Hair care appliance

Abstract

A hair care appliance configured to provide an output for interacting with a user's hair. A hair care appliance includes a controller and an indicator. The controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide: a first indication when there is no user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance does not provide output; a second indication when there is a user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance does not provide the output; and a third indication when there is a user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is providing output.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Hair care appliances are typically used to treat or style hair, and some use airflow to do so. To offer versatility in treating and styling hair, some hair care appliances provide airflow at variable speeds. Some hair care appliances include various attachments to provide different treatment or styling functions. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to a first aspect of the invention, a hair care appliance is provided, comprising: a main unit, one of a plurality of accessories attachable to the main unit, and a user-actuable element. The hair care appliance includes a controller configured to: receive an attachment signal indicating which of the plurality of accessories is attached to the main unit; operate the hair care appliance in a first operating mode based on the attachment signal in response to a first type of user interaction with the user-actuable element; and, in response to a second type of user interaction with the user-actuable element, perform at least one of the following: operate the hair care appliance in a second operating mode different from the first operating mode; and modify the controller's future response to the first type of user interaction with the user-actuable element.

[0003] Because user interaction with the first and second types of user-actuable elements causes the hair care appliance to operate in different first and second operating modes, wherein the first operating mode is also based on which of a plurality of accessories is attached to the hair care appliance, a relatively wide range of operating modes of the hair care appliance can be selected using the same user-actuable element. This can reduce and / or eliminate the need for additional user-actuable elements to induce operation of the hair care appliance in different operating modes. Reducing the number of user-actuable elements required can reduce the number of parts and / or cost of the hair care appliance, thereby reducing the risk of failure and / or reducing manufacturing costs.

[0004] Optionally, the second operating mode is based on an attachment signal. Making the first and / or second operating modes based on attachment signals can improve the ease of use of hair care appliances, for example, by eliminating the need for separate user input to determine which of several attachments is attached to the hair care appliance.

[0005] Optionally, the controller is configured to receive a user signal indicating one of a first type of interaction with a user-actuable element and a second type of interaction with a user-actuable element. Optionally, the controller is configured to output a first control signal to operate the hair care appliance in a first operating mode when the user signal indicates user interaction with the first type of user-actuable element. Optionally, the controller is configured to perform at least one of the following when the user signal indicates user interaction with the second type of user-actuable element: output a second control signal to operate the hair care appliance in the second operating mode; and modify the controller's future response to receiving a future user signal indicating user interaction with the first type of user-actuable element.

[0006] Optionally, the controller is configured to modify its future response in response to a second type of user interaction with a user-actuable element, such that the controller responds to a first type of user interaction with a user-actuable element, causing the hair care appliance to operate in a second operating mode.

[0007] This allows users to change the operating mode of the hair care appliance in response to future interactions with a first type of user-actuable element. In this way, the same user-actuable element can be used in different ways to induce and change the operating mode of the hair care appliance.

[0008] Optionally, the controller is configured to, in response to a second type of user interaction, cause the hair care appliance to operate in a second operating mode when it is already operating in a first operating mode. For example, the controller may switch the operation of the hair care appliance from the first operating mode to the second operating mode in response to a user signal indicating a second type of interaction received during the first operating mode. Thus, interaction with the user-actuable element via the second type of user interaction can cause the hair care appliance to stop operating in the first operating mode and begin operating in the second operating mode. This allows users to conveniently switch operating modes while using the hair care appliance by providing the second type of user interaction to the user-actuable element.

[0009] Optionally, the controller is configured to operate the hair care appliance in a second operating mode in response to a second type of user interaction when the hair care appliance is not in operation. For example, when the hair care appliance is not in operation, the controller may activate the hair care appliance in the second operating mode in response to a received user signal indicating a second type of interaction. In this way, the user can selectively begin operating the hair care appliance in either the first or second operating mode by providing the corresponding first or second type of user interaction to the user-actuable element.

[0010] Optionally, the first type of interaction with the user-actuable element includes user interaction with the user-actuable element for a first time duration, and the second type of interaction with the user-actuable element includes user interaction with the user-actuable element for a second time duration, the second time duration being greater than the first time duration.

[0011] Compared to arrangements that require users to manually browse a list of operating modes and / or use different user-actuable elements to induce operation in different operating modes, this provides users with a relatively direct and / or cost-effective way to induce operation of the hair care appliance in the first and / or second operating modes.

[0012] Optionally, the first time length is in the range of 40 ms to 400 ms. Optionally, the second time length is greater than 400 ms.

[0013] Optionally, in response to a second type of interaction with a user-actuable element, the controller causes the hair care appliance to operate in a second operating mode until the user-actuable element is released by the user. This allows the user to conveniently achieve the desired output within a desired time period.

[0014] Optionally, the first type of interaction with the user-actuable element may include one of the following: a single interaction with the user-actuable element within a predetermined time period; and multiple interactions with the user-actuable element within the predetermined time period. Optionally, the second type of interaction includes another interaction among multiple interactions with the user-actuable element within the predetermined time period and a single interaction with the user-actuable element within the predetermined time period. Optionally, the predetermined time period does not exceed 2 seconds, for example, not exceeding 1 second.

[0015] Optionally, the controller is configured to perform an action in response to a third type of interaction with a user-actuable element. Optionally, the third type of interaction includes a user interaction with the user-actuable element for a third time length, which is greater than a second time length. The first type of interaction may include a user interaction with the user-actuable element for a time length from a first threshold time to a second threshold time, which is greater than the first time length. The second type of interaction may include a user interaction with the user-actuable element for a time length from a second threshold time to a third threshold time, which is greater than the second threshold time. The third type of interaction may include a user interaction with the user-actuable element for a time length greater than the third threshold time, such as the time length between the third threshold time and a fourth threshold time greater than the third threshold time. Optionally, the third time length and / or the third threshold time is greater than 1 s, such as up to or greater than 2 s, such as up to or greater than 3 s. Optionally, the controller performing an action includes at least one of the following: operating the hair care appliance in a third operating mode different from the first and second operating modes; and modifying the controller's future response to the first or second type of user interaction. For example, in response to a third type of user interaction with a user-actuable element, the controller can be configured to modify the controller's future response such that the controller responds to a first or second type of user interaction with a user-actuable element, causing the hair care appliance to operate in a third operating mode.

[0016] Optionally, the user-actuable element includes a button. Optionally, the first type of user interaction and the second type of user interaction include corresponding first-type pressing and second-type pressing of the button.

[0017] Compared to devices such as touchscreens, buttons offer a relatively simple and cost-effective way to receive user input.

[0018] Optionally, the first type of button press includes one of the following: a short press, wherein the button is pressed for a first duration; and a long press, wherein the button is pressed for a second duration; and wherein the second type of button press includes the other of the short press and the long press. Optionally, the third type of user interaction (if provided) includes a third type of button press. Optionally, the third type of button press includes an extra-long press, wherein the button is pressed for a third duration, which is longer than the second duration.

[0019] Optionally, the hair care appliance includes an air movement device configured to provide airflow to the user's hair in at least one of the first and second operating modes.

