Hair styling device

Abstract

A hair styling device is provided. The hair styling device includes a heatable hair contact member having a hair-contactable surface, the hair contact member operable to apply heat to a user's hair strand via the hair-contactable surface. The hair styling device includes a controller configured to determine that the hair contact member is moving along the hair strand from a first end of the hair strand toward a second end of the hair strand. The controller is configured to control heating of the hair contact member based on the determination such that an operating temperature of the hair contact member changes as the hair contact member moves along the hair strand from the first end of the hair strand toward the second end of the hair strand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a hair styling device. Specifically, but not exclusively, this disclosure relates to measures for operating the hair styling device, including methods, apparatus, and computer programs. Background Technology

[0002] Hair styling equipment, also known as hair styling appliances, is used to shape or style hair to a desired form. In particular, heated hair styling equipment utilizes heat and, optionally, mechanical means to style hair in the desired manner.

[0003] An example of such hair styling equipment is a hair straightening device (also known as a hair straightener or hair styling iron). This type of device typically includes two hinged arms pivotally attached to each other at one end, and one or more heating plates attached to these arms. Where both arms have heating plates, the heating plates are typically located on the inner, opposing surfaces of the arms. The heating plates have hair-contact surfaces that operably come into contact with and apply heat to the hair during use of the hair styling device. The heating plates (and the hair-contact surfaces) can be heated by one or more heating elements.

[0004] However, the flexibility and / or versatility of known hair styling devices are limited. This, in turn, restricts their ability to achieve the desired hairstyle. For example, known hair styling devices typically release heat upon contact with the hair. This can be relatively inefficient and may damage the hair. Furthermore, known hair styling devices often rely on the user's correct application to achieve the desired hairstyle. For instance, in some cases, too much or too little heat and / or too much or too little clamping pressure may be applied to the hair. This can lead to thermal and / or mechanical hair damage and / or may prevent the desired hairstyle from being achieved. If the desired hairstyle is not achieved on the first use of the hair styling device, for example due to incorrect or suboptimal use, the user may repeat the process once or multiple times on the same section of hair. Besides increasing the risk of hair damage, this repetition requires additional time and / or energy expenditure. In some cases, even with multiple repetitions, the desired hairstyle may not be achieved.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved hair styling device and / or an improved method for operating the hair styling device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a hair styling device is provided, comprising a heatable hair contact member having a hair-contactable surface, the hair contact member being operable to apply heat to a user's hair strand via the hair-contactable surface, and a controller configured to: determine that the hair contact member is moving along the hair strand from a first end of the hair strand toward a second end of the hair strand; and based on the determination, control the heating of the hair contact member such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member changes as the hair contact member moves along the hair strand from the first end of the hair strand toward the second end of the hair strand.

[0007] The heat distribution on the hair strand can be controlled by adjusting and / or regulating the transfer of heat along the hair strand to the hair.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first end of the hair bundle includes the root end of the hair bundle. In another embodiment, the second end of the hair bundle includes the tip end of the hair bundle. In yet another embodiment, the controller is configured to increase the operating temperature of the hair contact member as it moves along the hair bundle from the root end to the tip end.

[0009] The temperature of hair may be higher at the roots than at the ends. However, to style hair in the desired way (e.g., straightening), more heat may be applied to the ends than to the roots. Hair at the ends is older than at the roots, and older hair may require more heat to style as desired. Therefore, operating at a constant temperature along the hair strand using a hair contact component can cause heat damage to the roots (due to too much heat being transferred at the roots) and / or may hinder achieving the desired style (due to too little heat being transferred at the ends). Providing a heat transfer curve that increases from the roots to the ends reduces the likelihood of heat damage (especially protecting the younger hair at the roots) while ensuring sufficient heat is transferred to the ends to achieve the desired style.

[0010] In one embodiment, the hair styling device includes a sensor device configured to generate a sensor output based on the movement of a hair contact member. In such an embodiment, a controller is configured to receive the sensor output from the sensor device and process the sensor output to determine that the hair contact member is moving along the hair strand. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the hair contact member is moving along the hair strand without user input and / or intervention.

[0011] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to determine the displacement of the hair contact member from a first end of the hair bundle based on sensor output, and to control the heating of the hair contact member based on the determined displacement. In another embodiment, the controller is configured to control the heating of the hair contact member based on a predetermined operating temperature. The predetermined threshold operating temperature depends on the determined displacement of the hair contact member from the first end of the hair bundle. Controlling the heating of the hair contact member based on the determined displacement allows for finer control of the heat distribution along the hair bundle.

[0012] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to determine the speed of the hair contact member based on sensor output and to control the heating of the hair contact member based on the determined speed. This allows for finer control over the heat distribution along the hair strand and / or enables the hair styling device to adapt to the user's behavior. In another embodiment, the controller is configured to increase the operating temperature of the hair contact member at a rate dependent on the determined speed.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sensor device includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU). In another embodiment, the sensor device includes a Hall effect sensor.

[0014] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to process the sensor output using a velocity and / or position estimation algorithm. In another embodiment, the velocity and / or position estimation algorithm includes a Madgwick filter. In yet another embodiment, the velocity and / or position estimation algorithm includes a machine learning model.

[0015] In one embodiment, causing an increase in operating temperature includes adjusting the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member as it moves along the hair bundle from a first end to a second end.

[0016] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to increase the operating temperature of the hair contact member at a predetermined rate as the hair contact member moves along the hair strand from the first end to the second end.

[0017] In one embodiment, the controller is configured such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member when it is at the second end is 40 to 80 degrees higher than the operating temperature of the hair contact member when it is at the first end. This temperature difference between the first and second ends allows the entire hair strand to achieve the desired style (e.g., straightening or curling), thereby reducing styling time and minimizing the possibility of heat damage to the hair.

[0018] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to determine whether the hair styling device is being used for a first styling action or a different second styling action. In such an embodiment, the controller is configured to control the heating of the hair contact member based on whether the hair styling device is being used for the first or second styling action. In another embodiment, the controller is configured to increase the operating temperature of the hair contact member at a rate that depends on whether the hair styling device is being used for the first or second styling action. This allows different temperature transfer profiles to be used for different activities. This enables the same hair styling device to achieve different styles, thereby increasing the versatility of the hair styling device while reducing the possibility of heat damage and shortening styling time.

[0019] In one embodiment, the hair styling device includes a heating element operable to heat a hair contact member. In such an embodiment, a controller is configured to control the heating element such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member changes as the hair contact member moves along a hair strand from a first end to a second end.

[0020] In an embodiment, the hair styling device includes a hair straightening device and / or a hair curling device.

[0021] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method of operating a hair styling device is provided, the hair styling device including a heatable hair contact member having a hair-contactable surface, the hair contact member being operable to apply heat to a user's hair strand via the hair-contactable surface, the method comprising: determining that the hair contact member is moving along the hair strand from a first end of the hair strand toward a second end of the hair strand; and based on the determination, controlling the heating of the hair contact member such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member increases as the hair contact member moves along the hair strand from the first end of the hair strand toward the second end of the hair strand.

[0022] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer program including a set of instructions is provided, which, when executed by a computerized device, cause the computerized device to perform a method of operating a hair styling device, the hair styling device including a heatable hair contact member having a hair-contactable surface, the hair contact member being operable to apply heat to a user's hair strand via the hair-contactable surface, the method comprising: determining that the hair contact member is moving along the hair strand from a first end of the hair strand toward a second end of the hair strand; and based on the determination, controlling the heating of the hair contact member such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member increases as the hair contact member moves along the hair strand from the first end of the hair strand toward the second end of the hair strand.

[0023] It is understood, of course, that features described with respect to one aspect of the invention can be incorporated into other aspects of the invention. For example, the method of the invention can be combined with any features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1A and 1B This is a perspective view of the hair styling device according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a hair styling device according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment; and

[0037] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1A and 1B A perspective view of a hair styling device 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The hair styling device 100 and / or its components can be used to implement the methods described herein. Figure 1A and 1B In the illustrated embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a hair straightener.

[0039] The hair styling device 100 includes a first arm 110 and a second arm 120, which are connected together at one end by a hinge 130. Each arm 110, 120 includes a heatable plate 115, 125. One or both of the heatable plates 115, 125 are heatable, for example, by a heating element (not shown). In some embodiments, one or both of the heatable plates 115, 125 include a resistance plate. This resistance plate can be directly heated, for example, without the need for a separate heating element. Each heatable plate 115, 125 includes a hair-accessible surface 116, 126. The hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 are arranged such that they face each other. The arms 110, 120 are hinged such that they can be in an open position (e.g., Figure 1A (as shown) and closed position (as shown) Figure 1B The arms 110 and 120 move between the arms (as shown). In the closed position, the hair-contact surfaces 116 and 126 are close to each other, so that the hair to be styled can be held between the hair-contact surfaces 116 and 126. In some embodiments, the hair-contact surfaces 116 and 126 begin to contact when the arms 110 and 120 are in the closed position. In other embodiments, the hair-contact surfaces 116 and 126 do not contact each other.

[0040] The user can move arms 110, 120 between an open position and a closed position. For example, when using the hair styling device 100, the user presses arms 110, 120 together (to style hair between hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126) and releases arms 110, 120 and / or pulls arms 110, 120 apart when styling is complete. In an embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a biasing device (not shown), such as one or more springs and / or magnets. The biasing device pushes arms 110, 120 to the open position such that when the user no longer presses arms 110, 120 together, arms 110, 120 return to the open position.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, arms 110 and 120 cannot pivot about hinge 130. For example, arms 110 and 120 may be substantially parallel to each other. In either case, the user can press arms 110 and 120 together to style hair.

[0042] exist Figure 1A and 1BIn the illustrated embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a cordless hair styling device. For example, the hair styling device 100 may be powered by a rechargeable battery. In an alternative embodiment, the hair styling device 100 is externally powered, for example via one or more external power cords (not shown).

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of a hair styling device 100 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0044] Hair styling device 100 includes a controller 210. The controller 210 is operable to perform various data processing and / or control functions according to embodiments, which will be described in more detail below. The controller 210 may include one or more components. These components may be implemented in hardware and / or software. The one or more components may be co-located within the hair styling device 100 or may be located remotely from each other. The controller 210 may be implemented as one or more software functions and / or hardware modules. In embodiments, the controller 210 includes one or more processors configured to process instructions and / or data. Operations performed by the one or more processors may be performed by hardware and / or software. The controller 210 may be used to implement the methods described herein. In embodiments, the controller 210 is operable to output control signals for controlling one or more components of the hair styling device 100.

[0045] In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a heating element 220. The heating element 220 is operable, for example, to convert electrical energy into heat. The heating element 220 is configured such that hair is heated by the hair styling device 100. A controller 210 is operable to control the heating element 220. For example, the controller 210 is operable to apply energy (e.g., electrical energy) to the heating element 220, for example, via one or more control signals generated by the controller 210.

[0046] In one embodiment, the hair styling device includes a heatable hair contact member 225. The hair contact member 225 can be heated by a heating element 220. In an alternative embodiment, the hair contact member 225 can be directly heated, i.e., a separate heating element 220 is not required. In another embodiment, the hair contact member 225 includes one or more heatable plates. For example, the hair contact member 225 may include those described above. Figure 1A and 1BOne or more heating plates 115, 125 are described. A hair contact member 225 may include one or more hair-contact surfaces, such as the hair-contact surfaces 116, 126 described above. The hair contact member 225 is operable to apply heat to hair via one or more hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. Thus, the controller 210 controls the heating of the hair contact member 225, for example by controlling the heating element 220, such that heat is transferred to the hair in contact with the one or more hair-contact surfaces 116, 126 of the hair contact member 225.

[0047] In one embodiment, the hair contact member 225 includes opposing first and second hair-contactable surfaces 116, 126. The opposing first and second hair-contactable surfaces 116, 126 are arranged to heat hair bonded therebetween. In one embodiment, the hair contact member 225 is operable to apply heat to the hair by moving the hair contact member 225 along a hair bundle (e.g., from a first end of the hair bundle toward a second end of the hair bundle). The movement of the hair contact member 225 along the hair bundle may be referred to as a “stroke.” In an alternative embodiment, the hair contact member 225 includes a single hair-contactable surface. The hair contact member 225 may include a movable arm, such as those referenced above. Figure 1A and 1B The first arm 110 and the second arm 120 are described.

[0048] In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a closing mechanism 227. The closing mechanism 227 is operable to close and / or open the hair contact member 225. The closing mechanism 227 may include an electromechanical closing mechanism. The closing mechanism 227 is operable to receive a control signal from a controller 210, thereby allowing the controller 210 to control the closing mechanism 227. In embodiments where the hair contact member 225 includes opposing first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 arranged to receive hair therein, the closing mechanism 227 is operable to adjust the distance between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126. This will be described in more detail below.

[0049] In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a sensor device 230. The sensor device 230 includes one or more sensors. Examples of such sensors include, but are not limited to, IMUs, Hall effect sensors, temperature sensors, power sensors, proximity sensors, motion sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, etc. In one embodiment, the sensor device 230 includes one or more processors. A controller 210 is operable to receive signals (e.g., sensor outputs) from the sensor device 230. The sensor outputs from the sensor device 230 can be used to control the hair styling device 100. In one embodiment, the controller 210 is operable to control the sensor device 230.

[0050] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, sensor device 230 includes IMU 235. In such an embodiment, controller 210 is operable to receive signals from IMU 235 indicative of movement of hair styling device 100. In this embodiment, IMU 235 includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. The accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer each have three axes, or degrees of freedom (x, y, z). Thus, IMU 235 can include a 9-axis IMU. In an alternative embodiment, IMU 235 includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope, but not a magnetometer. In such an embodiment, IMU 235 includes a 6-axis IMU. Due to the increased degrees of freedom, a 9-axis IMU may produce more accurate measurements than a 6-axis IMU. However, in some cases, a 6-axis IMU may be superior to a 9-axis IMU. For example, some hair styling devices may generate and / or encounter magnetic interference during use. This may be a particular consideration for wireless hair styling devices that include onboard power supplies and for hair styling devices that include heating elements. Heating, magnetism, and / or magnetic induction and / or other magnetic interference on the device can affect the behavior of the magnetometer. Therefore, in some cases, a 6-axis IMU is more reliable and / or more accurate than a 9-axis IMU. The IMU is configured to output data indicating accelerometer and gyroscope signals (and in some embodiments, magnetometer signals). In an alternative embodiment, IMU 235 may include an accelerometer but not a gyroscope or magnetometer. In such an embodiment, IMU 235 includes a 3-axis IMU.

