Hair care appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a hair care appliance comprising a body having an air flow generator for generating an air flow, and an attachment region adapted to connect an accessory. The accessory is removably attached to the main body at the attachment area such that when the accessory is attached to the main body at the attachment area, the accessory is adapted to receive the airflow from the airflow generator and discharge the received airflow toward the user's hair. The hair care appliance further comprises a distance sensor for detecting the distance between the distance sensor and the hair of the user. The control unit is configured to, when the accessory is attached to the attachment area: determine a type of the accessory; determining a distance to the hair of the user based on the output signal received from the distance sensor; and controlling the airflow generator based on the determined accessory type and the determined distance to the user's hair.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair care appliance having a distance sensor for detecting the distance between the distance sensor and the hair of a user, and an attachment removably attachable to a main body of the hair care appliance. Background Art

[0002] Drying hair has always been an important part of people's daily or weekly routine. Hair care appliances (such as hair dryers) generally include a main body that houses an air flow generator, which is configured to generate an air flow for drying and / or styling the user's hair. Typically, the main body will include an attachment area to which an attachment can be removably attached so as to shape the air flow and / or provide a desired effect on the user's hair. Different attachments can be attached to the attachment area, so that by selecting the appropriate attachment, a variety of drying and / or styling effects can be achieved with the same hair care appliance. For example, known attachments for hair care appliances include a concentrator nozzle that provides a concentrated and targeted air flow, a diffuser attachment that provides an air flow that is diffused over a larger area, and various styling attachments, such as a comb or brush attachment.

[0003] In some cases, the airflow generator itself can be controlled to provide a specific hair drying and / or styling effect. For example, the airflow generator can be controlled to control the flow rate and temperature of the airflow. Such control can be manual, such as using one or more switches on the body of the hair care appliance. Control of the airflow generator can also be automatic, which can involve the use of sensors in the hair care appliance. For example, some hair care appliances automatically adjust the temperature of the airflow based on a proximity sensor that detects the proximity of the user's hair to the hair care appliance.

[0004] The present invention has been designed in view of the above considerations. Summary of the invention

[0005] In summary, the present invention provides a hair care appliance in which an air flow generator is controlled based on the distance to the user's hair and the type of accessory attached to the body of the hair care device. The inventors have found that taking into account the type of accessory and the distance to the user's hair enables a more accurate and reliable control of the air flow generator. Furthermore, this enables the control of the air flow generator to be adapted to the type of accessory used, which may provide better hair drying and / or styling performance of the hair care appliance.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a hair care appliance, comprising: a main body, comprising: an airflow generator for generating an airflow; and an attachment area adapted to connect an accessory; the accessory being removably attachable to the main body at the attachment area, wherein when the accessory is attached to the main body at the attachment area, the accessory is adapted to receive the airflow from the airflow generator and discharge the received airflow toward the user's hair; a distance sensor for detecting the distance between the distance sensor and the user's hair; and

[0007] A control unit configured to, when the accessory is attached to the attachment area:

[0008] determining a type of accessory; determining a distance to the user's hair based on an output signal received from the distance sensor; and controlling the airflow generator based on the determined type of accessory and the determined distance to the user's hair.

[0009] Different types of attachments may have different shapes and sizes, which may affect how a user positions the hair care appliance relative to their hair when using a particular attachment with the hair care appliance. In addition, different types of attachments may be used at different distances from the user's hair. For example, a comb or brush attachment may be intended to contact the user's hair, while other attachments such as a concentrator nozzle may be intended to remain spaced apart from the user's hair. Therefore, by considering the type of attachment attached to the attachment area and the distance to the user's hair, the automatic control of the airflow generator can be adapted to the specific attachment attached to the attachment area. In particular, the control of the hair care appliance based on the distance sensor can be adapted to the type of attachment. For example, this can enable the control unit to enable (and disable) the airflow generator at different threshold distances from the user's hair, depending on the type of attachment used. As another example, this can enable the control unit to control the flow rate and / or temperature of the airflow based on the type of attachment. In other words, different control profiles for the airflow generator can be used depending on the type of attachment attached to the attachment area.

[0010] The inventors have also found that the type of accessory attached to the attachment area may have an impact on the distance measurement obtained from the distance sensor. This may be because different accessories may have different effects on the detection signal from the distance sensor, for example due to different shapes and / or materials of different accessories. Therefore, by taking into account the type of accessory attached to the attachment area, errors in the distance measurement caused by the accessory can be compensated so as to obtain a more accurate distance measurement. This can lead to a more accurate and sensitive control of the airflow generator by the control unit.

[0011] The hair care appliance may include any suitable type of hair care appliance, such as a hair dryer, a hairdryer, a curling iron, and the like.

[0012] The body of the hair care appliance may include a housing in which the airflow generator is located. The airflow generator may include a fan, a blower or any other suitable device for generating an airflow.

[0013] The body may include an outlet for discharging the airflow from the airflow generator.The attachment area may be located near the outlet, such as around the outlet.

[0014] The attachment and / or attachment area may include any suitable means for removably attaching the attachment to the attachment area. For example, the attachment area and the attachment may include corresponding attachment elements that are configured to cooperate with each other (e.g., engage) to keep the attachment in the attachment area.

[0015] The attachment may be configured to direct and / or shape the airflow from the airflow generator when it is attached to the attachment area. For example, the attachment may include a channel or passageway for directing and / or shaping the airflow from the airflow generator.

[0016] An attachment type may refer to a style or category of attachment. For example, attachment types may include (but are not limited to): concentrator nozzle, diffuser, trimming / smoothing attachment, comb attachment, brush attachment. In some cases, an attachment type may also refer to a specific model of attachment.

[0017] The distance sensor may include any suitable sensor for detecting the distance to the user's hair. For example, the distance sensor may include a time of flight (ToF) sensor, or any other type of proximity sensor capable of detecting the distance to the user's hair. The distance sensor is configured to provide an output signal to the control unit, which the control unit can use to determine the distance to the user's hair. The output signal may indicate the distance to the user's hair, so that the control unit can determine the distance from the received output signal.

[0018] The control unit may include any suitable computing or processing device capable of performing the control steps described herein. The control unit may be implemented, for example, using a microcontroller or the like. The control unit may have a processing element (e.g., a processor) and a memory coupled to the processing element, wherein the memory stores computer instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the control steps described herein.

[0019] Controlling the airflow generator may include controlling the output of the airflow generator, i.e., controlling the airflow generated by the airflow generator. For example, controlling the airflow generator may include one or more of the following steps: activating the airflow generator (i.e., causing it to generate airflow), deactivating the airflow generator (i.e., causing it to stop generating airflow), controlling the flow rate of the airflow, and controlling the temperature of the airflow.

[0020] The control unit may also be configured to: determine a threshold activation distance based on the determined accessory type; and activate the airflow generator when the distance to the user's hair is less than the threshold activation distance. In this way, the threshold activation distance may be adapted to the type of accessory being used. As described above, different accessory types may be used at different distances from the user's hair. Thus, by adapting the threshold activation distance to the type of accessory being used, activation of the airflow generator may be triggered at a distance appropriate for that type of accessory.

