Appliance

Abstract

An appliance includes a main unit to which one of a plurality of accessories is attachable, a transmitter, an optical sensor, and a control module. The emitter is configured to emit optical radiation toward a respective one of the plurality of accessories when the respective one is attached to the main unit. The optical sensor is configured to receive reflected light radiation therefrom when a respective one of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main unit. The control module is configured to determine which of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main unit based on the data output by the optical sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an appliance, such as a hair care appliance. Background Art

[0002] Hair care appliances are typically used to process or style hair, and some hair care appliances can use an air flow and / or heat to process or style hair. Hair care appliances can be used to process or style hair in a variety of different ways, and some hair care appliances include different attachments to provide different processing or styling functions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an appliance comprising: a main unit to which one of a plurality of attachments is attachable; a transmitter configured to emit light radiation towards the respective one of the plurality of attachments when the respective one is attached to the main unit; an optical sensor configured to receive light radiation from the respective one of the plurality of attachments when the respective one is attached to the main unit; and a control module configured to determine which one of the plurality of attachments is attached to the main unit based on data output by the optical sensor.

[0004] By using the transmitter and the optical sensor, the control module is able to remotely determine which attachment (if any) is in use. In addition to the transmitter and the optical sensor, the appliance may conceivably include alternative means for determining which attachment is in use. For example, the main unit may include electrical contacts or mechanical switches, and each attachment may contact different sets of contacts or actuate different arrangements of switches (when attached). In another example, the main unit may include one or more Hall effect sensors, and each attachment may include a uniquely arranged magnet. In each of these examples, the contacts, switches or sensors would need to be located at the interface with the attachment. However, encapsulating additional components at the interface of the main unit can be challenging. For example, there may not be enough space for the components and / or the required wiring, or the conditions of the path taken by the interface and / or the wiring may be harsh (such as high temperature). By using the transmitter and the optical sensor in the manner of the above sensors, the optical sensor can be positioned away from the attachment and thus away from the interface. As a result, the encapsulation of the optical sensor and the routing of the cable can become easier. In addition, the transmitter and the optical sensor are able to remotely sense different attachments without the need to provide additional components for the attachments, such as RFID tags, etc. Therefore, different attachments can be remotely sensed in a relatively cost-effective manner.

[0005] The transmitter and the optical sensor can be encapsulated together in a sensor module, for example, the transmitter and the optical sensor are mounted to a common printed circuit board.

[0006] The data output by the optical sensor can be based on the attributes of the light radiation received by the optical sensor.

[0007] When a respective one of a plurality of attachments is attached to the main unit, light radiation can be reflected therefrom. Alternatively, a respective one of the plurality of attachments can generate or emit light radiation.

[0008] The appliance can be a hair care appliance.

[0009] The appliance can include electrical components, and the control module is operable to control the electrical components in response to a determination. The control module is thus able to control the electrical components differently for different attachments. The advantage of doing so is that the operation of the appliance can be automatically controlled according to the attachment being used. The control module is operable to control the input power of the electrical components in response to a determination.

[0010] The electrical components can be an electric motor or a heater, and the control module is operable to control the speed of the electric motor or the temperature of the heater in response to a determination. Based on the attachment being used, the performance of the appliance can be improved by operating the electric motor at different speeds and / or by operating the heater at different temperatures. For example, the appliance can be a hair care appliance, the electric motor can be used to generate an air flow, and the heater can be used to heat the air flow. Different attachments can then provide better drying or styling results at different air flow rates and / or different heating settings.

[0011] The appliance can include an air flow generator for drawing an air flow through the appliance, and the control module is operable to control the characteristics of the air flow in response to a determination. Different attachments can provide better results for different air flows. For example, the appliance can be a hair care appliance, and the attachments can include a diffuser and a concentrator. The diffuser can provide better results when the air flow has a lower flow rate. This is because the air flow moves the hair less, and thus the curls are better defined. In contrast, the concentrator can provide better results when the air flow has a higher flow rate. For example, by employing a higher flow rate, drying and / or styling of the hair can be achieved more quickly.

[0012] The control module is operable to control one or more of the flow rate and temperature of the air flow. As described above, different attachments can provide better results for different flow rates. Additionally or alternatively, different attachments can provide better results for different temperatures. For example, the appliance can be a hair care appliance, and at least one attachment can provide better styling results at a lower heat setting, and at least one attachment can provide better styling results at a higher heat setting. By controlling the flow rate and / or temperature of the air flow in response to the attachment being used, better overall results can be achieved.