[0051] In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a user interface 240. For example, the user interface 240 may include an audio and / or visual interface. In one embodiment, the user interface 240 includes a display (e.g., a touchscreen display). In one embodiment, the user interface 240 includes an audio output device, such as a speaker. In one embodiment, the user interface 240 includes a haptic feedback generator configured to provide haptic feedback to a user. A controller 210 is operable to control the user interface 240, for example, to cause the user interface 240 to provide output to a user. In some embodiments, the controller 210 is operable to receive data via the user interface 240, for example, based on user input.

[0052] The hair styling device 100 also includes a memory 250. According to an embodiment, the memory 250 is operable to store various types of data. The memory may include at least one volatile memory, at least one non-volatile memory, and / or at least one data storage unit. The volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or data storage unit may be configured to store computer-readable information and / or instructions used / executed by the controller 210.

[0053] In alternative embodiments, the hair styling device 100 may include more, fewer, and / or different components. In particular, in some embodiments, Figure 1A , 1B and / or Figure 2 At least some components of the hair styling device 100 shown may be omitted (e.g., may be unnecessary). For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the heating element 220, hair contact member 225, closing mechanism 227, sensor device 230, user interface 240, and memory 250 may be omitted. In some embodiments, the hair styling device 100 does not include movable (e.g., pivotable) arms 110, 120.

[0054] Figure 3 A method 300 for operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment is shown. Method 300 can be used to operate the device described above. Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2 The described hair styling device 100. Figure 3 In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a heatable hair contact member 225 having hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. The hair contact member 225 is operable to apply heat to a user's hair strand via the hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. In another embodiment, method 300 is performed at least in part by a controller 210.

[0055] In step 310, it is determined that the hair contact member 225 is moving along the hair bundle from the first end of the hair bundle toward the second end of the hair bundle.

[0056] In step 320, based on the determination, the heating element 220 is controlled so that the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 changes as the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair bundle from the first end of the hair bundle to the second end of the hair bundle.

[0057] In an embodiment, the first end includes the root end of the hair bundle, and the second end includes the tip end of the hair bundle. The first end may be located at the midpoint of the root or the hair bundle. The second end may similarly be located at the midpoint of the tip or the hair bundle. As used herein, the term "root end" refers to the end of the hair bundle closest to the root. The term "tip end" refers to the end of the hair bundle closest to the end (e.g., furthest from the root). In some examples, the hair bundle extends continuously between the root (e.g., from the user's head) and the tip. However, in other examples, the hair bundle extends only a portion between the root and the tip. In such examples, the root end of the hair bundle may be located at a point not at the actual root of the hair, and / or the tip end of the hair bundle may be located at a point not at the actual end of the hair.

[0058] Therefore, the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 varies as the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair strand. The heat distribution on the hair strand can be controlled by adjusting and / or regulating the heat transfer along the hair strand. The temperature of the hair is higher at the root end than at the tip. However, to style the hair in the desired way (e.g., straightening), more heat may be applied to the hair at the tip than to the hair at the root. The hair at the tip is older than the hair at the root, and older hair may require more heat to style it in the desired way. Therefore, using a constant operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 along the hair strand may result in heat damage to the hair at the root end (due to too much heat being transferred at the root end) and / or may hinder achieving the desired hairstyle (due to too little heat being transferred at the tip). Providing an increasing heat transfer curve from the root end to the tip reduces the likelihood of heat damage (especially protecting the younger hair at the root end) while ensuring sufficient temperature is transferred to the hair at the tip to achieve the desired style. This heat transfer curve may be referred to as a "root-to-tip" heat transfer curve. In one embodiment, the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 is increased as it moves along the hair bundle. In an alternative embodiment, the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 is decreased as it moves along the hair bundle.

[0059] In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a sensor device 230 configured to generate a sensor output based on the movement of the hair contact member 225. The sensor output is processed to determine that the hair contact member 225 is moving along the hair strand. Thus, in some embodiments, it can be determined that the hair contact member 225 is moving along the hair strand without user input and / or intervention. In one embodiment, the sensor device 230 includes an IMU 235. One or more signals from the IMU 235 can be processed to determine that the hair contact member 225 is moving along the hair strand. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device 230 may include a Hall effect sensor. The Hall effect sensor can generate a sensor output based on whether the hair contact member 225 is in an open configuration (e.g., arms 110, 120 are open) or a closed configuration (e.g., arms 110, 120 are closed). Thus, the closure of the hair contact member 225 can be sensed and used to determine that the hair contact member 225 is moving along the hair strand. In an alternative embodiment, the determination in step 310 is performed without using the sensor device. For example, the determination can be based on user input, such as via a user interface, one or more buttons on the hair styling device 100, etc.

[0060] In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a heating element 220 operable to heat the hair contact member 225. In such an embodiment, controlling the heating of the hair contact member 225 includes controlling the heating element 220.

[0061] In one embodiment, the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from the first end of the hair bundle is determined based on the sensor output. In such an embodiment, heating of the hair contact member 225 (e.g., control of the heating element 220) is based on the determined displacement. This displacement can be determined, for example, based on a signal received from the IMU 235. In other examples, the start of the stroke is identified (e.g., when the hair contact member 225 is at the root end of the hair bundle), and the displacement is determined based on the time elapsed since the start of the stroke. For example, the start of the stroke can be identified based on the closure of the plate of the hair contact member 225. Controlling the heating of the hair contact member 225 based on the determined displacement allows for finer control of the heat distribution along the hair bundle.

[0062] In an embodiment, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on a predetermined threshold operating temperature of the hair contact member 225. The predetermined threshold operating temperature depends on the determined displacement of the hair contact member 225 from a first end of the hair bundle (e.g., the root end). For example, the heating of the hair contact member 225 can be controlled such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 is maintained above an associated predetermined threshold operating temperature. In an embodiment, a first predetermined threshold operating temperature is used for the first end of the hair bundle, and a second predetermined threshold operating temperature is used for the second end of the hair bundle, the second predetermined threshold operating temperature being higher than the first predetermined threshold operating temperature. In some embodiments, a third predetermined threshold operating temperature is used for a position on the hair bundle between the first and second ends. The third predetermined threshold operating temperature can be between the first and second predetermined threshold operating temperatures.

[0063] In one embodiment, the speed of the hair contact member 225 is determined based on sensor output. For example, the speed can be determined by processing one or more signals from the IMU 235. In such an embodiment, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on the determined speed. In another embodiment, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 changes (e.g., increases) at a rate dependent on the determined speed. In other words, the rate of temperature change of the hair contact member 225 can depend on the speed at which the hair contact member 225 moves. For example, if the hair contact member 225 is determined to move relatively quickly, the rate of temperature increase (or “temperature slope”) can be relatively steep, while if the hair contact member 225 is determined to move relatively slowly, the rate of temperature increase can be relatively gentle. This allows for finer control over the heat distribution along the hair strand and / or enables the hair styling device 100 to adapt to the user's behavior. In another embodiment, the heat transfer curve along the hair strand depends on the determined speed.

[0064] In embodiments, velocity and / or position estimation algorithms are used to process the sensor output. In embodiments, the velocity and / or position estimation algorithms are configured to fuse accelerometer and gyroscope signals from the IMU. For example, determining that the hair contact member 225 is moving along the hair bundle, determining the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from the first end, and / or determining the velocity of the hair contact member 225 can be performed using a velocity and / or position estimation algorithm. In embodiments using a 9-axis IMU, in addition to accelerometer and gyroscope signals, the velocity and / or position estimation algorithm may also use signals from a magnetometer to determine the initial state. In embodiments, the velocity and / or position algorithm includes a Madgwick filter. The velocity and / or position estimation algorithm can be implemented using software or hardware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), or a combination of hardware and software. The velocity and / or position estimation algorithm can be used in the various methods described herein.

[0065] IMUs can be affected by noise, bias, and / or drift, which can lead to inaccurate calculations unless properly corrected. For example, gyroscope signals may drift over time, accelerometers may be biased due to gravity, and both gyroscope and accelerometer signals can be affected by noise. In embodiments, filtering (e.g., high-pass and / or low-pass and / or median filters) is used to remove at least some noise from the IMU signal. In embodiments, a Madgwick filter is used to correct gyroscope drift by removing the magnitude of the gyroscope measurement error in the direction of the estimation error or the steepest direction, while fusing the accelerometer and gyroscope signals. The output of the Madgwick filter is a world-referenced orientation quaternion, or Madgwick quaternion, which provides orientation for the device. This quaternion is used to rotate the acceleration signal to the Earth reference frame. Once the acceleration is rotated, the gravitational proportions on each axis are calculated and removed (i.e., gravity is compensated). This provides linear acceleration, which can be integrated to obtain velocity, and then this velocity can be integrated to obtain position and / or displacement. Each time the signal is integrated, the residual error caused by this bias and / or drift increases. Therefore, this error can be particularly problematic for velocity and / or position measurements. Compensating for velocity drift before integrating the velocity to obtain the position improves the accuracy of the measurement. Velocity and / or position measurements can include individual measurements of all three axes, or the directional components can be combined to provide the velocity magnitude and / or position magnitude.

[0066] In other embodiments, alternative filters and / or algorithms may be used to replace or supplement the Madgwick filter. Examples of such filters include Kalman filters, extended Kalman filters, and / or complementary filters such as the Mahony filter. However, the Madgwick filter is computationally less expensive than other filters while achieving comparable or, in some cases, better levels of accuracy. This allows the Madgwick filter to operate on the hair styling device 100 itself without requiring external processing. This reduces latency compared to performing processing on externally processed data, as it eliminates the need to transfer data between devices.

[0067] In an embodiment, the speed can be determined by processing one or more signals from a 3-axis IMU. As described above, in such an embodiment, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on the determined speed. In an embodiment, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 changes (e.g., increases) at a rate dependent on the determined speed. In other words, the rate of temperature change of the hair contact member 225 can depend on the speed at which the hair contact member 225 moves. For example, if the hair contact member 225 is determined to move relatively quickly, the rate of temperature increase (or “temperature slope”) can be relatively steep, while if the hair contact member 225 is determined to move relatively slowly, the rate of temperature increase can be relatively gentle. This allows for finer control over the heat distribution along the hair strand and / or enables the hair styling device 100 to adapt to the user's behavior. In an embodiment, the heat transfer curve along the hair strand depends on the determined speed.

[0068] In embodiments, velocity and / or position estimation algorithms, such as machine learning models, are used to process the sensor output. In embodiments, a 3-axis IMU including an accelerometer is used in conjunction with a machine learning model. For example, determining that the hair contact member 225 is moving along the hair strand, determining the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from the first end, and / or determining the velocity of the hair contact member 225 can be performed using a machine learning model.

[0069] In embodiments using a 3-axis IMU, the machine learning model can determine the initial state using signals from the 3-axis IMU. In this embodiment, the machine learning model has been trained using a generalized nonlinear regression algorithm (e.g., Gaussian kernel regression and neural networks). The training data for the machine learning model uses previously used 3-axis IMU data from the hair styling device 100, as well as target data from a ground-based live source (e.g., the Vicon motion capture system). It should be understood that alternative systems can be used to capture target data from ground-based live sources. The machine learning model can be implemented using software or hardware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), or a combination of hardware and software. The machine learning model can be used in the various methods described herein.

[0070] As mentioned above, IMUs (such as 3-axis IMUs) can be affected by noise, bias, and / or drift, which can lead to inaccurate calculations unless properly corrected. For example, accelerometers may be biased by gravity, and accelerometer signals may be affected by noise. In embodiments, filtering (e.g., high-pass and / or low-pass and / or median filters) is used to remove at least some of the noise from the accelerometer signals.

[0071] In this embodiment, a low-pass filter is applied to each signal output of the 3-axis IMU to remove noise. Each signal is then combined into a single signal output. The proportion of gravity force on the single signal output is then calculated and subtracted from the signal output to give the magnitude of acceleration.

[0072] The previously trained machine learning model is then applied to the acceleration magnitude.

[0073] The machine learning model described above is used to correct noise, bias, and drift, such as velocity drift, because it uses a machine learning model trained as previously described, while simultaneously converting acceleration magnitudes to velocity magnitudes. In an embodiment, the machine learning model is trained using ground-based real-time velocity data and motion acceleration magnitude training data provided from ground-based sources (e.g., the Vicon motion capture system).

[0074] In this embodiment, a sliding window algorithm is used to generate the input data for the machine learning model. In a preferred embodiment, this input data consists of twenty sampling points simultaneously. In doing so, the machine learning model compensates for drift at the 20th sampling point, which already considers this sampling point and the first 19 sampling points of the motion acceleration magnitude input data. However, it should be understood that different numbers of sampling points can be used as input data for the machine learning model. At this point, the machine learning model can correct and / or compensate for noise, bias, and / or drift associated with the 3-axis IMU.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment, a low-pass filter is applied to each signal output of the 3-axis IMU. The three signal outputs are then processed separately. The proportion of force on each signal is then calculated and subtracted from each signal output to give three acceleration values ​​(acceleration values ​​for each axis). The previously trained machine learning model, as described above, is then applied individually to each acceleration magnitude. Similarly, a sliding window algorithm can be applied to generate the input to the machine learning model. In other words, the machine learning model and the sliding window algorithm can be applied individually to each axis.

[0076] In this embodiment, the velocity is integrated to obtain the position and / or displacement. Since drift has already been compensated for in the calculated velocity, the position and / or displacement can be determined more accurately.

[0077] Therefore, machine learning models combined with 3-axis IMUs can be used to compensate for velocity drift and determine the speed, position, and / or displacement of hair styling devices.

[0078] In an embodiment, causing a change (e.g., an increase) in the operating temperature includes adjusting (e.g., increasing) the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 as it moves along the hair strand from a first end to a second end. For example, the amount of energy applied to the heating element 220 can be adjusted as the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair strand. Thus, in such an embodiment, both the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 and the amount of energy applied to the heating element 220 can increase as the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair strand. In an alternative embodiment, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 does not increase as the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair strand. For example, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 may be constant.

