阅读说明：本技术 用于协助用户获得最佳吹干和定型性能的包括刷子、吹风机和客户端装置的系统 (System comprising brush, blower and client device for assisting user to obtain optimal blow-drying and styling performance ) 是由 G.蒂博 H.马拉普拉德 G.沙罗 G.巴洛 于 2018-09-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供一种系统,所述系统包括吹风机、发刷和客户端装置。所述发刷被配置成感测用户的头发和所述吹风机中的至少一个的特征；以及基于所述感测到的特征将信息传输回所述吹风机。所述吹风机被配置成基于所述所接收的感测到的特征更新至少一个设置,所述至少一个设置可以包括所述吹风机处的温度控制、气流速度和气流形状中的至少一个。所述客户端装置被配置成与所述吹风机通信,并且至少部分地基于由所述发刷捕获的感测到的特征而向所述用户提供关于所述吹风机和发刷中的至少一个的用户使用情况的反馈。(A system is provided that includes a hairdryer, a hairbrush, and a client device. The hairbrush is configured to sense a characteristic of at least one of a user's hair and the blower; and transmitting information back to the blower based on the sensed characteristic. The blower is configured to update at least one setting based on the received sensed characteristic, which may include at least one of temperature control, airflow rate, and airflow shape at the blower. The client device is configured to communicate with the hairdryer and provide feedback to the user regarding user usage of at least one of the hairdryer and hairbrush based at least in part on the sensed characteristics captured by the hairbrush.)

1. A system, comprising:

a blower; and

the utility model relates to a hair brush, which comprises a brush body,

wherein the hairbrush is configured to sense a characteristic of at least one of a user's hair and the blower and transmit information back to the blower based on the sensed characteristic.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the hairbrush further comprises a temperature/humidity sensor, and the sensed characteristic is a temperature or humidity sensed at the hairbrush.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the hairbrush further comprises a moisture sensing circuit and the sensed characteristic is a humidity or dryness of the user's hair sensed at the hairbrush.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the hairbrush further comprises a force sensor, and the sensed characteristic is a level of invasiveness of the user using the hairbrush.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the hairbrush further comprises an imaging device configured to capture a thermal image of a user's hair or scalp area, and the sensed characteristic is a thermal scan or a thermal insult level of the user's hair or scalp area.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the hairbrush further comprises a motion sensor, and the sensed characteristic is a combing gesture of a user while using the hairbrush.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the blower is configured to update at least one setting at the blower based on the received sensed characteristic.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one setting updated at the blower includes at least one of temperature control, airflow rate, and airflow shape.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the blower is configured to output a warning indicator based on the sensed characteristic received from the hairbrush.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the blower is configured to output a recommendation regarding at least one of a blowing technique or regimen, a combing technique or regimen, and a product recommendation based on the sensed characteristics received from the hairbrush.

11. A method implemented by a system comprising a blower and a hairbrush, the method comprising:

sensing, by the hairbrush, a characteristic of at least one of a user's hair and the blower; and

transmitting, by the hairbrush, information back to the blower based on the sensed characteristic.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the hairbrush further comprises a temperature/humidity sensor, and the sensing comprises sensing a temperature or humidity at the hairbrush.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the hairbrush further comprises a moisture sensing circuit, and sensing comprises sensing humidity or dryness of the user's hair sensed at the hairbrush.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the hairbrush further comprises a force sensor, and the sensing comprises sensing a level of invasiveness of the user using the hairbrush.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the hairbrush further comprises an imaging device configured to capture a thermal image of a user's hair or scalp area, and the sensing comprises performing a thermal scan or sensing a thermal insult level of the user's hair or scalp area.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the hairbrush further comprises a motion sensor, and the sensing comprises sensing a combing motion of a user while using the hairbrush.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising updating, by the blower, at least one setting at the blower based on the received sensed characteristic.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one setting updated at the blower includes at least one of temperature control, airflow velocity, and airflow shape.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising outputting, by the blower, a warning indicator based on the sensed characteristic received from the hairbrush.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising outputting, by the hairdryer, a recommendation regarding at least one of a blowing technique or regimen, a combing technique or regimen, and a product recommendation based on the sensed characteristics received from the hairbrush.

