Hairdresser's workstation

Abstract

Hairdressing workstation (1), comprehensive: a barber chair (2), a mirror (3) in front of the barber's chair (2) with at least one graphic display device (4), a computer unit (5) for controlling the at least one graphic display unit (4), with a network connection (6) for connecting to a communication network, in particular the Internet, at least one input device (7) for operating the computer device (5), wherein the at least one input device (7) is arranged on the barber's chair (2), and a control (8) of the computing device (5) for providing an entertainment mode in which multimedia content is displayed on the at least one graphic display device (4) and a hairdressing mode in which the hairdressing workstation (1) can be at least partially controlled and / or information relating to the hairdressing service is displayed on the at least one display device (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hairdresser's workstation.

[0002] Common hairdressing workstations include a barber's chair positioned in front of a mirror. In the mirror, the customer can observe the hairdresser's work, such as cutting and / or coloring, throughout the entire process and request any necessary changes. At the same time, the hairdresser uses the mirror to check the work they have performed, for example, whether the haircut is symmetrical. In front of the mirror, there is also usually a shelf for hairdresser's equipment, such as scissors, combs, clippers, and the like.

[0003] Especially for women's haircuts or hair coloring, the customer spends a long time in the salon chair in front of the mirror, with one to two hours not uncommon. To pass the time, the customer can read magazines, for example, but this requires them to tilt their head, which is disadvantageous for the hairdresser, as the customer's head is not optimally positioned for the service being performed. Some hair salons are known to entertain customers with a TV, but this also requires the customer to tilt their head toward the TV, thus suffering the same disadvantages.

[0004] Furthermore, it frequently happens that the customer is dissatisfied with the result of the hairdressing treatment, especially if they request a new haircut and / or hair color. The customer often selects a haircut from relevant magazines or a hair color from differently colored hair samples. However, the customer has no idea how the haircut and / or hair color will look on them.

[0005] WO 2019 / 135202 A2 discloses a mirror with at least one graphic display device and a camera. The camera detects an object in front of the mirror, such as a person's face. The object detected by the camera is subsequently optimally illuminated by the graphic display device. Furthermore, the detected object can be displayed on the graphic display device, and the user can adjust the display using superimposed icons, for example, to simulate dyed hair, applied makeup, a changed hairstyle, or the like. Furthermore, tutorials for performing the aforementioned activities can also be displayed on the graphic display device. The mirror disclosed in WO 2019 / 135202 A2 is thus designed in particular for a user to perform hairdressing activities at home. A comparable mirror is known from WO 2020 / 225756 A1.

[0006] WO 2021 / 038478 A1 discloses a virtual mirror that uses a camera to capture a person's face and projects it onto a flat surface. The virtual mirror includes, for example, a zoom function or can overlay the projected image with additional information, for example, to simulate dyed hair, applied makeup, a changed hairstyle, or the like, as known from WO 2019 / 135202 A2.

[0007] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the object of providing a hairdresser's workstation which offers entertainment options for the customer without negatively influencing the hairdresser's activities and at the same time supports the hairdresser in his activities.

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention by a hairdresser’s workstation, comprising: • a hairdresser’s chair, • a mirror in front of the hairdresser’s chair with at least one graphic display device, • a computer device for controlling the at least one graphic display device, with a network connection for connection to a communication network, in particular the Internet, • at least one input device for operating the computer device, wherein the at least one input device is arranged on the hairdresser’s chair, and • a controller of the computing device for providing an entertainment mode in which multimedia content is displayed on the at least one graphic display device and a hairdressing mode in which the hairdresser's workstation can be at least partially controlled and / or information relating to the hairdressing service is displayed on the at least one display device.

[0009] The mirror of the hairdressing workstation according to the invention comprises at least one graphic display device for displaying information to the customer and / or the hairdresser. For example, the at least one graphic display device is designed as a display, such as a TV or monitor, and is arranged behind a partially transparent mirror, so that the information presented on the graphic display device can be perceived through the mirror, but at the same time, the objects and / or people in front of the mirror are reflected. Such partially transparent mirrors are known from the prior art.

