GB2630354A

GB2630354A - A haircare appliance

Info

Publication number: GB2630354A
Application number: GB2307844.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brendan Davey Jamie; John Bland Timothy
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2023-05-25
Filing date: 2023-05-25
Publication date: 2024-11-27
Also published as: CN121152583A; GB202307844D0; WO2024241143A1

Abstract

A haircare appliance comprises a main unit 14, a plurality of attachments, a user actuatable element such as a button 100 and a controller. The controller receives an attachment signal indicative of which one of the plurality of attachments is attached to the main unit, and, in response to a first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, operates the haircare appliance in a first mode based on the attachment signal. In response to a second type of user interaction with the user actuatable element the haircare appliance is configured to either operate in a second mode of operation different to the first mode of operation and/or modify a future response of the controller to the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element. The types of user interaction are typically a short press and a long press of the button 100. The modes of operation may include providing a sequence of outputs and an intelligent mode. The attachment may be a brush head 220, 210, a barrel 230 or an attachment for drying and smoothing hair 240, 250.

Description

A HAIRCARE APPLIANCE

Background of the Invention

Haircare appliances are generally used to treat or style hair, and some haircare appliances may treat or style hair using airflow. To provide versatility in treating and styling hair some haircare appliances provide airflow at a variable flow rate. Some haircare appliances include different attachments to provide different treatment or styling functionality.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a haircare appliance comprising: a main unit to which one of a plurality of attachments is attachable, and a user actuatable element. The haircare appliance comprises a controller configured to: receive an attachment signal indicative of which one of the plurality of attachments is attached to the main unit; in response to a first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, cause operation of the haircare appliance in a first mode of operation, the first mode of operation based on the attachment signal; and in response to a second type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, at least one of: cause operation of the haircare appliance in a second mode of operation, different to the first mode of operation; and modify a future response of the controller to the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element.

As the first and second types of user interaction with the user actuatable element result in the haircare appliance operating in different first and second modes of operation, with the first mode of operation also based on which of a plurality of attachments is attached to the haircare appliance, a relatively wide range of modes of operation of the haircare appliance can be selected using the same user actuatable element. This may reduce and/or remove the need for a further user actuatable element to cause operation of the haircare appliance in different modes of operation. Reduction in a number of user actuatable elements required may reduce component count and/or cost of the haircare appliance, thereby reducing risk of failure and/or decreasing cost of manufacture.

Optionally, the second mode of operation is based on the attachment signal. Basing the first and/or second modes of operation on the attachment signal may improve an ease of use of the haircare appliance, such as by not requiring a separate user input to determine which of the plurality of attachments is attached to the haircare appliance.

Optionally, the controller is configured to receive a user signal indicative of one of the first type of interaction with the user actuatable element and the second type of interaction with the user actuatable element. Optionally, the controller is configured to, when the user signal is indicative of the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, output a first control signal to cause operation of the haircare appliance in the first mode of operation. Optionally, the controller is configured to, when the user signal is indicative of the second type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, at least one of: output a second control signal to cause operation of the haircare appliance in the second mode of operation; and modify the future response of the controller to receipt of the future user signal indicative of the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element.

Optionally, the controller is configured to, in response to the second type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, modify the future response of the controller so that the controller causes operation of the haircare appliance in the second mode of operation in response to the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element.

This may enable a user to change the mode of operation of the haircare appliance achieved in response to future interactions of the first type of interaction with the user actuatable element. In such a manner, the same user actuatable element can be used in different ways to both cause and change a mode of operation of the haircare appliance.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause operation of the haircare appliance in the second mode of operation in response to the second type of user interaction when the haircare appliance is already operating in the first mode of operation. For example, the controller may cause switching of the operation of the haircare appliance from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation in response the user signal indicative of the second type of interaction being received during the first mode of operation. In this way, interacting with the user actuatable element with the second type of user interaction may cause the haircare appliance to stop operating in the first mode of operation and start operating in the second mode of operation. This may allow the user to switch the mode of operation conveniently, while the haircare appliance is in use, by providing the second type of user interaction to the user actuatable element.

Optionally, the controller is configured to operate the haircare appliance in the second mode of operation in response to the second type of user interaction when the haircare appliance is not operating. For example, the controller may cause operation of the haircare appliance in the second mode of operation in response to the user signal indicative of the second type of interaction being received when the haircare appliance is not operating. In this way, the user can selectively begin operating the haircare appliance in either the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation by providing the respective first or second type of user interaction to the user actuatable element.

Optionally, the first type of interaction with the user actuatable element comprises a user interaction with the user actuatable element for a first length of time, and the second type of interaction with the user actuatable element comprises a user interaction with the user actuatable element for a second length of time greater than the first length of time.

This may provide a relatively straightforward and/or cost-effective way for a user to cause operation of the haircare appliance in the first and/or the second mode of operation compared to, for example, an arrangement where a user is required to manually navigate through a list of operational modes and/or is required to use different user actuatable elements to cause operation in different operational modes.

Optionally, the first length of time is in the region of 40 ms to 400 ms. Optionally, the second length of time is greater than 400 ms.

Optionally, in response to the second type of interaction with the user actuatable element, the controller causes operation of the haircare appliance in the second mode of operation until the user actuatable element is released by the user. This may allow the user to conveniently achieve a desired output for a desired length of time.

Optionally, the first type of interaction with the user actuatable element may comprise one of: a single interaction with the user actuatable element within a pre-determined time period; and a plurality of interactions with the user actuatable element within the pre-determined time period. Optionally, the second type of interaction comprises the other of the plurality of interactions with the user actuatable element within the pre-determined time period and the single interaction with the user actuatable element within the pre-determined time period. Optionally the pre-determined time period is no more than 2 seconds, for example no more than 1 second.

Optionally, the controller is configured to perform an action in response to a third type of interaction with the user actuatable element. Optionally, the third type of interaction comprises a user interaction with the user actuatable element for a third length of time, greater than the second length of time. The first type of interaction may comprise a user interaction with the user actuatable element for length of time from a first threshold time up to a second threshold time, greater than the first length of time. The second type of interaction may comprise a user interaction with the user actuatable element for a length of time from the second threshold time up to a third threshold time, greater than the second threshold time. The third type of interaction may comprise a user interaction with the user actuatable element for a length of time greater than the third threshold time, such as between the third threshold time and a fourth threshold time, greater than the third threshold time. Optionally, the third length of time, and/or the third threshold time, is greater than 1 s, such as up to or greater than 2 s, such as up to or greater than 3 s. Optionally, the controller performing the action comprises at least one of the controller: causing operation of the haircare appliance in a third mode of operation, different to the first and second modes of operation; and modifying a future response of the controller to the first or second type of user interaction. For instance, in response to the third type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, the controller may be configured to modify the future response of the controller so that the controller causes operation of the haircare appliance in the third mode of operation in response to the first or second type of user interaction with the user actuatable element.

Optionally, the user actuatable element comprises a button. Optionally, the first and second types of user interaction comprise respective first and second types of press of the button.

A button may provide a relatively simple and cost-effective way to receive user input compared to, for example, a touchscreen or the like.