21. A system, comprising:

a blower;

brushing hair; and

a client device for performing a process of a client device,

wherein the hairbrush is configured to sense a characteristic of at least one of a user's hair and the blower and transmit information back to the blower based on the sensed characteristic, and

the client device is configured to communicate with the hairdryer and provide feedback to the user regarding user usage of at least one of the hairdryer and hairbrush based at least in part on the sensed characteristics captured by the hairbrush.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the client device is configured to output assessment information regarding user usage of the at least one of the hairdryer and hairbrush to output guidance information regarding a method of using a styling tool to achieve a target hair health.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the guidance information is image data, video data, or audio data regarding use of the typing tool to achieve a desired result.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the client device is configured to receive user information regarding physical characteristics of the user and output the guidance information based on the received user information.

25. The system of claim 22, wherein the outputted assessment information and guidance information are based on measurement data received for a single continuous session of the user using the typing tool.

26. The system of claim 22, wherein the outputted assessment information is based on measurement data received using the typing tool over a predetermined period of time comprising a plurality of sessions of the user.

27. The system of claim 21, wherein the client device is configured to initiate a discovery protocol that causes the client device and the hairdryer to identify each other and negotiate one or more pre-shared keys, and wherein the hairdryer and the client device are configured to exchange encrypted and anonymous information using the pre-shared keys.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the discovery protocol is configured to cause the client device and hairdryer to exchange treatment protocol information depending on at least one of a particular type of hairdryer, a particular type of hairbrush, and a particular detected attachment of the hairdryer or hairbrush.

29. A method implemented by a system comprising a hairdryer, a hairbrush, and a client device, the method comprising:

sensing, by the hairbrush, a characteristic of at least one of a user's hair and the blower, and transmitting information back to the blower based on the sensed characteristic, an

Communicating, by the client device, with the hairdryer, and providing feedback to the user regarding user usage of at least one of the hairdryer and hairbrush based at least in part on the sensed characteristics captured by the hairbrush.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising outputting, by the client device, assessment information regarding user usage of the at least one of the hairdryer and hairbrush to output guidance information regarding a method of using a styling tool to achieve a target hair health.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the guidance information is image data, video data, or audio data regarding use of the typing tool to achieve a desired result.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the client device is configured to further include receiving, by the client device, user information of the user and outputting the guidance information based on the received user information.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the outputted assessment information and guidance information are based on measurement data received for a single continuous session of the user using the typing tool.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein the outputted assessment information is based on measurement data received using the typing tool over a predetermined period of time comprising a plurality of sessions of the user.

35. The method of claim 29, further comprising initiating, by the client device, a discovery protocol that causes the client device and the hairdryer to identify each other and negotiate one or more pre-shared keys, and wherein the hairdryer and the client device exchange encrypted and anonymous information using the pre-shared keys.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the discovery protocol causes the client device and hairdryer to exchange treatment protocol information depending on at least one of a particular type of hairdryer, a particular type of hairbrush, and a particular detected attachment of the hairdryer or hairbrush.

Technical Field

The present disclosure describes a system that provides a connection for feedback communication between a hair dryer and a cosmetic instrument (e.g., a hair salon, a brush, a hairbrush, a hair styler, a styling brush, a comb, etc.).

Background

Disclosure of Invention

According to an embodiment, there is provided a system comprising: a blower; and a cosmetic instrument (e.g., a hair salon, a brush, a hairbrush, a hair styler, a styling brush, a comb, etc.), wherein the cosmetic instrument is configured to sense a characteristic of at least one of a user's hair and the blower, and transmit information back to the blower based on the sensed characteristic.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a system comprising: a blower; and a hairbrush, wherein the hairbrush is configured to sense a characteristic of at least one of a user's hair and the blower, and transmit information back to the blower based on the sensed characteristic.

According to an embodiment, the hairbrush further comprises a temperature/humidity sensor, and the sensed characteristic is a temperature or humidity sensed at the hairbrush.