[0010] The at least one graphic display device is controlled via a computer device, such as a commercially available personal computer (PC). The computer device has a network connection for connection to a communications network, in particular the Internet. The computer device is operated via at least one input device, wherein the at least one input device is arranged on the hairdresser's chair. The input device is preferably arranged on the hairdresser's chair in such a way that the customer sitting in it and / or the hairdresser standing behind it can operate the input device. For example, the at least one input device is integrated into an armrest of the hairdresser's chair so that the customer can operate it and / or an input device is arranged on the backrest of the hairdresser's chair so that the hairdresser can operate it.It is also possible for the hairdresser's workstation to comprise an input device for the customer and an input device for the hairdresser. The at least one input device is designed, for example, as a so-called touchpad, which replaces the functions of a computer mouse. However, other input devices such as trackballs, pen mice, or the like can also be used. The functions of a keyboard can, for example, be displayed on the at least one display device (on-screen keyboard). Furthermore, the at least one computing device can be connected to a hardware keyboard, whereby the keyboard is preferably arranged or hidden outside the hairdresser's workstation in everyday use, for example, within the backrest of the hairdresser's chair.

[0011] The computing device comprises a controller for providing an entertainment mode in which multimedia content is displayed on the at least one graphic display device, and a hairdressing mode in which the hairdresser's workstation can be at least partially controlled and / or information relating to the hairdressing service is displayed on the at least one display device. The controller is embodied, for example, as software installed on the computing device. In the entertainment mode, multimedia content, such as films or series, documentaries, or other entertainment programs, is displayed on the at least one graphic display device. The multimedia content can be stored on the computing device, or the computing device can access commercial streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, or the like via the network connection.Furthermore, the network connection can also be used to access the internet, and content from it can be displayed on the at least one graphic display device. This keeps the customer entertained while performing the hairdressing services. Since the at least one graphic display device is integrated into the mirror of the hairdresser's workstation, the customer does not have to turn their head away from the mirror to view the multimedia content, allowing the hairdresser to continue working as usual.

[0012] In the styling mode, the hairdresser's workstation can be at least partially controlled and / or information relating to the hairdresser's service is displayed on the at least one display device. Expediently, for example, the lighting of the hairdresser's workstation can be controlled in the styling mode and / or electrical devices connected to the hairdresser's workstation, such as a hairdryer, a drying hood, a razor or the like, can be controlled, in particular switched on or off or switched on for a specific time. The information displayed in the styling mode is preferably stored on the computer and, if necessary, supplemented with information from the Internet. The displayed information relates, for example, to hairdressing activities that have been carried out or are still to be carried out, (remaining) treatment time, products used and / or product recommendations, if applicable.supplemented with product information from the internet or similar information. Furthermore, it is possible to save a customer photo in the computer and, based on this photo, display the results of possible hairdressing services, such as haircuts, hair coloring, makeup, etc., so that the customer can better assess the outcome in advance.

[0013] In a practical variant of the invention, the hairdresser's workstation further comprises a shelf for the hairdresser's utensils. The shelf can be coupled to the mirror or form a single unit with it.

[0014] According to an advantageous variant, the mirror of the hairdressing workstation according to the invention comprises at least two graphic display devices for simultaneously displaying different information, in particular information from the entertainment mode and information from the styling mode. Thus, for example, multimedia content can be displayed on one graphic display device, while information relating to the hairdressing service or for controlling the hairdressing workstation can be displayed in parallel on the other graphic display device.

[0015] According to a variant of the invention, the hairdresser's workstation comprises at least one camera for capturing the person in the hairdresser's chair, in particular the face of the person in the hairdresser's chair, and displaying the captured camera image on the at least one graphic display device in styling mode. For example, details that are not visible in a normal mirror can be easily displayed, in particular by magnification.