Optionally, the first type of press of the button comprises one of: a short press, in which the button is pressed for the first length of time; and a long press, in which the button is pressed for the second length of time; and wherein the second type of press of the button comprises the other of the short press and the long press.

Optionally, the third type of user interaction, where provided, comprises a third type of press of the button. Optionally, the third type of press of the button comprises an extra-long press, in which the button is pressed for a third length of time, longer than the second length of time.

Optionally, the haircare appliance comprises an air moving device configured to provide an airflow to the hair of the user in at least one of the first and second modes of operation.

Optionally, the air moving device is configured to operate at different speeds, such as to provide different airflow rates from the haircare appliance, in the first and second modes of operation. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause operation of the air moving device at different speeds in the first and second modes of operation of the haircare appliance.

Optionally, the haircare appliance comprises a heater configured to provide heat for heating hair of the user in at least one of the first and second modes of operation.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause operation of the heater at a first temperature in the first mode of operation of the haircare appliance, and to cause operation of the heater at a second temperature different to the first temperature in the second mode of operation of the haircare appliance.

Optionally the heater may be configured to heat the airflow provided to the user's hair by the air moving device.

Optionally, in at least one of the first and second modes of operation, the controller is configured to cause the haircare appliance to provide a sequence of outputs for interacting with hair of a user, each temporally adjacent output in the sequence of outputs comprising different characteristics for interacting with hair of the user.

Optionally, the sequence of outputs comprises a sequence of outputs from the air moving device and/or heater, where provided. For instance, the haircare appliance may alternate between providing hot air and cold air for predefined time intervals. Optionally, the first sequence of outputs is a default mode of operation for the particular attachment attached to the haircare appliance and/or may be a user-defined mode of operation, such as loaded to the haircare appliance via Bluetooth or other wired or wireless connection. This may provide autonomous and/or intelligent control of the output of the haircare appliance, which may provide improve ease of use and/or improve a treatment of the hair of the user.

Optionally, the haircare appliance is configured to provide a first sequence of outputs for interacting with a user's hair in the first mode of operation, and to provide a second sequence of outputs for interacting with a user's hair in the second mode of operation, the second sequence of outputs different to the first sequence of outputs.

Optionally, each temporally adjacent output in the first sequence of outputs comprises different characteristics for interacting with hair of the user. Optionally, each temporally adjacent output in the second sequence of outputs comprises different characteristics for interacting with hair of the user.

Optionally, the first sequence of outputs is one of a default sequence of outputs of the haircare appliance, and a user-defined sequence of outputs, and the 30 second sequence of outputs is the other of the default sequence of outputs and the user-defined sequence of outputs. In this way, a user may switch between the default sequence and the user-defined sequence.

Optionally, at least one of the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation is a continuous mode of operation, in which a continuous output for interacting with a user's hair is provided from the haircare appliance. This may allow the user to readily provide a desired continuous output, such as by adjusting heat and/or airflow settings of the haircare appliance associated with the first continuous mode. Such adjustment may be made whilst the haircare appliance is operating in the first mode of operation, which may permit accurate and reliable control of the continuous output by the user.

Optionally, the haircare appliance, comprises an indicator. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a first user indication in response to the first type of user interaction. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a second user indication in response to the second type of user interaction, the second user indication different to the first user indication.

In this way, the user may be confident that a desired user interaction was provided to the user actuatable element.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a first-mode indication when the haircare appliance is operating in the first mode and a second-mode indication when the haircare appliance is operating in the second mode. Optionally, the first-mode indication is the first user indication. Optionally, the second-mode indication is the second user indication. This may allow the user to determine the current mode of operation of the haircare appliance, and/or to reliably select between the first and second modes of operation.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a third user indication in response to the third type of user interaction, where provided, the third user indication different to the first and second user indications. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a third-mode indication when the haircare appliance is operating in the third mode, where provided.

Optionally, the indicator comprises a light source, and wherein the first and second user indications comprise respective different colour profiles and/or pulsing profiles provided by the light source.

By providing respective different colour profiles and/or pulsing profiles, the first and second user indications may be readily distinguishable from each other by the user.

Optionally the light source comprises an LED, for example an RGB LED.

Optionally, the user actuatable element comprises a light transmissible portion, and light from the light source passes through the light transmissible portion in 20 use.

This may provide a convenient way for a user to determine a mode of operation of the haircare appliance, such as following a user interaction with the user actuatable element. The portion may comprise a light guide for guiding light through the user actuatable element. This may provide a clearer visual indication from the user actuatable element.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide: a first state indication when there is no user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output; a second state indication when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output; and a third state indication when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is providing the output.

In such a manner a common indicator can be utilised to determine whether the haircare appliance is in one of a number of operating states, for example with a first operating state comprising a state when there is no user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output, a second operating state comprising a state when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output, and a third operating state comprising a state when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is providing the output. By indicating such operating states to a user, the user may readily determine which subsequent interaction is needed with the haircare appliance to move the haircare appliance between the operating states.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the first state indication when the haircare appliance is in a set down state, and to provide the second state indication when the haircare appliance is in an awake state. The haircare appliance may have reduced functionality in the set down state compared to when the haircare appliance is in the awake state. For instance, in the set down state, certain functions of the haircare appliance that are available in the awake state, such as an ability to provide the output from the haircare appliance, may be restricted or disabled. The haircare appliance may consume less power when in the set down state than in the awake state. In the set down state, the user may be able to connect to the haircare appliance, such as via a wired or a Bluetooth connection, such as to configure the haircare appliance and/or modify operational modes of the haircare appliance. By indicating when the haircare appliance is in the set down state and the awake state, the indicator may provide a way for the user to determine which functions of the haircare appliance are available.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the third state indication when the haircare appliance is in an active state, in which the haircare appliance is being held by the user, and in which the haircare appliance is providing the output. In this way, the indicator may provide a way for a user to determine that the haircare appliance is providing the output separate to having to interact directly with the output. The third operating state may comprise the active state.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the second state indication when the haircare appliance is being held by the user.

Alternatively, the second state indication may be provided when the user interacts with one or more user actuatable elements of the haircare appliance when the haircare appliance is not being held by the user. For instance, the second state indication may be provided when a user pushes a button of the haircare appliance when the haircare appliance is set down on a table, or when it is placed in a stand.

This, again, may provide a way for a user to determine that certain functions of the haircare appliance are available.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide any of the first, second and third indications when the haircare appliance is connected to a power source.

Optionally, the haircare appliance comprises a user interaction module configured to: monitor at least one of an orientation and motion of the haircare appliance; and provide, based on the monitored at least one of the orientation and motion of the haircare appliance, an interaction status signal to the controller, the interaction status signal indicative of user interaction with the haircare appliance. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide at least one of the first, second and third state indications based on the interaction status signal.

Changes in orientation and/or relative motion of the haircare appliance may provide relatively reliable indicators of user interaction with the haircare appliance.