[0013] The appliance can be a hair care appliance including a plurality of flow and heat settings, and the control module is operable to select one of the settings based on the determination. As described above, different attachments can provide better results for different flow and / or heat settings. Thus, by selecting one of the plurality of settings based on the attachment being used, better drying and / or styling results can be achieved.

[0014] The appliance can include guiding means for at least one of the following: guiding the emitted light radiation from the emitter to a respective one of the plurality of attachments; and guiding the reflected light radiation from a respective one of the plurality of attachments to the optical sensor. By providing the guiding means, a direct line of sight from the emitter to the attachment attached to the main unit and / or from the attachment to the optical sensor may not be necessary, and this can provide increased flexibility in positioning the emitter and / or the optical sensor within the main unit. For example, in the case where the appliance includes a heater, this can enable electronic components such as the emitter and / or the optical sensor to be positioned away from the heater. Additionally, providing guiding means for the light radiation can enable the path of the light radiation to be constrained, for example such that the user of the appliance is not exposed to the light radiation during use.

[0015] Using the guiding means can focus the emitted light radiation from the emitter towards the respective attachment to maximize the amount of reflected light received by the optical sensor and minimize the amount of stray light received from other surfaces. This can result in a higher signal-to-noise ratio and can enable the power consumption of the optical sensor to be minimized by reducing the power of the light radiation emitted by the emitter.

[0016] The guiding means can include an optical waveguide. The guiding means can include an optical tube. This can provide a relatively simple means for guiding the light radiation compared to devices including, for example, mirrors or lenses.

[0017] The guiding means can guide at least one of the emitted light radiation along a path from the emitter to a respective one of the plurality of attachments and the reflected light radiation along a path from a respective one of the plurality of attachments to the optical sensor.

[0018] The guide can be used for at least one of the following: guiding the emitted light radiation along a non-linear path from the emitter to a respective one of the plurality of attachments; and guiding the reflected light radiation along a non-linear path from a respective one of the plurality of attachments to the optical sensor. For example, guiding the emitted and / or reflected light radiation along a non-linear path can provide flexibility in the position of the emitter and / or the optical sensor within the main unit compared to an arrangement that requires a linear path.

[0019] The main unit may include a heater, and at least one of the emitter, the optical sensor, and the control module may be located in a region of the main unit that is thermally insulated from the heater. For example, there may be at least one thermally insulating material wall, such as a plastic material, between the heater and at least one of the emitter, the optical sensor, and the control module. This can enable the operation of at least one of the emitter, the optical sensor, and the control module while reducing the risk of damage to the heater.

[0020] The appliance may include an air outlet for emitting an air stream into a plurality of accessories. The heater may be upstream of the air outlet, and at least one of the emitter, the optical sensor, and the control module may be remote from the air outlet.

[0021] The data output by the optical sensor may be based on the properties of the reflected light radiation received by the optical sensor.

[0022] The data output by the optical sensor may represent the intensity of the reflected light radiation. For example, compared to mechanisms determined using physical contact or magnetic fields, the intensity of the reflected light radiation may provide a relatively direct means of differentiating between accessories.

[0023] The data output by the optical sensor may represent the wavelength of the reflected light radiation, such as representing the color of the reflected light radiation, where the reflected light radiation is in the visible spectrum. For example, compared to mechanisms determined using physical contact or magnetic fields, the wavelength of the reflected light radiation may provide a relatively direct means of differentiating between accessories.

[0024] The appliance may include a plurality of accessories, and each of the plurality of accessories may include a reflector and a filter configured such that each of the plurality of accessories provides a different intensity of reflected light radiation to the optical sensor when attached to the main unit. The filter may provide a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to provide variations in the reflected light intensity between different accessories. Each of the plurality of accessories may include an array of filters, such as an array of at least two filters. Using an array of filters may enable differentiation between accessories regardless of the relative rotational orientation of the accessory with respect to the main unit. The filter may include a polarizer.

[0025] The emitter may include an infrared emitter, and the data output by the optical sensor may represent the intensity of the reflected infrared radiation from a corresponding one of the plurality of accessories when attached to the main unit. Using an infrared emitter can ensure that the emitted and / or reflected infrared radiation is invisible to the user.

[0026] The apparatus may include a plurality of accessories, and each of the plurality of accessories may include a reflector configured to cause each of the plurality of accessories to provide different intensities of reflected optical infrared radiation to the optical sensor when attached to the main unit. For example, this may provide a relatively straightforward means of differentiating between accessories compared to mechanisms determined using physical contact or magnetic fields.