[0016] In an advantageous variant of the invention, the computing device processes the camera image displayed on the at least one graphic display device in styling mode or a stored customer image, in particular to display different hairstyles, tints, make-ups, and other visual changes, preferably based on stored product information, hairstyle information, or the like. In particular, the face of the person in the styling chair displayed on the graphic display device is displayed with further superimposed information, for example information about a new hairstyle, a new hair color, applied make-up, or the like. The person in the styling chair can thus immediately assess what the result of the styling service is likely to be.The hairdresser and the client can also discuss the hairdressing service and the likely outcome together in advance in order to achieve the best result.

[0017] According to a variant of the invention, the hairdresser's workstation comprises sockets, lighting, or other electrical devices, which can preferably be switched via the computer, particularly in the styling mode. The sockets and / or lighting are designed, for example, as so-called smart home devices, which can be switched by the computer using a standardized protocol. In this way, the electrical devices can be cost-effectively integrated into the hairdresser's workstation according to the invention. Devices required for hairdressing services, such as a hairdryer, a hairdryer hood, a razor, and the like, are connected to the sockets.

[0018] According to a practical variant, the hairdressing workstation further comprises an input device with quick-select keys for directly controlling functions of the hairdressing workstation, the computing device, the entertainment mode, the styling mode, the additional electrical devices, and / or other functions or devices of the hairdressing workstation. For example, pressing a specific quick-select key immediately starts a predefined streaming service or immediately displays the face of the person in the hairdresser's chair on the graphic display. This significantly improves the operation of the hairdressing workstation according to the invention, particularly when a conventional hardware keyboard is not accessible and, for example, streaming services would have to be started by entering a URL. Furthermore, electronic devices for the hairdressing service can be quickly switched on and off.

[0019] In an expedient variant of the invention, the control further comprises a children's mode for displaying child-friendly content on the at least one graphic display device in entertainment mode.

[0020] According to a further advantageous variant of the invention, the hairdressing chair is electrically adjustable, in particular by means of the at least one computing device. For example, in styling mode, the height of the hairdressing chair can be easily adjusted.

[0021] According to an advantageous variant, the hairdresser's workstation according to the invention further comprises a database system for storing information from the styling mode for different customers, in particular from styling services performed, captured camera images, care products used, or other customer-specific information. For example, the customer-specific information from the styling mode can be retrieved from the database from one or more of the hairdresser's previous visits to ensure consistent hairdressing services. For example, the stored information includes details on the products used, mixing ratios (if applicable), exposure times, duration of previous visits, multimedia content accessed in entertainment mode, the hairdresser who performed the previous service, and the like.In the database system, the hairdresser can also manage information about his customers, such as contact information, appointments, etc.

[0022] In a particularly preferred variant, the database comprises external access, in particular protected external access, wherein the data in the database can be adapted, preferably at least partially, via the external access. Via the external access, a customer can, for example, access the information stored about them in the database. For this purpose, they receive a personal login from the hairdresser, for example, with which they can access their personal data. The customer can expediently adapt their personal data themselves and, in particular, create a desired look. The desired look is created, for example, on the basis of previous images and available hairdressing services. The customer can thus configure the desired result before their next visit to the hairdresser and show it to the hairdresser during the visit using the hairdressing workstation according to the invention.In particular, the database provides a graphical user interface for customers to access and customize the stored information, allowing them to easily and intuitively customize the data. However, the database can also contain publicly accessible information, such as opening hours, available appointments, contact details, and the like. This data can be accessed by anyone without special login credentials.

