PROXIMITY SENSOR

Abstract

PROXIMITY SENSOR A proximity sensor attachment for a hair dryer to facilitate the application of an aerosol cosmetic composition, such as hair dye, to an individual's hair. A hair dryer that includes a proximity sensor attachment. A method of using the proximity sensor attachment and / or a hair dryer that includes the proximity sensor attachment attached thereto to apply an aerosol cosmetic composition. Computer-implemented variations of the method. Figure for abstract: none

Description

[0017] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a flowchart of an exemplary method of drying an aerosol cosmetic composition using a proximity sensor accessory for attachment to and / or use with a hair dryer, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0018] The foregoing aspects and numerous attendant advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed description

[0019] Existing devices and methods for coloring hair generally use an oxidative chemical reaction that can be corrosive to tissues and is too time-consuming. With these approaches, generally, two compounds are mixed to form a hair dye composition, and the hair dye composition is then meticulously applied to the hair. These approaches are time-consuming, but can produce hair color that lasts three weeks or more. There is a need for devices and methods for applying hair dye compositions to hair and drying the hair dye compositions that achieve satisfactory hair color retention. colored hair. The present disclosure addresses this and other long-standing and unmet needs in the art.

[0020] [Fig.l] shows a diagram of a hair dryer with a proximity sensor attachment attached thereto for applying an aerosol cosmetic composition to an individual's hair and drying the aerosol cosmetic composition with the hair dryer, according to aspects of the disclosure. An exemplary hair dryer attachment includes a proximity sensor that is configured to detect a distance between the proximity sensor and an individual's hair for analyzing the distance, e.g., for adjusting a position of the applicator, for applying a cosmetic composition, such as a hair dye, to the individual's hair.The applicator may spray an aerosol hair dye within an area that is adjacent to an outlet of the hair dryer when attached to the hair dryer, such that the heated air emitted by the hair dryer coincides with the spraying of the attachment and the operation of a remotely controlled cell of the proximity sensor. In this manner, the distance from the hair may be analyzed by circuitry of a computing device (e.g., a "smart hair dryer" computing device) to determine, for example, an adjustment of the applicator (e.g., nozzle focal point, sprayer diameter, spray speed, applicator positioning, and the like), and the cosmetic composition may be applied and dried with the heated air for improved application and drying of the cosmetic composition.

[0021] In embodiments, the accessory is configured for physical attachment to the hair dryer, e.g., as an aftermarket addition to the hair dryer. The accessory may include a power connection (e.g., an AC electrical connection for use with a wall outlet) and / or a power source, such as a battery. The power connection and / or the power source may be operably connected and configured to activate the proximity sensor, e.g., following an input, e.g., a button press and / or processor-mediated activation. The accessory may include a housing and, optionally, examples of attachment means including, but not limited to, a hook-and-loop fastener, a button attachment, a clip attachment, a strap attachment, or the like.However, in other embodiments, the accessory is integrated with or integral with the hair dryer, or is provided in combination with the hair dryer and is configured for physical attachment to the hair dryer.

[0022] In at least some embodiments, the hair dryer may be particularly configured to receive the accessory and may include, for example, an attachment site that may be modular for use with the accessory, optionally with one or more other hair dryer accessories. Thus, in various aspects, the disclosure offers a hair dryer and a hair dryer attachment.

[0023] In embodiments, the cosmetic composition is configured to be applied to the hair or body hair of an individual, particularly to the hair. The cosmetic composition may be or include a hair dye that can be dried with the hot air of a hair dryer. The hair dye may be intended to provide hair color to the hair of the individual, for example.

[0024] As shown in [Fig. 2], a flowchart of an exemplary method of drying an aerosol cosmetic composition using a proximity sensor attachment for attachment to and / or use with a hair dryer shows that this method may include preparing hair for application of the cosmetic composition; detecting a distance from the hair, with a proximity sensor of a hair dryer attachment; determining a hair dryer blower level, a hair dryer blower temperature, and / or an applicator spray level based on analyzing an image of the body portion produced by the proximity sensor; applying, with an applicator, the aerosol cosmetic composition to the individual's body portion; and activating a blower of the hair dryer, such that the hair dryer blows warm air onto the aerosol cosmetic composition on the body portion.In embodiments, the accessory may be attached (and / or is attached) to the hair dryer for ergonomic use of the blower and / or applicator, such that a user does not need to change a grip or change a held device to utilize these features of the combination.