[0021] The airflow generator may be activated only when the distance to the user's hair is less than a threshold activation distance. In other words, the airflow generator may be deactivated when the distance to the user's hair is greater than the threshold activation distance. This may avoid having to manually turn the airflow generator on and off, and may avoid keeping the airflow generator activated when the hair care appliance is not pointed at the user's hair. This may help reduce energy consumption, as well as reduce room temperature and noise. This may also avoid damaging a previously styled section of hair.

[0022] The control unit may be further configured to: set a first threshold activation distance as the threshold activation distance if the type of the accessory is determined to be a first type; and set a second threshold activation distance as the threshold activation distance if the type of the accessory is determined to be a second type, wherein the first threshold activation distance is greater than the second threshold activation distance. Thus, the control unit may use different threshold activation distances for the first type and the second type of accessories, such that the airflow generator is activated at different distances from the user's hair, depending on whether the first type or the second type of accessory is used. The first accessory type may include accessories that are intended to be used away from the user's hair, while the second accessory type may include accessories that are intended to be used close to the user's hair. A shorter threshold activation distance may avoid accidental activation of the airflow generator (e.g., due to an object entering the field of view of the distance sensor), which may help to properly adjust the angle and position of the hair care appliance before activating the airflow generator. This may allow for more targeted styling of portions of the user's hair without damaging adjacent portions.

[0023] For example, the user's hair may be roughly dried while the hair care appliance is spaced apart from the user's hair (typically 50-100 mm). Thus, the first attachment type may include a roughly drying attachment.

[0024] Diffuser attachments can generally be used in close proximity to and / or in contact with a user's hair. Thus, the second attachment type can include a diffuser attachment. Using a shorter threshold activation distance for a diffuser attachment can avoid disturbing the user's hair (e.g., curling of the user's hair) before the hair care appliance is properly positioned.

[0025] As another example, a blow-drying and / or smoothing attachment may typically be used in close proximity to and / or in contact with a user's hair. Thus, the second attachment type may include a blow-drying and / or smoothing attachment. When blow-drying and / or smoothing, only a single section of hair may be styled at a time. Thus, a shorter threshold activation distance helps to properly position the hair care appliance before activating the airflow generator.

[0026] The control unit may also be configured to: determine an activation delay based on the determined attachment type; and activate the airflow generator after determining that the distance to the user's hair is less than a threshold activation distance for an amount of time corresponding to the activation delay. In this way, when the hair care appliance is brought within the threshold activation distance from the user's hair, the control unit waits for the activation delay before activating the airflow generator. This can be used to ensure that the hair care appliance is correctly positioned before the airflow generator is activated. This can avoid messing up the portion of the user's hair that has already been styled. In addition, the activation delay can be adapted to the type of attachment being used. For example, the inventors have found that if an activation delay is used, the diffuser messes up the hair less because this can allow time to collect the hair and / or align the hair care appliance with the hair. On the other hand, other attachment types with shorter activation delays or no activation delays can be used.

[0027] The control unit can be configured to use different enablement delays for different accessory types, such that the enablement delay is appropriate for the accessory type being used. For example, a first enablement delay can be used for a first accessory type and a second enablement delay can be used for a second accessory type, wherein the first enablement delay is greater than the second enablement delay. For some accessory types, the enablement delay can be set to zero.

[0028] The control unit may also be configured to: determine a deactivation delay based on the determined accessory type; and deactivate the airflow generator when the airflow generator is activated and after determining that the distance to the user's hair continues to exceed the threshold activation distance for an amount of time corresponding to the deactivation delay. In this way, once the airflow generator is activated, the airflow generator may be deactivated only after the distance to the user's hair exceeds the threshold activation distance for more than the deactivation delay. This may allow for rapid cycling or continuous passage through the user's hair without deactivating the airflow generator. Since the deactivation delay is determined based on the accessory type, the deactivation delay may be adapted to the motions typically used with that type of accessory, thereby improving the user experience.

[0029] The control unit can be configured to use different deactivation delays for different accessory types, such that the deactivation delay is appropriate for the accessory type being used. For example, a first deactivation delay can be used for a first accessory type and a second deactivation delay can be used for a second accessory type, wherein the first deactivation delay is greater than the second deactivation delay. For some accessory types, the deactivation delay can be set to zero.

[0030] For example, an activation delay and a deactivation delay may be set to bias the control unit in a particular switching direction depending on the accessory type, such as activating the airflow generator faster than deactivating it (or vice versa).

[0031] The activation and / or deactivation delays may serve as a form of smoothing in that they may avoid undesired activation and / or deactivation of the airflow generator in response to sudden movements of the hair care appliance.

[0032] The control unit may be configured to apply a low pass filter so that changes in the distance to the user's hair occurring above a cut-off frequency are not taken into account. This may, for example, avoid unnecessary activation and / or deactivation of the airflow generator when the hair care appliance is moved erratically.

[0033] The control unit may also be configured to: determine distance calibration data based on the determined type of accessory; and determine the distance to the user's hair using the output signal received from the distance sensor and the determined calibration data. In this way, the distance determination performed by the control unit may take into account the distance calibration data associated with the type of accessory being used, which may result in a more accurate distance measurement. For example, the calibration data may include a correction factor for calculating the distance to the user's hair based on the output signal received from the distance sensor. This may enable signal variations caused by the type of accessory attached to the attachment area to be compensated for, so that an accurate distance measurement may be obtained regardless of the type of accessory currently in use.

[0034] The control unit may also be configured to control the temperature and / or flow rate of the airflow generated by the airflow generator and the heater based on the determined attachment type. In this way, the temperature and / or flow rate of the airflow may be adapted to the attachment type used. For example, since different types of attachments may be used to perform different tasks on the user's hair, the temperature and flow rate may be automatically adjusted to meet the requirements of these tasks. This may facilitate the use of a variety of attachment types with the hair care appliance, since the parameters of the airflow generator and the heater that heats the air processed by the airflow generator may be automatically adjusted based on the attachment type currently in use. The appliance may have a user interface that enables a user to change, for example, the flow rate and / or temperature of the air leaving the appliance. Each setting available for flow rate and / or temperature may also be adjusted according to the attachment type used.

[0035] The hair care appliance may also include a first memory accessible by the control unit; the first memory is configured to store a plurality of accessory types and one or more control parameters associated with each of the plurality of accessory types; and the control unit is configured to control the output of the airflow generator based on the one or more control parameters associated with the determined accessory type stored in the first memory. In this manner, when the control unit determines that a particular type of accessory is attached to the attachment area, the control unit may look up the associated control parameters in the first memory and control the airflow generator based on the associated control parameters. In other words, the first memory may store a control profile for each accessory type for controlling the airflow generator. This may facilitate automatically adjusting control of the airflow generator based on the type of accessory attached to the attachment area.

[0036] Any suitable control parameters may be stored for each of the plurality of accessory types. For example, the control parameters may include one or more of the following: threshold activation distance, activation delay, deactivation delay, airflow rate, airflow temperature.

[0037] The hair care appliance may also include a first memory accessible by the control unit; the first memory is configured to store multiple accessory types and one or more control parameters associated with each of the multiple accessory types; and the control unit is configured to control the output of the heater based on the one or more control parameters associated with the determined accessory type stored in the first memory.

