CA2232528A1 - Smart toothbrush - Google Patents

Smart toothbrush Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2232528A1
CA2232528A1 CA 2232528 CA2232528A CA2232528A1 CA 2232528 A1 CA2232528 A1 CA 2232528A1 CA 2232528 CA2232528 CA 2232528 CA 2232528 A CA2232528 A CA 2232528A CA 2232528 A1 CA2232528 A1 CA 2232528A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
microprocessor
handle
post
toothbrush
display
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2232528
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Rene T. Nuytten
Christopher K. Rich
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Smart Products Inc
Original Assignee
Smart Products Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Smart Products Inc filed Critical Smart Products Inc
Priority to CA 2232528 priority Critical patent/CA2232528A1/en
Publication of CA2232528A1 publication Critical patent/CA2232528A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0004Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means
    • A46B15/0006Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means with a controlling brush technique device, e.g. stroke movement measuring device
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B15/00Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0038Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with signalling means
    • A46B15/004Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with signalling means with an acoustic signalling means, e.g. noise
    • A46B15/0042Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with signalling means with an acoustic signalling means, e.g. noise with musical signalling means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Abstract

A toothbrush having a handle and a head with a microprocessor and sensor in the handle to detect force exerted on the handle. A display is coupled to the microprocessor and is operative to display output indicia output by the microprocessor. An input device coupled to the microprocessor and mounted on a surface of said handle receives user input information and transfers it to the microprocessor for processing. The combination of the display and the input device capable of entering input information allows the toothbrush to be interactive with the user unlike previous devices of this type.

