FR3115663A1 - HAIR TREATMENT SYSTEM WITH PROXIMITY SENSORS TO DETECT DISTANCE AND LOCATION OF SCALP OR HAIR - Google Patents

Abstract

Hair treatment system with proximity sensors to detect distance and location of scalp or hair A device comprising a treatment system for treating a scalp or hair; one or more sensors configured to detect at least one spatial condition selected from device contact with scalp or hair, device distance from scalp or hair, and device location by relation to a scalp or hair; a controller configured to send instructions to adjust the processing system based on the detected spatial condition of the device. Figure for abstract: FIG. 1

Description

HAIR TREATMENT SYSTEM WITH PROXIMITY SENSORS TO DETECT DISTANCE AND LOCATION OF SCALP OR HAIR

Summary

In one embodiment, a hair treatment system intelligently treats or diagnoses hair or scalp by region. In one embodiment, proximity sensors, such as a camera or infrared (IR) sensors or both a camera and infrared sensors in conjunction with contact sensors are used to estimate distance and location and to generate orders that modify a dispensing or diagnostic product on a length of hair and in the scalp.

In one embodiment, the hair treatment system facilitates pattern applications and treatment doses (e.g. hair roots/ends) as well as scalp and hair differentiation from the air.

In one embodiment, the hair treatment system controls an outflow or direction of scalp or hair treatments so as to minimize inhalable wastes and mists.

In one embodiment, the hair treatment system includes a scalp contact sensor, for example, open or short detectors or dielectric sensors on tips of bristles of brushes or combs, and determines whether whether or not the hair treatment system is in close contact with the scalp or the hair roots.

In one embodiment, the location on the head (top/sides) is further calculated through the use of an accelerometer. A camera and/or an IR sensor determines the distance between the device and the scalp, if it is in contact with the hair, and if it has reached the ends of the hair. Different types of product are dispensed (i.e. through nozzles or sprayers) and/or different types of LEDs are illuminated (i.e. red/UV) depending on the different regions on hair or scalp.

This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in simplified form which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify any key particulars of claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of claimed subject matter.

Description of the drawings

The foregoing aspects and many of the associated advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated with a better understanding thereof by reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a graphical illustration of a hair and scalp treatment device;

Figure 2 is a graphical illustration of the hair and scalp treatment device of the ;

Figure 3 is a graphical illustration of a side view of the hair and scalp treatment device of the ;

Figure 4 is a graphical illustration of a rear view of the hair and scalp treatment device of the ;

Figure 5 is a graphical illustration of a bottom view of the hair and scalp treatment device of the ;

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of hair and scalp treatment systems that can be used with the device of the ; And

Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method of operating the device of Figure 1.

detailed description

A number of scalp and hair treatment devices are known. For example, reference may be made to Applicant's earlier publications 2005/0081871, 2014/0088522, 2017/0150810, 2017/0326020, 2019/0098977, 2019/0209077. According to the present disclosure, devices for treating the hair or the scalp or both the hair and the scalp can be improved by the inclusion of sensors which detect a precise location or proximity of the device relative to the scalp and to hairs. A device with such sensors can use the information to control the treatment that is delivered.

According to this disclosure, the provision of sensors makes devices "smarter", which can be programmed to adjust treatment based on the location or proximity of the hair treatment device to the scalp or hair. or depending on whether or not the device is in actual contact with the hair or the scalp. Examples of hair and scalp treatment systems include, but are not limited to, scalp massagers, hair dryers, and dispensers for shampoo, bleach, color, and other formulations.

In one embodiment, a hair and scalp treatment system according to this disclosure is embodied in a portable electrically powered device as illustrated in Figures 1-5. a hair or scalp treatment system. However, previously known hair and scalp treatment devices can also be modified to have the smart functionality described herein. For example, device 100 exhibits comparatively large protrusions that can be used to dispense formulations, act as an aspirator or blower, and provide light and electrostatic treatments. However, in other embodiments, the projections can be replaced by a brush-like head having bristles, such as the devices of US patents 2014/0088522, 2017/0150810, 2017/0326020, or a comb with teeth , such as the device of document 2005/0081871.