[0038] The control unit may be configured to store control parameters set by the user in the first memory. For example, when an accessory is attached to the attachment area, the control unit may be configured to associate the control parameters set by the user with the determined accessory type in the first memory. In this way, when a specific type of accessory is used, the control unit may call up the control parameters previously set by the user.

[0039] The attachment may include an identifier, and the control unit may be configured to determine the type of the attachment based on the identifier. This may help determine the type of attachment attached at the attachment area. The identifier may include any suitable element or feature of the attachment that may be used to determine the type of the attachment. Various examples of identifiers are provided below.

[0040] The body of the hair care appliance may include an identifier sensor configured to detect the identifier when the accessory is attached to the attachment area. The control unit may then be configured to determine the type of accessory based on an output signal received from the identifier sensor. Various types of identifier sensors may be used depending on the identifier used in the accessory.

[0041] In some cases, the identifier may include one or more magnets on the accessory; the body may include a magnetic field sensor; and the control unit may be configured to determine the type of the accessory based on an output signal from the magnetic field sensor. Thus, when the accessory is attached to the attachment area, the magnetic field sensor may detect the magnetic field generated by the one or more magnets and generate a corresponding output signal. As an example, different accessory types may include differently arranged magnets, which may result in different magnetic field strengths and / or magnetic field orientations at the magnetic field sensor. In this way, the control unit may determine the accessory type based on the output signal from the magnetic field sensor. For example, the output signal from the magnetic field sensor may indicate the magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field orientation at the magnetic field sensor.

[0042] To determine the accessory type from the received output signal, the control unit may have a memory (eg, the first memory discussed above) having a database correlating magnetic field properties (eg, magnetic field strength, magnetic field orientation) with accessory types.

[0043] The one or more magnets may be configured to secure the accessory to the attachment area. In this way, the one or more magnets may serve a dual function as an accessory identifier and an attachment device. The attachment area may then include one or more magnets or ferromagnetic elements configured to cooperate with the magnets in the accessory to secure the accessory to the attachment area.

[0044] The identifier may include an identifier component in the accessory; the body may include an identifier sensor configured to measure an electrical characteristic of the identifier component when the accessory is attached to the attachment area; and the control unit is configured to determine the type of the accessory based on an output signal from the identifier sensor. In this way, the accessory type can be determined by measuring the electrical characteristic of the identifier component with the identifier sensor. The electrical characteristic can be any suitable electrical characteristic, such as the resistance, capacitance and / or inductance of the identifier component. For example, the identifier component may include a resistor, a capacitor and / or an inductor. The identifier sensor may provide an output signal indicating the electrical characteristic of the identifier component to the control unit so that the control unit can determine the accessory type. In order to determine the accessory type from the received output signal, the control unit may have a memory (e.g., the first memory described above) having a database correlating electrical characteristics with accessory types.

[0045] In some cases, when the accessory is attached to the attachment area, a circuit can be formed between the identifier sensor in the main body and the identifier component in the accessory so that the identifier sensor can perform electrical measurements on the identifier component to determine its electrical characteristics. Alternatively, when the accessory is attached to the attachment area, the identifier sensor can be configured to wirelessly detect the electrical characteristics of the identifier component. For example, the identifier sensor can use a radio frequency (RF) signal to detect the inductance of the identifier component.

[0046] The identifier may include a distinguishing mark on the attachment; the body may include an optical sensor for detecting the distinguishing mark when the attachment is attached to the attachment area; and the control unit may be configured to determine the type of the attachment based on an output signal from the optical sensor. The distinguishing mark may be any feature on the attachment that can be detected by the optical sensor. For example, the distinguishing mark may include one or more characters (e.g., words, codes, serial numbers, etc.), bar codes, QR codes, logos, symbols, or others. The distinguishing mark may also include a three-dimensional (3D) feature on the attachment, such as a short column or protrusion on the attachment. In some cases, the distinguishing mark may include an optical property of all or part of the attachment. For example, the optical property may correspond to the color and / or texture of all or part of the attachment. The optical sensor may be any suitable type of optical sensor capable of detecting the distinguishing mark. The output signal provided by the optical sensor may indicate the distinguishing mark, for example, it may include image data representing the distinguishing mark. In order to determine the type of attachment from the received output signal, the control unit may have a memory (e.g., the first memory described above) having a database that associates the distinguishing mark with the attachment type.

[0047] In some cases, the identifier may include a feature of the accessory itself. In other words, the accessory does not necessarily need to include a dedicated identifier component, as all or part of the accessory itself may serve as an identifier. For example, the identifier may include the color, shape, and / or weight of the accessory. The identifier sensor may then include a suitable sensor capable of detecting features of the accessory.

[0048] The accessory may include a second memory configured to store the identifier; and the control unit may be configured to communicate with the second memory to obtain the identifier when the accessory is attached to the attachment area. In this way, the control unit can obtain the accessory type by communicating with the second memory on the accessory. This can help determine the accessory type because the control unit may not require further processing to determine the accessory type.

[0049] The control unit may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the second memory. This may facilitate communication between the control unit and the second memory. Otherwise, where wireless communication is not used, the accessory and the attachment area may include a connector for communicatively coupling the control unit to the second memory when the accessory is attached to the attachment area.

[0050] The second memory may be further configured to store one or more control parameters for controlling the output of the airflow generator when the accessory is attached to the attachment area. In this way, when the accessory is attached to the attachment area, the control unit may control the airflow generator based on the control parameters stored in the second memory. This may facilitate use of the hair care appliance with a wide variety of accessories because the control unit may automatically control the airflow generator based on the type of accessory, even if the control unit is not pre-programmed with control parameters for that accessory type.

[0051] The second memory may be further configured to store one or more control parameters for controlling the temperature of the airflow generated when the attachment is attached to the attachment area. In this way, when the attachment is attached to the attachment area, the control unit may control the heater based on the control parameters stored in the second memory. This may facilitate use of the hair care appliance with a wide variety of attachments, as the control unit may automatically control the heater based on the type of attachment, even if the control unit is not pre-programmed with control parameters for that type of attachment.

[0052] The appliance has a user interface that enables a user to change, for example, the flow rate and / or temperature of the air leaving the appliance. Each setting available for flow rate and / or temperature may also be adjusted depending on the type of accessory being used. As an example, the user settings may allow three temperatures and three flow rate settings, and each accessory may have a different temperature and flow rate for each of these user settings, depending on function, proximity to the user's head, etc. Thus, the control unit may store six values ​​for different user settings, and in some embodiments may store which of those settings was used the last time a particular accessory was attached to the appliance.

[0053] The second memory may be further configured to store authentication data, and the control unit may be configured to use the authentication data to authenticate the accessory. In this way, the control unit may check whether the accessory is an authentic accessory to prevent the use of counterfeit accessories with the hair care appliance. For example, the control unit may be configured to enable the airflow generator only if the control unit successfully authenticates the accessory. The control unit may authenticate the accessory using any suitable technique based on the authentication data. For example, the control unit may analyze the authentication data to determine whether it matches a predetermined pattern.

