Hair care appliance

Abstract

A hair care appliance is described comprising a body having an axis around which hair is wound in use. The body has one or more regions, each region having a respective position along an axis. The hair care appliance has a sensor arrangement configured to output one or more signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair at a respective one of the one or more regions. The hair care appliance has a control unit configured to determine a number of hair wraps around the body based on a plurality of changes in the one or more signals.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a haircare appliance. BACKGROUND

[0002] A haircare appliance can comprise a sensor for sensing proximity of hair to the haircare appliance. It is desirable for the haircare appliance to obtain further information about the interaction of hair with the haircare appliance. SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a haircare appliance comprising: a body having an axis about which hair is wrapped in use, the body having one or more regions, each region having a respective position along the axis; a sensor arrangement configured to output one or more signals, each signal being indicative of a presence of hair at a respective one of the one or more regions; and a control unit configured to determine a number of wraps of hair about the body based on a plurality of changes in the one or more signals.

[0004] This allows the haircare appliance to determine the number of wraps of hair about the body. For example, to curl hair, a user can wrap a lock of hair around the body of the haircare appliance. For example, one complete turn or revolution of the lock of hair about the body can be equivalent to one wrap of hair about the body. Correspondingly, a plurality of complete turns or revolutions of the lock of hair about the body can be equivalent to a plurality of wraps of hair about the body. The user can wrap the lock of hair around the body once, for example to produce a curl with only one turn. Conversely, the user can wrap the lock of hair around the body a plurality of times, for example twice, three times, four times, five times, etc., for example in order to produce a curl with a plurality of turns. The user can do this depending on the length of the hair and / or the style that is desired to be achieved. Determining the number of wraps of hair about the body provides information about the manner in which the haircare appliance is currently being used. Furthermore, determining the number of wraps of hair about the body provides greater granularity of information than, for example, merely determining that there is hair wrapped about the body. The number of wraps of hair about the body (i.e. the number of wraps of hair about the body at the present time) is itself useful information about the current interaction of hair with the haircare appliance. Furthermore, this information can be used in a number of different ways. For example, this can be used to control the operation of the haircare appliance, for example to control feedback provided to the user about the number of wraps of hair about the body and / or to control heating of the body to a particular temperature depending on the number of wraps. Thus, an improved haircare appliance is provided.

[0005] In some examples, each region can extend only partially around the axis. For example, each region can extend less than 180 degrees around the axis, such as less than 90 degrees around the axis. This can help allow variations in the one or more signals to be reliably mapped to a number of wraps of the hair around the body. For example, this can allow each variation (e.g. increase) in a particular signal to correspond to an occurrence of the hair at a region associated with the signal as the hair wrap around the body. This in turn can allow a number of variations in each of the one or more signals to be reliably mapped to a number of wraps around the body. For example, in the case of a single region and a single signal, a first variation (e.g. increase) can be associated with the occurrence of the hair at the region, a second further variation (e.g. increase) can be associated with a first complete wrap of the hair around the body, and a third further variation (e.g. increase) can be associated with a second complete wrap of the hair around the body (in which case the number of wraps of the hair around the body can be determined to be, for example, two). Thus, a reliable determination of the number of wraps can be provided.

[0006] In some examples, a first signal of the one or more signals is indicative of the presence of the hair at a first region extending along the axis of the body; and the control unit is configured to determine the number of wraps of the hair around the body based on a number of variations in the first signal.

[0007] This can allow the number of wraps to be determined by sensing in only one region of the body. This can reduce the cost, size, weight, power consumption and / or number of components of the sensor arrangement. For example, there can be one sensor extending along the axis of the body. Each time a hair bundle completes a turn or revolution around the body, there will be a corresponding variation (e.g. increase) in the first signal. By counting the number of these variations in the first signal, the number of wraps of the hair around the body can be determined.

[0008] In some examples, the control unit is configured to determine the number of wraps of the hair around the body based on a first variation in the first signal indicative of the presence of the hair at the first region and a number of one or more further variations in the first signal, each further variation being indicative of the presence of more hair at the first region.

[0009] This can provide an efficient determination of the number of wraps. For example, the first variation can be indicative of an initial engagement of the hair bundle with the body. The further variations can then be indicative of respective complete revolutions or turns of the hair bundle having been completed. For example, if there are three distinct, consecutive variations (e.g. increases) in the first signal, the control unit can infer that two complete revolutions or turns of the hair around the body have been completed, and that there are therefore two wraps of the hair around the body.

[0010] In some examples, the body has a plurality of regions distributed along an axis of the body, and the sensor arrangement is configured to output a plurality of signals, each signal being indicative of the presence of hair at a respective one of the plurality of regions; and the control unit is configured to determine the number of wraps of hair around the body based on a number of changes in each of the plurality of signals.

[0011] This can provide improved sensitivity in determining the number of wraps. For example, distributing the plurality of regions along the axis of the body can reduce the number of changes in any particular signal for a given number of wraps of hair around the body. Thus, the sensitivity of the control unit to detect any one change in the signal, and hence the reliability, can be improved. In examples, to curl the hair, the user can wrap the hair bundle around and along the body (i.e. around and along the axis of the body), so that the hair bundle becomes helical. In this case, each complete rotation or turn of the hair can occur at a respective different position along the axis of the body. In this case, distributing the plurality of regions along the axis of the body can help to improve the sensitivity in determining the number of wraps. In examples, there can be one sensor at each of the plurality of regions distributed along the axis of the body, each sensor being configured to output one of the signals.

[0012] In some examples, the control unit is configured to determine the number of wraps of hair around the body based on a change in one of the plurality of signals (indicative of the presence of hair at one of the plurality of regions) and a number of changes in one or more respective other ones of the plurality of signals, each of the one or more changes being indicative of the presence of hair at a respective one of the regions.

[0013] This can provide effective determination of the number of wraps of hair around the body. As mentioned above, in examples, to curl the hair, the user can wrap the hair bundle around and along the body, so that the hair bundle becomes helical. It should be noted that curling typically starts at an end of the body that is towards the handle. As an example, there can be three regions distributed along the axis of the body (e.g. along the length of the body). For example, the first to third regions can be distributed in order from the handle of the haircare appliance. A change (e.g. an increase) in the signal from a first of these regions (e.g. closest to the handle) can be indicative of initial engagement of the hair with the body. A subsequent change (e.g. an increase) in the signal from a second of these regions (e.g. between the first and third regions) can be indicative of a first complete rotation or turn of the hair around the body. A subsequent change (e.g. an increase) in the signal from a third of these regions (e.g. adjacent to the second region and furthest from the handle) can be indicative of a second complete rotation or turn of the hair around the body. Based on these changes in the signals, the control unit can infer two wraps of hair around the body. It will be appreciated that any number of regions and signals can be used. A specific example is six.

[0014] In some examples, the plurality of regions are arranged in a row extending along an axis of the body.

[0015] This can help to allow the number of wraps of hair around the body to be determined efficiently. For example, when the plurality of regions are arranged in a row (e.g. a straight line) extending along an axis (e.g. a length) of the body, subsequent changes in the signals correspond to the total number of wraps of hair around the body. This can provide for simpler processing by the control unit in order to determine the number of wraps from the changes in the signals.

[0016] In some examples, the control unit is configured to determine the number of wraps of hair around the body based on an order of the plurality of changes in the signals.

[0017] This can provide for a robust and / or reliable determination of the number of wraps of hair around the body. For example, as described above, in normal use of the haircare appliance, hair wraps around the body starting from the end of the body closest to the handle and moves towards the end of the body furthest from the handle. In an example where there are three regions extending sequentially along the length of the body from the handle, therefore, in normal use the signal from the first region should not change after the signal from the second region changes, and the signal from the second region should not change after the signal from the third region changes. Therefore, in some examples, the number of wraps of hair around the body can be determined in response to determining that the changes in the signals occur in a certain order. For example, in the example described above, the order would be that the third signal does not change before the first or second signal changes, and the second signal does not change before the first signal changes. Changes occurring in a different order to this can indicate that an object other than the currently being wrapped hair (e.g. other nearby hair) is present at one of the regions, so determining the number of wraps based on these signal changes can not be accurate. In this case, the control unit can restart the determination of the number of wraps of hair based on subsequent changes in the signals output by the sensor arrangement. In some examples, the control unit is configured to restart the determination of the number of wraps of hair around the body in response to each of the plurality of signals indicating that there is no hair present at the plurality of regions. For example, this can correspond to a situation where there is no hair present at the body, and the control unit can infer that the next change in one of the signals will indicate the start of a new wrap of hair around the body. This can therefore provide for a robust determination of the direction.