In one embodiment, the device 100 is shaped in the style of familiar and well recognized hair appliances to inspire credit and confidence in the device leading to intuitive operation and gestures when using the device.

Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment, device 100 includes a handle 104 connected to device 100 at substantially cylindrical section 138. Handle 104 is connected to device 100 at an obtuse angle to the front end of device 100. Handle 104 helps balance the weight of the device for more comfortable use.

Referring still to Figure 3, on the rear side, device 100 may include a smaller diameter cylindrical shaped housing 136 which accepts a removable cartridge 102 containing a hair or scalp treatment formulation. Cartridge 102 can be configured to be a refillable cartridge or a disposable cartridge. In one embodiment, device 100 may be configured to have more than one cartridge, wherein each cartridge may be filled with a different formulation for a different treatment.

Forward from housing 136, the exterior shape of device 100 increases in steps to a portion 138 of larger outer diameter compared to the diameter of housing 136. In one embodiment, device 100 includes a structure of a body which has a substantially cylindrical or very slightly tapered and tapering portion 138 from the rearward end to about the middle of the length of the device. In one embodiment, the handle 104 merges into the rear side of the portion 138. Then, proximal to the cylindrical or very slightly tapered portion 138, the device 100 assumes a more pronounced conical or tapering elliptical shape 140 in plane. from top to bottom (i.e., viewed from the left or right side), from about the middle of device 100 to about one-third or one-quarter of the length of the device. However, in the side-by-side plane (i.e., viewed from above or below) device 100 does not taper as much, since device 100 accommodates three projections in the side-by-side plane.

Then, distal from the smaller end of conical or elliptical shape 140, device 100 has a transition portion 142 which forms one or more dispensing projections 108 at the front end, such that each projection 108 is separated from the other projections. Although the protrusions 108 are illustrated in connection with a hair or scalp treatment system, the device 100 can be configured as a brush or a comb.

Referring to Figures 2 and 5, each projection 108 has a progressively decreasing conical shape from the initial connection at the section of the transition portion 142 to the end of the projection 108 both in the side plane side-by-side and top-down plan.

In Figure 5, the protrusions 108 are shown having a rounded tip when viewed from the low (or high) plane. However, in Fig. 3 the protrusions 108 are shown as having a flat area or chamfer at the bottom of the protrusion 108 at the front end when viewed from the side plane, giving a truncated rounded shape. The rounded tips of the protrusions 108 can separate the hair for better access to the scalp and hair roots. The rounded tips of the protrusions include "stirring bumps" and the chamfered angle for cleansing and massaging action.

In Figure 5, the chamfered section of protrusions 108 has apertures 130 for dispensing formulation. In one embodiment, the apertures 130 may be static, which means that the spray or dispense direction is fixed and cannot be adjusted. In one embodiment, apertures 130 may be directional, which means the direction of spray or dispense may be controlled. For example, apertures 130 may be provided on a pivoting ball which is controlled through micro-actuators. In one embodiment, multiple openings can be provided, wherein each opening is oriented in a different direction, and the formulation is dispensed from the chosen opening in the preferred orientation. In one embodiment, controlling the formulation dispense direction also allows the formulation to be applied in a pattern, such as a back and forth "brush stroke" or circular patterns, for example. In one embodiment, dispenser 112 can control the form in which the formulation is dispensed. For example, the formulation can be sprayed in different shaped patterns, such as flat fan/cone, wide/narrow spray, full/hollow spray, and stream/mist. In one embodiment, the formulation is dispensed via adjustable conical nozzles that move forward and back around a central rod to adjust the spray pattern.