[0020] Optionally, the air movement device is configured to operate at different speeds in the first and second operating modes to provide different airflow rates from the hair care appliance. Optionally, the controller is configured to operate the air movement device at different speeds in the first and second operating modes of the hair care appliance.

[0021] Optionally, the hair care appliance includes a heater configured to provide heat for heating the user's hair in at least one of a first operating mode and a second operating mode.

[0022] Optionally, the controller is configured to operate the heater at a first temperature in a first operating mode of the hair care appliance, and to operate the heater at a second temperature different from the first temperature in a second operating mode of the hair care appliance.

[0023] Optionally, the heater can be configured to heat the airflow provided to the user's hair by the air movement device.

[0024] Optionally, in at least one of the first and second operating modes, the controller is configured to enable the hair care appliance to provide a sequence of outputs for interacting with the user's hair, wherein each time-adjacent output in the sequence includes different characteristics for interacting with the user's hair.

[0025] Optionally, the output sequence includes an output sequence from an air movement device and / or a heater (if provided). For example, the hair care appliance may alternate between providing hot and cold air at predetermined time intervals. Optionally, the first output sequence is a default operating mode attached to a specific accessory of the hair care appliance and / or may be a user-defined operating mode, such as loaded onto the hair care appliance via Bluetooth or other wired or wireless connections. This can provide autonomous and / or intelligent control over the output of the hair care appliance, which can provide improved ease of use and / or improved treatment of the user's hair.

[0026] Optionally, the hair care appliance is configured to provide a first output sequence for interacting with the user's hair in a first operating mode, and a second output sequence for interacting with the user's hair in a second operating mode, the second output sequence being different from the first output sequence.

[0027] Optionally, each temporally adjacent output in the first output sequence includes different features for interacting with the user's hair. Optionally, each temporally adjacent output in the second output sequence includes different features for interacting with the user's hair.

[0028] Optionally, the first output sequence is one of the default output sequence of the hair care device and a user-defined output sequence, and the second output sequence is the other of the default output sequence and a user-defined output sequence. In this way, the user can switch between the default sequence and the user-defined sequence.

[0029] Optionally, at least one of the first and second operating modes is a continuous operating mode, wherein a continuous output for interaction with the user's hair is provided from the hair care appliance. This allows the user to easily provide the desired continuous output, for example, by adjusting the heat and / or airflow settings of the hair care appliance associated with the first continuous mode. This adjustment can be made while the hair care appliance is operating in the first operating mode, which allows the user to accurately and reliably control the continuous output.

[0030] Optionally, the hair care appliance includes an indicator. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a first user indication in response to a first type of user interaction. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a second user indication in response to a second type of user interaction, the second user indication being different from the first user indication.

[0031] In this way, users can be assured that the desired user interaction has been provided to the user-actuable element.

[0032] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a first mode indication when the hair care appliance is operating in a first mode, and to cause the indicator to provide a second mode indication when the hair care appliance is operating in a second mode. Optionally, the first mode indication is a first user indication. Optionally, the second mode indication is a second user indication. This allows the user to determine the current operating mode of the hair care appliance and / or reliably select between the first and second operating modes.

[0033] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a third user indication in response to a third type of user interaction (if provided), the third user indication being different from the first user indication and the second user indication. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a third mode indication when the hair care appliance is operating in a third mode (if provided).

[0034] Optionally, the indicator includes a light source, and the first user indicator and the second user indicator include corresponding different color profiles and / or pulse profiles provided by the light source.

[0035] By providing corresponding different color contours and / or pulse contours, users can easily distinguish between the first user indication and the second user indication.

[0036] Optionally, the light source includes LEDs, such as RGB LEDs.

[0037] Optionally, the user-actuable element includes a light-transmitting portion, and light from the light source passes through the light-transmitting portion during use.

[0038] This provides a convenient way for users to determine the operating mode of the hair care appliance, for example, after the user interacts with the user-actuable element. This section may include a light guide to direct light through the user-actuable element. This can provide clearer visual indication from the user-actuable element.

[0039] Optionally, the controller is configured to provide the following indicators: a first state indication when there is no user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is not providing output; a second state indication when there is user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is not providing output; and a third state indication when there is user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is providing output.

[0040] In this way, a common indicator can be used to determine whether the hair care device is in one of several operating states. For example, the first operating state includes the state when there is no user interaction with the hair care device and the device is not providing output; the second operating state includes the state when there is user interaction with the hair care device and the device is not providing output; and the third operating state includes the state when there is user interaction with the hair care device and the device is providing output. By indicating such operating states to the user, the user can easily determine which subsequent interaction with the hair care device is needed to move the device between operating states.

[0041] Optionally, the controller is configured such that the indicator provides a first state indication when the hair care appliance is in a down state and a second state indication when the hair care appliance is in a wake-up state. The hair care appliance may have reduced functionality in the down state compared to when it is in a wake-up state. For example, in the down state, certain functions of the hair care appliance available in the wake-up state may be limited or disabled, such as the ability to provide output from the hair care appliance. The hair care appliance may consume less power in the down state than in the wake-up state. In the down state, the user can connect to the hair care appliance, for example via a wired or Bluetooth connection, to configure the hair care appliance and / or modify its operating mode. By indicating when the hair care appliance is in a down state and a wake-up state, the indicator provides the user with a way to determine which functions of the hair care appliance are available.

[0042] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a third state indication when the hair care appliance is in an active state, wherein the hair care appliance is held by the user and wherein the hair care appliance is providing output. In this way, the indicator can provide the user with a way to determine that the hair care appliance is providing output without having to interact directly with the output. The third operating state may include an active state.

[0043] Optionally, the controller is configured to provide a second state indication when the hair care appliance is held by the user. Alternatively, the second state indication can be provided when the hair care appliance is not held by the user, or when the user interacts with one or more user-actuable elements of the hair care appliance. For example, when the hair care appliance is placed on a table, or when the hair care appliance is placed in a stand, or when the user presses a button on the hair care appliance. This again provides the user with a way to determine that certain functions of the hair care appliance are available.

[0044] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide any one of a first indication, a second indication, and a third indication when the hair care appliance is connected to a power source.

[0045] Optionally, the hair care appliance includes a user interaction module configured to: monitor at least one of the orientation and movement of the hair care appliance; and based on the monitored orientation and movement of the hair care appliance, provide an interaction status signal to a controller, the interaction status signal indicating user interaction with the hair care appliance. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause an indicator to provide at least one of a first, second, and third status indication based on the interaction status signal.

[0046] Changes in the orientation and / or relative movement of hair care appliances can provide relatively reliable indications of user interaction with the hair care appliances.

[0047] Optionally, the user interaction module includes at least one of a gyroscope for monitoring the orientation of the hair care device and an accelerometer for monitoring the motion of the hair care device. Optionally, the user interaction module is powered when the hair care device is in the lowered state.

[0048] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a first state indication when the interaction signal indicates that the hair care appliance has not changed orientation and / or has not moved for a period of time greater than a threshold time period.

