Hair drying appliance control elaboration process, elaboration system, drying method, and associated hair drying assembly

Abstract

Hair drying appliance control elaboration process, elaboration system, drying method, and associated hair drying assembly The present invention relates to a process for elaborating controls of a hair drying appliance (10), implemented by a control elaboration system, the process being characterized by the following step: - determining (104) a control mode of the hair drying appliance (10), using at least one characteristic parameter of a user's hair determined using information representative of a user's hair.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Hair drying appliance control elaboration process, elaboration system, drying method, and associated hair drying assembly

[0003] The present invention relates to a hair drying appliance control elaboration process, implemented by a control elaboration system.

[0004] Such a process, implemented by computer, is intended in particular to provide a user with customized recommendations for use of a hair drying appliance, and / or to automatically implement such recommendations in a hair drying appliance.

[0005] When a user visits a hair salon or when they wash their hair at home, they often have to use a hair drying appliance, not only for drying their hair, but also for creating a hairstyle that suits them.

[0006] Conventional hair drying appliances include several control modes, for example two or three modes, wherein the speed and / or the temperature of the hot air generated by the hair drying appliance varies.

[0007] When the user uses the drying appliance, they may for example select a first control mode to pre-dry their hair, and a second control mode to create their desired hairstyle.

[0008] In particular, in salons, hairstylists tend to use the control mode that produces the highest temperature and the highest air speed to create the user's hairstyle according to the style desired by the user.

[0009] Therefore, the drying appliance control is very basic, and is not entirely satisfying in terms of esthetic appeal and energy consumption. Indeed, using the control mode with a high temperature and air speed is sometimes unsuitable for some types of hair.

[0010] Furthermore, this control mode being generally used to create the hairstyle, it is used for the longest time, which substantially affects the energy consumption of the hair drying appliance.

[0011] An aim of the invention is obtaining a hair drying appliance control which produces more satisfying results for creating a user's hairstyle, while reducing the energy consumption of the hair drying appliance as quickly as possible.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a process as cited hereinabove, characterized by the following step:

[0013] - determining a control mode of the hair drying appliance, using at least one characteristic parameter of a user's hair determined using information representative of a user's hair. Thanks to the use of characteristic hair parameters obtained using information representative of a user's hair, it is possible to select a customized control mode of the hair drying appliance which adapts to the user's hair and which uses the correct quantity of energy required to obtain this result.

[0014] The process according to the invention, implemented by computer, therefore allows the user to receive a drying appliance control recommendation that they can approve, or said control can be transmitted automatically to the drying appliance to allow customized and economical operation.

[0015] The process according to the invention can comprise the following steps:

[0016] - receiving information representative of a user's hair;

[0017] - determining, from the information representative of the hair, the at least one characteristic parameter of the user's hair.

[0018] Receiving information representative of a user's hair allows the system to determine characteristic hair parameters from the representative information, and therefore obtain the most suitable control mode for the user.

[0019] The process according to the invention can comprise the following feature:

[0020] - the representative information comprises visual representation data of the user's hair or / and at least one characteristic datum of the user's hair, entered by the operator on a computer terminal.

[0021] It is thus possible to obtain relevant representative information to determine the control mode, whether in the form of a visual representation of the user's hair, or / and in the form of an entry of at least one additional characteristic datum of the user's hair, by the user.

[0022] The process according to the invention can comprise the following feature:

[0023] - the visual representation data of the user's hair comprises at least one image of the user's hair.

[0024] Receiving representative information in the form of at least one digital image of the hair allows for an image analysis (or "machine vision") which ensures an accurate determination of characteristic parameters of the hair usable for implementing the process. Capturing an image of the hair is a simple method to implement, in particular for a user and image analysis is very effective for determining the characteristic parameters.

[0025] The process according to the invention can also comprise one or / and the other of the following features:

[0026] - it comprises a preliminary step of acquiring at least one image of the user's hair with a camera; - the camera is borne by a mobile electronic device, in particular a mobile phone, a tablet, or a laptop computer, by a device for diagnosing the user's hair and / or head or by the hair drying appliance.

[0027] Implementing a preliminary step of acquiring at least one image by means of a camera is simple for the user to carry out, in particular when the camera is borne by a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a tablet or by a hair diagnostic device.

[0028] Furthermore, the hair drying appliance can be itself equipped with such a camera, which simplifies the gestures and allows the user to provide the most accurate image of their hair, just as the drying process is to be implemented.

