Toothbrush with variable touch selection system and method of operation thereof

An oral cavity apparatus includes a body portion having first and second ends and a grip portion; an oral tool coupled to the first end of the body portion; and a touch-sensitive (TS) sensor which is located on the body portion and outputs a sensor value indicative of a force applied thereto by a user. In addition, a controller is configured to compare the sensor value with at least one threshold value, and to actuate the oral tool based upon the results of the comparison.

The present system relates to a toothbrush system and, more particularly, to an electronic toothbrush system having a touch-sensitive body for selection of one or more functions, and a method of operation thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oral healthcare devices are used for oral healthcare and typically include electronic toothbrushes and water-based inter-dental cleaning devices. Electronic toothbrushes typically have rotating and/or vibrating heads with bristles which contact the teeth of a user so as to clean teeth and/or remove plaque. A well-known vibrating-type toothbrush is known as the Philips Sonicare™ toothbrush and has a vibrating head. Water-based inter-dental cleaning devices, such as the Philips Airfloss™ and the like, typically use water as a cleaning medium and have a head which ejects a directed water jet to forcibly remove debris from between teeth of a user. To activate most oral-healthcare devices (e.g., electronic toothbrushes and water-based inter-dental cleaning devices), a user must depress a small on/off button. This button is prone to collect debris, and is difficult to find during use, especially when a user is not looking directly at the oral healthcare device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The system(s), device(s), method(s), arrangements(s), user interface(s), computer program(s), processes, etc. (hereinafter each of which will be referred to as system, unless the context indicates otherwise), described herein address problems in prior art systems.

In accordance with embodiments of the present system, there is disclosed an oral cavity apparatus comprising a body portion having first and second ends and a grip portion; an oral tool coupled to the first end of the body portion; a touch-sensitive (TS) sensor which is located on the body portion and outputs a sensor value indicative of a force applied thereto by a user; and a controller configured to compare the sensor value with at least one threshold value, and to actuate the oral tool based upon the results of the comparison.

The oral tool may comprise at least one of a toothbrush, a water nozzle, an airfloss and a drill, and the TS sensor may comprise a force-sensitive resistor which outputs a value of resistance, and may include a plurality of polymer layers which are laminated upon each other and which substantially encircle the body portion. The sensor value may be a resistive value which is proportional to the force applied to the TS sensor.

In addition, the controller may be further configured to determine a frequency to reciprocally drive the oral tool in accordance with results of the comparison. The controller may be further configured to determine the frequency to drive the oral tool in accordance with the sensor value based upon a one-to-one basis, and/or upon a discrete basis. To actuate the oral tool, the controller may control an actuator which is coupled to the oral tool to provide an electromotive force to the oral tool, where the actuator comprises at least one of a rotary motor, a linear motor, and a pump. A fluid reservoir may be coupled to the pump.

Another embodiment includes a method of actuating an oral cavity apparatus having a body portion and an oral tool extending from the body portion, the oral tool coupled to an actuator, the body portion having a grip portion situated between opposed ends of the body portion, the method performed by at least one controller of the oral cavity apparatus and comprising acts of: obtaining sensor information generated by a touch-sensitive (TS) sensor situated at the grip portion of the body portion, the sensor information corresponding to a force applied by a user to a surface of the TS sensor; selecting a function from a plurality of functions based upon the sensor information; and controlling the actuator in accordance with the selected function. The method may further comprise an act of forming, by the TS sensor, the sensor information to comprise an impedance value, e.g., resistive and/or capacitive value, corresponding to the force applied by the user to the surface of the TS sensor. The TS sensor may comprise at least one ring which encircles the body portion. The act of selecting a function from a plurality of functions may comprises an act of determining a frequency at which to drive the actuator in accordance with the sensor information on a one-to-one and/or a discrete basis. The method may further comprise an act of controlling a further actuator to control and extension of bristles from the oral tool in accordance with the selected function.

Yet another embodiment includes a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer instructions which, when executed by a processor or controller, configure the processor/controller to control operation of the oral cavity apparatus by performing the acts of the above described method.