[0054] In addition to being able to determine the accessory type, the identifier in the accessory may also be arranged to be able to detect the rotational alignment of the accessory on the attachment area. For example, the identifier sensor may be configured to detect the angular position of the identifier relative to the central axis of the body when the accessory is attached to the attachment area, so that the control unit can determine the rotational position (or alignment) relative to the central axis of the body.

[0055] The hair care appliance may comprise: a main body portion in which the airflow generator is located; and an intermediate main body portion; wherein the intermediate main body portion is removably attachable to the main body portion; wherein the intermediate main body portion comprises an attachment area for connecting an accessory; and wherein the intermediate main body portion comprises a distance sensor and a control unit. In this way, the intermediate main body portion may be connected between the main body portion and the accessory. Therefore, it may not be necessary to provide the control unit and the distance sensor in the main body portion, which may simplify the construction of the main body portion. Providing the control unit and the distance sensor in the intermediate main body portion may enable existing hair care appliances to be retrofitted with the intermediate main body portion, thereby enabling control of the airflow generator according to the present invention.

[0056] The hair care appliance of the present invention may form part of a hair care appliance kit. Therefore, in a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair care appliance kit, comprising: a hair care appliance, comprising: a main body, comprising: an airflow generator for generating an airflow; and an attachment area suitable for connecting an accessory; a distance sensor for detecting the distance between the distance sensor and the user's hair; and a control unit; a plurality of accessories, each of which is individually removably attachable to the attachment area, wherein when one of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main body at the attachment area, the accessory is adapted to receive the airflow from the airflow generator and discharge the received airflow toward the user's hair; wherein the control unit is configured to, when a first accessory of the plurality of accessories is attached to the attachment area: determine the type of the first accessory; determine the distance to the user's hair based on the output signal received from the distance sensor; and control the output of the airflow generator based on the determined type of the first accessory and the determined distance to the user's hair.

[0057] Any of the features discussed above in relation to the first aspect of the invention may be shared with the second aspect of the invention.

[0058] The plurality of attachments may include different types of attachments, such as a concentrator nozzle, a diffuser, a comb attachment and / or a brush attachment. Then, when one of the attachments is attached to the attachment area, the control unit may determine the type of attachment and control the airflow generator accordingly.

[0059] In a third aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a hair care appliance is provided, the hair care appliance having a main body with an airflow generator for generating an airflow and an attachment area for connecting an accessory, the method comprising: attaching the accessory to the attachment area so that the accessory is suitable for receiving the airflow from the airflow generator and discharging the received airflow toward the user's hair; using a control unit of the hair care appliance to determine the type of accessory attached to the attachment area; using the control unit to determine the distance to the user's hair based on an output signal received from a distance sensor of the hair care appliance; and controlling the airflow generator based on the determined type of accessory and the determined distance to the user's hair.

[0060] The method of the third aspect may be used to operate the hair care appliance of the first aspect and / or the hair care appliance kit of the second aspect.Thus, any of the features discussed above in relation to the first and second aspects may be shared with the third aspect of the invention.

[0061] More generally, features described above in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention are equally applicable to the second and third aspects of the invention, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a hair care appliance according to an embodiment;

[0064] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment;

[0065] Figure 3a is a schematic perspective view of a hair care appliance according to an embodiment;

[0066] Figure 3b yes Figure 3a A schematic side view of a hair care appliance;

[0067] Figure 4 yes Figure 3a A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a hair care appliance; and

[0068] Figure 5 yes Figure 3a Schematic perspective view of an attachment of a hair care appliance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of a hair care appliance 100 according to an embodiment. The hair care appliance 100 may be, for example, a hair dryer, a curling iron, or other types of hair care appliances. The hair care appliance 100 includes a body 102 that accommodates an air flow generator 104. The air flow generator 104 is configured to generate an air flow directed to an outlet of the body 102 so that the air flow can be directed to the user's hair 106. The air flow generator 104 may include any suitable device for generating an air flow, such as a fan, a turbine, or a blower. The body 102 may also accommodate a heater (not shown) for heating the air flow generated by the air flow generator 104.

[0070] The body 102 includes an attachment area 108 at one end of the body 102 to which an accessory 110 is removably attachable. When the accessory 110 is attached to the body 102 at the attachment area 108, it is arranged to receive the airflow generated by the airflow generator 104 and discharge the airflow toward the user's hair 106. In particular, the attachment area 108 can be positioned so that when the accessory 110 is attached to the attachment area 108, the airflow enters the accessory 110 from the outlet of the body 102, and the accessory 110 then discharges the airflow toward the user's hair 106 located in front of the accessory 110. For example, the accessory 110 can include a hollow body that defines a passage or channel for guiding and / or shaping the airflow.

[0071] exist Figure 1 , the accessory 110 is shown as being spaced apart from the attachment area 108, i.e., the accessory 110 is not attached to Figure 1 108. The attachment area 108 and the accessory 110 may include any suitable means for removably attaching the accessory at the attachment area 108. For example, the attachment area 108 and the accessory 110 may include engageable features configured to releasably engage with each other to hold the accessory 110 at the attachment area 108. As an example, the attachment area 108 and the accessory 110 may include threaded surfaces so that the accessory 110 can be threadedly engaged with the attachment area 108, i.e., so that the accessory 110 can be screwed onto the attachment area 108. In some cases, magnets in the attachment area 108 and the accessory 110 can be used to attach the accessory 110 to the attachment area 108.

[0072] The body 102 also includes a control unit 112, which can be implemented, for example, by a microcontroller. The control unit 112 is communicatively coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to the airflow generator 104 so that the control unit 112 can control the operation of the airflow generator 104, for example by transmitting a control signal to the airflow generator 104. The control unit 112 is also communicatively coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to an identifier sensor 114 located in the body 102. The identifier sensor 114 is configured to detect an identifier 116 located in the accessory 110 when the accessory 110 is attached to the body 102 at the attachment area 108. The identifier 116 indicates the type of the accessory 110. The identifier sensor 114 is configured to provide an output signal indicating the detected identifier 116 to the control unit 112. Examples of identifiers 116 and identifier sensors 114 are discussed below. Typically, the identifier sensor 114 is adapted to the type of identifier 116 used so that the identifier sensor 114 can effectively detect the identifier 116 and generate a corresponding output signal.

[0073] The body 102 also includes a distance sensor 118, which is communicatively coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to the control unit 112. The distance sensor 118 is configured to detect the distance between the distance sensor 118 and the user's hair 106 located in front of the hair care appliance 100. Various known types of distance sensors can be used. As an example, the distance sensor 118 may include a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor. Such a ToF sensor may include a light transmitter (e.g., a laser or LED) and a receiver (e.g., a photodetector). The ToF sensor may be configured to transmit a light signal with the light transmitter and detect the reflected light signal reflected back from the user's hair 106. The light (i.e., electromagnetic radiation) emitted by the light transmitter may be visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, radio frequency, microwave, or any other suitable type of electromagnetic radiation. Any suitable technique may then be used to calculate the distance to the user's hair 106. For example, the distance to the user's hair 106 may be calculated based on the amount of time the transmitter transmits the light signal and the reflected light signal detected at the receiver. As another example, the distance to the user's hair 106 may be calculated based on the intensity of the reflected light signal detected by the receiver.