[0025] In some embodiments, a spray area of ​​the applicator and a portion of the hot air blown by the hair dryer, as well as the operation of a remote-controlled cell of the proximity sensor, coincide with a portion of the hair (optionally including the cosmetic composition), as shown in [Fig.l] by way of non-limiting example. This allows a user to both style and color hair with a combination device that is configured to analyze the distance from the hair to determine an adjustment to the application process, e.g., the distance between the applicator and the hair, for improved or more consistent application of the cosmetic composition to the hair. Thus, in embodiments, the cosmetic composition may be applied with use of such a combination device that includes the attachment and the hair dryer.In some embodiments, the accessory includes the proximity sensor and the applicator. In embodiments, the application of the cosmetic composition may be adjusted, for example at least in part with a controller of the combination device, for coating and coverage of the hair with the cosmetic composition. Examples of adjustments include enabling and / or disabling. activating the application of the cosmetic composition as needed, adjusting a distance between the combined device and the hair as needed, activating and / or deactivating the spray of the applicator attachment and / or the blower of the hair dryer as needed, and the like.

[0026] In embodiments, the hair is treated with shampoo, conditioner, plasma, hot air, or any combination thereof, to modify the surface texture of the hair and improve the penetration of the cosmetic composition into the hair and its adhesion to the hair. In embodiments, the hair is treated with shampoo before, during, and / or after applying the cosmetic composition to the hair. In embodiments, the hair is treated with conditioner before, during, and / or after applying the cosmetic composition to the hair. In embodiments, the hair is treated with plasma before, during, and / or after applying the cosmetic composition to the hair. In embodiments, the hair is treated with hot air before, during, and / or after applying the cosmetic composition to the hair.In embodiments, an ion generator may be used to activate the aerosolized cosmetic composition, for example, before application to hair. In embodiments, one or more of these and / or other treatments may be applied with use of the combined device, for example.

[0027] In embodiments, the intensity of the applicator spray and / or the hair dryer blower, such as the speed of air movement and / or the heat level, may be adjusted as part of the application process. In embodiments, the cosmetic composition may be aerosolized and / or provided as a consumable for use with the combination device.

[0028] In embodiments, the combination device may be a "smart hair dryer" that includes, among other features, the proximity sensor and / or one or more sensors that are operatively connected to circuitry configured to perform logic operations based on data received from the one or more sensors for automated, semi-automated, or manual-assisted application of the cosmetic composition to a portion of an individual's body. The logic operations may include all or part of a method and / or process of the disclosure, for example, optionally in combination with additional logic operations.

[0029] Thus, in aspects, the disclosure provides a "smart hair dryer" computing device comprising circuitry configured to perform all or part of a method, and optionally, a system and / or network of computing devices comprising at least a portion of this circuitry. In embodiments embodiment, the circuitry of the computing device is configurable with a processor and processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable medium of the computing device, as a non-limiting example, but other approaches to configuring circuitry of the computing device may be implemented in embodiments. In embodiments, the computing device includes a processor for executing instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, to enable the processor to perform all or part of a method or process of the disclosure. Accordingly, in embodiments, a computing device includes a software application configured to perform all or part of one or more methods or processes of the disclosure, in any order or combination.However, in embodiments, a computing device includes dedicated hardware circuitry. An additional circuitry configuration of the computing device may include networking circuitry, e.g., circuitry configured for a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth® connection, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) connection, and / or a Wi-Fi® connection, and / or a wired connection. The networking circuitry, in combination with the circuitry of the computing device, may be used to request, retrieve, and / or receive data from a remote server, e.g. In embodiments, the circuitry may include an operative connection of one or more sensors with the processor, or other circuitry, to perform logical operations and / or methods based on data received from the one or more sensors, e.g. NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The following non-limiting embodiments relate to features, and combinations of features, that are explicitly contemplated as part of the disclosure. The following non-limiting embodiments contain elements that are modular and may be combined with each other in any number, order, or combination to form a new non-limiting embodiment, which may itself be combined with other non-limiting embodiments.