[0049] This can provide a reliable way to indicate that the hair care appliance is not being held by the user. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a first state indication when an interactive state signal indicates that the hair care appliance has been placed down (e.g., on a surface). This can be achieved by indicating an interactive state signal that indicates no movement for a period of time greater than a threshold time period, and / or by indicating a user interactive signal that indicates the hair care appliance is in an orientation that suggests the hair care appliance has been placed down (e.g., a horizontal orientation).

[0050] The threshold time period can be as high as one second, two seconds, three seconds, or about five seconds.

[0051] Optionally, the controller is configured to put the hair care appliance into a put-down state (if provided) when the interaction status signal indicates no movement for a period longer than that time period and / or when the interaction status signal indicates that the hair care appliance has been put down. In this way, the hair care appliance can more reliably transition to the put-down state when it is put down. An indicator may provide a first indication in response to the appliance entering the put-down state.

[0052] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a second status indication when the interactive status signal indicates that the hair care appliance is in motion.

[0053] This can provide a reliable way to indicate that the hair care appliance is being held by the user. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a second state indication when an interactive state signal indicates that the hair care appliance has been picked up, for example, from a surface. This can be done by an interactive state signal indicating movement of the hair care appliance, and / or by an interactive state signal indicating a change in orientation (e.g., from horizontal to vertical) that suggests the hair care appliance has been picked up.

[0054] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the hair care appliance to enter a wake-up state or an active state (if provided) when an interaction status signal indicates that the hair care appliance is in motion and / or when an interaction status signal indicates that the hair care appliance has been picked up. In this way, the hair care appliance can more reliably transition to the wake-up and / or active state when it is picked up. The controller may be configured to cause an indicator to provide a second state indication in response to the hair care appliance entering the wake-up state, and / or to provide a third state indication in response to the hair care appliance entering the active state.

[0055] The controller can be configured to switch the hair care appliance from an active state to a put-down state when an interaction status signal indicates that the hair care appliance has been put down. The controller can also be configured to switch the hair care appliance from a put-down state to an active state when the interaction status signal indicates that the hair care appliance is picked up within a set time (e.g., up to 3 seconds, up to 5 seconds, up to 10 seconds, or greater than 10 seconds) after the hair care appliance has switched from an active state to a put-down state. Furthermore, the controller can be configured to switch the hair care appliance from a put-down state to an active state when the interaction status signal indicates that the hair care appliance is picked up after a time exceeding the set time after the hair care appliance has switched from an active state to a put-down state. The time limit can be up to 10 minutes before the appliance enters standby mode. Alternatively, standby mode can be initiated by a loss of Bluetooth connectivity.

[0056] Optionally, the controller is configured to provide a third state indication when an interactive status signal indicates that the hair care appliance is in motion. This provides a more reliable way to indicate that the hair care appliance is providing output while being held by the user.

[0057] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a third state indication when the hair care appliance provides a first output for interaction with the user's hair. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a fourth state indication, different from the third state indication, when there is user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is providing a second output different from the first output.

[0058] Providing third and fourth instructions allows users to easily determine the type of output provided by the hair care appliance.

[0059] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide an alarm when there is no user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is providing output.

[0060] In this way, users can be certain that the hair care device is still running even when there is no user interaction with it. This can improve the safety of hair care devices, for example, by ensuring that users can take corrective action if they determine that the hair care device should not be running.

[0061] Optionally, no light is output from the light source in the first state indication. In this way, the absence of light from the light source can indicate that there is no user interaction with the hair care appliance and that the hair care appliance is not providing output. That is, the absence of light from the light source can indicate to the user that the hair care appliance is in a down state (if provided) and / or has been down. This can provide power savings when the hair care appliance is in a down state.

[0062] Optionally, light is output from the light source in the second and third state indications. Optionally, if provided, light is output from the light source in the fourth indication. Optionally, depending on the state indication, the light output from the light source may have different characteristics. For example, in each of the second and third indications, and optionally in the fourth indication (if provided), the light source may output light with a corresponding flicker profile, a corresponding brightness level, a corresponding color, and / or a corresponding combination of flicker profile, brightness level, and / or color.

[0063] A second aspect of the invention provides a controller for a hair care appliance, the controller being configured to: receive an attachment signal indicating which of a plurality of attachments is attached to a main unit of the hair care appliance; receive a user signal indicating one of a first type of interaction with a user-actuable element of the hair care appliance and a second type of interaction with the user-actuable element; when the user signal indicates user interaction with the first type of user-actuable element, output a first control signal to operate the hair care appliance in a first operating mode, the control signal being based on the attachment signal; and when the user signal indicates user interaction with the second type of user-actuable element, perform at least one of the following: output a second control signal to operate the hair care appliance in a second operating mode different from the first operating mode; and modify the controller's future response to receiving a future user signal indicating user interaction with the first type of user-actuable element.

[0064] A third aspect of the invention provides a data carrier including machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more controllers of a hair care appliance to operate: receive an attachment signal indicating which of a plurality of attachments is attached to a main unit of the hair care appliance; receive a user signal indicating one of a first type of interaction with a user-actuable element of the hair care appliance and a second type of interaction with the user-actuable element; when the user signal indicates user interaction with the first type of user-actuable element, output a first control signal to cause the hair care appliance to operate in a first operating mode, the control signal being based on the attachment signal; and when the user signal indicates user interaction with the second type of user-actuable element, perform at least one of the following: output a second control signal to cause the hair care appliance to operate in a second operating mode different from the first operating mode; and modify the controller's future response to receiving a future user signal indicating user interaction with the first type of user-actuable element.

[0065] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a hair care appliance configured to provide output for interaction with a user's hair, the hair care appliance including a controller and an indicator, the controller being configured to cause the indicator to provide: a first indication when there is no user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is not providing output; a second indication when there is user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is not providing output; and a third indication when there is user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is providing output.

[0066] In this way, a common indicator can be used to determine whether the hair care device is in one of several operating states. For example, the first operating state includes the state when there is no user interaction with the hair care device and the device is not providing output; the second operating state includes the state when there is user interaction with the hair care device and the device is not providing output; and the third operating state includes the state when there is user interaction with the hair care device and the device is providing output. By indicating such operating states to the user, the user can easily determine which subsequent interaction with the hair care device is needed to move the device between operating states.

[0067] Optionally, the controller is configured such that the indicator provides a first indication when the hair care appliance is in a laid-down state and a second indication when the hair care appliance is in a wake-up state. The first operating state may include a laid-down state, and the second operating state may include a wake-up state. Compared to when the hair care appliance is in a wake-up state, the hair care appliance may have reduced functionality in the laid-down state. For example, in the laid-down state, certain functions of the hair care appliance available in the wake-up state may be limited or disabled, such as the ability to provide output from the hair care appliance. The hair care appliance may consume less power in the laid-down state than in the wake-up state. In the laid-down state, the user can connect to the hair care appliance, for example via a wired or Bluetooth connection, to configure the hair care appliance and / or modify its operating mode. By indicating when the hair care appliance is in a laid-down and wake-up state, the indicator can provide the user with a way to determine which functions of the hair care appliance are available.