[0074] The distance sensor 118 is configured to provide an output signal to the control unit 112, which then uses the received output signal to determine the distance to the user's hair. For example, in the case of a ToF sensor, the output signal received from the distance sensor 118 may indicate the amount of time between the emission of the light signal and the detection of the reflected light signal, and / or the intensity of the reflected light signal. Alternatively, the distance sensor 118 may perform the distance calculation itself, so that the output signal provided to the control unit 112 indicates the distance to the user's hair 106.

[0075] The control unit 112 is configured to control the airflow generator 104 based on the output signals received from the identifier sensor 114 and the distance sensor 118. Specifically, the control unit 112 is configured to determine the type of the attachment 110 based on the output signal from the identifier sensor 114, and to determine the distance to the user's hair 106 based on the output signal from the distance sensor 118. Then, based on the determined type of the attachment 110 and the determined distance to the user's hair 106, the control unit 112 is configured to control the airflow generator 104. In other words, the control unit 112 can implement a control algorithm for controlling the airflow generator, which takes the type of the attachment 110 and the distance to the user's hair 106 as input. Controlling the airflow generator 104 can include activating the airflow generator 104, deactivating the airflow generator 104, and controlling the flow rate of the airflow (e.g., by controlling the speed of the airflow generator 104). The control unit 112 can also control the temperature of the airflow, for example, by controlling a heater in the body 102. Specific examples of control steps that can be performed by the control unit 112 will be described below in conjunction with Figure 2 Discuss in more detail.

[0076] Figure 1 Only a single accessory 110 is shown. However, a variety of different accessories may be used with the hair care appliance 100. In particular, a plurality of different accessories may be configured for attachment to the body 102 at the attachment region 108. For example, the hair care appliance 100 may form part of a kit including a plurality (i.e., two or more) of accessories, each of which may be individually attachable to the body 102 at the attachment region 108 in a manner similar to the accessory 110 described above.

[0077] Different attachments may be of different types and have different shapes and arrangements to achieve various effects on the airflow. For example, different types of attachments may be adapted to perform specific tasks on the user's hair 106. The types of attachments that may be used with the hair care appliance include (among others) a concentrator nozzle, a diffuser attachment, a smoothing attachment, a comb attachment, and a brush attachment. Since each type of attachment may be used to perform different tasks on the user's hair 106, the user may keep the hair care appliance 100 at different positions (e.g., at different distances) relative to their hair depending on the attachment used. Each attachment may include a corresponding identifier (similar to identifier 116) indicating the type of attachment, so that when the attachment is attached to the attachment area 108, the control unit 112 may determine the type of attachment based on the output signal from the identifier sensor 114. In this way, the control unit 112 may control the airflow generator 104 in a manner suitable for the type of attachment attached to the attachment area 108. Therefore, the control of the airflow generator 104 may be adapted to the typical use position of the hair care appliance 100, which corresponds to the attachment currently attached to the attachment area 108.

[0078] The body 102 may also include a memory 120 accessible by the control unit 112. The memory is configured to a database that associates each of a plurality of accessory types with one or more control parameters. In this manner, when the control unit 112 determines that a particular type of accessory is attached to the attachment area 108, the control unit 112 may look up the associated control parameters in the memory 120. The control unit 112 may then control the airflow generator based on the control parameters associated with the type of accessory attached to the attachment area. Examples of control parameters that may be stored in the memory 120 include a threshold activation distance, an activation delay, a deactivation delay, a flow rate of the airflow, a temperature of the airflow, as described below.

[0079] The memory 120 may also store information to enable the control unit 112 to determine the type of the accessory based on the output signal received from the identifier sensor 114. For example, the memory 120 may store a database that associates each of a plurality of accessory types with a corresponding identifier. The control unit 112 may then look up the accessory type associated with the identifier detected by the identifier sensor 114 to determine the type of the accessory.

[0080] In some embodiments, the body 102 may be formed by a body portion 122 in which the airflow generator 104 is located and an intermediate body portion 124 in which the control unit 112, the identifier sensor 114, the distance sensor 118, and the memory 120 are located. The intermediate body portion 124 may be removably attachable to the body portion 122, for example, the intermediate body portion 124 may be engaged with the body portion 122 to attach the intermediate body portion 124 to the body portion 122. The body portion 122 and the intermediate body portion 124 may have connectors (e.g., spring pins, etc.) configured to engage with each other when the intermediate body portion 124 is attached to the body portion 122 so as to connect the control unit 112 to the airflow generator 104. Alternatively, the control unit 112 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the airflow generator 104. The attachment area 108 may be located at one end of the intermediate body portion 124 so that in use, the intermediate body portion 124 may be connected between the body portion 122 and the accessory 110. The intermediate portion 124 can be configured to transmit the airflow from the airflow generator 104 to the attachment 110, which then discharges (i.e., exhausts) the airflow toward the user's hair 106. Housing the electronic devices such as the control unit 112, the identifier sensor 114, the distance sensor 118, and the memory 120 in the intermediate body portion 124 can enable a hair care appliance having a body portion 122 to be retrofitted with the intermediate body portion 124 so that the airflow generator 104 can be controlled by the control unit 112.

[0081] Now refer to Figure 2 Discussing the operation of the hair care appliance 100, Figure 2 A method 200 according to an embodiment is shown. Initially, at step 202, an accessory 110 is attached to (e.g., by a user) the body 102 at the attachment area 108. The identifier sensor 114 can then detect an identifier 116 in the accessory and generate a corresponding output signal, which is transmitted to the control unit 112. At step 204, the control unit 112 receives the output signal from the identifier sensor 114 and determines the type of the accessory 110 based on the received output signal. For example, the control unit 112 can determine the type of the accessory by looking up the accessory type corresponding to the received output signal in a database stored in the memory 120.

[0082] At step 206, the control unit 112 determines the distance to the user's hair 106. In more detail, the distance sensor 118 performs distance measurements to detect the distance between the distance sensor 118 and the user's hair 106. For example, in the case where the distance sensor 118 is a ToF sensor, the ToF sensor can measure the amount of time it takes for a reflected light signal to reach a receiver and / or the intensity of the reflected light signal. The distance sensor 118 then generates an output signal indicative of the measurement and transmits the output signal to the control unit 112. The control unit 112 then determines the distance to the user's hair based on the output signal received from the distance sensor 118. This may include converting the measurement from the distance sensor 118 into a distance. For example, the control unit 112 may convert the time and / or intensity measurements from the ToF sensor into corresponding distance values. The distance sensor 118 may perform measurements continuously or at regular intervals and provide its output signal to the control unit 112 continuously or at regular intervals. In this way, the control unit 112 can determine the distance to the user's hair 106 substantially in real time.