[0031] Embodiment 1. A hair dryer accessory, the accessory comprising a proximity sensor configured to detect a distance from a body portion of an individual for application of an aerosol cosmetic composition to the body portion.

[0032] Embodiment 2. An accessory according to any other embodiment, wherein the accessory is configured for physical attachment to the hair dryer.

[0033] Embodiment 3. An accessory according to any other embodiment, wherein the accessory is an aftermarket addition to the hair dryer.

[0034] Embodiment 4. Accessory according to any other embodiment, in which the aerosol cosmetic composition is intended to be applied to the hair of an individual.

[0035] Embodiment 5. An accessory according to any other embodiment, wherein the aerosol cosmetic composition includes a hair dye that can be dried with the hot air of a hair dryer, and optionally wherein the accessory includes an ion generator for generating ions in the hair dye before application to the hair of the individual.

[0036] Embodiment 6. Hair dryer attachment according to any other embodiment and / or as disclosed herein.

[0037] Embodiment 7. A hair dryer comprising a hair dryer attachment according to any other embodiment and / or as disclosed herein.

[0038] Embodiment 8. A method of applying an aerosol cosmetic composition to a body portion of an individual, the method comprising: detecting a distance from the body portion, with a proximity sensor of a hair dryer attachment; determining a hair dryer blower level, a hair dryer blower temperature and / or an applicator spray level based on the analysis of the distance from the body portion produced by the proximity sensor; applying, using an applicator, the aerosol cosmetic composition to the body portion of the individual; and activating a blower of the hair dryer, such that the hair dryer blows hot air onto the aerosol cosmetic composition on the body portion; wherein the attachment is attachable to the hair dryer.

[0039] Embodiment 9. Method according to any other embodiment, wherein the accessory is attached to the hair dryer.

[0040] Embodiment 10. A method according to any other embodiment, wherein the operation of a remote-controlled cell of the proximity sensor, a spray from the applicator of the accessory and a portion of the hot air blown by the hair dryer coincide with the portion of the body.

[0041] Embodiment 11. Method according to any other embodiment, in which the aerosol cosmetic composition is intended to be applied to the hair of the individual.

[0042] Embodiment 12. A method according to any other embodiment, wherein the aerosol cosmetic composition includes a hair dye that can be dried with the hot air of a hair dryer.

[0043] Embodiment 13. A method of drying an aerosol cosmetic composition according to any other embodiment and / or as disclosed herein.

[0044] Embodiment 14. Computing device comprising circuitry configured to perform all or part of the method according to any other embodiment.

[0045] Embodiment 15. A computing device according to any other embodiment, wherein the circuitry comprises a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions configured to be executed by the processor.

[0046] Embodiment 16. A system and / or network of computing devices comprising the computing device according to any other embodiment.

[0047] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be appreciated that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of applying an aerosol cosmetic composition to a portion of a body of an individual, the method comprising: detecting a distance from the body portion with a proximity sensor of a hair dryer attachment; determining a hair dryer blower level, a hair dryer blower temperature, and / or an applicator spray level based on analysis of the distance from the body portion produced by the proximity sensor; applying, using an applicator, the aerosol cosmetic composition to the portion of the body of the individual; and activating a blower of the hair dryer such that the hair dryer blows hot air onto the aerosol cosmetic composition on the body portion; wherein the attachment is attachable to the hair dryer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the accessory is attached to the hair dryer.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the operation of a remote-controlled cell of the proximity sensor, a spray from the applicator of the accessory and a portion of the hot air blown by the hair dryer coincide with the portion of the body.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol cosmetic composition is intended to be applied to the hair of the individual.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the aerosol cosmetic composition includes a hair dye that is capable of being dried with the hot air of a hair dryer.

6. A method according to claim 1 comprising drying an aerosol cosmetic composition.

7. A computing device comprising circuitry configured to perform all of the method of claim 1.

8. The computing device of claim 7, wherein the circuitry comprises a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions configured to be executed by the processor.

9. A system and / or network of computing devices comprising the computing device of claim 8.

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