DETECTION OF THE OCCUPATION OF A HAIR SALON CHAIR BY A PERSON

Abstract

A chair (1) having at least one sensor (2) for the qualitative and/or quantitative acquisition of a physical parameter indicating the occupation of the chair (1) by a person. Two methods are provided for assessing a state of occupation of a chair (1).

Claims

1-18. (canceled)

19. A chair comprising: at least one sensor for at least one of qualitative and quantitative capture of a physical measurand indicating occupancy of the chair by a person, and at least one reading unit which is able to read an identifier of a transponder that identifies the person.

20. The chair as claimed in claim 19, wherein the reading unit is couplable with an RFID transponder.

21. The chair as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one sensor is a piezoelectric pressure sensor for qualitative capture of a change in pressure on the chair caused by the person.

22. The chair according to claim 19, wherein the at least one sensor is integrated into the chair in one of a seat, a backrest, an armrest, a vertical column and a cruciform base of the chair.

23. The chair according to claim 19, wherein the chair has means to amplify, convert, evaluate, encode and packet a signal produced by at least one of the sensor and the reading unit.

24. The chair according to claim 19, further comprising a data processing unit for determining an occupancy state of the chair on the basis of the signal produced by the at least one sensor and to create an occupancy state signal.

25. The chair according to claim 24, further comprising at least one transmission unit which is adapted to receive at least one of a signal produced by at least one of the at least one sensor and the reading unit and an occupancy state signal from the data processing unit, and to wirelessly transmit a signal.

26. The chair as claimed in claim 24, wherein at least one of the data processing unit and the transmission unit is housed in a control box arranged on a lower side of a seat of the chair.

27. The chair as claimed in claim 25, wherein the transmission unit is adapted to wirelessly transmit at least one of: a signal that is produced by the sensor and processed by the chair, an occupancy state signal of the data processing unit, an identifier that is read and processed by the reading unit, an address of the chair, an error code and information about the state of an energy store of the chair.

28. The chair according to claim 19, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors, wherein at least two of the sensors are adapted to capture a different physical measurand that indicates occupancy of the chair.

29. The chair according to claim 19, further comprising at least one remote control for controlling an external apparatus.

30. The chair according to claim 19, wherein the chair is a hair salon chair.

31. The chair according to claim 19, wherein the chair is a television chair.

32. The chair according to claim 19, wherein the chair is a restaurant chair.

33. A method for evaluating an occupancy state of a chair, wherein the method comprises at least the following method steps: using at least one first sensor to at least one of qualitatively and quantitatively capturing a first physical measurand indicating occupancy of the chair by a person due to at least one of pressure on the chair caused by the person, a temperature change caused by the person, a distance between the person and the chair, a pulse rate of the person, a respiratory rate of the person and a change in a light beam caused by the person, processing a signal produced by the at least one first sensor, receiving and further processing of the processed signal by a transmission unit of the chair, wirelessly transmitting the further processed signal by means of the transmission unit to a reception unit, the further processed signal containing at least one of an identifier that identifies the person, an address of the chair, an error code and information about a state of an energy store of the chair, further processing the transmitted signal, determining an occupancy state of the chair on the basis of the further processed signal by means of a data processing unit connected to the reception unit, and evaluating the determined occupancy state.

34. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein evaluating the occupancy state comprises: controlling or regulating at least one of: the illuminance caused by at least one light source, a luminous color or color temperature caused by at least one light source, a wavelength of light emitted by at least one light source, a temperature in at least one portion of a space in which the chair is situated, and ventilation in at least one portion of a space in which the chair is situated, reproducing of information, starting or stopping a timer, determining utilization of the chair within a predetermined period of time, and monitoring a payment process by the person.

35. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the method further comprises: identifying the person occupying the chair by means of a reading unit of the chair, creating identity information, wirelessly transmitting the identity information to the reception unit by means of the transmission unit, and reproducing information about the person.

36. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the method further comprises: using at least one second sensor to at least one of qualitatively and quantitatively capturing a second physical measurand differing from the first physical measurand and indicating occupancy of the chair by a person due to at least one of pressure on the chair caused by the person, a temperature change caused by the person, a distance between the person and the chair, a pulse rate of the person, a respiratory rate of the person and a change in a light beam caused by the person, and determining an occupancy state of the chair taking into account the captured measurands of the first sensor and the second sensor.

37. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the method further comprises assignment of the chair to a mirror on the basis of an address of the chair.

38. A method for evaluating an occupancy state of a chair, wherein the method comprises at least the following method steps: at least one of qualitatively and quantitatively capturing a first physical measurand indicating occupancy of the chair by a person due to at least one of pressure on the chair caused by the person, a temperature change caused by the person, the distance between the person and the chair, a pulse rate of the person, a respiratory rate of the person and a change in a light beam caused by the person, by means of at least one first sensor, processing a signal produced by the first sensor, determining an occupancy state of the chair on the basis of the processed signal and creating an occupancy state signal by means of a data processing unit of the chair, receiving and further processing of the occupancy state signal by a transmission unit of the chair, wirelessly transmitting the further processed signal by means of the transmission unit to a reception unit, further processing of the transmitted signal, reading an occupancy state of the chair from the further processed transmitted signal, and evaluating the occupancy state read.

39. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein evaluating the occupancy state comprises: controlling or regulating at least one of: the illuminance caused by at least one light source, a luminous color or color temperature caused by at least one light source, a wavelength of light emitted by at least one light source, a temperature in at least one portion of a space in which the chair is situated, and ventilation in at least one portion of a space in which the chair is situated, reproducing of information, starting or stopping a timer, determining utilization of the chair within a predetermined period of time and monitoring a payment process by the person.

40. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the method further comprises: identifying the person occupying the chair by means of a reading unit of the chair, creating identity information, wirelessly transmitting the identity information to the reception unit by means of the transmission unit, and reproducing information about the person.

41. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the method further comprises: at least one of qualitatively and quantitatively capturing a second physical measurand differing from the first physical measurand and indicating occupancy of the chair by a person due to at least one of pressure on the chair caused by the person, a temperature change caused by the person, a distance between the person and the chair, a pulse rate of the person, a respiratory rate of the person and a change in a light beam caused by the person, by means of at least one second sensor, and determining an occupancy state of the chair taking into account the captured measurands of the first sensor and the second sensor.

42. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the method further comprises assignment of the chair to a mirror on the basis of an address of the chair.

43. A hair salon, comprising: a room, at least one hair salon chair in the room and having at least one sensor for at least one of qualitative and quantitative capture of a physical measurand indicating occupancy of the hair salon chair by a person, and at least one reading unit which is able to read an identifier of a transponder that identifies the person, and at least one reception unit for receiving wireless signals from the hair salon chair, wherein the reception unit is located in the room at a distance from the hair salon chair.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0114] FIG. 1 is a schematic a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a hair salon chair according to the invention, and

[0115] FIG. 2 shows the chair of FIG. 1 in a room of a hair salon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0116] FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a hair salon chair 1 according to the invention. The hair salon chair 1 has a plurality of sensors 2 for qualitative and/or quantitative capture of a physical measurand indicating occupancy of the hair salon chair 1 by a person.

[0117] In the illustrated and preferred exemplary embodiment, the sensors 2 are embodied as piezoelectric pressure sensors for qualitative capture of a change in pressure on the hair salon chair 1 caused by the person.

[0118] Advantageously, the piezoelectric pressure sensors 2 are designed in such a way that they can capture a change in pressure caused by the body weight of the person, to be precise both of a child and of an adult, i.e., typically, in a body weight range from 5 kg to 200 kg.

[0119] The hair salon chair 1 has a seat 3, a backrest 4, two lateral armrests 5, a vertical column 6 and a cruciform base 7 having a plurality of arms 8, on which one roller 9 is fastened in each case. Further, the hair salon chair 1 has a lifting apparatus, not illustrated in any more detail, for height adjustment of the hair salon chair 1; however, such can be of any known construction, such as that of U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,130. The lifting apparatus can be actuated by means of a lever 10.

[0120] Proceeding from the seat 3, the backrest 4 extends upward substantially in the direction of the seat height, i.e., vertically in FIG. 1. The two armrests 5 are arranged laterally, to the left and right of the seat 3 and of the backrest 4 in FIG. 1. In this respect, the armrests 5 delimit the seat 3 in terms of its seat width.