Optionally, the user interaction module comprises at least one of a gyroscope for monitoring an orientation of the haircare appliance, and an accelerometer for monitoring motion of the haircare appliance. Optionally, the user interaction module is provided with power when the haircare appliance is in the set down state.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the first state indication when the interaction signal indicates that the haircare appliance has not changed orientation and/or is not in motion for a time period greater than a threshold time period.

This may provide a reliable way of indicating that the haircare appliance is not being held by the user. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the first state indication when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance has been set down, such as on a surface.

This may be by the interaction status signal indicating a lack of motion for a time period greater than the threshold time period, and/or by the user interaction signal indicating that the haircare appliance is in an orientation suggestive of the haircare appliance being set down, such as a horizontal orientation.

The threshold time period may be up to one second, up to two seconds, up to three seconds or around five seconds..

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the haircare appliance to enter the set down state, where provided, when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance is not in motion and/or when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance has been set down. In this way, the haircare appliance may more reliably transition into the set down state when the haircare appliance is set down. The indicator may provide the first indication in response to the appliance entering the set down state.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the second state indication when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance is in motion.

This may provide a reliable way of indicating that the haircare appliance is being held by the user. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the second state indication when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance has been picked up, such as from a surface. This may be by the interaction status signal indicating motion of the haircare appliance, and/or by the interaction status signal indicating a change in orientation suggestive of the haircare appliance being picked up, such as a change from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the haircare appliance to enter the awake state or the active state, where provided, when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance is in motion and/or when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance has been picked up. In this way, the haircare appliance may more reliably transition into the awake and/or active states when the haircare appliance is picked up. The controller may be configured to cause the indicator to provide the second state indication in response to the haircare appliance entering the awake state, and/or to provide the third state indication in response to the haircare appliance entering the active state.

The controller may be configured to cause the haircare appliance to transition to 30 the set down state from the active state, where provided, when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance has been set down. The controller may be configured to cause the haircare appliance to transition from the set down state to the awake state when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance has been picked up within a set time, such as up to 3 seconds, up to 5 seconds, up to 10 seconds, or greater than 10 seconds, following a transition of the haircare appliance from the active state to the set down state. The controller may be configured to cause the haircare appliance to transition from the set down state to the awake state when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance has been picked up after a time greater than the set time has passed following a transition of the haircare appliance from the active state to the set down state. The time limit could be up to 10 minutes before the appliance enters a standby state. Alternatively, the standby state is initiated by a loss of Bluetooth connection.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the third state indication when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance is in motion. This may provide a more reliable way of indicating that the haircare appliance is providing the output while being held by the user.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the third state indication when the haircare appliance is providing a first output for interacting with a user's hair. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a fourth state indication, different to the third state indication, when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is providing a second output different to the first output.

Providing the third and fourth indications may allow a user to readily determine the type of output being provided by the haircare appliance Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide an alert when there is no user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is providing the output.

In this way, the user may ascertain that the haircare appliance is still operating while the user is not interacting with the haircare appliance. This may improve a safety of the haircare appliance, such as by ensuring the user can take corrective action if they determine that the haircare appliance should not be operating.

Optionally, no light is output from the light source in the first state indication. In this way, an absence of light from the light source may indicate that there is no user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output. That is, an absence of light from the light source may indicate to a user that the haircare appliance is in the set down state, where provided, and/or has been set down. This may provide power saving where the haircare appliance is in the set down state.

Optionally, light is output from the light source in the second and third state indications. Optionally, light is output from the light source in the fourth indication, where provided. Optionally, the light output from the light source may have different characteristics depending on the state indication. For instance, in each of the second and third indications, and optionally in the fourth indication, where provided, the light source may output light in a respective flashing profile, a respective level of brightness, a respective colour, and/or in respective combinations of flashing profiles, levels of brightness, and/or colours.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a controller for a haircare appliance, the controller configured to: receive an attachment signal indicative of which one of a plurality of attachments is attached to a main unit of the haircare appliance; receive a user signal indicative of one of a first type of interaction with a user actuatable element of the haircare appliance and a second type of interaction with the user actuatable element; when the user signal is indicative of the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, output a first control signal to cause operation of the haircare appliance in a first mode of operation, the control signal based on the attachment signal; and when the user signal is indicative of the second type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, at least one of: output a second control signal to cause operation of the haircare appliance in a second mode of operation, different to the first mode of operation; and modify a future response of the controller to receipt of a future user signal indicative of the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a data carrier comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed, cause operation of one or more controllers of a haircare appliance to: receive an attachment signal indicative of which one of a plurality of attachments is attached to a main unit of the haircare appliance; receive a user signal indicative of one of a first type of interaction with a user actuatable element of the haircare appliance and a second type of interaction with the user actuatable element; when the user signal is indicative of the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, output a first control signal to cause operation of the haircare appliance in a first mode of operation, the control signal based on the attachment signal; and when the user signal is indicative of the second type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, at least one of: output a second control signal to cause operation of the haircare appliance in a second mode of operation, different to the first mode of operation; and modify a future response of the controller to receipt of a future user signal indicative of the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a haircare appliance configured to provide an output for interacting with hair of a user, the haircare appliance comprising a controller and an indicator, the controller configured to cause the indicator to provide: a first indication when there is no user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output; a second indication when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output; and a third indication when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is providing the output.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the first indication when the haircare appliance is in a set down state, and to provide the second indication when the haircare appliance is in an awake state. The first operating state may comprise the set down state, and the second operating state may comprise the awake state. The haircare appliance may have reduced functionality in the set down state compared to when the haircare appliance is in the awake state. For instance, in the set down state, certain functions of the haircare appliance that are available in the awake state, such as an ability to provide the output from the haircare appliance, may be restricted or disabled. The haircare appliance may consume less power when in the set down state than in the awake state. In the set down state, the user may be able to connect to the haircare appliance, such as via a wired or a Bluetooth connection, such as to configure the haircare appliance and/or modify operational modes of the haircare appliance. By indicating when the haircare appliance is in the set down state and the awake state, the indicator may provide a way for the user to determine which functions of the haircare appliance are available.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the third indication when the haircare appliance is in an active state, in which the haircare appliance is being held by the user, and in which the haircare appliance is providing the output. In this way, the indicator may provide a way for a user to determine that the haircare appliance is providing the output separate to having to interact directly with the output. The third operating state may comprise the active state.

Optionally, the second indication is provided when the haircare appliance is being held by the user. Alternatively, the second indication may be provided when the user interacts with one or more user actuatable elements of the haircare appliance when the haircare appliance is not being held by the user. For instance, the second indication may be provided when a user pushes a button of the haircare appliance when the haircare appliance is set down on a table, or when it is placed in a stand. This, again, may provide a way for a user to determine that certain functions of the haircare appliance are available.

Optionally, the haircare appliance comprises a user interaction module configured to: monitor at least one of an orientation and motion of the haircare appliance; and provide, based on the monitored at least one of the orientation and motion of the haircare appliance, an interaction status signal to the controller, the interaction status signal indicative of user interaction with the haircare appliance. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide at least one of the first, second and third indications based on the interaction status signal.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the first indication when the interaction signal indicates that the haircare appliance has not changed orientation and/or is not in motion for a time period greater than a threshold time period.