[0029] The process according to the invention can comprise the following feature:

[0030] - determining at least one characteristic hair parameter is carried out by image analysis using the at least one image of the user's hair, advantageously using a deterministic model for determining the characteristic parameter or / and using a model for determining the characteristic parameter by artificial intelligence.

[0031] Determining the characteristic parameter by a deterministic model ensures good determination accuracy, regardless of the representative information provided.

[0032] Determination by an artificial intelligence model offers a greater variety of modulation of the representative information used to obtain the characteristic parameters, based on learning which can be carried out using a large number of users, in particular in the field of hair drying, because potentially all users of drying appliances can contribute to such models.

[0033] The process according to the invention can comprise the following feature:

[0034] - implementing the deterministic model includes determining the position of hair roots in the hair, then creating a hair segmentation mask using the position of the hair roots, the calculation of the single or each characteristic parameter being performed using the hair segmentation mask.

[0035] The determination of the hair root positions, and subsequent creation of a segmentation mask results in easy and accurate access to several characteristic hair parameters, in particular dimensional hair characteristics, such ashair density and / or mean hair diameter.

[0036] The process according to the invention can comprise the following feature:

[0037] - the determination step includes determining a hair curl class by image analysis using the at least one image of the user's hair, advantageously using a deterministic model or / and using an artificial intelligence determination model.

[0038] Determining a hair curl is particularly significant for obtaining a suitable customization of the control mode of the hair drying appliance, in order to obtain the most suitable result. The different hair curls can be easily classified in the form of different classes, which limits the impact and the number of cases to be processed in the control determination model.

[0039] The process according to the invention can comprise at least one of the following features:

[0040] - the at least one characteristic determined using the information representative of the hair is chosen among a mean hair diameter, a local hair curvature, a hair density, a hair curl class;

[0041] - the process includes a step of determining at least one customization datum of the user, in particular a gender, an age, or / and a cranial sensitivity of the user, the determination of a control mode of the hair drying appliance being performed using the or each customization datum of the user.

[0042] The choice of a characteristic hair parameter among a mean hair diameter, a hair density, a local hair curvature, and / or a curl of the hairs present in the user's hair provides characteristic parameters that are simple to determine by analyzing the information representative of the hair, these parameters being however rich in content and differentiating from one user to another.

[0043] This makes it possible to subsequently have a good differentiation between users to apply the most customized hair drying appliance control mode to each user.

[0044] The process according to the invention can comprise the at least one of the following features:

[0045] - the control mode defines at least one operating parameter of the hair drying appliance chosen among a drying air flow temperature, a drying air flow speed, a hair lighting intensity by a light source present in the hair drying appliance, a drying time and / or a lighting time;

[0046] - the control mode defines the operating parameters according to a drying phase, the drying phase being advantageously determined from a pre-drying, a hairstyle implementation, and / or a diffusion.

[0047] The choice of operating parameters of the appliance among a drying air temperature, a drying air speed, optionally a hair lighting or / and a drying time provides a great variety of hair treatment options according to the characteristic parameters determined, ensuring effective hair drying customization.

[0048] This is particularly the case when the control mode is furthermore set according to a drying phase, because depending on the drying phase, the result produced by drying may be totally different.

[0049] The process according to the invention can comprise the following feature: - determining the control mode includes consulting a database defining a plurality of control modes capable of being applied by the hair drying appliance, according to the or each characteristic parameter determined, and optionally according to at least one customization datum of the user or / and includes implementing a deterministic or artificial intelligence model calculating a control mode using the or each characteristic parameter determined and optionally at least one customization datum of the user.

[0050] Consulting a database offers a relatively simple way of linking the control mode with the characteristic parameters, which can for example be integrated directly into the hair drying appliance, without requiring substantial resources in terms of hardware or software.

[0051] Using a deterministic model or an artificial intelligence determination model can require more resources, but can provide more drying adaptation and customization options.

[0052] The invention also relates to a system for elaborating a control of a hair drying appliance, including:

[0053] - a module for determining a control mode for the hair drying appliance, using at least one characteristic parameter of a user's hair determined using information representative of the user's hair.

[0054] The system according to the invention can comprise:

[0055] - a module for receiving information representative of a user's hair;

[0056] - a module for determining, from the information representative of the hair, the at least one characteristic parameter of the user's hair.

[0057] The invention also relates to a hair drying method comprising the following steps: implementing a hair drying appliance control elaboration process as defined hereinabove; transmitting the control mode determined to the hair drying appliance; displaying the control mode determined or / and implementing the control mode determined by the hair drying appliance.

