Adjusting lighting conditions

Abstract

According to one aspect, a computer-implemented method 100 for adjusting lighting conditions is provided, the method comprising receiving (102) device usage data relating to use of a personal care device by a subject during a use event, estimating (104) a current emotional state of the subject based on the device usage data, receiving (106) an indication of a target emotional state of the subject, determining (108) lighting parameters to be applied to a light source to assist the subject in reaching the target emotional state based on the target emotional state of the subject, and operating (110) the light source to emit light in accordance with the determined lighting parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the adjustment of lighting conditions, and more particularly, to the adjustment of lighting conditions based on the emotional state of a person during the use of a personal care device.

Background Art

[0002] When a person performs a personal care activity such as shaving or performs some other treatment related to the body, various factors affect the performance of the activity. In particular, due to some factors, a person (e.g., a user of a personal care device) may be able to perform the activity more effectively or may not be able to perform it so effectively.

[0003] An example of one factor that affects the ability of a person performing personal care activities to a high standard is the person's mood or emotional state. For example, a person in a bad mood or a negative emotional state does not perform personal care activities particularly well or effectively, while a person in a good or positive high emotional state performs personal care activities much better or more effectively. Moreover, the misuse of a personal care device while the subject is in a lackluster or negative emotional state can lead to results such as skin damage, dermatitis, or bruising from a safety perspective.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If a person has an unpleasant experience when performing a personal care activity (e.g., when the execution of the activity or treatment cannot give the person the expected or anticipated result), the person will reduce the amount of money spent on the execution of that activity in the future. This, as a result, leads to the person disliking the personal care activity. Therefore, there is a desire for a method to enhance or maintain a person's mood or emotional state during the execution of a personal care activity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] When a person is in a good mood or a positive emotional state, the performance of personal care activities by that person is more effective. The inventors of this disclosure have recognized that one way influencing a person's emotional state is through the use of different ambient light conditions. It is recognized that humans react differently to different colors of light (e.g., different wavelengths of light), and therefore, manipulating ambient light conditions near a person can affect that person's mood. For example, some colors of light energize a person, while other colors of light relax them. Similarly, some colors of light are known to improve a person's mood, while other colors are known to evoke feelings of sadness.

[0006] In this disclosure, knowledge of the effects of different lighting conditions on a person's emotional state is used to influence the emotional state of a user of a personal care device. Details of the user's current emotional state are determined, along with details of the target emotional state to be achieved. Lighting conditions are then selected to influence the transition from the user's current emotional state to the target / intended emotional state.

[0007] According to a first particular embodiment, a computer-aided method for adjusting lighting conditions is provided, the method comprising: receiving device use data relating to the use of a personal care device by a subject during a use event; estimating the subject's current emotional state based on the device use data; receiving an index of the subject's target emotional state; determining lighting parameters to be applied to a light source to help the subject reach the target emotional state based on the subject's target emotional state; and operating a light source to emit light according to the determined lighting parameters.

[0008] Device usage data includes one or more of the following: i) indicators of the nature of the personal care device being used by the subject; ii) at least one indicator of the day of the week, date of the device usage event, time of the device usage event, geographical location of the device usage event, room in the house where the device usage event takes place, and devices within a defined vicinity of the personal care device during the device usage event; iii) operating parameters of the personal care device during the device usage event; and iv) sensor data obtained using sensors associated with the personal care device during the device usage event.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sensor data includes data indicating one or more of the following: i) physiological parameters related to the subject's skin or hair, physical parameters related to the subject's skin or hair, chemical parameters related to the subject's skin or hair, and optical parameters related to the subject's skin or hair; ii) operational parameters of the personal care device during a device use event; and iii) interaction parameters indicating the interaction between the personal care device and the subject during a device use event.

[0010] In some embodiments, the step of estimating the subject's current emotional state involves referring to a first lookup table that associates device usage data with emotional states.

[0011] In some embodiments, the step of receiving an index of the subject's target emotional state includes the step of referring to a second lookup table that associates the target emotional state with the current emotional state.

[0012] The step of determining the lighting parameters includes referring to a third lookup table that associates the lighting parameters with the target emotional state.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of receiving a first user input indicating the effect of one or more lighting parameters on the emotional state of a subject, and updating a third lookup table based on the first user input.

[0014] The method further includes the step of receiving subject-specific data indicating one or more of the subject's lighting preferences and personal data, and at least one of the steps of estimating the subject's current emotional state and determining the lighting parameters to be applied is based on the received subject-specific data.

