METHOD OF SELECTING PERSONAL COMPATIBLE COLORS

METHODE DE SELECTION DE COULEURS EN FONCTION DU TEINT CARACTERISTIQUE D'UNE PERSONNE

English Abstract

A method for the selection of proper colors (12) for individual wearers depending upon the underlying color of the skin of
the wearer and the intensity therefor. The method includes the steps of providing a group of classifications of color temperature,
preferably four in number, and using a spectrophotometer, or a draping technique of material to determine the color temperatures
of the skin of the user, and a determination of the classification in which those color temperatures fall is made. A predetermined
group of colors (12) are classified within each category, so that upon determination of the proper classification for an individual
user, reference may be made to the proper predetermined group of colors (12) as a guide for appropriate apparel, cosmetic makeup,
or hair tint selection.

French Abstract

Méthode pour la sélection de couleurs propres (12) à des utilisateurs individuels selon la couleur sous-jacente de leur peau et l'intensité qui leur convient. La méthode comprend les étapes suivantes: on établit des classes de températures, de préférence au nombre de quatre, et on utilise un spectrophotomètre ou une technique de drapage du matériel pour déterminer les températures de couleur de la peau de l'utilisateur, et l'on détermine la classe dans laquelle tombent ces températures de couleur. On classe un groupe de couleurs (12) prédéterminé dans chaque catégorie , de sorte que, après avoir déterminé la classe propre à un utilisateur individuel, on peut se référer au groupe de couleurs propres (12) prédéterminé comme guide pour faire un choix approprié de vêtements, de produits cosmétiques ou de teinture de cheveux.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of determining color compatibility of an
individual person with non-skin matter, comprising the steps
of:
establishing color categories exclusively on the basis
of skin color content in the bluer and yellower regions of
the spectrum,
determining the color compatibility of the non-skin
matters of any color with the skin colors in the categories,
measuring by instrument the content in an individual
person's skin coloration of color content from said bluer
and yellower regions of the spectrum, and
assigning the individual to one of the established
color categories exclusively on the basis of the skin color
content thus measured.

2. A method of assigning a color category to non-skin
matter of any color, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a plurality of color categories based
exclusively upon measurement by instrument of the skin color
content in bluer and yellower regions of the spectrum, for
assignment of all colors of non-skin matter to these color
categories,
(b) identifying color compatibility of at least one
color of the non-skin matter with one of the color
categories, and
(c) assigning one of a plurality of color categories
to the non-skin matter based on the identified color
compatibility.

3. A method according to claim 2, including providing a
plurality of colors compatible with the same color category
in a color chart.

6

4. A method according to claim 2, including collecting
together in an assemblage a plurality of samples of non-skin
matter compatible with the same color category.

5. A color chart made by the method according to claim 3.

6. An assemblage made by the method according to claim 4.

7. A method of making a color chart of the colors of non-skin
matter of any color for compatibility with skin colors,
comprising the steps of:
(a) determining a classification for colors of non-skin
matter for compatibility with skin color
classifications, such skin color classifications being based
exclusively upon measurement by instrument of skin color
content in the bluer and yellower spectral regions, and
(b) assembling representations of the colors similarly
classified to form a chart of colors of at least that
classification as an indication of appropriate color
selections for individuals having a compatible skin color
classification.

8. A color chart comprising representations of colors of
non-skin products, wherein said representations of colors
are assembled together and are of colors compatible with a
skin color classification category, said skin color
classification category being based exclusively upon
measurement by instrument of skin color content in the bluer
and yellower spectral regions.

9. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-skin
matter is selected from apparel, cosmetics and hair
tint.

10. A color chart according to claim 8, wherein the non-skin
products are selected from apparel, cosmetics and hair
tint.





11. A method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising
the step of establishing color compatibility categories of
non-skin matter and skin colors by determining the color
compatibility of said non-skin matter with colors of the
skin colors in the color categories.

12. A method according to claim 11, including providing the
color compatibility categories in a color chart or an
assemblage.