[0027] At least some of the reflectors may have different surface areas. At least some of the reflectors may have different surface finishes. At least some of the reflectors may be formed of different materials. At least some of the reflectors may be located on the respective accessories such that the distance between the emitter and the reflector is different for different accessories when the respective accessories are attached to the main unit. Any of the foregoing may provide a relatively simple and / or inexpensive way to vary the intensity of the reflected infrared variation and thus provide a relatively simple and / or inexpensive way to determine which one of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main unit.

[0028] Each reflector may have a different surface area. Each reflector may have a different surface finish. Each reflector may be formed of different materials. Each reflector may be located on the respective accessory such that the distance between the emitter and the reflector is different for different accessories when the respective accessory is attached to the main unit.

[0029] The emitter may include a visible light emitter, and the data output by the optical sensor may represent the intensity of the reflected visible light from the respective one of the plurality of accessories when attached to the main unit. For example, the emitter may include an LED. Such a visible light emitter may provide a relatively simple and / or inexpensive way to determine which one of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main unit, and this may be more reliable than, for example, an arrangement that requires physical mechanical contact.

[0030] The data output by the optical sensor may represent the intensity of different color components of the reflected visible light from the respective one of the plurality of accessories when attached to the main unit. Monitoring the different color intensities may provide a relatively simple and / or inexpensive way to determine which one of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main unit, and this may be more reliable than, for example, an arrangement that requires physical mechanical contact.

[0031] The apparatus may include a plurality of accessories, each of the plurality of accessories may include a reflector, and each reflector may be a different color. Providing reflectors of different colors on the accessories may provide a relatively simple and / or inexpensive way to determine which one of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main unit compared to, for example, an arrangement that requires multiple accessories to communicate with the main unit either wired or wirelessly.

[0032] The emitter can be configured to emit white visible light, and the optical sensor can include a plurality of sensors, such as a plurality of photodiodes, and a plurality of filters, each filter associated with a corresponding sensor, each sensor configured to provide an output based on the intensity of light of a given color corresponding to the corresponding filter. Using an emitter that emits white visible light can provide a simpler arrangement than, for example, an arrangement using an emitter that must be controlled to emit different colors of light at different times.

[0033] The emitter can be configured to selectively emit different colors of light, and the optical sensor can include a broadband sensor, such as a broadband phototransistor, which is configured to detect the intensity of different color components of reflected visible light from a corresponding one of a plurality of accessories when the corresponding one is attached to the main unit.

[0034] The appliance can include a plurality of accessories, at least some of the plurality of accessories can include a portion of an optically transparent material, the appliance can include another emitter, which is configured to emit another light radiation to a corresponding portion of the optically transparent material of the accessory when one of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main unit, another optical sensor, which is configured to receive the reflected light radiation from an object outside the appliance through the corresponding portion of the optically transparent material; and another control module, which is configured to determine the attributes of the object based on another data output by the another optical sensor. This can enable the appliance to determine which accessory is attached to the main unit, and the attributes of an object outside the appliance. For example, the attributes of the object can include any one of the following: the presence or absence of the object, the type of the object, the distance of the object from the main unit, the distance of the object from the accessory, the temperature of the object, and the water content of the object. The another emitter and the another optical sensor can include a time-of-flight sensor. The another control module and this control module can be the same control module.

[0035] The appliance can include electrical components, and the another control module is operable to control the electrical components in response to the determination of the object attributes. Therefore, the another control module is capable of controlling the electrical components differently for different attributes of an external object.

[0036] The electrical component can be an electric motor or a heater, and the another control module is operable to control the speed of the electric motor or the temperature of the heater in response to the determination of the object attributes.

[0037] The appliance can include an air flow generator for sucking an air flow through the appliance, and the another control module is operable to control the characteristics of the air flow in response to the determination of the object attributes.

[0038] The another control module is operable to control one or more of the flow rate and temperature of the air flow.

[0039] The appliance can be a hair care appliance including a plurality of flow and heat settings, and another control module can be operable to select one of the settings based on a determination of an object property.

