TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a haircare appliance having a distance sensor for detecting a distance between the distance sensor and the hair of a user, and an accessory that is removably attachable to a body of the haircare appliance.

BACKGROUND

The drying of hair has always been a significant part of one’s daily or weekly routine. A haircare appliance (e.g. a hair dryer) typically includes a body in which an airflow generator is housed, the airflow generator being configured to generate an airflow for drying and/or styling a user’s hair. Often, the body will include an attachment region, to which an accessory can be removably attached in order to shape the airflow and/or provide a desired effect on the user’s hair. Different accessories can be attached to the attachment region, such that a wide variety of drying and/or styling effects can be achieved with the same haircare appliance by selecting an appropriate accessory. For example, known accessories for haircare appliances include concentrator nozzles which provide a concentrated and targeted airflow, diffuser attachments which provide an airflow that is spread over a larger area, as well as various styling attachments such as comb or brush attachments.

In some cases, the airflow generator can itself be controlled in order to provide particular hair drying and/or styling effects. For instance, the airflow generator can be controlled to control a flow rate and temperature of the airflow can be controlled. Such control may be manual, e.g. using one or more switches on the body of the haircare appliance. Control of the airflow generator can also be automated, which may involve using sensors in the haircare appliance. For instance, some haircare appliances automatically adjust a temperature of the airflow based on a proximity sensor that detects a proximity of the user’s hair to the haircare appliance.

The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations. SUMMARY

At its most general, the present invention provides a haircare appliance where the airflow generator is controlled based on a distance to a user’s hair and a type of accessory that is attached to a body of the haircare appliance. The inventors have found that taking into account both the type of the accessory and the distance to the user’s hair enables more accurate and reliable control of the airflow generator. Additionally, this enables control of the airflow generator to be adapted to the type of accessory used, which may provide a better hair drying and/or styling performance of the haircare appliance.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a haircare appliance comprising: a body comprising: an airflow generator for generating an airflow; and an attachment region adapted for connecting an accessory; an accessory that is removably attachable to the body at the attachment region, wherein, when the accessory is attached to the body at the attachment region, the accessory is adapted to receive the airflow from the airflow generator and to discharge the received airflow towards hair of a user; a distance sensor for detecting a distance between the distance sensor and the hair of the user; and a control unit configured to, when the accessory is attached at the attachment region: determine a type of the accessory; determine, based on an output signal received from the distance sensor, a distance to the user’s hair; and control the airflow generator based on the determined type of the accessory and the determined distance to the user’s hair.

Different types of accessories may have different shapes and sizes, which may affect how a user positions the haircare appliance relative to their hair when using a particular accessory with the haircare appliance. Additionally, different types of accessories may be intended to be used at different distances from the user’s hair. For example, comb or brush accessories may be intended to come into contact with the user’s hair, whilst other accessories such as concentrator nozzles may be intended to be held spaced apart from the user’s hair. Accordingly, by taking into account both the type of the accessory that is attached to the attachment region and the distance to the user’s hair, it is possible to adapt automated control of the airflow generator to the particular accessory which is attached to the attachment region. In particular, distance sensor based control of the haircare appliance may be adapted to the type of the accessory. For example, this may enable the control unit to activate (and deactivate) the airflow generator at different threshold distances from the user’s hair, depending on the type of accessory used. As another example, this may enable the control unit to control a flow rate and/or temperature of the airflow based on the accessory type. In other words, different control profiles for the airflow generator may be used depending on the type of the accessory attached at the attachment region.

The inventors have further found that the type of accessory attached at the attachment region may have an effect on distance measurements obtained from the distance sensor. This may be because different accessories may have different effects on detection signals from the distance sensor, e.g. due to the different shapes and/or materials of the different accessories. Thus, by taking into account the type of accessory attached at the attachment region, it is possible to compensate for errors in the distance measurement caused by the accessory, in order to obtain a more accurate distance measurement. This may result in more accurate and responsive control of the airflow generator by the control unit.

The haircare appliance may include any suitable type of haircare appliance, such as a hair dryer, hair blower, hair curler or other.

The body of the haircare appliance may include a housing in which the airflow generator is located. The airflow generator may include a fan, blower or any other suitable device for generating an air flow.

The body may comprise an outlet, for discharging the airflow from the airflow generator. The attachment region may be located adjacent to, e.g. around, the outlet.

The accessory and/or the attachment region may include any suitable means for removably attaching the accessory to the attachment region. For example, the attachment region and the accessory may comprise respective attachment elements, which are configured to cooperate (e.g. engage with) one another to hold the accessory at the attachment region.

The accessory may be configured to direct and/or shape the airflow from the airflow generator when it is attached at the attachment region. For example, the accessory may comprise a channel or passageway for directing and/or shaping the airflow from the airflow generator. An accessory type may refer to a style or category of accessories. For example, accessory types may include (but are not limited to): concentrator nozzles, diffusers, finishing/smoothing attachments, comb attachments, brush attachments. In some cases, an accessory type may also refer to a specific model of accessory.

The distance sensor may comprise any suitable sensor for detecting a distance to the user’s hair. For example, the distance sensor may comprise a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, or any other type of proximity sensor capable of detecting a distance to the user’s hair. The distance sensor is configured to provide an output signal to the control unit, which the control unit can use to determine the distance to the user’s hair. The output signal may be indicative of the distance to the user’s hair, so that the control unit can determine the distance from the received output signal.

The control unit may comprise any suitable computing or processing device(s) capable of performing the control steps described herein. The control unit may, for example, be implemented using a microcontroller or similar. The control unit may have a processing element (e.g. a processor) and a memory coupled to the processing element, where the memory stores computer instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform control steps described herein.

Controlling the airflow generator may comprise controlling an output of the airflow generator, i.e. controlling the airflow generated by the airflow generator. For example, controlling the airflow generator may include one or more of the following steps: activating the airflow generator (i.e. so that it generates an airflow), deactivating the airflow generator (i.e. so that it stops generating the airflow), controlling a flow rate of the airflow, controlling a temperature of the airflow.

