Intelligent haircutting clipper training system

Abstract

An intelligent haircut clipper training system includes a housing having hair associated therewith, an electric haircut clipper for cutting the hair on the housing, at least one comb associated with the haircut clipper, a sensor array for detecting a position of the electric haircut clipper relative to the housing, an indicator device for indicating different hair regions on the housing, and a control device configured to interpret position data provided by the sensor array and cause the indicator device to illuminate one or more hair regions on the housing.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 017,340, filed April 29, 2020, pursuant to 35 USC 119(e), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to systems and methods for teaching hairdressing. Background Technology

[0004] Hairdressing is an art form. Individuals providing hairdressing services require extensive practice and training to refine their skills. Many people practice on mannequin heads with real or synthetic hair attached. This hair can be permanently attached to the mannequin head or it can be replaceable. While these mannequin heads provide hairdressers or stylists with a realistic way to practice and improve their skills, they are not without their drawbacks.

[0005] In reality, such mannequin heads are simple plastic structures with hair attached. They provide a great medium for practice, but offer no instruction or guidance whatsoever. While these mannequin heads serve as a medium for barbers or hairdressers to practice, they do not provide any feedback to the barber or hairdresser regarding whether they are cutting hair correctly during the action. Such feedback is important, especially considering the many complexities of hairdressing at times.

[0006] For example, fading haircuts require cutting a person's hair into different lengths while moving vertically along the scalp from the collar to near the top of the head. This type of haircut adds complexity, requiring the blending of boundary areas between adjacent sections of different lengths to achieve a smooth transition in hair length. Such haircuts take time to master, and even using modern mannequin heads as training tools, it can still be difficult to perfect a fading haircut.

[0007] Therefore, an improved training system for hairdressing is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides an electric hair clipper training system. An embodiment of this system includes a housing having hair associated therewith, an electric hair clipper for cutting hair on the housing, and at least one comb associated with the hair clipper. The embodiment also includes a sensor array for detecting the position of the electric hair clipper relative to the housing, an indicator device for indicating different hair regions on the housing, and a control device configured to interpret the position data provided by the sensor array and to illuminate one or more hair regions on the housing by the indicator device.

[0009] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the housing is a mannequin head and includes an internal space. A sensor array and an indicator device are contained within the internal space. The mannequin head may include multiple openings such that light generated by the indicator device can diffuse through the outer wall of the mannequin head.

[0010] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the electric hair clipper includes a tapered rod for adjusting the blade gap between the movable blade and the fixed blade of the electric hair clipper. The tapered rod is associated with a tapered rod position detection device, which includes a plurality of contacts arranged such that the contacts of the tapered rod can form electrical contact with each of the plurality of contacts.

[0011] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the at least one comb includes an RFID tag attached thereto for uniquely identifying the at least one comb to an RFID reader of the control device. The at least one comb may include a plurality of combs, each having an RFID tag that uniquely distinguishes the plurality of combs from one another. The control device may be configured to detect which of the plurality of combs is attached to the electric hair clipper.

[0012] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the sensor array includes at least one sensor strip having a plurality of Hall effect sensors mounted on a substrate of the at least one sensor strip. Furthermore, the at least one sensor strip may include a plurality of sensor strips.

[0013] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the indicator device may include at least one indicator strip, the at least one indicator strip including a plurality of LED lights mounted on a substrate of the at least one indicator strip. Furthermore, the at least one indicator strip may include a plurality of indicator strips.

[0014] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the control device includes a processor, an RFID reader communicating with the processor for receiving RFID signals from an RFID tag on at least one comb, and a receiver for receiving wireless signals from an electric hair clipper.