The present invention is explained in further detail in the following exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures, where identical or similar elements are partly indicated by the same reference numerals, and the features of various exemplary embodiments being combinable. In the drawings:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following are descriptions of illustrative embodiments that when taken in conjunction with the following drawings will demonstrate the above noted features and advantages, as well as further ones. In the following description, for purposes of explanation rather than limitation, illustrative details are set forth such as architecture, interfaces, techniques, element attributes, etc. However, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments that depart from these details would still be understood to be within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of well known devices, circuits, tools, techniques, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present system. It should be expressly understood that the drawings are included for illustrative purposes and do not represent the entire scope of the present system. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numbers in different drawings may designate similar elements.

FIG. 1shows a front perspective view of a portion of toothbrush system100(hereinafter system100for the sake of clarity) with a touch-sensitive body portion102(also referred to as a body102) in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The touch-sensitive (TS) body102may have first and second ends120and122, respectively, a grip portion118(also referred to as hand grip118) situated between the first and second ends120and122, respectively, and one or more touch-sensitive (TS) sensors such as touch-sensitive (TS) rings104-1through104-N (generally104-x) and/or a button-type TS sensor106(shown as a circular button) configured in any suitable arrangement. The TS rings104-xmay extend along a longitudinal axis (LA) of the body102by a distance DLand which may substantially encircle the body102. The various TS rings104-xmay have the same or different distances DL. The TS sensors (e.g., including104-xand/or106) may sense a force exerted thereupon (e.g., by a user) and form corresponding sensor information. This sensor information may then be provided to a controller or processor107of the system100for further processing. While the TS sensors104-xand/or106are shown as rings, it should be understood that any desired shaped TS sensors may be used, where the number and distribution of TS sensors or sensor points/areas may be chosen to discriminate different squeeze actions and/or to avoid false actions or errors.

The TS sensors (e.g.,104-xand/or106) may sense a force that a user applies to portions of the hand grip118which have TS sensors (104-xand/or106) using any suitable sensory method. For example, the TS sensors may include force-sensitive (FS) sensors such as strain-gauge, piezoelectric, capacitive, and/or resistance type sensors which may be integrated in the hand grip118of the body102. The FS resistance-type sensors may include one or more force-sensing resistors having a conductive polymer, which may change resistance in a predictable manner following application of a force to one or more parts of its surface. This resistance may then be output as sensor information for further processing by the controller107. More particularly, the controller107may translate the output resistance into a value indicating a force applied by the user upon the corresponding FS sensor. As the force applied by the user increases, the resistance increases and the value indicating the force applied by the user upon the corresponding FS sensor may increase correspondingly (e.g., linearly, etc.). It is also envisioned that embodiments of the present system may include a plurality of TS sensors (e.g., arranged as an array, a matrix, etc., in certain areas, in a desired configuration, etc.) to improve the detection of squeeze actions and/or to provide information indicative of an area of the handgrip118to which a force is being applied.

An oral cleaning tool108(also referred to as a tool108) configured for oral cleaning may be coupled to the body102using any suitable method (e.g., a friction fit, etc.). The tool108may include a tool body117and may include a toothbrush head114(also referred to as a brushhead or toothbrush114) having brushes110(bristle, rubber, etc.). In addition or alternately, the tool body117and may include may include a water nozzle. The tool108may be coupled to an actuator109, such as an electromotive driver, using any suitable method such as via an actuator rod112so as to be driven by the electromotive driver. However, in yet other embodiments, the tool108may be coupled to the actuator109using a magnetic coupling. The electromotive driver may include rotational, linear, or vibrating motors which may output corresponding motion and/or a transmission which may convert motion to a desired type (e.g., rotational motion to oscillating rotational motion, etc.). For example, a motor is used that is configured to produce vibrations in a broad frequency range as to create meaningful and noticeably different operational modes for end-users, e.g., a sonic (9000 to 40000 movements per minute) or ultrasonic motor (>2400 movements per minute).