[0068] Optionally, the controller is configured to provide a third indication when the hair care appliance is active, wherein the hair care appliance is held by the user and wherein the hair care appliance is providing output. In this way, the indicator can provide the user with a way to determine that the hair care appliance is providing output without having to interact directly with the output. The third operating state may include an active state.

[0069] Optionally, a second indication is provided when the hair care device is held by the user. Alternatively, the second indication can be provided when the hair care device is not held by the user, but when the user interacts with one or more user-actuable elements of the hair care device. For example, when the hair care device is placed on a table, or when the hair care device is placed in a stand, the second indication can be provided when the user presses a button on the hair care device. This again provides the user with a way to determine that certain functions of the hair care device are available.

[0070] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide any one of a first indication, a second indication, and a third indication when the hair care appliance is connected to a power source.

[0071] Optionally, the hair care appliance includes a user interaction module configured to: monitor at least one of the orientation and movement of the hair care appliance; and based on the monitored orientation and movement of the hair care appliance, provide an interaction status signal to a controller, the interaction status signal indicating user interaction with the hair care appliance. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause an indicator to provide at least one of a first, second, and third indication based on the interaction status signal.

[0072] Changes in the orientation and / or relative movement of hair care appliances can provide relatively reliable indications of how a user interacts with the appliance.

[0073] Optionally, the user interaction module includes at least one of a gyroscope for monitoring the orientation of the hair care device and an accelerometer for monitoring the motion of the hair care device. Optionally, the user interaction module is powered when the hair care device is in the lowered state.

[0074] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a first indication when the interaction signal indicates that the hair care appliance has not changed orientation and / or has not moved for a period of time greater than a threshold time period.

[0075] This can provide a reliable way to indicate that the hair care appliance is not being held by the user. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a first indication when an interactive status signal indicates that the hair care appliance has been placed down (e.g., on a surface). This could be by an interactive status signal indicating no movement for a period of time greater than a threshold time period, and / or by a user interactive signal indicating that the hair care appliance is in an orientation that suggests the hair care appliance has been placed down (e.g., a horizontal orientation).

[0076] The threshold time period can be as high as one second, two seconds, three seconds, or about five seconds.

[0077] Optionally, the controller is configured to put the hair care appliance into a put-down state (if provided) when an interactive status signal indicates that the hair care appliance is not moving and / or when an interactive status signal indicates that the hair care appliance has been put down. In this way, the hair care appliance can more reliably transition to the put-down state when it is put down. An indicator may provide a first indication in response to the appliance entering the put-down state.

[0078] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a second indication when the interactive status signal indicates that the hair care appliance is in motion.

[0079] This can provide a reliable way to indicate that the hair care appliance is being held by the user. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a second indication when an interactive status signal indicates that the hair care appliance has been picked up, for example, from a surface. This can be done by an interactive status signal indicating movement of the hair care appliance, and / or by an interactive status signal indicating a change in orientation (e.g., from horizontal to vertical) that suggests the hair care appliance has been picked up.

[0080] Optionally, the controller is configured to bring the hair care appliance into a wake-up state (if provided) when an interaction status signal indicates that the hair care appliance is in motion and / or when an interaction status signal indicates that the hair care appliance has been picked up. In this way, the hair care appliance can more reliably transition to the wake-up state when it is picked up. The controller may be configured to cause an indicator to provide a second indication in response to the hair care appliance entering the wake-up state.

[0081] Optionally, the controller is configured to provide a third indication when an interactive status signal indicates that the hair care appliance is in motion. This provides a more reliable way to indicate that the hair care appliance is providing output while being held by the user.

[0082] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a third indication when the hair care appliance provides a first output for interaction with the user's hair. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a fourth indication, different from the third indication, when there is user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is providing a second output different from the first output.

[0083] Providing third and fourth instructions allows users to easily determine the type of output provided by the hair care appliance.

[0084] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide an alarm when there is no user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is providing output.

[0085] In this way, users can be certain that the hair care device is still running even when there is no user interaction with it. This can improve the safety of hair care devices, for example, by ensuring that users can take corrective action if they determine that the hair care device should not be running.

[0086] Optionally, the indicator includes a visual indicator, and the first, second, and third indicators include corresponding first, second, and third visual indicators sent using the visual indicator.

[0087] Visual indicators can provide users with clear indications of the status of the hair care appliance. Alternatively or additionally, the indicator can provide audible indicators, such as alarms or bells, and / or tactile indicators, such as vibrations. This can enhance the versatility of the hair care appliance. Optionally, a fourth indicator (where provided) includes a fourth visual indicator transmitted using the visual indicator.

[0088] Optionally, the visual indicator includes a light source.

[0089] Optionally, no light is output from the light source in the first indication. In this way, the absence of light from the light source can indicate that there is no user interaction with the hair care appliance and that the hair care appliance is not providing any output. That is, the absence of light from the light source can indicate to the user that the hair care appliance is in a down state (if provided) and / or has been down. This can provide power savings when the hair care appliance is in a down state.

[0090] Optionally, light is output from the light source in the second and third indications. Optionally, if provided, light is output from the light source in the fourth indication. Optionally, depending on the indication, the light output from the light source may have different characteristics. For example, in each of the second and third indications, and optionally in the fourth indication (if provided), the light source may output light with a corresponding flicker profile, a corresponding brightness level, a corresponding color, and / or a corresponding combination of flicker profile, brightness level, and / or color.

[0091] Optionally, the light source includes LEDs, such as RGB LEDs.

[0092] Optionally, the hair care appliance includes a user-actuable element that includes a light-transmitting portion, wherein light from a light source passes through the light-transmitting portion during use.

[0093] This provides a convenient way for users to determine the status of hair care appliances, such as after the user interacts with the user-actuable element. This section may include a light guide to direct light through the user-actuable element. This can provide clearer visual indication from the user-actuable element.

[0094] Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the hair care appliance to provide an output (e.g., a first output and / or a second output, if provided) in response to user interaction with the user-actuable element. In this way, the light emitted from the user-actuable element via this part can be changed after user interaction with the user-actuable element.

[0095] Optionally, user-actuable elements include backlit buttons.

[0096] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a controller for a hair care appliance configured to provide output for interaction with a user's hair. The hair care appliance includes an indicator, and the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide: a first indication when there is no user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is not providing output; a second indication when there is user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is not providing the output; and a third indication when there is user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is providing output.

[0097] A sixth aspect of the invention provides a data carrier including machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause operation of one or more controllers of a hair care appliance to cause an indicator of the hair care appliance to provide: a first indication when there is no user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is not providing output; a second indication when there is user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is not providing the output; and a third indication when there is user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is providing output.