[0015] In some embodiments, this method further includes a step of receiving a second user input indicating the subject's emotional state, and a step of estimating the subject's current emotional state further based on the received second user input.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of determining heating parameters to be applied to a heat source to help a subject reach a target emotional state, based on the subject's target emotional state, and operating the heat source to generate heat according to the determined heating parameters.

[0017] According to a second specific embodiment, a computer program product is provided which includes a non-temporary computer-readable medium having computer-readable code embodied therein, the computer-readable code being configured to cause a computer or processor to perform the methods disclosed herein when executed by a suitable computer or processor.

[0018] According to a third specific embodiment, a system for adjusting lighting conditions is provided, the system comprising a personal care device, a light source, and a processing unit, the processing unit communicating with the personal care device and the light source, receiving device usage data regarding the subject's use of the personal care device during a usage event, estimating the subject's current emotional state based on the device usage data, receiving an index of the subject's target emotional state, determining lighting parameters to be applied to the light source to help the subject reach the target emotional state based on the subject's target emotional state, and operating the light source to emit light according to the determined lighting parameters.

[0019] In some embodiments, the system further includes a heating unit configured to direct heat towards a subject, and a processing unit is configured to operate the heating unit to generate heat that should be directed towards the subject, based on a target emotional state.

[0020] In some embodiments, the system further includes an imaging unit configured to capture at least one image of at least a portion of a subject, and a processing unit configured to estimate the subject's current emotional state based on the at least one image.

[0021] The system further includes a user interface configured to receive input from the subject, and a processing unit is configured to receive an indicator of the subject's target emotional state via the user input provided using the user interface.

[0022] These and other embodiments are evident from and will be clarified by reference to the embodiments described below.

[0023] Next, exemplary embodiments will be described, merely as examples, with reference to the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1]A flowchart of an example of a method for adjusting lighting conditions. [Figure 2] A flowchart of a further example of a method for adjusting lighting conditions. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of an example of a computer-readable medium communicating with a processor. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of an example of a system for adjusting lighting conditions. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of a further example of a system for adjusting lighting conditions.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0025] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mechanism for using light to affect a person's emotional state. More specifically, the emotional state of a user of a personal care device is affected (e.g., enhanced or otherwise changed) by adjusting the parameters of a light source that provides ambient light to the user in order to effect a transition from the user's current emotional state to a target emotional state.

[0026] Ambient light conditions are controlled in various situations. For example, the rear housing of a television set includes a light-emitting diode (LED) module that generates backlighting to match or complement the image displayed on the screen.

[0027] While ambient lighting provided by television has been shown to reduce viewer fatigue and improve the realism and depth of the experience, ambient lighting is generally used to influence a person's emotions and, furthermore, to affect a person's emotional performance in specific tasks (e.g., performing personal care activities). In a study, six colors (bright red, bright blue, bright yellow, pale red, pale blue, and pale yellow) were manipulated in a simulated research environment to measure their effects on college students' learning performance, emotions, and heart rate. The results showed that participants rated the situation as relaxed, calm, and enjoyable under the pale color conditions, while reading comprehension scores were significantly higher under the bright color conditions. Heart rate was significantly affected by hue, increasing under the red and yellow conditions. In addition, the results suggest that hue significantly affected participants' emotions, regardless of the degree of whiteness, and blue enhanced participants' sense of relaxation and calmness compared to the other colors.

[0028] According to color psychology, colors in the red region of the color spectrum (called warm colors, including red, orange, and yellow) evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility, while colors on the blue side of the spectrum (called cool colors, including blue, purple, and green) are often described as calm, but also evoke feelings of sadness or indifference.

[0029] In the lighting industry, colors that bring a bright, active atmosphere to the environment are frequently used. Sports games, holidays, and heightened awareness towards motivation are just a few examples of how color is involved in lighting. In baby products, white is often used because it symbolizes beginnings, innocence, purity, safety, and cleanliness, and is often associated with babies and new life. Therefore, advertisements for baby-related products attract customers with the clever use of white, and as a result, remind viewers of all these words.

[0030] Just as white is thought to symbolize certain sensations, blue is also thought to evoke feelings of calmness, sincerity, and trust. Blue lighting affects the human body in various ways. Many findings show that the human eye has photoreceptors that are sensitive to blue light, which affects circadian rhythms. For this reason, blue light is helpful when waking up in the morning and helps people readjust their circadian rhythms when traveling, helping to reduce the effects of jet lag. Blue LED lighting is also used to increase blood flow, as the skin is also sensitive to blue, ultimately relieving body aches and promoting healing.