[0058] The invention also relates to a hair drying assembly including:

[0059] - a hair drying appliance, comprising an air flow generator, an air flow temperature regulation system, and optionally a light emission source, the appliance further including a control unit configured to drive the air flow generator, the air flow temperature regulation system, and optionally the light emission source;

[0060] - a system for elaborating controls as defined hereinabove, configured to be connected to the control unit by a data transmission link, the control unit being configured to receive a control mode determined by the elaboration system.

[0061] The assembly according to the invention can comprise the following feature: - the elaboration system is borne by the hair drying appliance, by a portable electronic device, in particular a mobile phone or a tablet, by a hair diagnostic device or / and is hosted in an electronic computer system.

[0062] When the elaboration system is borne by the hair drying appliance, the latter is fully autonomous in determining the best control model for a given user according to the information representative of their hair.

[0063] When the elaboration system is placed in a portable electronic device, the user can also implement the elaboration process easily. When it is placed in a remote computer device, a simple remote query is also possible to obtain the best control mode, making use of an adapted computing power.

[0064] The invention will be easier to understand after reading the following description, provided solely as an example, and with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

[0065] - [Fig.1 ] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a hair drying assembly comprising a system for acquiring information representative of a user's hair, a system for elaborating controls of a hair drying appliance, and the hair drying appliance;

[0066] - [Fig.2] Figure 2 is a schematic view illustrating the implementation of a process for elaborating controls of the hair drying appliance according to the invention;

[0067] - [Fig.3] Figure 3 is a detailed view of the steps of determining the characteristic hair parameters according to representative information formed by one or more images of the hair.

[0068] An example of a process for elaborating controls of a hair drying appliance 10 according to the invention is implemented in an assembly 12 represented schematically in Figure 1.

[0069] Besides the hair drying appliance 10, the assembly 12 includes a system 14 for acquiring information representative of a user's hair and a system 16 for elaborating controls of the hair drying appliance 10 using the representative information acquired by the acquisition system 14.

[0070] The hair drying appliance 10 comprises in a known manner a handle 20, intended to be held by the user, a head 22 intended to project an air flow, in particular of hot air and / or a light flux to the user's hair, and a control interface 24 of the hair drying appliance 10 by the user, for example disposed on the handle 20.

[0071] The hair drying appliance 10 further comprises an air flow generator 26, for example placed in the handle 20 or / and in the head 22, configured to generate an air flow at a controlled speed VA, and a system 28 for regulating the temperature TA of the air flow, for example placed in the head 22. The hair drying appliance 10 further includes at least one light emission source 30, in particular a light emission source in the infrared range (for example with wavelengths between 800 nm and 2 microns).

[0072] The hair drying appliance 10 finally comprises a control unit 32, placed in the handle 24 or in the head 22, connected to the interface 24, the control unit 32 being configured to control at least one operating parameter of the hair drying appliance 10, in particular the speed VA of the air flow generated by the generator 26, the air flow temperature TA regulated by the regulation system 28, the light emission intensity IE emitted by the light emission source 30, and / or the air flow or / and light emission generation time DA, DE.

[0073] Advantageously, the control unit 32 preferably includes at least one processor and at least one memory comprising software modules capable of being executed by the processor. Alternatively, the control unit 32 is embodied in the form of at least one programmable logic component such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a dedicated integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0074] In one embodiment, the control unit 32 is configured to drive the operation of the hair drying appliance 10, and in particular the emission of an air flow and / or a light flux according to a defined number of discrete control modes, for example according to five control modes A to E illustrated in Figure 2.

[0075] Each control mode is defined for example by at least one operating parameter chosen among an air flow temperature TA, by an air flow speed VA, for a drying time DS, and / or optionally by a light emission intensity IE, and by a light emission time DE.

[0076] Preferably, each control mode is defined for a particular drying phase, for example for a pre-drying phase P1 , for a hairstyle elaboration phase P2, or for a diffusion phase P3.

[0077] Alternatively, the control modes are not predefined discrete modes, but correspond to operating points in a range of control modes defined by a range of continuous evolution of the aforementioned operating parameters, according to the given drying phase.

[0078] With reference to Figure 1 , the hair drying appliance 10 includes at least one wired or wireless data transmission interface 34, configured to receive, from the elaboration system 16, at least one control mode chosen from the predefined modes, or determined in the range of control modes.