[0040] The main unit can include a barrel portion having a central bore, a plurality of attachments can be attached to one end of the barrel portion, and at least one of a transmitter and an optical sensor can be located within the bore. This can provide a direct, unobstructed path between the transmitter and the attachment, and / or between the attachment and the optical sensor. Additionally, the emission can be better confined within the appliance. Further, for an appliance that already has an existing bore, the transmitter and / or optical sensor can be incorporated without increasing the overall size of the appliance. At least one of another transmitter and another optical sensor can be located within the bore. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a hair care appliance;

[0042] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of the main unit of the hair care appliance;

[0043] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a schematic rear view of the main unit;

[0044] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a schematic view of the sensor assembly of the hair care appliance;

[0045] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a schematic view of the attachment of the hair care appliance;

[0046] Figure 6 is when the attachment is connected to the main unit Figure 1 a schematic view of the hair care appliance;

[0047] Figure 7 is by Figure 1 a schematic view of the RGB color distribution of the light reflected by the attachment of the hair care appliance;

[0048] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a hair care appliance;

[0049] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a hair care appliance;

[0050] Figure 10 is Figure 9 a schematic view of the attachment of the hair care appliance;

[0051] Figure 11 is by Figure 9Schematic diagram of the intensity distribution of light reflected by an accessory of a hair care appliance;

[0052] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a hair care appliance;

[0053] Figure 13 is Figure 12 Schematic diagram of an accessory of a hair care appliance; and

[0054] Figure 14 is Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the intensity distribution of infrared radiation reflected by an accessory of a hair care appliance. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0055] In Figure 1-3 a first embodiment of an appliance 10 in the form of a hair care appliance is schematically shown. The appliance 10 includes a main unit 12 and a plurality of accessories 14, 16, each of which can be attached to the main unit 12. Here, the accessories 14, 16 include a concentrator 14 and a diffuser 16, although it is understood that other types of accessories can also be contemplated.

[0056] The main unit 12 is schematically shown separately in Figure 2 and 3 and includes a handle portion 18, a head portion 20, an air flow generator 22, a heater 24, a user controller 26, a control module 28, a transmitter 30, an optical sensor 32, a light guiding device 34, and a time-of-flight sensor 36.

[0057] The handle portion 18 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form and houses the air flow generator 22. The handle portion 18 has a plurality of air inlets 38 in the form of perforations at a first end 40 of the handle portion 18.

[0058] The head portion 20 is generally cylindrical and hollow and is provided at a second end 42 of the handle portion 18. The central axis of the head portion 20 is orthogonal to the central axis of the handle portion 18, such that the main unit 12 is generally T-shaped. The head portion 20 houses the heater 24. The head portion 20 includes a hole 44 and an air outlet 46 through which air is entrained. The air outlet 46 is generally annular around the perimeter of the hole 44. The head portion 20 also includes an annular magnet (not shown) for releasably connecting the handle unit 12 to the accessories 14, 16. The annular magnet extends annularly around the air outlet 46.

[0059] The user controller 26 is provided on the handle portion 18 and the head portion 20 and includes a first button 48 or slider for turning the appliance 10 on and off, a second button 50 for temporarily turning off the heater 24 so that the appliance 10 delivers a cold air stream, a third button 52 for controlling the flow rate of the air stream, and a fourth button 54 for controlling the temperature of the air stream.

[0060] The control module 28 is responsible for controlling the air flow generator 22 and the heater 24 in response to inputs from the user controller 26. For example, in response to an input from the user controller 26, the control module 28 can turn on and off the air flow generator 22 and / or the heater 24. Additionally, the control module 28 can control the power or speed of the air flow generator 22 in order to vary the air flow rate. For example, repeatedly pressing the third button 52 can cause the control module 28 to cycle through different flow rates (e.g., low, medium, and high). Similarly, the control module 28 can control the power of the heater 24 in order to vary the temperature of the air flow. For example, repeatedly pressing the fourth button 54 can cause the control module 28 to cycle through different temperature settings (e.g., cold, warm, hot).

[0061] The control module 28 also controls the air flow generator 22 and the heater 24 in response to inputs from the optical sensor 32 and the time-of-flight sensor 36, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0062] The emitter 30 and the optical sensor 32 are combined into a sensor assembly 56 located within the aperture 44 of the head 20, and the sensor assembly 56 is schematically shown in Figure 4 The sensor assembly 56 is located at a radially outer position of the aperture 44. The emitter 30 includes an LED configured to emit white light, and the optical sensor 32 includes three photodiodes 58, each covered with a different color filter 60. In particular, the photodiodes 58 are covered with a red filter (represented by dotted shading), a blue filter (represented by dashed shading), and a green filter (represented by vertical line shading).