This may provide a reliable way of indicating that the haircare appliance is not being held by the user. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the first indication when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance has been set down, such as on a surface. This may be by the interaction status signal indicating a lack of motion for a time period greater than the threshold time period, and/or by the user interaction signal indicating that the haircare appliance is in an orientation suggestive of the haircare appliance being set down, such as a horizontal orientation.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the second indication when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance is in motion.

This may provide a reliable way of indicating that the haircare appliance is being held by the user. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the second indication when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance has been picked up, such as from a surface. This may be by the interaction status signal indicating motion of the haircare appliance, and/or by the interaction status signal indicating a change in orientation suggestive of the haircare appliance being picked up, such as a change from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the haircare appliance to enter the awake state, where provided, when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance is in motion and/or when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance has been picked up. In this way, the haircare appliance may more reliably transition into the awake state when the haircare appliance is picked up. The controller may be configured to cause the indicator to provide the second indication in response to the haircare appliance entering the awake state.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the third indication when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance is in motion. This may provide a more reliable way of indicating that the haircare appliance is providing the output while being held by the user.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the third indication when the haircare appliance is providing a first output for interacting with a user's hair. Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a fourth indication different to the third indication when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is providing a second output different to the first output.

Providing the third and fourth indications may allow a user to readily determine the type of output being provided by the haircare appliance.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide an alert when there is no user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is providing the output.

Optionally, the indicator comprises a visual indicator, and the first, second, and third indications comprise respective first, second and third visual indications transmitted using the visual indicator.

A visual indicator may provide a clear indication to a user of the status of the haircare appliance. Alternatively, or in addition, the indicator may provide an audible indicator, such as an alarm or chime, and/or a tactile indicator, such as a vibration. This may improve a versatility of the haircare appliance. Optionally, the fourth indication, where provided, comprises a fourth visual indication transmitted using the visual indicator.

Optionally, the visual indicator comprises a light source.

Optionally, no light is output from the light source in the first indication. In this way, an absence of light from the light source may indicate that there is no user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output. That is, an absence of light from the light source may indicate to a user that the haircare appliance is in the set down state, where provided, and/or has been set down. This may provide power saving where the haircare appliance is in the set down state.

Optionally, light is output from the light source in the second and third indications.

Optionally, light is output from the light source in the fourth indication, where provided. Optionally, the light output from the light source may have different characteristics depending on the indication. For instance, in each of the second and third indications, and optionally in the fourth indication, where provided, the light source may output light in a respective flashing profile, a respective level of brightness, a respective colour, and/or in respective combinations of flashing profiles, levels of brightness, and/or colours.

Optionally, the light source comprises an LED, for example an RGB LED.

Optionally, the haircare appliance comprises a user actuatable element comprising a light transmissible portion, and wherein light from the light source passes through the light transmissible portion in use.

This may provide a convenient way for a user to determine a status of the haircare appliance, such as following a user interaction with the user actuatable element. The portion may comprise a light guide for guiding light through the user actuatable element. This may provide a clearer visual indication from the user actuatable element.

Optionally, the controller is configured to cause the haircare appliance to provide the output (such as the first and/or second output, where provided) in response to a user interaction with the user actuatable element. In this way, light emitted from the user actuatable element via the portion may change following user interaction with the user actuatable element.

Optionally, the user actuatable element comprises a backlit button.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a controller for a haircare appliance configured to provide an output for interacting with hair of a user, the haircare appliance comprising an indicator, the controller configured to cause the indicator to provide: a first indication when there is no user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output; a second indication when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output; and a third indication when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is providing the output.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a data carrier comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed, cause operation of one or more controllers of a haircare appliance to cause an indicator of the haircare appliance to provide: a first indication when there is no user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing an output; a second indication when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output; and a third indication when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is providing the output.

Optional features and advantages of aspects of the present invention may equally be applied to other aspects of the present invention, where appropriate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a haircare appliance; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a section through a main unit of the haircare appliance; Figures 3A to 3E are schematic diagrams illustrating attachments of the haircare appliance; Figures 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams illustrating responses to user input to the haircare appliance; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating responses to motion of haircare appliance; and Figure 6 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating operating states of the haircare appliance.

Detailed Description of the Invention

A haircare appliance 10 is shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2. The haircare appliance comprises a main unit 12, and first to fifth attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250210, 220, 230, 240, 250, each of which is attachable to the main unit 12.

The attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 will be described in more detail below.

The main unit 12 comprises a housing 14, an airflow generator 16, a heater 18, and a control unit 20, as can be seen schematically in Figure 2. The housing 14 is tubular in shape, and comprises an air inlet 22 through which an airflow is drawn into the housing 14 by the airflow generator 16, and an air outlet 24 through which the airflow is discharged from the housing 14. The airflow generator 16 is housed within the housing 14, and comprises an impeller 26 driven by an electric motor 28. The heater 18 is also housed within the housing 14, and comprises heating elements 30 to heat the airflow.

The control unit 20 comprises electronic circuitry for a user interface 32, a control module 34, a user interaction module 35, and an RFID reader 36. The user interaction module 35, as will be described in more detail below, is to detect a user interaction with the haircare appliance 10. The RFID reader 36 is to interrogate an RFID tag (not shown) that forms part of each attachment 210, 220, 230, 240, 250. The control module 34 is configured to detect, using the RFID reader 36, which of the attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 is connected to the main unit 12. Although RFID has been discussed here, other forms of wireless or wired communication may be used. The user interface 32 is provided on an outer surface of the housing 14, and comprises a button 100 for causing the haircare appliance 10 to provide a desired functionality. The control module 34 is configured to control the airflow generator 16 and the heater 18 in response to inputs from the user interface 32, based on which attachment 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 is attached to the main unit 12. The control module here comprises first and second discrete circuit boards.

The user interface 32, in particular, comprises a button 100 and a power selector 101. The power selector 101 is actuatable by a user to change a power state of the haircare appliance 10, as will be described in more detail below. The power selector 101 here comprises a button, but in other examples may comprise any other suitable actuatable element, such as a slider, a switch, or a dial.

The button 100 comprises an actuatable portion 110, a light transmissible portion 120 extending through the actuatable portion 110, and a light source 125, which 30 here is an RGB LED. The light source 125, as shown in the section view of Figure 2, located behind the actuatable portion 110 (which is outlined in Figure 2 as a dashed line), and specifically behind the light transmissible portion 120. In other words, the button 100 is a "backlit" button. The light-transmissible portion 120 here forms a ring 121 and a triangular outline 122 on the actuatable portion 110, but other shapes and types of light-transmissible portion 120 are envisaged. Light from the light source 125 passes through the light transmissible portion 120, in use, to provide one of a plurality of user indications, depending on a type of light emitted by the light source. In alternative examples, the ring 121 may be located external to the actuatable portion 110, and so may not move with the actuatable portion 110.