Description

SMART TOOTHBRUSH
FIELD
The present invention relates to a toothbrush having a sensor, microprocessor and an input device which is capable of sensing details as to the brush stroke being applied, receiving user input information to customize the toothbrush to a particular user and to provide interactive sound and visual responses based upon the manner of brushing.
BACKGROUND
A toothbrush that contains strain gauge sensors to detect the direction frequency and duration of brushing and a microprocessor to analyze and process this information is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,716,614 issued to Jones et al.
Jones also discloses the use of an LED or bar graph recorder as a signaling device.
U.S. Patent No. 5,561,881 issued to Klinger et al.
discloses an electric toothbrush with a position determining sensor such as a mercury switch or a magnet and a reed relay.
The toothbrush is capable of computing and providing a performance report on by audio output or by lamps and segmental displays or histograms.
U.S. Patent Nos. 5,673,451 issued to Moore et al., 5,572,762 issued to Sche mer, 5,438,726 issued to Leite, 56,339,479 issued to Lyman, 5,134,743 issued to Hukuba, 4,744,124 issued to Wang et al., and 4,253,212 issued to Fujita all disclose toothbrushes in which lights/music/voice synthesizers are activated by switches when the toothbrush is in use.
None of the foregoing patents disclose an interactive toothbrush in which a user can input custom information to personalize the output information and the brush can sense and provide output information as to the type of brush strokes and interactive output information based upon the type of brushing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a toothbrush having a handle and a head with a microprocessor and sensor in the handle to detect force exerted on the handle. A display is coupled to the microprocessor and is operative to display output indicia output by the microprocessor. An input device coupled to the microprocessor and mounted on a surface of said handle receives user input information and transfers it to the microprocessor for processing. The combination of the display and the input device capable of entering input information allows the toothbrush to be interactive with the user unlike previous devices of this type.
The sensor may include a resilient material bonded to the handle and to the head housing a contactor. The contactor may include an electrically conductive post and a plurality of electrically conductive segments disposed around the post and spaced from the post by a gap. Separate electrical lines couple to the post and to each of the segments such that in response to the post contacting a segment, an electrical circuit is closed causing an electrical signal to be sent to the microprocessor identifying the segment contacted. The positioning of the segments in combination with the post permits the detection of not only the presence of bending force generated between a user's hand and the head of the toothbrush but a measurement of the direction of that force relative to the plane of the toothbrush head. Thus, the present sensor measures a force vector and not just the presence of force.
The liquid crystal panel displays include icons selectable by the user and numerical and text data calculated by the microprocessor from sensor data and stored input data.
Selection of custom icons and the type of data individualizes the toothbrush to each user.
A sound module is coupled to the microprocessor and operative to output voice and music.
The sound module outputs sounds of selected animals in conjunction with the display of icons characterizing those animals.
The input device comprises a selector button switch mounted on the handle and is responsive to depression to input data to the microprocessor.
The use of selectable icons, animal sounds and positive messages on the liquid crystal panel in response to detected brushing performance makes this toothbrush a valuable teaching tool for parents and dentists.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS
Further features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of example, of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the toothbrush with a half of the handle removed;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the handle containing the sensor; and Fig. 3 is a top view of the liquid crystal display showing one of the various possible displays.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS
Referring to Figure 1 the smart toothbrush 10 has a head 24 containing the brush 25 and a handle 11 affixed to 5 the brush. Near the neck of the handle 11 is a sensor region 13 which houses a contactor 12 shown in more detail in Figure 2. Proximate the rear of the handle 11 there is housed a liquid crlTstal display 16 which is located directly above a microprocessor containing EEPROM memory 14 and an audio module 15. A battery 20 at the rear of the handle 11 powers the electronic circuitry. Electronic leads 26, 28, and 30 which run along the length of the handle interconnect the microprocessor 14 with the contactor 12. Selector switches which allow input from a user are positioned adjacent the liquid crystal display 16 while ON/OFF buttons 18 are located near the rear of the handle 11.
Referring to Figure 2 the contactor 12 is housed within a resilient polymer 40 is bonded to both the tooth brush handle 11 and head 24. Polymer 40 allows the handle 11 to bend in any direction. Contactor 12 consists of a central electrically conductive post 32 mounted in a sleeve 37 which is contained within the resilient polymer 40. Four electrically conductive contactor segments 34 (only two are shown) are arranged in a cylinder around the post 32 spaced a small distance away from the post 32. Electrical lead 28 connects by flexible line 36 to post 32, while leads 28 and 30 and two others (not shown) connect to each of the segments 34. As the head and handle flex about the sensor region 13 the post moves in the direction of flexing and contacts one or two of the segments 34 and makes momentary electrical contact that allows current to flow back to the microprocessor so that the microprocessor can determine the direction of flexing. The response of the brush to various types of brush strokes may be stored in the EEPROM memory and used to determine the brushing characteristics.
Selector switches 22 allow the inputting by a user of program data to the microprocessor and EEPROM 14 and ON/OFF functions. The liquid crystal panel 16 displays text, numbers and icons that indicate the status of various parameters. The screen also has specialized signals to indicate what mode it is in and to indicate positive messages such as "doing a good job". The microprocessor and EEPROM 14 receives the sensor data from the contactor 12 and processes it based upon a program stored in the EEPROM and outputs the results on the liquid crystal panel 16. An example of the kind of display output on the liquid crystal panel 16 is shown in Figure 3.
The audio module 15 controls voice and music and can trigger a fairly sophisticated arrangement of up to 48 notes ranging from sad to deliriously happy depending upon how the user brushes. Proper brushing will require input as to the proper ratio of up/down/back/forth and circular movements that constitute proper brushing. Proper use gives the user a reward in the form of a few musical bars, a dolphin chirp or something similar. The audio module 15 provides bird chirps for bird or dolphin icons, bear humming and the like. Thus, the smart brush 10 functions as a "coach" to maneuver the young user into a proper routine in a completely positive manner.
Although the particular sensor is advantageous as it requires little power and presents a clean signal to the microprocessor other sensors could be used such as a Hall effect sensor, a pressure sensitive resistor, an inertial switch, an accelerometer, a mechanical point contact switch or a ferro-fluidic switch.
The microprocessor and EEPROM 14 goes to sleep 30 to 60 seconds after brushing stops in order to conserve battery power and wakes up in response to movement or interrupts "wake-up" or "sleep" with activation of the ON/OFF
switch. A real time clock correlates brush strokes and time.
Information from the contactor 12 is combined with information from the real time clock to determine such parameters as number of brush strokes (in each session and cumulative), pattern of brush strokes, data and time of brushing session. Other parameters such as velocity, pressure, angle of head relative to tooth plane, percentage g of strokes in a concave surround, etc., may be programmed into the microprocessor 14 for the use of a dentist, hygienist or parent.
Accordingly, while this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims (6)

1. A toothbrush having a handle and a head with a microprocessor and sensor in said handle to detect force exerted on said handle, comprising:
(a) a display coupled to said microprocessor operative to display output indicia output by said microprocessor;
(b) an input device coupled to said microprocessor and mounted on a surface of said handle for receiving user input information and transferring it to said microprocessor for processing.
2. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said sensor includes a resilient material bonded to said handle and to said head housing a contactor including an electrically conductive post and a plurality of electrically conductive segments disposed around said post and spaced from said post by a gap with separate electrical lines coupled to said post and to each of said segments such that in response to said post contacting a segment an electrical circuit is closed causing an electrical signal to be sent to said microprocessor identifying the segment contacted.
3. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said liquid crystal panel displays include icons selectable by said user and numerical and text data calculated by said microprocessor from sensor data and stored input data.
4. A toothbrush according to claim 1, including a sound module coupled to said microprocessor and operative to output voice and music.
5. A toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein said sound module outputs sounds of selected animals in conjunction with the display of icons characterizing those animals.
6. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein said input device comprises a selector button switch mounted on said handle and responsive to depression to input data to said microprocessor.
CA 2232528 1998-03-18 1998-03-18 Smart toothbrush Abandoned CA2232528A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2232528 CA2232528A1 (en) 1998-03-18 1998-03-18 Smart toothbrush