[0015] In an embodiment according to this aspect, the wireless signal from the electric hair clippers includes an indication of the position of the tapered bar of the electric hair clippers. The control device is configured to compare the wireless signal and RFID signal corresponding to the position of the tapered bar with the position of the electric hair clippers relative to the head of the mannequin.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing hairdressing training using a hair clipper training system. The hair clipper training system includes a housing with hair associated thereto, an electric hair clipper for cutting hair on the housing, at least one comb associated with the hair clipper, a sensor array for detecting the position of the electric hair clipper relative to the housing, an indicator device for indicating different hair areas on the housing, and a control device configured to interpret position data provided by the sensor array and to illuminate one or more hair areas on the housing using the indicator device. One embodiment of this method includes illuminating a first hair area on the housing using the indicator device, detecting whether the electric hair clipper is approaching the first area via the sensor array, determining whether the correct comb is attached to the electric hair clipper, detecting whether the tapered bar of the electric hair clipper is in the correct position, and providing indication via the indicator device when the electric hair clipper is not approaching the first area. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the intelligent hair clipper training system according to the teachings of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial side sectional view of the system;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the interconnection and communication between several components;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial top view of the sensor array of the system;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side view of the system's push-shear mechanism;

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the tapered rod detection device for the system; and

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A top view of the system's push-cut comb. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, an exemplary implementation of an intelligent hair clipper training system 20 (referred to herein as the "System") constructed according to the teachings of this document is shown. References Figure 1The system 20 includes a housing in the form of a mannequin head 22 having hair 24 attached thereto. The system 20 also includes an electric hair clipper 26 (referred to herein as “clipper”).

[0025] As will be explained below, the system 20 can provide instructions to the user, typically depicted as an illuminated area 28, indicating where to cut hair on the mannequin head 22 to a given length. The system 20 can also be configured to provide additional instructions via an indicator 30, corresponding to whether the push cutters 26 are in their correct configuration and position relative to the area of ​​hair to be cut on the mannequin head 22.

[0026] However, it is conceivable that indicator 30 can be omitted. In this case, indication of whether the clippers 26 are in their correct configuration and position can be provided by the same structure providing the illuminated area 28, as described in more detail below. In either case, this configuration advantageously allows for real-time feedback when the user is cutting the hair 24. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the housing can take forms other than the mannequin head. For example, the housing could be in the form of another body part of the mannequin. Typically, the housing conceived herein can be a structure sufficient to allow hair to attach to it.

[0027] See still Figure 1 The clipper 26 includes a blade assembly 32 for cutting hair 24. An operable tapered rod 34 controls the blade gap of the blade assembly 32, which in turn provides fine-tuning of the length of hair 24 cut by the blade assembly 32. The system 20 also includes a comb. Such a comb may be embodied as one or more combs 36 that can be mounted on the clipper 26. The comb 36 is also primarily used to control the length of hair 24 cut by the blade assembly 32 by spacing the blade assembly 32 at a predetermined distance from the scalp surface where the hair 24 is located. Alternatively, the comb may comprise a single comb movable relative to the clipper 26 to adjust the hair cutting length.

[0028] As will be explained in more detail below, the operable system 20 allows the user to progress through various sections of the hair 24. Each section has a comb 36 associated with it. In other words, each section has a different hair length relative to the other sections. The area corresponding to where the user should cut the hair is illuminated, for example, by illuminated area 28. This illumination provides the user with instructions on where they should cut the hair.

[0029] System 20 can also be used to verify that the user is using the correct comb 36 for the area and that the tapered bar 34 is in its correct position. System 20 can also be used to indicate to the user whether they have deviated from the area they should be working on, and / or whether they have attached the wrong comb 36 or the tapered bar 34 is not in the correct position. This configuration is particularly useful for producing the aforementioned fade-out haircut. Having provided the above general introduction, a detailed description of system 20 will be given below.

[0030] Now go to Figure 2 The mannequin head 22 is shown in cross-section. As can be seen in this view, the mannequin head 22 includes a generally hollow interior housing a sensor array comprising at least one sensor strip, and in a particular illustrated embodiment, a pair of sensor strips 40, 42. The sensor strips 40, 42 may be configured as generally flexible members such that they conform to the general shape of the interior of the mannequin head 22, which may be generally spherical. The sensor strips 40, 42 may be directly attached to the inner surface of the mannequin head 22 defining its interior space, or may be mounted to a separate mounting structure. The sensor strips 40, 42 generally extend along the same area along which the hair 24 extends.

[0031] The sensor strip is designed to detect the spatial position of the pusher 26 relative to the head 22 of the human model. To achieve this, the sensor strip 40 is provided with a plurality of position sensors 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d fixed to its base. These position sensors 40a-d can be implemented, for example, as Hall effect sensors. In this case, the pusher 26 can be fitted with a magnet (not shown) so that the Hall effect sensors 40a-d can detect when the pusher 26 is near a selected sensor in the sensor array.