[0063] In Figure 1-3 the embodiment, the emitter 30 includes a white LED and the optical sensor 32 includes three photodiodes 58, each covered with a different color filter 60. In an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 10, the emitter can include LEDs configured to emit different colors of light (e.g., red, green, and blue light), and the optical sensor can include broadband phototransistors configured to detect the intensities of the different color components of visible light reflected from the attachment.

[0064] The light guide 34 extends linearly from the sensor assembly 56 along the aperture 44 towards the periphery of the aperture 44 where the air outlet 46 is located. The light guide 34 is generally cylindrical and is formed of a material having a relatively high refractive index of about 1.4 - 1.6 compared to air (whose refractive index is about 1). Example materials include polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or acrylic materials. Those skilled in the art will understand that any similar material with a high refractive index can be used. The light guide 34 is open in the region of the aperture 44 adjacent to the air outlet 46.

[0065] A time-of-flight (TOF) sensor 36 is located within a bore 44 along a central axis of the bore 44 such that the time-of-flight sensor 36 is radially inward of the sensor assembly 56.

[0066] Each concentrator and diffuser attachment 14, 16 is formed of an optically transparent material and further includes a respective annular reflector 62, 64, as Figure 5 schematically shown. As an example, the annular reflector 62 of the concentrator attachment 14 is red (represented by dotted shading), while the annular reflector 64 of the diffuser attachment 16 is blue (represented by dashed shading). The annular reflectors 62, 64 are positioned on the respective concentrator and diffuser attachments 14, 16 such that when the attachments 14, 16 are attached to the head 20 of the main unit 12, they cover the open end of the light guiding device 34, regardless of the rotational orientation of the attachments 14, 16 relative to the head 20.

[0067] The annular reflectors can be any color that permits different levels or ratios of reflected light wavelengths in order to permit a distinct difference between the attachments.

[0068] In use, one of the attachments 14, 16 is attached to the head 20 of the main unit 12, and this configuration is schematically shown in Figure 6 with the concentrator attachment 14. The control module 28 can determine which of the attachments 14, 16 is attached to the main unit 12 and can accordingly control the tool 10. In particular, the sensor assembly 56 and the annular reflectors 62, 64 can be used to determine which of the attachments 14, 16 is attached to the main unit 12.

[0069] The emitter 30 emits white light, which is guided by the light guiding device 34 within the bore 44 toward the annular reflectors 62, 64 of the attachments 14, 16. The white light is reflected by the annular reflectors 62, 64 and is guided by the light guiding device 34 toward the photodiode 58 of the optical sensor 32. Since the annular reflectors 62, 64 of the attachments 14, 16 have different colors, the reflected light from each annular reflector 62, 64 will have a different RGB color distribution, e.g., there are different intensities for different wavelengths of light, and the photodiode 58 is used to determine the RGB light intensity of the reflected light. Either the optical sensor 32 itself or the control module 28 can determine the RGB color distribution of the reflected light based on the photons received by the photodiode 58, and then the control module 28 can determine which of the attachments 14, 16 is attached to the main unit 12 based on the color distribution of the reflected light. For example, the determination can be made by comparing with a threshold, such as a threshold or range for each of the received red, green, and blue lights, or a predetermined color distribution. The control module 28 then uses this determination to control the flow rate and / or temperature of the air stream, as further described below.

[0070] Figure 7 An illustrative RGB color distribution is schematically shown. Here, the left peak has the highest response intensity to red light, representing the red annular reflector 62, and the right peak has the highest response intensity to blue light, representing the blue annular reflector 64.

[0071] The TOF sensor 36 is used to sense the proximity of the user's head or other objects to the appliance 10. In this example, the control module 28 analyzes the distance data output by the TOF sensor 36 and determines the proximity of the user's head based on this analysis. In other examples, the TOF sensor 36 itself, rather than the control module 28, may analyze the distance data and output data representing the proximity of the user's head. In each of these examples, the control module 28 still determines the proximity of the user's head based on the data received from the TOF sensor 36. The control module 28 then uses this determination to control the flow rate and / or temperature of the air stream.

[0072] As described above, the control module 28 controls the air stream generator 22 and the heater 24 in response to inputs from the optical sensor 32 and the time-of-flight sensor 36. As a result, better drying and / or styling results can be achieved. For example, different attachments may provide better drying or styling results when using different flow rates and / or temperatures. For example, when the air stream has a lower flow rate, the diffuser attachment 16 may provide better results. By employing a lower flow rate, the hair is moved less by the air stream, so the curls can be better defined. In contrast, when the air stream has a higher flow rate, the concentrator attachment 14 may provide better results. In another example, if the user's head is too close to the appliance, the high flow rate may overly move the hair, resulting in unsatisfactory styling results and / or the high temperature may overly dry the hair or damage the hair. Therefore, better styling results can be achieved by controlling the flow rate and / or temperature of the air stream based on which attachment 14, 16 (if any) is attached and / or the proximity of the user's head.