[0031] Green is also considered a calming color, conveying feelings of hope, tranquility, and healing. It is the most easily visible and sensitive color to the human eye. Green lighting is sometimes used in operating rooms because it reduces glare and complements the red color of hemoglobin in the blood, creating a more visually pleasing environment for surgeons. Green light also enhances learning and concentration, and is therefore sometimes used in classrooms.

[0032] Yellow is considered a warm color that evokes feelings of happiness or joy and improves muscular energy and mental activity. Yellow is also effective in attracting attention. In hospitals, the warm tones of yellow lighting are used to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, which helps patients fall asleep at night.

[0033] Orange is a welcoming color and creates a friendly atmosphere. Orange is sometimes associated with friendship, perseverance, enthusiasm, and creativity. Orange lighting is considered particularly suitable for bringing a newborn baby home, as red, orange, and yellow are some of the first colors that human babies can see, making them feel relaxed, welcomed, and comfortable. Orange lighting also stimulates the appetite of young people, and for this reason, orange is associated with healthy food. Orange also increases oxygen flow to the brain, and therefore can trigger heightened mental activity.

[0034] Therefore, different colors, in particular, different colored light, can influence a person's mood, sensations, behavior, or emotional state. Similarly, different colors or different colored light can influence how a person performs a particular activity. These principles are used in this disclosure to influence a person's emotional state while performing personal care activities, so that the user has a positive experience while using the personal care device, and more importantly, so that the user performs the personal care activity in the best (e.g., most effective) way.

[0035] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method. Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a flowchart of an example of Method 100. Method 100 includes a computer-aided method for adjusting lighting conditions. Method 100 has a step in step 102 of receiving device use data relating to the use of a personal care device by a subject during a use event. According to this disclosure, a personal care device includes any device used to perform a personal care activity. For example, a personal care device includes, but is not limited to, shaving devices, hair cutting devices and depilatory devices, intense pulsed laser (IPL) devices, skin treatment devices, electric toothbrushes, interactive mirrors, weighing scales, etc. In the context of this disclosure, the term “use event” is intended to refer to an event or period in which a personal care device is used, for example, to perform a treatment or to obtain measurements. The term “use event” is also referred to as a “session” or “treatment session.” For example, a use event may be considered to be the period from when a subject switches on a shaving device to when they switch off the shaving device after shaving.

[0036] In step 104, method 100 includes the step of estimating the subject's current emotional state based on device usage data. Thus, device usage data is used to estimate how the user of the personal care device (e.g., the subject) is feeling.

[0037] During a usage event, device usage data is received regarding how the personal care device is used. This device usage data includes information about the use of the personal care device and, in some embodiments, includes one or more of the data types discussed below.

[0038] In one example, device usage data includes an indication of the nature of the personal care device being used by the subject. For example, device usage data includes a tag or identifier that can determine the type of device being used. In one example, the personal care device itself generates a signal containing data used to identify the personal care device. In another example, if a camera (e.g., a smartphone camera or an interactive mirror camera) is available, an image of the personal care device is captured and used to determine the nature of the personal care device. In yet another example, the subject (e.g., a user of a personal care device) provides an indication of the nature of the personal care device being used through user input. The type of personal care device used during a personal care activity provides insight into the subject's emotional state, as one personal care device may be associated with a calmer or more relaxing activity (e.g., hair removal using an IPL device), while another personal care device may be associated with a less relaxing activity (e.g., shaving).

[0039] In another example, device usage data may include the day of the week of the device usage event, the date of the device usage event, the time of the device usage event, the geographical location of the device usage event, the room in the house where the device usage event takes place, and the display of at least one device within a defined vicinity of the personal care device during the device usage event. The day of the week and / or date of the device usage event provides insight into how the subject relaxes. For example, subjects who perform personal care activities on weekends are more relaxed than subjects who perform personal care activities on weekdays when they have to work. Similarly, the time of the device usage event is used to determine whether the subject feels rushed (e.g., if the personal care activity is performed before work in the morning) or more relaxed (e.g., if the personal care activity is performed at night before going to bed). The geographical location where the device usage event takes place provides insight into the subject's emotional state. Users who perform personal care activities at home are more likely to be relaxed than users who perform personal care activities in a vehicle during their commute, for example. Similarly, personal care activities performed in a bathroom environment within the subject's home are more relaxing than personal care activities performed in the kitchen, perhaps while performing some other activity. If it is determined that a personal care device is being used near an interactive mirror, it is determined that the subject is performing personal care activities in a relaxed and controlled manner. However, if it is determined that the personal care device is not near another device (e.g., another personal care device) (e.g., within a defined neighborhood), it is assumed that the subject is not very relaxed. To assist in this determination, multiple personal care devices interact with each other or with a central control unit, for example, to enable the determination of their relative positions or relative distances.