[0121] The seat 3 and the backrest 4 can be connected to one another in a permanent manner and, in the process, can have an embodiment that is rigid or movable in relation to said parts. Preferably, the seat 3 and the backrest 4 are embodied in such a way that the inclination of the backrest 4 relation to the seat 3 is individually adjustable for a person. The seat 3 and the backrest 4 also can be embodied as an integral, solid overall structure.

[0122] A small selection of possible positions for the sensors 2 are indicated by dashed lines in the figures. Naturally, the sensors also can be arranged at different points on the hair salon chair 1.

[0123] In the illustrated and preferred exemplary embodiment, the sensors 2 are integrated into the hair salon chair 1, namely into the seat 3 of the hair salon chair 1. Preferably, the sensors 2 are arranged directly under a surface of the seat 3, wherein this surface in FIG. 1 delimits the seat 3 to the top and itself is delimited by the backrest 4 and the two armrests 5. This is advantageous, firstly, in that the sensors 2 are not visible and cannot be touched when the hair salon chair 1 is used. Secondly, an integration of the sensors 2 into the seat 3, in particular under said surface of the seat 3, ensures a reliable capture of a change in pressure caused by the person on the hair salon chair 1. This is because, typically, when the hair salon chair 1 is occupied, the seat 3 is continuously exposed to pressure by the person while the backrest 4 and/or the armrests 5 could not be exposed, or not continuously be exposed, to pressure by the person. Arranging the sensors 2 under said surface of the seat 3 is furthermore advantageous in that a pressure exerted on the seat 3 at these positions is less damped than, for example, in the vertical column 6 or in the cruciform base 7.

[0124] The sensors 2 already can be integrated into the seat 3 during the production of the hair salon chair 1. However, the sensors 2 also subsequently can be retrofitted into an already available hair salon chair 1. To this end, the seat 3 can be opened (e.g., at the seam) and sealed again after arranging the sensors 2 in the seat 3 and connecting said sensors to further components of the hair salon chair 1.

[0125] In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the hair salon chair 1 is embodied for processing, in particular for amplifying, converting, evaluating, encoding and/or packetizing, signals produced by the sensors 2. To this end, the hair salon chair 1 has one or more electronic circuits (not illustrated in FIG. 1), for example, an operational amplifier and/or a signal processor. There is a suitable signal processing by means of the electronic circuits.

[0126] Optionally, the hair salon chair 1 may have a data processing unit (not illustrated), which is embodied to determine an occupancy state of the hair salon chair 1 on the basis of the signals produced by the sensors 2 and to create an occupancy state signal.

[0127] In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the hair salon chair 1 has a transmission unit (not illustrated), which preferably is housed in a control box 11. The transmission unit of the hair salon chair 1 is embodied to receive signals that are produced by the sensors 2 and processed by the hair salon chair 1 and/or an occupancy state signal from the data processing unit and to wirelessly transmit a signal. The transmission unit thus can receive signals from the sensors 2, extract information therefrom, and bring this information in its original or a derived form into a wirelessly transmittable signal and transmit the signal by means of wireless technology. Here, Bluetooth is used as wireless technology.

[0128] In particular, the transmission unit of the hair salon chair 1 can receive signals that are produced by the sensors 2 and processed by the hair salon chair 1, correspondingly process said signals and wirelessly transmit signals produced therefrom. A corresponding statement applies to the occupancy state of the data processing unit. A wirelessly transmitted signal from the transmission unit of the hair salon chair 1 also may comprise an address of the hair salon chair 1, an error code, and/or information about the state of an energy store of the hair salon chair 1.

[0129] Like the transmission unit, one or more energy stores and/or further electronic circuits of the hair salon chair 1, the optional data processing unit of the hair salon chair 1 can be housed in the control box 11. The control box 11 preferably is arranged on a lower side of the seat 3 of the hair salon chair 1. This facilitates comfortable retrofitting and/or interchanging of the control box 11, together with the electronic circuits and energy stores situated therein.

[0130] The illustrated embodiment of the hair salon chair 1 only represents one variant, albeit a preferred variant, of a hair salon chair 1 according to the invention.