According to an embodiment, the hairbrush further comprises a moisture sensing circuit and the sensed characteristic is the humidity or dryness of the user's hair sensed at the hairbrush.

According to an embodiment, the hairbrush further comprises a force sensor, and the sensed characteristic is a level of invasiveness of the user using the hairbrush.

According to an embodiment, the hairbrush further comprises an imaging device configured to capture a thermal image of a user's hair or scalp area, and the sensed characteristic is a thermal scan or a thermal insult level of the user's hair or scalp area.

According to an embodiment, the hairbrush further comprises a motion sensor, and the sensed characteristic is a combing motion of the user while using the hairbrush.

According to an embodiment, the blower is configured to update at least one setting at the blower based on the received sensed characteristics.

According to an embodiment, the at least one setting updated at the blower comprises at least one of temperature control, airflow speed and airflow shape.

According to an embodiment, the hairdryer is configured to output a warning indicator based on the sensed characteristic received from the hairbrush.

According to an embodiment, the hairdryer is configured to output a recommendation regarding at least one of a blowing technique or regime, a combing technique or regime, and a product recommendation based on the sensed characteristics received from the hairbrush.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a method performed by a system comprising a blower and a hairbrush, the method comprising: sensing, by the hairbrush, a characteristic of at least one of a user's hair and the blower; and transmitting, by the hairbrush, information back to the blower based on the sensed characteristic.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a system comprising: a blower; cosmetic instruments (e.g., hair stylizers, brushes, hair stylers, styling brushes, combs, etc.); and a client device, wherein the beauty instrument is configured to sense a characteristic of at least one of a user's hair and the hair dryer and transmit information back to the hair dryer based on the sensed characteristic, and the client device is configured to communicate with the hair dryer and provide feedback to the user regarding user usage of the at least one of the hair dryer and the beauty instrument based at least in part on the sensed characteristic captured by the beauty instrument.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a system comprising: a blower; brushing hair; and a client device, wherein the hairbrush is configured to sense characteristics of at least one of a user's hair and the hairdryer and transmit information back to the hairdryer based on the sensed characteristics, and the client device is configured to communicate with the hairdryer and provide feedback to the user regarding user usage of the at least one of the hairdryer and the hairbrush based at least in part on the sensed characteristics captured by the hairbrush.

According to an embodiment, the client device is configured to output assessment information regarding user usage of the at least one of the hairdryer and hairbrush to output guidance information regarding a method of using a styling tool to achieve a target hair health.

According to an embodiment, the guiding information is image data, video data or audio data regarding the use of the typing tool to achieve a desired result.

According to an embodiment, the client device is configured to receive user information about a physical feature of a user and to output the guidance information based on the received user information.

According to an embodiment, the outputted assessment information and guidance information is based on measurement data received for a single continuous session of the user using the typing tool.

According to an embodiment, the outputted assessment information is based on measurement data received using the typing tool over a predetermined period of time comprising a plurality of sessions of the user.

According to an embodiment, the client device is configured to initiate a discovery protocol that causes the client device and the hairdryer to identify each other and negotiate one or more pre-shared keys, and wherein the hairdryer and the client device are configured to exchange encrypted and anonymous information using the pre-shared keys.

According to an embodiment, the discovery protocol is configured to cause the client device and the hairdryer to exchange treatment regime information depending on at least one of a specific type of hairdryer, a specific type of hairbrush, and a specific detected attachment of the hairdryer or hairbrush.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a method implemented by a system comprising a hairdryer, a hairbrush, and a client device, the method comprising: sensing, by the hairbrush, a characteristic of at least one of a user's hair and the blower and transmitting information back to the blower based on the sensed characteristic; and communicating, by the client device, with the hairdryer and providing feedback to the user regarding user usage of at least one of the hairdryer and hairbrush based at least in part on the sensed characteristics captured by the hairbrush.

Drawings

A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and many of the attendant advantages thereof, will be readily obtained by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

figure 1 illustrates a system including a hairbrush and a blower, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows a hardware configuration of a blower according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 illustrates a hardware configuration of a hairbrush according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate processes occurring between and at each of a blower and a hairbrush, according to an embodiment.