[0018] In some examples, the control unit is configured to control operation of the haircare appliance based on the determined number of wraps of hair around the body. This can allow the haircare appliance to be operated based on the determined number of wraps of hair around the body.

[0019] In some examples, the haircare appliance comprises a feedback device configured to provide feedback to a user of the haircare appliance in use, wherein the control unit is configured to control the feedback device to provide feedback to the user based on the determined number of wraps of hair around the main body.

[0020] This can allow the haircare appliance to guide the user in using the haircare appliance. For example, this can help the user to operate the haircare appliance in an intended manner, or to achieve a particular style. In examples, the feedback device can comprise a display configured to display feedback to the user, a loudspeaker configured to generate a sound to convey feedback to the user, and / or a haptic device configured to generate haptic feedback for the user. In examples, the feedback can indicate whether the determined number of wraps of hair around the main body meets a particular style. For example, it can be that, depending on a particular style selected, hair should be wrapped around the main body a particular number of times. If the control unit determines that the number of wraps of hair around the main body is less than or more than the particular number of wraps, or is not within a particular range of the particular number of wraps, the control unit can control the feedback device to convey to the user that the current number of wraps of hair does not meet the particular style selected. This can guide the user to continue to wrap the hair section around the main body, or to rewrap the hair section around the main body with a reduced number of wraps, in order to properly achieve the particular style selected. Other examples are possible. This feedback allows for improved interaction of the user with the haircare appliance, and helps the user to use the haircare appliance to achieve a particular style.

[0021] In some examples, the control unit is configured to: compare the determined number of wraps of hair around the main body to a predetermined number of wraps; and control the feedback device to provide feedback to the user based on the comparison.

[0022] This can allow the haircare appliance to guide the user in using the haircare appliance to achieve a particular number of curls. For example, the user can input a desired number of curls, or the desired number of curls can be inferred, for example, from a particular style selected. This can be used as the predetermined number of wraps. If the determined number of wraps matches the predetermined number of wraps, or is within a particular range of the predetermined number of wraps, the control unit can control the feedback device to provide first feedback to the user indicating that the number of wraps matches the predetermined number of wraps (such as a particular light, sound and / or haptic feedback). This can prompt the user to stop wrapping the particular hair section around the main body. If the number of wraps exceeds or is below the predetermined number of wraps, the control unit can control the feedback device to provide second feedback to the user (e.g. a different particular light, sound and / or haptic feedback) indicating that the number of wraps does not match the predetermined number. This can prompt the user to continue to wrap the hair around the main body, or to rewrap the hair around the main body but with a reduced number of wraps. This can help the user to achieve a particular curl or style.

[0023] In some examples, the haircare appliance comprises an input interface configured to receive a user input, and the control unit is configured to determine the predetermined number of wraps based on the received user input.

[0024] This allows the user to input a particular number of curls or a style that they want to curl their hair. This can allow the haircare appliance to guide the user in operating the haircare appliance so that it conforms to the desired outcome. In examples, the input interface can comprise one or more buttons and / or a touch screen. Other examples are possible. This can help the user to achieve the desired style.

[0025] In some examples, the body is removable, and the feedback indicates instructions to replace the body with a body of a different diameter.

[0026] This can guide the user in operating the haircare appliance to achieve the desired curl or style. For example, the user can input a desired number of curls, or the desired number of curls can be inferred from a particular style selected, for example. The haircare appliance can comprise a main portion, for example comprising a handle, and a plurality of attachments that are attachable to the main portion and each comprise a body around which hair is wrapped in use. The control unit can determine that the number of wraps of hair around the body is greater than the desired number of curls, for example significantly greater and / or consistently greater than the desired number of curls. In this case, the control unit can control the feedback device to provide feedback to the user that they can or should use a body of a greater diameter to achieve the desired number of curls. This can prompt the user to exchange the current attachment for another attachment whose body has a greater diameter. Conversely, the control unit can determine that the number of wraps of hair around the body is less than the desired number of curls, for example significantly less and / or consistently less than the desired number of curls. In this case, the control unit can control the feedback device to provide feedback to the user that they can or should use a body of a smaller diameter to achieve the desired number of curls. This can prompt the user to exchange the current attachment for another attachment whose body has a smaller diameter. This can guide the user in interacting with the appliance to achieve the desired curl or style.

[0027] In some examples, the control unit is configured to determine a length of the user’s hair based on the determined number of wraps of hair around the body and a circumference of the body; determine a style to recommend to the user based on the determined length of the user’s hair; and control the feedback device to provide feedback indicating the determined style.

[0028] This can allow the haircare appliance to determine properties of the hair that is being treated with the appliance, in particular the length of the hair, and recommend a style that is suitable for the determined length of the hair. This can provide an improved user experience. In an example, the circumference of the body or a representative of the circumference, e.g. the diameter of the body, can be stored by the control unit, determined by the control unit based on the identity of the body, communicated by the body to the control unit, and / or input by the user. The length of the hair pocket is calculated by multiplying the circumference by the determined number of wraps. In an example, if it is determined that the user has long hair, a certain style can be recommended to the user that involves a relatively large amount of curling. The user can select this style, and as described above, the predetermined number of wraps can be set accordingly. Other examples are possible.

[0029] In some examples, the haircare appliance comprises a heater configured to heat at least a portion of the body, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the heater to heat at least a portion of the body to a certain temperature based on a certain determined number of wraps of hair around the body.

[0030] This can allow the haircare appliance to set an appropriate temperature to which the body is to be heated depending on the number of wraps of hair around the body. For example, "younger" hair, i.e. relatively newly grown hair, can be more susceptible to damage by high temperatures, while "older" hair, i.e. relatively longer time ago grown hair, can withstand higher temperatures without being damaged. Thus, in a case where it is determined that there is a relatively large number of wraps of hair around the body, the control unit can infer (or calculate based on the circumference of the body as described above) that the curled hair is relatively long. From this, the control unit can infer that the hair strand portion that is at least located near the handle of the haircare appliance is relatively "older" hair. In this case, the control unit can control the heater to heat at least the portion of the body that is towards the handle to a relatively high temperature. As another example, a person's hair length can vary, with shorter portions of hair being "younger" than longer portions of hair. The control unit can be configured to determine that the current number of wraps around the body is less than the number of wraps in one or more immediately preceding instances of wrapping. From this, the control unit can infer that the currently wrapped hair strand is shorter, and thus is younger hair, and thus can control the heater to heat the body to a relatively lower temperature to avoid damaging the hair. Thus, a customized operation of the haircare appliance can be provided.

[0031] In some examples, the sensor arrangement comprises one or more sensors, each sensor being configured to output a respective one of the one or more signals.

[0032] This can provide a robust way to provide one or more sensors. For example, each sensor can output a signal independently of the others. This can, for example, allow for a clear and reliable signal about the presence of hair in each area. Furthermore, in the presence of multiple sensors, this allows the determination to remain robust even if one sensor fails.

[0033] In some examples, one or more sensors in the sensor array are non-contact sensors.

[0034] For example, a non-contact sensor can be configured to output a signal indicating the presence of hair at the sensor, without the hair having physical contact with the sensor itself. Examples of non-contact sensors include capacitive sensors (e.g., self-capacitance or mutual-capacitance sensors), optical sensors, and ultrasonic sensors. In some examples, one or more of the sensors can be contact sensors, i.e., sensors configured to output a signal indicating the presence of an object only when the object physically contacts the sensor itself. Examples of contact sensors include touch sensors, force sensors, and pressure sensors. Another example of a contact sensor is an element coupled to a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the element, and contact between an object and the element causes a change in the element's temperature, resulting in a change in the signal output by the temperature sensor. Other types of sensors can be used.