[0079] The wireless transmission interface is for example a Bluetooth protocol transmission interface or a Wi-Fi protocol transmission interface. The wired transmission interface comprises for example a USB port.

[0080] In one example, the control unit 32 is configured, on receipt of the control mode by the transmission interface 34, to activate the flow generator 26, the regulation system 28, or / and the light emission source 30 to apply automatically, without interaction with the user, the operating parameters of the received control mode.

[0081] Alternatively, the control unit 32 is configured to display the control mode suggested by the elaboration system 16 on the control interface 24 to allow the user to confirm the implementation of the control mode or not.

[0082] In a further variant, the control unit 32 is configured to receive from an external system, for example from the acquisition system 14, a control mode which was previously checked and validated by the user, and to implement this control mode automatically if an piece of prior control mode validation information is received together with the control mode.

[0083] The representative information acquisition system 14 preferably comprises at least one camera 40, configured to acquire at least one image of the user's hair, and at least one user interface 42, configured to control the camera 40 and optionally guide the user in the capture of images of the hair by the camera.

[0084] The user interface 42 is furthermore capable of allowing the user to enter at least one characteristic datum of the user's hair such as for example a measured hair thickness, or respond to a questionnaire aimed at identifying characteristic data of the hair.

[0085] The acquisition system 14 further comprises at least one data transmission interface 42 intended to send the elaboration system 16 the or each image acquired by the camera 40 and / or the or each characteristic datum.

[0086] Preferably, the acquisition system 14 comprises a computer 46 comprising at least one processor and at least one memory intended to implement software modules for executing applications, in particular an image acquisition application displayed on the user interface 42.

[0087] Preferably, the user interface 42 includes a display screen, and at least one hardware or software control button, configured to trigger the camera 40 to take an image of the user's hair.

[0088] Advantageously, as illustrated in Figure 2, the acquisition system 14 is an electronic device 50, in particular a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer.

[0089] Alternatively, the acquisition system 14 is a system 52 for diagnosing the user's skull and / or hair.

[0090] Also alternatively, the acquisition system 14 includes a camera 40 directly on-board the hair drying appliance 10. The acquisition system 40 is then advantageously devoid of a user interface 42.

[0091] The transmission interface 44 is configured to transmit the or each image taken by the camera 40 to the elaboration system 16. The transmission interface 44 is for example a wireless transmission interface, in particular a Wi-Fi protocol or Bluetooth protocol transmission interface, or a wired transmission interface, in particular when the camera 40 is on-board the hair drying appliance 10.

[0092] Preferably, the user interface 42 includes at least one software application guiding the user to indicate which photos need to be taken of their hair, in particular a front photograph, a top photograph, or / and a photograph of at least one strand of hair, as seen at the top left of Figure 2.

[0093] The elaboration system 16 is configured to receive the information representative of the user's hair, in particular from the acquisition system 14. It is configured to determine, using the representative information, at least one characteristic hair parameter, then to determine a control mode of the hair drying appliance 10, using the or each characteristic parameter determined.

[0094] It is also configured to transmit the determined control to the hair drying appliance 10 for an execution of the control or optionally, to the acquisition system 14 for approval by the user.

[0095] In the embodiment represented schematically in Figure 1 , the elaboration system 16 is represented independently of the hair drying appliance 10 or the representative information acquisition system 14.

[0096] It is advantageously hosted in an independent computer system from the hair drying appliance 10 and the acquisition system 14, in particular a cloud computer system, referred to using the term "cloud". Alternatively, the elaboration system 16 is borne by the acquisition system 14 or / and is borne by the hair drying appliance 10.

[0097] As illustrated in Figure 1 , the elaboration system 16 includes a computer comprising a processor 60 and a memory 62, containing software modules intended to be executed by the processor 60 to execute the functions of the aforementioned modules.

[0098] Alternatively, the computer is embodied in the form of a programmable logic component such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), which are capable of executing the functions of the aforementioned modules.

[0099] In the example of Figure 1 , the elaboration system 16 includes a module 64 for receiving the information representative of the user's hair, a module 66 for determining, using the information representative of at least one characteristic hair parameter, and a module 68 for determining a control mode of the hair drying appliance 10, using the or each characteristic parameter determined by the determination module 66. The elaboration system 16 furthermore advantageously includes a module 70 for transmitting the control mode to the hair drying appliance 10 or / and to the acquisition system 14 for presentation to the user of the determined control mode or / and for the implementation of the control mode by the hair drying appliance 10, automatically or after approval by the user.

[0100] The reception module 64 is configured to communicate with the transmission interface 44 to receive the information representative of the hair, in particular the image(s) of the hair taken using the camera 40 of the acquisition system 14. An example of an image 72 is represented in Figure 3.

[0101] Optionally, the reception module 66 is configured to process the image 72 to improve its sharpness or / and its contrast.

[0102] The characteristic parameter determination module 66 is configured to process the representative information in order to infer at least one characteristic hair parameter therefrom.

[0103] The characteristic hair parameter is chosen for example among a mean hair diameter DM, a hair density DC, a local hair curvature CL, a curl class CF of the individual hairs present in the hair.

[0104] Advantageously, the determination module 66 is furthermore configured to determine user customization data, in particular a user gender G, a user age A, or a cranial sensitivity SC of the user using the information representative of the hair, in particular using at least one image of the hair taken by the camera 40 of the acquisition system 14.

[0105] Determining the or each characteristic parameter is performed for example by a deterministic model for processing the representative information. The deterministic model implements for example an image analysis (or "machine vision") algorithm to extract, from at least one image 72 of the user's hair, taken by the camera 40, and received by the reception module 64, at least one characteristic parameter as defined hereinabove.

[0106] For example, in the example of Figure 3, the deterministic model is configured to determine the position 74 of the roots of each individual hair present in the image 72, then determining, from each position 74, a segmentation mask 76 for segmenting the image to individuate the different individual hairs 78 present in the image 72.

[0107] The segmentation mask identifies in particular in the image 72 the pixels belonging to each individual hair 78, and conversely identifies the pixels in the image 72 belonging to none of the hairs.

[0108] Using the segmentation mask, the deterministic model calculates the mean diameter of each individual hair 78, then the mean hair diameter DM. It then calculates the hair density DC. In the example in Figure 3, the deterministic model also determines, from the color of the head skull, the sensitivity SC of the skull, and from the hair type 78 and dimensions, the user's gender G and age A.

[0109] Alternatively, the gender and age are entered by the user using the acquisition system 14 during the image capture by the camera 40 and are transmitted to the reception module 64, then to the determination module 66.

[0110] Similarly, the characteristic parameter determination module 66 is configured to classify, using a hair strand image 80, the hair present in the image 80 according to a curl class CF of the user's hair from several predefined curl classes CF.

[0111] The curl classes CF are predefined for example according to the wavyness of the hair (see for example classes 2a, 2b and 2c in Figure 3), and also according to the presence of curls on the hair, and the dimensions of the curls (classes 3a, 3b, 3c and classes 4a, 4b and 4c in Figure 3).

[0112] Alternatively, the model used to determine at least one characteristic parameter is an artificial intelligence determination module using for example a neural network.

[0113] The neural network includes an ordered succession of neural layers, each of which takes its inputs from the outputs of the preceding layer.

[0114] More specifically, each layer comprises neurons taking their inputs from the outputs of the neurons of the preceding layer, or from the input variables for the first layer.

[0115] Alternatively, more complex neural network structures can be considered with a layer which can be connected to a more distant layer than the immediately preceding layer.

[0116] An operation, i.e. a type of processing, to be performed by said neuron in the corresponding processing layer is also associated with each neuron.

[0117] Each layer is connected to the other layers by a plurality of synapses. A synaptic weight is associated with each synapse, and each synapse forms a link between two neurons. It is often a real number, which takes both positive and negative values. In some cases, the synaptic weight is a complex number.

[0118] Each neuron is capable of performing a weighted sum of the value(s) received from the neurons of the preceding layer, each value then being multiplied by the respective synaptic weight of each synapse, or connection, between said neuron and the neurons of the preceding layer, then applying an activation function, typically a non-linear function, to said weighted sum, and outputting from said neuron, in particular to the neurons of the following layer which are connected thereto, the value resulting from the application of the activation function. The activation function makes it possible to introduce a non-linearity into the processing performed by each neuron. The sigmoid function, the hyperbolic tangent function, the Heaviside function are examples of activation functions. Additionally and optionally, each neuron is also capable of applying, furthermore, a multiplying factor, also referred to as bias, to the output of the activation function, and the value output from said neuron is then the product of the bias value and the value obtained from the activation function.

[0119] Advantageously, the input parameters of the neural network are for example at least one image 72 of the hair taken by the user using the camera 40 previously transmitted to the reception module 64.

[0120] The output parameters of the neural network are one or more characteristic parameters chosen in particular among a mean hair diameter DM, a hair density DC, a local hair curvature CL, a hair curl class CF.

[0121] The neural network is for example trained, by submitting a plurality of hair images taken on users, wherein a prior image analysis has been carried out to determine each characteristic parameter present in the image.

[0122] Similarly, an artificial intelligence determination model can be used to determine, using the representative information, user customization data, in particular the user's gender G, the user's age A, or the sensitivity SC of the user's head.

[0123] The neural network is for example trained, by submitting a plurality of hair images taken on users, wherein a prior image analysis has been carried out to determine each customization datum.

[0124] The control mode determination module 68 is configured for example to associate a customized control mode with the characteristic parameter(s) of the user's hair, the control mode being chosen from a plurality of discrete control modes (such as modes A to E illustrated in Figure 2) or a customized control mode chosen in a range of possible control modes.

[0125] As stated hereinabove, each control mode defines a plurality of operating parameters of the hair drying appliance 10 according to the characteristic parameter(s) determined by the characteristic parameter determination module 66.

[0126] In one example, the control mode determination module 68 is configured to query a database 90 of determined control modes, according to one or more characteristic parameters, and / or a hair drying phase.

[0127] In the example shown in Figure 1 , the database 90 is received in a memory of the elaboration system 16. Alternatively, the database 90 is hosted in a separate computer system from the elaboration system 16, and is queried by the elaboration system 16 using a data transmission link.

[0128] In the example shown in Figure 2, the database 90 is represented schematically by a table illustrating control modes M ranging from A to E, chosen according to the drying phases P1 to P3. In particular, each mode A to E includes a plurality of operating parameters according to the drying phase P1 to P3, for example an air flow temperature TA, and an air flow speed VA associated with each mode A to E for each drying phase P1 to P3.

[0129] The database 90 associates furthermore with at least one characteristic hair parameter among the mean hair size DM, the hair density DC, the local hair curvature CL, and / or a curl class CF present in the hair with an operating mode among the predefined operating modes A to E. The operating modes A to E can furthermore be associated with a customization datum of the user, in particular the gender G, the age A, and / or the head sensitivity SC.

[0130] In one particular example, each mode A to E is associated with a curl class CF and defines an air flow temperature TA, and an air flow speed VA, according to the curl class CF.

[0131] Alternatively, in the case where the control mode is defined by the continuous operating parameter ranges, a deterministic model is for example used to determine the operating parameters, in particular the air flow speed VA or the air flow temperature TA, according to at least one characteristic parameter of the user's hair and optionally, customization data.

[0132] Also alternatively, an artificial intelligence determination model is used to determine the operating parameters, in particular the air flow speed VA or the air flow temperature TA, according to the characteristic parameters or / and optionally customization data. The artificial intelligence determination module is for example a model as defined hereinabove.

[0133] The model is for example trained, by submitting a plurality of sets of characteristic parameters and by associating with each set of characteristic parameters suitable operating parameters for the user.

[0134] The transmission module 70 is configured to transmit the operating parameters of the control mode selected by the control mode determination module 68 to the control appliance 10, for an automatic execution of the control mode according to the drying phase P1 to P3.

[0135] Alternatively, as stated hereinabove, the transmission module 70 is configured to transmit a definition of the control mode, and / or a definition of the operating parameters of the control mode to the information acquisition system 14, for presentation to the user and approval by the user before transmission to the hair drying appliance 10.

[0136] A hair drying appliance control elaboration process will now be described, with reference in particular to Figures 2 and 3.

[0137] Initially, a step 100 of representative information acquisition is performed. The step 100 comprises acquiring at least one image of the user's hair using a camera 40 or / and a characteristic parameter of the hair by user input. To this end, in the example shown at the top of the figure, the user activates an application on a mobile device 50 to take one or more photographic images of their hair, for example a front image, a top image, or an image of a strand of hair.

[0138] In one variant, the hair diagnosis device 52 is used to take one or more images.

[0139] In a further variant, as shown in Figure 2, a camera 40 directly on-board the hair drying appliance 10 is used to take one or more pictures.

[0140] Then, the data transmission interface 44 of the acquisition system 14 transmits the representative information to the elaboration system 16.

[0141] In step 101 , the reception module 64 of the elaboration system 16 receives information representative of the hair. In the case of an image 72, it optionally performs preprocessing to improve the contrast and / or sharpness.

[0142] Then, a step 102 of determining at least one characteristic hair parameter is implemented by the determination module 66.

[0143] As described hereinabove, determining the or each characteristic parameter is performed for example by a deterministic model for processing the representative information. The deterministic model extracts, from at least one image 72 of the user's hair, taken by the camera 40, and received by the reception module 64, at least one characteristic parameter as defined hereinabove. This is performed advantageously by determining a segmentation mask 76, then calculating the characteristic parameter(s), in particular the mean hair diameter DM and the hair density DC.

[0144] In the example in Figure 3, the deterministic model also determines customization data for the user for example, the cranial sensitivity S, the user's gender G and age A.

[0145] Similarly, the characteristic parameter determination module 66 classifies, using a hair strand image 80, the hair present in the image 80 according to a curl class CF from several curl classes CF.

[0146] Alternatively, the model used to determine at least one characteristic parameter is an artificial intelligence determination module as defined hereinabove.

[0147] Thus, one or more characteristic hair parameters DM, DC are obtained, as well as a curl class CF. Similarly, one or more user customization datum SC, G, A are obtained.

[0148] A step 104 of determining a control mode is then implemented to determine at least one control mode.

[0149] To this end, the control mode determination module 68 associates a customized control mode with the characteristic parameter(s) of the user's hair determined by the characteristic parameter determination module 66, the control mode being chosen from a plurality of discrete control modes or being chosen in a range of possible control modes. As stated hereinabove, each control mode defines a plurality of operating parameters of the hair drying appliance 10 according to the characteristic parameter(s) determined by the characteristic parameter determination module 66.

[0150] In one example, the control mode determination module 68 queries an operating mode database 90 which defines the operating parameters according to the characteristic parameter(s) determined by the module 66 for determining characteristic parameters, and optionally customization data of the user.

[0151] Alternatively, a deterministic or artificial intelligence model is used to determine the operating mode according to the characteristic parameter(s) determined by the module 66 for determining characteristic parameters, and optionally customization data of the user.

[0152] -Then, in step 106, the control mode is transmitted to the hair drying appliance 10. This transmission results in a first example in the implementation 110 of a drying phase according to the defined control mode.

[0153] The control unit 32 then activates the flow generator 26 to control an air speed VA corresponding to the determined control mode, the temperature regulation system 28 to control a temperature TA corresponding to the determined control mode, optionally a drying time DS corresponding to the determined control mode, and / or an intensity IE and a light emission time DE using the light emission source 30.

[0154] Alternatively, prior to the implementation of the control mode by the hair drying appliance 10, the suggested control mode is presented to the user on the control interface 24 or / and in the acquisition system 14 to allow an approval by the user of this control mode. If the user validates the control mode, then the hair drying appliance 10 implements the control mode.

[0155] An illustrative example of an implementation of the process according to the invention will now be described.

[0156] A hairstyle implementation phase according to the prior art is performed at the air flow temperature TA 160°C, regardless of the curl class CF of the user's hair.

[0157] Implementations of the same protocol are also performed at 140°C and at 150°C on 9 users and the results obtained are compared in terms of performance using a standardized performance panel.

[0158] The results are given in Table 1 hereinafter, wherein the performance is measured by the cosmetic appearance of the hair and its alignment. [Table 1]

[0159] As illustrated in Table 1 , according to the curl class CF, control modes can be defined to reduce the air flow temperature, for example to a temperature of 140°C for curl classes CF 1 or 2, to 150°C for curl classes 3 or 4, or even in some cases, for curl class 5, obtaining superior, equal or substantially equal performances to those obtained in 160°C.

[0160] Subsequently, the control mode is adapted according to the curl class CF determined for the user using the process according to the invention, which results in savings in electricity consumption, while offering virtually equal or superior hairstyling quality than the hairstyling quality obtained according to the prior art, at 160°C.

[0161] In one variant, the acquisition system, 14 does not acquire visual representation data of the hair in the form of an image of the hair taken using a camera 40, but suggests to the user to select a visual representation in the form of a thumbnail image most representative of their hair from several predefined thumbnail image choices, representing different types of hair 15. The predefined thumbnail images are for example displayed on the display screen of the user interface 42.

[0162] The characteristic hair parameters are then determined using the thumbnail image selected by the user, for example by retrieving them in a database, then the control mode is determined as described hereinabove.

[0163] In a further variant, the characteristic hair parameters previously determined using information representative of a user's hair are stored in the form of a user profile, for example hosted in the acquisition system 14, in the elaboration system 16, in the hair drying appliance 10 or / and in an external database. The control mode determination module 68 then retrieves directly the characteristic hair parameters from the user profile to determine the control mode.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Process for elaborating controls of a hair drying appliance (10), implemented by a control elaboration system (16), the process being characterized by the following step:- determining a control mode of the hair drying appliance (10), using at least one characteristic parameter of a user's hairs determined using information representative of a user's hair.

2. Process according to claim 1 , comprising the following steps:- receiving information representative of a user's hair;- determining, from the information representative of the hair, the at least one characteristic parameter of the user's hair.

3. Process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the representative information comprises visual representation data of the user's hair and / or at least one characteristic datum of the user's hair, entered by the operator on a computer terminal.

4. Process according to claim 3, wherein the visual representation data of the user's hair comprise at least one digital image (72) of the user's hair.

5. Process according to claim 4, comprising a preliminary step of acquiring at least one image of the user's hair by a camera (40), and wherein, optionally, the camera (40) is borne by a mobile electronic device (50), in particular a mobile phone, a tablet, or a laptop computer, by a device (52) for diagnosing the user's hair and / or skull or by the hair drying appliance (10).

6. Process according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein determining at least one characteristic hair parameter is carried out by image analysis using the at least one image (72) of the user's hair, advantageously using a deterministic model for determining the at least one characteristic parameter or / and using a model for determining the at least one characteristic parameter by artificial intelligence.

7. Process according to claim 6, wherein implementing the deterministic model includes determining the position of hair roots (74) in the hair, then creating a hair segmentation mask (76) using the position of the hair roots (74), the calculation of the or each characteristic parameter being performed using the hair segmentation mask (76).

8. Process according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the determination step includes determining a hair curl class by image analysis using the at least one image (72) of the user's hair, advantageously using a deterministic model or / and an artificial intelligence determination model.

9. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the characteristic parameter determined using the information representative of the hair is chosen among a mean hair diameter, a local hair curvature, a hair density, a hair curl class, the process optionally including a step of determining at least one customization datum of the user, in particular a gender, an age, or / and a cranial sensitivity of the user, the determination of a control mode of the hair drying appliance being performed using the or each customization datum of the user.

10. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control mode defines at least one operating parameter of the hair drying appliance (10) chosen among a drying air flow temperature, a drying air flow speed, a hair lighting intensity by a light source (30) present in the hair drying appliance, a drying time and / or a lighting time.

11. Process according to claim 10, wherein the control mode defines the operating parameters according to a drying phase, the drying phase being advantageously determined among a pre-drying, a hairstyle implementation, and / or a diffusion.

12. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining the control mode includes consulting a database (90) defining a plurality of control modes capable of being applied by the hair drying appliance (10), according to the or each characteristic parameter determined, and optionally according to any one customization datum ofthe user or / and includes implementing a deterministic or artificial intelligence model calculating a control mode using the or each characteristic parameter determined and optionally at least one customization datum of the user.

13. System (16) for elaborating a control of a hair drying appliance (10), including:- a module (68) for determining a control mode of the hair drying appliance, using at least one characteristic parameter of a user's hair determined using information representative of the user's hair.

14. System (16) according to claim 13, including:- a module (64) for receiving information representative of a user's hair;- a module (66) for determining, from the information representative of the hair, the at least one characteristic parameter of the user's hair.

15. Hair drying method comprising the following steps: implementing a hair drying appliance (10) control elaboration process according to any one of claims 1 to 12; transmitting the control mode determined to the hair drying appliance (10); displaying the control mode determined or / and implementing the control mode determined by the hair drying appliance.

16. Hair drying assembly (12) including:- a hair drying appliance (10), comprising an air flow generator (26), an air flow temperature regulation system (28), and optionally a light emission source (30), the appliance further including a control unit (32) configured to drive the air flow generator (26), the air flow temperature regulation system (28), and optionally the light emission source (30);- a system (16) for elaborating controls according to claim 14 or 15, configured to be connected to the control unit (32) by a data transmission link, the control unit (32) being configured to receive a control mode determined by the elaboration system (16).

17. Assembly (12) according to claim 16, wherein the elaboration system (16) is borne by the hair drying appliance (10), by a portable electronic device (50), in particular a mobile phone or a tablet, by a hair diagnostic device (52) or / and is hosted in an electronic computer system.

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