The control unit may be further configured to: determine, based on the determined type of the accessory, a threshold activation distance; and activate the airflow generator when the distance to the user’s hair is less than the threshold activation distance. In this manner, the threshold activation distance may be adapted to the type of accessory that is being used. As noted above, different accessory types may be intended to be used at different distances from the user’s hair. Thus, by adapting the threshold activation distance to the type of accessory being used, activation of the airflow generator may be triggered at a distance that is appropriate for that type of accessory. The airflow generator may only be activated when the distance to the user’s hair is less than the threshold activation distance. In other words, the airflow generator may be deactivated when the distance to the user’s hair is greater than the threshold activation distance. This may avoid having to manually switch on and off the airflow generator, and may avoid keeping the airflow generator activated when the haircare appliance is not pointed at the user’s hair. This may contribute to reducing energy consumption, as well as reducing room temperature and noise. This may also avoid disrupting previously styled sections of hair.

The control unit may be further configured to: if the type of the accessory is determined to be a first type, set a first threshold activation distance as the threshold activation distance; and if the type of the accessory is determined to be a second type, set a second threshold activation distance as the threshold activation distance, wherein the first threshold activation distance is greater than the second threshold activation distance. Thus, the control unit may use different threshold activation distances for the first type and the second type of accessory, so that the airflow generator is activated at different distances from the user’s hair depending on whether the first or second type of accessory is used. The first accessory type may include accessories which are intended to be used further away from the user’s hair, whilst the second accessory type may include accessories which are intended to be used closer to the user’s hair. A shorter threshold activation distance may avoid unintended activation of the airflow generator (e.g. due to an object coming into the distance sensor’s field of view), which may facilitate correctly angling and positioning of the haircare appliance before activation of the airflow generator. This may permit more targeted styling of sections of the user’s hair, without disrupting adjacent sections.

By way of example, rough drying of the user’s hair may be performed whilst the haircare appliance is spaced from the user’s hair (typically 50-100 mm). Accordingly, the first accessory type may include a rough drying accessory.

A diffuser accessory may typically be used in close proximity and/or in contact with the user’s hair. So, the second accessory type may include a diffuser accessory. Using a shorter threshold activation distance for the diffuser accessory may avoid disrupting the user’s hair (e.g. curls in the user’s hair) before the haircare appliance is correctly positioned.

As another example, a blow drying and/or smoothing accessory may typically be used in close proximity and/or in contact with the user’s hair. So, the second accessory type may include a blow drying and/or smoothing accessory. When performing blow drying and/or smoothing, only a single section of hair may be styled at a time. A shorter threshold activation distance may thus facilitate correctly positioning the haircare appliance prior to activation of the airflow generator.

The control unit may be further configured to: determine, based on the determined type of the accessory, an activation delay; and following a determination that the distance to the user’s hair is less than the threshold activation distance for an amount of time corresponding to the activation delay, activate the airflow generator. In this manner, when the haircare appliance is brought to within the threshold activation distance from the user’s hair, the control unit waits the activation delay before activating the airflow generator. This may serve to ensure that the haircare appliance is properly positioned before the airflow generator is activated. This may avoid disrupting parts of the user’s hair which have already been styled. Moreover, the activation delay may be adapted to the accessory type being used. As an example, the inventors have found that diffusers disrupt the hair less if an activation delay is used, as this may allow time for collection of the hair and/or alignment of the haircare appliance with the hair. On the other hand, other accessory types may be used with a shorter activation delay or with no activation delay.

The control unit may be configured to use different activation delays for different accessory types, so that the activation delay is adapted to the type of accessory being used. For example, a first activation delay may be used for a first accessory type and a second activation delay may be used for a second accessory type, where the first activation delay is greater than the second activation delay. For some accessory types, the activation delay may be set to zero.

The control unit may be further configured to: determine, based on the determined type of the accessory, a deactivation delay; and when the airflow generator is activated, and following a determination that the distance to the user’s hair continuously exceeds the threshold activation distance for an amount of time corresponding to the deactivation delay, deactivate the airflow generator. In this manner, once the airflow generator is activated, the airflow generator may only be deactivated after the distance to the user’s hair exceeds the threshold activation distance for more than the deactivation delay. This may enable quick cyclical or successive passes over the user’s hair without the airflow generator being deactivated. As the deactivation delay is determined based on the type of accessory, the deactivation delay may be adapted to movements that commonly used with that type of accessory, thus improving a user experience.

The control unit may be configured to use different deactivation delays for different accessory types, so that the deactivation delay is adapted to the type of accessory being used. For example, a first deactivation delay may be used for a first accessory type and a second deactivation delay may be used for a second accessory type, where the first deactivation delay is greater than the second deactivation delay. For some accessory types, the deactivation delay may be set to zero.

The activation delay and the deactivation delay may, for example, be set in order to bias the control unit towards a particular switching direction depending on the type of accessory, e.g. faster to activate the airflow generator than to deactivate the airflow generator (or vice versa).

The activation and/or deactivation delays may act as a form of smoothing, as they may avoid unwanted activation and/or deactivation of the airflow generator in response to sudden movements of the haircare appliance.

The control unit may be configured to apply a low-pass filter, such that changes in the distance to the user’s hair occurring above a cut-off frequency are not taken into account. This may, for example, avoid unwanted activation and/or deactivation of the airflow generator when the haircare appliance is moved erratically.

The control unit may be further configured to: determine, based on the determined type of the accessory, distance calibration data; and determine the distance to the user’s hair using the output signal received from the distance sensor and the determined calibration data. In this manner, the distance determination performed by the control unit may take into account distance calibration data that is associated with the accessory type being used, which may yield a more accurate distance measurement. For example, the calibration data may include a correction factor which is used for calculating the distance to the user’s hair from the output signal received from the distance sensor. This may enable variations in the signal caused by the type of accessory attached at the attachment region to be compensated for, such that an accurate distance measurement can be obtained regardless of the type of accessory currently being used.

The control unit may be further configured to control a temperature and/or a flow rate of the airflow generated by the airflow generator and a heater, based on the determined type of the accessory. In this manner, the temperature and/or the flow rate of the airflow can be adapted to the type of accessory being used. For example, as different types of accessory may be used for performing different tasks on the user’s hair, the temperature and flow rate can be automatically adjusted to meet requirements those tasks. This may facilitate using a wide variety of accessory types with the haircare appliance, as parameters of the airflow generator and the heater that heats air processed by the airflow generator may be automatically adjusted based on the type of accessory that is currently in use. The appliance may have a user interface which enables a user to change, for example, the flow rate and/or temperature of air the exits the appliance. Each of settings available for flow rate and /or temperature may also be adjusted to the type of accessory being used.