[0035] Non-contact sensors allow the presence of hair to be detected even when the hair is not physically in contact with the sensor. This eliminates the need for the sensor to be placed on the outer surface of the hair care appliance, which could otherwise interrupt its operation.

[0036] In some examples, each signal includes a time-series value, or the control unit samples each signal as a time-series value, and each value indicates the extent to which hair is present in the corresponding region at a given time.

[0037] This allows the determination to be easily performed by a microcontroller or other computer processor, providing an inexpensive, simple, flexible, and / or lightweight means of determining orientation. This is, for example, different from using hardwired circuit logic, which can still be used in some other examples. In some examples, the control unit can determine that a change in a given signal has occurred based on the gradient of the time series values ​​being greater than a threshold. This allows for robust determination of the winding quantity, for example, by filtering out small and / or slow changes associated with background noise.

[0038] In some examples, the body has multiple regions distributed around an axis; wherein multiple signals output by the sensor arrangement each indicate the presence of hair in a corresponding region among the multiple regions distributed around the axis; and wherein the control unit is configured to determine the direction in which the hair wraps around the body based on the multiple signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region among the multiple regions distributed around the axis.

[0039] This allows for determining the direction in which the hair wraps around the body (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise from a given angle). This provides further information about the interaction between the hair and the hair care appliance, which is useful in itself. Furthermore, this information can be used in various ways. For example, the control unit can be configured to control the operation of the hair care appliance based on the determined direction in which the hair wraps around the body. This could be used, for example, to control feedback devices to provide feedback to the user and / or control the direction of airflow around the body. Other examples are possible. This can provide further improvements to the hair care appliance.

[0040] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for determining the amount of hair wrapped around a body of a hair care device, the body having an axis around which hair is wrapped, the body having one or more regions, each region having a corresponding position along the axis, the method comprising: receiving one or more signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair at a corresponding region among the one or more regions; and determining the amount of hair wrapped around the body based on multiple variations of the one or more signals.

[0041] This can allow for advantages similar to those described above with reference to the first aspect. In some examples, the method includes controlling the operation of the hair care appliance based on a determined amount of hair wrapped around the body. This can be the same as or similar to that described above with reference to the first aspect. In some examples, the method can be performed by a control unit of the hair care appliance. In some examples, the control unit can be the same as that described above with reference to the first aspect. In some examples, the control unit can be located in the main part of the hair care appliance (e.g., the handle). In some examples, signals can be received from an accessory, such as an accessory including the body, which can be attached to and / or detached from the main part. This can allow for improved flexibility in the functionality of the hair care appliance. For example, signals can be received wirelessly or via wires or conductive rails. In some examples, the method can be performed by a separate entity, for example, remote from the hair care appliance. For example, signals can be sent to and received by a remote processor, and can be determined by the remote processor. In some examples, the result of the determination can be sent to and received by the hair care appliance, which can then control the operation of the hair care appliance, for example, based on the determination. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Further features and advantages will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a hair care appliance according to an example;

[0044] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a hair care tool;

[0045] Figure 3 It is a schematic graph showing the curve of the signal output by the sensor as a function of time, according to the example;

[0046] Figure 4a This is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a hair care appliance according to another example;

[0047] Figure 4b It is a graph schematically showing the curves of the signals output by the corresponding sensors as a function of time, according to the example.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a hair care appliance according to another example;

[0049] Figure 6a It is a schematic graph showing the gradient curves of two signals output by the corresponding sensors as a function of time, according to an example.

[0050] Figure 6b It is a schematic graph showing the gradient of two signals output by corresponding sensors over time, according to another example;

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a hair care appliance according to another example;

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a hair care appliance according to another example;

[0053] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a control unit according to an example; and

[0054] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the method according to the example.

[0055] As used herein, the same reference numerals denote the same features. Detailed Implementation

[0056] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image shows a hair care appliance 102 based on an example.

[0057] The hair care tool 102 includes a body 104 having an axis A around which hair is wrapped during use. In this example, the body 104 has a region 108. (As in...) Figure 2 As best seen in this example, region 108 is elongated along axis A and extends only partially around axis A. The hair care appliance 102 includes a sensor arrangement 112. In this example, the sensor arrangement 112 is configured to output a signal indicating the presence of hair in region 108 of the body 104. The hair care appliance 102 includes a control unit 120. As described in more detail below, the control unit 120 is configured to determine the amount of hair wrapped around the body based on multiple variations in the signal.

[0058] Hair styling tool 102 is used to curl hair. Hair styling tool 102 includes a main part 106, and a body 104 is configured as an attachment 104 that can be attached to and / or detached from the main part 106. The main part 106 provides a handle for the hair styling tool 102. The body 104 is generally cylindrical in form. The body 104 is elongated along axis A. The body 104 includes one or more heating elements 121, which are controlled by a control unit 120 to heat the body 104 or at least its outer surface. When hair is wrapped around the body 104 along axis A, the heat provided by the body can be used to style the hair into curls. Therefore, a user can use the hair styling tool 102 to style their hair.

[0059] Hair care appliance 102 includes an input interface 126 configured to receive user input. For example, input interface 126 may allow a user to input a specific number of curls or style they want to curl their hair. In this example, input interface 126 may include one or more buttons and / or a touchscreen. Other input interfaces are possible.

[0060] The hair care appliance 102 includes a feedback device 124 configured to provide feedback to a user of the hair care appliance 102 during use. In this example, the feedback device 124 includes a display 125 configured to show feedback to the user. For example, the display 125 may include an LED screen, etc. In this example, the feedback device 124 may alternatively or additionally include a speaker (not shown) configured to generate sound to convey feedback to the user and / or a haptic device (not shown) configured to generate haptic feedback to the user. Using the feedback device 124, the hair care appliance 102 can provide feedback to the user during use to guide the user's operation of the hair care appliance 102. In some examples, the input interface 126 and the feedback device 124 may be provided by the same device, such as a touch screen display.

[0061] As described above, the hair care appliance 102 includes a sensor arrangement 112 configured to output a signal indicating the presence of hair at region 108 of the body 104. In this example, the sensor arrangement 112 includes a sensor 114 located at region 108 and configured to output a signal. In this example, the sensor 114 is elongated along axis A and extends only partially around axis A. The sensor 114 is positioned to sense radially outward from the body 104 (i.e., radially outward from the region 108 corresponding to the sensor). In some examples, the sensor 114 may be a non-contact sensor. For example, a non-contact sensor may be configured to output a signal indicating the presence of hair 230 at the sensor 114, without the hair 230 having physical contact with the sensor 114. Examples of non-contact sensors include capacitive sensors (e.g., self-capacitance sensors or mutual capacitance sensors), light sensors, and ultrasonic sensors. In other examples, the sensor 114 may be a contact sensor, i.e., a sensor configured to output a signal indicating the presence of hair 230 at the sensor 114 only when the hair is in physical contact with the sensor itself. Examples of contact sensors include touch sensors (e.g., capacitive or resistive sensors), force sensors, and pressure sensors. Another example of a contact sensor is an element coupled to a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the element, and contact between an object and the element causes a change in the element's temperature, resulting in a change in the signal output by the temperature sensor. Other types of sensors can be used. In some examples, sensor 114 can be any sensor whose output is affected by the presence of hair. For example, if area 114 is heated, a high-temperature resistant sensor (such as a heating element coupled to the temperature sensor described above) could be selected.

[0062] In some examples, the signals may be non-binary, such as having a series of values ​​or continuous values. For example, the amplitude or oscillation of each signal may indicate the proximity of hair 230 to region 108, or otherwise indicate the extent to which hair 230 is present in region 108. In some examples, the signals comprise time-series values, or the control unit 120 may sample each signal as a time-series value, and each value may indicate the extent to which hair 230 is present in region 108 at a given time. In some examples, hair present in region 108 may correspond to hair 230 that is close to or near region 108. In other examples, hair 230 present in that region may correspond to hair 230 that is in contact with region 108.