[0040] In another example, device usage data includes the operating parameters of the personal care device during a device usage event. For instance, if a shaving device is determined to be set to maximum speed during a device usage event, the subject is presumed to be hurried while performing the personal care activity and therefore somewhat stressed. However, a subject shaving with a shaving device set to a slower speed is likely to be more relaxed. Other operating parameters of the personal care device, such as the wavelength setting of a light-emitting device and the heat setting of a heating device, are further used to estimate the subject's emotional state.

[0041] In another example, device usage data includes sensor data acquired using sensors associated with the personal care device during a device usage event. Data from one or more sources are combined to form sensor data and / or device usage data. In some embodiments, sensor data includes data indicating physiological parameters related to the subject's skin or body hair, such as dryness of the subject's skin or body hair. Sweat on the surface of the subject's skin, for example, suggests that the subject is under stress. Sensor data includes data indicating physical parameters related to the subject's skin or body hair, such as temperature or color of the skin or body hair. For example, redness of the skin suggests an emotional state of stress or anger in the subject. Sensor data includes data indicating chemical parameters related to the subject's skin or body hair. For example, certain chemicals present in the body hair or skin indicate a specific emotional state in the subject. In other examples, sensor data includes data indicating optical parameters related to the subject's skin or body hair, such as the appearance of the skin or body hair, which can provide an indicator of the subject's emotional state.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sensor data includes data indicating the operating parameters of the personal care device during a device use event. As discussed above, operating parameters of a personal care device, such as temperature settings or speed settings, provide an indicator of the subject's emotional state. While such settings are determined by the device itself, in some embodiments, the operating parameters are determined using one or more sensors associated with the personal care device.

[0043] In some embodiments, sensor data includes interaction parameters indicating the interaction between the personal care device and the subject during a device use event. For example, a pressure sensor associated with a hair trimming device is used to determine the pressure applied to the subject's skin by the hair trimming device. Similarly, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) is used to determine the speed at which a device (e.g., a shaving device or electric toothbrush) is moved during a personal care activity, and a personal care device moved rapidly throughout the course of the personal care activity is associated with a more stressed or angry user than a user who moves the personal care device slowly. In another example, sensors associated with a personal care device include a camera or microphone. Such sensors record images or sounds during a device use event, and the processing of the images or sounds is used to estimate the subject's emotional state. The sensors discussed above generate data indicating the interaction between the personal care device and the subject during a device use event.

[0044] Device usage data acquired during a device usage event is provided to a processing unit configured to estimate the subject's emotional state. In some examples, estimating the subject's current emotional state involves referencing a first lookup table that associates device usage data with emotional states. For example, any of the types of device usage data discussed above may be associated with one or more emotional states, and these associations are stored in the first lookup table or database. The device usage data is compared against various thresholds (e.g., stored in a database or lookup table, e.g., the first lookup table) to determine the most likely emotional state of the subject based on the received device usage data. One or more algorithms are used to combine different types of device usage data to improve the estimation of the subject's emotional state. For example, a subject using a shaving device set to a relatively slow setting and slowly moving the shaving device over their face to perform a shaving event in their bathroom at home on a Sunday evening is likely to be in a very calm and relaxed state. Conversely, individuals who use a shaving device set to a high-speed setting and rapidly move this device over their face during a shaving event performed in their home kitchen on a Monday morning are likely to be in a stressed emotional state.

[0045] Method 100 includes a step in step 106 to receive an indicator of the subject's target emotional state. The subject's current emotional state is considered to be the subject's initial starting emotional state (e.g., the beginning of a device use event), while the target emotional state is considered to be the emotional state the subject is intended to reach. In some cases, the target emotional state is the same as the current emotional state. For example, if the subject is estimated to be currently happy, the subject is intended to remain happy. In some cases, the indicator of the subject's target emotional state is received via user input provided by the subject. For example, the subject may indicate, via a smartphone or the user interface of an interactive mirror, that they want to relax more or feel more energetic.

[0046] In some examples, receiving an index of a subject's target emotional state involves referencing a second lookup table that correlates the target emotional state with the subject's current emotional state. For example, if a subject does not provide an index of their intended target emotional state, the second lookup table provides a standard or predefined association between the current emotional state and the target emotional state. This assumes, for example, that a subject who is feeling down or stressed is likely to want to feel uplifted or less stressed. In other examples, the target emotional state is determined using a target emotional state previously indicated for the subject. For example, the subject has previously indicated that they generally prefer to feel relaxed, and this is therefore used as the default position for the subject's target emotional state. In some embodiments, the target emotional states of a group of people are used to determine the subject's target emotional state. For example, an analysis of the target emotional states of a group of people who have similar attributes to the subject (e.g., have profiles that match or are similar to the subject's profile) is performed, and the target emotional states of those people are used to determine the subject's target emotional state. In one example, it is assumed that a certain group of people would like to be in a similar emotional state first thing in the morning.