[0079] In an embodiment, as the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair strand from the root to the tip, the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 is increased at a predetermined rate. The predetermined rate of increase may be based on a heat transfer curve along the hair strand. In some embodiments, the predetermined rate of increase depends on the speed of the hair contact member 225. The predetermined rate of increase may depend on other factors, including but not limited to the type of hair being styled, whether the hair is wet or dry, the length of the hair strand, prior use of the hair styling device, user preference, etc. In an embodiment, the predetermined rate of increase depends on the condition of the hair strand, for example, defined by one or more hair damage parameters. This will be described in more detail below.

[0080] In an embodiment, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 when it is at the second end (e.g., the hair tip) is 40 to 80 degrees higher than the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 when it is at the first end (e.g., the hair root). For example, the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 at the second end may be 50 to 70 degrees higher, for example, 60 degrees higher, than the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 at the first end. In some examples, the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 at the first end is 120°C, while the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 at the second end is 180°C. This operating temperature difference between the first and second ends allows the entire hair strand to achieve the desired style (e.g., straightening or curling), thereby reducing styling time and reducing the possibility of heat damage to the hair. In other embodiments, the difference between the operating temperatures of the first and second ends may have other values.

[0081] In an embodiment, method 300 includes determining whether the hair styling device 100 is used based on a first styling behavior or a second styling behavior. The heating element 220 is controlled based on whether the hair styling device 100 is used based on the first or second styling behavior. In some such embodiments, heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled so that the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 changes at a rate that depends on whether the hair styling device 100 is used based on the first or second styling behavior. For example, a first predetermined rate of increase may be used for straightening behavior, while a different second predetermined rate of increase may be used for curling behavior. Thus, different temperature transmission profiles can be used for different activities. This allows the same hair styling device 100 to achieve different styles, thereby increasing the versatility of the hair styling device 100 while reducing the possibility of heat damage and reducing styling time. In an embodiment, classification algorithms and sensor data are used to identify the styling behavior, which will be described in more detail below. In an alternative embodiment, the styling behavior is identified based on user input. In an alternative embodiment, no specific styling behavior is identified. For example, the same temperature transmission profile (which may vary along the hair strand) can be used regardless of the styling behavior.

[0082] In alternative embodiments, such as when the hair styling device 100 does not include a heating element 220, heating of the hair contact member 225 can be performed directly, for example, by applying energy to the hair contact member 225 itself. In either case, heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 varies along the hair strand.

[0083] Figure 4 A method 400 for operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment is shown. Method 400 can be used to operate the device described above. Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2 The described hair styling device 100. Figure 4 In some embodiments, the hair styling device 100 includes a heatable hair contact member 225 having hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. The hair contact member 225 is operable to apply heat to the hair bundle via the hair-contact surfaces by moving the hair contact member 225 along the hair bundle between a first end and a second end of the hair bundle. In these embodiments, the hair styling device 100 also includes a sensor device 230 configured to generate a sensor output indicative of the current use of the hair styling device 100. In some embodiments, method 400 is performed at least in part by controller 210.

[0084] In step 410, sensor output is received from sensor device 230.

[0085] In step 420, based on the sensor output, it is determined that the hair contact member 225 is located at the first end or the second end of the hair bundle.

[0086] In step 430, the hair styling device 100 is controlled to perform an action based on the determination.

[0087] The start of the stroke is detected by determining that the hair contact member 225 is at the first end of the hair bundle (e.g., the root end of the hair bundle). Similarly, the end of the stroke is detected by determining that the hair contact member 225 is at the second end of the hair bundle (e.g., the tip end of the hair bundle). In this way, the boundaries of the stroke (i.e., the start and end points) are identified by the hair styling device 100 and used to control the hair styling device 100. This enables more precise and / or intelligent control of the hair styling device 100 compared to situations where the stroke boundaries are not identified.

[0088] The first end can be located at the root of the hair or the midpoint of the hair bundle. The second end can similarly be located at the tip of the hair or the midpoint of the hair bundle. In an embodiment, the first end includes the root end of the hair bundle, and the second end includes the tip end of the hair bundle.

[0089] In one embodiment, heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on the determination performed in step 420. For example, if the hair styling device 100 includes a heating element 220, the heating element 220 may be controlled based on the determination performed in step 420. Thus, method 400 may include controlling the heating element 220 based on a determination that the hair contact member 225 is located at a first end or a second end of a hair bundle. In an alternative embodiment, other components and / or functions of the hair styling device 100 may be controlled based on the determination performed in step 420.

[0090] In an embodiment, in response to determining that the hair contact member 225 is located at a first (e.g., root) end of the hair bundle, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 (e.g., the amount of energy applied to the heating element 220) increases. In response to determining that the hair contact member 225 is located at a second (e.g., tip) end of the hair bundle, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 decreases. Therefore, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 can increase at the beginning of the stroke (resulting in the hair in the bundle being heated) and decrease at the end of the stroke (when hair heating is no longer performed). This reduces power consumption compared to using a constant amount of energy to heat the hair contact member 225 throughout the use of the hair styling device 100. Controlling the heating of the hair contact member 225 in this way allows a predetermined temperature transfer curve (e.g., temperature slope) to be applied along the hair bundle. In an embodiment, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 increases at a predetermined rate as the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair bundle. In an alternative embodiment, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 and / or the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 is constant along the hair bundle. In such an alternative embodiment, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 decreases at the end of the stroke (when it is determined that the hair contact member 225 is at the second end of the hair bundle), thereby reducing power consumption.

[0091] In an embodiment, the sensor output indicates the usage characteristics of the hair styling device 100. The usage characteristics indicate the current use of the hair styling device 100. The usage characteristics may be time-varying. In an embodiment, the usage characteristics indicate the movement of the hair contact member 225. In an embodiment, the usage characteristics include the velocity of the hair contact member 225 (e.g., when the hair contact member 225 moves along a hair strand). Thus, the determination of the hair contact member 225 at a first or second end of the hair strand can be based on the velocity of the hair contact member 225. For example, the velocity of the hair contact member 225 at the end of the hair strand may be lower than when the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair strand. In an embodiment, the usage characteristics indicate whether the hair contact member 225 is in motion.

[0092] In embodiments, features include the position of the hair contact member 225, such as displacement from a first end of the hair bundle. Thus, the determination of the hair contact member 225 at either the first or second end of the hair bundle can be based on the determined position of the hair contact member 225. This can be calculated, for example, based on signals received from the IMU 235. A first position can be associated with a first end of the hair bundle, and a second position can be associated with a second end. In some embodiments, the position is defined as coordinates in three-dimensional space. In other embodiments, the position is defined as a one-dimensional value, such as a distance from a known or predetermined location.

[0093] In one embodiment, the hair contact member 225 can move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In such an embodiment, a feature is used to indicate whether the hair contact member 225 is in an open or closed configuration. In another embodiment, the sensor device 230 includes a Hall effect sensor. Thus, the determination that the hair contact member 225 is located at a first or second end of the hair bundle can be based on the movement of the hair contact member 225 between the open and closed configurations. For example, when the hair contact member 225 is located at the root end of the hair bundle (e.g., at the beginning of the stroke), the hair contact member 225 can move from an open configuration to a closed configuration, and when the hair contact member 225 is located at the tip end of the hair bundle (e.g., at the end of the stroke), the hair contact member 225 moves from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The hair styling device 100 can therefore detect the start and / or end of the stroke without requiring user input.

[0094] In embodiments, such as where sensor device 230 includes IMU 235, features are used to indicate the movement of hair contact member 225. In some such embodiments, velocity and / or position estimation algorithms (e.g., including Madgwick filters and / or machine learning models) are used to process the sensor output. This refers to the above. Figure 3 A more detailed description was provided.

[0095] In this embodiment, the hair contact member 225 is determined to move away from a first end of the hair bundle toward a second end of the hair bundle. For example, this determination can be performed based on a signal received from the IMU 235. Heating of the hair contact member 225 can be controlled based on this determination. For example, as the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair bundle, heating of the hair contact member 225 can be controlled to achieve a predetermined heat transfer profile.

[0096] In an embodiment, for example, where the hair styling device 100 does not include a heating element 220, the heating of the hair contact member 225 can be controlled by directly applying energy to the hair contact member 225.

[0097] Figure 5 A method 500 for operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment is shown. Method 500 can be used to operate the device described above. Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2 The described hair styling device 100. Figure 5In some embodiments, the hair styling device 100 includes a heatable hair contact member 225 having hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. The hair contact member 225 is operable to apply heat to a user's hair via the hair-contact surfaces. In these embodiments, the hair styling device 100 also includes an IMU 235. The IMU 235 is configured to output signals based on the movement of the hair contact member 225. In some embodiments, method 500 is performed at least in part by the controller 210.

[0098] In step 510, one or more signals are received from IMU 235 indicating that the hair contact member 225 is moving along the hair bundle from the first end of the hair bundle to the second end of the hair bundle.

[0099] In step 520, one or more received signals are processed to determine the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from the first end of the hair bundle.

[0100] In step 530, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on the determined displacement.

[0101] By controlling the heating of the hair contact member 225 based on the determined displacement of the hair contact member 225 from a first end of the hair bundle (e.g., the root end of the hair bundle), heat transfer and / or distribution along the hair bundle can be controlled and / or adapted. Thus, by determining the displacement of the hair contact member 225 at a given time and controlling the heating of the hair contact member 225 accordingly, a target heat transfer curve along the hair bundle can be achieved. In an alternative embodiment, one or more received signals are processed to determine the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from a second end of the hair bundle (e.g., the tip end of the hair bundle).

[0102] In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a heating element 220 operable to heat the hair contact member 225. In such an embodiment, controlling the heating of the hair contact member 225 includes controlling the heating element 220.

[0103] In one embodiment, the first end includes the root end of the hair bundle, and the second end includes the tip end of the hair bundle. The first end may be located at the midpoint of the root or the hair bundle. The second end may similarly be located at the midpoint of the tip or the hair bundle.

[0104] In this embodiment, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 (e.g., the amount of energy applied to the heating element 220) is adjusted based on a determined displacement. This allows for a heat transfer profile that varies along the hair strand. For example, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 can increase as the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair strand. Thus, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 can depend on the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from the first end of the hair strand. This makes it possible to achieve the desired style while reducing styling time and minimizing the possibility of heat damage to the hair.

[0105] In this embodiment, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on a predetermined threshold operating temperature. For example, the heating of the hair contact member 225 can be controlled to maintain its operating temperature above the predetermined threshold operating temperature. The predetermined threshold operating temperature depends on the determined displacement of the hair contact member 225 from the first end of the hair bundle. For example, the predetermined threshold operating temperature can be lower when the hair contact member 225 is relatively close to the root end, and higher when the hair contact member 225 is relatively far from the root end (or close to the tip end). Therefore, different operating temperatures of the hair contact member 225 can be used for different displacements. This allows for the application of a dynamic or varying heat transfer profile along the hair bundle to the hair.

[0106] In an embodiment, one or more signals are processed to determine the length of the hair bundle between a first end and a second end. The determined length can be used to determine the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from the first end. Using the length of the hair bundle to determine the displacement may be more accurate than in a comparison where the hair bundle length is not determined. Furthermore, in addition to or as an alternative to absolute displacement, the length of the hair bundle can be used to determine relative displacement. For example, at a given time, the hair contact member 225 can be determined to be along the middle portion of the hair bundle between the first and second ends, and the heating of the hair contact member 225 can be controlled accordingly (e.g., applying a predetermined amount of heat to the hair in the middle portion between the first and second ends). This makes it possible to achieve a desired heat transfer curve along the hair bundle. In an embodiment, absolute displacement is used to achieve the heat transfer curve, for example, using a predetermined hair bundle length. This may be easier to achieve than measuring the hair bundle length. A given portion of the hair bundle longer than the predetermined length can receive the highest temperature of the heat transfer curve. In an embodiment, the position of the hair contact member 225 relative to the user's head is determined and used in conjunction with the predetermined hair bundle length to determine the displacement from the first end of the hair bundle.

[0107] In one embodiment, a first signal is received from IMU 235 instructing the hair contact member 225 to move along the hair bundle in a first stroke. The first received signal is processed to determine the length of the hair bundle. A second signal is then received from IMU 235, instructing the hair contact member 225 to move along the hair bundle in a second stroke following the first stroke. The determined length is used to process the second signal to determine the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from the first end. Therefore, the length of the hair bundle can be determined from IMU data along the first stroke of the hair bundle, and then the determined length is used together with the IMU data for the second stroke to determine the displacement along the hair bundle at a given time. This can provide a more accurate displacement value than in a comparison where the hair bundle length is not predetermined. The first and second strokes can both be part of the same hair styling stage, or they can be part of different hair styling stages. For example, the first stroke can come from a previous hair styling stage. In an alternative embodiment, the hair bundle length and displacement are determined within the same stroke. This involves fewer strokes compared to determining the hair bundle length and displacement in different strokes, and therefore involves less time and / or power consumption.

[0108] In this embodiment, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 increases as it moves along the hair strand from the root to the tip. Providing an increasing heat transfer curve from the root to the tip reduces the possibility of heat damage while ensuring that a sufficiently high temperature is transferred to the hair at the tip to achieve the desired style.

[0109] In this embodiment, a Madgwick filter is used to process the signal received from the IMU 235. This is in reference to the above. Figure 3 A more detailed description is provided. In the embodiment, as described above, a machine learning model is used to process the received signal.

[0110] In alternative embodiments, such as when the hair styling device 100 does not include a heating element 220, the heating of the hair contact member 225 can be controlled by directly applying energy to the hair contact member 225.

[0111] Figure 6 A method 600 for operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment is shown. Method 600 can be used to operate the device described above. Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2 The described hair styling device 100. Figure 6 In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes an IMU 235. The IMU 235 is configured to output signals based on the motion of the hair styling device 100. In another embodiment, method 600 is performed at least in part by the controller 210.

[0112] In step 610, a signal is received from IMU 235 instructing the hair styling device 100 to move along the hair bundle between the first and second ends of the hair bundle.

[0113] In step 620, the received signal is processed to determine the length of the hair bundle between the first end and the second end.

[0114] In step 630, the hair styling device 100 is controlled to perform actions based on the determined length.