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2232528 CA2232528A1 (en) 1998-03-18 1998-03-18 Smart toothbrush

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2232528A1 true CA2232528A1 (en) 1999-09-18

Family

ID=29409480

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2232528 Abandoned CA2232528A1 (en) 1998-03-18 1998-03-18 Smart toothbrush

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2232528A1 (en)

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7013522B2 (en) * 2002-07-01 2006-03-21 Ablecorporation, Ltd. Toothbrush assembly with sound generating function
EP1698252A2 (en) * 1999-12-29 2006-09-06 Gillette Canada Company Toothbrushing technique monitoring
WO2008073948A1 (en) * 2006-12-13 2008-06-19 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having user-interactive display
EP1988799A2 (en) * 2006-02-16 2008-11-12 KIM, Youngjoo Elaine Instructional toothbrushing
WO2009141489A1 (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-26 Pump & Brush Finland Oy Intelligent toothbrush monitoring device
US8137109B2 (en) 2006-12-13 2012-03-20 Colgate-Palmolive Company Interactive oral care implement system
US8201295B2 (en) 2007-02-16 2012-06-19 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having user-interactive display and moving head
US8544131B2 (en) 2009-06-26 2013-10-01 The Gillette Company Pressure indicator for an oral care instrument
US9462878B1 (en) * 2014-02-20 2016-10-11 Appcessories Llc Self-contained, interactive gaming oral brush
US9586135B1 (en) 2008-11-12 2017-03-07 David G. Capper Video motion capture for wireless gaming
US10086262B1 (en) 2008-11-12 2018-10-02 David G. Capper Video motion capture for wireless gaming
US11140974B1 (en) * 2018-03-30 2021-10-12 Appcessories Llc Isolated pivoting bar-oscillating tooth brush with denta-haptic feedback

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2275002A3 (en) * 1999-12-29 2011-05-25 Gillette Canada Company Toothbrushing technique monitoring
EP1698252A2 (en) * 1999-12-29 2006-09-06 Gillette Canada Company Toothbrushing technique monitoring
EP1698252A3 (en) * 1999-12-29 2009-07-01 Gillette Canada Company Toothbrushing technique monitoring
US7013522B2 (en) * 2002-07-01 2006-03-21 Ablecorporation, Ltd. Toothbrush assembly with sound generating function
US8758022B2 (en) 2006-02-16 2014-06-24 Youngjoo Elaine Kim Instructional toothbrushing
EP1988799A2 (en) * 2006-02-16 2008-11-12 KIM, Youngjoo Elaine Instructional toothbrushing
EP1988799A4 (en) * 2006-02-16 2010-08-25 Youngjoo Elaine Kim Instructional toothbrushing
US8075315B2 (en) 2006-12-13 2011-12-13 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having user-interactive display
US8137109B2 (en) 2006-12-13 2012-03-20 Colgate-Palmolive Company Interactive oral care implement system
WO2008073948A1 (en) * 2006-12-13 2008-06-19 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having user-interactive display
US8201295B2 (en) 2007-02-16 2012-06-19 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement having user-interactive display and moving head
WO2009141489A1 (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-26 Pump & Brush Finland Oy Intelligent toothbrush monitoring device
US8337213B2 (en) 2008-05-23 2012-12-25 Brushgate Oy Intelligent toothbrush monitoring device
US9586135B1 (en) 2008-11-12 2017-03-07 David G. Capper Video motion capture for wireless gaming
US10086262B1 (en) 2008-11-12 2018-10-02 David G. Capper Video motion capture for wireless gaming
US10350486B1 (en) 2008-11-12 2019-07-16 David G. Capper Video motion capture for wireless gaming
US8544131B2 (en) 2009-06-26 2013-10-01 The Gillette Company Pressure indicator for an oral care instrument
US9462878B1 (en) * 2014-02-20 2016-10-11 Appcessories Llc Self-contained, interactive gaming oral brush
US11140974B1 (en) * 2018-03-30 2021-10-12 Appcessories Llc Isolated pivoting bar-oscillating tooth brush with denta-haptic feedback

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