The haircare appliance may further comprise a first memory accessible by the control unit; the first memory being configured to store a plurality of accessory types and one or more control parameters associated with each of the plurality of accessory types; and the control unit being configured to control the output of the airflow generator in accordance with the one or more control parameters associated with the determined type of the accessory stored in the first memory. In this manner, when the control unit determines that an accessory of a particular type is attached at the attachment region, the control unit can look up associated control parameters in the first memory and control the airflow generator based on the associated control parameters. In other words, the first memory may store a control profile for each accessory type which is used for controlling the airflow generator. This may facilitate automatically adapting control of the airflow generator based on the type of accessory attached at the attachment region.

Any suitable control parameters may be stored for each of the plurality of accessory types. As an example, the control parameters may include one or more of: threshold activation distance, activation delay, deactivation delay, flow rate of the airflow, temperature of the airflow.

The haircare appliance may further comprise a first memory accessible by the control unit; the first memory being configured to store a plurality of accessory types and one or more control parameters associated with each of the plurality of accessory types; and the control unit being configured to control the output of the heater in accordance with the one or more control parameters associated with the determined type of the accessory stored in the first memory.

The control unit may be configured to store user-set control parameters in the first memory. For example, when the accessory is attached at the attachment region, the control unit may be configured to associate, in the first memory, control parameters set by the user with the determined accessory type. In this manner, the control unit can recall control parameters that were previously set by the user when a particular type of accessory was used.

The accessory may comprise an identifier, and the control unit may be configured to determine the type of the accessory based on the identifier. This may facilitate determining the type of accessory attached at the attachment region. The identifier may comprise any suitable element or feature of the accessory which can be used to determine a type of the accessory. Various examples of identifiers are provided below.

The body of the haircare appliance may comprise an identifier sensor which is configured to detect the identifier when the accessory is attached at the attachment region. The control unit may then be configured to determine the type of the accessory based on an output signal received from the identifier sensor. Various types of identifier sensors may be used, depending on the identifiers used in the accessories.

In some cases, the identifier may comprise one or more magnets on the accessory; the body may comprise a magnetic field sensor; and the control unit may be configured to determine the type of the accessory based on an output signal from the magnetic field sensor. Thus, the magnetic field sensor may detect, when the accessory is attached at the attachment region, the magnetic field produced by the one or more magnets and generate a corresponding output signal. As an example, different accessory types may include different arrangements of magnets, which may result in different magnetic field strengths and/or orientations of the magnetic field at the magnetic field sensor. In this manner, the control unit can determine the accessory type based on the output signal from the magnetic field sensor. For instance, the output signal from the magnetic field sensor may be indicative of a magnetic field strength and/or magnetic field orientation at the magnetic field sensor.

In order to determine the accessory type from the received output signal, the control unit may have a memory (e.g. the first memory discussed above) with a database that associates magnetic field properties (e.g. strength of magnetic field, orientation of magnetic field) with accessory types.

The one or more magnets may be configured to secure the accessory to the attachment region. In this manner, the one or more magnets may serve the dual functions of accessory identifier and attachment means. The attachment region may then include one or more magnets or ferromagnetic elements, which are configured to cooperate with the magnets in the accessory to secure the accessory to the attachment region.

The identifier may comprise an identifier component in the accessory; the body may comprise an identifier sensor configured to measure an electrical property of the identifier component when the accessory is attached at the attachment region; and the control unit is configured to determine the type of the accessory based on an output signal from the identifier sensor. In this manner, the accessory type can be determined by measuring the electrical property of the identifier component with the identifier sensor. The electrical property may be any suitable electrical property, such as a resistance, a capacitance, and/or an inductance of the identifier component. For example, the identifier component may include a resistor, a capacitor, and/or an inductor. The identifier sensor may provide an output signal indicative of the electrical property of the identifier component to the control unit, to enable the control unit to determine the accessory type. In order to determine the accessory type from the received output signal, the control unit may have a memory (e.g. the first memory discussed above) with a database that associates electrical properties with accessory types.

In some cases, when the accessory is attached at the attachment region, a circuit may be formed between the identifier sensor in the body and the identifier component in the accessory, such that the identifier sensor can perform electrical measurements on the identifier component to determine its electrical property. Alternatively, when the accessory is attached at the attachment region, the identifier sensor may be configured to wirelessly probe the electrical property of the identifier component. For example, the identifier sensor may use a radiofrequency (RF) signal to probe an inductance of the identifier component.

The identifier may comprise a distinguishing mark on the accessory; the body may comprise an optical sensor for detecting the distinguishing mark when the accessory is attached at the attachment region; and the control unit may be configured to determine the type of the accessory based on an output signal from the optical sensor. The distinguishing mark may be any feature on the accessory which is detectable with an optical sensor. For example, the distinguishing mark may include one or more characters (e.g. a word, code, serial number, etc.), a barcode, a QR code, a logo, a symbol, or other. The distinguishing mark may also include a three-dimensional (3D) feature on the accessory, such as a stub or protrusion on the accessory. In some cases, the distinguishing mark may include an optical property of all or part of the accessory. For example, the optical property may correspond to a colour and/or a texture of all or part of the accessory. The optical sensor may be any suitable type of optical sensor capable of detecting the distinguishing mark. The output signal provided by the optical sensor may be indicative of the distinguishing mark, e.g. it may include image data representing the distinguishing mark. In order to determine the accessory type from the received output signal, the control unit may have a memory (e.g. the first memory discussed above) with a database that associates distinguishing marks with accessory types.

In some cases the identifier may comprise a characteristic of the accessory itself. In other words, the accessory need not necessarily include a dedicated identifier component, as all or part of the accessory itself may act as an identifier. For example, the identifier may comprise a colour, shape and/or weight of the accessory. Then the identifier sensor may comprise a suitable sensor capable of detecting the characteristic of the accessory.

The accessory may comprise a second memory configured to store the identifier; and the control unit may be configured to, when the accessory is attached at the attachment region, communicate with the second memory to obtain the identifier. In this manner, the control unit may obtain the accessory type by communicating with the second memory on the accessory. This may facilitate determining the accessory type, as no further processing may be required by the control unit to determine the accessory type.

The control unit may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the second memory. This may facilitate communications between control unit and the second memory. Otherwise, where wireless communication is not used, the accessory and the attachment region may include connectors for communicatively coupling the control unit to the second memory when the accessory is attached at the attachment region.