[0098] Where appropriate, optional features and advantages of aspects of the invention may be applied equally to other aspects of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0099] Figure 1 This is a diagram of hair care tools;

[0100] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the main unit of the hair care appliance;

[0101] Figures 3A to 3E This is a schematic diagram showing the accessories of a hair care device;

[0102] Figures 4A to 4C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the response to user input on a hair care appliance;

[0103] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the response to the movement of a hair care appliance; and

[0104] Figure 6 It is a schematic flowchart showing the operating status of hair care appliances. Detailed Implementation

[0105] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image schematically illustrates a hair care appliance 10. The hair care appliance includes a main unit 12 and first to fifth attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250, each attachment being attachable to the main unit 12. Attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 will be described in more detail below.

[0106] The main unit 12 includes a housing 14, an airflow generator 16, a heater 18, and a control unit 20, such as Figure 2 As schematically shown, the housing 14 is tubular and includes an air inlet 22 and an air outlet 24. An airflow generator 16 draws airflow into the housing 14 through the air inlet 22 and discharges the airflow from the housing 14 through the air outlet 24. The airflow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14 and includes an impeller 26 driven by an electric motor 28. A heater 18 is also housed within the housing 14 and includes a heating element 30 to heat the airflow.

[0107] The control unit 20 includes electronic circuitry for a user interface 32, a control module 34, a user interaction module 35, and an RFID reader 36. As will be described in more detail below, the user interaction module 35 is used to detect user interaction with the hair care appliance 10. The RFID reader 36 is used to query RFID tags (not shown) forming part of each of the attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250. The control module 34 is configured to use the RFID reader 36 to detect which of the attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 is connected to the main unit 12. Although RFID has been discussed herein, other forms of wireless or wired communication may be used. The user interface 32 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 14 and includes buttons 100 for enabling the hair care appliance 10 to provide desired functions. The control module 34 is configured to control the airflow generator 16 and the heater 18 in response to input from the user interface 32, based on which attachment 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 is attached to the main unit 12. The control module here includes first and second discrete circuit boards.

[0108] Specifically, the user interface 32 includes a button 100 and a power selector 101. The power selector 101 can be actuated by the user to change the power state of the hair care appliance 10, as will be described in more detail below. The power selector 101 includes a button herein, but in other examples may include any other suitable actuable element, such as a slider, switch, or dial.

[0109] Button 100 includes an actuable portion 110, a light-transmitting portion 120 extending through the actuable portion 110, and a light source 125, which is an RGB LED in this case. Figure 2 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the light source 125 is located in the actuable part 110 (in Figure 2 Behind (shown as dashed lines), and specifically behind the translucent portion 120. In other words, button 100 is a “backlit” button. Here, the translucent portion 120 forms a ring 121 and a triangular outline 122 on the actuating portion 110, but other shapes and types of translucent portions 120 are conceivable. In use, light from the light source 125 passes through the translucent portion 120 to provide one of a number of user indications depending on the type of light emitted by the light source. In an alternative example, the ring 121 may be located outside the actuating portion 110 and therefore may not move with the actuating portion 110.

[0110] Button 100, and particularly its actuable portion 110, is user-actuable to operate hair care appliance 10 and to change the function of the hair care appliance depending on the type of button press and which of the attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 is attached to the main unit 12. The types of button presses include short presses and long presses, in which a short press is pressed for a first duration and a long press is pressed for a second duration longer than the first duration. In this example, a short press is registered when button 100 is pressed between 40 ms and 400 ms, and a long press is registered when button 100 is pressed for more than 400 ms. In other examples, the types of button presses include extra-long presses, in which the button is pressed for a third duration longer than the second duration. An excessively long press can be recorded when button 100 is pressed for more than 1 second, such as up to or greater than 2 seconds, or up to or greater than 3 seconds. In other examples, the button press type includes a single press and / or multiple presses (e.g., double presses) within a predetermined time period (such as no more than 2 seconds or no more than 1 second). The functionality of button 100 will be described in more detail below.

[0111] As described above, in addition to the type of button 100 that can be pressed, the output of the hair care appliance 10 also depends on which of the accessories 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 is attached to the main unit 12. Now described... Figure 1 The attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 shown herein and their basic functions are illustrated. It should be understood that other attachments with different functions may be provided in other examples.

[0112] exist Figure 3A The first attachment 210, shown in more detail, is intended for straightening and smoothing hair. Figure 3A The specific first attachment 210 shown corresponds to the smoothing brush of the Dyson Airwrap® hair styler. The attachment will not be described in further detail here. In short, the first attachment 210 includes a body 211 having an inlet 212 at one end. The attachment also includes bristles 214 attached to a pair of bristle beds 218, which pivot or rock relative to the body 211 between a first position and a second position. When the bristle beds 218 are in the first position, a first pair of outlets 213 are open, through which air is discharged in a first direction. When the beds are in the second position, a different second pair of outlets are open, through which air is discharged in a second opposite direction. Each pair of outlets includes a slot extending between the bristle beds 218 and the body. During use, the first attachment 210 is pulled through the hair, and the bristles 214 are used to smooth and straighten the hair. Airflow generated by the main unit 12 enters the interior of the body 211 via the inlet 212 and exits via the outlets 213 to dry and / or heat the hair.

[0113] exist Figure 3B The second annex 220, shown in more detail, is intended for use in making hair fuller. Figure 3B The specific second attachment 220 shown corresponds to the circular brush of the Dyson Airwrap® hair styler. Again, the second attachment 220 will not be described in detail here. In short, the second attachment 220 includes a body 221, which is generally cylindrical and has an inlet 222 at one end. The second attachment 220 includes bristles 224 attached to a plurality of bristle beds 228 movable within slots in the body 221. Movement of the bristle beds 228 within the slots causes air outlets 224 of the attachment 220 to selectively open between the longitudinal edges of the bristle beds 228 and the slots. During use, the second attachment 220 is pulled through the hair, and the bristles 224 are used to smooth and straighten the hair. Airflow generated by the main unit 12 enters the interior of the body 221 via the inlet 222 and exits via the outlet 223 to dry and / or heat the hair.

[0114] exist Figure 3C The third annex 230, shown in more detail, is intended for use in hair styling, such as curling. Figure 3CThe specific third attachment 230 shown corresponds to the barrel attachment of the Dyson Airwrap® hair styler. Again, the third attachment 230 will not be described in detail here. In short, the third attachment 230 includes a barrel 231 having an inlet 232 at one end. A plurality of outlets 233 in the form of slots are formed around the sides of the barrel 231. During use, when the third attachment 230 is attached to the main unit 12, airflow generated by the main unit 12 enters the interior of the barrel 231 through the inlet 232. From there, the airflow exits through the outlets 233 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This then causes the hair to wrap around and curl the barrel 231.

[0115] exist Figure 3D The fourth annex 240, shown in more detail, is intended for use in smoothing and drying hair. Figure 3D The specific fourth accessory 240 shown corresponds to the Coanda smoothing hairdryer accessory for the Dyson Airwrap® hair styler. Again, the fourth accessory 240 will not be described in detail here. In short, the fourth accessory 240 includes a body 241, which includes an air inlet 242, an air outlet 243, a curved surface 244, and a guide 247. In the configuration shown, the guide 247 is not aligned with the air outlet 243, so the airflow is emitted directly from the air outlet 243. When the guide 247 is aligned with the air outlet 243, the guide 247 guides the airflow from the air outlet 243 through the curved surface 244 of the body 241, such that the airflow guided by the guide 247 generates a first force to attract hair towards the curved surface 244 and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface 244. This achieves a smooth finish by attracting longer hair towards the curved surface while pushing shorter hair away from it.