[0115] By determining the length of the hair strand, more useful information about the user's hair can be obtained and utilized. For example, styling suggestions and / or feedback can be provided based on the hair strand length, for example, via the user interface of the hair styling device 100. Different hairstyle suggestions may suit different hair strand lengths. Therefore, by determining the hair strand length from IMU data, the styling suggestions provided by the hair styling device 100 can be tailored to a specific user. Additionally or alternatively, the determined hair strand length can be used to control one or more operating settings of the hair styling device 100, such as operating temperature, thereby enabling the operating control to be customized based on the user's hair strand length.

[0116] In one embodiment, the received signal is processed to determine the length between the root end and the tip end of the hair bundle. The hair styling device 100 can be controlled based on the determined length. The first end can be located at the midpoint of the root or the hair bundle. The second end can similarly be located at the midpoint of the tip or the hair bundle.

[0117] In this embodiment, the determined length is used to determine the displacement of the hair styling device 100 from the first end of the hair bundle. The hair styling device 100 can be controlled based on the determined displacement. This determined displacement may be more accurate than a comparison where the displacement is not determined using the hair bundle length. By more precisely determining the displacement of the hair styling device 100 from the first end, better control over the heating profile along the hair bundle can be achieved. Determining the displacement of the hair styling device 100 from the first end of the hair bundle allows the heat transfer and / or distribution along the hair bundle to be controlled and / or adapted. Thus, by determining the displacement of the hair contact member 225 at a given moment and controlling the hair styling device 100 accordingly, a target heat transfer profile along the hair bundle can be achieved.

[0118] In embodiments where the hair styling device 100 includes a heating element 220, the heating element 220 is operable to apply heat to the user's hair, and the heating element 220 can be controlled based on a determined length. In embodiments where the hair styling device 100 includes a hair contact member 225, the heating element 220 can be controlled based on a target operating temperature of the hair contact member 225. The target operating temperature may depend on the determined length. Thus, for hair strands of different lengths, the hair can be heated differently by the hair styling device 100. Compared to cases where the operating temperature does not depend on the hair strand length, this allows the hair styling device 100 to adapt to the user's hair, thereby reducing styling time and / or facilitating the achievement of the desired style.

[0119] In embodiments, the user interface provides output related to the determined length. In some embodiments, the user interface is included in the hair styling device 100, such as user interface 240. In alternative embodiments, the user interface is not included in the hair styling device 100; for example, the user interface may be included in the charging device of the hair styling device or in an application installed on a mobile phone device. The output may include audio and / or video output. In embodiments, the output includes styling suggestions and / or feedback depending on the determined length. For example, if the determined length is below a predetermined threshold length, a first styling suggestion may be provided; if the determined length is above the predetermined threshold length, a second styling suggestion different from the first styling suggestion may be provided. In this way, customized feedback and / or suggestions can be provided to the user, thereby helping the user use the hair styling device 100 in a more effective and / or optimal manner.

[0120] In one embodiment, a portion and / or layer of hair to be styled using the hair styling device 100 is determined based on the determined length. In such an embodiment, the hair styling device 100 is controlled according to the determined portion and / or layer of hair being styled. For example, specific styling suggestions and / or feedback can be provided to the user based on which portion and / or which layer of hair is being styled. The top portion of the user's hair may have a different strand length compared to the nape of the neck, and by determining which portion is being styled, the hair styling device 100 can be controlled differently for different portions (e.g., by providing customized feedback via a user interface, and / or by controlling heating).

[0121] In embodiments, the determined length is stored in memory, such as memory 250 of the hair styling device 100. This allows the determined length to be retrieved and used at a later time, for example, for subsequent strokes and / or use of the hair styling device 100. In embodiments, the determined length is determined for a first stroke along a hair strand, stored in memory 250, and then used to determine the displacement of the hair contact member 225 moving along the hair strand in a second stroke. In some embodiments, the determined length is stored for analyzing the user's hair. In embodiments, the determined length is stored such that one or more settings of the hair styling device 100 can be adapted to the user's hair. For example, a user hair styling profile can be generated for the user based at least in part on the determined hair strand length. This user hair styling profile can be used to provide feedback and / or suggestions to the user, and / or can be used to control one or more settings of the hair styling device 100 during subsequent use by the user. In embodiments, the hair styling device 100 is configured to generate and / or store multiple user hair styling profiles for different users. In other words, multiple users can each use the same hair styling device 100, different users have, for example, different hair lengths, and the hair styling device 100 can store customized profiles (local or remote) for each user to allow the settings of the hair styling device 100 to adapt to different users.

[0122] In this embodiment, a Madgwick filter is used to process the received signal. This is in reference to the above. Figure 3 A more detailed description is provided. In the embodiment, as described above, a machine learning model is used to process the received signal.

[0123] Figure 7 A method 700 for operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment is shown. Method 700 can be used to operate the device described above. Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2 The described hair styling device 100. Figure 7 In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a heatable hair contact member 225. The hair contact member 225 includes opposing first and second hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. The hair contact member 225 is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The hair styling device 100 includes a sensor device 230 configured to generate a sensor output indicating whether the hair contact member 225 is in a closed or open configuration. In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a cordless hair styling device. In one embodiment, method 700 is performed at least in part by a controller 210.

[0124] In step 710, sensor output is received from sensor device 230.

[0125] In step 720, in response to a sensor output indicating that the hair contact member 225 is in a closed configuration, heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on a first predetermined threshold operating temperature of the hair contact member 225.

[0126] In step 730, in response to a sensor output indicating that the hair contact member 225 is in an open configuration, heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on a second predetermined threshold operating temperature of the hair contact member 225. The second predetermined threshold operating temperature is lower than the first predetermined threshold operating temperature.

[0127] Thus, when the hair contact member 225 is in the open configuration, its operating temperature is lower compared to when it is in the closed configuration. This allows for reduced power consumption while maintaining the ability of the hair contact member 225 to transfer the required heat to the hair.

[0128] When the hair contact member 225 is in the open configuration, the opposing first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 are spaced apart, while when the hair contact member 225 is in the closed configuration, the opposing first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 can be brought together. In an embodiment, when the hair contact member 225 is in the closed configuration, the distance between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 is less than a predetermined threshold distance, while when the hair contact member 225 is in the open configuration, the distance is greater than the predetermined threshold distance. In some cases, when the hair contact member 225 is in the closed configuration, the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 are adjacent to each other. In other cases, when the hair contact member 225 is in the closed configuration, the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 are not adjacent to each other.

[0129] When the hair contact member 225 is in the closed configuration, hair engaged between the opposing first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 is styled, for example by applying heat and / or mechanical pressure. However, in embodiments, hair styling does not occur when the hair contact member 225 is in the open configuration. For example, the hair contact member 225 may be in the open configuration when there is no hair between the opposing hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126. In embodiments, the hair contact member 225 is in the open configuration when it is dormant, for example, when it is not in use. In embodiments, the hair contact member 225 is in the open configuration when the hair styling device 100 is in a stroke. For example, a first stroke along a hair strand (where the hair contact member 225 is in the closed configuration) may be performed, and then the hair contact member 225 may be moved to the open configuration before starting a second stroke along the hair strand. Moving the hair contact member 225 to the open configuration may include releasing hair engaged between the hair-accessible surfaces. Therefore, when the hair is not between the hair-accessible surfaces, power consumption is reduced by lowering the threshold operating temperature.

[0130] In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a heating element 220 operable to heat the hair contact member 225. In such an embodiment, controlling the heating of the hair contact member 225 includes controlling the heating element 220.

[0131] In one embodiment, in response to a sensor output indicating that the hair contact member 225 is in a closed configuration, heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled to maintain the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 above a first predetermined threshold operating temperature. In response to a sensor output indicating that the hair contact member 225 is in an open configuration, heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled to maintain the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 above a second predetermined threshold operating temperature.

[0132] In one embodiment, in response to a sensor output indicating that the hair contact member 225 is in a closed configuration, energy is applied to heat the hair contact member 225 when the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 drops below a first predetermined threshold operating temperature. In response to a sensor output indicating that the hair contact member 225 is in an open configuration, energy is applied to heat the hair contact member 225 when the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 drops below a second predetermined threshold operating temperature.

[0133] In one embodiment, in response to a sensor output indicating that the hair contact member 225 is in a closed configuration, a first energy is applied to heat the hair contact member 225 (e.g., the first energy is applied to the heating element 220). In response to a sensor output indicating that the hair contact member 225 is in an open configuration, a second energy is applied to heat the hair contact member 225 (e.g., the second energy is applied to the heating element 220). The second energy is lower than the first energy. Thus, when the hair contact member 225 is in an open configuration, less energy can be applied to heat the hair contact member 225, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0134] In one embodiment, sensor device 230 includes a Hall effect sensor. In some such embodiments, hair styling device 100 includes a magnet coupled to a first hair-accessible surface 116, and a Hall effect sensor coupled to a second hair-accessible surface 126. The sensor output generated by such a Hall effect sensor can be used to determine whether the hair contact member 225 is in an open or closed configuration, for example, whether the distance between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 is greater than or less than a predetermined threshold distance. In another embodiment, sensor device 230 includes an IMU 235. Thus, the determination of whether the hair contact member 225 is in an open or closed configuration can be based on sensed movement of the hair contact member 225.

[0135] In this embodiment, the second predetermined threshold operating temperature is at least 50 degrees lower than the first predetermined threshold operating temperature.

[0136] In an embodiment, for example, where the hair styling device 100 does not include a heating element 220, the heating of the hair contact member 225 can be controlled by directly applying energy to the hair contact member 225.

[0137] Figure 8 A method 800 for operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment is shown. Method 800 can be used to operate the device described above. Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2 The described hair styling device 100. Figure 8 In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a heatable hair contact member 225 having hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. The hair contact member 225 is operable to apply heat to the hair via the hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. In another embodiment, method 800 is performed at least in part by controller 210.

[0138] In step 810, during the heating of the user's hair via the hair-contactable surfaces 116, 126, the power consumption associated with the heating of the hair-contact member 225 is monitored.

[0139] In step 820, based on the monitored power consumption, one or more hair damage parameters are calculated to indicate the damage to the heated hair.

[0140] In step 830, the hair styling device 100 is controlled based on one or more calculated hair damage parameters.

[0141] In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a heating element 220 operable to heat the hair contact member 225. In such an embodiment, one or more hair damage parameters are calculated based on the monitored power drawn by the heating element 220 to heat the hair contact member 225. In an alternative embodiment, such as when the hair styling device 100 does not include the heating element 220, one or more hair damage parameters are calculated based on the monitored power drawn by the hair contact member 225 itself.

[0142] In an embodiment, one or more calculated hair damage parameters indicate at least one of physical damage, thermal damage, and chemical damage to the heated hair.

[0143] In an embodiment, one or more calculated hair damage parameters indicate pre-existing damage to the heated hair. The hair may have previously been damaged due to, for example, overheating (causing thermal damage), chemical treatment (causing chemical damage), applying excessive clamping pressure, and / or too many repetitive strokes (causing mechanical damage). Therefore, pre-existing hair damage can be taken into account when controlling the hair styling device 100. Taking hair damage into account when controlling the hair styling device 100 may include, for example, controlling the heating of the hair and / or providing feedback to the user, which will be described in more detail below.

[0144] Damaged hair may retain less moisture than undamaged hair, for example, due to changes in its internal structure. The amount of moisture retained by the hair when attempting to heat it, in turn, affects the power consumption associated with the hair contact element 225. Therefore, a measurement of hair damage can be obtained by monitoring the power consumption associated with the hair contact element 225 (e.g., the power consumed by the heating element 220) when heating the hair. For example, the power required by the heating element 220 to heat the hair to a given temperature may be relatively high for damaged hair (retaining less moisture) and relatively low for undamaged hair (retaining more moisture). Power consumption can be measured using functions such as a power meter, ammeter, or multimeter integrated into the hair styling device.

[0145] In one embodiment, one or more calculated hair damage parameters indicate predicted damage due to heating of the hair being heated. In other words, the power consumption associated with heating of the hair contact member 225 can be used to predict whether and / or the extent of hair damage due to heating. This damage may be an addition to existing damage. Thus, in this embodiment, one or more calculated hair damage parameters indicate both pre-existing and predicted damage to the heated hair. For example, if the hair is damaged and retains less moisture compared to undamaged hair, the likelihood of further damage due to heating increases. Such predicted future hair damage can be avoided by monitoring the power consumption associated with heating the hair contact member 225 and determining one or more hair damage parameters. In an alternative embodiment, one or more hair damage parameters indicate only predicted damage (not pre-existing damage).

[0146] In an embodiment, one or more hair damage parameters indicate the type of damage, such as chemical damage, thermal damage, or mechanical damage. This type of damage can be determined based on the power consumption associated with heating the hair contact member 225. For example, chemically damaged hair may retain less moisture than thermally damaged hair. In an embodiment, one or more hair damage parameters indicate the degree of hair damage. The one or more hair damage parameters may include an increasing scale from 0: "undamaged" to 10: for example, "severely damaged."

[0147] In an embodiment, one or more hair damage parameters are calculated by monitoring the power consumption associated with heating the hair contact member 225 to maintain the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 above a predetermined threshold operating temperature. For example, the heating element 220 may draw more power to maintain the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 above the predetermined threshold for damaged hair compared to undamaged hair. The power drawn by the heating element 220 indicates the power consumption associated with heating the hair contact member 225 during hair heating.

[0148] In an embodiment where the hair styling device 100 includes a sensor device 230, the sensor device 230 is configured to generate a sensor output based on the movement of the hair contact member 225, and one or more hair damage parameters can be calculated based on the sensor output. The power drawn by the heating element 220 for heating the hair contact member 225 can depend on the movement of the hair contact member 225. Therefore, by taking the movement of the hair contact member 225 into account, one or more hair damage parameters can be calculated more accurately from the monitored power.

[0149] In one embodiment, the hair contact member 225 is operable to apply heat to a user's hair by moving the hair contact member 225 along the hair bundle between the root and tip of the hair bundle. The displacement of the hair contact member 225 can be determined based on sensor output. In such an embodiment, one or more hair damage parameters are calculated based on the determined displacement. The power consumption associated with heating the hair contact member 225 can depend on the position of the hair contact member 225 within the hair bundle, such as its position relative to the root or tip. This is at least in part because hair bundles are typically thicker at the root and thinner at the tip. Therefore, by taking into account the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from the root of the hair bundle, one or more hair damage parameters can be calculated more accurately from the monitored power.