Figure 5A illustrates a system including a client device and a blower, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5B illustrates an example of a client device according to an embodiment.

Figure 5C illustrates a system for facilitating optimal performance of a blower, including a client device and at least one external server, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6 illustrates a process performed by a client device, according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

Blow drying (using a blower with a brush to style the hair while drying the hair) is common and can result in hair damage, such as roughness, dryness, brittleness, loss of color, and ultimately hair breakage. Studies have shown that the degree of hair damage increases with increasing temperature (and increasing temperature when the distance between the blower and the hair is reduced or when a concentrator nozzle is used) and with increasing duration of drying.

The applicant has realised that by monitoring the combing pattern and the aggressiveness of the hair and by connecting a wirelessly instrumented brush/comb and a hairdryer, an automatic and intelligent feedback loop can be established between the two devices. The system can limit hair damage and provide feedback to the user and guide s/he to improve her/his combing technique to achieve optimal blow/style performance. The system may also provide recommendations on personalized or best-fit products to improve blow-drying and styling performance and reduce/limit hair damage.

Embodiments of the present invention have the following objectives:

● monitor hair aggressiveness, combing patterns/movements,

● controlling the temperature and airflow of the blower

● provide feedback (real time or not) and guide the user's combing/drying technique

● improving combing-enabling the user to achieve optimum blow-drying/styling performance/results

● preventing/limiting hair damage

● provide suggestions for personalizing or adapting products and hairstyles

● provide improved functional differentiation to achieve the highest rate of compliance and increase surveillance and guidance performance.

Fig. 1 illustrates a system 100 according to an embodiment. The system 100 includes a blower device 110 and a brush device 150. The blower 110 performs the functions of a conventional blower, for example, generating hot air and emitting the hot air from the outlet 112. The brush 150 comprises bristles 154, said bristles 154 being arranged around the axis of the brush (of the "circular" hairbrush type). However, other known hairbrush types may also be used.

In addition, the blower device 110 and the brush device 150 include additional components. For example, the blower device 110 further includes a temperature controller 114 and an actuator 116. The temperature controller 114 controls and adjusts the temperature of the air emitted by the blower. The actuator controls the shape of the airflow pattern and the velocity of the airflow. The actuator may be a moving mechanical component that can move in the air stream to modify its shape. Such airflow control is known in the art as evidenced by EP1779745 a1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The blower may also include a proximity sensor 118, the proximity sensor 118 preferably being positioned near the outlet 112 of the blower. The proximity sensor may be an optical sensor known in the art, such as an infrared sensor. However, other examples may be employed, such as capacitive, ultrasonic, or Doppler sensors.

In an embodiment, the blower device 110 is configured to change at least one setting at the blower based on the received sensed characteristic. In an embodiment, the blower device 110 is configured to dynamically adjust at least one setting at the blower based on the received sensed characteristics.

The hair dryer may also include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)120, the PCB 120 including communication and control circuitry, e.g., a wireless RF communication interface, for performing wireless communication with an external device, e.g., the brush device 150.

The brush device may also include its own PCB 180, said PCB 180 including communication and control circuitry, e.g., a wireless RF communication interface, for performing wireless communication with an external device, e.g., the hair dryer 150. The PCB may also house a motion detector, e.g. an accelerometer/gyroscope.

The brush device may further comprise a hair moisture sensor and a temperature sensor. Hair and moisture sensors are known and understood in the art.

As depicted in fig. 1, there may be a wireless machine-to-machine feedback loop between the brush device 150 and the blower 110, which is facilitated by communication between wireless RF communication interfaces embedded in each device. In this feedback loop, the brush may sense the temperature at which the blower is operating and the humidity level of the user's hair, and provide such feedback to the blower. Based on this information, the blower may adjust the temperature and/or shape and/or speed of the airflow, for example, by adjusting the resistance of a heating element in the blower, adjusting the fan speed, and/or adjusting the shape of a mechanical element that controls the shape of the airflow.