[0131] According to a preferred embodiment of the first method according to the invention, it is possible to proceed as described below for the purposes of evaluating an occupancy state of the hair salon chair 1.

[0132] First, the change in pressure caused by a person when sitting down or standing is captured by means of the piezoelectric pressure sensor 2 in the case of an occurrence of a change in pressure on the seat 3 of the hair salon chair 1. If a change in pressure is captured by the sensors 2, electric charges are generated by the sensors 2, said electric charges respectively leading to an output signal of the sensors 2. These output signals of the sensors 2 are processed by one or more electronic circuits of the hair salon chair 1. Subsequently, the processed signals are guided to the transmission unit of the hair salon chair 1, and are received and processed further by the latter. During the further processing, the transmission unit creates an output signal which contains information about the output signal of the sensors 2, an address of the hair salon chair 1, optionally an error code and/or optionally information about the state of an energy store of the hair salon chair 1. The output signal of the transmission unit is transmitted wirelessly to a reception unit 13 outside of the hair salon chair 1 in another part of a hair salon room 12. After the transmitted signal has been received by the reception unit 13, the transmitted signal is processed further.

[0133] Now, an occupancy state of the hair salon chair 1 is determined on the basis of the further-processed signal, to be precise by means of a data processing unit that is connected to the reception unit 13. Finally, the determined occupancy state is evaluated.

[0134] Here, the evaluation of the occupancy state comprises the control of at least one light source in the vicinity of the hair salon chair 1. The light source (or light sources) can be, e.g., arranged on a mirror 14 assigned to the hair salon chair 1 and/or over the hair salon chair 1. Preferably, the illuminance, luminous color or color temperature caused by the light source and/or the wavelength (or wavelengths) emitted by the light source are adapted. By way of example, if the hair salon chair 1 is occupied by the person, i.e., if the person sits down on the seat 3 of the hair salon chair 1, the light source can be switched on or the brightness of the light source can be increased or the color temperature can be changed from warm light to cold light.

[0135] Accordingly, the light source can be switched off or the brightness thereof can be reduced or the color temperature can be changed from cold light to warm light when the person gets up from the hair salon chair 1.

[0136] The hair salon chair 1 typically is situated in a room 12 of a hair salon. A heating apparatus and/or ventilation apparatus usually is provided in the room 12. According to the preferred embodiment of the first method according to the invention, the evaluation of the occupancy state comprises the regulation of the prevalent temperature in the room 12 by means of the temperature apparatus and/or the regulation of the ventilation by means of the ventilation apparatus, depending on the occupancy state.

[0137] In the preferred embodiment, advertisement is displayed on mirror 14, or on a portion thereof, assigned to the hair salon chair 1 if occupancy of the hair salon chair 1 by a person is determined. After the person stands up, the display of the advertisement on or in the mirror 14 is stopped.

[0138] Moreover, a timer is started if it is determined that the hair salon chair 1 is occupied by a person. This timer is stopped as soon as it is determined that the hair salon chair 1 is no longer occupied. If the measured value of the timer exceeds a predetermined threshold, a notification or an alarm is generated automatically.

[0139] With the aid of the values measured by the timer, it is further possible to ascertain a utilization of the hair salon chair 1, with, in this case, the values of the timer being considered over a certain time interval.

[0140] In the preferred embodiment, a notification is automatically sent to a cash register system if it is determined that the hair salon chair 1 has changed from an occupied state to an unoccupied state. On the basis of this message, a team member or the person who previously occupied the hair salon chair 1 can be reminded about a payment process.

[0141] Moreover, the hair salon chair 1 is assigned to mirror 14 on the basis of the transmitted address of the hair salon chair 1 in the preferred embodiment.

[0142] According to a preferred embodiment of a hair salon according to the invention, the latter has a plurality of hair salon chairs 1, which are configured according to the previously explained preferred embodiment of the hair salon chair 1 according to the invention.

[0143] The hair salon moreover has a reception unit 13 for receiving wireless signals from the hair salon chairs 1, a plurality of mirrors, wherein respectively one mirror 14 is assigned to a hair salon chair 1, a data processing unit, a cash register system and a seat allocation system for allocating a person to one of the hair salon chairs 1.