[0150] In this embodiment, it is determined whether the hair contact member 225 is in motion based on the sensor output. One or more hair damage parameters can be calculated based on whether the hair contact member 225 is in motion. The power consumption associated with heating the hair contact member 225 can depend on whether the hair contact member 225 is in motion. Therefore, by taking the motion of the hair contact member 225 into account, one or more hair damage parameters can be calculated more accurately from the monitored power.

[0151] In this embodiment, it is determined whether the hair to be heated has been previously heated by the hair styling device 100. One or more hair damage parameters can be calculated based on whether the hair to be heated has been previously heated by the hair styling device 100. The power consumption associated with heating the hair contact member 225 can depend on whether the hair to be heated has been previously heated by the hair styling device 100. Therefore, by taking into account previous heating of the hair, one or more hair damage parameters can be calculated more accurately from the monitored power. Previous heating of the hair by the hair styling device 100 may include heating during previous hair styling and / or heating during the previous stroke during the current hair styling. When heating hair that has been previously heated, the heating element 220 may draw less power than when heating hair that has not been previously heated. Furthermore, heating previously heated hair increases the likelihood of thermal and / or mechanical damage to the hair.

[0152] In this embodiment, it is determined whether the hair to be heated has already been heated within a predetermined time period. One or more hair damage parameters can be calculated based on whether the hair to be heated has already been heated within the predetermined time period. For example, the predetermined time period may correspond to the current hair styling stage. Thus, one or more hair damage parameters can be calculated based on whether the hair has already been heated during the current hair styling period.

[0153] In an embodiment, a portion and / or layer of user hair heated via a hair-contactable surface is determined. One or more hair damage parameters can be calculated based on the determined portion and / or layer of hair. In an embodiment, sensor data, such as IMU signals indicating movement of the hair contact member 225, is used to determine the portion and / or layer being styled. The power consumption associated with heating of the hair contact member 225 can depend on which portion and / or layer of hair is being styled. Therefore, by taking into account the portion and / or layer of hair, one or more hair damage parameters can be calculated more accurately from the monitored power.

[0154] Therefore, in this embodiment, one or more factors that may affect the relationship between power consumption and hair damage parameters associated with the heated hair contact member 225 are filtered out or taken into account in order to improve the accuracy of the hair damage parameter calculation. These factors include the movement of the hair contact member 225, the displacement of the hair contact member 225 along the hair strand, whether and / or when the hair was previously heated, and which part and / or layer of the hair was styled. In alternative embodiments, other factors may be identified and taken into account.

[0155] In one embodiment, the user interface provides output based on one or more calculated hair damage parameters. This output may include a notification informing the user that the heated hair is damaged and / or may be damaged. In one embodiment, the notification informs the user of the type of hair damage. In one embodiment, the notification informs the user of the location of the damaged and / or potentially damaged hair. For example, it may inform the user which portion and / or which layer of hair contains the damaged hair. In one embodiment, the output includes an alarm related to the hair damage parameters. In one embodiment, the output includes a notification instructing the user to take corrective action. For example, the notification may instruct the user to stop heating the hair to avoid further damage / damage. Alternatively, the notification may instruct the user to adjust the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225, adjust the speed at which the user moves the hair contact member 225, and / or adjust the clamping pressure applied by the user to the hair.

[0156] The user interface may be included in the hair styling device 100. For example, the user interface may include the one referenced above. Figure 2 The user interface 240 is described. In an alternative embodiment, the user interface is not included in the hair styling device 100. The user interface may be included in a remote device that is communicatively connected to the hair styling device 100 (e.g., via wireless communication). For example, such a remote device may include a user device or a docking station.

[0157] In embodiments, heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on one or more calculated hair damage parameters. For example, in the case where the hair styling device includes a heating element 220, the heating element 220 may be controlled based on one or more calculated hair damage parameters. In embodiments, the amount of energy applied to the heating element 220 is adjusted based on one or more calculated hair damage parameters. This can reduce and / or prevent damage to the hair and / or further damage. In embodiments, if hair damage is determined, the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 is reduced. In alternative embodiments, if hair damage is determined, the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 is increased. For example, damaged hair may require more heat to style in the desired manner. In embodiments, the degree and / or type of hair damage may be determined such that the possibility and / or impact of further damage is negligible. In some embodiments, heating of the hair contact member 225 (e.g., heating via the heating element 220) is prevented based on one or more calculated hair damage parameters. This stops heating the hair via the hair contact member 225, thereby reducing and / or preventing damage to the hair and / or further damage.

[0158] In alternative embodiments, such as when the hair styling device 100 does not include a heating element 220, heating of the hair contact member 225 can be controlled by directly applying energy to the hair contact member 225. In such embodiments, the power consumption associated with heating of the hair contact member 225 can be directly monitored (rather than by monitoring the power consumed by the heating element 220 to heat the hair contact member 225) and used to calculate one or more hair damage parameters.

[0159] Figure 9 A method 900 for operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment is shown. Method 900 can be used to operate the device described above. Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2 The described hair styling device 100. Figure 9 In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a sensor device 230 configured to generate a sensor output based on at least one usage characteristic of the hair styling device 100. The at least one usage characteristic indicates the current use of the hair styling device 100. In another embodiment, method 900 is performed at least in part by controller 210.

[0160] In step 910, sensor output is received from sensor device 230.

[0161] In step 920, the sensor output is processed using a classification algorithm to obtain classification data. The classification algorithm is configured to determine whether the hair styling device 100 is being used based on a first styling action or a different second styling action, based on at least one usage feature of the hair styling device 100.

[0162] In step 930, the classification data is used to control the hair styling device 100 to perform actions.

[0163] In this way, the hair styling device 100 can determine the styling behavior currently being performed based on sensor data. By using sensor data as input to a classification algorithm, styling behavior can be identified without user input. Therefore, the hair styling device 100 can autonomously recognize how the user is using it and adjust itself accordingly. This allows for more intelligent control of the hair styling device 100. For example, one or more operating settings of the hair styling device 100 can be controlled based on the identified behavior. This allows the settings of the hair styling device 100 to more closely correspond to how the user is attempting to use it. This can reduce styling time and / or increase the likelihood of achieving the desired style. Furthermore, this can reduce the possibility of hair damage, for example, due to the user using incorrect and / or suboptimal settings for a given styling behavior.

[0164] In an embodiment, the first styling behavior includes straightening behavior, and the second styling behavior includes non-straightening behavior, such as curling behavior. At least one usage characteristic of straight hair may differ from that of curling. For example, a user may move the hair styling device 100 differently depending on whether the user is attempting to straighten or curl their hair. For example, curling involves a greater amount of rotation of the hair styling device 100 compared to straightening. Thus, a classification algorithm can be configured to use sensor data to distinguish between straight and curly hair. In an embodiment, it is determined that the hair styling device 100 is not being used to straighten hair, and such a determination is used to infer that the hair styling device 100 is being used to curl hair, or vice versa. In an embodiment, different operating settings of the hair styling device 100 may be used depending on whether the hair styling device 100 is determined to be used for straightening or non-straightening, such as curling. For example, compared to straightening, it may be desirable to use a lower operating temperature for curling to achieve the desired style while reducing the likelihood of hair damage. This may be because curling requires a longer stroke duration and / or a slower stroke speed than straightening. In an embodiment, depending on whether the hair styling device 100 is determined to be for straightening or curling hair, different heat transfer curves can be determined and / or used.

[0165] In embodiments, the first styling action includes a full styling action, and the second styling action includes a finishing touch action. At least one usage characteristic of a full styling action can differ from that of a finishing touch action. For example, a user can move the hair styling device 100 differently depending on whether the user is performing a full styling action or a finishing touch action. A full styling action may involve styling along the entire length of the hair strand, while a finishing touch action may involve styling only a portion of the hair strand length (e.g., the ends of the hair strand). Additionally or alternatively, a full styling action may include styling the hair from the roots (e.g., if the hair has not been styled before, or has not been styled within a predetermined time period), while a finishing touch action may include modifying or restoring an existing style. Thus, a classification algorithm can be configured to use sensor data to distinguish between full styling and finishing touch actions. In embodiments, different operating settings of the hair styling device 100 can be used depending on whether the hair styling device 100 is determined to be used for full styling or finishing touch actions. For example, a higher operating temperature may be desired for finishing touch actions compared to full styling. In embodiments, different heat transfer profiles can be determined and / or used depending on whether the hair styling device 100 is determined to be used for full styling or finishing touch actions. For example, a constant heat transfer curve can be used for embellishment, while a variable heat transfer curve can be used for full styling.

[0166] In embodiments, the first styling behavior includes wet hair styling, and the second styling behavior includes dry hair styling. At least one usage characteristic of wet hair may differ from that of dry hair. For example, the power drawn by the hair styling device 100 during use may depend on whether the hair is wet or dry. For example, whether the hair is wet or dry can be determined by using a capacitive sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or by monitoring power consumption during hair heating. Thus, a classification algorithm can be configured to use sensor data to distinguish between wet and dry hair styling. In embodiments, different operating settings of the hair styling device 100 can be used depending on whether the hair styling device 100 is determined to be used on wet or dry hair. In some cases, using the hair styling device 100 on wet hair may increase the risk of hair damage compared to using it on dry hair. In some such examples, the user interface may provide an output advising the user not to use the hair styling device 100 on wet hair to avoid hair damage. In other examples, one or more operating settings of the hair styling device 100 may be adjusted depending on whether the hair styling device 100 is determined to be used on wet or dry hair.

[0167] In alternative embodiments, the classification algorithm can identify other styling behaviors. For example, the classification algorithm can be configured to determine which part and / or layer of hair is being styled. In some examples, the classification algorithm is configured to determine whether the hair styling device 100 is currently in use, is stationary due to charging (e.g., in sleep mode), or is stationary because the user is moving the hair styling device between parts and / or layers of hair.

[0168] In this embodiment, the classification algorithm includes a training algorithm. Training data is used to train the classification algorithm to determine whether the hair styling device 100 is being used based on a first styling action or a second styling action. Using such a trained algorithm results in a more accurate and / or more reliable classification of styling actions compared to not using the trained algorithm.

[0169] In one embodiment, the classification algorithm includes a machine learning algorithm. This machine learning algorithm can be improved through experience and / or training (e.g., improving classification accuracy and / or reliability). In another embodiment, the classification algorithm includes a random forest algorithm. This algorithm can use multiple decision trees. Classification data can be obtained based on the average of the output classes of the individual trees. In an alternative embodiment, other types of classification algorithms can be used. In one embodiment, the classification algorithm includes a first step of performing feature extraction on sensor output, and a second step of performing behavior classification using the extracted features. In another embodiment, the machine learning algorithm includes one or more artificial neural networks.

[0170] In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a machine learning agent (not shown). For example, the machine learning agent may be included in the controller 210. In such an embodiment, the machine learning agent includes a classification algorithm. Thus, the classification algorithm may reside on the hair styling device 100. Compared to a situation where the classification algorithm is not located on the hair styling device 100, performing classification of styling actions on the hair styling device 100 reduces latency because it eliminates the need to send data to and / or receive data from another device. This allows for faster acquisition of classification data, thereby reducing the time spent on any corrective actions, such as adjusting one or more operating settings of the hair styling device 100. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of damage to the hair, for example, due to operating settings not conforming to the intended use of the hair styling device 100.

[0171] In embodiments, such as where sensor device 230 includes IMU 235, at least one usage feature indicates the movement of hair styling device 100. Thus, styling behavior can be determined based on how hair styling device 100 is moved. In embodiments where hair styling device 100 includes hair contact member 225, hair contact member 225 includes opposing first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126, hair contact member 225 is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and at least one usage feature can indicate whether hair contact member 225 is in an open configuration or a closed configuration. Sensor device 230 may include a Hall effect sensor, for example, operable to sense whether hair contact member 225 is in an open configuration or a closed configuration. Thus, styling behavior can be determined based on whether and / or when hair contact member 225 is in an open and closed configuration.

[0172] In this embodiment, sensor output is used to modify the classification algorithm. This allows the sensor output to be used to train and / or further train the classification algorithm. Modifying the classification algorithm allows for improvements in accuracy and / or reliability through experience and / or the use of more training data. That is, the confidence level of the classification data can be increased. Furthermore, modifying the classification algorithm allows it to be tailored to the user. For example, an initial classification algorithm may be provided on the hair styling device 100, but this initial algorithm does not take into account the specific behaviors and / or activities of a given user. For example, a user may move the hair contact member 225 in a specific manner different from other users. By dynamically retraining the classification algorithm using sensor output as training data, the algorithm can more reliably determine which styling behavior the user is attempting.

[0173] In embodiments where the hair styling device 100 includes a heating element 220, the heating element 220 is operable to apply heat to the hair, and the heating element 220 can be controlled based on classification data. Thus, the heating element 220 can be controlled depending on whether the hair styling device 100 is used for a first styling action or a second styling action. In one embodiment, the heating element 220 is controlled to apply a predetermined heat transfer curve along the hair strand. The predetermined heat transfer curve depends on whether the hair styling device 100 is used for a first styling action or a second styling action. In another embodiment, controlling the heating element 220 includes adjusting the amount of energy applied to the heating element 220 and / or adjusting the operating temperature of the hair styling device 100. This allows the thermal setting of the hair styling device 100 to more closely correspond to the styling action the user wants to perform. This allows for the achievement of the desired style while reducing the possibility of hair damage and / or reducing styling time.

[0174] In one embodiment, the user interface provides output based on classification data. This output may include, for example, a notification to the user that the current operating settings of the hair styling device 100 are inconsistent with the identified styling behavior. This may prompt the user to take corrective action, such as changing the operating settings. In another embodiment, the output includes warnings regarding incorrect and / or unsafe use of the hair styling device 100. In yet another embodiment, the output includes a request for the user to confirm that the identified styling behavior is correct.