[0116] exist Figure 3E The fifth attachment 250, shown in more detail below, is intended for straightening and smoothing hair. Again, the fifth attachment 250 will not be described in detail here. In short, the fifth attachment 250 includes a body 251 supporting a pair of clamping jaws 255 that define a clamping space 257 therebetween for receiving a bundle of hair. The body 251 includes an inlet 252 for receiving airflow from the main unit 12. The clamping jaws 255 can pivotally move by the air pressure provided by the received airflow, causing the clamping edges 256 of the jaws 255 to move toward each other to releasably clamp the bundle of hair in the clamping space 257 between the jaws 255. The jaws 255 also include an outlet 253 positioned toward the clamping edges 256, through which at least some of the received airflow can be delivered to the clamping space 257 for styling the clamped bundle of hair.

[0117] like Figures 4A to 4CAs shown, the control module 34 is configured to receive a user signal 410 from the button 100 indicating whether the button 100 is pressed briefly or for a long time, and to receive an attachment signal 420 from the RFID reader 36 indicating which of the plurality of accessories 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 is attached to the main unit 12. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C This illustrates the function of the control module 34 when the corresponding third attachment 230, fourth attachment 240, and fifth attachment 250 are attached to the main unit 12.

[0118] In each case, when user signal 410 indicates a short press, control module 34 is configured by default to output a first control signal 430 to cause hair care appliance 10 (specifically airflow generator 16 and heater 18) to operate in a first operating mode. The first operating mode will be described in more detail below with reference to specific attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250, but generally includes a set of heat and flow settings for heater 18 and airflow generator 16. In response to a further short press of button 100, control module 34 is configured to stop causing operation of hair care appliance 10 in the first operating mode. In other words, a short press of button 100 turns the output of hair care appliance 10 on and off. The response of control module 34 to a long press of button 100 varies depending on which of attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 is attached to main unit 12.

[0119] When the third attachment 230 is attached to the main unit 12, as follows Figure 4A As shown, the control module is configured to modify the future response of the control module 34 to a future short press of the button 100 in response to a long press of the button 100. Specifically, after a long press of the button 100, a future short press of the button 100 causes the control module to output a second control signal 440, causing the hair care appliance 10, particularly the airflow generator 16 and the heater 18, to operate in a second operating mode different from the first operating mode. Again, the second operating mode will be described in more detail below, but generally includes a set of heat and flow settings for the heater 18 and the airflow generator 16. In the second operating mode, at least in the case of the third accessory 230, the heat and flow settings differ from those in the first operating mode.

[0120] A further long press of button 100 causes the control module to revert to its default behavior in response to a future short press, specifically by outputting a first control signal 430. This function applies when button 100 is long-pressed and the hair care appliance 10 is not yet in operation. If the hair care appliance 10 is already in operation in the first operating mode when button 100 is long-pressed, the control module 34 outputs a second control signal 440 to switch the operating mode to the second operating mode, in addition to modifying the future response to a short press. Similarly, if the hair care appliance 10 is already in operation in the second operating mode when button 100 is long-pressed, the control module 34 outputs a first control signal 430 to switch the operating mode back to the first operating mode, in addition to modifying the future response to a short press. In other examples, the operating mode may not switch when the button is long-pressed while the hair care appliance 10 is operating in one or both of the first and second operating modes.

[0121] When the fourth attachment 240 is attached to the main unit 12, such as in Figure 4B In this configuration, control module 34 is configured to output a second control signal 440 in response to a long press of button 100. This allows the hair care appliance 10, particularly the airflow generator 16 and heater 18, to operate in a second operating mode. As will be discussed below, similar to the third accessory 230, the heat and flow settings in the second operating mode differ from those in the first operating mode.

[0122] When the hair care device 10 is already in operation in the first operating mode, in response to a long press of button 100, the control module 34 outputs a second control signal 440 to cause the operating mode to switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode. Similarly, when the hair care device 10 is already in operation in the second operating mode, in response to a long press of button 100, the control module 34 outputs a first control signal 430 to cause the operating mode to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode. In other examples, the operating mode does not switch when the button is pressed and held during operation of the hair care device 10 in one or both of the first and second operating modes.

[0123] When the fifth attachment 250 is attached to the main unit 12, as follows Figure 4CAs shown, short presses and long presses similarly cause the hair care appliance 10 to operate in the corresponding first and second modes. However, here, in response to a long press of button 100, control module 34 causes the hair care appliance 10 to operate in the second operating mode until button 100 is released by the user. Thus, when a short press switches the output of the hair care appliance 10 on and off, pressing and holding button 100 causes the hair care appliance 10 to operate in the second mode as long as button 100 is held. Furthermore, with the fifth accessory, the heat and flow rate settings of heater 16 and airflow generator 18 in the second operating mode are the same as those in the first operating mode (although they may differ in other examples).

[0124] For some of the attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250, including the first to third attachments 210, 220, and 230, the first operating mode is a "smart" operating mode. Specifically, using the third attachment 230, the first operating mode includes alternating between providing an airflow heated to a first heat level and an airflow heated to a second heat level less than the first heat level from the main unit 12 to style hair, such as curling. This includes alternating between providing heated airflow and providing unheated airflow from the main unit 12. Using the first attachment 210 and the second attachment 220, the first "smart" operating mode includes changing the flow rate of the airflow provided by the airflow generator as the corresponding brush beds 218, 228 move. In this way, the flow rate can be increased when there is movement of the corresponding brush beds 218, 228 indicating contact between the attachment and the hair. In each case, by default, the control module 34 triggers the first "smart" operating mode in response to a short press of the button 100.

[0125] In this example, for each of the first to third attachments 210, 220, 230, a long press enables / disables the described "smart" function. When the smart function is disabled by a long press, a subsequent short press of button 100 causes control module 34 to switch to operating the hair care appliance 10 in a second operating mode. In the second operating mode, airflow generator 16 and heater 18 provide airflow at a substantially constant temperature and flow rate. A further long press then re-enables the smart feature. In this way, the user can selectively enable and disable the smart feature of the hair care appliance 10 by providing a short press or a long press, which provides the user with improved control and customizability. As mentioned above, in other examples, a long press of button 100 may simply cause the hair care appliance 10 to operate in a second operating mode, rather than enabling / disabling the smart feature, which may or may not be a smart mode.