[0073] The control module 28 can store multiple different flow rate and temperature settings, and the control module 28 can select one of the multiple settings based on which of the attachments 14, 16 is attached to the main unit. For example, the control module 28 can store the default flow rate and temperature settings for each attachment 14, 16. Additionally or alternatively, the control module 28 can store the flow rate and temperature settings selected by the user the last time a particular attachment 14, 16 was used.

[0074] In this way, appropriate flow and / or temperature settings can be determined for a particular distance of the particular attachments 14, 16 and / or the user's head relative to the appliance. The use of the transmitter 30 and the optical sensor 32 can provide an attachment identification system having components positioned away from the attachment and thus away from the interface between the main unit 12 and the attachments 14, 16. As a result, the encapsulation of the optical sensor 32 and the routing of the cable can be made easier. In addition, the transmitter 30 and the optical sensor 32 are capable of remotely sensing different attachments 14, 16 without the need to provide additional components for the attachments 14, 16, such as RFID tags and the like. Thus, different attachments 14, 16 can be remotely sensed in a relatively cost-effective manner.

[0075] By using the light guiding device 34, the transmitter 30 and the optical sensor 32 can be used together with the TOF sensor 36, and the light guiding device 34 suppresses interference between the light emissions used by the transmitter 30 and the TOF sensor 36. This can allow both the sensor assembly 56 and the TOF sensor 36 to be located within the bore 44 of the head 20 of the handle unit 12, where they can be thermally insulated from the heater 24. In addition, using the light guiding device 34 can focus the emitted light from the transmitter 30 towards the respective annular reflectors 62, 64 to maximize the amount of reflected light received by the optical sensor 32 and minimize the amount of stray light received from other surfaces. This can result in a higher signal-to-noise ratio and can minimize the power consumption of the sensor assembly 56 by reducing the power of the light emitted by the transmitter 30.

[0076] In addition, it should be understood that although Figure 1 two attachments 14, 16 are shown, a greater number of attachments can be used with the main unit 12, each attachment having an annular reflector of a different color.

[0077] In Figure 8 a second embodiment of the appliance main unit 200 in the form of a hair care appliance main unit is schematically shown, where the same reference numerals are used for clarity.

[0078] Here, instead of being located in the bore 44, the sensor assembly 56 is located within the housing 202 of the head 20, behind the heater 24 and towards the user controller 26. The light guiding device 204 is non-linear in form and extends from within the housing 202 to a radially outer position of the bore 44 before extending peripherally along the bore 44 towards the air outlet 46. Using the non-linear light guiding device 204 can provide increased flexibility in positioning the sensor assembly 56 within the appliance 10 and can enable the removal of the sensor assembly 56 from the bore 44.

[0079] In Figure 9Figure 3 schematically shows a third embodiment of an appliance 300 in the form of a hair care appliance, where like reference numerals are used for clarity.

[0080] The third embodiment of the appliance 300 differs from the first embodiment 10 and the second embodiment 200 of the appliance in the form of the sensor assembly 302 and the attachments 304, 306.

[0081] The sensor assembly 302 includes a transmitter 308 and an optical sensor 310. The transmitter 308 includes an LED configured to emit visible light, and the optical sensor 310 includes a suitable sensor to sense the intensity of the reflected visible light from the attachments 304, 306.

[0082] The attachments 304, 306 include a concentrator attachment 304 and a diffuser attachment 306, respectively. Each of the attachments 304, 306 has an annular reflector 312 formed of a foil material, and a first annular polarizing film 314 and a second annular polarizing film 316, where Figure 10 Figure 4 schematically shows such an arrangement of the concentrator attachment 304. The annular reflector can be made of any highly reflective material. At least one of the first polarizing film 314 and the second polarizing film 316 is different between the attachments 304, 306, for example, differently oriented, such that each attachment 304, 306 provides a different intensity of reflected light to the optical sensor 310.