[0175] In some embodiments, one or more contextual features are used as input to a classification algorithm to obtain classification data. Thus, the classification algorithm can take sensor output and one or more contextual features as input. In some embodiments, one or more contextual features indicate previous use of the hair styling device. For example, it can be determined and / or known that the hair styling device 100 was previously used by a user for hair straightening. This information influences the classification of subsequent use behavior. For example, due to knowledge of previous behavior, the probability of certainty that the hair styling device 100 is currently being used for hair straightening rather than curling can be increased. In some embodiments, previous use includes previously styled hair strands in the same hair styling process. For example, it can be determined and / or known that a first hair strand was straightened using the hair styling device 100. This information increases the probability of certainty that a second hair strand was also straightened. In some embodiments, one or more contextual features indicate user preferences. Using contextual features as input to the classification algorithm increases the confidence of the classification data.

[0176] In this embodiment, the classification data is stored in memory, such as memory 250 of the hair styling device 100. This allows the classification data to be used later, for example, during subsequent use of the hair styling device 100. In this embodiment, the classification data is stored to be used as contextual features during subsequent use of the hair styling device 100. This improves the confidence level of future classifications performed by the classification algorithm. In this embodiment, the classification data is output for transmission to a remote device. For example, the classification data may be output for transmission to a user device. In this embodiment, the classification data is used to generate a user hair styling profile. For example, the user hair styling profile may be used to provide the user with customized styling suggestions. When new classification data is obtained, the user hair styling profile may be modified and / or updated.

[0177] In some embodiments, training data is received from a remote device. In some such embodiments, the received training data is used to modify the classification algorithm. The training data can be received from a network, such as the "cloud." This training data may include sensor data and / or classification data associated with other users. For example, this training data may include crowdsourced data. In some embodiments, this training data is larger in quantity than the sensor data and / or classification data obtained directly using the hair styling device 100. Using training data from a remote device to modify the classification algorithm can improve the accuracy and / or reliability of the classification algorithm compared to not using such training data.

[0178] Figure 10 A method 1000 for operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment is shown. Method 1000 can be used to operate the device described above. Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2 The described hair styling device 100. Figure 10 In one embodiment, the hair styling device includes a heatable hair contact member 225. The hair contact member 225 includes opposing first and second hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. The hair contact member 225 is operable to apply heat to the hair via at least one of the first and second hair-contact surfaces 116 and 126. The hair styling device 100 also includes a closing mechanism 227 operable to move the first hair-contact surface 116 relative to the second hair-contact surface 126. In another embodiment, method 1000 is performed at least in part by a controller 210.

[0179] In step 1010, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227.

[0180] In step 1020, in response to the receipt of a control signal, the closing mechanism 227 adjusts the distance between the first hair-accessible surface 116 and the second hair-accessible surface 126.

[0181] Thus, the closing mechanism 227 responds to control signals, for example, from the controller 210. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distance between the first hair-accessible surface 116 and the second hair-accessible surface 126 is not controlled by the user. This allows for more controlled and intelligent clamping of hair between the hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126. If the user manually clamps the hair, excessive or insufficient pressure may be applied. For example, at the root end of a hair bundle, the hair between the hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 is relatively thick, and the user may apply too much clamping pressure, posing a risk of hair damage. However, at the tip end of a hair bundle, the hair between the hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 is relatively thin, and the user may not be able to apply sufficient clamping pressure to style the hair in the desired manner. Therefore, clamping hair solely by manual clamping force applied by the user may result in hair damage, failure to achieve the desired style, and / or increased styling time. Therefore, automatically controlling the closing mechanism 227 via control signals from the controller 210 reduces the likelihood of hair damage, increases the likelihood of achieving the desired style, and / or reduces styling time.

[0182] In an embodiment, the hair contact member 225 includes a first arm 110 and a second arm 120 movably coupled to the first arm 110, as referenced above. Figure 1A and 1B The first arm 110 includes a first hair-accessible surface 116, and the second arm 120 includes a second hair-accessible surface 126. In some such embodiments, a closing mechanism 227 is configured to move the first hair-accessible surface 116 relative to the first arm 110 in response to the receipt of a control signal. Thus, the first arm 110 can move relative to the second arm 120, and the first hair-accessible surface 116 can additionally move relative to the first arm 110. In some such embodiments, closing the hair styling device 100 includes two stages. In a first manual stage, the user moves the first arm 110 relative to the second arm 120, i.e., from an open configuration of the arms 110, 120 to a closed configuration of the arms 110, 120. In a second automatic stage, the controller 210 causes the closing mechanism 227 to move the first hair-accessible surface 116 relative to the first arm 110, thereby adjusting the distance between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126. In some embodiments, the closing mechanism 227 is configured to move the first arm 110 relative to the second arm 120 in response to the receipt of a control signal.

[0183] In one embodiment, the closing mechanism 227 is operable to move the second hair-accessible surface 126 and the first hair-accessible surface 116. This allows for a finer level of control compared to a situation where the closing mechanism 227 is operable to move only one of the hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126.

[0184] In one embodiment, a target distance is identified between the first hair-accessible surface 116 and the second hair-accessible surface 126. In such an embodiment, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 based on the target distance. The target distance can be identified based on several factors as described below.

[0185] In one embodiment, a target clamping pressure is applied to the hair between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126. In such an embodiment, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 based on the target clamping pressure. For example, the control signal can cause the closing mechanism 227 to apply the target clamping pressure to the hair between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126. The target clamping pressure can be determined based on several factors as described below.

[0186] In an embodiment, the closing mechanism 227 is at least partially electromechanical. For example, the closing mechanism 227 may receive an electrical control signal and convert such control signal into mechanical motion. In an embodiment, the closing mechanism 227 includes one or more stepper motors. In such an embodiment, the closing mechanism 227 is configured to actuate one or more stepper motors in response to the receipt of a control signal to move the first hair-accessible surface 116 relative to the second hair-accessible surface 126.

[0187] In one embodiment, the closing mechanism 227 includes one or more inflatable air bladders adjacent to the first hair-accessible surface 116. In such an embodiment, the closing mechanism 227 is configured to control the inflation of one or more inflatable air bladders in response to the receipt of a control signal to move the first hair-accessible surface 116 relative to the second hair-accessible surface 126. Such air bladders may be used to provide a “floating” plate 115 including the first hair-accessible surface 116, which is movable relative to the first arm 110. Such air bladders may be positioned behind the first hair-accessible surface 116, i.e., within the first arm 110. The closing mechanism 227 is configured to control the inflation of one or more air bladders to a desired pressure. In one embodiment, air is supplied from a reservoir (e.g., a canister) under the control of a controller 210. The desired pressure depends on a target distance between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 and / or a target pressure to be applied to the hair between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces. The closing mechanism 227 may include valves to prevent exceeding the desired pressure and / or reduce the pressure in one or more air bladders. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism 227 also includes one or more inflatable air bladders adjacent to the second hair-accessible surface 126, which can be controlled in a similar manner.

[0188] In one embodiment, it is determined that the hair contact member 225 is moving along the hair bundle from the root end to the tip end. For example, a signal from IMU 235 may be received indicating that the hair contact member 225 is moving along the hair bundle. In some such embodiments, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 in response to determining that the hair contact member 225 is moving along the hair bundle. The target distance between the first and second hair contact plates 116, 126 and / or the target pressure applied to the hair between the first and second hair contact plates 116, 126 may depend on the movement of the hair contact member 225 along the hair bundle.

[0189] In one embodiment, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism based on a determined speed at which the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair bundle. For example, if the determined speed is higher than a predetermined threshold, the clamping pressure can be reduced to decrease the likelihood of mechanical damage to the hair.

[0190] In one embodiment, the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from the root end of the hair bundle is determined. In such an embodiment, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 based on the determined displacement. For example, a signal from an IMU 235 can be used to determine the displacement. In another embodiment, the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from the root end is used to calculate a target distance between the first and second hair contact plates 116, 126 and / or a target pressure to be applied to the hair between the first and second hair contact plates 116, 126. This allows for more intelligent control of the clamping pressure applied to the hair.

[0191] In this embodiment, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 to reduce the distance between the first hair-contact surface 116 and the second hair-contact surface 126 as the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair bundle from the root end toward the tip end. Since hair is typically thicker at the root end and thinner (and / or less healthy) at the tip end, reducing the distance between the hair-contact surfaces 116, 126 along the hair bundle reduces the likelihood of damage to the hair at the root end while ensuring that the hair at the tip end of the hair bundle is styled in the desired manner.

[0192] In one embodiment, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 to increase the clamping pressure applied to the hair between the first hair-accessible surface 116 and the second hair-accessible surface 126 as the hair contact member 225 moves along the hair bundle from the root end toward the tip end. This allows a pressure slope to be applied to the hair bundle. This pressure slope reduces the likelihood of hair damage at the root end of the hair bundle while ensuring that the hair at the tip end is styled in the desired manner. In one embodiment, the pressure slope (or “pressure profile”) is customized for the user. For example, the pressure slope may be determined based on one or more user preferences, previous use of the hair styling device 100, sensor data indicating current use of the hair styling device 100, etc.

[0193] In one embodiment, the hair thickness between the first and second hair-contact surfaces 116, 126 is determined. In such an embodiment, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 based on the determined hair thickness. For example, the thickness can be determined by measuring the distance between the first and second hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. In other examples, the hair thickness is determined by measuring the power consumption associated with heating of the hair contact member 225. For example, in the case where the hair styling device 100 includes a heating element 220 configured to heat the hair, the hair thickness can be determined by measuring the power drawn by the heating element 220 during heating. In one embodiment, the thickness is determined based on the displacement of the hair styling device 100 from the root end of the hair bundle. In one embodiment, the determined thickness is used to calculate a target distance between the first and second hair-contact plates 116, 126 and / or a target pressure to be applied to the hair between the first and second hair-contact plates 116, 126. In one embodiment, the hair thickness between the first and second hair-contact plates represents the amount of hair between the first and second hair-contact plates 116, 126.

[0194] In one embodiment, the distance between the first and second hair-contactable surfaces 116, 126 is determined. In such an embodiment, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 based on the measured distance. For example, a Hall effect sensor can be used to measure the distance between the first and second hair-contactable surfaces 116, 126. The target distance between the first and second hair-contactable surfaces 116, 126 and / or the target pressure applied to the hair between the first and second hair-contactable surfaces 116, 126 can depend on the measured distance.

[0195] In an embodiment, during the heating of hair via at least one of the first hair-contact surface 116 and the second hair-contact surface 126, power consumption associated with heating of the hair contact member 225 can be monitored. A sensor device (e.g., a power meter) can be used to monitor power consumption. In an example where the hair styling device 100 includes a heating element 220, monitoring power consumption may include monitoring the power drawn by the heating element 220 during hair heating. Based on the monitored power consumption, one or more hair damage parameters indicative of damage to the heated hair are calculated. In such an embodiment, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 based on one or more calculated hair damage parameters. The target distance between the first and second hair-contact plates 116, 126 and / or the target pressure applied to the hair between the first and second hair-contact plates 116, 126 may depend on one or more calculated hair damage parameters. For example, if one or more calculated hair damage parameters indicate that damage to the hair may occur (e.g., due to excessive clamping pressure), the control signal may reduce the clamping pressure. In some cases, if one or more calculated hair damage parameters indicate that the hair has already been damaged, the control signal may increase the clamping pressure. This increased clamping pressure can promote styling of damaged hair.

[0196] In an embodiment, it is determined whether the hair styling device 100 is used based on a first styling behavior (e.g., straightening hair) or a second styling behavior different from the first styling behavior (e.g., curling hair). This determination can be performed without user input using, for example, a classification algorithm, as referenced above. Figure 9 As described. In alternative embodiments, this determination is based on user input. In an embodiment, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 depending on whether the hair styling device 100 is used for a first styling action or a second styling action. The target distance between the first and second hair-contact plates 116, 126 and / or the target pressure applied to the hair between the first and second hair-contact plates 116, 126 can depend on the determined styling action. For example, the control signal can cause the clamping pressure for straightening hair to differ from the clamping pressure for curling hair. This allows for different styling results while reducing styling time and / or the possibility of hair damage.

[0197] In an embodiment, the hair styling device 100 is configured to prevent external clamping forces applied by the user from causing the distance between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 to fall below a first predetermined threshold distance. In such an embodiment, a control signal can cause the distance between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 to fall below the first predetermined threshold distance, but external clamping forces applied by the user cannot. When the distance between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 falls below the first predetermined threshold distance, this distance can be further reduced by a control signal instead of external clamping forces. Thus, when the hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 are relatively far apart, the distance between the hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 can be controlled by the user (e.g., by moving the first arm 110 relative to the second arm 120), but when the hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 are relatively close, the distance can be controlled independently by the controller 210 (e.g., by moving the first hair-accessible surface 116 relative to the first arm 110). This prevents the external force applied by the user from exceeding the effect of the control signal. In an embodiment, the first predetermined threshold distance is approximately 2 mm.

[0198] In an embodiment, it is determined that the distance between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 is less than a second predetermined threshold distance. The second predetermined threshold distance may be the same as or different from a first predetermined threshold distance. In response to determining that the distance between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 is less than the second predetermined threshold distance, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227. Thus, when the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 are relatively close together, control of the closing mechanism 227 is performed via the control signal. This ensures that control of the closing mechanism 227 via the control signal is performed at the appropriate time, i.e., when the hair is styled by the styling device 100. In an embodiment where the arms 110, 120 are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 in response to determining that the arms 110, 120 are in a closed configuration. In an embodiment, if the arms 110, 120 are in a closed configuration, but the hair styling device is not actually used (e.g., held by a user and / or used to style hair), automatic control of the closing mechanism 227 is not performed.

[0199] In an embodiment, the distance between the hair-accessible surfaces 116 and 126 is less when the arms 110 and 120 are in a closed configuration and after the closing mechanism 227 has moved the first hair-accessible surface 116 than it was before the arms 110 and 120 were in a closed configuration and the closing mechanism 227 had moved the first hair-accessible surface 116. In other words, a "manually closed position" is provided, in which the arms 110 and 120 are in a closed position, and a separate "automaticly closed position" is provided, in which the arms 110 and 120 are in a closed position, and the closing mechanism 227 further reduces the distance between the hair-accessible surfaces 116 and 126 in response to a control signal. Therefore, in some embodiments, the automaticly closed position is "closer" than the manually closed position.

[0200] In an embodiment, the hair styling device 100 is configured to prevent external clamping forces applied by the user from causing the first hair-accessible surface 116 to contact the second hair-accessible surface 126. For example, when the arms 110, 120 are in a closed configuration, the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 may be spaced apart. In such an embodiment, a control signal output to the closing mechanism 227 can cause the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 to contact. This prevents external forces applied by the user from exceeding the effect of the control signal when controlling the closing mechanism 227.