[0047] In step 108, method 100 includes the step of determining lighting parameters to be applied to a light source to help the subject reach a target emotional state, based on the subject's target emotional state. The lighting parameters include parameters (e.g., operating parameters) or settings of the light source that control the manner of light emitted by the light source. Thus, in some embodiments, the lighting parameters include at least one of the wavelength of light to be emitted, the warmth of light to be emitted, and the intensity of light to be emitted. In other examples, the lighting parameters include the power or intensity of light, the frequency of light, and / or the color of light (e.g., using one or more filters). In other examples, other lighting parameters are applied.

[0048] The selection of lighting parameters to be applied to a light source is made with the intention of helping the subject reach a target emotional state. For example, if the subject is currently feeling depressed or sad, and the target emotional state is determined to be happy, then the lighting parameters to be applied to the light source are determined to cause the light source to emit light associated with feelings of happiness and joy, such as yellow light. In some embodiments, determining the lighting parameters involves referring to a third lookup table that associates the lighting parameters with the target emotional state. For example, as described in the example above, the target emotional state of happiness is associated in the lookup table with a specific lighting parameter (e.g., a specific wavelength setting associated with yellow light) that, when applied, causes the light source to emit yellow light.

[0049] As described above, in some cases, the target emotional state is the same as the current emotional state. For example, if the subject is already in a positive and happy mood, the target emotional state is also a happy emotional state. In such cases, there is no need to change the subject's emotional state, and therefore the lighting parameters to be applied to the light source are either the lighting parameters currently applied to the light source, or parameters that emit light that maintains the subject's current emotional state.

[0050] In some embodiments, the determination of lighting parameters to be applied to a light source is further based on the subject's current emotional state. Therefore, the determination of lighting parameters is not based solely on the target emotional state, but also takes the subject's current emotional state into consideration. In such examples, there are specific lighting parameters known to be particularly effective in transitioning the user between a particular current emotional state and a target emotional state. The relationship between a particular current emotional state and a target emotional state, and the effective lighting parameters for enabling the transition between those emotional states, are stored in one or more lookup tables, such as a third lookup table.

[0051] Method 100 includes the step in step 110 of operating a light source to emit light according to determined lighting parameters. For example, determined lighting parameters are applied to the light source. This causes the light source to emit light that helps the subject reach a target emotional state. In some embodiments, operating the light source, or applying determined lighting parameters to the light source, is done so that the transition from the light currently emitted by the light source to the light emitted according to the determined lighting parameters is smooth or gradual. A slow and gradual change in lighting conditions is not very obvious or noticeable to the subject, or the subject is not very aware of the intended change that is about to occur in their emotional state.

[0052] By applying illumination parameters to a light source to cause it to emit light, it is possible to alter the subject's emotional state. This not only helps to improve a person's mood but also has a positive impact on how the subject performs personal care activities using a personal care device. For example, a procedure using an intense pulsed light (IPL) device (e.g., hair removal) should be performed slowly and carefully, and the device should be moved incrementally across the area of ​​body to be treated. If the device is moved too quickly, spots on the skin may be missed, and the hair will not be effectively removed. Therefore, it is desirable for the subject using the IPL device to be in a calm and relaxed emotional state. Thus, method 100 helps to create an environment that helps the subject relax by using ambient lighting conditions, thereby increasing the likelihood that the subject will perform the procedure slowly and effectively. This result not only ensures that the procedure is performed as intended but also has benefits in terms of safety. For example, operating a personal care device while in an agitated or angry emotional state can lead to misuse of the device and ultimately to an accident. Similarly, using a personal care device while in an angry emotional state can lead to damage to the device (for example, if the device is not used properly or not in accordance with its intended operating conditions). Users in a calmer emotional state are more likely to use personal care devices in the intended manner, which is less likely to result in damage to the device.

[0053] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a further example of Method 200, which includes a computer-aided method for adjusting lighting conditions. Method 200 comprises one or more steps of Method 100 discussed above. In step 202, Method 200 further comprises receiving subject-specific data indicating one or more of the subject's lighting preferences and / or personal data. Subject-specific data includes data about the subject that provides an index of the subject's preferences regarding lighting conditions (e.g., an index of a particular color of light that has a particular effect on the subject's emotional state). Subject-specific data is provided by the subject, for example, through a user interface. In some examples, a user profile is used to store subject-specific data and / or preferences related to a particular subject and to obtain subject-specific data.