[0083] Either the optical sensor 310 itself or the control module 28 can determine the intensity distribution of the reflected light based on the photons received by the optical sensor 310. The control module 28 can then determine which of the attachments 304, 306 is attached to the main unit 12 based on the intensity distribution of the reflected light (e.g., by comparing with a threshold or a predetermined intensity distribution). The control module 28 then uses this determination to control the flow rate and / or temperature of the air flow, as described above for the first embodiment 10 of the appliance. Figure 11 Figure 5 shows illustrative intensity distributions for four attachments A - D.

[0084] Similar to the first embodiment 10 and the second embodiment 200 of the appliance described above, using the intensity distribution of the reflected light can provide an attachment identification system that has components positioned away from the attachments and thus away from the interface between the main unit 12 and the attachments 304, 306, with the benefits provided by such an arrangement.

[0085] In Figure 12 Figure 6 schematically shows a fourth embodiment of an appliance 400 in the form of a hair care appliance, where like reference numerals are used for clarity.

[0086] The fourth embodiment of the appliance 400 differs from the first embodiment 10 and the second embodiment 200 of the appliance in the form of the sensor assembly 402 and the accessories 404, 406.

[0087] The sensor assembly 402 includes a transmitter 408 and an optical sensor 410. The transmitter 408 includes an infrared LED configured to emit infrared radiation, and the optical sensor 410 includes a suitable sensor to sense the intensity of the reflected infrared radiation from the accessories 404, 406.

[0088] The accessories 404, 406 include a concentrator accessory 404 and a diffuser accessory 406 respectively. Each of the accessories 404, 406 has an annular reflector 412, and such an arrangement is schematically shown for the concentrator accessory 404 in Figure 13 The reflectors 412 between the accessories 404, 406 are different such that each accessory 404, 406 provides reflected light of a different intensity to the optical sensor 410. The annular reflector 412 can provide reflected light of different intensities in a variety of ways. Possible variations of the annular reflector 412 include any one or any combination of changes in surface area, changes in surface finish, changes in material, and changes in the position of the annular reflector 412 on the accessories 404, 406 such that when the accessories 404, 406 are attached to the main unit 12, the distance of the annular reflector 412 from the optical sensor 410 changes.

[0089] Either the optical sensor 410 itself or the control module 28 can determine the intensity distribution of the reflected infrared radiation based on the infrared radiation received by the optical sensor 410, and then the control module 28 can determine which of the accessories 404, 406 is attached to the main unit 12 based on the intensity distribution of the reflected infrared radiation, for example, by comparing with a threshold or a predetermined intensity distribution. The control module 28 then uses this determination to control the flow rate and / or temperature of the air stream, as described above for the first embodiment 10 of the appliance. Figure 14 Illustrative intensity distributions of two accessories E, F are schematically shown.

[0090] Similar to the first embodiment 10 and the second embodiment 200 of the appliance described above, using the intensity distribution of the reflected infrared radiation can provide an accessory identification system that has components positioned away from the accessories and thus away from the interface between the main unit 12 and the accessories 404, 406, with the benefits provided by such an arrangement.

[0091] In the above examples, the appliances 10, 200, 300, 400 are hair care appliances that emit an air flow to dry and style hair. The control modules 28 of the appliances 10, 200, 300, 400 then control the flow rate and / or temperature of the air flow based on the data output by the optical sensors. In particular, the flow rate and / or temperature can be controlled according to the accessory (if any) being used. Additionally, the flow rate and / or temperature can be controlled according to the proximity of the user's head to the appliances 10, 200, 300, 400 determined by the TOF sensor 36.

[0092] The above principle can be applied to other types of appliances having multiple different accessories. For example, the appliance can be a vacuum cleaner having a main unit, and one of the multiple different accessories can be attached to the main unit. The main unit can include an air flow generator that generates suction at each accessory. The accessories can include a first nozzle for the floor and a second nozzle for upholstery. When used on the floor, a higher suction may be beneficial for sucking in more dust. However, when used on upholstery, a higher suction may cause the upholstery material to be sucked in and clog the nozzle. Therefore, a better result can be achieved on upholstery with a lower suction. Thus, the main unit can include an optical sensor and a control module that senses which accessory is attached and controls the suction of the air flow generator based on the data output by the optical sensor. In another example, the appliance can be a power tool including an electric motor for driving different accessories, etc. The optical sensor can sense which accessory is attached, and the control module can control the speed and / or torque of the electric motor based on the data output by the optical sensor. Therefore, in a more general sense, it can be said that the appliance includes a main unit to which one of the multiple accessories can be attached. The appliance includes an optical sensor and a control module that is operable to determine which one of the multiple accessories is attached to the main unit based on the data output by the optical sensor. The control module can then control an electrical component (such as an electric motor, an air flow generator, or a heater) in response to that determination.