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figure. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic view of an embodiment of a hairdressing workstation according to the invention.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a hairdressing workstation 1 according to the invention. The hairdressing workstation 1 comprises a hairdressing chair 2 and a mirror 3 arranged in front of the hairdressing chair 2. The mirror 3 comprises, according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 two graphic display devices 4. For example, the mirror is semi-transparent, and two displays are arranged behind the mirror 3 as graphic display devices 4. The displays can be viewed through the mirror 3, while simultaneously reflecting the objects and people in front of the mirror 3.

[0025] The hairdresser's workstation 1 further comprises a computing device 5 for controlling the two graphic display devices 4 of the mirror 3 and a network connection 6 for connecting the computing device 5 to a communications network, in particular the Internet. The network connection can be wired or wireless and expediently uses known or standardized transmission protocols.

[0026] To operate the computing device 5, an input device 7 is provided, which according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 is arranged on a backrest of the hairdressing chair 2. The input device 7 is designed, for example, as a touchpad with additional control buttons and performs the functions of a computer mouse. A keyboard can also be provided, for example, as an on-screen keyboard displayed on one of the graphic display devices or as a physical keyboard. A physical keyboard is preferably stored out of sight during normal use and is only retrieved for maintenance purposes or the like.

[0027] The computing device 5 comprises a controller 8 for providing an entertainment mode in which multimedia content is displayed on one of the graphic display devices 4 and a hairdressing mode in which the hairdresser's workstation 1 can be at least partially controlled and / or information relating to the hairdressing service is displayed on one of the display devices 4. According to the embodiment of Fig. 1, the entertainment mode is displayed on the upper graphic display device 4, symbolized by a film and music notes, and the hairdressing mode is displayed on the lower display device, symbolized by a comb and scissors. Different information is thus displayed simultaneously on the two graphic display devices 4, in particular information from the entertainment mode and information from the hairdressing mode. The controller 8 is embodied, for example, as software installed on the computing device 5.

[0028] The hairdresser's workstation 1 from Fig. 1 further comprises a table 9 for storing the hairdresser's utensils.

[0029] According to the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the hairdresser's workstation 1 additionally comprises a camera 10 for capturing the person on the hairdresser's chair 2, in particular the face of the person on the hairdresser's chair 2, and displaying the captured camera image on the graphic display device 4, which displays the styling mode. The camera is, for example, integrated into the mirror, as in Fig. 1, or an independent camera which is positioned so that the person on the hairdresser's chair 2 can be captured.

[0030] The computing device 5, in particular the controller 8, is preferably designed to revise the camera image displayed on the graphic display device 4 in styling mode or to provide it with additional information, in particular for displaying different hairstyles, tints, makeup, and other visual changes, preferably based on stored product information, hairstyle information, or the like. The computing device 5 or the controller 8 generates an augmented reality comprising the customer image and the expected result of hairdressing services.

[0031] In an advantageous variant, the hairdressing workstation 1 according to the invention additionally comprises one or more sockets 11, one or more lighting devices 12, and / or other electrical devices that can be switched via the computing device 5. For example, the hairdressing workstation 1 comprises sockets 11 known from home automation systems, which can be switched via corresponding control signals. Electrical devices for hairdressing services, such as a hairdryer, an electric razor, a hairdryer hood, and the like, can be connected to these sockets 11. These electrical devices can thus be easily switched using the hairdressing workstation 1 according to the invention, in particular using the styling mode. Additional lighting 12, for example, can also be switched on or off in this way.

[0032] For easier operation, the hairdressing workstation 1 can include an input device with quick-selection keys 13 for directly controlling functions of the hairdressing workstation 1, the computing device 5, the entertainment mode, the styling mode, the additional electrical devices and / or other functions or devices of the hairdressing workstation 1. The input device with quick-selection keys 13 is arranged, for example, on the other armrest of the hairdressing chair 2 as the input device 7.

[0033] Conveniently, the control 8 comprises a children's mode for displaying child-friendly content on the graphic display device 4 in entertainment mode.

[0034] In an advantageous variant of the invention, the hairdressing chair is electrically adjustable, in particular by means of the computing device 5. Thus, for example, the height of the hairdressing chair 2 can be adjusted easily and without problems.