[0083] Converting the measurement result into a distance value may in some cases include using calibration data stored in the memory 120, which is appropriate for the type of accessory 110. Different accessories may have different effects on the measurements performed by the distance sensor 118, which may lead to inaccuracies in the distance measurement if these effects are not compensated. For example, in the case of a ToF sensor, the light signal may need to propagate along different paths in order to reach the user's hair 106, depending on the type of accessory used. Different accessories may also cause different reflections and crosstalk between signals, thereby affecting the measurement results. Therefore, calibration data can be used to compensate for the effects on the distance measurement caused by the accessory 110, so that accurate distance measurements can be obtained regardless of the type of accessory used. The memory 120 may store a database including calibration data associated with each of a plurality of accessory types. For example, the calibration data may include a corresponding correction factor for each of a plurality of accessory types. Then, in order to determine the distance to the user's hair 106, the control unit 112 may look up the calibration data associated with the determined accessory type and apply the calibration data to the measurement result from the distance sensor 118 to obtain a value for the distance to the user's hair 106.

[0084] At step 208, the control unit 112 controls the airflow generator 104 based on the determined accessory type and the determined distance to the user's hair 106. As described above, the control unit 112 implements a control algorithm that takes the accessory type and the distance to the user's hair 106 as input. Controlling the airflow generator 104 may include activating the airflow generator 104, deactivating the airflow generator 104, controlling the flow rate of the airflow (e.g., by controlling the speed of the airflow generator 104), and / or controlling the temperature of the airflow (e.g., by controlling a heater in the body 102). The memory 120 may store a database that associates each of a plurality of accessory types with one or more control parameters. The control unit 112 may then look up the control parameters associated with the determined accessory type and control the airflow generator 104 according to the control parameters. For example, the memory 120 may store control parameters, such as a threshold activation distance, activation delay, deactivation delay, flow rate, and / or airflow temperature, for each of a plurality of accessory types.

[0085] An example of control of the airflow generator 104 performed by the control unit 112 will now be described. The control unit 112 may be configured to enable the airflow generator 104 only when the distance to the user's hair 106 is less than a threshold activation distance. In this way, the airflow generator 104 may be enabled when the airflow generator 104 is brought within the threshold activation distance from the user's hair 106, and the airflow generator 104 is deactivated when the airflow generator 104 is moved outside the threshold activation distance from the user's hair 106. This may avoid having to manually turn the hair care appliance 100 on or off, which may reduce energy waste and facilitate use of the hair care appliance 100. The control unit 112 may determine the threshold activation distance based on the determined type of accessory 110. For example, the memory 120 may store a database that associates each of a plurality of accessory types with a corresponding threshold activation distance. The control unit 112 may then look up and use the threshold activation distance associated with the type of accessory currently attached to the attachment area 108. Thus, the threshold activation distance may be adapted to the type of accessory currently in use.

[0086] Certain types of attachments may be intended to be used closer to the user's hair, sometimes even in contact with the user's hair, while other types of attachments may be intended to be kept at a greater distance from the user's hair. In this way, activation of the airflow generator 104 can be triggered at a distance appropriate for the type of attachment currently in use. For example, rough drying attachments may benefit from a larger threshold activation distance because they are typically used away from the head. On the other hand, trimming and / or smoothing attachments such as brush or comb type attachments benefit from a shorter threshold activation distance because they are typically used at a shorter distance or when in contact with the user's hair 106.

[0087] In addition to determining the threshold activation distance associated with the determined accessory type, the control unit 112 may also determine an activation delay associated with the accessory type. In particular, the memory 120 may store a database that associates each of the plurality of accessory types with a corresponding activation delay. The control unit 112 may then be configured to activate the airflow generator 104 only after the control unit 112 determines that the distance to the user's hair 106 has been less than the threshold activation distance for a time amount corresponding to the activation delay associated with the currently used accessory type. In other words, the user must keep the hair care appliance 100 within the threshold activation distance associated with the current accessory type for at least the activation delay in order to activate (i.e., turn on) the airflow generator 104. This can avoid false or unintentional activation of the airflow generator 104 and can be used to ensure that the hair care appliance 100 is properly aligned with the user's head before activating the airflow generator 104. Different types of accessories may benefit from different activation delays. For example, an accessory such as a diffuser may benefit from a longer activation delay to minimize messing with the user's hair 106 and / or allow time to collect the user's hair 106. Thus, the activation delay used by the control unit 112 may be adapted to the type of accessory currently in use, which may facilitate use of the hair care appliance 100 with a variety of accessory types.

[0088] Similarly, the control unit 112 may also determine a deactivation delay associated with an accessory type. Specifically, the memory 120 may store a database associating each of a plurality of accessory types with a corresponding deactivation delay. The control unit 112 may then be configured to deactivate the airflow generator 104 only after the control unit 112 determines that the distance to the user's hair 106 has continuously exceeded a threshold activation distance for an amount of time corresponding to the deactivation delay associated with the currently used accessory type after the airflow generator 104 is activated. In other words, the control unit 112 deactivates (i.e., turns off) the airflow generator 104 only after the user continues to keep the hair care appliance 100 at a distance greater than the threshold activation distance for more than the deactivation delay. This can avoid intermittent shutoff of the airflow generator 104, for example, when the hair care appliance 100 passes quickly over the user's head. Different types of accessories may benefit from different deactivation delays. For example, accessories such as comb or brush accessories may be easier to use with longer deactivation times because this can achieve rapid cycling and / or continuous passing through the user's hair 106 without deactivating the airflow generator 104 between each pass.

[0089] Note that although Figure 2 Steps 204-208 are illustrated as a linear sequence, but these steps do not necessarily need to be implemented as a linear sequence. For example, two or more of steps 204-208 can be performed in parallel.

[0090] Go to Figure 3a , 3b4, a hair care appliance 300 according to an embodiment will now be described. The hair care appliance 300 operates in a manner similar to the hair care appliance 100 described above, and any features associated with the hair care appliance 100 may be shared with the hair care appliance 300. Figure 3a A schematic perspective view of a hair care appliance 300 is shown, and Figure 3b A schematic side view of a hair care appliance 300 is shown. Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a hair care appliance 300 is shown.

[0091] The hair care appliance 300 includes a body 302 in which an airflow generator (not shown) is located. In this example, the airflow generator can be located in a handle 303 of the body 302. The body 302 includes an attachment area 308 located at one end of the body 302 to which an accessory 310 can be removably attached (in a manner similar to how the accessory 110 can be removably attached to the attachment area 108). Figure 3a and Figure 4 , accessory 310 is shown attached at attachment area 308, while Figure 3b , the accessory 310 is shown as being spaced apart from the attachment area 308.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 312 is mounted within the body 302. The control unit 312 is divided into two locations in the hair care appliance 300. Specifically, the control unit 312 includes a first microcontroller located in a central portion of the body at the central axis of the body 302, and a second microcontroller located in the main portion of the body 302. In addition, an identifier sensor in the form of a magnetometer 314 and a distance sensor in the form of a single pixel ToF sensor 318 are mounted within the body 302. It can be seen that the magnetometer 314 and the ToF sensor 318 are located in the central portion of the body at the central axis of the body 302, so that the magnetometer 314 and the ToF sensor 318 are centered within the airflow channel 309 within the body 302. In this way, the magnetometer 314 and the ToF sensor 318 are centered relative to the attachment area 308, and are therefore centered relative to the accessory 310 when the accessory 310 is attached to the attachment area 308. In other words, the magnetometer 314 and the ToF sensor 318 are arranged so that when the accessory 310 is attached to the attachment area 308, they are aligned with the central axis of the accessory 310. The first microcontroller of the control unit 312 (located in the central portion of the body 302) is configured to read and analyze the output signals from the ToF sensor 318 and the magnetometer 314, and transmit command signals to the second microcontroller of the control unit 312, which can then control the airflow generator. The body 302 can also include a memory accessible by the control unit 312, which performs functions similar to the memory 120 described above.