[0093] Although specific examples and embodiments have been described thus far, it should be understood that these are merely illustrative and that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: a main unit to which one of a plurality of accessories can be attached; a transmitter configured to emit light radiation towards a corresponding one of the plurality of accessories when the corresponding one of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main unit; an optical sensor configured to receive light radiation from a corresponding one of the plurality of accessories when the corresponding one of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main unit; and a control module configured to determine, based on data output by the optical sensor, which one of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main unit.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The apparatus includes electrical components, and the control module is operable to control the electrical components in response to the determination.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The electrical component is an electric motor or a heater, and the control module is operable to control the speed of the electric motor or the temperature of the heater in response to the determination.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The apparatus includes an air flow generator for sucking an air flow through the apparatus, and the control module is operable to control the characteristics of the air flow in response to the determination.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The control module is operable to control one or more of the flow rate and temperature of the air flow.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The apparatus is a hair care apparatus including a plurality of flow rate and heat settings, and the control module is operable to select one of the settings based on the determination.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The apparatus includes guiding means for at least one of: guiding the emitted light radiation from the transmitter to a corresponding one of the plurality of accessories; and guiding the reflected light radiation from a corresponding one of the plurality of accessories to the optical sensor.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The guiding means includes an optical waveguide.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The guiding means includes an optical tube.

10. The appliance according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein The guiding means is for at least one of: guiding the emitted light radiation along a non-linear path from the transmitter to a corresponding one of the plurality of accessories; and guiding the reflected light radiation along a non-linear path from a corresponding one of the plurality of accessories to the optical sensor.

11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main unit includes a heater, and at least one of the transmitter, the optical sensor, and the control module is located in a region of the main unit that is thermally insulated from the heater.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The data output by the optical sensor represents the intensity of the reflected light radiation.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The data output by the optical sensor represents the wavelength of the reflected light radiation.

14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The apparatus includes the plurality of accessories, and each of the plurality of accessories includes a reflector and a filter configured such that each of the plurality of accessories provides light radiation of different intensities reflected therefrom to the optical sensor when attached to the main unit.

15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The transmitter includes an infrared transmitter, and the data output by the optical sensor represents the intensity of the reflected infrared radiation from a corresponding one of the plurality of accessories when the corresponding one of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main unit.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The apparatus includes the plurality of accessories, and each of the plurality of accessories includes a reflector configured such that each of the plurality of accessories provides light radiation of different intensities of reflected optical infrared radiation to the optical sensor when attached to the main unit.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, Any one of the following applies: At least some of the reflectors have different surface areas; At least some of the reflectors have different surface finishes; At least some of the reflectors are formed of different materials; and At least some of the reflectors are located on respective accessories such that when the respective accessory is attached to the main unit, the distance between the emitter and the reflector is different for different accessories.

18. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The emitter includes a visible light emitter, and the data output by the optical sensor represents the intensity of the reflected visible light from a respective one of the plurality of accessories when it is attached to the main unit.

19. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The data output by the optical sensor represents the intensities of different color components of the reflected visible light from a respective one of the plurality of accessories when it is attached to the main unit.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein The appliance includes the plurality of accessories, each of the plurality of accessories includes a reflector, and each reflector has a different color.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein The emitter is configured to emit white visible light, and the optical sensor includes a plurality of sensors and a plurality of filters, each filter being associated with a respective sensor, and each sensor being configured to provide an output based on the intensity of light of a given color corresponding to the respective filter.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein, The emitter is configured to selectively emit light of different colors, and the optical sensor includes a broadband sensor configured to detect the intensities of different color components of the reflected visible light from a respective one of the plurality of accessories when it is attached to the main unit.

23. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The appliance includes: The plurality of accessories, at least some of the plurality of accessories including a portion of an optically transparent material; Another emitter configured to emit another light radiation towards the respective portion of the optically transparent material of one of the plurality of accessories when it is attached to the main unit; Another optical sensor configured to receive the reflected light radiation from an object outside the appliance through the respective portion of the optically transparent material; and Another control module configured to determine the attributes of the object based on another data output by the another optical sensor.

24. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main unit includes a cylindrical portion having a central hole, the plurality of accessories being attachable to one end of the cylindrical portion, and at least one of the emitter and the optical sensor being located within the hole.

25. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The appliance is a hair care appliance.

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