[0035] According to the embodiment from Fig.1, the hairdresser's workstation 1 further comprises a database system 14 for storing information from the styling mode for different customers, in particular from styling services performed, recorded camera images, care products used, or other customer-specific information. The database 14 is, for example, integrated into the computing device 5, but can also be designed separately. The customer-specific information from the styling mode from one or more of the customer's previous visits to the hairdresser can be retrieved from the database 14 in order to perform the same hairdressing service. The stored information contains, for example, details on the products used, mixing ratios if applicable, exposure times, duration of previous visits, multimedia content retrieved in entertainment mode, the hairdresser who performed the previous service, and the like.In the database system 14, the hairdresser can also manage information about their customers, such as contact information, appointments, etc. Conveniently, the database 14 includes a protected external access so that customers can access their data from home. For example, each customer receives login credentials that allow them to access only their own data. In particular, the database 14, possibly in conjunction with the computing device 5 or controller 8, enables the customer to create their desired looks. This allows the customer to create their desired look before their next hairdresser visit and simply retrieve it from the database 14 during their next hairdresser visit. List of reference symbols 1 hairdressing workstation 2 hairdressing chairs 3 mirrors 4 graphic display device 5 Computing device 6 Network connection 7 Input device (touchpad) 8 Control 9 Table 10 Camera 11 socket 12 Lighting 13 Input device with quick selection keys 14 Database

Claims

[1] Hairdressing workplace (1), comprising: a barber's chair (2), a mirror (3) in front of the hairdresser's chair (2) with at least one graphic display device (4), a computer device (5) for controlling the at least one graphic display device (4), with a network connection (6) for connection to a communication network, in particular the Internet, at least one input device (7) for operating the computer device (5), wherein the at least one input device (7) is arranged on the hairdresser's chair (2), and a controller (8) of the computing device (5) for providing an entertainment mode in which multimedia content is displayed on the at least one graphic display device (4) and a hairdressing mode in which the hairdresser's workstation (1) can be at least partially controlled and / or information relating to the hairdressing service is displayed on the at least one display device (4). [2] Hairdressing workstation (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mirror (3) comprises at least two graphic display devices (4) for simultaneously displaying different information, in particular information of the entertainment mode and information of the hairdressing mode. [3] Hairdressing workstation (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising at least one camera (10) for detecting the person on the hairdressing chair (2), in particular the face of the person on the hairdressing chair (2), and displaying the detected camera image on the at least one graphic display device (4) in the hairdressing mode. [4] Hairdressing workstation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the computing device (5) revises the camera image displayed on the at least one graphic display device (4) in the hairdressing mode or a stored customer image, in particular for displaying different hairstyles, tints, make-ups and other optical changes, preferably on the basis of stored product information, hairstyle information or the like. [5] Hairdresser's workstation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising sockets (11), lighting (12) or other electrical devices, which can preferably be switched via the computing device (5). [6] Hairdressing workstation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an input device with quick selection keys (13) for directly controlling functions of the hairdressing workstation (1), the computing device (5), the entertainment mode, the hairdressing mode, the additional electrical devices and / or other functions or devices of the hairdressing workstation (1). [7] Hairdressing workstation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller (8) further comprises a children's mode for displaying child-friendly content on the at least one graphic display device (4) in entertainment mode. [8] Hairdressing workstation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the hairdressing chair (2) is electrically adjustable, in particular by means of the at least one computing device (5). [9] Hairdressing workstation (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a database system (14) for storing information from the hairdressing mode for different customers, in particular from hairdressing services performed, camera images taken, care products used, or other customer-specific information. [10] Hairdressing workstation (1) according to claim 9, wherein the database (14) comprises an external access, in particular a protected external access, wherein the data in the database (14) can be adapted, preferably at least partially, via the external access.

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