[0063] Sensor arrangement 112 can be connected to control unit 120 via wired or wireless means to provide signals to control unit 120. In an example where body 104 is provided as an accessory and control unit 120 is located within main portion 106, body 104 and main portion 106 can be connected, which can be wired or wireless, through which signals can be transmitted from sensor arrangement 112 to control unit 120. In some examples, sensor arrangement 112 may include sensor 114, and the signal output by the sensor can be directly provided to control unit 120. In other examples, sensor arrangement 112 may include sensor 114 and a multi-channel reader (not shown), and the signal can be provided to control unit 120 by the multi-channel reader (not shown). For example, the multi-channel reader can transmit the signal output by the sensor (and...) Figure 1 The outputs of other sensors (not shown) are sampled as time-series values ​​and provided to the control unit 120. In any case, the sensor arrangement 112 is configured to output a signal indicating the presence of hair in the corresponding region 108 of the body 104.

[0064] The control unit 120 is configured to determine the number of times the hair 230 is wrapped around the body 104 based on multiple changes in the signal. For example, a complete loop or rotation of the hair strand 230 around the body 104 can be equivalent to one wrap of the hair around the body 104. Accordingly, multiple complete loops or rotations of the hair around the body 104 can be equivalent to multiple wraps around the body 104. A user can wrap the hair strand around the body once, for example, to create a curl with only one loop. Conversely, a user can wrap the hair strand around the body 104 multiple times, for example, two, three, four, five, etc., to create a curl with multiple loops.

[0065] refer to Figure 3 The graph shows a signal 330, which is a function of time, indicating the presence of hair in the first region 108. Specifically, Figure 3A graph of the signal 330, output by sensor 114 as a function of time, is shown based on an example of a user wrapping hair around body 104. Before a first time t1, no hair is present in the first region 108. Therefore, before t1, signal 330 has a relatively low value R1, indicating that no hair is present in the first region 108. At t1, the user begins to wrap the hair around body 104, and hair appears in the first region 108. Therefore, at t1, there is a first change ΔR1 in signal 330, specifically an increase from R1 to a higher value R2. This indicates that hair is present in the first region 108. The user continues to wrap the hair around body 104, and at a second time t2, the hair has completed a full loop around body 104. Therefore, at t2, there is a second further change ΔR2 in signal 330, specifically a further increase from R2 to a higher value R3. This indicates that additional hair is present in the first region 108, and therefore the hair has completed a full loop around body 104. Control unit 120 analyzes signal 330 to detect multiple changes ΔR1, ΔR2, and determines the number of times the hair is wrapped around body 104 based on the number of detected changes. In this example, based on two changes in the signal, control unit 120 determines that the number of times the hair is wrapped around body 104 is one.

[0066] More generally, in this example, the control unit 120 may be configured to determine the number of hairs wrapped around the body 104 based on a first change in a signal indicating the presence of hair at the first region 108 and the number of one or more further changes in the signal, each further change indicating the presence of more hair at the first region 108. For example, the first change may indicate the initial engagement of the hair bundle with the body 104. Further additional changes may then indicate that a corresponding full rotation or loop of the hair bundle has been completed. For example, if there are three distinct, consecutive, cumulative changes (e.g., an increase) in the first signal, the control unit may infer that the hair has completed two full rotations or loops around the body 104, and therefore there are two wraps of hair around the body 104. More generally, the control unit 120 may determine that if there are n such changes, the number of hairs wrapped around the body is n-1. As described above, in this example, the region extends only partially around axis A (e.g., less than 180 degrees or less than 90 degrees around axis A). This helps to allow changes in the signal to be reliably mapped to the number of hairs wrapped around the body 104. In some examples, the control unit can determine that changes ΔR1, ΔR2 have occurred in the signal based on the signal's gradient (e.g., composed of time-series values) being greater than a threshold. This can be used to filter out small and / or slow changes in the signal that are associated with background noise.

[0067] Refer to the above Figures 1 to 3In the described example, the amount of hair entanglement is determined based on multiple variations in the signal indicating the presence of hair at region 108 / sensor 114. In this example, region 108 / sensor 114 has a location along an axis and extends along the elongated body 104. However, in other examples, the body may have multiple regions distributed along axis A of the body, as described in more detail below.

[0068] refer to Figure 4a The image shows a hair care appliance 402 according to another example. Hair care appliance 402 can be compared with the one referenced above. Figures 1 to 3 The described hair care appliance 102 is identical or similar (i.e., it may have at least some or all of the same or similar parts or functions), except that the body 404 of the hair care appliance 402 has multiple regions 408, 410, 412 distributed along axis A of the body 404. Each region 408, 410, 412 of the body has a corresponding position along axis A. Specifically, the first region 408 is closest to the main unit 406, the second region is between the first region 408 and the third region 412, and the third region 412 is furthest from the main unit 306. In this example, as described above, each region 408, 410, 412 extends only partially around axis A. In this example, the multiple regions 408, 410, 412 are arranged in a linear row along axis A.

[0069] In this example, sensor arrangement 412 is configured to output multiple signals, each indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region among multiple regions 408, 410, 412. Specifically, in this example, sensor arrangement 412 includes three sensors 414, 416, 418 arranged in a row along axis A of body 404. The first sensor 414 is located in the first region 408, the second sensor 416 is located in the second region 410, and the third sensor 418 is located in the third region 412. In this example, control unit 102 is configured to determine the amount of hair wrapped around body 404 based on changes in each of the multiple signals. This can provide improved sensitivity in determining the amount of wrapping. For example, distributing the multiple regions along axis A of body 404 can reduce the number of changes in any particular signal for a given amount of hair wrapped around body 404. Therefore, the sensitivity and, consequently, reliability of control unit 120 in detecting any particular signal change can be improved.

[0070] In the example, to curl the hair, the user can wrap the hair bundle 430 around and along the body (i.e., around and along axis A of the body 404) such that the hair bundle becomes a spiral shape (as shown in Figure 4). In this case, each complete rotation or loop of the hair can occur at a corresponding different location along axis A of the body 404. In this case, distributing multiple areas along axis A of the body 404 can help improve the sensitivity in determining the number of wraps.

[0071] In this example, the control unit 120 can be configured to determine the amount of hair wrapped around the body 404 based on a change in one of a plurality of signals (indicating the presence of hair in one of a plurality of regions 408) and the number of changes in one or more corresponding other signals among the plurality of signals, each of the one or more changes indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region of regions 410, 412. As described above, in this example, to curl the hair, a user can wrap a hair bundle around and along the body, causing the hair bundle to form a spiral shape. It should be noted that the curling typically begins at one end of the body facing the main unit or handle 406. Reference Figure 4b It shows the relationship with Figure 4aThe graph represents the associated signals of each of the multiple regions 408, 410, and 412 of the main body 404. Specifically, a first signal 440 indicates the presence of hair in the first region 408, a second signal 442 indicates the presence of hair in the second region 410, and a third signal 444 indicates the presence of hair in the third region 412. A first change (specifically, an increase) ΔR1' of the first signal 480 at a first time t1' represents the initial engagement of the hair strand 430 with the main body 404. Since the hair strand 430 partially overlaps with the second region 410, the second signal 482 also increases slightly at t1'. A subsequent change (specifically, a subsequent increase) ΔR2' of the second signal 442 at a second time t2' represents the first complete rotation or loop of the hair 430 around the main body 404. A subsequent change (specifically, a subsequent increase) ΔR3' of the third signal 444 at a third time t3' represents the second complete rotation or loop of the hair 430 around the main body 404. Control unit 120 can count the number of changes ΔR1', ΔR2', ΔR3' in multiple signals to determine the number of times the hair 430 is wrapped around the body 404. For example, based on three consecutive increases in ΔR1', ΔR2', ΔR3' in the signals (as shown in this example), control unit 120 can infer that the hair is wrapped around the body 804 twice. More generally, if n changes are detected, the control unit can determine that the hair is wrapped around the body 404 n-1 times. It should be understood that any number of regions and signals can be used. A specific example is six regions and corresponding signals. As mentioned above, control unit 120 can determine that changes ΔR1', ΔR2', ΔR3' have occurred in the signal (and therefore should be counted) based on the signal gradient being greater than a threshold. This can be used to filter out small and / or slow changes in the signal associated with background noise.