The button 100, and particularly the actuatable portion 110 of the button 100, is actuatable by a user to cause operation of the haircare appliance 10 and to change a functionality of the haircare appliance depending on a type of press of the button 100 and which of the attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 is attached to the main unit 12. The type of press of the button 100 includes a short press, in which the button is pressed for a first length of time, and a long press, in which the button is pressed for a second length of time, longer than the first length of time. In the present example, a short press is registered when the button 100 is pressed for between 40 ms and 400 ms, and a long press is registered when the button 100 is pressed for longer than 400 ms. In other examples, the type of press of the button 100 includes an extra-long press, in which the button is pressed for a third length of time, longer than the second length of time. The extra-long press may be registered when the button 100 is pressed for greater than 1 second, such as up to or greater than 2 seconds, such as up to or greater than 3 seconds.

In other examples, the type of press of the button includes a single press, and/or plural presses (e.g., a double press) within a pre-determined time period, such as no more than 2 seconds, or no more than 1 second. The functionality of the button 100 will be described in more detail below.

As noted above, the output of the haircare appliance 10 depends, in addition to the type of press of the button 100, on which of the attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 is attached to the main unit 12. The attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 shown in Figure 1 and their basic functions are now described. It will be appreciated that, in other examples, other attachments may be provided having different functionality.

The first attachment 210, shown in more detail in Figure 3A, is intended for use in straightening and smoothing hair. The particular first attachment 210 illustrated in Figure 3A corresponds to the smoothing brush of the Dyson Airwrap® hair styler. The attachment will not be described here in any great detail. In short, the first attachment 210 comprises a body 211 having an inlet 212 at one end. The attachment further comprises bristles 214 secured to a pair of bristle beds 218 that pivot or rock relative to the body 211 between a first position and a second position. When the bristle beds 218 are in the first position, a first pair of outlets 213 are opened through which air is discharged in a first direction. When the beds are in the second position, a second different pair of outlets are opened through which the air is discharged in a second opposite direction. Each pair of outlets comprises slots that extend between the bristle beds 218 and the body. During use, the first attachment 210 is pulled through the hair and the bristles 214 act to detangle and straighten the hair. The airflow generated by the main unit 12 enters the interior of the body 211 via the inlet 212 and is discharged via the outlets 213 to dry and/or heat the hair.

The second attachment 220, shown in more detail in Figure 3B, is intended for use in volumising hair. The particular second attachment 220 illustrated in Figure 3B corresponds to the round brush of the Dyson Airwrap® hair styler. Again, the second attachment 220 will not be described here in any great detail. In short, the second attachment 220 comprises a body 221 that is generally cylindrical in form and has an inlet 222 at one end. The second attachment 220 comprises bristles 224 secured to a plurality of bristle beds 228, which are movable in slots in the body 221. Movement of the bristle beds 228 within the slots causes air outlets 224 of the attachment 220 to be selectively opened between longitudinal edges of the bristle beds 228 and the slots. During use, the second attachment 220 is pulled through the hair and the bristles 224 act to detangle and straighten the hair. The airflow generated by the main unit 12 enters the interior of the body 221 via the inlet 222 and is discharged via the outlets 223 to dry and/or heat the hair.

The third attachment 230, shown in more detail in Figure 3C, is intended for use in styling hair, for example curling hair. The particular third attachment 230 illustrated in Figure 3C corresponds to the barrel attachment of the Dyson Airwrap® hair styler. Again, the third attachment 230 will not be described here in any great detail. In short, the third attachment 230 comprises a barrel 231 having an inlet 232 at one end. A plurality of outlets 233 in the form of slots are formed around the side of the barrel 231. During use, when the third attachment 230 is attached to the main unit 12, the airflow generated by the main unit 12 enters the interior of the barrel 231 via the inlet 232. From there, the airflow is discharged through the outlets 233 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This then encourages hair to wrap and curl around the barrel 231.

The fourth attachment 240, shown in more detail in Figure 3D, is intended for use in smoothing and drying hair. The particular fourth attachment 240 illustrated in Figure 3D corresponds to the Coanda smoothing dryer attachment of the Dyson Airwrap® hair styler. Again, the fourth attachment 240 will not be described here in any great detail. In short, the fourth attachment 240 comprises a body 241 comprising an air inlet 242, an air outlet 243, a curved surface 244, and a guide 247. In the configuration shown, the guide 247 is not aligned with the air outlet 243, and so airflow is emitted straight out from the air outlet 243. When the guide 247 is aligned with the air outlet 243, the guide 247 directs airflow from the air outlet 243 across the curved surface 244 of the body 241, such that airflow directed by the guide 247 generates a first force to attract hair toward the curved surface 244, and a second force to push hair away from the curved surface 244.

This may achieve a smooth finish by attracting long hairs toward the curved surface whilst pushing shorter hairs away from the curved surface.

The fifth attachment 250, shown in more detail in Figure 3E, is intended for use in straightening and smoothing hair. Again, the fifth attachment 250 will not be described here in any great detail. In short, the fifth attachment 250 comprises a body 251 supporting a pair of jaws 255 defining a clamping space 257 therebetween for receiving a tress of hair. The body 251 comprises an inlet 252 for receiving an airflow from the main unit 12. The jaws 255 are pivotably movable by air pressure provided by the received airflow so that clamping edges 256 of the jaws 255 move towards each other to releasably clamp the tress of hair in the clamping space 257 between the jaws 255. The jaws 255 also comprise outlets 253, located towards the clamping edges 256, through which at least some of the received airflow is deliverable to the clamping space 257, for use in styling of the clamped tress of hair.

As shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the control module 34 is configured to receive a user signal 410 from the button 100 indicative of a short press or a long press of the button 100, and an attachment signal 420 from the RFID reader 36 indicative of which one of the plurality of attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 is attached to the main unit 12. Figure 4A, 4B and 4C show the functionality of the control module 34 when the respective third, fourth and fifth attachments 230, 240, 250 are attached to the main unit 12.

In each case, when the user signal 410 is indicative of a short press, the control module 34 is configured, by default, to output a first control signal 430 to cause operation of the haircare appliance 10, and in particular the airflow generator 16 and heater 18, in a first mode of operation. The first mode of operation will be described in more detail below, with reference to specific attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, but in general comprises a set of heat and flow settings of the heater 18 and airflow generator 16. In response to a further short press of the button 100, the control module 34 is configured to stop causing operation of the haircare appliance 10 in the first mode of operation. In other words, short presses of the button 100 toggle an output of the haircare appliance 10 on and off. A response of the control module 34 to a long press of the button 100 varies depending on which of the attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 is attached to the main unit 12.

When the third attachment 230 is attached to the main unit 12, as in Figure 4A, the control module is configured, in response to a long press of the button 100, to modify a future response of the control module 34 to a future short press of the button 100. In particular, following a long press of the button 100, a future shod press of the button 100 causes the control module to output a second control signal 440, to cause operation of the haircare appliance 10, and in particular the airflow generator 16 and heater 18, in a second mode of operation, different to the first mode of operation. Again, the second mode of operation will be described in more detail below, but in general comprises a set of heat and flow settings of the heater 18 and airflow generator 16. In the second mode of operation, at least with the third attachment 230, the heat and flow settings are different to the heat and flow settings in the first mode of operation.

A further long press of the button 100 causes the control module to revert to the default behaviour in response to a future short press, specifically to output the first control signal 430. This functionality applies when haircare appliance 10 is not already operating when the button 100 is long-pressed. If the haircare appliance 10 is already operating in the first mode of operation when the button is long-pressed, the control module 34 outputs the second control signal 440 to switch the mode of operation to the second mode of operation, in addition to modifying the future response to a shod press. Similarly, if the haircare appliance 10 is already operating in the second mode of operation when the button 100 is long-pressed, the control module 34 outputs the first control signal 430 to switch the mode of operation to the first mode of operation, in addition to modifying the future response to a short press. In other examples, the mode of operation may not be switched when the button is long-pressed during operation of the haircare appliance 10 in one or both of the first and second modes of operation.

When the fourth attachment 240 is attached to the main unit 12, as in Figure 4B, the control module 34 is configured to output the second control signal 440 in response to a long press of the button 100. This causes operation of the haircare appliance 10, and in particular the airflow generator 16 and heater 18, in the second mode of operation. As will be discussed below, as with the third attachment 230, the heat and flow settings in the second mode of operation are different to those in the first mode of operation.

In response to a long press of the button 100 when the haircare appliance 10 is already operating in the first mode of operation, the control module 34 outputs the second control signal 440 to cause switching of the mode of operation from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation. Similarly, in response to a long press of the button 100 when the haircare appliance 10 is already operating in the second mode of operation, the control module 34 outputs the first control signal 430 to cause switching of the mode of operation from the second mode of operation to the first mode of operation. In other examples, the mode of operation is not switched when the button is long-pressed during operation of the haircare appliance 10 in one or both of the first and second modes of operation.

When the fifth attachment 250 is attached to the main unit 12, as in Figure 4C, the short and long presses similarly cause operation of the haircare appliance 10 in the respective first and second modes. Here, however, in response to a long press of the button 100, the control module 34 causes operation of the haircare appliance 10 in the second mode of operation until the button 100 is released by the user. As such, while a short press toggles an output of the haircare appliance 10 on and off, pressing and holding the button 100 causes operation of the haircare appliance 10 in the second mode for as long as the button 100 is held.

Moreover, with the fifth attachment, the heat and flow settings of the heater 16 and airflow generator 18 in the second mode of operation are the same as those in the first mode of operation (although in other examples they may be different).

With some of the attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, including the first to third attachments 210, 220, 230, the first mode of operation is an "intelligent" mode of operation. Specifically, with the third attachment 230, the first mode of operation comprises alternating between providing an airflow heated with a first amount of heat and an airflow heated with a second amount of heat, less than the first amount of heat, from the main unit 12 for styling hair, such as for curling hair. This includes alternating between providing a heated airflow and providing an unheated airflow from the main unit 12. With the first and second attachments 210, 220, the first, "intelligent", mode of operation comprises changing a flow rate of airflow provided by the airflow generator upon movement of the respective bristle beds 218, 228. In this way, a flow rate may be increased when there is a movement of the respective brush beds 218, 228 that indicates contact of the attachment with hair. In each case, the control module 34, by default, causes the first, "intelligent", mode of operation in response to a short press of the button 100.

In the present example, with each of the first to third attachments 210, 220, 230, a long press enables / disables the "intelligent" functionality described. When the intelligent functionality is disabled by a long press, a subsequent short press of the button 100 causes the control module 34 to instead cause operation of the haircare appliance 10 in the second mode of operation. In the second mode of operation, the airflow generator 16 and heater 18 provide an airflow at a substantially constant temperature and flow rate. A further long press then re-enables the intelligent features. In this way, a user can selectively enable and disable intelligent features of the haircare appliance 10 by providing a short or long press, which provides improved control and customisability for the user. As suggested above, in other examples, a long press of the button 100 may, instead of enabling / disabling the intelligent features, simply cause operation of the haircare appliance 10 in the second mode of operation, which may or may not be an intelligent mode.

In the present example, intelligent functionality is not provided for other attachments, such as the fourth attachment 240. In this case, in response to a short press of the button 100, the control module 34 causes operation of the haircare appliance 10 in the first mode of operation, which comprises the airflow generator 16 and heater 18 providing a continuous airflow at a respective first temperature and first flow rate. In response to a long press of the button 100, the control module 34 causes operation of the haircare appliance 10 in the second mode of operation, which similarly also comprises the airflow generator 16 and heater 18 providing a continuous airflow at a respective second temperature and second flow rate, different to the respective first temperature and first flow rate.

In this way, when the haircare appliance 10 is not providing output for interacting with hair of the user, the user can cause operation of the haircare appliance 10 in the first or the second mode of operation by inputting a respective short press or long press to the button 100. In the present example, a user can also, when the haircare appliance 10 is operating in one of the first and second modes (or another mode not described here), switch to the other of the first and second modes of operation by inputting a shod press or long press.

With the fifth attachment, the first and second modes of operation each comprise the airflow generator 16 and heater 18 providing a continuous airflow at the same flow rate and temperature. In this case, however, the first mode of operation comprises providing the airflow from the main unit 12 when the button 100 is short-pressed, and then stopping providing the airflow when the button 100 is short-pressed again. This causes the jaws 255 to close in response to a shod press, and to open again in response to a further short press. The second mode of operation, in contrast, comprises providing the airflow from the main unit 12 whilst the button 100 is pressed, and then stopping providing the airflow when the button 100 is released. In this way, a short press can be used to toggle on/off the clamping and/or heating provided by the jaws 253, while a long press can be used to provide such clamping and/or heating only while the button 100 is pressed. This may provide flexibility in the way that a user can interact with the haircare appliance.

In other examples, it will be appreciated that intelligent functionality described above in relation to any one attachment 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 may be provided for any other of the attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 shown. For instance, intelligent functionality associated with the third attachment 230 may be provided for the first, second, fourth and/or fifth attachments 210, 220, 240, 250. Moreover, other intelligent functionality not described here may be provided for any one or more the attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, and/or for other attachments not discussed here. In other examples, there may be no such intelligent functionality associated with the first, second and/or third attachments 210, 220, 230.

With each of the attachments 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 described above, the first and second modes of operation are default modes of operation for the respective attachments, but in other examples the first and/or second modes of operation may be user-defined modes of operation. For instance, with any of the first to third attachments 210, 220, 230, the first and/or second mode of operation may comprise a user-defined sequence of heat and flow rate settings for the heater 18 and airflow generator 16. Such user-defined settings may be loaded to the haircare appliance via a Bluetooth connection, or other wired or wireless connection, or may be defined using user inputs on the user interface 32, such as using buttons, dials, switches, or touchscreens referred to above.

The haircare appliance 10 of the present example is considered to be in an "active" state when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance 10, and the haircare appliance 10 is providing an output for interacting with hair of a user -in particular, when the airflow generator 16 and/or the heater 18 are operating.

The haircare appliance 10 is considered to be in an "awake" state when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance 10 but the haircare appliance 10 is not providing the output for interacting with hair of a user. The haircare appliance 10 is considered to be in a "sleep" or "set down" state when the haircare appliance is not providing an output for interacting with hair of a user, and when there is no user interaction with the haircare appliance 10, such as when the haircare appliance 10 is set down on a table. The haircare appliance also comprises a "standby" state, in which power delivery to a majority of functions of the haircare appliance is reduced. For instance, Bluetooth functionality, which is enabled in the set down state 310, is disabled in the standby state 340. The standby state, more specifically, comprises a first standby state, in which a power consumed by the haircare appliance is greater than or equal to 0.5 W, and a second standby state, in which a power consumed by the haircare appliance is less than 0.5 W. The haircare appliance 10 is configured to enter the first standby state after being in the set down state for 10 minutes. The haircare appliance 10 is configured to enter the second standby state after being in the first standby state for 10 minutes. The Bluetooth functionality can be disabled either after a certain time period, nominally set to 10 minutes or by a loss of Bluetooth connection for example by the user turning this feature off on the connected device (for example a smart phone) or by the connection signal being lost for example if a person leaves the proximity of the appliance.

When the haircare appliance 10 is in the awake state, the button 100 is actuatable to cause operation of the airflow generator 16 and/or the heater 18 to provide the output. When the haircare appliance 10 is in the set down state, however, it is not possible to cause operation of the airflow generator 16 or the heater 18 by actuating the button 100. In this way, the haircare appliance has reduced functionality when in the set down state, compared to the active state. This may prevent undesired operation of the airflow generator 16 and/or heater 18 in the event of an inadvertent press of the button 100. The haircare appliance 10 also has reduced power draw when in the set down state than in the awake state.

Other functions of the haircare appliance, such as the ability to connect to the haircare appliance 10 via a Bluetooth connection, are still available in the set down state.

The user interaction module 35 comprises an accelerometer, which is used to monitor a motion of the haircare appliance. As shown in Figure 5, the control module 34 is configured to receive an interaction status signal 510 from the user interaction module 35 indicative of user interaction with the haircare appliance 10. The control module 34 is configured to cause the haircare appliance 10 to enter the set down state when the interaction status signal 510 indicates that the haircare appliance 10 is not in motion and/or has been set down, based on signals received from the accelerometer. The control module 34 is configured to cause the haircare appliance 10 to enter the awake state when the interaction status signal 510 indicates that the haircare appliance 10 is in motion and/or has been picked up, based on signals received from the accelerometer. The control module 34 is configured to cause the haircare appliance to enter the active state when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance 10 is in motion and/or has been picked up.

In some examples, the user interaction module 35 instead, or in addition, comprises a gyroscope, and the interaction status signal 510 is indicative of an orientation of the haircare appliance, based on signals received from the gyroscope. In this way, the control module 34 may be configured to cause the haircare appliance 10 to enter the set down state when the interaction status signal 510 indicates that the haircare appliance 10 is in, or has entered, a horizontal position. Similarly, the control module 34 may be configured to cause the haircare appliance 10 to enter the active state, such as from the set down state, when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance 10 has transitioned from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation.

This functionality of the haircare appliance 10 is also shown in the flow diagram of Figure 6. It can be seen that the haircare appliance 10 transitions between the set down state 310 and the awake state 320, and between the set down state 310 and the active state 330 on pickup / set down of the haircare appliance 10, as detected by the user interaction module 35. Specifically, if the haircare appliance 10 is set down while in the awake state 320, the haircare appliance 10 will transition to the set down state 310. When the haircare appliance 10 has transitioned to the set down state 310 from the awake state 310 following a set down of the haircare appliance 10, then the haircare appliance 10 will transition back to the awake state 320 following a pickup of the haircare appliance 10.

Similarly, if the haircare appliance 10 is set down while in the active state 330, the haircare appliance 10 will transition to the set down state 310. If, while in the set down state 310, the haircare appliance 10 is picked up again within 10 seconds after set down of the haircare appliance 10 while in the active state 330, the haircare appliance 10 will transition back into the active state 330. If, while in the set down state 310, the haircare appliance 10 is picked up more than 10 seconds after set down of the of the haircare appliance 10 while in the active state 330, the haircare appliance 10 will instead transition to the awake state 320.

The haircare appliance 10 transitions between the awake state 320 and the active state 330 following a short press of the button 100. When the fourth or the fifth attachment is attached to the main unit 12, as discussed above, a long press of the button 100 causes the haircare appliance 10 to transition between the awake state 320 and the active state 330. When one of the first to third attachments is attached to the main unit 12, a long press of the button 100 instead modifies a future response of the control module 34 to a short press of the button 100 (which functionality is not illustrated in Figure 6).

As also shown in Figure 6, if an attachment 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 is removed from the main unit 12 whilst the haircare appliance is operating in the active 330 state, the haircare appliance transitions into a holding state 350. If the attachment 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 (either the same or a different attachment 210, 220, 230, 240, 250) is reattached within a holding period following initial removal of the attachment 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, the haircare appliance transitions back into the active state 330. If no attachment 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 is attached to the main unit 12 in the holding period, the haircare appliance transitions into the awake state 320. The holding period is up to 5 seconds, but may be up to 10 seconds, up to 20 seconds, up to 30 seconds, up to 1 minute, up to 2 minutes, up to 5 minutes, or greater than 5 minutes.

The haircare appliance 10 transitions to the set down state 310 from the active state 330 when the haircare appliance 10 is set down. After a predetermined period of time in the set down state 310, specifically 10 minutes in the present example, the haircare appliance 10 times out and transitions to the standby state 340 (specifically to the first standby state discussed above). On pickup of the haircare appliance 10 in the standby state 340, the haircare appliance 10 transitions to the awake state 320. The power selector 101 is actuatable by a user to cause the haircare appliance 10 to transition directly from the active state 330 to the standby state 340, and/or between the standby state 340 and the awake state 320. This allows a user to manually switch to the low-power standby state 340, without waiting for the haircare appliance to "time out" in the set down state 310.

The haircare appliance 10 is configured to use the backlit button 100 to signify the status of the haircare appliance 10. In particular, when the haircare appliance 10 is in the set down state (as well as the standby state 340), the control module 34 is configured to cause no light to be emitted from the light source 125 of the button 100. An absence of light from the light source 125 thereby indicates to a user that the haircare appliance is in the set down state 310 (or the standby state 340). When the haircare appliance 10 is in the awake state 320, the control module 34 is configured to cause the light source 125 to provide a flashing, or pulsating, profile. This indicates to the user that the haircare appliance 10 is in the awake state 320, and that operation of the button 100 will cause the operation of the airflow generator 16 and/or heater 18. When the haircare appliance 10 is in the active state 330, the control module 34 is configured to cause the light source 125 to provide a constant light output, indicating that the haircare appliance 10 is providing an output for interacting with hair of the user. The light source, being an RGB LED, changes colour depending on whether the haircare appliance is operating in the first or the second mode of operation during the active state 330.

It will be appreciated that, in other examples, the control module 34 may cause the light source to provide any other suitable output indicating the operating states of the haircare appliance 10, such as different flashing profiles, levels of brightness, colours, and/or combinations of flashing profiles, levels of brightness, and/or colours.

As shown in Figure 2, the haircare appliance 10 of the present example comprises a data carrier 37 comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed, such as by a processor of the haircare appliance 10, cause operation of the control module 34 to provide the functionality described above. The data carrier 37 is here a computer-readable memory located in the haircare appliance.

Whilst particular embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For instance, while the button 100 and power selector 101 are the only components of the user interface 32 shown in Figure 1, it will be appreciated that one or more other useractuatable elements may be provided. For instance, in some examples, the user interface 32 may comprise one or more buttons, switches, dials, touchscreens, or other user-actuatable elements, for performing various functions such as: selectively permitting and preventing user input to change functionality of the haircare appliance (e.g., locking and unlocking functions of the haircare appliance 10); causing the haircare appliance 10 to operate in a particular mode of operation; enabling / disabling connectivity functions, such as Bluetooth connectivity functions; selecting or changing an airflow flow rate (for example high, medium, and low); and/or or selecting or changing an airflow temperature (for example hot, medium, and cold).

In some variations, the button 100 may not be backlit, and/or the haircare appliance 10 may comprise another signifier, such as another LED light, a vibrator, and/or an audible signifier, for signifying to a user when the haircare appliance 10 is in the respective sleep 310, awake 320, and active states 330.

Moreover, while a particular functionality has been shown and described in relation to Figures 4A to C and Figure 5, other functionality may be provided in other examples. For instance, an alert may be issued using the backlit button 100, or other signifier, in the event of actuation of the button 100 when no attachment 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 is attached to the main unit 12. In some examples, a sequence and/or combination of presses of various user actuatable elements provided on the user interface 32 may allow a user to reset settings of the haircare appliance 10 to factory-shipped settings, and/or to enter an administrative mode of the haircare appliance 10, such as for maintenance or repair of the haircare appliance 10. Similarly, a user may be able to adjust settings, such as to adjust the first and/or second modes of operation, or define further modes of operation, using user actuatable elements on the user interface, or via Bluetooth using a smartphone application.

Other variations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will be appreciated by the skilled reader.

Claims

Claims 1. A haircare appliance comprising: a main unit to which one of a plurality of attachments is attachable; a user actuatable element; and a controller configured to: receive an attachment signal indicative of which one of the plurality of attachments is attached to the main unit; in response to a first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, cause operation of the haircare appliance in a first mode of operation, the first mode of operation based on the attachment signal; and in response to a second type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, at least one of: cause operation of the haircare appliance in a second mode of operation, different to the first mode of operation; and modify a future response of the controller to the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element.
2. The haircare appliance of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to, in response to the second type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, modify the future response of the controller so that the controller causes operation of the haircare appliance in the second mode of operation in response to the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element.
3. The haircare appliance of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first type of interaction with the user actuatable element comprises a user interaction with the user actuatable element for a first length of time, and the second type of interaction with the user actuatable element comprises a user interaction with the user actuatable element for a second length of time greater than the first length of time.
4. The haircare appliance of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user actuatable element comprises a button, and wherein the first and second types of user interaction comprise respective first and second types of press of the button.
5. The haircare appliance of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the haircare appliance comprises an air moving device configured to provide an airflow to the hair of the user in at least one of the first and second modes of operation.
6. The haircare appliance of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a heater configured to provide heat for heating hair of the user in at least one of the first and second modes of operation.
7. The haircare appliance of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in at least one of the first and second modes of operation, the controller is configured to cause the haircare appliance to provide a sequence of outputs for interacting with hair of a user, each temporally adjacent output in the sequence of outputs comprising different characteristics for interacting with hair of the user.
8. The haircare appliance of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the haircare appliance is configured to provide a first sequence of outputs for interacting with a user's hair in the first mode of operation, and to provide a second sequence of outputs for interacting with a user's hair in the second mode of operation, the second sequence of outputs different to the first sequence of outputs.
9. The haircare appliance of any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising an indicator, wherein the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a first user indication in response to the first type of user interaction and a second user indication in response to the second type of user interaction, the second user indication different to the first user indication.
10. The haircare appliance of claim 9, wherein the indicator comprises a light source, and wherein the first and second user indications comprise respective different colour profiles and/or pulsing profiles provided by the light source.
11. The haircare appliance of claim 10, wherein the user actuatable element comprises a light transmissible portion, and light from the light source passes through the light transmissible portion in use.
12. The haircare appliance of cany one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide: a first state indication when there is no user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output; a second state indication when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is not providing the output; and a third state indication when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is providing the output.
13. The haircare appliance according to claim 9, wherein the haircare appliance comprises a user interaction module configured to: monitor at least one of an orientation and motion of the haircare appliance; and provide, based on the monitored at least one of the orientation and motion of the haircare appliance, an interaction status signal to the controller, the interaction status signal indicative of user interaction with the haircare appliance; and wherein the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide at least one of the first, second and third state indications based on the interaction status signal.
14. The haircare appliance of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the first state indication when the interaction signal indicates that the haircare appliance has not changed orientation and/or is not in motion for a time period greater than a threshold time period.
15. The haircare appliance of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the second state indication when the interaction status signal indicates that the haircare appliance is in motion.
16. The haircare appliance of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide the third state indication when the haircare appliance is providing a first output for interacting with a user's hair, and wherein the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide a fourth state indication different to the third state indication when there is user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is providing a second output different to the first output.
17. The haircare appliance of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the controller is configured to cause the indicator to provide an alert when there is no user interaction with the haircare appliance and the haircare appliance is providing the output.
18. A controller for a haircare appliance, the controller configured to: receive an attachment signal indicative of which one of a plurality of attachments is attached to a main unit of the haircare appliance; receive a user signal indicative of one of a first type of interaction with a user actuatable element of the haircare appliance and a second type of interaction with the user actuatable element; when the user signal is indicative of the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, output a first control signal to cause operation of the haircare appliance in a first mode of operation, the control signal based on the attachment signal; and when the user signal is indicative of the second type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, at least one of: output a second control signal to cause operation of the haircare appliance in a second mode of operation, different to the first mode of operation; and modify a future response of the controller to receipt of a future user signal indicative of the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element.
19. A data carrier comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed, cause operation of one or more controllers of a haircare appliance to: receive an attachment signal indicative of which one of a plurality of attachments is attached to a main unit of the haircare appliance; receive a user signal indicative of one of a first type of interaction with a 20 user actuatable element of the haircare appliance and a second type of interaction with the user actuatable element; when the user signal is indicative of the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, output a first control signal to cause operation of the haircare appliance in a first mode of operation, the control signal based on the attachment signal; and when the user signal is indicative of the second type of user interaction with the user actuatable element, at least one of: output a second control signal to cause operation of the haircare appliance in a second mode of operation, different to the first mode of operation; and modify a future response of the controller to receipt of a future user signal indicative of the first type of user interaction with the user actuatable element.