[0126] In this example, no smart functionality is provided for other accessories (e.g., fourth accessory 240). In this case, in response to a short press of button 100, control module 34 causes hair care appliance 10 to operate in a first operating mode, which includes the airflow generator 16 and heater 18 providing continuous airflow at a corresponding first temperature and first flow rate. In response to a long press of button 100, control module 34 causes hair care appliance 10 to operate in a second operating mode, which similarly includes the airflow generator 16 and heater 18 providing continuous airflow at a corresponding second temperature and second flow rate, different from the corresponding first temperature and first flow rate. In this way, when hair care appliance 10 does not provide output for interaction with the user's hair, the user can operate hair care appliance 10 in either the first or second operating mode by inputting a corresponding short or long press on button 100. In this example, when hair care appliance 10 is operating in one of the first and second modes (or another mode not described herein), the user can also switch to the other of the first and second operating modes by inputting a short or long press.

[0127] Utilizing the fifth accessory, both the first and second operating modes include an airflow generator 16 and a heater 18 providing continuous airflow at the same flow rate and temperature. However, in this case, the first operating mode involves providing airflow from the main unit 12 when button 100 is briefly pressed, and then stopping the airflow when button 100 is briefly pressed again. This causes the clamps 255 to close in response to a short press and reopen in response to a further short press. In contrast, the second operating mode involves providing airflow from the main unit 12 when button 100 is pressed, and then stopping the airflow when button 100 is released. In this way, a short press can be used to turn the clamping and / or heating provided by the clamps 253 on / off, while a long press can be used to provide this clamping and / or heating only when button 100 is pressed. This provides flexibility in how the user interacts with the hair care appliance.

[0128] In other examples, it should be understood that the intelligent functions described above with respect to any one of Annexes 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 can be provided for any other Annex 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250. For example, the intelligent functions associated with Annex 230 can be provided for Annexes 210, 220, 240, and / or 5. Furthermore, other intelligent functions not described herein can be provided for any one or more Annexes 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 and / or for other Annexes not discussed herein. In other examples, such intelligent functions associated with Annexes 210, 220, and / or 3 may not exist.

[0129] For each of the above-described attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250, the first and second operating modes are the default operating modes for the respective attachments; however, in other examples, the first and / or second operating modes may be user-defined operating modes. For example, utilizing any of the first to third attachments 210, 220, and 230, the first and / or second operating modes may include a user-defined sequence of heat and flow rate settings for the heater 18 and the airflow generator 16. Such user-defined settings may be loaded into the hair care appliance via Bluetooth or other wired or wireless connections, or may be defined using user input on the user interface 32, such as using the buttons, dials, switches, or touchscreens mentioned above.

[0130] When a user interacts with the hair care appliance 10, the hair care appliance 10 in this example is considered to be in an "active" state, and the hair care appliance 10 provides output for interaction with the user's hair, particularly when the airflow generator 16 and / or heater 18 are operating. When a user interacts with the hair care appliance 10 but the hair care appliance 10 does not provide output for interaction with the user's hair, the hair care appliance 10 is considered to be in a "wake-up" state. When the hair care appliance does not provide output for interaction with the user's hair, and when no user interacts with the hair care appliance 10, such as when the hair care appliance 10 is placed on a table, the hair care appliance 10 is considered to be in a "sleep" or "laid-down" state. The hair care appliance also includes a "standby" state, in which power delivery to most functions of the hair care appliance is reduced. For example, the Bluetooth function enabled in the laid-down state 310 is disabled in the standby state 340. More specifically, the standby state includes a first standby state and a second standby state. In the first standby state, the power consumed by the hair care appliance is greater than or equal to 0.5W, and in the second standby state, the power consumed by the hair care appliance is less than 0.5W. The hair care appliance 10 is configured to enter the first standby state after being in a down state for 10 minutes. The hair care appliance 10 is also configured to enter the second standby state after being in the first standby state for 10 minutes. The Bluetooth function may be disabled after a certain period of time (nominally set to 10 minutes), or due to a loss of Bluetooth connection, such as when the user turns off the function on the connected device (e.g., a smartphone), or due to a loss of connection signal (e.g., if someone leaves the vicinity of the device).

[0131] When the hair care appliance 10 is in the active state, button 100 can be actuated to operate the airflow generator 16 and / or heater 18 to provide output. However, when the hair care appliance 10 is in the passive state, it is not possible to activate the airflow generator 16 or heater 18 by actuating button 100. In this way, the hair care appliance has reduced functionality when in the passive state compared to the active state. This prevents unintended operation of the airflow generator 16 and / or heater 18 in the event of accidental pressing of button 100. The hair care appliance 10 also has reduced power consumption when in the passive state compared to the active state. Other functions of the hair care appliance, such as the ability to connect to the hair care appliance 10 via Bluetooth, remain available in the passive state.

[0132] User interaction module 35 includes an accelerometer for monitoring the movement of the hair care device. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the control module 34 is configured to receive an interaction status signal 510 from the user interaction module 35, indicating user interaction with the hair care appliance 10. The control module 34 is configured to cause the hair care appliance 10 to enter a placed state when the interaction status signal 510 indicates, based on a signal received from the accelerometer, that the hair care appliance 10 is not moving and / or has been placed. The control module 34 is configured to cause the hair care appliance 10 to enter a woke-up state when the interaction status signal 510 indicates, based on a signal received from the accelerometer, that the hair care appliance 10 is in motion and / or has been picked up. The control module 34 is configured to cause the hair care appliance to enter an active state when the interaction status signal indicates that the hair care appliance 10 is in motion and / or has been picked up.

[0133] In some examples, the user interaction module 35 alternatively or additionally includes a gyroscope, and the interaction status signal 510 indicates the orientation of the hair care appliance based on signals received from the gyroscope. In this way, the control module 34 can be configured to put the hair care appliance 10 into a lowered state when the interaction status signal 510 indicates that the hair care appliance 10 is in or has entered a horizontal position. Similarly, the control module 34 can be configured to, for example, put the hair care appliance 10 into an active state when the interaction status signal indicates that the hair care appliance 10 has changed from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation.

[0134] This function of hair care device 10 is also present Figure 6The flowchart illustrates this. It can be seen that, as detected by the user interaction module 35, the hair care device 10 transitions between a placed state 310 and an awake state 320, and transitions between a placed state 310 and an active state 330 when picking up / putting down the hair care device 10. Specifically, if the hair care device 10 is placed down while in the awake state 320, the hair care device 10 will transition to the placed state 310. When the hair care device 10 transitions from the awake state 310 to the placed state 310 after being placed down, the hair care device 10 will transition back to the awake state 320 after being picked up. Similarly, if the hair care device 10 is placed down while in the active state 330, the hair care device 10 will transition to the placed state 310. If, while in the put-down state 310, the hair care device 10 is picked up again within 10 seconds after being put down in the active state 330, the hair care device 10 will switch back to the active state 330. If, while in the put-down state 310, the hair care device 10 is picked up more than 10 seconds after being put down in the active state 330, the hair care device 10 will instead switch to the awake state 320.

[0135] Hair care appliance 10 transitions between a wake-up state 320 and an active state 330 after a short press of button 100. When the fourth or fifth accessory is attached to the main unit 12, as discussed above, a long press of button 100 causes hair care appliance 10 to transition between a wake-up state 320 and an active state 330. When one of the first to third accessories is attached to the main unit 12, a long press of button 100 is replaced by modifying the future response of the control module 34 to a short press of button 100 (this function is in...). Figure 6 (Not shown in the image).