[0054] The steps of estimating the subject's current emotional state (step 104) and / or determining the lighting parameters to be applied (step 108) are based on the subject-specific data received. For example, the subject-specific data may include indicators of the subject's current emotional state or indicators of the subject's preferred lighting conditions.

[0055] In step 204, method 200 further includes the step of receiving a first user input indicating the effect of one or more lighting parameters on a subject's emotional state. For example, the subject provides a first user input indicating that a particular lighting parameter (e.g., a particular color of light) causes them to feel angry or sad. The input provided by the subject is used to update a lookup table. For example, in step 206, method 200 further includes the step of updating a third lookup table based on the first user input. In this way, the lookup tables referenced between methods 100 and 200 are personalized for various subjects and reduce the chances that applying a particular lighting parameter to a subject would have an undesirable effect (e.g., causing the subject to feel sad when their target emotional state is happy).

[0056] Method 200 further includes the step in step 208 of receiving a second user input indicating the subject's emotional state. For example, the subject provides an index by selecting from a list of emotional states displayed on the screen of a smartphone or interactive mirror. The subject's input (i.e., the second user input) is used in combination with device usage data to determine the subject's current emotional state. Thus, the step of estimating the subject's current emotional state (step 104) is further based on the received second user input.

[0057] In addition to providing the subject with specific lighting conditions to induce a target emotional state, in one embodiment, the application of heat is also used to help reach the target emotional state. Thus, in some embodiments, the personal care device or another device may include heating means, heat dissipation means configured to provide heat to the subject in order to help the subject reach the target emotional state. Thus, in some embodiments, method 200 may further have a step in step 210 of determining heating parameters to be applied to a heat source to help the subject reach the target emotional state, based on the subject's target emotional state. In some embodiments, the step of determining heating parameters (step 210) is further based on the subject's current emotional state. For example, if the subject's target emotional state is determined to be cozy, method 200 may, in step 210, determine that the heat source applies heat at a relatively high temperature, thereby warming the subject and helping the subject reach the target emotional state. Thus, in step 212, method 200 may further have a step of operating the heat source to generate heat according to the determined heating parameters. Heat is supplied in the form of hot air and / or radiation (e.g., infrared light). In some embodiments, the light source includes an infrared light source, and the illumination parameters include parameters that cause infrared radiation to be emitted.

[0058] The steps of methods 100 and 200 discussed above are performed using one or more processors or processing units. Such processors form part of a device such as a personal care device, smartphone, smartwatch, tablet computer, laptop computer, or interactive mirror. In some embodiments, the processing is performed remotely from the subject, for example, using a cloud computing environment. Thus, the processor forms part of a remotely located server, for example.

[0059] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program product. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of a processor 302 communicating with a computer-readable medium 304. According to one embodiment, the computer program product includes a non-temporary computer-readable medium 304, the computer-readable medium having computer-readable code embodied therein, the computer-readable code being configured to cause the computer or processor to perform steps of methods 100, 200 disclosed herein when executed by a suitable computer or processor 302.

[0060] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a system. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a system 400 which is considered to be a system for adjusting lighting conditions. The system 400 includes a processing unit 402, a personal care device 404, and a light source 406. The processing unit 402 is configured to communicate with the personal care device 404 and the light source 406 and to perform one or more steps of methods 100, 200 discussed herein. Specifically, the processing unit 402 is configured to receive device usage data regarding the use of the personal care device by a subject during a use event, to estimate the subject's current emotional state based on the device usage data, to receive an index of the subject's target emotional state, to determine lighting parameters to be applied to the light source to help the subject reach the target emotional state based on the subject's target emotional state, and to operate the light source to emit light according to the determined lighting parameters. The components of the system 400 are arranged in a single device or in two or more devices spaced far apart from each other.

[0061] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a further example of system 500, such as a system for adjusting lighting conditions. System 500 includes the components of system 400 disclosed above. System 500 further includes a heating unit 502 configured to direct heat towards a subject. The heating unit 502 may, for example, form part of the personal care device 404 or include a separate component far removed from the personal care device. The processing unit 402 is configured to operate the heating unit 502 to generate heat that should be directed towards the subject, based on a target emotional state. As discussed above, the heating unit 502 is configured to generate high-temperature heat and direct it towards the subject if the subject's target emotional state is cozy or relaxed.