The second memory may be further configured to store one or more control parameters for controlling the output of the airflow generator when the accessory is attached at the attachment region. In this manner, the control unit can control the airflow generator based on the control parameters stored in the second memory when the accessory is attached at the attachment region. This may facilitate using the haircare appliance with a wide variety of accessories, as the control unit can automatically control the airflow generator based on the accessory type, even if the control unit has not been pre-programmed with control parameters for that accessory type.

The second memory may be further configured to store one or more control parameters for controlling the temperature of the airflow generated when the accessory is attached at the attachment region. In this manner, the control unit can control the heater based on the control parameters stored in the second memory when the accessory is attached at the attachment region. This may facilitate using the haircare appliance with a wide variety of accessories, as the control unit can automatically control the heater based on the accessory type, even if the control unit has not been preprogrammed with control parameters for that accessory type. Where the appliance has a user interface which enables a user to change, for example, the flow rate and/or temperature of air the exits the appliance. Each of settings available for flow rate and /or temperature may also be adjusted to the type of accessory being used. As an example, the user settings may allow three temperature and three flow rate settings, each attachment may have a different temperature and flow rate for each of these user settings dependent on function, proximity to a user’s head etc... Thus, the control unit can store 6 values for the different user settings and in some embodiments, which of those settings where used last time that particular attachment was attached to that appliance.

The second memory may be further configured to store authentication data, and the control unit is configured to authenticate the accessory using the authentication data. In this manner, the control unit can check that the accessory is an authentic accessory, to prevent use of a counterfeit accessory with the haircare appliance. For example, the control unit may be configured to only activate the airflow generator if the control unit successfully authenticates the accessory. The control unit may use any suitable technique for authenticating the accessory based on the authentication data. For instance the control unit may analyse the authentication data, to determine if it matches a predetermined pattern.

In addition to enabling determination of the accessory type, the identifier in the accessory may also be arranged to enable detection of a rotational alignment of the accessory on the attachment region. For example, the identifier sensor may be configured to detect an angular position of the identifier with respect to a central axis of the body when the accessory is attached at the attachment region, so that the control unit can determine a rotational position (or alignment) relative to the central axis of the body.

The haircare appliance may comprise: a main body portion in which the airflow generator is located; and an intermediate body portion; wherein the intermediate body portion is removably attachable to the main body portion; wherein the intermediate body portion comprises the attachment region for connecting the accessory; and wherein the intermediate body portion comprises the distance sensor and the control unit. In this manner, the intermediate body portion may be connected between the main body portion and the accessory. Thus, it may not be necessary to provide a control unit and distance sensor in the main body portion, which may simplify a construction of the main body portion. Providing the control unit and the distance sensor in the intermediate body portion may enable existing haircare appliances to be retro-fitted with the intermediate body portion, to enable control of the airflow generator in accordance with the invention.

The haircare appliance of the invention may form part of a haircare appliance kit. Thus, in a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a haircare appliance kit comprising: a haircare appliance comprising: a body comprising: an airflow generator for generating an airflow; and an attachment region adapted for connecting an accessory; a distance sensor for detecting a distance between the distance sensor and the hair of the user; and a control unit; a plurality of accessories, each accessory being individually removably attachable to the attachment region, wherein, when one of the plurality of accessories is attached to the body at the attachment region, the accessory is adapted to receive the airflow from the airflow generator and to discharge the received airflow towards hair of a user; wherein the control unit configured to, when a first one of the plurality of accessories is attached at the attachment region: determine a type of the first accessory; determine, based on an output signal received from the distance sensor, a distance to the user’s hair; and control an output of the airflow generator based on the determined type of the first accessory and the determined distance to the user’s hair.

Any of the features discussed above in relation to the first aspect of the invention may be shared with the second aspect of the invention.

The plurality of accessories may include accessories of different types, e.g. a concentrator nozzle, a diffuser, a comb attachment, and/or a brush attachment. Then, when one of the accessories is attached at the attachment region, the control unit can determine the type of the accessory and control the airflow generator accordingly.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating a haircare appliance having a body with an airflow generator for generating an airflow and an attachment region for connecting an accessory, the method comprising: attaching an accessory to the attachment region, such that the accessory is adapted to receive the airflow from the airflow generator and to discharge the received airflow towards hair of a user; determining, using a control unit of the haircare appliance, a type of the accessory attached to the attachment region; determining, using the control unit, a distance to the user’s hair based on an output signal received from a distance sensor of the haircare appliance; and controlling the airflow generator based on the determined type of the accessory and the determined distance to the user’s hair.

The method of the third aspect may be used to operate the haircare appliance of the first aspect and/or the haircare appliance kit of the second aspect. Therefore, any features discussed above in relation to the first and second aspects may be shared with the third aspect of the invention.

More generally, features described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention are equally applicable to the second and third aspects of the invention, and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a haircare appliance according to an embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment;

Fig. 3a is a schematic perspective view of a haircare appliance according to an embodiment;

Fig. 3b is a schematic side view of the haircare appliance of Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the haircare appliance of Fig. 3a; and

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an accessory of the haircare appliance of Fig. 3a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a haircare appliance 100 according to an embodiment. The haircare appliance 100 may, for example, be a hair dryer, a hair curler, or some other type of haircare appliance. The haircare appliance 100 includes a body 102 in which an airflow generator 104 is housed. The airflow generator 104 is configured to generate an airflow which is directed towards an outlet of the body 102, so that the airflow can be directed at a user’s hair 106. The airflow generator 104 may include any suitable device for generating an airflow, such as a fan, turbine or blower. The body 102 may also house a heater (not shown) for heating the airflow generated by the airflow generator 104.

The body 102 includes an attachment region 108 located on an end of the body 102, to which an accessory 110 is removably attachable. When the accessory 110 is attached to the body 102 at the attachment region 108, it is arranged to receive the airflow generated by the airflow generator 104 and discharge the airflow towards the user’s hair 106. In particular, the attachment region 108 may be located so that when the accessory 110 is attached at the attachment region 108, the airflow passes from the outlet of the body 102 into the accessory 110, which then discharges the airflow towards the user’s hair 106 located in front of the accessory 110. For example, the accessory 110 may include a hollow body which defines a passageway or channel for directing and/or shaping the airflow.