[0072] In some examples, the control unit 120 can determine the amount of hair wrapped around the body 404 based on the sequence of multiple signal changes. For example, as described above, during normal use of the hair care device, the hair begins to wrap around the body 404 from the end closest to the main unit or handle 406 and moves towards the end of the body 404 furthest from the main unit or handle 406. Therefore, in Figure 4a and Figure 4bIn the example, under normal use, the first signal 440 should not change after the second signal 442 changes, and the second signal 442 should not change after the third signal 444 changes. Therefore, in some examples, the number of hairs wrapped around the body 404 can be determined in response to the determination that changes in the signals occur in a certain sequence. For example, in the example above, the sequence would be that the third signal 444 does not change before the first signal 440 or the second signal 442 changes, and the second signal 552 does not change before the first signal 440 changes. Changes occurring in a different sequence could indicate the presence of an object other than the currently wrapped hair bundle (e.g., other nearby hairs) in one of the regions 408, 410, 412, and therefore determining the number of wraps based on these signal changes might be inaccurate. In this case, the control unit 120 can restart determining the number of hairs wrapped based on subsequent changes in the signals output by the sensor arrangement 408.

[0073] In the example, control unit 120 can restart determining the number of hairs wrapped around body 104, 404 in response to each signal indicating that no hair is present at one or more regions 108, 408, 410, 412. For example, this could correspond to the case where no hair is present at body 104, 404, and control unit 120 could infer that the next change in one of the signals would indicate a new wrapping of hair around body 104, 404.

[0074] In some examples, the control unit 120 may be configured to control the operation of hair care appliances 102, 402 based on the determined amount of hair wrapped around the body.

[0075] As an example, control unit 120 may be configured to control feedback device 124 to provide feedback to the user based on a determined amount of hair wrapped around bodies 104, 404. For example, control unit 120 may compare the determined amount of hair wrapped around bodies 104, 404 with a predetermined amount of hair, and control feedback device 124 to provide feedback to the user based on that comparison. For example, if control unit 120 determines that the amount of hair wrapped around bodies 104, 404 is less than or more than the predetermined amount of hair, or is not within a specific range of the predetermined amount of hair, control unit 120 may control feedback device 124 to communicate to the user that the current amount of hair wrapped is inconsistent with the predetermined amount of hair. For example, if the determined amount of hair is higher than or lower than the predetermined amount of hair, or is not within a specific range of the predetermined amount of hair, control unit 120 may control feedback device 124 to provide first feedback to the user (e.g., a first specific light on display device 125) indicating that the amount of hair wrapped does not match the predetermined amount. However, if the determined number of wraps matches the predetermined number of wraps, or is within a specific range of the predetermined number of wraps, the control unit 120 can control the feedback device 124 to provide the user with second feedback indicating that the number of wraps matches the predetermined number of wraps (e.g., a second specific light on the display screen). This can prompt the user to stop wrapping the specific hair strand around the body 104, 404.

[0076] In this example, the predetermined number of wraps can be input by the user into the user interface 126, and the control unit 120 can set the predetermined number of wraps accordingly. In this example, the control unit 120 can determine the predetermined number of wraps based on a specific style, for example, selected by the user or otherwise input into the input interface 126. For example, it is possible that, depending on the specific style, the hair should be wrapped around the body 104, 404 a specific number of times. Therefore, the control unit 120 can set the predetermined number of wraps to a specific number of wraps based on the selected style.

[0077] In some examples, the bodies 102, 404 can be removed from the main units 106, 406, and feedback can instruct the replacement of bodies 104, 404 with bodies of different diameters. For example, a hair care appliance may include main parts 106, 406 and multiple attachments that can be attached to the main parts, each attachment including a body 104, 404 around which hair wraps during use. The control unit 120 may determine that the amount of hair wrapped around the currently attached body 104, 404 is greater than a predetermined number of curls, for example, much greater and / or always greater. In this case, the control unit 120 may control the feedback device 124 to provide feedback to the user that they can or should use a different body with a larger diameter to achieve the desired number of curls. This may prompt the user to exchange the current attachment for another attachment with a larger diameter body 104, 404. Conversely, the control unit 120 may determine that the amount of hair wrapped around the currently attached body 104, 404 is less than a predetermined number of curls, for example, much less and / or always much less. In this scenario, the control unit 120 can control the feedback device 124 to provide feedback to the user that they or should use a smaller diameter body 104, 404 to achieve the desired number of curls. This can prompt the user to exchange the current attachment for another attachment with a smaller diameter body 104, 404. This can guide the user's interaction with the appliance to achieve the desired number of curls or shape.

[0078] In some examples, control unit 120 may be configured to determine the length of a user's hair based on the determined number of times hair is wrapped around bodies 104, 404 and the circumference of bodies 104, 404. In these examples, the circumference of bodies 104, 404, or a representation of the circumference (such as the diameter of bodies 104, 404) may be stored by control unit 120, determined by control unit 120 based on the identity of bodies 104, 404, transmitted to control unit 120 by bodies 104, 404, and / or input by the user using input interface 126. The length of the hair can be calculated by multiplying the circumference of bodies 104, 404 by the determined number of wraps. In these examples, control unit 120 may be configured to determine a style to recommend to the user based on the determined length of the user's hair and control feedback device 124 to provide feedback indicative of the determined style. For example, if it is determined that the user has long hair, a style involving a relatively large number of curls may be recommended to the user. The user can select this style, and as described above, a predetermined number of wraps can be set accordingly. Other examples are possible.

[0079] As another example, the control unit 120 can be configured to control the heater 121 to heat at least a portion of the bodies 104, 404 to a specific temperature based on a specifically determined amount of hair wrapped around the bodies 104, 404. For example, "newer" hair, i.e., relatively recently grown hair, may be more susceptible to damage from high temperatures, while "older" hair, i.e., hair grown a relatively long time ago, may be able to withstand higher temperatures without damage. Therefore, in the case of determining that there is a relatively large amount of hair wrapped around the bodies 104, 404, the control unit 120 can infer (or calculate based on the circumference of the bodies 104, 404 as described above) that the curled hair is relatively long. Thus, the control unit can infer that at least the portion of the hair bundles 230, 430 located near the main unit or handle 106, 406 of the hair care device 102, 402 is relatively "older" hair. In this case, the control unit 120 can control the heater 121 to heat at least a portion of the bodies 104, 404 facing the main unit or handle 106, 406 to a relatively high temperature. As another example, human hair lengths can vary, with shorter sections of hair being "newer" than longer sections. Control unit 120 can be configured to determine that the current amount of hair wrapped around bodies 104, 404 is less than the amount of hair wrapped in one or more preceding wrapping scenarios. Therefore, control unit 120 can infer that the currently wrapped hair strands 230, 430 are shorter and therefore newer, and can thus control heater 121 to heat bodies 104, 504 to a relatively low temperature to avoid damaging the newer hair. Other examples are possible.

[0080] Refer to the above Figures 1 to 4b In the described examples, bodies 104, 404 have an axis A around which hair wraps during use, and have one or more regions 108, 408, 410, 412, each region having a corresponding position along axis A. Sensor arrangements 112, 412 are configured to output one or more signals 330, 440, 442, 444, each signal indicating the presence of hair 230, 430 at a corresponding region among the one or more regions 108, 408, 410, 412. In these examples, control unit 120 is configured to determine the amount of hair 230, 430 wrapped around body 104, 404 based on multiple variations ΔR1, ΔR2, ΔR1', ΔR2', ΔR3' of the one or more signals 330, 440, 442, 444.