[0093] The ToF sensor 318 is configured to detect the distance of the user's hair in a manner similar to the distance sensor 118 described above. Specifically, the ToF sensor 318 may include a transmitter configured to transmit a light signal to the user's hair, and a receiver configured to detect a reflected light signal from the user's hair. The ToF sensor can then provide an output signal to the control unit 312, which indicates the amount of time it takes for the reflected light signal to reach the receiver. Since the ToF sensor 318 is centrally located within the body 302, when the accessory 310 is attached to the attachment area 308, the light signal can pass through an opening in the accessory 310 to reach the user's hair. Alternatively, a window can be formed in the accessory 310 for transmitting light signals between the ToF sensor 318 and the user's hair.

[0094] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of an accessory 310 is shown. The accessory 310 includes a plurality of magnets 316 arranged in a ring centered about a central axis of the accessory 310. Thus, when the accessory 310 is attached to the attachment area 308, the arrangement of the magnets can be centered about (e.g., concentric with) the magnetometer 314. The magnets 316 can be used to secure the accessory 310 to the attachment area 308. For example, the body 302 can include a set of magnets arranged to attract the magnets 316 so as to retain the accessory 310 to the attachment area 308.

[0095] Magnet 316 also serves as an identifier for the accessory (e.g., similar to identifier 116 described above). Specifically, when accessory 310 is attached to attachment area 308, magnetometer 314 can detect the magnetic field caused by magnet 116 and generate an output signal indicative of the magnetic field experienced by magnetometer 314. For example, magnetometer 314 can be a 3-axis magnetometer, so that magnetometer 314 can determine the strength and / or orientation of the magnetic field. Control unit 312 can then determine the type of accessory based on the output signal received from magnetometer 314.

[0096] Different accessories can include different arrangements of magnets 316, which can result in different field strengths and / or orientations detected by the magnetometer 314. For example, different numbers of magnets can be used, different arrangements of magnet polarizations can be used, and / or magnets of different sizes and strengths can be used. In this way, each accessory type can have a specific arrangement of magnets that produces a recognizable magnetic signature for that accessory type. The control unit 312 can then determine the accessory type using a database (e.g., stored in a memory located in the body 302) that associates each of the multiple accessory types with a corresponding magnetic signature (e.g., magnetic field strength and / or orientation detected by the magnetometer 314).

[0097] Because the arrangement of magnets 316 is centered about the central axis of accessory 310, the magnetic field can be substantially isotropic about the central axis of accessory 310. As a result, when accessory 310 is attached to attachment area 308, the magnetic field detected by magnetometer 314 can be substantially the same regardless of the angular position of accessory 310. In this way, control unit 312 can reliably determine the type of accessory 310 when the accessory is rotated about its central axis to different angular positions.

[0098] In some cases, magnets 316 can be arranged to detect the rotational position of accessory 310 relative to the central axis of body 302 when the accessory is attached to attachment area 308. For example, the strength and / or polarity of magnets 316 can be arranged to vary around the ring so that the magnetic field generated by magnets 316 has an angular dependence that can be detected by magnetometer 314. In this way, the magnetic field detected by magnetometer 314 can vary depending on the angle at which accessory 310 is attached to attachment surface 308, which enables control unit 312 to determine the angular position of accessory 310.

[0099] The control unit 312, magnetometer 314, and ToF sensor 318 may operate and interact in a manner similar to the control unit 112, identifier sensor 114, and distance sensor 118 described above to enable control of the airflow generator of the hair care appliance 300. Specifically, the control unit 312 may be configured to control the airflow generator according to the method 200 described above using output signals from the magnetometer 314 and the ToF sensor 318 as inputs.

[0100] In the example of hair care appliance 300, the identifier in attachment 310 includes an arrangement of magnets 316 and the identifier sensor includes a magnetometer 314. However, in other examples, different types of identifiers and identifier sensors may be used. Figure 1 Several examples of combinations of identifiers and identifier sensors are discussed.

[0101] In one example, the identifier 116 may be implemented as one or more electrical components, such as resistors, capacitors, and / or inductors. The identifier sensor 114 may include a circuit configured to measure electrical characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, and / or inductance) of one or more electrical components. Specifically, the identifier sensor 114 may be configured to form a circuit with one or more electrical components that form the identifier 116 when the accessory 110 is attached to the attachment area 108. For example, the attachment area 108 and the accessory 110 may include a connector (e.g., a spring pin, etc.) configured to electrically connect the identifier sensor 114 to one or more electrical components when the accessory 110 is attached to the attachment area 108. The identifier sensor 114 may generate an output signal indicating the measured electrical characteristics, which the control unit 112 may then use to determine the type of the accessory 110.

[0102] In another example, the identifier 116 may be implemented as an electrical component, and the identifier sensor 114 may be configured to wirelessly detect the electrical characteristics of the electrical component. In this way, it may not be necessary to form an electrical connection between the main body 102 and the accessory 110. For example, the identifier may include an inductive element, and the identifier sensor 114 may be configured to detect the inductance of the inductive element, such as by transmitting an electromagnetic (e.g., radio frequency) signal and detecting the reflected electromagnetic signal. In a specific embodiment of this example, the identifier 116 may be implemented by a conductive material ring (e.g., a washer) in the accessory 110, and the identifier sensor 114 may use a wireless electromagnetic signal to detect the ring, for example, to detect the inductance of the ring. When the accessory 110 is attached to the attachment area 108, the identifier sensor 114 may be centered on the central axis of the main body 102, and the ring may be arranged concentric with the central axis of the main body 102. In this way, the measurement performed by the identifier sensor 114 may not be affected by any potential misalignment of the accessory 110 on the attachment area, so that the accessory type can still be accurately determined. Different accessory types may, for example, include rings of different sizes (eg, different diameters), which will produce different measurements by the identifier sensor 114 , such that the control unit 112 may determine the accessory type based on the output signal from the identifier sensor 114 .

[0103] In another example, the identifier 116 can be in the form of a distinguishing mark on the accessory 110. The distinguishing mark can be an optically detectable portion of the accessory 110. The identifier sensor 114 can then be an optical sensor arranged to detect the distinguishing mark when the accessory 110 is attached to the attachment area 108. A variety of distinguishing marks can be used as identifiers, including (but not limited to) one or more characters, bar codes, QR codes, logos, symbols, etc. on the surface of the accessory 110. The distinguishing mark can also include a three-dimensional (3D) feature on the accessory 110. In some cases, the distinguishing mark can include the color of all or part of the accessory 110. The optical sensor can be any suitable type of sensor for detecting the distinguishing mark, such as a camera (e.g., a CCD camera), a photodiode, and / or a scanner (e.g., a barcode scanner).

[0104] In another example, the identifier 116 may be in the form of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag in the accessory 110. The RFID tag may be passive or active. The identifier sensor 114 may include an antenna configured to wirelessly read the RFID tag to obtain identification information from the RFID tag.