[0032] Similarly, sensor strip 42 may also include Hall effect sensors 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d mounted on its substrate. It should be noted that the number of sensors shown is not limiting. Depending on the type of sensors used and the required position detection accuracy of the push-shear 26, fewer or more sensors may be included on each sensor strip 40, 42.

[0033] Although the Hall effect sensor has been described here, it is conceivable that other types of sensors, such as temperature sensors, sound sensors, vibration sensors, etc., could be used for each sensor strip 40, 42. It is also conceivable that any sensor capable of detecting when the push shear 26 approaches could be used.

[0034] from Figure 2As can be seen, sensor strips 40 and 42 are arranged in a plane parallel to each other. This arrangement defines three different hair-cutting regions Z1, Z2, and Z3. When the clipper 26 is at the same height as or below sensor strip 42, assuming the signals generated by sensors 42a-d will be significantly greater than those of sensors 40a-d, the system 20 will consider the clipper 26 to be in region Z1. When the clipper 26 is located between sensor strips 40 and 42, the system 20 will consider the clipper 26 to be in region Z2, because the signals generated by sensors 40a-d will generally be the same as or only slightly different from those generated by sensors 42a-d. When the clipper 26 is at or above sensor strip 40, assuming the signals generated by sensors 40a-d will be significantly greater than those of sensors 42a-d, the system 20 will consider the clipper 26 to be in region Z3. The aforementioned method determines the position of the clipper 26 relative to the human model head 22.

[0035] Although two sensor strips 40 and 42 are shown, it is certainly conceivable that fewer or more sensor strips could be used to define fewer or more areas accordingly. For fading haircuts, especially so-called "bald fading," the applicant has found three areas to be ideal.

[0036] The indicator device includes at least one indicator strip, and in the illustrated embodiment, includes multiple indicator strips 44, 46, and 48. The indicator strips are configured to illuminate corresponding areas Z1, Z2, and Z3 to provide the user with an indication of the area in which they should have their hair cut. In the illustrated embodiment, indicator strip 44 is positioned to illuminate area Z1, indicator strip 46 is positioned to illuminate area Z2, and indicator strip 48 is positioned to illuminate area Z3. Indicator strip 46 includes multiple LEDs 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d mounted on its base. Indicator strip 48 includes multiple LEDs 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d mounted on its base. It is conceivable that all LEDs in each indicator strip 44, 46, and 48 can be lit simultaneously to illuminate the entire corresponding area. It is also conceivable that only selected LEDs from the LEDs in each indicator strip can be lit simultaneously to illuminate only a portion of the corresponding area.

[0037] Similar to sensor strips 40 and 42, indicator strips 44, 46, and 48 are typically flexible components and can conform to the general peripheral shape of the mannequin head 22. The indicator strips can be mounted to the inner surface of the mannequin head 22 or to a separate structure within the internal space of the mannequin head 22. The mannequin head 22 may include multiple openings or slits allowing light generated by LEDs 44a-d, 46a-d, and 48a-d to pass through the walls of the mannequin head 22 and be perceived by the user through the hair 24.

[0038] Each indicator strip 44, 46, 48 can also be used to provide information to the user about moving beyond the area just illuminated. For example, indicator strips 44, 46, 48 can be designed to flash or change color to convey a message to the user. In practice, if the user begins to deviate from the intended area Z1, Z2, Z3, the LEDs of one strip can flash continuously. As another example, the light can change color to indicate to the user when it is time to move to the next area.

[0039] Now turn to Figure 3 Sensor strips 40 and 42 and indicator strips 44, 46, and 48 are operatively in communication with control device 50. Control device 50... Figure 3 The diagram is schematically shown and includes a central processing unit 52, a memory 54, a power supply 56, an RFID reader 58, and a wireless transceiver 60. The central processing unit 52 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 54 to produce the functions described herein. The central processing unit 52 receives input signals from sensor strips 40, 42; the RFID reader 58; and the wireless transceiver 60, and produces outputs using indicator strips 44, 46, and 48.