[0081] However, in some examples, the control unit 120 may be additionally configured to determine the direction in which the hair is wrapped around axis A, as described in more detail below. Determining the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body provides more granular information about how the hair care appliance is currently being used. The current direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body is itself useful information about the current interaction between the hair and the hair care appliance. Furthermore, this information can be used in a variety of different ways. For example, this can be used to control the operation of the hair care appliance, such as controlling the feedback provided to the user regarding the direction of hair wrapping and / or controlling the airflow provided in a certain direction around the body, as described in more detail below.

[0082] refer to Figure 5 This shows a hair care appliance 502 according to another example. Besides... Figure 5 In addition to having multiple regions 508, 510 (hereinafter referred to as the second plurality of regions 508, 510) distributed around axis A, the hair care appliance 502 can be compared with the above reference. Figures 1 to 4b Any hair care appliance described in the examples 102, 402 is identical or similar (i.e., it may have at least some or all of the same or similar parts or functions). In the examples, the above references... Figures 1 to 4b One or more of the regions 108, 408, 410, 410 located along axis A may be included in a second plurality of regions 508, 510. In this example, sensor arrangement 512 is configured to output a plurality of signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair at a corresponding region in the second plurality of regions 508, 510 of body 504 (hereinafter referred to as the second plurality of signals). In this example, the control unit ( Figure 5 (Not shown in the image) It is also configured to determine the direction of the hair wrapping around the body 104 based on a second plurality of signals.

[0083] exist Figure 5 In the example, the second plurality of regions 508, 510 distributed around axis A include a first region 508 and a second region 510. Each of the second plurality of regions 508, 510 extends only partially around axis A. Sensor arrangement 512 is configured to output a first signal indicating the presence of hair at the first region 508 and a second signal indicating the presence of hair at the second region 510. Sensor arrangement 512 includes a plurality of sensors 514, 516, each sensor 514, 516 located at a corresponding region 114, 116 of body 104 and configured to output one of the second plurality of signals. Sensors 514, 516 and the signals themselves can be referenced above. Figures 1 to 4bThose described are the same or similar. Furthermore, in this example, the first region 508 and the second region 510 are spaced less than 180 degrees apart around axis A (specifically, spaced at an angle ranging from 45 degrees to 135 degrees, specifically 90 degrees). Therefore, in Figure 5 In this sense, the distance between the first region 108 and the second region 110 along the circumference of the body 504 in a clockwise direction is less than the distance between the second region 110 and the first region 108.

[0084] In this example, the control unit 120 is configured to determine the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body 504 based on the timing of one or more variations of each of the first and second signals in a second plurality of signals. Specifically, refer to Figure 6a and 6b The diagram shows a graph of the gradient of the signal output from each of the first sensor 514 and the second sensor 516 as a function of time. It should be understood that a positive spike or peak in the signal gradient corresponds to a change in the signal, particularly an increase, and thus indicates the presence of hair at regions 508, 510 associated with the signal. Figure 6a The hair is shown wrapped around the body 504 clockwise (in Figure 5 (In the sense of) entanglement. Figure 6b The hair is shown wrapped counterclockwise around the body 504 (in Figure 5 (in a sense) the situation. In Figure 6a and 6b In each of the regions, solid bars represent peak values ​​in the gradient of the signal associated with the first region 508 / first sensor 514, and hollow bars represent positive spikes or peak values ​​in the gradient of the signal associated with the second region 510 / second sensor 516.

[0085] First refer to Figure 6a At a first time T1, a first change in the first signal indicates the presence of hair in the first region 508. This is represented by a first peak associated with the first region 508 at T1. Subsequently, at a second time T2, a first change in the second signal indicates the presence of hair in the second region 510. This is represented by a first peak associated with the second region 510 at T2. Subsequently, at a third time T3, a second change in the first signal indicates the presence of additional hair in the first region 508. This is represented by a second peak associated with the first region 508 at T3. Subsequently, at a fourth time T4, a second change in the second signal indicates the presence of additional hair in the second region 510. This is represented by a second peak associated with the second region 510 at T4. Figure 6aIn the example, the first time difference Δt1 between the first change of the first signal at T1 and the first change of the second signal at T2 is less than the second time difference Δt2 between the first change of the second signal at T2 and the second change of the first signal at T3. Assuming that... Figure 5 In this sense, if the distance between the first region 508 / first sensor 514 and the second region 510 / second sensor 516 in a clockwise direction around the circumference of the body 504 is less than the distance between the second region 510 / second sensor 516 and the first region 508 / first sensor 514, then the control unit 120 infers that the hair is circling the body 504 clockwise (in... Figure 5 In the sense of winding around the body 504. In the example, the control unit 120 can be configured to determine that, when Δt1 < Δt2, the hair winds around the body 504 in a clockwise direction (in the case of Δt1 < Δt2). Figure 5 (In the sense of) entanglement.

[0086] refer to Figure 6b At a first time T1', a first signal undergoes a first change, indicating the presence of hair at the first region 508. This is represented by a first peak associated with the first region 508 at T1'. Subsequently, at a second time T2', a second signal undergoes a first change, indicating the presence of hair at the second region 510. This is represented by a first peak associated with the second region 510 at T2'. Subsequently, at a third time T3', the first signal undergoes a second change, indicating the presence of more hair at the first region 508. This is represented by a second peak associated with the first region 508 at T3'. Subsequently, at a fourth time T4', the second signal undergoes a second change, indicating the presence of more hair at the second region 510. This is represented by a second peak associated with the second region 510 at T4'. Figure 6b In the example, the first time difference Δt1' between the first change of the first signal at T1' and the first change of the second signal at T2' is greater than the second time difference Δt2' between the first change of the second signal at T2' and the second change of the first signal at T3'. In this case, the control unit 120 infers that the hair is wrapped counterclockwise around the body 504 (in Figure 5 In the sense of... In the example, the control unit 120 can be configured to determine that, in the case of Δt1>Δt2, the hair wraps around the body 504 in a counterclockwise direction (in... Figure 5 (In the sense of) entanglement.

[0087] Determining the direction of the hair wrapped around the body 504 based on these two signals minimizes the number of signals required for determination, allowing the control unit to determine the direction quickly and / or efficiently. Furthermore, this allows the sensor arrangement 512 to include two sensors 514 and 516, one each in the first region 508 and the second region 610. This allows for direction determination while minimizing the cost, weight, size, and / or power consumption of the sensor arrangement 512.

[0088] As described above, the first region 508 and the second region 510 can be spaced apart by an angle ranging from 45 to 135 degrees around axis A, for example, 90 degrees. It has been found that this range allows for sufficiently large time intervals between the first and second changes of the first and second signals, and between the first and second changes of the second signal and the second change of the first signal, to be reliably determined within a typical winding speed range. Furthermore, it has been found that this range allows for sufficiently large differences in these time intervals, thereby allowing for reliable determination of the winding direction within a typical winding speed range.

[0089] In the example, control unit 120 may restart the determination of the direction in which hair is wrapped around body 504 in response to each of a plurality of signals indicating the absence of hair in a plurality of areas. For example, this could correspond to the case where no hair is present at body 504, and control unit 120 could infer that a next change in one of the signals would indicate a new wrapping of hair around body 504. Alternatively or additionally, in the example, control unit 120 may be configured to restart the determination of the direction in which hair is wrapped around body 504 based on a time between a change in one of the plurality of signals and a change in another of the plurality of signals being greater than a first threshold. For example, if there is a relatively long gap (e.g., more than a few seconds, such as five seconds) between a change in the first of the plurality of signals and another change in any of the plurality of signals, control unit 120 could infer that the former change relates to hair previously wrapped around body 504, and the latter change relates to newly wrapped hair around body 504. This can help control unit 120 determine the current direction in which hair is wrapped around bodies 104, 504, even when not all signals indicate the absence of hair in multiple areas.

[0090] In some examples, the control unit 120 is configured to control the operation of the hair care appliance 502 based on the determination of the direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body 504.