[0105] In another example, the accessory 110 may include a memory configured to store the identifier. The identifier sensor 114 may then include means for communicating (via a wired or wireless connection) with the memory in the accessory 110 when the accessory 110 is attached to the attachment area 108, so that the identifier sensor 114 can retrieve the identifier from the memory.

[0106] In the event that the accessory 110 includes a memory, the memory in the accessory can store one or more control parameters associated with the accessory (e.g., the control parameters described above). In this way, when the accessory 110 is attached to the attachment area, the control unit 112 can retrieve the control parameters from the memory in the accessory 110 and control the airflow generator 104 accordingly. This can avoid having to store control parameters for a large number of accessory types in the memory 120 in the body 102 of the hair care appliance.

[0107] The memory in the accessory 110 may also be configured to store authentication data to enable the control unit 112 to authenticate the accessory. For example, the control unit 112 may compare the authentication data stored in the memory in the accessory 110 with the authentication data stored in the memory 120 to determine whether the accessory is authentic. The control unit 112 may then be configured to enable the airflow generator 104 only if the accessory 110 is successfully authenticated.

[0108] The features disclosed in the preceding description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific form or as a device for performing the disclosed function, or as a method or process for obtaining the disclosed result, may, where appropriate, be used alone or in any combination of these features to implement the invention in its different forms. In particular, the functions of the first memory and the second memory may be reversed or provided in a single memory.

[0109] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the above exemplary embodiments, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when this disclosure is given. Therefore, the above exemplary embodiments of the present invention are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0110] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are intended to enhance the reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0111] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0112] Throughout the specification, including the following claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprises" and "comprising" and variations will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated integers or steps or groups of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integers or steps or groups of integers or steps.

[0113] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by using the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a value is optional and refers to, for example, + / - 10%.

Claims

1. A hair care device, comprising: Subject, including: an airflow generator for generating an airflow; and an attachment area suitable for connecting accessories; an attachment removably attachable to the body at the attachment region, wherein the attachment is adapted to receive the airflow from the airflow generator and discharge the received airflow toward the user's hair when the attachment is attached to the body at the attachment region; a distance sensor for detecting the distance between the distance sensor and the user's hair; and A control unit configured to, when the accessory is attached to the attachment area: Determine the type of attachment; determining a distance to the user's hair based on an output signal received from the distance sensor; and The air flow generator is controlled based on the determined type of attachment and the determined distance to the user's hair.

2. The hair care device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit is also configured to: determining a threshold activation distance based on the determined accessory type; and When the distance to the user's hair is less than a threshold activation distance, the airflow generator is activated.

3. The hair care device according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit is also configured to: If the type of the accessory is determined to be the first type, setting the first threshold activation distance to the threshold activation distance; and If the type of the accessory is determined to be a second type, a second threshold enablement distance is set as the threshold enablement distance, wherein the first threshold enablement distance is greater than the second threshold enablement distance.

4. The hair care device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The control unit is also configured to: determining an activation delay based on the determined accessory type; and After determining that the distance to the user's hair is less than the threshold activation distance for an amount of time corresponding to the activation delay, the airflow generator is activated.

5. The hair care device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The control unit is also configured to: determining a deactivation delay based on the determined attachment type; and When the airflow generator is activated, and after determining that the distance to the user's hair continues to exceed the threshold activation distance for an amount of time corresponding to a deactivation delay, the airflow generator is deactivated.

6. A hair care appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein: The control unit is also configured to: determining distance calibration data based on the determined accessory type; and The distance to the user's hair is determined using the output signal received from the distance sensor and the determined calibration data.

7. A hair care appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein: The control unit is further configured to control a temperature and / or a flow rate of the airflow generated by the airflow generator based on the determined accessory type.

8. A hair care appliance according to any preceding claim, further comprising a first memory accessible by the control unit; in, a first memory configured to store a plurality of accessory types and one or more control parameters associated with each of the plurality of accessory types; and The control unit is configured to control the output of the airflow generator according to one or more control parameters associated with the determined accessory type stored in the first memory.

9. A hair care appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein: The accessory includes an identifier, and the control unit is configured to determine a type of the accessory based on the identifier.

10. The hair care appliance according to claim 9, wherein: The identifier comprises one or more magnets on the accessory; The body includes a magnetic field sensor; and The control unit is configured to determine the type of accessory based on the output signal from the magnetic field sensor.

11. The hair care device according to claim 10, wherein: The one or more magnets are configured to secure the accessory to the attachment area.

12. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The identifier includes an identifier component in the attachment; The body includes an identifier sensor configured to measure an electrical characteristic of the identifier component when an accessory is attached to the attachment area; and The control unit is configured to determine the type of accessory based on an output signal from the identifier sensor.

13. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: The identifier includes a distinguishing mark on the attachment; The body includes an optical sensor for detecting a distinguishing mark when an accessory is attached to the attachment area; The control unit is configured to determine the type of accessory based on the output signal from the optical sensor.

14. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein: The accessory includes a second memory configured to store the identifier; and The control unit is configured to communicate with the second memory to obtain an identifier when an accessory is attached to the attachment area.

15. The hair care device according to claim 14, wherein The control unit is configured to communicate wirelessly with the second memory.

16. The hair care device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The second memory is further configured to store one or more control parameters for controlling an output of the airflow generator when the accessory is attached to the attachment area.

17. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The second memory is also configured to store one or more control parameters for controlling an output of the heater when the accessory is attached to the attachment area.

18. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein: The second memory is further configured to store authentication data, and the control unit is configured to authenticate the accessory using the authentication data.

19. A hair care appliance according to any preceding claim, wherein: The subject includes: a main body portion, wherein the airflow generator is located in the main body portion; and The middle main part; wherein the intermediate body portion is removably attached to the body portion; wherein the intermediate body portion includes an attachment area for connecting the accessory; and Wherein, the middle main body part includes the distance sensor and the control unit.

20. A hair care appliance kit, comprising: Hair care appliances, including: Subject, including: an airflow generator for generating an airflow; and an attachment area suitable for connecting accessories; a distance sensor for detecting the distance between the distance sensor and the user's hair; and Control unit; a plurality of attachments, each attachment individually removably attached to the attachment area, wherein when one of the plurality of attachments is attached to the body at the attachment area, the attachment is adapted to receive the airflow from the airflow generator and discharge the received airflow toward the user's hair; Wherein, the control unit is configured to, when a first accessory of the plurality of accessories is attached to the attachment area: determining the type of the first attachment; determining a distance to the user's hair based on an output signal received from the distance sensor; and The output of the airflow generator is controlled based on the determined type of the first attachment and the determined distance to the user's hair.

21. A method of operating a hair care appliance having a body having an air flow generator for generating an air flow and an attachment area for connecting an accessory, the method comprising: attaching an attachment to the attachment area such that the attachment is adapted to receive the airflow from the airflow generator and discharge the received airflow toward the user's hair; determining, using a control unit of the hair care appliance, a type of attachment attached to the attachment area; using the control unit, determining a distance to the user's hair based on an output signal received from a distance sensor of the hair care appliance; and The air flow generator is controlled based on the determined type of attachment and the determined distance to the user's hair.

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