[0062] The system 500 further includes an imaging unit 504 configured to capture at least one image of at least a portion of a subject. The imaging unit 504 includes, for example, a camera on a smartphone or tablet computer, or a camera on an interactive mirror. The imaging unit 504 captures a single image or multiple images, such as a stream of images forming a video. The processing unit 402 is configured to estimate the subject's current emotional state based on at least one image. For example, facial expression analysis is performed to determine the subject's mood or emotional state based on their facial expressions. In another example, the determination of the subject's current emotional state is determined by analyzing available image data in the captured image, such as the subject's skin color (for example, redness of the subject's face suggests anger).

[0063] In some embodiments, the system 500 includes a microphone (not shown) for recording sound data related to the subject. The recorded sound data is used alone or in conjunction with images captured by the imaging unit 504 to help determine the subject's current emotional state.

[0064] The system 500 further includes a user interface 506 configured to receive input from a subject. The user interface 506 includes one or more switches, one or more buttons, a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, a mouse wheel, a touchscreen or application (e.g., of a tablet or smartphone), or any other user interface, or a combination of user interfaces suitable for enabling the subject to provide user input. The user interface 506 is used by the subject to indicate the current emotional state and / or target emotional state, along with other data used, for example, to update one or more of the lookup tables. The processing unit 402 is configured to receive an index of the subject's target emotional state via user input provided using the user interface 506.

[0065] Embodiments disclosed herein provide a mechanism in which a person's mood or emotional state is influenced through the use of ambient light. Based on an estimate of the person's current emotional state while performing personal care activities and a determination of a target emotional state that the person should or wish to achieve, appropriate lighting conditions are determined, and lighting parameters are applied to create the desired lighting conditions. By changing or improving the person's mood or emotional state, the person can perform personal care activities at a higher level, more effectively, and / or more safely. Furthermore, by improving the way the person uses the personal care device (e.g., by creating a calmer environment for using the device), the personal care device is more likely to last longer and less likely to be damaged. Processors 302, 402 include one or more processors, processing units, multicore processors, or modules configured or programmed to control the systems 400, 500 in the manner described herein. In certain embodiments, processors 302, 402 include a plurality of software modules and / or hardware modules, each configured to perform or to perform individual or multiple steps of the method described herein.

[0066] As used herein, the term “module” is intended to include hardware components such as a processor or processor components configured to perform a specific function, or software components such as a set of instruction data that has a specific function when executed by a processor.

[0067] Embodiments of the present invention will also be understood to apply to computer programs configured to implement the present invention, particularly computer programs on or within a carrier. The program may be in the form of object code, such as source code, object code, code intermediate source, and partially compiled forms, or any other form suitable for use in implementing the methods according to embodiments of the present invention. Such programs may also be understood to have different architectural designs. For example, program code that implements the functions of a method or system according to the present invention may be subdivided into one or more subroutines. Many different ways of distributing the functions among these subroutines will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The subroutines may be stored together in a single executable file to form a self-contained program. For example, such an executable file may contain computer executable instructions, e.g., processor instructions and / or interpreter instructions (e.g., Java). (Registered trademark) This includes interpreter instructions. Alternatively, one or more or all of the subroutines are stored in at least one external library file and are statically or dynamically linked with the main program, for example, at runtime. The main program includes at least one call to at least one of the subroutines. The subroutines also include function calls to each other. One embodiment relating to a computer program product includes computer executable instructions corresponding to at least one process stage of the methods described herein. These instructions are subdivided into subroutines and stored in one or more files that are statically or dynamically linked. Another embodiment relating to a computer program product includes computer executable instructions corresponding to at least one means of the systems and / or products described herein. These instructions are subdivided into subroutines and stored in one or more files that are statically or dynamically linked.

[0068] A carrier of a computer program is any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, a carrier includes data storage such as ROM, e.g., CD-ROM or semiconductor ROM, or magnetic recording media, e.g., hard disks. Furthermore, a carrier is a transmittable carrier such as an electrical signal or optical signal carried via an electrical cable or optical cable, or by wireless means or other means. If the program is embodied in such a signal, the carrier consists of such a cable or other device or means. Alternatively, a carrier is an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, and the integrated circuit is configured to perform a relevant method or is used to perform a relevant method.