[0040] RFID reader 58 receives RFID signal R generated by the RFID tag attached to comb 46 (see...) Figure 2 It is conceivable that system 20 may be equipped with more than one comb 36, and in this case, each comb will include its own RFID tag to uniquely identify the comb. Using this RFID scheme is necessary because it allows system 20 to determine whether a user currently has access to areas Z1, Z2, Z3 (see...). Figure 2 The correct comb is attached.

[0041] However, it is conceivable that other comb detection methods can be used. For example, a comb fixed to the pusher 26 can be detected by the pusher 26, and this information is transmitted via a wireless signal B generated by the pusher 26 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2Furthermore, the comb 36 can be fixed to the pusher 26 and can be moved via the adjustment mechanism of the pusher 26. This configuration avoids the need for multiple different combs. In this case, information about the position of the comb 36 can be collected by the internal controller and wirelessly transmitted via the wireless communication module 62 described below.

[0042] Wireless signal B (see) Figure 2 The wireless communication module 62 of the clippers 26 transmits the signal. As already mentioned, in some embodiments, the wireless signal may include comb information and information about the specific position of the tapered barb 34 as described below. It is also conceivable that different instructions may be loaded into a memory 54 corresponding to different haircuts. Therefore, it is conceivable that an input / output port may also be included to allow new instructions to be loaded into the control device 50.

[0043] Figure 4 This is an exemplary illustration of the sensor strip 40 mounted on the base 64 and the aforementioned sensors 40a-d. Each sensor can be individually wired to the control device 50, as shown, or alternatively, the wires can be bundled together and terminated with a plug or the like.

[0044] Figure 5 A side view of the pusher 26 is shown. As described above, a specific position of the tapered rod 34 is detected at the pusher 26 and communicated via the wireless communication module 62. To detect the position of the tapered rod, the tapered rod 34 includes a pin contact 70 that can contact three discrete contacts 72, 74, and 76 disposed on the housing of the pusher 26. Figure 6 The foregoing content is shown in more detail.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, the wireless communication module 62 includes a controller 80 operable to detect which of contacts 72, 74, and 76 is in contact with pin contact 70. The wireless communication module 62 also includes a transmitter unit 82 configured to transmit a wireless signal B (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 The communication module 62 can use any communication protocol, including but not limited to traditional radio, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. The controller 80 and the transmitter 82 can be connected to a power supply 84, which can be an existing battery of the push-shear 26 or the power supply circuit of the push-shear 26.

[0046] It is also conceivable that the position detection of the tapered rod can be achieved using any other construction for position detection. For example, the tapered rod 34 could be equipped with a magnet, and multiple Hall effect sensors could be mounted on the housing of the push shear 26. As another example, infrared sensors could also be used for infrared-based position detection.

[0047] Figure 7This is an exemplary view of a comb 36 including an RFID tag attached thereto. The positioning of the RFID tag 90 ensures that it does not impede the comb 36's ability to be easily attached to the blade assembly 32 (see [link]). Figure 2 ).

[0048] Not shown in the figure, but envisioned here is a user interface with user manipulation control. This interface could be embodied on the mannequin head 22 or a hardware device connected to the mannequin head 22. Alternatively, the interface could be embodied as software and presented as an application on another device, such as a mobile device. In this case, it is envisioned that the device can directly interact with the wireless transceiver 60 (see...). Figure 2 Communication. Furthermore, this interface can be configured to receive voice commands from the user.

[0049] Having described the structure of system 20, a brief explanation of its operation will now be provided with reference to all the previously discussed figures. To use system 20, the user must turn it on and initiate a training session using the interface described above. One of zones Z1, Z2, and Z3 will then be illuminated, providing the user with an indication of where to cut the hair. System 20 may also provide the user with instructions on which comb 36 to attach and where the tapered bar 34 should be positioned. System 20 will then monitor whether the correct comb 36 is engaged and maintained, and whether the tapered bar 34 is in and maintained in the correct position when within the indicated zones Z1, Z2, and Z3. Once hair cutting in that zone is complete, as indicated by the user through the interface and determined by the control device 50 based on historical tracking data of the pusher clipper 26's position, the user will be guided to the next illuminated zone.