[0201] In an embodiment, the external clamping force applied by the user to push the first arm 110 toward the second arm 120 is determined, for example, measured. This external clamping force can be determined using sensor output from a sensor device (e.g., a force and / or pressure sensor). That is, the external clamping force can be measured by one or more sensors. The user applies the external clamping force to push the first hair-accessible surface 116 toward the second hair-accessible surface 126. In an embodiment, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 based on the determined external clamping force. Thus, the control of the closing mechanism 227, and therefore the distance between the hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126, can depend on the external clamping force applied by the user. Therefore, although the external clamping force applied by the user does not directly bring the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 together, it can influence the control of the closing mechanism 227 via a control signal generated by the controller 210.

[0202] In one embodiment, a control signal is output to the closing mechanism 227 in response to a measured external clamping force exceeding a predetermined threshold. Thus, the closing mechanism 227 can be controlled by the controller 210 when a user attempts to push the hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 together. In this embodiment, the target clamping pressure applied by the closing mechanism 227 to the hair between the hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126 depends on the measured external clamping force applied by the user. In other words, when the user attempts to increase the clamping pressure (by increasing the force applied to the arms 110, 120), this increase is determined by the controller 210, thereby increasing the target clamping pressure applied by the closing mechanism 227.

[0203] In one embodiment, the measured external clamping force is used to estimate the displacement of the hair contact member 225 along the hair bundle. For example, a user might try to apply a smaller force at the root end of the hair bundle and a larger force towards the tip, which can be determined by the controller 210. In some examples, the measured external clamping force is used to determine the hair thickness between the first and second hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. For example, when there is less and / or thinner hair between the hair-contact surfaces 116, 126, the user might try to apply a larger force.

[0204] In embodiments where the hair styling device 100 includes a sensor device 230, the sensor device 230 is configured to generate a sensor output indicating the current use of the hair styling device 100, and control signals may be output based on this sensor output. For example, the sensor device 230 may include an IMU 235 and / or a Hall effect sensor. Thus, the closing mechanism 227 can be controlled based on the sensor output indicating the current use of the hair styling device 100 (e.g., how the user moves the hair styling device 100). In embodiments, the sensor output is processed to determine one or more of the following: the speed of the hair contact member 225, the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from the root end of the hair bundle, the power consumption associated with heating the hair contact member 225, whether the arms 110, 120 are in an open or closed configuration, the magnitude of the external clamping force applied by the user, the styling behavior being performed, the distance between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126, and the hair thickness between the first and second hair-accessible surfaces 116, 126. This allows the closing mechanism 227 to be controlled in a more intelligent and flexible manner.

[0205] Figure 11 A method 1100 for operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment is shown. Method 1100 can be used to operate the device described above. Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2 The described hair styling device 100. Figure 11In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a heatable hair contact member 225 having hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. The hair contact member 225 is operable to apply heat to the hair via the hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. The hair styling device 100 also includes an IMU 235. The IMU 235 is configured to output signals based on the movement of the hair contact member 225. In one embodiment, method 1100 is performed at least in part by a controller 210.

[0206] In step 1110, a signal is received from IMU 235 instructing the hair contact member 225 to move along the hair bundle between the first and second ends of the hair bundle.

[0207] In step 1120, the received signal is processed to determine the speed of the hair contact member 225.

[0208] In step 1130, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on a determined speed.

[0209] By controlling the heating of the hair contact member 225 based on the determined speed of the hair contact member 225, heat transfer and / or distribution along the hair strand can be controlled and / or adjusted in a more intelligent manner. Furthermore, the determined speed can be used to predict whether damage to the hair will occur, for example, due to excessive heat and / or mechanical stress applied to the hair. For example, if the hair contact member 225 is determined to move relatively slowly along the hair strand, the likelihood of thermal damage to the hair increases. The heating of the hair contact member 225 can be controlled to reduce and / or avoid such damage. For example, the heating of the hair contact member 225 can be controlled to reduce the heat applied to the hair.

[0210] In one embodiment, the first end of the hair bundle includes the root end, and the second end includes the tip end. In such an embodiment, the speed at which the hair contact member 225 moves between the root end and the tip end is determined and used in a manner described. The first end may be located at the midpoint of the root or the hair bundle. The second end may be located at the midpoint of the tip or the hair bundle.

[0211] In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a heating element 220 operable to heat the hair contact member 225. In such an embodiment, controlling the heating of the hair contact member 225 includes controlling the heating element 220. Thus, the heating element 220 can be controlled based on a defined speed.

[0212] In an embodiment, a determined speed is used to determine a target heat transfer curve along the hair strand. In such an embodiment, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on the target heat transfer curve. Thus, a suitable target heat transfer curve for the user can be determined based on how quickly the user moves the hair contact member 225 along the hair strand. Different target heat transfer curves can be used for different speeds of the hair contact member 225. In an embodiment, the target heat transfer curve includes a heat transfer curve that varies along the hair strand. For example, the target heat transfer curve may include a temperature slope along the hair strand. The steepness of the temperature slope along the hair strand (i.e., the rate of temperature increase) can depend on the determined speed of the hair contact member 225. This allows for intelligent control of the heat distribution along the hair strand. In an embodiment, the hair styling device 100 initially uses a first target heat transfer curve. However, based on the determined speed of the hair contact member 225, a different second target heat transfer curve is determined. Compared to the first target heat transfer curve, the second target heat transfer curve can achieve the desired styling more quickly and / or reduce the risk of hair damage.

[0213] In this embodiment, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 (e.g., the amount of energy applied to the heating element 220) is adjusted based on a determined speed. For example, if the speed of the hair contact member 225 is determined to be below a predetermined threshold speed, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 can be reduced. This reduces the possibility of heat damage to the hair due to overheating. If the speed is determined to be above the predetermined threshold speed, the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member 225 can be increased. This ensures that sufficient heat is applied to the hair to achieve the desired style.

[0214] In this embodiment, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on a target operating temperature. The target operating temperature depends on a determined speed. For example, if the hair contact member 225 moves relatively slowly, a relatively low target operating temperature can be used (thus reducing the possibility of heat damage); while if the hair contact member 225 moves relatively quickly, a relatively high target operating temperature can be used (thus allowing sufficient heat to be transferred to the hair to achieve the desired style).

[0215] In one embodiment, the displacement of the hair contact member 225 from a first end of the hair strand (e.g., the root end) is determined based on a determined speed. In such an embodiment, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on the determined displacement from the first end. In another embodiment, the displacement of the hair contact member 225 is determined using a measurement of the hair strand length and a determined speed of the hair contact member 225. This determination may be more accurate than a comparison where the displacement from the first end is not determined using the hair strand length and / or speed. By controlling the heating of the hair contact member 225 based on the determined displacement, finer control over the heat distribution along the hair strand can be achieved. For example, the operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 can increase as it moves toward the hair tip. Providing an increasing heat transfer profile from the root end to the hair tip reduces the possibility of heat damage while ensuring that a sufficiently high temperature is transferred to the hair at the hair tip to achieve the desired style.

[0216] In one embodiment, the user interface (e.g., user interface 240 of the hair styling device 100) provides output based on a determined speed. In another embodiment, the output includes a notification informing the user that the operating temperature of the hair styling device 100 has been adjusted due to the speed of the hair contact member 225. In yet another embodiment, the output includes a notification suggesting that the user adjust the speed of the hair contact member 225.

[0217] In this embodiment, the signal received from the IMU 235 is processed using a velocity and / or position estimation algorithm (e.g., including a Madgwick filter). This refers to the above. Figure 3 A more detailed description is provided. In the embodiment, as described above, a machine learning model is used to process the received signal.

[0218] In embodiments, such as when the hair styling device 100 does not include a heating element 220, the heating of the hair contact member 225 can be controlled by directly applying energy to the hair contact member 225. In either case, the heating of the hair contact member 225 is controlled based on a determined speed.

[0219] Figure 12 A method 1200 for operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment is shown. Method 1200 can be used to operate the device described above. Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2 The described hair styling device 100. Figure 12In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a heatable hair contact member 225 having hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. The hair contact member 225 is operable to apply heat to the hair via the hair-contact surfaces 116, 126. The hair styling device 100 also includes an IMU 235. The IMU 235 is configured to output signals based on the movement of the hair contact member 225. In another embodiment, method 1200 is performed at least in part by a controller 210.

[0220] In step 1210, a signal is received from IMU 235 instructing the hair contact member 225 to move along the user's hair bundle between the first and second ends of the hair bundle.

[0221] In step 1220, the received signal is processed to determine the speed of the hair contact member 225.

[0222] In step 1230, the difference between the heat transfer curve achievable by the hair contact member 225 moving along the hair strand at a defined speed and the target heat transfer curve along the hair strand is determined.

[0223] In step 1240, based on the determined difference, the user interface is made to provide an output related to the determined speed of the hair contact member 225.

[0224] By providing an output at the user interface showing the difference between the heat transfer curve achievable based on the hair contact member 225 moving at a defined speed and the target heat transfer curve, the user can be notified of the existence of such a difference. In other words, the user can be informed that the target heat transfer curve cannot be achieved due to the speed of the hair contact member 225.

[0225] In this embodiment, the output provided by the user interface includes a notification instructing the user to adjust the speed of the hair contact member 225. For example, the user may be prompted to accelerate or decelerate. Prompting the user to adjust the speed of the hair contact member 225 enables the hair styling device 100 to achieve a target heat transfer curve. This increases the likelihood of achieving the desired style while reducing styling time and / or the possibility of hair damage.

[0226] In this embodiment, the target heat transfer curve includes a heat transfer curve that varies along the hair strand. That is, the target operating temperature of the hair contact member 225 can vary along the hair strand. For example, the target heat transfer curve can include a heat transfer curve that increases along the hair strand from the root end to the tip end. When such a target heat transfer curve is achieved, the likelihood of hair damage at the root end of the hair strand is reduced, while ensuring sufficient heat is applied to the hair at the tip end of the hair strand to achieve the desired style.

[0227] In an embodiment, it is identified that the speed of the hair contact member 225 is outside a target speed range. The target speed range defines the speed at which the hair contact member 225 can achieve a target heat transfer curve along the hair strand. For example, the speed of the hair contact member 225 may be below the target speed range (i.e., too slow) or above the target speed range (i.e., too fast). If the hair contact member 225 is determined to be moving too slowly and / or too fast to achieve the target heat transfer curve, the user is notified via a user interface. The user may be prompted to adjust the speed of the hair contact member 225 so that the speed of the hair contact member 225 is within the target speed range. In an embodiment, a target speed range is identified. Different target speed ranges may be associated with different target heat transfer curves.

[0228] In one embodiment, it is determined whether the hair styling device 100 is being used based on a first styling action or a second styling action different from the first styling action. In such an embodiment, the target heat transfer curve depends on whether the hair styling device 100 is being used based on the first styling action or the second styling action. For example, if the hair styling device 100 is used for straightening hair, a first target heat transfer curve can be used; if the hair styling device 100 is used for curling hair, a second target heat transfer curve can be used. In this embodiment, as described above, a classification algorithm is used to determine the styling action. In an alternative embodiment, the target heat transfer curve does not depend on the styling action used.

[0229] In this embodiment, it is determined whether the hair styling device 100 is being used based on a first styling action or a second styling action, based on signals received from the IMU 235. Thus, movement of the hair contact member 225 is used to identify the current styling action of the hair styling device 100. For example, curling hair may involve a greater amount of rotation of the hair contact member 225 compared to straightening it. This movement can be analyzed using data from the IMU 235.

[0230] In this embodiment, the signal received from the IMU 235 is processed using a velocity and / or position estimation algorithm (e.g., including a Madgwick filter). This refers to the above. Figure 3 A more detailed description is provided. In the embodiment, as described above, a machine learning model is used to process the received signal.

[0231] In this embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a user interface. For example, output relating to a defined speed of the hair contact member 225 may be provided via the user interface 240 of the hair styling device 100. This increases the likelihood that the user will receive the output rapidly compared to a situation where the user interface is not included in the hair styling device 100. The output may include audio output, visual output, and / or haptic output.

[0232] In one embodiment, the user interface is included in a remote device, such as a mobile device or docking station communicatively connected to the hair styling device 100. In such an embodiment, signals are output to the remote device to enable the user interface to provide output. The user interface on this remote device may be more versatile than the user interface on the hair styling device 100 itself. For example, a larger display than that that can be accommodated on the hair styling device 100 may be provided on the remote device. Because the hair styling device 100 is typically handheld and has various other components, such as heating elements and hair-contact surfaces, the amount of physical space available on the hair styling device 100 for the user interface may be limited.

[0233] In one embodiment, method 1200 includes determining a heat transfer profile achievable by a hair contact member 225 moving at a determined speed. In an alternative embodiment, the heat transfer profile achievable by the hair contact member 225 is not determined. Thus, the determination performed in step 1230 may include quantifying the difference between the achievable heat transfer profile and the target heat transfer profile, but alternatively may include simply identifying that a difference exists, i.e., the target heat transfer profile cannot be achieved at the current speed.

[0234] In one embodiment, the first end includes the root end of the hair bundle, and the second end includes the tip end of the hair bundle. Thus, in this embodiment, a signal received from the IMU 235 instructs the movement of the hair contact member 225 between the root end and the tip end of the hair bundle. In such an embodiment, the speed at which the hair contact member 225 moves between the root end and the tip end of the hair bundle is determined and used in the manner described.

[0235] Figure 13 A method 1300 for operating a hair styling device according to an embodiment is shown. Method 1300 can be used to operate the device described above. Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2 The described hair styling device 100. Figure 13 In one embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a sensor device 230 configured to generate a sensor output based on at least one usage characteristic indicating the current use of the hair styling device 100. In another embodiment, method 1300 is performed at least in part by the controller 210.

[0236] In step 1310, sensor output is received from sensor device 230.

[0237] In step 1320, the sensor output is processed to determine one or more hair damage parameters. These one or more hair damage parameters indicate the damage to the hair being heated by the hair styling device 100.

[0238] In step 1330, while the hair is being heated by the hair styling device 100, the user interface provides output based on one or more hair damage parameters.