[0069] Modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be understood and achieved by those skilled in the art from a review of the drawings, disclosures, and appended claims when practicing the principles and techniques described herein. In the claims, the words “equipment, includes, and have” do not exclude other elements or steps, and singular elements do not exclude plural elements. A single processor or other unit performs the functions of several items enumerated in the claims. The mere fact that certain means are enumerated in different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these means cannot be used advantageously. Computer programs may be stored or distributed on suitable media such as optical storage media or solid media supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. No reference numeral in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A computer-aided method for adjusting lighting conditions, wherein the method is A step of receiving device usage data relating to the use of a personal care device used by a subject to perform personal care activities during a usage event, wherein the device usage data i) An indicator of the properties of the personal care device used by the subject, ii) At least one indicator among the day of the week of the device use event, the date of the device use event, the time of the device use event, the geographical location of the device use event, the room in the house where the device use event takes place, and the device in a defined vicinity of the personal care device during the device use event, iii) The operating parameters of the personal care device during the device usage event, iv) Sensor data acquired using sensors associated with the personal care device during the device usage event and A step including one or more of the following, The steps include: estimating the subject's current emotional state based on the device usage data; The steps include receiving an indicator of the target emotional state of the aforementioned subject, The steps include determining, based on the target emotional state of the subject, lighting parameters to be applied to the light source in order to help the subject reach the target emotional state, A step of operating a light source to emit light according to the determined illumination parameters, A computer implementation method having the following characteristics.

2. The aforementioned sensor data, i) Physiological parameters related to the subject's skin or body hair, physical parameters related to the subject's skin or body hair, chemical parameters related to the subject's skin or body hair, and optical parameters related to the subject's skin or body hair, ii) Operating parameters of the personal care device during the device usage event, iii) Interaction parameters indicating the interaction between the personal care device and the subject during the device use event, The computer implementation method according to claim 1, comprising data indicating one or more of the following.

3. The computer implementation method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of estimating the subject's current emotional state includes the step of referring to a first lookup table that associates device usage data with emotional states.

4. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of receiving an index of the target emotional state of the subject comprises the step of referring to a second lookup table that associates the target emotional state with the current emotional state.

5. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the step of determining the lighting parameters includes the step of referring to a third lookup table that associates the lighting parameters with a target emotional state.

6. The steps include receiving a first user input indicating the effect of one or more lighting parameters on the emotional state of the subject, The steps include updating the third lookup table based on the user input indicating the influence of one or more lighting parameters on the subject's emotional state, and The computer implementation method according to claim 5, further comprising the above.

7. The process further includes receiving subject-specific data indicating the subject's lighting preferences and one or more of the subject's personal data. The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the steps of estimating the subject's current emotional state and determining the lighting parameters to be applied is based on the subject-specific data received.

8. The process further includes a step of receiving user input indicating the emotional state of the subject, The computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the step of estimating the current emotional state of the subject is further based on the received user input indicating the emotional state of the subject.

9. The steps include determining heating parameters to be applied to a heat source in order to help the subject reach the target emotional state, based on the target emotional state of the subject, A step of operating a heat source to generate heat according to the determined heating parameters, A computer implementation method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:

10. A computer program configured to cause a suitable computer or processor to execute the computer implementation method described in any one of claims 1 to 9 when it is executed by the computer or processor.

11. A system for adjusting lighting conditions, wherein the system Personal care devices used to perform personal care activities, Light source and Including a processing unit, The aforementioned processing unit The personal care device and the light source communicate with each other. The device usage data is received regarding the use of personal care devices by the subject during the usage event, and the device usage data is, i) An indicator of the properties of the personal care device used by the subject, ii) At least one indicator among the day of the week of the device use event, the date of the device use event, the time of the device use event, the geographical location of the device use event, the room in the house where the device use event takes place, and the device in a defined vicinity of the personal care device during the device use event, iii) The operating parameters of the personal care device during the device usage event, iv) Sensor data acquired using sensors associated with the personal care device during the device usage event and Includes one or more of the following: Based on the device usage data, the current emotional state of the subject is estimated. Upon receiving the indicators of the target emotional state of the aforementioned subject, Based on the target emotional state of the subject, the lighting parameters to be applied to the light source in order to help the subject reach the target emotional state are determined. A system that operates the light source to emit light according to the determined illumination parameters.

12. The system further includes a heating unit for directing heat towards the subject, The aforementioned processing unit The system according to claim 11, wherein the heating unit is operated to generate heat that should be directed towards the subject based on the target emotional state.

13. The system further includes an imaging unit for capturing at least one image of at least a portion of the subject, The aforementioned processing unit The system according to claim 11 or 12, which estimates the current emotional state of the subject based on at least one image.

14. The system further includes a user interface for receiving input from the aforementioned subject, The aforementioned processing unit The system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, which receives an index of the target emotional state of the subject via user input provided using the user interface.

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