13. A color chart made by the method according to claim 12.

14. An assemblage made by the method according to claim 12.

Description

WO91/14158 PCT/US90/01284
2~77677
Descri~tion

Method For Selectinq Personal Compatible Colors

Backqround of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of
individual grooming, and more particularly to an
improved method for selecting prope. coiors of individ-
ual articles of apparel, cosmetic make up or hair tint,
the method being suitable for use by persons having
only ordinary skills.
It has long been appreciated that garments, cos- -~
metic make up or hair tint, of particular colors are
more flattering to a wearer than similar items of other
colors. Many persons, particularly women, possess the -
ability almost instinctively to make a selection, with-
out appreciating the basis which enables them to make a
subjective consideration and decision. Some persons
are aware that the proper selection is directly related
to the complexion of the wearer, but have not appre-
ciated the actual relationship which exists. As a
result, it is customary to try garments, cosmetic make
up or hair tint on a trial basis, and observing the
appearance in a mirror, or consulting with a
salesperson.
, .
Brief Summary of the Invention
I have found that the process of color selection
can be materially simplified by the provision of stan-
dard categories, relatively few in number, of skin ;
colors into which both Caucasian and American black
.
persons may be classified, depending upon the under-
lying or subcutaneous skin color. Practically all such
normal persons have an underlying tone of either blue
or yellow-red in varying degrees of intensity, which
results in the presence of a readily determined color
temperature which may be measured by a draping
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W~91/14158 PCT/US90/01284
2077 677 -2- ~
technique done visually or by a color temperature
measuring device or spectrophotometer. The output of a
color temperature measuring device is a measure of the
yellow to blue content of the light it receives. Where
such temperature is to be measured to relatively large
tolerances, it may be accomplished by using hand held
color temperature meters. The result with a spectro- ~i
photometer will be a plottable curve covering the '
visual spectrum, which will show strength o' va-ying
degrees over the spectrum. This curve is matched with
curves which are obtained by similar measurements of
colors on fabrics or paper samples, which will exhibit
similar blue and yellow red reflective properties.
Practically all of the colors in the spectrum are
available in each of the categories, for selection,
provided that the particular color exhibits a curve
which is similar to that obtained by measuring the skin
pigmentation of the individual user.

~rief Description of the Drawinqs ;
Fig. l is a diagrammatic illustration of a color
chart collecting together colors compatible with one
category of skin color; and
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an assemblage of ~;
fabric samples having color~ compatible with one
category of skin color.

Detailed Descri~tion of the Disclosed Method
In accordance with the invention, a fist step
consists in the establishment of a number of skin color
categories. Each of the colors in each category
exhibits a substantially similar plotted curve extend-
ing over the visible spectrum, obtained by
spectroanalysis.
I have found that a compilation of four sets of
basic color ranges in material fabric can be made that
is most compatible with the four ranges of basic skin
pigment undertones into which the great bulk of the



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WOgl/14158 PCT/US90/012~
'' . 20776'77
population may be classified. These skin and fabric
color categories are as follows.
Classification A includes almost all of the colors
of the visible spectrum. They have the highest inten-
sity (50 to 100%) per spectrum analysis of the shorterwave lengths of the skin color spectrum, that ls to
say, the "blue base" tones. Black is also in this
classification.
Classi-lcation B also includes most all colors,
with the exclusion of black. They have ~he next
highest or one to fifty percent intensity per spectrum
analysis of the shorter wave lengths of the skin color
spectrum, or the "blue based" tones.
Classification C also includes most of the colors,
and these have a one to fifty percent intensity of the
yellow red tones, or the longer wave lengths of the
skin color spectrum, per spectrum analysis.
Classification D, again, includes most of the
colors, and they have the highest intensity of the
yellow red tones, fifty to one hundred percent, or the
longest wave lengths of the skin color spectrum, per
spectrum analysis. -
As both the skin color undertones of an ir.dividual
person and the labeling of the color of a dyed piece of
25 material can be classified into one of the above four ;
categories, it is possible to match the skin of the
user to the material and determine the most compatible
colors in a given material a person may wear, or use on
their person. Once the classification of the individ-
ual user is established, it is possible to provide that
person with a simplified color chart l0, as shown for
example in Fig. 1, and the selection of a garment or
articles to be worn may be matched as closely as
possible from the standpoint of color to a color 12 on
the chart.
As a next step in the disclosed method, a series
of color charts 10 are prepared in which suitable
colors 12 for each category are assembled. This might
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WO91/14158 PCT/US90/01284
2 07 7 6~ 7 ~4~ ~

be done by displaying tne colors on a single surface, :
or preferably individual swatches of fabric 16 exhibit-
ing the proper colors can be assembled in a convenient
package 20, as shown for example in Fig. 2.
Individual testing of a subject is conducted using
a draping technique of material around the shoulders,
near the face, the materials being of the full color
spectrum, but being either blue based or red yellow
based and observed visually as to compatibility to the
skin pigment of the subject, or by use of a spectro-
photometer, or by means of a specialized color tempera- ;
ture meter calibrated to indicate broadly in which of :;
the four categories A through D of the skin of the
subject is properly classified. Once this reading has
been made, the subject is supplied with the appropriate
color chart, and selection of a garment, cosmetic make ,-
up or hair tint can be guided by comparing the apparent
color thereof with colors 12 on the chart l0. While in
most cases, the user will want to try the garment, make
up or hair tint, as a practical matter, the chart is
useful in facilitating an initial rejection of an item
based upon improper color alone.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art
that it is possible to provide a greater number of
cate~ories with correspondingly greater precision rela-
tive to the availability of colors. I have found,
- however, for practical purposes, the four category
system is entirely adequate, and greater precision can
be used in such case, with regard to the selection of
colors to be included in the color chart relating to a
particular category, thus facilitating the testing of
an individual user which may be conducted by those who
are relatively unskilled in the physicai sciences.
I wish it to be understood that I do not consider
the invention limited to the precise details of struc-
ture shown and set forth in this specification, for
obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in
the art to which th~ invention pertains.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET


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Representative Drawing