[0091] As an example, the control unit 120 can control the feedback device 124 to provide feedback to the user based on the determined direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body 104. For example, the control unit 120 can determine whether the determined direction of the hair wrapped around the body 504 matches a predetermined direction and control the feedback device 124 to provide feedback indicating whether the determined direction of the hair wrapped around the body matches the predetermined direction. If the determined direction matches the predetermined direction, the control unit 120 can control the feedback device 124 to provide the user with third feedback (e.g., specific light), which indicates that the user should wrap the hair around the body 504 in the predetermined direction. If the determined direction does not match the predetermined direction, the control unit 120 can control the feedback device 124 to provide the user with fourth feedback (e.g., different specific light), indicating that the user should not wrap the hair around the body 504 in the predetermined direction. This can guide the user to operate the hair care appliance 502 as intended.

[0092] In this example, control unit 120 may be configured to determine a predetermined direction based on user input received by input interface 126. For example, input interface 126 may allow a user to select or otherwise input a specific curl direction they wish to achieve. Control unit 120 may set the predetermined direction to match the input specific curl direction. As another example, input interface 124 may allow a user to select or otherwise provide input indicating a style intended to be achieved using hair care appliance 502. Control unit 120 may be configured to determine the predetermined direction based on received user input indicating a style to be achieved. For example, input interface 126 may allow a user to select one of several styles. For example, a first style may involve curling hair in a first direction. Control unit can infer from the selection of the first style that the hair will curl in the first direction and may accordingly set the predetermined direction to match the first direction. As another example, input interface 126 may allow a user to select or otherwise provide input indicating one side of the head or face of a person to be used with hair care appliance 502. In this case, control unit 120 may determine the predetermined direction based on received user input indicating the side of the person's head or face. For example, depending on a specific style or other method, the hair may be curled in a direction away from the face of the person whose hair is being curled. The user can input that they want the hair on the right side of the face to be curled (from the person's perspective). The control unit 120 can then infer that, to ensure the hair curls away from the face, the predetermined direction should be counter-clockwise (from the perspective of the main unit 506 of the hair care device towards the main body 504). Conversely, the user can input that they want the hair on the left side of the face to be curled, and the control unit 120 can determine that the predetermined direction is clockwise (from the perspective of the main unit 506 of the hair care device towards the main body 504). This can help guide the user in using the hair care device 502 to achieve the desired hairstyle.

[0093] Refer to the above Figures 5 to 6b In the described example, there are two regions 508 and 510 distributed around axis A, and the direction in which the hair wraps around the body 504 is determined based on the time between signal changes. However, referring to... Figure 7 The image shows a hair care appliance 702 according to another example. Figure 7 Hair care tool 702 can be used in accordance with the above reference. Figures 1 to 6b The hair care appliances 102, 402, and 502 described in the examples are identical or similar (i.e., they may have at least some or all of the same or similar parts or functions), except in Figure 7In the hair care appliance 702, the main body 704 has at least three regions 708, 710, and 712 distributed around axis A. Specifically, in this example, the main body 704 has three regions 708, 710, and 712 evenly distributed around axis A. In this example, the sensor arrangement is configured to output at least three signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region of the at least three regions 708, 710, and 712. Specifically, in this example, the sensor arrangement includes three sensors 714, 716, and 718, each sensor located in a corresponding region of the three regions 708, 710, and 712. In this example, the control unit 120 may alternatively or additionally be configured to determine the direction in which hair is wrapped around the main body 704 based on the sequence of changes in the at least three signals.

[0094] Specifically, in this example, the first region 708, the second region 710, and the third region 712 are distributed sequentially around axis A, such that the second region 710 is clockwise relative to the first region 708 around axis A (in... Figure 7 In the sense of), and the third region 712 is clockwise relative to the second region 710 around the axis (in Figure 7 In the sense of (e.g., if a change (e.g., increase) in the first signal associated with the first region 708 is followed by a change (e.g., increase) in the second signal associated with the second region 710, and then by a change (e.g., increase) in the third signal associated with the third region 712, the control unit infers that the direction in which the hair wraps around the body 704 is clockwise (in the sense of (e.g., in ... Figure 7 In a sense. However, if the signal changes in the reverse order, the control unit infers that the direction in which the hair wraps around the body 704 is counterclockwise (in the sense of clockwise). Figure 7 In a sense. Determining the direction based on the order of changes allows the control unit 120 to determine the direction relatively efficiently (e.g., without having to determine and compare the time intervals between changes).

[0095] In some examples, the control unit 120 may be configured to base timing on changes in signals output by any two or more of the sensors 714, 716, 718, for example, in accordance with the reference above. Figures 5 to 6b The same approach, and / or based on the order or sequence of changes, such as those mentioned above. Figure 7 The direction in which the hair is wrapped around the body 704 is determined.

[0096] In some examples, the control unit 120 can control the alternative or additional operation of the hair care tools 502, 702 based on the determined orientation of the hair wrapping bodies 504, 704. For example, see reference... Figure 8 The image shows a hair care appliance 802 according to an example. Hair care appliance 802 can be used with the hair care appliance described above.Figures 1 to 7 Hair care appliances 102, 502 described in any example are identical or similar (i.e., they may have at least some or all of the same or similar components or functions), except that in this example, hair care appliance 802 includes an airflow generator 860 configured to generate airflow and an element 862 configured to guide the generated airflow around a body 804. The generated airflow can be used to provide a “cold spray” (i.e., an unheated flow of air) to a strand of hair wrapped around the body 804 to set curls. For example, the airflow generator 860 may include a motor configured to drive an impeller (not shown) and may be located in the main part or handle of the hair care appliance 802 (not shown in FIG. 6). The airflow generator 860 is operable to draw in air from an air inlet 864 in the main part of the hair care appliance 802 and provide the generated airflow to the element 862, which may also be located in the main part of the hair care appliance 802 or may be located in the body 804. The element 862 is operable to rotate clockwise around the body 804 (see Figure 6). Figure 8 Arrow D in the middle) or counterclockwise (see arrow ... Figure 8 Arrow E in the diagram guides the airflow. Specifically, in this example, the body 804 includes a first set of air outlets 864 and a second set of air outlets 866, the first set of air outlets 864 being arranged around the body 804 in a clockwise direction (in the... Figure 8 In a sense, the airflow is guided tangentially away from the main body 804, and the second set of air outlets 866 are arranged around the main body 804 in a counterclockwise direction (in the sense of...). Figure 8 In the sense of the subject, the airflow is guided tangentially away from the body. Element 862 is operable to provide the generated airflow to a first set of air outlets 864 or a second set of air outlets 866. For example, element 862 may be provided by one or more valves operable to allow or restrict airflow to the outlet group, or by, for example, fins operable to guide airflow to one or another set of outlets. If control unit 120 determines that the hair is in a clockwise direction (in the sense of the subject), the airflow is guided tangentially away from the body. Figure 8 In the sense of the word, the element 862 is wrapped around the main body, so the control unit 120 can control the element 862 to rotate clockwise (in the direction of the main body). Figure 8 In the sense of the control unit 120, airflow is guided, for example, by the control element 862 providing or guiding the generated airflow to the first set of outlets 864. If the control unit 120 determines that the hair is in a counterclockwise direction (in the sense of the control element 120), the airflow is directed. Figure 8 If the hair is wrapped around the body in the same direction as the curling, the control unit 120 can control element 862 to guide the airflow in a counterclockwise direction, for example, by providing or guiding the generated airflow to a second set of outlets 866 through control element 862. In this way, the airflow (e.g., providing "cold spray") can be in the same direction as the curling, thereby reducing the separation of hair from the curl.

[0097] Refer to the above Figures 5 to 8In the described examples, the bodies 504 and 704 of the hair care appliances 502 and 702 are in the form of cylinders, and the areas are distributed around the circumference of the cylinder. However, it should be understood that this is not necessarily the case, and in other examples, other forms of bodies and other distributions of the body's areas may be used. For example, bodies with triangular, square, pentagonal, or any polygonal cross-section may be used, and these areas may be distributed around the body.