In Fig. 1, the accessory 110 is shown spaced apart from the attachment region 108, i.e. the accessory 110 is not attached to the body 102 in Fig. 1. The attachment region 108 and the accessory 110 may include any suitable means for removably attaching the accessory at the attachment region 108. For instance, the attachment region 108 and the accessory 110 may include engageable features which are configured to releasably engage one another, to hold the accessory 110 at the attachment region 108. As an example, the attachment region 108 and the accessory 110 may include threaded surfaces so that the accessory 110 can be threadingly engaged with the attachment region 108, i.e. so the accessory 110 can be screwed onto the attachment region 108. In some cases magnets in the attachment region 108 and the accessory 110 may be used for attaching the accessory 110 at the attachment region 108.

The body 102 further includes a control unit 112, which may be implemented for example by a microcontroller. The control unit 112 is communicatively coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to the airflow generator 104, so that the control unit 112 can control operation of the airflow generator 104, e.g. by transmitting control signals to the airflow generator 104. The control unit 112 is also communicatively coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to an identifier sensor 114 located in the body 102. The identifier sensor 114 is configured to detect an identifier 116 located in the accessory 110 when the accessory 110 is attached to the body 102 at the attachment region 108. The identifier 116 is indicative of a type of the accessory 110. The identifier sensor 114 is configured to provide an output signal indicative of the detected identifier 116 to the control unit 112. Examples of the identifier 116 and the identifier sensor 114 are discussed below. In general, the identifier sensor 114 is adapted to the type of identifier 116 used, so that the identifier sensor 114 can effectively detect the identifier 116 and generate a corresponding output signal.

The body 102 also includes a distance sensor 118, which is communicatively coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to the control unit 112. The distance sensor 118 is configured to detect a distance between the distance sensor 118 and the user’s hair 106 located in front of the haircare appliance 100. Various known types of distance sensors may be used. As an example, the distance sensor 118 may include a time of flight (ToF) sensor. Such a ToF sensor may include a light emitter (e.g. a laser or a LED) and a receiver (e.g. a photodetector). The ToF sensor may be configured to emit a light signal with the light emitter, and to detect a reflected light signal that is reflected back from the user’s hair 106. The light (i.e. electromagnetic radiation) emitted by the light emitter may be visible, infrared, ultraviolet, radiofrequency, microwave, or any other suitable type of electromagnetic radiation. The distance to the user’s hair 106 can then be calculated using any suitable technique. For example, the distance to the user’s hair 106 can be calculate from an amount of time emission of the light signal by the emitter and detection of the reflected light signal at the receiver. As another example, the distance to the user’s hair 106 can be calculated based on an intensity of the reflected light signal detected by the receiver.

The distance sensor 118 is configured to provide an output signal to the control unit 112, which then uses the received output signal to determine the distance to the user’s hair. For example, where a ToF sensor is used, the output signal received from the distance sensor 118 may be indicative of the amount of time between emission of the light signal and detection of the reflected light signal, and/or of an intensity of the reflected light signal. Alternatively, the distance sensor 118 may itself perform the distance calculation, such that the output signal provided to the control unit 112 is indicative of the distance to the user’s hair 106.

The control unit 112 is configured to control the airflow generator 104 based on the output signals received from the identifier sensor 114 and the distance sensor 118. In particular, the control unit 112 is configured to determine a type of the accessory 110 based on the output signal from the identifier sensor 114, and to determine the distance to the user’s hair 106 based on the output signal from the distance sensor 118. Then, based on the determined type of the accessory 110 and the determined distance to the user’s hair 106, the control unit 112 is configured to control the airflow generator 104. In other words, the control unit 112 may implement a control algorithm for controlling the airflow generator, which takes as inputs the type of the accessory 110 and the distance to the user’s hair 106. Controlling the airflow generator 104 may include activating the airflow generator 104, deactivating the airflow generator 104, controlling a flow rate of the airflow (e.g. by controlling a speed of the airflow generator 104). The control unit 112 may also control a temperature of the airflow, e.g. by controlling the heater in the body 102. Specific examples of control steps that may be performed by the control unit 112 are discussed in more detail below, in relation to Fig. 2.

Fig. 1 illustrates only a single accessory 110. However, a variety of different accessories may be used with the haircare appliance 100. In particular, multiple different accessories may be configured for attachment to the body 102 at the attachment region 108. For example, the haircare appliance 100 may form part of a kit that includes a plurality (i.e. two or more) accessories, each of which is individually attachable to the body 102 at the attachment region 108 in a manner analogous to the accessory 110 discussed above.

The different accessories may be of different types, and have different shapes and arrangements in order to achieve a variety of different effects on the airflow. For example different types of accessory may be adapted to performing particular tasks on the user’s hair 106. Types of accessories that can be used with the haircare appliance include (among others) a concentrator nozzle, a diffuser attachment, a smoothing attachment, a comb attachment, and a brush attachment. As each accessory type may be used for performing a different task on the user’s hair 106, the user may hold the haircare appliance 100 in different positions (e.g. at different distances) relative to their hair depending on the accessory being used. Each accessory may include a respective identifier (like identifier 116) which is indicative of the type of the accessory, so that the control unit 112 can determine the type of the accessory based on the output signal from the identifier sensor 114 when the accessory is attached at the attachment region 108. In this manner, the control unit 112 can control the airflow generator 104 in a manner that is adapted to the type of accessory that is attached at the attachment region 108. Thus, control of the airflow generator 104 may be adapted to typical usage positions of the haircare appliance 100 corresponding to the accessory currently attached at the attachment region 108.

The body 102 may further include a memory 120 which is accessible by the control unit 112. The memory is configured to a database which associates each of a plurality of accessory types with one or more control parameters. In this manner, when the control unit 112 determines that an accessory of a particular type is attached at the attachment region 108, the control unit 112 can look up associated control parameters in the memory 120. The control unit 112 can then control the airflow generator in accordance with the control parameters associated with the type of the accessory attached at the attachment region. Examples of control parameters that may be stored in the memory 120 include threshold activation distances, activation delay, deactivation delay, flow rate of the air flow, temperature of the air flow, as discussed below.

The memory 120 may also store information to enable the control unit 112 to determine the type of the accessory from the output signal received from the identifier sensor 114. For example, the memory 120 may store a database which associates each of the plurality of accessory types with a respective identifier. Then, the control unit 112 can look up the accessory type associated with the identifier detected by the identifier sensor 114, to determine the type of the accessory.