Figure 2 shows a diagram of an electrical block diagram of hardware components of a blower according to an embodiment. Power from the power supply 204 is controlled by the microcontroller/processor 203. It should be understood that the electrical block diagrams may be modified to suit other configurations in accordance with the principles disclosed herein.

The communication interface (I/F) 205 may include circuitry and hardware for communicating with the client device 120 in an example, the communication interface 205 may include a network controller, e.g., a BCM43342Wi-Fi, FM and Bluetooth integrated chip from Botong corporation for interfacing with a network.

In embodiments, the blower includes a user interface 206, which user interface 206 may take the form of input buttons on the housing of the tool, or which user interface 206 may take the form of a touch sensitive display, such as a capacitive or resistive touch screen display.

In embodiments, the hair dryer includes an output indicator 202, which output indicator 202 may take the form of a light (e.g., L ED light), an indicator on a touch screen, or an audible output through a speaker.

In an embodiment, the blower includes a memory 207, the memory 207 storing software for controlling the blower or for storing user data or other information.

In embodiments, the blower includes a position/motion sensor 208, the position/motion sensor 208 may also detect the orientation of the blower when the user holds the blower, and the position/motion sensor 208 may also detect the movement and path of movement of the blower. In an embodiment, the position/motion sensor is at least one of a combination of a geomagnetic sensor and an acceleration sensor. For example, given the current orientation of (the housing of) the styling tool housing the 3-axis magnetic sensor, the 3-axis magnetic sensor determines the direction of the geomagnetism, or in other words, the magnetic loss Vt. Given the current orientation of (the housing of) the styling tool which houses the 3-axis acceleration sensor in a stationary state, the 3-axis acceleration sensor determines the direction of gravity, or in other words the gravity vector G. The gravity vector G matches the downward vertical direction. Also, the gravity vector G can be decomposed into an Xs axis component, a Ys axis component, and a Zs axis component.

Alternatively or additionally, a gyroscope may be used, which is a sensor that detects angular velocities about three axes Xs, Zs, and Ys (roll, pitch, and yaw angles) and is capable of detecting rotation of an object. In addition, the geomagnetic sensor is able to determine a heading direction in which the object faces, based on the geomagnetic vector discussed previously.

The blower may include an actuator circuit 209, the actuator circuit 209 being used to control the shape of the mechanical element that controls the airflow shape.

The blower includes the proximity sensor 118 discussed above.

The hair dryer includes a thermal control circuit 210, said thermal control circuit 210 being configured to control heat by varying the resistance of a heating element in the hair dryer.

The blower also includes a fan control 211, the fan control 211 being used to vary the speed of the blower in the blower described above.

Figure 3 illustrates a diagram of an electrical block diagram of hardware components of a hairbrush, according to an embodiment. Similar to the hair dryer described above, the hairbrush includes a microcontroller/processor 303, a power source 304, a communication interface 305, a user interface 306, a memory 307, and a position/motion sensor 308.

The hairbrush may also include a sound sensing circuit 309, which sound sensing circuit 309 may include a microphone to detect dryness of the user's hair based on daily energy and spectral sound changes.

The hairbrush may also include a moisture sensing circuit 311. This circuit may be similar to the circuit described in U.S. patent No. 13/112,533 (U.S. publication No. 2012/0291797a 1), which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the moisture sensing circuit may rely on a Hall effect sensor that detects changes in the magnetic field, which changes are sensitive to moisture levels.

The hairbrush may also include a force sensor 311, which force sensor 311 may take the form of a load cell disposed between the head and the handle.

The hairbrush may also include an ambient temperature/humidity sensor 312, as described above, for detecting local temperature or humidity in the vicinity of the hairbrush.

In addition, the hairbrush may include conductive spikes 313 embedded in the hairbrush for detecting whether the hair is wet or dry, or for detecting contact with the user's hair.

The hairbrush can also include an imaging unit 314, which imaging unit 314 can be a camera disposed on an outer surface of the brush that faces the user's head or hair when the user is using the hairbrush.