[0098] Refer to the above Figures 1 to 8 In the examples described, the bodies 104, 404, 504, 704, and 804 may be attached to the main parts 106 and 406 of the hair care appliances 102, 402, 502, 702, and 802. However, it should be understood that this is not necessarily the case, and in some examples, the bodies 104, 404, 504, 704, and 804 may be integrated with the hair care appliances 102, 402, 502, 702, and 802.

[0099] The examples above involve a specific number of regions; however, it should be understood that other numbers of regions may be used in other examples.

[0100] Refer to the above Figures 1 to 8In the described examples, the control unit 120 is included in hair care appliances 102, 402, 502, 702, 802, and specifically in the main portions 106, 406 of the hair care appliances 102, 402, 502, 702, 802. The hair care appliances 102, 402, 502, 702, 802 also include sensor arrangements 112, 412, 512, 712 located in attachments 104, 404, 504, 704 to the main portions 106, 406. However, it should be understood that this is not always the case. For example, in some examples, the main body 104, sensor arrangement 112, and control unit 120 may be located in an integrated hair care appliance 102. As another example, the main body 104, sensor arrangement 112, and control unit 120 may all be located in attachment 104 of the main portion 106 of the hair care appliance 102. As another example, one of the sensor arrangement 112 and the control unit 120 may be located in an accessory 104 of the main part 106, and the other of the sensor arrangement 112 and the control unit 120 may be located in the main part 106. It should be understood that other configurations may be used. Furthermore, it should be understood that in some examples, the control unit 120 may, in principle, be located anywhere and may be provided separately from other components of the hair care appliance 102. For example, multiple signals may be transmitted to and received by the control unit 120, for example, via a wireless connection with the sensor arrangement 112, and / or determinations by the control unit 120 may be transmitted to and received by the hair care appliance 102, for example, via a wireless connection, which in turn may be used to control the operation of the hair care appliance 102, for example, based on the determinations.

[0101] refer to Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a control unit 922 according to an example. The control unit 922 may have the same features as the one referenced above. Figures 1 to 8The control unit described has the same or similar features. In this example, control unit 922 includes an input interface 923, an output interface 925, a processor 927, and a memory 929. Input interface 923 may, for example, receive one or more signals, each indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding area or region of the body of the hair care appliance, as in any of the examples above. These one or more signals may be received from a sensor arrangement 928 configured to output one or more signals. These one or more signals may be received via wired or wireless means. Processor 927 may be configured, in conjunction with memory 929, to determine the number of hairs wrapped around the body of the hair care appliance based on multiple variations of one or more signals (as in any of the examples above). For example, memory 929 may store a computer program that, when executed by processor 929, causes the processor to receive one or more signals and determine the number of hairs wrapped around the body of the hair care appliance, as in any of the examples above. Output interface 925 may be configured to output this determination as needed to a separate controller (not shown), for example, configured to control the operation of the hair care appliance. In other examples, control unit 922 may be configured to control the operation of the appliance in response to determining the number of times hair is wrapped around the body. In these examples, output interface 925 may be configured to output control signals or commands to components of the hair care appliance (such as feedback interface 924 and heater 926 for heating at least a portion of the body) to control the operation of the appliance (e.g., according to any of the examples above). These control signals may be transmitted via wired or wireless means.

[0102] Reference Figure 10 A method for determining the amount of hair wrapped around the body of a hair care tool is shown, the body having an axis around which the hair wraps, the body having one or more regions, each region having a corresponding position along the axis. The method includes, in step 1080, receiving one or more signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair at a corresponding region among the one or more regions. For example, one or more signals 330, 440, 442, 444 can be referenced above. Figures 1 to 9 Any of the examples described. The method includes, in step 1082, determining the amount of hair wrapped around the body based on multiple changes in one or more signals. For example, this determination can be based on the above reference. Figures 1 to 9 Any example described. For instance, the method can be described by control unit 120 according to the above reference. Figures 1 to 9 The method can be executed using any of the examples described above. In some examples, the method may include references to the above. Figures 1 to 9 Any features described (e.g., those in the reference above) Figures 1 to 9 The steps corresponding to any function of the example control unit 120 described.

[0103] While specific examples have been described, it should be understood that these are merely illustrative examples and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A hair care tool, comprising: The body has an axis around which hair wraps during use, and the body has one or more regions, each region having a corresponding position along the axis; The sensor arrangement is configured to output one or more signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding area of ​​the one or more areas; and The control unit is configured to determine the amount of hair wrapped around the body based on multiple changes in the one or more signals.

2. The hair care appliance of claim 1, wherein each region extends only partially around the axis.

3. The hair care appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first signal of the one or more signals indicates the presence of hair in a first region extending along the axis of the body, and wherein the control unit is configured to determine the amount of hair wrapped around the body based on multiple variations of the first signal.

4. The hair care appliance of claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the number of hairs wrapped around the body based on a first change in the first signal indicating the presence of hair in the first region and the number of one or more additional changes in the first signal, each additional change indicating the presence of additional hair in the first region.

5. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body has a plurality of regions distributed along the axis of the body, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to output a plurality of signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region among the plurality of regions; and wherein, The control unit is configured to determine the number of hairs wrapped around the body based on the change in each of the plurality of signals.

6. The hair care appliance of claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the amount of hair wrapped around the body based on the number of changes in one of the plurality of signals and the number of changes in one or more corresponding other signals of the plurality of signals, wherein a change in one of the plurality of signals indicates the presence of hair in one of the plurality of regions, and each of the one or more changes indicates the presence of hair in a corresponding region of the plurality of regions.

7. The hair care appliance according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the plurality of regions are arranged in a row extending along the axis of the body.

8. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the number of hairs wrapped around the body based on the sequence of the plurality of signal changes.

9. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation of the hair care appliance based on a determined amount of hair wrapped around the body.

10. The hair care appliance of claim 9, wherein the hair care appliance includes a feedback device configured to provide feedback to a user of the hair care appliance during use, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the feedback device to provide feedback to the user based on a determined amount of hair wrapped around the body.

11. The hair care appliance of claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured as: Compare the determined number of hairs wrapped around the body with the predetermined number of wraps; and The feedback device is controlled to provide feedback to the user based on the comparison.

12. The hair care appliance of claim 11, wherein the hair care appliance includes an input interface configured to receive user input, and wherein, The control unit is configured to determine a predetermined winding quantity based on received user input.

13. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the body is removable, and wherein, The feedback indicates an instruction to replace the body with a body of a different diameter.

14. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the length of the user's hair based on the determined number of hairs wrapped around the body and the circumference of the body; The recommended hairstyle is determined based on the user's hair length. And a control feedback device to provide feedback indicating the determined shape.

15. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the hair care appliance includes a heater configured to heat at least a portion of the body, and wherein, The control unit is configured to control the heater to heat at least a portion of the body to a specific temperature based on a determined amount of hair wrapped around the body.

16. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises one or more sensors, each sensor configured to output a corresponding signal of the one or more signals.

17. The hair care appliance of claim 16, wherein one or more of the sensors are non-contact sensors.

18. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein each signal comprises a time-series value, or the control unit samples each signal as a time-series value, and each of the values ​​indicates the degree to which hair is present in the corresponding area at a given time.

19. The hair care appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the body has a plurality of regions distributed around the axis; wherein a plurality of signals output by the sensor arrangement each indicate the presence of hair in a corresponding region among the plurality of regions distributed around the axis; and wherein the control unit is configured to determine the direction of hair wrapping around the body based on the plurality of signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding region among the plurality of regions distributed around the axis.

20. A method for determining the amount of hair wrapped around the body of a hair care device, the body having an axis around which hair is wrapped, the body having one or more regions, each region having a corresponding position along the axis, the method comprising: Receive one or more signals, each signal indicating the presence of hair in a corresponding area within the one or more areas; and The number of hairs wrapped around the body is determined based on multiple changes in one or more of the signals.

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