In some embodiments, the body 102 may be formed of a main body portion 122 in which the airflow generator 104 is located, and an intermediate body portion 124 in which the control unit 112, identifier sensor 114, distance sensor 118 and memory 120 are located. The intermediate body portion 124 may be removably attachable to the main body portion 122, e.g. the intermediate body portion 124 may be engageable with the main body portion 122 to attach the intermediate body portion 124 to the main body portion 122. The main body portion 122 and the intermediate body portion 124 may have connectors (e.g. pogo pins or similar) which are configured to engage with one another when the intermediate body portion 124 is attached to the main body portion 122, in order to connect the control unit 112 to the airflow generator 104. Alternatively, the control unit 112 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the airflow generator 104. The attachment region 108 may be located on an end of the intermediate body portion 124, such that in use the intermediate body portion 124 may be connected between the main body portion 122 and the accessory 110. The intermediate portion 124 may be configured to convey the airflow from the airflow generator 104 to the accessory 110, which then discharges (i.e. expels) the airflow towards the user’s hair 106. Housing electronics such as the control unit 112, identifier sensor 114, distance sensor 118 and memory 120 in the intermediate body portion 124 may enable a haircare appliance having the main body portion 122 to be retro-fitted with the intermediate body portion 124, in order to enable control of the airflow generator 104 by the control unit 112.

An operation of the haircare appliance 100 will now be discussed, with reference to Fig. 2 which illustrates a method 200 according to an embodiment. Initially, at step 202, the accessory 110 is attached (e.g. by a user) to the body 102 at the attachment region 108. The identifier sensor 114 may then detect the identifier 116 in the accessory, and generate a corresponding output signal which is transmitted to the control unit 112. At step 204, the control unit 112 receives the output signal from the identifier sensor 114, and determines the type of the accessory 110 based on the received output signal. For example, the control unit 112 may determine the type of the accessory by looking up an accessory type that corresponds to the received output signal in a database stored in the memory 120.

At step 206, the control unit 112 determines a distance to the user’s hair 106. In more detail, the distance sensor 118 performs a distance measurement to detect a distance between the distance sensor 118 and the user’s hair 106. For example, where the distance sensor 118 is a ToF sensor, the ToF sensor may measure an amount of time taken for the reflected light signal to reach the receiver and/or an intensity of the reflected light signal. The distance sensor 118 then generates an output signal which is indicative of a result of the measurement, and transmits the output signal to the control unit 112. The control unit 112 then determines the distance to the user’s hair based on the output signal received from the distance sensor 118. This may involve converting the measurement result from the distance sensor 118 into a distance. For example, the control unit 112 may convert a time and/or intensity measurement from the ToF sensor to corresponding distance value. The distance sensor 118 may perform measurements continuously or at regular intervals, and to provide its output signal continuously or at regular intervals to the control unit 112. In this manner, the control unit 112 can determine the distance to the user’s hair 106 substantially in real-time.

Converting the measurement result to a distance value may in some cases involve using calibration data stored in the memory 120, with the calibration data being adapted to the type of the accessory 110. Different accessories may have different effects on the measurements performed by the distance sensor 118, which may result in inaccuracies of the distance measurement if these effects are not compensated for. For example, where a ToF sensor is used, the light signals may need to travel along different paths in order to reach the user’s hair 106, depending on the type of accessory used. Different accessories may also cause different reflections and cross-talk between the signals, which may affect the measurement results. Accordingly, the calibration data may serve to compensate for effects on the distance measurement caused by the accessory 110, so that an accurate distance measurement can be obtained regardless of the type of accessory used. The memory 120 may store a database which includes calibration data associated with each of a plurality of accessory types. For instance, the calibration data may include a respective correction factor for each of the plurality of accessory types. Then, in order to determine the distance to the user’s hair 106, the control unit 112 can look up the calibration data associated with the determined accessory type, and apply the calibration data to the measurement result from the distance sensor 118 in order to obtain a value for the distance to the user’s hair 106. At step 208, the control unit 112 controls the airflow generator 104 based on the determined accessory type and the determined distance to the user’s hair 106. As mentioned above, the control unit 112 implements a control algorithm which takes the accessory type and distance to the user’s hair 106 as inputs. Controlling the airflow generator 104 can include activating the airflow generator 104, deactivating the airflow generator 104, controlling a flow rate of the airflow (e.g. by controlling a speed of the airflow generator 104), and/or controlling a temperature of the airflow (e.g. by controlling a heater in the body 102). The memory 120 may store a database which associates each of a plurality of accessory types with one or more control parameters. The control unit 112 can then look up the control parameters associated with the determined accessory type, and control the airflow generator 104 in accordance with the control parameters. For example, the memory 120 may store, for each of the plurality of accessory types, control parameters such as threshold activation distance, activation delay, deactivation delay, flow rate, and/or airflow temperature.

An example of control of the airflow generator 104 performed by the control unit 112 will now be described. The control unit 112 may be configured to only activate the airflow generator 104 when the distance to the user’s hair 106 is less than a threshold activation distance. In this manner, the airflow generator 104 may be activated when it is brought within the threshold activation distance from the user’s hair 106, and deactivated when it is moved further away than the threshold activation distance from the user’s hair 106. This may avoid having to manually switch the haircare appliance 100 on an off, which may reduce an energy wastage and facilitate use of the haircare appliance 100. The control unit 112 may determine the threshold activation distance based on the determined type of the accessory 110. For example, the memory 120 may store a database that associates each of a plurality of accessory types with a respective threshold activation distance. The control unit 112 can then look up and use the threshold activation distance associated with the type of the accessory currently attached at the attachment region 108. Thus, the threshold activation distance may be adapted to the type of accessory currently in use.

Certain types of accessory may be intended to be used closer to the user’s hair, sometimes even coming into contact with the user’s hair, whilst other types of accessory may be intended to be held spaced further from the user’s hair. In this manner, activation of the airflow generator 104 may be triggered at a distance which is adapted to the type of accessory currently being used. By way of example, rough dry attachments may benefit from a larger threshold activation distance as they are commonly used farther away from the head. On the other hand, finishing and/or smoothing accessories such as brush or comb-type attachments benefit from a shorter threshold activation distance as they are commonly used at a shorter distance or when in contact with the user’s hair 106.