As mentioned above, the brush and the blower are equipped with means of communication with each other and the blower is equipped with a control system calibrated to adapt the temperature and the air flow according to an indicator of hair damage/infestation and/or the hairstyle result selected by the user. Thus, intelligence and algorithms embedded in or expelled from the brush and/or blower can translate the sensor record into an adjustment at the blower.

Figure 4A shows a general process performed between a hair dryer and a hairbrush. As one process shown in fig. 4A, a communication pairing 401 is performed between two devices when the two devices are within an acceptable wireless communication range of each other. Such pairing will depend on the type of communication protocol used, and such protocols are well known in the art. The user may use the hairbrush, and during such use, the hairbrush will perform any number of sensing operations described above (step 402). No sensing operation is required when the blowers are used simultaneously, and may be started and completed at any time based on receiving a user input to start/end such sensing. The sensor record obtained by the sensing operation may be stored in memory (step 403) and/or immediately transmitted to the blower (step 404).

As shown in fig. 4A, the blower stores the sensor records received from the blower and performs processing and analysis of the sensor records (step 405). The blower then adjusts the blower based on the processing and analysis recorded by the sensors (step 406).

In fig. 4A, the communication pairing need not be done before the user performs the sensing operation at 402 using the hairbrush, and the communication pairing can be done at any time before the hairbrush transmits the sensor record to the hairbrush.

In addition, the hairbrush need not perform the processing and analysis of the sensor records as shown in step 405. In this case, the blower may transmit the sensor record to an external client device (e.g., a smartphone or user computer) for controlling the performance of the processing and analysis of the sensor record, as will be discussed in further detail below. Additionally, as shown in optional step 403', the hairbrush may perform at least some processing and/or analysis on the sensor record prior to transmitting the information to the hairbrush.

Fig. 4B illustrates an algorithm that may be performed by a hairbrush, according to an embodiment. In step 410, the hairbrush detects a trigger to begin a sensing operation. This trigger may be an intentional user input that initiates one or more sensing operations at a user interface of the hairbrush. The trigger may also be received from the blower itself. For example, if a communication pairing has been established between the blower and the hairbrush, the blower may transmit a signal to the hairbrush to begin the sensing operation. Such signaling may be associated with a user activating a blowing operation of the blower, or may be based on a proximity sensor of the blower detecting that the blower is within range of the user's head or hairbrush.

In step 411, a sensing operation is performed at step 411. The types of sensing operations performed by the hairbrush are described in detail above. At step 412, sensor data obtained from the sensing operation is stored in a memory of the hairbrush as obtained. At step 413, the sensor data is transmitted to the blower. Optionally, in step 414, the hairbrush may perform at least some processing and/or analysis of the sensor data prior to transmitting the sensor data to the blower. The results of such processing and/or analysis and (or even no sensor data) are then also transmitted to the blower in step 413. Such transmission may occur as data is accumulated over a total amount of time, may occur periodically, may occur based on user input at a user interface of the hairbrush, or may occur based on a request signal received from the blower.

Fig. 4C illustrates an algorithm that may be performed by a blower, according to an embodiment. In step 420, the blower receives sensor data, which, as described above, may be done as data is accumulated at the hairbrush after a certain amount of time has been aggregated, may be done periodically, may be done based on user input at a user interface of the hairbrush, or may be done based on a request signal received from the blower, which may be triggered by user input at the blower or may be based on an event such as the user turning off the blowing operation (without turning off the blower). In step 421, the sensor data is processed or analyzed, as will be described in more detail below. In step 422, the blower performs adjustments of settings for the blower based on the processed/analyzed sensor data, as will be discussed in more detail below.

As described above, in step 421, the sensor data is processed or analyzed by the blower (or another device to be discussed below). The particular type of analysis will depend on the type of sensing that occurs and the analysis target.

For example, based on a combination of data obtained from force/stress sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes, magnetic compasses, contact sensors, and proximity sensors, a user's combing pattern and movement can be determined when using the hairbrush, alone or in combination with a hair dryer. From this data the following comb pattern and movements can be determined.