[0239] By providing output through the user interface during hair heating rather than after the hair styling stage is complete, feedback can be provided essentially in real time. This allows users to be informed that the hair being heated is currently damaged, or may be damaged. This provides more meaningful information to the user more promptly compared to other methods. Furthermore, this feedback can prompt the user to take corrective actions, such as adjusting the speed and / or operating temperature of the hair styling device 100, to reduce the likelihood of damage and / or further damage to the heated hair.

[0240] In one embodiment, one or more hair damage parameters indicate pre-existing damage to the hair. In another embodiment, one or more hair damage parameters indicate predicted damage caused by heating the hair due to the hair styling device 100. In yet another embodiment, one or more hair damage parameters indicate both pre-existing and predicted damage. In yet another embodiment, one or more hair damage parameters indicate at least one of physical, thermal, and chemical damage to the hair.

[0241] In this embodiment, the output provided by the user interface includes audio, visual, and / or haptic output. For example, the output may be provided via a display, a speaker, and / or a haptic actuator.

[0242] In this embodiment, the user interface is included in a remote device. This user interface on the remote device may be more versatile than the user interface on the hair styling device 100 itself. For example, a larger display may be provided on the remote device than can be accommodated by the hair styling device 100. Since the hair styling device 100 is typically handheld and may have various other components, such as heating elements and hair-contact surfaces, the amount of space available for a user interface on the hair styling device 100 may be limited. In such an embodiment, a signal is output to the remote device to enable the user interface to provide output. This signal may be wirelessly transmitted to the remote device, for example, via Bluetooth technology.

[0243] In an alternative embodiment, the hair styling device 100 includes a user interface. By providing a user interface on the hair styling device 100, users can generate and receive output more quickly compared to a scenario where the hair styling device 100 does not have a user interface, because the need for communication between different devices is avoided. Furthermore, providing a user interface on the hair styling device 100 increases the likelihood that users will receive feedback quickly. For example, while using the hair styling device 100, the user may not be in the same location as the remote device, and therefore the user may not immediately see / hear notifications on the remote device.

[0244] In an embodiment, the output provided by the user interface includes a notification informing the user that feedback messages are available on a remote device. In such an embodiment, both the hair styling device 100 and the remote device include user interfaces. However, the user interface on the remote device may be more functional, more complex, and / or larger than the user interface on the hair styling device 100. By notifying the user that feedback messages are available on the remote device, the user is prompted to look at the remote device (which may be at a different location in some cases) to receive feedback. For example, the output provided on the hair styling device 100 may include flashing, audio, and / or vibration. The feedback messages on the remote device may include text messages, pictographic messages, audio messages, etc. In an embodiment, the controller 210 of the hair styling device 100 enables the remote device to provide feedback messages.

[0245] In one embodiment, the output provided by the user interface includes alerts related to one or more hair damage parameters. For example, such an alert could indicate that the currently heated portion of hair is already damaged or may be damaged due to heating. In another embodiment, the alert indicates the type of damage to the hair, such as chemical, thermal, or mechanical damage.

[0246] In this embodiment, the output provided by the user interface includes a notification instructing the user to take corrective action. For example, such a notification might suggest that the user adjust the speed of the hair styling device 100 and / or the operating temperature of the hair styling device 100. In this embodiment, the notification includes a suggested operating temperature. By notifying the user to take corrective action substantially in real time, damage and / or further damage to the heated hair can be prevented.

[0247] In embodiments, one or more settings of the hair styling device 100 are changed based on one or more hair damage parameters. The one or more settings are changed by the hair styling device 100 itself, for example, by the controller 210. The one or more settings are changed to prevent damage and / or further damage to the heated hair. In some such embodiments, the output provided by the user interface includes a notification to the user that one or more settings have been changed. Thus, the hair styling device 100 can autonomously change its settings based on one or more hair damage parameters before notifying the user that such a change has been made. This may be faster than relying on the user to change the settings of the hair styling device 100, thereby reducing the likelihood of further hair damage. In embodiments, one or more settings include the operating temperature of the hair styling device 100. For example, the operating temperature may be lowered to prevent damage and / or further damage to the heated hair.

[0248] In embodiments, such as when the hair styling device 100 includes an IMU 235, at least one usage feature indicates the movement of the hair styling device 100. For example, at least one usage feature may indicate the speed of the hair styling device 100. Thus, one or more hair damage parameters can be determined based on the speed of the hair styling device 100. For example, if the speed of the hair styling device 100 is determined to be above a predetermined threshold speed (i.e., moving too fast), then one or more hair damage parameters may indicate a relatively high probability of causing mechanical damage to the hair. If the speed of the hair styling device 100 is determined to be below a predetermined threshold speed (i.e., moving too slowly), then one or more hair damage parameters may indicate a relatively high probability of causing thermal damage to the hair. In embodiments, the at least one usage feature indicates the displacement of the hair styling device 100 along the hair strand from the root end. Thus, one or more hair damage parameters can be determined based on such displacement.

[0249] In embodiments of the hair styling device 100 that include a hair contact member 225, the hair contact member 225 includes opposing first and second hair-contactable surfaces, the hair contact member 225 is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and at least one usability feature can indicate whether the hair contact member 225 is in an open configuration or a closed configuration. Thus, one or more hair damage parameters can be determined based on whether the hair contact member 225 is in an open configuration or a closed configuration. For example, if the hair contact member 225 is in a closed configuration for an extended period, the likelihood of mechanical and / or thermal damage to the hair increases.

[0250] In one embodiment, sensor device 230 includes a temperature sensor configured to sense the operating temperature of hair styling device 100 (e.g., the operating temperature of hair contact member 225). In such an embodiment, at least one usability feature includes the operating temperature of hair styling device 100. Thus, one or more hair damage parameters can be determined based on the operating temperature of hair styling device 100. For example, if the operating temperature of hair styling device 100 is determined to be above a predetermined threshold (i.e., too hot), the likelihood of thermal damage to the hair increases.

[0251] In embodiments where the hair styling device includes a heating element 220, the sensor device 230 includes a power sensor configured to sense the power drawn by the heating element 220 during hair heating. In such embodiments, at least one usability feature includes the power drawn by the heating element 220. Thus, one or more hair damage parameters can be determined based on the power drawn by the heating element 220 during hair heating. (Refer to the above...) Figure 8As discussed, due to the different moisture retention properties of damaged and undamaged hair, measurements of hair damage can be obtained by monitoring the power consumption associated with heating the hair using the hair contact member 225 (e.g., the power consumed by the heating element 220). For example, the power required by the heating element 220 to heat the hair to a given temperature may be relatively high for damaged hair (retaining less moisture) and relatively low for undamaged hair (retaining more moisture). In alternative embodiments, for example, where the hair styling device 100 does not include the heating element 220, a power sensor may sense the power drawn by the hair contact member 225 itself during hair heating.

[0252] The at least one usability feature may include a combination of one or more of the factors described above. For example, one or more hair damage parameters may be determined based on a combination of the operating temperature and speed of the hair styling device 100.

[0253] It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any embodiment and / or aspect may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment and / or aspect, or in any combination of any other embodiment and / or aspect. For example, it will be appreciated that features and / or steps described with respect to a given method of methods 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 may be included in place of or supplement to features and / or steps of methods 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300.

[0254] In embodiments of this disclosure, hair styling device 100 includes a controller 210. The controller 210 is configured to perform the various methods described herein. In embodiments, the controller includes a processing system. Such a processing system may include one or more processors and / or memory. Each device, component, or function described with respect to any example described herein, such as sensor device 230, user interface 240, and / or machine learning agent, may similarly include a processor or may be included in a device including a processor. One or more aspects of the embodiments described herein include processes performed by the device. In some examples, the device includes one or more processors configured to perform these processes. In this respect, embodiments may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored in (non-transitory) memory and executable by a processor, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware (and firmware) in tangible storage. Embodiments also extend to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, suitable for putting the above embodiments into practice. The program may be in the form of non-transitory source code, object code, or any other non-transitory form suitable for use in the implementation of the processes according to the embodiments. The carrier can be any entity or device capable of carrying a program, such as RAM, ROM, or optical storage devices.

[0255] One or more processors in the processing system may include a central processing unit (CPU). One or more processors may include a graphics processing unit (GPU). One or more processors may include one or more of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). One or more processors may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Those skilled in the art will understand that many other types of devices besides the examples provided can be used to provide one or more processors. One or more processors may include multiple co-located processors or multiple differently located processors. Operations performed by one or more processors may be performed by one or more of hardware, firmware, and software. It should be understood that the processing system may include more, fewer, and / or different components than described.

[0256] The techniques described herein can be implemented in software or hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware. They can include devices configured to perform and / or support any or all of the techniques described herein. While at least some aspects of the examples described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings include computer processes executed in a processing system or processor, the examples described herein also extend to computer programs, such as computer programs on or within a carrier, suitable for putting the examples into practice. A carrier can be any entity or device capable of carrying a program. A carrier can include a computer-readable storage medium. Examples of tangible computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, optical media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or Blu-ray), flash memory cards, floppy disks, or hard disks, or any other medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions such as firmware or microcode in at least one ROM or RAM or programmable ROM (PROM) chip.

[0257] In the foregoing description, references have been made to elements or components having known, obvious, or foreseeable equivalents, which are incorporated herein as if individually stated. The true scope of this disclosure should be determined with reference to the claims, which should be interpreted as including any such equivalents. The reader will also understand that elements or features of this disclosure described as preferred, advantageous, convenient, etc., are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that while such optional elements or features may be beneficial in some embodiments of this disclosure, they may be undesirable in other embodiments and therefore may not be present.

Claims

1. A hair styling device, comprising: A heatable hair contact component having a hair-contactable surface, the hair contact component being operable to apply heat to a user's hair strand via the hair-contactable surface; and The controller is configured as follows: It is determined that the hair contact member is moving along the hair bundle from the first end of the hair bundle to the second end of the hair bundle; and Based on the determination, the heating of the hair contact member is controlled such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member changes as the hair contact member moves along the hair bundle from the first end to the second end of the hair bundle. The first end of the hair bundle includes the root end of the hair bundle, and The second end of the hair bundle includes the tip of the hair. The controller is configured to increase the operating temperature of the hair contact member as the hair contact member moves along the hair bundle from the root end to the tip end.

2. The hair styling device according to claim 1, in, The hair styling device includes a sensor device configured to generate a sensor output based on the movement of the hair contact member. The controller is configured as follows: Receive sensor output from the sensor device; and The sensor output is processed to determine that the hair contact member is moving along the hair strand.

3. The hair styling device according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is configured to: Based on the sensor output, the displacement of the hair contact member from the first end of the hair bundle is determined; and The heating of the hair contact component is controlled based on the determined displacement.

4. The hair styling device according to claim 3, in, The controller is configured to control the heating of the hair contact member based on a predetermined threshold operating temperature. The predetermined threshold operating temperature depends on the determined displacement of the hair contact member from the first end of the hair bundle.

5. The hair styling device according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is configured as follows: Based on the sensor output, the speed at which the hair contacts the component is determined; and The heating of the hair contact component is controlled based on the determined speed.

6. The hair styling device according to claim 5, wherein, The controller is configured to increase the operating temperature of the hair contact member at a rate depending on a determined speed.

7. The hair styling device according to claim 2, wherein, The sensor device includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

8. The hair styling device according to claim 2, wherein, The sensor device includes a Hall effect sensor.

9. The hair styling device according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is configured to process the sensor output using velocity and / or position estimation algorithms.

10. The hair styling device according to claim 9, wherein, The velocity and / or position estimation algorithm includes the Madgwick filter.

11. The hair styling device according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The change in operating temperature includes adjusting the amount of energy used to heat the hair contact member as the hair contact member moves along the hair bundle from the first end to the second end of the hair bundle.

12. The hair styling device according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The controller is configured to increase the operating temperature of the hair contact member at a predetermined rate as the hair contact member moves along the hair strand from the first end to the second end.

13. The hair styling device according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The controller is configured such that when the hair contact member is at the second end, the operating temperature of the hair contact member is 40 to 80 degrees higher than when the hair contact member is at the first end.

14. The hair styling device according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The controller is configured as follows: Determine whether the hair styling device is being used based on a first styling action or a different second styling action; and The heating of the hair contact component is controlled according to whether the hair styling device is used for a first styling action or a second styling action.

15. The hair styling device according to claim 14, wherein, The controller is configured to increase the operating temperature of the hair contact member at a certain rate, the rate depending on whether the hair styling device is used according to a first styling action or a second styling action.

16. The hair styling device according to any one of claims 1-10, in, The hair styling device includes a heating element operable to heat the hair contact member, and The controller is configured to control the heating element such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member changes as the hair contact member moves along the hair strand from the first end to the second end.

17. The hair styling device according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The hair styling equipment includes hair straightening equipment and / or hair curling equipment.

18. A method of operating a hair styling device, the hair styling device comprising a heatable hair contact member having a hair-contactable surface, the hair contact member being operable to apply heat to a user's hair strand via the hair-contactable surface. The method includes: It is determined that the hair contact member is moving along the hair bundle from the first end of the hair bundle to the second end of the hair bundle; and Based on the determination, the heating of the hair contact member is controlled such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member changes as the hair contact member moves along the hair bundle from the first end to the second end of the hair bundle. The first end of the hair bundle includes the root end of the hair bundle, and The second end of the hair bundle includes the tip of the hair. The method includes increasing the operating temperature of the hair contact member as the hair contact member moves along the hair bundle from the root end to the tip end.

19. A computer storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program including a set of instructions, when executed by a computerized device, causing the computerized device to perform a method of operating a hair styling device, the hair styling device including a heatable hair contact member having a hair-contactable surface, the hair contact member being operable to apply heat to a user's hair strand via the hair-contactable surface. The method includes: It is determined that the hair contact member is moving along the hair bundle from the first end of the hair bundle to the second end of the hair bundle; and Based on the determination, the heating of the hair contact member is controlled such that the operating temperature of the hair contact member changes as the hair contact member moves along the hair bundle from the first end to the second end of the hair bundle. The first end of the hair bundle includes the root end of the hair bundle, and The second end of the hair bundle includes the tip of the hair. The method includes increasing the operating temperature of the hair contact member as the hair contact member moves along the hair bundle from the root end to the tip end.

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