In addition to determining a threshold activation distance associated with the determined accessory type, the control unit 112 can also determine an activation delay associated with the accessory type. In particular, the memory 120 may store a database that associates each of a plurality of accessory types with a respective activation delay. The control unit 112 may then be configured to only activate the airflow generator 104 after the control unit 112 determines that the distance to the user’s hair 106 has been less than the threshold activation distance for an amount of time corresponding to the activation delay associated with the accessory type currently in use. In other words, the user must hold the haircare appliance 100 within the threshold activation distance associated with the current accessory type for at least the activation delay, in order for the airflow generator 104 to be activated (i.e. switched on). This may avoid spurious or unintended activation of the airflow generator 104, and may serve to ensure that the haircare appliance 100 is properly aligned with the user’s head prior to activating the airflow generator 104. Different types of accessory may benefit from different activation delays. For example accessories such as diffusers may benefit from a longer activation delay, to minimise disruption to the user’s hair 106 and/or allow time for collection of the user’s hair 106. Accordingly, the activation delay used by the control unit 112 may be adapted to the type of accessory currently in use, which may facilitate use of the haircare appliance 100 with a wide variety of accessory types.

Similarly, the control unit 112 may also determine a deactivation delay associated with the accessory type. In particular, the memory 120 may store a database that associates each of a plurality of accessory types with a respective deactivation delay. The control unit 112 may then be configured to, following activation of the airflow generator 104, only deactivate the airflow generator 104 after the control unit 112 determines that the distance to the user’s hair 106 has continuously exceeded the threshold activation distance for an amount of time corresponding to the deactivation delay associated with the accessory type currently in use. In other words, the control unit 112 only deactivates (i.e. switches off) the airflow generator 104 after the user continuously holds the haircare appliance 100 at a distance greater than the threshold activation distance for more than the deactivation delay. This may avoid intermittent switching off of the airflow generator 104, e.g. when making quick passes with the haircare appliance 100 over the user’s head. Different types of accessory may benefit from different deactivation delays. For example, accessories such as comb or brush attachments may be easier to use with a larger deactivation time, as this may enable quick cyclical and/or successive passes through the user’s hair 106 without the airflow generator 104 being deactivated between passes.

Note that although Fig. 2 illustrates steps 204-208 as being a linear sequence, these steps need not necessarily be implemented as a linear sequence. For example, two or more of steps 204-208 may be performed in parallel.

Turning to Figs. 3a, 3b and 4, a haircare appliance 300 according to an embodiment will now be described. The haircare appliance 300 operates in a similar way to the haircare appliance 100 described above, and any features discussed in relation to the haircare appliance 100 may be shared with the haircare appliance 300. Fig. 3a shows a schematic perspective view of the haircare appliance 300, whilst Fig. 3b shows a schematic side view of the haircare appliance 300. Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the haircare appliance 300.

The haircare appliance 300 includes a body 302 in which an airflow generator (not shown) is located. In this example, the airflow generator may be located in a handle 303 of the body 302. The body 302 includes an attachment region 308 located on an end of the body 302, to which an accessory 310 is removably attachable (in a manner analogous to the accessory 110 being removably attachable to the attachment region 108). In Figs. 3a and 4, the accessory 310 is shown as being attached at the attachment region 308, whilst in Fig. 3b the accessory 310 is shown spaced apart from the attachment region 308. As shown in Fig. 4, a control unit 312 is mounted within the body 302. The control unit 312 is split between two locations in the haircare appliance 300. Specifically, the control unit 312 includes a first microcontroller which is located in a central portion of the body which is located at a central axis of the body 302, and a second microcontroller located in a main part of the body 302. Additionally, an identifier sensor in the form of a magnetometer 314 and a distance sensor in the form of a single pixel ToF sensor 318 are mounted within the body 302. As can be seen, the magnetometer 314 and the ToF sensor 318 are located in the central portion of the body at the central axis of the body 302, such that the magnetometer 314 and the ToF sensor 318 are centred within an airflow channel 309 within the body 302. In this manner, the magnetometer 314 and the ToF sensor 318 are centred relative to the attachment region 308 and thus relative to the accessory 310 when the accessory 310 is attached at the attachment region 308. In other words, the magnetometer 314 and the ToF sensor 318 are arranged so that they are aligned with a central axis of the accessory 310 when the accessory 310 is attached at the attachment region 308. The first microcontroller of the control unit 312 (located in the central portion of the body 302) is configured to read and analyse output signals from the ToF sensor 318 and the magnetometer 314, and to transmit command signals to the second microcontroller of the control unit 312 which can then control the airflow generator. The body 302 may further include a memory which is accessible by the control unit 312, and which performs a function analogous to the memory 120 discussed above.

The ToF sensor 318 is configured to detect a distance to the user’s hair, in a manner similar to the distance sensor 118 discussed above. In particular, the ToF sensor 318 may include an emitter configured to emit a light signal towards the user’ s hair, and a receiver configured to detect a reflected light signal from the user’s hair. The ToF sensor may then provide an output signal to the control unit 312 which is indicative of an amount of time taken for the reflected light signal to reach the receiver. As the ToF sensor 318 is located centrally within the body 302, the light signals may pass through an opening in the accessory 310 when the accessory 310 is attached at the attachment region 308, in order to reach the user’s hair. Alternatively, windows may be formed in the accessory 310 for transmitting the light signals between the ToF sensor 318 and the user’s hair.

A schematic perspective view of the accessory 310 is shown in Fig. 5. The accessory 310 includes a plurality of magnets 316 arranged in a ring centred about the central axis of the accessory 310. Thus, the arrangement of magnets may be centred about (e.g. concentric with) the magnetometer 314 when the accessory 310 is attached at the attachment region 308. The magnets 316 may serve to secure the accessory 310 to the attachment region 308. For example, the body 302 may include a set of magnets which is arranged to attract the magnets 316 in order to retain the accessory 310 at the attachment region 308.

The magnets 316 further act as an identifier for the accessory (e.g. like the identifier 116 discussed above). In particular, when the accessory 310 is attached at the attachment region 308, the magnetometer 314 can detect a magnetic field caused by the magnets 116 and generate an output signal which is indicative of the magnetic field experienced by the magnetometer 314. For example, the magnetometer 314 may be a 3- axis magnetometer, such that the magnetometer 314 can determine a strength and/or orientation of the magnetic field. The control unit 312 can then determine a type of the accessory based on the output signal received from the magnetometer 314.