● user's tension

● twisting and twisting of hair around the hair of the brush

● local combing movement

● proximity of the hairbrush to the blower.

The sensor data may also be used to assess the hair characteristics/damage/insult or risk level of damaging the hair based on a combination of data obtained from sensed ambient temperature and humidity, temperature and humidity of the hair in contact with the brush, conductivity sensors, thermal imagers, microphones, contact sensors, proximity sensors and force/stress sensors. The following hair characteristics/damage/insult or risk levels can be determined from this data.

● Hair temperature and humidity

● cumulative level of thermal insult (temperature or level of risk of hair damage x duration)

● increased risk level of hair damage associated with hair moisture

● hair glossiness estimated from image analysis of images acquired by a camera

● estimated level of discoloration from image analysis of images acquired by a camera

● hair roughness.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an intelligent blower device and system that teaches a user how to achieve any hairstyle at home. In an embodiment, the system connects a blower with a client device. In embodiments, the client device receives input regarding the user's needs, provides feedback on how to obtain a particular appearance, and may correct the user's technique while using the styling tool.

Figure 5A illustrates a system 500 including a blower 110 and a client device 510. In an embodiment, the blower 110 communicates with the client device 501 via wireless signals 520. In an embodiment, the client device 510 is configured to operate a set of software applications or software modules to receive communications from the blower 110 and to send communications to the blower 110. In an example, the software application may send protocol or target profiles to the blower 110 and receive data from the blower 110 to track usage in real time.

Fig. 5B shows different examples of client devices 120, including a mobile device 522, a wearable electronic device 524, a television or magic mirror 526, a network router 528, and a personal computer 529.

The wireless signal 520 may be any suitable signal, for example, an electromagnetic signal including WIFI, bluetooth, near field, or any other signal such as optical and acoustic. Each client device comprising an appliance may communicate with each other through an internet connection, e.g. through an ethernet interface, via an 802.11 wireless connection with a wireless internet access point or a physical connection with an internet access point. Each connecting device is also capable of performing wireless communication with other devices, for example, through a bluetooth connection or other wireless device.

The diagram of figure 5C presents an example of a system 550 for facilitating optimal performance of the blower 110 according to one example. The system 550 includes at least a blower and a client device. Optionally, the system 550 may also include one or more external servers 542, the one or more external servers 542 implemented as part of a cloud computing environment and in communication with the system 550 over the internet. According to an example, one or more external servers 542 can store user data, products such as hair styling products, hair dryer or brush attachments, protocols and routines, tutorials, and other third party services.

The user interface or client device may display a tutorial on how to use the blower. The user interface may create and download protocols for the schema or routines. The user interface may guide, track, and compare the tracked usage to protocols, and routines. The user interface may calculate a score based on the tracked usage. The user interface may store the scores and tracked usage of the blower in a memory of the client device. The user interface may be used to purchase any product associated with the hair dryer. For example, a blower may be used with a combination of styling products or chemical ingredients for treating a user's hair, and a client device may output suggestions as to the particular styling product or ingredient to use and which step in the process to use based on the desired results input by the user.

As an initial step, the client device collects information about the desired outcome of the user. In an example, a user may use a client device to browse a database of images depicting various hair styles. In another example, a user may input a keyword search to a client device to find a desired appearance. The client device may store the search results locally or may connect to an external system or server to access the database or search results.

After the user finds a desired appearance to be achieved using the blower, the user may access a tutorial that uses the blower to achieve a target appearance. The tutorial may be in text form, still image form, video form, or audio only form.

In addition to using the tutorial, the user may connect the client device 510 with the blower via a wireless connection (e.g., a bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection) to receive real-time feedback while using the blower, or to record usage of the blower for later reporting or feedback.

For example, the blower may communicate settings that the blower is currently using.

For example, when using a blower, a motion sensor on the blower may output the detected motion of the blower as feedback to the client device. The client device is configured to compare the detected motion to predetermined motion data to provide real-time performance results to the user or to output instructions to the user for correction.