[0050] However, if system 20 detects that the user has installed the wrong comb 36, or determines that the tapered bar 34 is in the wrong position, system 20 will signal via one or more indicator strips 44, 46, 48 or via an additional indicator 30 (see [link to system 20]). Figure 1 The system provides warnings to the user. This additional indicator 30 can generate any type of indication, including visual, auditory, and tactile. The process continues until the user finishes the haircut. To repeat the process, the user simply needs to change their hair 24 and restart the program using the interface.

[0051] While specific implementations of this system have been described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader aspects of the invention and as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electric hair clipper training system, comprising: The shell, with hair associated with it; An electric hair clipper for cutting hair on a housing, the electric hair clipper including a tapered bar for adjusting the blade gap between a movable blade and a fixed blade of the electric hair clipper, wherein the tapered bar is associated with a tapered bar position detection device, the tapered bar position detection device including a plurality of contacts arranged such that the contacts of the tapered bar can form electrical contact with each of the plurality of contacts; At least one comb, associated with the hair clippers; A sensor array is used to detect the position of the electric hair clippers relative to the housing; Indicator device for indicating different hair areas on the housing; as well as A control device configured to interpret position data provided by the sensor array and to cause the indicator device to illuminate one or more of the hair areas on the housing.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing is a human model head and includes an internal space, wherein the sensor array and the indicator device are contained within the internal space.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the human model head includes a plurality of openings such that light generated by the indicator device can diffuse through the outer wall of the human model head.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one comb includes an RFID tag attached thereto for the RFID reader of the control device to uniquely identify the at least one comb.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one comb comprises a plurality of combs, each comb having an RFID tag that uniquely distinguishes the plurality of combs from one another, and wherein the control device is configured to detect which of the plurality of combs is attached to the electric hair clipper.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array comprises at least one sensor strip having a plurality of Hall effect sensors mounted on a substrate of the at least one sensor strip.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one sensor strip comprises a plurality of sensor strips.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the indicator device comprises at least one indicator strip, the indicator strip comprising a plurality of LEDs mounted on a substrate of the at least one indicator strip.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one indicator strip comprises a plurality of indicator strips.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the control device comprises a processor, an RFID reader communicating with the processor for receiving RFID signals from the RFID tag of the at least one comb, and a receiver for receiving wireless signals from the wireless communication module of the electric hair clipper.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the wireless signal from the electric hair clippers includes an indication of the position of the tapered rod of the electric hair clippers.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the control device is configured to compare the wireless signal and the RFID signal corresponding to the position of the tapered rod with the position of the electric hair clippers relative to the housing.

13. A method for providing hairdressing training using a hair clipper training system, the hair clipper training system comprising: The shell, with hair associated with it; Electric hair clippers, used to cut hair on the housing; At least one comb associated with the hair clippers; A sensor array for detecting the position of the electric hair clippers relative to the housing; Indicator device for indicating different hair areas on the housing; And a control device configured to interpret position data provided by the sensor array and to illuminate one or more of the hair regions on the housing by the indicator device, the method comprising: The indicator device is used to illuminate a first area of ​​hair on the housing; The sensor array is used to detect whether the electric hair clippers are close to the first area; Determine if the correct comb is attached to the electric hair clippers; Check whether the tapered bar of the electric hair clipper is in the correct position; and When the electric hair clippers are not close to the first area, an indication is provided via the indicator device.

14. An electric hair clipper training system, comprising: The shell, with hair associated with it; Electric hair clippers, used to cut the hair on the housing; At least one comb, associated with the hair clippers; A sensor array is used to detect the position of the electric hair clippers relative to the housing; Indicator device for indicating different hair areas on the housing; as well as A control device configured to interpret position data provided by the sensor array and to cause the indicator device to illuminate one or more of the hair areas on the housing, wherein the control device includes a receiver for receiving wireless signals from the wireless communication module of the electric hair clippers, wherein the wireless signals from the electric hair clippers include an indication of the taper position of the taper bar of the electric hair clippers.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the control device includes a processor and an RFID reader communicating with the processor for receiving RFID signals from RFID tags of the at least one comb.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the control device is configured to compare the wireless signal and the RFID signal corresponding to the position of the tapered rod with the position of the electric hair clippers relative to the head of the mannequin.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one comb includes an RFID tag attached thereto for the RFID reader of the control device to uniquely identify the at least one comb.

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