Different accessories may include different arrangements of magnets 316, which may result in different field strengths and/or orientations detected by the magnetometer 314. For example, different numbers of magnets can be used, different arrangements of magnet polarisation can be used, and/or different sizes and strengths of magnets can be used. In this manner, each accessory type may have a particular arrangement of magnets, result in a recognisable magnetic signature for that accessory type. The control unit 312 can then determine the accessory type using a database (e.g. stored in a memory located in the body 302) which associates each of a plurality of accessory types with respective magnetic signature (e.g. magnetic field strength and/or orientation detected by the magnetometer 314).

As the arrangement of magnets 316 is centred about the central axis of the accessory 310, the magnetic field may be substantially isotropic about the central axis of the accessory 310. As a result, the magnetic field detected by the magnetometer 314 when the accessory 310 is attached at the attachment region 308 may be substantially the same regardless of an angular position of the accessory 310. In this manner, the control unit 312 can still reliably determine the type of the accessory 310 when the accessory is rotated to different angular positions about its central axis.

In some cases, the magnets 316 may be arranged to enable detection of a rotational position of the accessory 310 relative to the central axis of the body 302 when the accessory is attached at the attachment region 308. For example, the strengths and/or polarities of the magnets 316 may be arranged to vary around the ring, such that the magnetic field produced by the magnets 316 has an angular dependence which is detectable by the magnetometer 314. In this manner, the magnetic field detected by the magnetometer 314 may vary depending on an angle at which the accessory 310 is attached to the attachment surface 308, which enables the control unit 312 to determine an angular position of the accessory 310.

The control unit 312, magnetometer 314 and ToF sensor 318 may operate and interact with one another in a manner analogous to the control unit 112, identifier sensor 114 and distance sensor 118 discussed above, to enable control of the airflow generator of the haircare appliance 300. In particular, control unit 312 may be configured to control the airflow generator in accordance with the method 200 described above, using the output signals from the magnetometer 314 and the ToF 318 sensor as inputs.

In the example of the haircare appliance 300, the identifier in the accessory 310 includes the arrangement of magnets 316, and the identifier sensor includes the magnetometer 314. However, in other examples, different types of identifier and identifier sensor can be used. Several examples of combinations of identifier and identifier sensor are discussed below, with reference to Fig. 1.

In one example, the identifier 116 may be implemented as one or more electrical components, such as a resistor, a capacitor and/or an inductor. The identifier sensor 114 may then include circuitry configured to measure an electrical property of the one or more electrical components, such as resistance, capacitance and/or inductance. In particular, the identifier sensor 114 may be configured to form a circuit with the one or more electrical components forming the identifier 116 when the accessory 110 is attached at the attachment region 108. For example, the attachment region 108 and the accessory 110 may include connectors (e.g. pogo pins or the like) which are configured to electrically connect the identifier sensor 114 to the one or more electrical components when the accessory 110 is attached at the attachment region 108. The identifier sensor 114 may generate an output signal indicative of the electrical property measured, which the control unit 112 can then use to determine the type of the accessory 110.

In another example, the identifier 116 may be implemented as an electrical component, and the identifier sensor 114 may be configured to wirelessly detect an electrical property of the electrical component. In this manner, there may be no need to form an electrical connection between the body 102 and the accessory 110. For example, the identifier may include an inductive element, and the identifier sensor 114 may be configured to probe an inductance of the inductive element, e.g. by emitting an electromagnetic (e.g. radiofrequency) signal and detecting a reflected electromagnetic signal. In a particular implementation of this example, the identifier 116 may be implemented by a ring of conductive material (e.g. a washer) in the accessory 110, which the identifier sensor 114 can probe using a wireless electromagnetic signal, e.g. to detect the inductance of the ring. The identifier sensor 114 may be centred about a central axis of the body 102 and the ring may be arranged to be concentric with the central axis of the body 102 when the accessory 110 is attached to the attachment region 108. In this manner, the measurement performed by the identifier sensor 114 may not be affected by any potential misalignment of the accessory 110 on the attachment region, such that the accessory type can still be accurately determined. Different accessory types may, for example, include rings of different sizes (e.g. different diameters) which will yield different measurement results by the identifier sensor 114, so that the control unit 112 can determine the accessory type based on the output signal from the identifier sensor 114.

In another example, the identifier 116 may be in the form of a distinguishing mark on the accessory 110. The distinguishing mark may be an optically detectable part of the accessory 110. The identifier sensor 114 can then be an optical sensor which is arranged to detect the distinguishing mark when the accessory 110 is attached at the attachment region 108. A wide variety of distinguishing marks can be used as identifiers, including (but not limited to) one or more characters, a barcode, a QR code, a logo, a symbol, or the like on a surface of the accessory 110. The distinguishing mark may also include a three-dimensional (3D) feature on the accessory 110. In some cases the distinguishing mark may include a colour of all or part of the accessory 110. The optical sensor may be any suitable type of sensor for detecting the distinguishing mark, such as a camera (e.g. CCD camera), photodiode and/or scanner (e.g. a barcode scanner).

In another example, the identifier 116 may be in the form of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag in the accessory 110. The RFID tag may be passive or active. The identifier sensor 114 may then comprise an antenna which is configured to read the RFID tag wirelessly, in order to obtain identification information from the RFID tag.

In another example, the accessory 110 may include a memory which is configured to store an identifier. The identifier sensor 114 may then comprise means for communicating (via a wired or wireless connection) with the memory in the accessory 110 when the accessory 110 is attached at the attachment region 108, so that the identifier sensor 114 can retrieve the identifier from the memory.

Where the accessory 110 includes a memory, the memory in the accessory may store one or more control parameters associated with that accessory (e.g. control parameters such as those discussed above). In this manner, when the accessory 110 is attached at the attachment region, the control unit 112 can retrieve the control parameters from the memory in the accessory 110, and control the airflow generator 104 accordingly. This may avoid having to store control parameters for large numbers of accessory types in the memory 120 in the body 102 of the haircare appliance.

The memory in the accessory 110 may also be configured to store authentication data, to enable the control unit 112 to authenticate the accessory. For example, the control unit 112 can compare authentication data stored in the memory in the accessory 110 with authentication data stored in the memory 120, to determine if the accessory is authentic or not. The control unit 112 may then be configured to only activate the airflow generator 104 if the accessory 110 is successfully authenticated.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. In particular the functions of the first memory and second memory could be reversed or provided in a single memory.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example +/- 10%.