In another example, the temperature sensed by the hairbrush and transmitted to the blower may be transmitted to the client device. The client device is configured to compare the detected temperature with predetermined temperature information to provide an alert to a user when the detected temperature is above a predetermined threshold.

In an example, a timer on the hairbrush may provide measured time information to the client device. The client device is configured to compare the measured time to a target time to provide an output to the user regarding the amount of time remaining for a particular action using the blower, or to provide a warning to the user when the time target has elapsed. The target time may depend on the routine, the hairstyle to be achieved, and the current step in the process, such that different steps may have different durations. The client device is configured to receive input from a user to create a customer profile based on personal characteristics of the user. For example, the client device is configured to provide a question to the user, such as "whether or not hair has been stained"Hair is dense or thinWhether "and" straightening hair or curling hair". The customer profile may be used to select a particular tutorial or data set to be used in measuring performance from the blower and brush. Depending on the hair type, degree of damage, or other parameters evaluated, the client device may recommend or avoidCertain hair styles are recommended or suggested.

The client device may also have a camera function that may be used to provide input to the customer profile. For example, the camera may take an image of the user's hair to determine whether a desired appearance may be achieved, or make other suggestions to the user based on the characteristics or color of the hair or skin.

Alternatively, the client device may interface with known spectral analysis tools to analyze the user's hair. Alternatively, the client device may interface with known chemical measurement tools to determine the chemical and structural characteristics of the user's hair. In an embodiment, the client device is configured to maximize personalization and security of the user. The client device may alert the user if settings for the user's hair type are not recommended. The client device may ask the user whether the user's hair has been color treated (including decolorization), highlighted, keratin treated, or relaxed.

The client device may receive as input the humidity or porosity of the hair (which may be assessed by the stylist, or by a moisture sensor on the styling tool).

The client device may provide a warning if the hair is not ready to receive additional heat, for example, if a moisture sensor in the hairbrush detects too dry.

The client device may provide instructions to pre-treat the user's hair prior to applying heat. The client device may suggest whether the initial temperature is appropriate for the hairstyle the user is attempting to achieve, as different temperature levels are appropriate for different hair quality levels.

The client device may have automatic setting or control functionality, for example, providing automatic temperature control from the client device from the phone.

The client device is configured to upload data about the user to an external system or server (e.g., a cloud-based system). This data may include a user profile, the amount of usage of the styling tool, or performance results when using the styling tool. The client device may also provide the option of keeping the user data anonymous.

Further, the circuitry of the client device may be configured to initiate a discovery protocol that allows the client device and the hair dryer to identify each other and negotiate one or more pre-shared keys, which also allows the hair dryer and the client device to exchange encrypted and anonymous information. The discovery protocol may also allow the client device and the hairdryer to exchange treatment protocol information according to a particular type of hairdryer or hairbrush, or based on a particular detected attachment.

The client device may use camera functionality to provide a sharing feature where the user may upload photos taken before and/or after using the styling tool. The uploaded photographs may be used to receive feedback from professional stylists or other users. In an embodiment, the uploaded photos may be uploaded directly to a social media platform.

Fig. 6 shows a flow chart of a method performed by a client device based on the above-described features. In step 601, the client device receives input from a user regarding a physical characteristic of the user. In step 602, the client device receives input from a user regarding a selection of a desired appearance to be achieved using the blower and brush. In step 603, the client device outputs guidance information for achieving a desired appearance of the user using the blower and brush based on the user's selection and the physical characteristics of the user. In step 604, after the user begins using the hair dryer and/or brush, the client device receives feedback from the styling tool regarding the user's usage of the styling tool (e.g., feedback from various sensors incorporated into the hair dryer and brush and described above). In step 605, the client device outputs an indication of the user's performance based on a comparison of the feedback information received from the blower and the target information. Alternatively, the client device may output correction information (e.g., adjustments to movement of the blower and/or brush or to heat/airflow/speed settings) based on the feedback information. Alternatively, the client device may output warning information (e.g., a warning related to the sensed temperature, moisture, or elapsed time) to the user based on the feedback information.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure that are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. It is to be understood that variations and modifications may be made by others, and equivalents may be employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure.