the A line and the A' line are corresponding, the B line and the B' line are corresponding, and so on).

0287Feature, - along each given line of a set of parallel lines in the image plane, only light from a corresponding line of a set of parallel lines in the object plane reaches the given line in the image plane.

0288In the example of FIG. 14A, the light is processed (e.g. by the system of FIGS, Γ3Α-13Β) so that only light from. Line A reaches Line - , only light from Lin n reaches Lines_{' >} and so on. Thus, no light from Linen reaches Line A-

0289However, it is noted the light from multiple points along a line in the object-plane may reach a since point in the image-plane. Referring to FIG. 14B, it is noted that light from all of points 982.4, 984A and 986A may reach point 992A. Light from all of points 982A, 984A and 986A may reach point 992B. Light from all of points 982B, 984B and 986B may reach point 992B, Feature B - for each given point along each given line of the set of parallel lines in the image plane, light of only a single wavelength from multiple locations along the corresponding line in the object plane reaches the given point of the given line.

0290Thus, referring to FIG. 15A, light of wavelength X_s from a variety of locations along line A reaches the single point 992A - only light of a single wavelength λ_\ reaches point 92A.

0291Referring to FIG. 15B, light of wavelength λ₃ from a variety of locations along line A reaches the single point 994A— only light of a single wavelength λ₂ reaches point 992A.

0292Similarly, FIGS. 16A-16B relate to lines B and B\

0293Feature C - In some embodiments, along a line of the image plane, the wavelength of light from the object plane monotonically increases - thus, a wavelength of light received, at point 994B would exceed the wavelength of light received at point 992A, a wavelength of light received at point 994C would exceed the wavelength of light received at point 992B, and so on -in moving in a single direction (i.e. down) the light wavelength monotonically increases.

0294Discussion of FIG. 16C

0295As a result of the optics, the of each 'region' may be relativel long and thin. Thus, when each region of space is projected into the object plane, a respective 'projected region' is form. As shown in FIG. 16C, these object-plane-projected regions may be long and thin - e.g. having an aspect ratio of at least 5, and ^'defining elongate axes (i.e. along the length of each object-plane-projected-region ) that are all aligned with each other. in FIG. 16, the object-plane-projected regions are informally referred to as 'slices' of the object plane. The length of each slice is shown by 828 and the width is shown by the widths of 818A-S18J - the object aspect ratio is the length the length 828 and the widths, and the elongate axis is along the y axis.

0296Thus, the elongate axis of slice A 8I8A is along the y axis, the elongate axis of slice B 818B is along the y axis, and so on.

0297Thus, in FIG. I6C, the area which along the y axis are between locations 822A and 822B and along the x axis within the 'slice A' 818A^* is a first elongated area of the object-plane— the 'elongate axis' of this first elongated area is along the y axis, and an aspect ratio of this elongated area is clearly at least 5 or at least 10. This .first elongated area is entirely within white shaft 812 A. This first elongated area is formed by the perpendicular projection of a three-dimensional region (e.g. for which a. spectrum is measured ) into the object-plane.

0298Similarly, a second elongate area is formed b Slice B 818B, a third elongate region is formed by Slice C 818C. All of these elongated areas are formed by respectively projecting a respective region of space into the object-plane. All of these elongated areas have an 'elongate axis' (i.e. along the longer length) that is along the v axis.

0299Discussion of FIGS. 17A-17B

0300In some embodiments, hair may be optically probed (e.g. to acquire spectral and/or reflection dat thereof) in- situ. In this case, the hair-reader may be oriented in a generally 'downward' orientation, where the user's hair is 'below' (i.e. in terms of height/altitude') window 808. This is illustrated in FIGS. 1.7B- 178 where hair at 'target site A' is optically probed.

0301Discussion of FIGS. 18-27

0302As illustrated in FIG. 18, (i) Row A of the 2D-array of photodetectors 180 is used to record spectroscopic data of keratinous fiber(s) within slice 840A; (ii) Row B of the ^"ZD-array of photodetectors 180 is used to record, spectroscopic data of keratinous fiber(s) within slice 840B; (iii) Row C of the 2D-array of photodetectors 180 is used to record spectroscopic data of keratinous fiber(s) within slice 840C. Examples of such spectrum are illustrated in the righ t-hand column of FIG. 12.

0303FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a technique for computing a hair-coloring recipe and/or for dispensing hair-coloring agents. In step S301, a plurality of reflection spectra are measured, each spectrum corresponding to a different respective slice - e.g. a first spectrum that is specific to hair shaft(s) within slice 840A, a second, spectrum that is specific to hair shaft(s) within slice 84ΘΒ, and a third spectrum that is specific to hair shaft(s) within slice 840 C.

0304In step S309, the slice-specific spectra are compared with each other, and a parameter descriptive of similarity of multiple spectra may be computed. For example, if the spectra are relatively similar to each other, a recipe. S313 may be provided for 'homogenous grey'. Alternatively, if the spectra are less similar to each other, a recipe specific to a heterogeneous mixture of hair may be provided. Hair-coloring agents may be dispensed according to the computed hair-coloring recipes,

0305FIG. 20A illustrates a scalp reflection — e.g. a reflection spectra of skin on a user's seaip. FIG. 20BB illustrates the 'identifying features^' of a scalp reflection spectrum including point where asi Nth derivative (N is positive integer) are zero in the [500 nm, 580 nm] portion of the spectrum. Thus, in the example of FIG. 20B, local maxima 380, local minima 388, and inflection points 384 are illustrated.

0306In some embodiments, it is possible to analyze a spectrum(a) (e.g. reflection spectrum) of a user's hair (e.g. measured in step S105) to determine, in fact, the data thereof is en tirely due to a user's hair, or if, in fact, there is any scalp-related contribution (and a magnitude thereof).

0307In some embodiments, it is possible to focus in on 'recognition features' that provide distinguishing power between hair-spectrum(a) and scalp spectrum(a). FIG, 20B relates to some 'recognition features.'

0308In some embodiments, when analyzing a measurement spectrum(a) to determine a relative magnitude of a contribution due to scalp, it is possible to assign extra weight and/or predictive power for one or more ^'recognition features' including but not limited to: (i) a presence or absence of critical points and/or inflection points and/or points where higher-order derivatives are zero (or any other value); (ii) a number of such points in a portion of the spectrum (Hi) a distance between such points; (iv) a value of a slope (or higher-order derivative) in a portion of the spectrum [e.g. a downward slope 392 - e.g. monotonicaily downward between about 820 nm and about S60 nm or other features or combinations thereof.

0309Thus, in FIG. 21 , it is possible, to measure a correlation between measurement spectral data and one or more scalp 'recognition features.' (step 209).

0310Scalp-spectrum data may be pre-stored in computer storage (e.g. volatile and/or volatile storage). The scalp-spectrum data may b universal, population-specific (e.g. race-specific), and/or user-specific - e.g. in FIG. 26 it is possible (target site C) to explicitly measure spectral data of a user's scalps. There are a number of possible responses to the scalp-spectrum correlation measurement of step S209. in one example (FIG. 22), it is possible to generate an alert signal (e.g. audio alert, visual alert, email alert, etc) contingent upon a measurement spectrum(a) exhibiting similarity beyond a threshold value. Alternatively or additionally (FIG. 1 ), the similarity between a .measurement spectra and one or more features of a scalp may be used to correct measurement data to remove scalp-related noise.

0311In FIG. 24, scalp-related noise may be removed i step S251.

0312It is not always clear a-priori how much influence scalp has upon a user- measurement, and thus it is not always clear a-priori what 'magnitude^' or 'coefficient' of a scalp spectrum or portion thereof (e.g. pre-stored) may be applied to the scalp spectrum when subtracting off scalp-spectrum data (in step S251) from measurement data. This problem is addressed in FIGS. 25A-26B.

0313FIG, 27 relates to the situation where a plurality of spectra of measured - e.g. using any technique disclosed herein (see, e.g. FIGS. 5-13). In this case, for each of the spectra it is possible to measure a respective strength of correlation, and when computing an initial hair-color value (e.g. in LAB space), to use the spectra having the least amount of 'scalp noise' therein.

0314In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, "comprise" "include" and "have", and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the. object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements or part of the subject or subjects of the verb.

0315All reference cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Citation of a reference does not constitute an admission that the reference is prior art.

0316The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one. (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than, one element.

0317The term "including" is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably with, the phrase "including but not limited" to.

0318The term "or" is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably with, the term "and/or," unless context clearly indicates otherwise. The term ^"such as" is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably, with the phrase "such as but not limited to".

0319Having thus described the foregoing exemplary embodiments it will be apparent to these skilled in the art that various equivalents, alterations, modifications, and improvements thereof are possibie without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims as hereafter recited. hi particular, different embodiments may include combinations of features other than those described herein. Accordingly, the claims are not limited to the foregoing discussion.