In one embodiment, the formulation can be dispensed as a liquid. In one embodiment, the formulation can be atomized and dispensed as a mist. Additionally, the chamfered section of protrusions 108 has openings 132 which lead to a vacuum system to collect used formulation along with any debris or oils removed from the hair. In one embodiment, openings 132 can be used to supply heated air so that device 100 functions as a hair dryer.

In the illustrated embodiment, each projection 108 is shown having openings 130 for dispensing and openings 132 for sucking or blowing air. However, in one embodiment, there may be dedicated protrusions which only have openings for dispensing formulation and dedicated protrusions which only have openings used for suction or blowing. In one embodiment, there may be multiple openings on each protrusion 108 to ensure dispensing of different formulations from the same protrusion. This can be advantageous when two formulations work together. In one embodiment, each opening can be dedicated to a different formulation. In one embodiment, device 100 is provided with three projections 108 for uniform cleaning coverage. The angle of the handle 104 and the length of the protrusions 108 allow users to reach all areas of the scalp and hair.

In one embodiment, device 100 includes an electrostatic processing system. In one embodiment, the purpose of the electrostatic system is to charge a portion of the scalp or hair or both by induction or contact. In one embodiment, an electrode 150 is placed at the tips of the projections 108. The electrode 150 can also electrostatically charge hair formulation droplets as they are dispensed from the apertures 130. The charged hair formulation will then be attracted or repelled, depending on the particular charges produced, to the target areas of the scalp or hair. Electrode 150 is electrically connected to an electrostatic charger. In one embodiment, electrode 150 may be surrounded by an electrically insulating material.

In one embodiment, device 100 may have multiple hair and scalp treatment systems. Device 100 is also provided with one or more sensors, including contact sensors, proximity sensors, accelerometers, and the like. The sensors provide input to a controller, which then controls the output of the one or more hair and scalp treatment systems based on information provided by the sensors.

Referring to Figure 6, device 100 is shown schematically to illustrate the use of sensors with hair and scalp treatment systems. Device 100 may have one or more processing systems including, but not limited to, formulation dispenser 122, electrostatic charger 152, vacuum and manifold system 114, blower and heater system 144 , a light treatment system 146, and a haptic vibrating massager 158. In one embodiment, device 100 may include the treatment systems mentioned above, only one of the treatment systems, or a combination of more than one processing system.

In one embodiment, device 100 can be powered by alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). In one embodiment, device 100 is powered by an ordinary household alternating current that uses an electrical cord (not shown) to power device 100. In one embodiment, device 100 is powered by direct current, such as a rechargeable battery that can be charged by plugging into a household AC outlet. A device powered by direct current 100 allows the device to be used without staying or being near an electrical outlet.

In one embodiment, device 100 includes a formulation dispenser 112. In one embodiment, the formulation is stored in a replaceable or refillable cartridge 102. Cartridges 102 may be removable from device 100 either to be reloaded or to be discarded and replaced with a new, full cartridge. Once empty, a 102 cartridge can be replaced with a new cartridge loaded with the same or different formulation or the cartridge can be refilled with the same or different formulation. As seen in Figure 1, cartridge 102 is inserted through the back side of device 100. Cartridge 102 is connected to deliver the scalp or hair formulation to dispenser 112. In one embodiment, the Device 100 may include multiple cartridges, wherein each cartridge is loaded with a different formulation, which may be dispensed to perform different treatments and to different regions of the scalp and hair.

In one embodiment, cartridge 102 has a product identification tag 154 (FIG. 1) which may communicate instructions for operation of device 100 based on the specific formulation contained in cartridge 102. Device 100 may include a product identification tag reader 156 (FIG. 1) capable of reading the product identification tag 154 and processing the encoded signals into instructions for operating and controlling the device according to the particular formulation. Product identification tags include, for example, barcodes, 2-D barcodes, RFID tags, and the like. The product identification tag is encoded with machine readable signals that communicate the device settings for the particular formulation. Different formulations may have different device settings. For example, product identification labels may include the heat or suction setting, and the dispenser setting from liquid to fine, medium, or coarse droplets. Different formulations can also be used to treat different areas of the scalp and hair. Different formulations can also be used to provide different scalp and hair treatments. In one embodiment, the product identification tag identifies the formulation in the cartridge 102 as containing charged particles, which commands the device 100 to activate the electrostatic charger 152, and the product identification tag determines further electrostatic setting, such as particular voltage and negative or positive polarity.

Dispenser 112 can dispense one or more formulations through protrusions 108 (or brush or comb bristles) as a fine mist or liquid. In one embodiment, dispensing the formulations as a mist or liquid, allows the device to also change the viscosity of the formulation being dispensed. In one embodiment, dispenser 112 includes a compressor, pump, or ultrasonic wave generator to generate the mist from the formulation. In the case of a dispenser 112 with a pump or compressor, this dispenser 112 causes the air or the formulation to flow at a high speed, which propels the formulation through a fine nozzle designed for mist spraying at the level of the opening 130. In the case of a pump or compressor dispenser, a single dispenser 112 can be placed in the device 100. Then, the output of a pump or compressor dispenser 112 is routed through a system of ducts to each of the projections 108 and exits the nozzle at the openings 130.

In one embodiment, the dispenser 112 is an ultrasonic wave nebulizer having an ultrasonic wave generator in contact with the formulation where the frequency of the ultrasonic waves is sufficient to produce the mist. An ultrasonic wave nebulizer also includes a "screen" nebulizer which has a vibrating screen just touching the surface of the formulation to create the mist. Either form of ultrasonic wave nebulizer can use a piezoelectric element.

In one embodiment, device 100 includes an electrostatic charger 152. An electrostatic charger can produce a positive or negative charge at a targeted area of the scalp or hair or both. Electrostatic charger 152 is connected via an electrical conductor to an electrode 150 on the end of one or more projections 108. Suitable electrodes 50 are electrically conductive and may include, for example, copper, nickel, stainless steel, aluminum, or any alloy thereof. Electrodes 150 may be insulated from surrounding areas by an electrically insulating material, such as plastic, elastomers, and the like.

When device 100 is turned on, electrostatic charger 152 can produce a positive or negative charge on the scalp or hair or both to attract or repel formulations to the charged areas. In one example, positively charged areas are created by the repulsion of electrons from the areas, and in another example, negatively charged areas are created by the attraction of electrons to the areas. Electrostatic charging can be performed by contact electrocharging, induction electrocharging, and the like. In one example, electrode 150 is connected to a high voltage source to induce electrostatic positive or negative charges.

In another example, hair formulations are charged while passing through charging electrode 150. Negatively charged hair formulation droplets are attracted to the target which may be at a lower potential.

In one embodiment, device 100 includes a vacuum system 114 having a vacuum generator motor and a manifold. In one embodiment, a motor may be a variable speed motor. The motor induces an inflow of air through the openings 132 at the projections 108. The air flow can carry the used formulation along with any debris and oils washed out of the hair by the formulation, which is then captured by the manifold, and the air is forced out of device 100. In one embodiment, the manifold includes an annular vent hole 134 located at the rear of device 100 and encircling cartridge 102 (Figure 4 ). Vent hole 134 allows airflow to exit device 100, while used formulation and debris become trapped in the manifold. In one embodiment, the collector is removable from device 100 and is dishwasher safe so as to allow cleaning in a dishwasher. In one embodiment, the surface of the collector, which comes into contact with the formulation used, is coated with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material to facilitate cleaning of the collector.

In one embodiment, device 100 includes a blower and heater system 114. In one embodiment, device 100 can operate as a hair dryer. The 114 blower and heater system can use the vacuum motor configured to rotate in the opposite direction. When suction is produced to draw air through the projections 108, the blower and heater system 114 is configured to blow air through the projections 108. When operating as a As a fan, impeller vanes cause a stream of air to exit through the apertures 132 at the projections 108. Before exiting, the stream of air may first pass over a heating element coil at resistance. The air temperature can be raised or lowered by controlling the current that is applied to the heater coil. Air that is expelled at the protrusions can enter the impeller vanes through the annular vent hole 134 located at the rear of the device 100.

In one embodiment, device 100 includes a light processing system 146. In one embodiment, the light processing system includes one or more light emitting diodes 146 (LEDs) capable of producing light on a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum. In one embodiment, phototherapy was used on the scalp to treat a skin condition. In one embodiment, phototherapy was used to stimulate hair follicle cells. However, phototherapy may have other benefits. In one embodiment, the phototherapy is performed by light emitting diodes 146 (LEDs) which are capable of producing electromagnetic energy in a wide range of wavelengths (either at individual wavelengths, such as a laser LED, or at multiple wavelengths in a wide range). The intensity of the light produced by the LED can be varied by a current control, for example.

In one embodiment, the LEDs 146 include one or more Group III-V (GaAs) based LEDs that are capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths in a range extending from green visible light near infrared. In one embodiment, the LEDs 146 include one or more group III nitride blue LED semiconductor emitters that are capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths in a range extending from ultraviolet to blue visible light.

In one embodiment, the wavelength output of LEDs 146 includes one or more gallium-indium-nitrogen (GaInN) LEDs that have a wavelength output of approximately 360-370 nm. In other embodiments, LEDs 146 emit electromagnetic energy in a wavelength range from about 200 nm to about 2000 nm, which includes wavelengths in the ultraviolet range (about 350 nm) and near infrared (about 1200 nm).

In one embodiment, the use of different LEDs that produce different wavelength light can be used to provide different scalp and hair treatments.

In one embodiment, device 100 includes a haptic system 158. The haptic system may include a vibrating massager. In one embodiment, a haptic vibrating massager may include an electric motor that rotates an eccentrically placed weight that produces vibrations depending on the rate of rotation. In one embodiment, the vibrating haptic massager may include an electromagnetic coil and a permanent magnet that produce vibrations based on the cycles of the power source. Additionally, other technologies may be used in the haptic system 158 to produce a type of haptic actuation or feel producing effects including ceramic piezoelectric actuators, shape memory alloy and memory polymer actuators. form, electrostatic forces, electroactive polymer actuators, piezoelectric motor actuators, and pneumatic actuators.

In one embodiment, device 100 includes one or more sensors. In one embodiment, one or more sensors are used to measure one of device distance from scalp or hair, device speed, or device direction. In one embodiment, speed and direction are used to detect a back and forth "brush stroke" technique. In one embodiment, the device 100 includes a touch sensor 160. A touch sensor 160 can indicate whether or not the protrusions 108, or the brush, or the comb are in physical contact with skin and hair. In one embodiment, device 100 includes proximity sensor 162. Proximity sensor 162 may indicate the distance between the sensor and the surface of skin and hair. In one embodiment, contact sensor 160 and proximity sensor 162 may be placed at or near the tip end of one, more than one, or all of the protrusions 108 (or brush bristles or comb teeth). In one embodiment, the device includes one or more accelerometers 164. In one embodiment, the accelerometers 164 are two-axis and three-axis accelerometers that operate to determine an orientation of the device 100 or a position of the device 100 with respect to head and hair. For example, Device 100 is typically held in a different orientation when used on the top of the head compared to the back, and left and right sides. The two-axis and three-axis accelerometers 164 are used to track the orientation of the device 100 from which a position can be determined. Although accelerometers 164 are used on protrusions 108, the accelerometers can be placed anywhere on device 100.

In one embodiment, contact sensor 160 includes open or short detectors or dielectric sensors. An open detector can refer to an open circuit detector for detecting interrupted (open) continuity in an electrical transmission. A short circuit detector can refer to low electrical resistance detection. A dielectric sensor is also referred to as a capacitance detector which can detect a change in dielectric permittivity. In one embodiment, contact sensor 160 may be a sensor that detects contact or lack of contact of an individual protrusion 108 (or brush hair or comb tooth). In one embodiment, touch sensor 160 may indicate the amount of touch. An example of a contact sensor that can detect an amount of contact is a piezoelectric sensor.

In one embodiment, the proximity sensor 162 can be an optical sensor, such as an infrared sensor or a camera or both a camera and infrared sensors. In one embodiment, the infrared sensors or the camera or both may be positioned at various locations throughout device 100. In one embodiment, the camera may be a semiconductor integrated circuit that converts light in images, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or pixel sensors. An infrared sensor detects heat which is inversely proportional to the distance between the device and a heat source. However, other examples of proximity sensors can also be used, such as capacitive, ultrasonic, or Doppler sensors.

In one embodiment, accelerometers 164 operate to determine the position of device 100 (or location relative to the head), orientation of device 100, and movement of device 100. In one embodiment, Accelerometers 146 can be used in combination with other sensors, including a geomagnetic sensor (ie, a compass) and a gyroscope. A gyroscope is a sensor that detects angular velocity around three axes and is able to detect the rotation of an object. In addition, the geomagnetic sensor is able to verify the direction in which the device 100 is oriented.

In one embodiment, device 100 includes a controller 148. In one embodiment, controller 148 is a digital device. Controller 148 may include one or more hardware circuits connected on a printed circuit board, or all of the circuits may exist on a single chip. Controller 148 may include at least one microprocessor core and memory. The hardware may be designed for use in small, manually operated devices. The microprocessor may be implemented as multiple processors working cooperatively in parallel and in series to execute instructions according to pre-programmed logic.

Controller 148 receives signals from sensors, such as touch sensor 160, proximity sensor 162, and accelerometer(s) 164. Sensors 160, 162, 164 may include circuitry that provides digital signals to stored and processed by the controller 148. In one embodiment, one or more sensors may send analog signals which are converted to digital signals by an analog-to-digital converter circuit before being stored and processed by the controller. command 148.

The controller 148 can perform various operations based on one or more of the signals provided by the sensors. Additional information may also be available to the controller 148 such as clocks to count the passage of time and past data from the sensors.

Controller 148 converts and interprets signals from the sensors to signify a spatial condition of device 100, for example, the signals may be interpreted to indicate contact or lack of contact with device 100, distance to device screw 100, and a location of the device 100 relative to the scalp and hair. Then, controller 148 will perform certain pre-programmed instructions based on one or more of the signals. Instructions can be encoded in hardware or software. The instructions relate to whether or not to change the operation of one or more of the processing systems based on signals from the sensors, and how to do so.

In one embodiment, each processing system 122, 152, 114, 144, and 146 has a processing protocol that specifies the processing to be provided based on the real-time spatial conditions of device 100. In this manner, controller 148 sends command signals to treatment system 122, 152, 114, 144, and 146 to adjust treatment as the user moves device 100 to different regions of the scalp and hair. Controller 148 bases its instructions on current (real-time) sensed spatial conditions of device 100. Spatial conditions may relate to contact, distance, and location and orientation of device 100 relative to hair and leather. hairy. Treatment protocols can be provided as any tabular data or function that correlates a region or distance from the scalp or hair with a treatment condition. For example, a hair dryer can be controlled to vary the air temperature in proportion to the distance the device 100 is away from the hair. In this example, the treatment protocol would be an air temperature versus distance or in tabular data, a table having a row for each temperature setting and a column for each distance setting, where the intersection of rows and columns provides the process temperature for the spatial condition (distance in this example). Treatment protocols for other treatment devices can be set up similarly and based on other spatial conditions.

Instructions corresponding to each processing protocol may be stored in any type of computer readable medium or computer storage device and stored on and executed by one or more microprocessors. Instructions may be stored in fast memory such as EEPROM, Flash memory, RAM, or other programmable non-volatile memory. Instructions can be written in a programming language, such as C, C++, COBOL, JAVA™, PHP, Perl, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, VBScript, ASPX, Microsoft .NET™, Go, and/or the like.

A treatment protocol for dispenser 122 based on spatial conditions of device 100 may include, for example, changing the nature of the formulation that is dispensed from a liquid state to a mist depending on whether the formulation targets the scalp. or the hair, or a direction of the formulation being sprayed can be changed or simply stopped by sensing the position of the device 100 relative to the hair or not sensing any hair. The treatment protocol also considers the type of formulation to be dispensed, i.e., whether the formulation is a skin or scalp treatment or a hair treatment. When device 100 has more than one cartridge, device 100 may be configured to dispense a different formulation based on sensing that the device is moved from one location to another where the treatment protocol requires the dispensing of a different wording in the second location.

A treatment protocol for electrostatic charger 152 based on spatial conditions of device 100 may include changing electrostatic parameters depending on whether device 100 is in contact with the scalp (skin) or hair or at a maximum distance compared to these.

A treatment protocol for suction 114 based on spatial conditions of device 100 may include reducing the strength of suction following skin or scalp contact, increasing suction more the device 100 is remote from the skin or the scalp.

A treatment protocol for blower-heater 144 based on spatial conditions of device 100 may include reduction of air force and temperature based on contact with skin or scalp or body. increase in the blowing force and in the temperature the further the device 100 is from the skin or the scalp.

A treatment protocol for light system 146 based on spatial conditions of device 100 may include activation of certain phototherapies based on skin contact or hair contact, increase or decrease in power of phototherapy based on distance, or deactivation of phototherapy in the absence of contact or when a distance is exceeded beyond which phototherapy is ineffective. In one embodiment, the different LEDs may be illuminated based on sensing that the device is moved from one location to another, and the treatment protocol requires the different LEDs based on the second location.

Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of operation of device 100 that changes or adjusts the operation of a hair or scalp treatment system based on the spatial conditions of device 100.

In one embodiment, in start block 702, device 100 may activate itself when device 100 detects that it has been grabbed by a user by a signal from accelerometer 164. block 702, the device proceeds to block 704.

In one embodiment, when device 100 is used for more than one treatment, i.e., device 100 has more than one treatment system 112, 152, 114, 144, 146, the The user may select the processing system in block 702. If device 100 has a single processing system, block 702 may be omitted. From block 704, device 100 proceeds to block 706.

In block 706, device 100 reads the treatment protocol according to the selected treatment system. Here, "read" can mean accessing the treatment protocol or storing it so that it can be used by the controller 148. The treatment protocol can be stored in a memory of the controller 148. A protocol of treatment specifies the treatment delivered by the treatment system according to the change of spatial conditions of the device. Spatial conditions may mean one or more conditions to indicate contact or lack of contact with device 100, distance from device 100, and location of device 100 relative to the scalp and hair. A treatment system 112, 152, 114, 144, 146 can change the treatment that is delivered by the treatment system in real time based on a contact of the device 100, a distance of the device 100, and a location of the device 100 by to the scalp or hair. From block 706, the device proceeds to block 708.

In block 708, device 100 receives real-time sensor data and interprets the data to determine the spatial conditions of device 100. For example, spatial conditions that may be determined from the sensors include contact or lack of contact. contact with the device 100, a distance of the device 100 from the scalp and hair, and a location of the device 100 from the scalp or hair. From block 708, device 100 proceeds to block 710.

In block 710, device 100 compares the current spatial conditions of device 100 to the pre-programmed processing protocol. From block 710, device 100 proceeds to block 712.

In block 712, device 100 adjusts the treatment system according to the treatment protocol for the current spatial conditions of device 100. For example, if the selected treatment system is a formulation dispenser 112, the treatment protocol for the dispenser 112 may use a different setting or formulation for contact to the scalp (for hair roots) and a different delivery setting or formulation the further device 100 is from the scalp. For example, the formulation can be dispensed as a liquid when the device 100 is in contact with the scalp, and as the distance from the scalp increases, the dispenser 112 reduces the amount or applies a formulation as a liquid. increasingly fine mist. The treatment protocol for the blower and heater 144 may require a minimum heat and airflow setting when scalp contact is detected, and the treatment protocol may require a gradual increase in temperature and airflow as the distance of device 100 increases from the scalp or hair. The protocol for the light treatment system 146 may require the LEDs to be activated only when the device 100 is in contact with the scalp and deactivated when there is no contact or when a distance increases beyond the effective range of phototherapy. A treatment protocol for LEDs may require LEDs of different wavelengths to be illuminated depending on the region of the scalp detected by the device. Instructions to change the processing system come from controller 148 which is in communication with each of the processing systems.

When device 100 is rested, such as when no motion is detected for a predetermined time, as determined by the accelerometers, device 100 may reduce power or be in sleep mode.

Use of device 100 has minimal impact on styling, the overall shape of device 100 resembles other hair appliances, such as a hair dryer, leading to simple intuitive use of device 100. Further, device 100 does not require hand contact with hair formulations. Device 100 adds functionality to make operation simpler, tailoring treatment to the specific spatial location of the device will minimize waste and avoid dispersing mists into the air where they can be inhaled.

Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

Device, comprising:
a treatment system for treating a scalp or hair;
one or more sensors configured to detect at least one spatial condition selected from device contact with scalp or hair, device distance from scalp or hair, and device location by relation to a scalp or hair; And
a controller configured to send instructions to adjust the processing system based on the detected spatial condition of the device;
wherein the treatment system includes a replaceable or refillable cartridge, wherein the device accepts cartridges having different formulations. Device according to claim 1, wherein the processing system includes at least one of an electrostatic charger; a suction system; an air blower and heating element system, a phototherapy system, a haptic massager system. A device according to claim 1, comprising a camera or an infrared sensor or both a camera and infrared sensors for detecting one of a device distance, a device speed, or a device direction by in relation to a scalp or hair. A device according to claim 1, comprising an accelerometer, gyroscope, or compass configured to sense device location or orientation relative to the scalp or hair or sense one of a device distance, d a device speed, or a device direction relative to the scalp and hair. Device according to claim 1, comprising a control device in which are stored instructions for carrying out steps, including:
accessing a processing protocol for a processing system, the processing protocol specifies processing based on the spatial conditions of the device; Or
instructing the processing system to adjust the processing based on the spatial conditions of the device. Device according to claim 1, comprising a control device in which are stored instructions for carrying out steps, including:
interpreting signals from one or more sensors into a spatial condition of the device relative to the scalp or hair; And
comparing the spatial condition of the device to a treatment protocol, wherein the treatment protocol specifies treatment based on the spatial conditions of the device; And
instructing the processing system to adjust the processing to the processing protocol. A method of treating hair or scalp with a device including a treatment system and a controller in which instructions for performing steps are stored, the method comprising:
with the controller, accessing a processing protocol for the processing system, wherein the processing protocol specifies processing based on spatial conditions of the device;
with the controller, interpreting signals from one or more sensors into a spatial condition of the device relative to the scalp or hair;
with the controller, comparing the spatial condition of the device to the treatment protocol; And
with the controller, instructing the processing system to adjust the processing to the processing protocol. A method according to claim 7, further comprising, with the controller, instructing the processing system to change a dispensing direction of a formulation or a dispensing pattern of the formulation. A method according to claim 7, further comprising, with the controller, instructing the processing system to change the amount or viscosity of formulation being dispensed. A method according to claim 7, further comprising, with the controller, instructing the processing system to
dispensing different formulations based on sensing that the device is moved from one location to another; and or
illuminating different light emitting diodes based on sensing that the device is moved from one location to another.