[0136] For example Figure 6 As shown, if attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 are removed from the main unit 12 while the hair care appliance is operating in the active state 330, the hair care appliance transitions to the hold state 350. If attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 (the same or different attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250) are reattached during the hold period following the initial removal of attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250, the hair care appliance returns to the active state 330. If no attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 are attached to the main unit 12 during the hold period, the hair care appliance transitions to the awake state 320. The hold period is a maximum of 5 seconds, but can be a maximum of 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, or more than 5 minutes.

[0137] When the hair care appliance 10 is placed down, it transitions from an active state 330 to a placed state 310. After a predetermined period of time (specifically 10 minutes in this example) in the placed state 310, the hair care appliance 10 times out and transitions to a standby state 340 (specifically, the first standby state discussed above). When the hair care appliance 10 is picked up in standby state 340, it transitions to an awake state 320. The power selector 101 can be actuated by the user to cause the hair care appliance 10 to transition directly from the active state 330 to the standby state 340, and / or to switch between the standby state 340 and the awake state 320. This allows the user to manually switch to a low-power standby state 340 without waiting for the hair care appliance to "time out" in the placed state 310.

[0138] The hair care appliance 10 is configured to use a backlit button 100 to indicate its status. Specifically, when the hair care appliance 10 is in the down state (and standby state 340), the control module 34 is configured not to cause the light source 125 of the button 100 to emit light. Therefore, no light from the light source 125 indicates to the user that the hair care appliance is in the down state 310 (or standby state 340). When the hair care appliance 10 is in the awake state 320, the control module 34 is configured to cause the light source 125 to provide a flashing or pulsating outline. This indicates to the user that the hair care appliance 10 is in the awake state 320, and that operation of the button 100 will cause operation of the airflow generator 16 and / or the heater 18. When the hair care appliance 10 is in the active state 330, the control module 34 is configured to cause the light source 125 to provide a constant light output, indicating that the hair care appliance 10 is providing an output for interaction with the user's hair. The color of the RGB LED light source changes depending on whether the hair care device is operating in the first or second operating mode during the active state 330.

[0139] It should be understood that in other examples, the control module 34 may enable the light source to provide any other suitable output indicating the operating state of the hair care appliance 10, such as different flashing profiles, brightness levels, colors, and / or combinations of flashing profiles, brightness levels, and / or colors.

[0140] like Figure 2 As shown, the hair care appliance 10 of this example includes a data carrier 37 containing machine-readable instructions that, when executed, for example, by the processor of the hair care appliance 10, cause the control module 34 to operate to provide the aforementioned functions. The data carrier 37 here is a computer-readable memory located within the hair care appliance.

[0141] Although specific embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, although button 100 and power selector 101 are Figure 1 The user interface 32 shown is only a component of the user interface shown, but it should be understood that one or more other user-actuable elements may be provided. For example, in some examples, the user interface 32 may include one or more buttons, switches, dials, touchscreens, or other user-actuable elements for performing various functions, such as: selectively allowing and blocking user input to change the function of the hair care appliance (e.g., locking and unlocking the hair care appliance 10); operating the hair care appliance 10 in a specific operating mode; enabling / disabling connectivity functions, such as Bluetooth connectivity; selecting or changing airflow rates (e.g., high, medium, and low); and / or selecting or changing airflow temperatures (e.g., hot, medium, and cold).

[0142] In some variations, button 100 may not be backlit, and / or hair care appliance 10 may include another signal, such as another LED light, vibrator, and / or auditory signal, for signaling to the user when the hair care appliance 10 is in the corresponding sleep state 310, wake state 320, and active state 330. Furthermore, although already discussed... Figures 4A to 4C and Figure 5 Specific functions are shown and described, but other functions may be provided in other examples. For example, when accessories 210, 220, 230, 240, and 250 are not attached to the main unit 12, an alarm may be emitted using the backlit button 100 or other symbols when button 100 is actuated. In some examples, the pressing sequence and / or combination of various user-actuable elements provided on the user interface 32 may allow the user to reset the settings of the hair care appliance 10 to factory settings and / or enter the management mode of the hair care appliance 10, such as for maintenance or repair of the hair care appliance 10. Similarly, the user may be able to adjust settings, such as adjusting a first operating mode and / or a second operating mode, or defining additional operating modes, using user-actuable elements on the user interface or via Bluetooth using a smartphone application.

[0143] Those skilled in the art will understand other variations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hair care appliance configured to provide an output for interacting with a user's hair, the hair care appliance including a controller and an indicator, the controller being configured to cause the indicator to: A first indication is provided when there is no user interaction with the hair care device and the hair care device does not provide the output; A second instruction is provided when there is user interaction with the hair care device and the hair care device does not provide the output; and A third instruction is provided when there is user interaction with the hair care device and the hair care device is providing the output.

2. The hair care appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The hair care device includes a user interaction module, which is configured as follows: Monitor at least one of the orientation and movement of the hair care device; and Based on at least one of the orientation and movement of the monitored hair care device, an interaction status signal is provided to the controller, the interaction status signal indicating user interaction with the hair care device; and The controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide at least one of the first indication, the second indication, and the third indication based on the interaction status signal.

3. The hair care appliance according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the first indication when the interaction signal indicates that the hair care device has not changed orientation and / or has not moved for a period of time greater than a threshold time period.

4. The hair care appliance according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the second indication when the interaction status signal indicates that the hair care device is in motion.

5. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the third indication when the hair care device is providing a first output for interacting with a user's hair, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a fourth indication different from the third indication when there is user interaction with the hair care device and the hair care device is providing a second output different from the first output.

6. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide an alarm when there is no user interaction with the hair care appliance and the hair care appliance is providing the output.

7. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The indicator includes a visual indicator, and the first indicator, the second indicator, and the third indicator include corresponding first visual indicator, second visual indicator, and third visual indicator transmitted using the visual indicator.

8. The hair care appliance according to claim 7, wherein, The visual indicator includes a light source.

9. The hair care appliance according to claim 8, wherein, The hair care device includes a user-actuable element, the user-actuable element including a light-transmitting portion, wherein light from the light source passes through the light-transmitting portion during use.

10. The hair care appliance according to claim 9, wherein, The user-actuable element includes a backlit button.

11. A controller for a hair care appliance configured to provide output for interacting with a user's hair, the hair care appliance including an indicator, the controller configured to cause the indicator to: A first indication is provided when there is no user interaction with the hair care device and the hair care device does not provide the output; A second instruction is provided when there is user interaction with the hair care device and the hair care device does not provide the output; and A third instruction is provided when there is user interaction with the hair care device and the hair care device is providing the output.

12. A data carrier comprising machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause operation of one or more controllers of a hair care appliance to cause an indicator of the hair care appliance to: A first indication is provided when there is no user interaction with the hair care device and the hair care device does not provide output; A second instruction is provided when there is user interaction with the hair care device and the hair care device does not provide the output; and A third instruction is provided when there is user interaction with the hair care device and the hair care device is providing the output.

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