In the present embodiments, it will be assumed that the actuator109may output an oscillating motion as shown by arrow111to drive the tool108. In yet other embodiments, the tool108may receive a reciprocating rotational motion as shown by arrows115,113. In yet other embodiments, the tool108may include a transmission which may convert direction of an output of the electromotive driver109. In yet other embodiments, it is envisioned that the brushhead114may be coupled to one or more carriers which may be coupled to the electromotive driver109(e.g., directly or via any suitable linkage and/or transmission system) and may move relative to the cleaning tool body117.

It is further envisioned that in some embodiments, a fluid flow path179may be fluidly coupled between a fluid reservoir173and an opening177of the tool108. An fluid actuator175(e.g., a fluid pump) may be operative, under the control the controller107, to control flow of the fluid from the reservoir173along the fluid flow path179to be ejected at the opening177. Accordingly, the fluid actuator175may be operative to pressurize the fluid. The fluid flow path179may include a flow passage171situated between an end of the actuator rod112and the opening177. The fluid flow path179may further include a flow passage in the actuator rod112that is fluidly coupled to the fluid actuator175. The fluid actuator175may further be coupled to the fluid reservoir173which may include a desired fluid (e.g., water, cleaning fluid, abrasive fluid, toothpaste, etc.) and may pressurize the desired fluid so that it flows from the fluid reservoir173through the opening177along the fluid flow path179, under the control of the controller and in accordance with pressure or force applied to the touch-sensitive sensor(s) (104-xand/or106) on the body102. In some embodiments, a plurality of fluid reservoir s and tool openings may be provided, where the fluid flow path179may include a plurality of fluid flow paths, each provided between a corresponding fluid reservoir and a corresponding opening in the tool. Each of the plurality of fluid flow paths may include a fluid actuator to pressurize a fluid along the corresponding fluid flow path under the control of the controller107.

FIG. 2shows a front perspective view of a portion of a toothbrush system200with a touch-sensitive body202in accordance with other embodiments of the present system. The toothbrush system200is similar to the toothbrush system100and includes the body202, a touch-sensitive ring204, and a tool208, which are similar to the body102, the touch-sensitive ring(s)104-x, and the tool108, respectively, of the toothbrush system100. However, the touch-sensitive ring204extends along a length of a handle portion218of the body202such as by a substantial or major length. Accordingly, the touch-sensitive ring204may extend along a major length of the longitudinal axis (LA) of the body202. A charging/retention port231may be provided to couple the body202to a charging base, if desired. The charging/retention port231may include an opening233leading to a cavity237having a closed end235opposite to the opening233.

FIG. 3shows a cross section of a portion of the toothbrush system100taken along lines3-3ofFIG. 1in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The TS ring104-N may include an outer cover119and a pressure sensor116. The TS ring104-N may encircle (or substantially encircle) the body portion102. The pressure sensor116may include a touch-sensitive pressure sensor which may sense pressure applied thereto and form a corresponding pressure signal which may be provided to the controller107(FIG. 1) for further processing. This signal may be an analog or digital signal. However, in embodiments of the present system it will be assumed that this signal is an analog signal indicating resistance as a function (linear, etc.) of pressure applied to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor116may use any suitable touch-sensitive sensor method. For example, the pressure sensor116may include impedance sensors, such as resistive and/or capacitive-type touch-sensors, etc. and may be rolled in a circular or semicircular shape so as to sense pressure in a cylindrical area or the like, if desired. An exterior surface of the pressure sensor116may be flush with an exterior surface of surrounding portions of the body102. For example, the TS ring104-N (and/or the other TN rings104-x) may have an outer surface121which may be flush or substantially flush with an exterior surface123of the body portion102. This outer surface121may further be sealed to surrounding exterior portions of the body102so to seal the sensor from contamination, such as water and/or debris. The body102may include a cavity124configured to receive at least a portion of one or more of a charger (e.g., an inductive charger), the controller107, the actuator109, and the actuator rod112shown inFIG. 1. The body102may include notches or cutout areas along a surface thereof to receive one or more of the TS sensors (106,114-x, etc.), if desired.

In some embodiments, the pressure sensor116may include a plurality of pressure zones (e.g., a pressure zone matrix), each of which may detect pressure applied thereto. Accordingly, the pressure sensor116may form a signal indicative of the pressure zone(s) to which pressure is being applied and, for example, the controller107may then recognize these pressure patterns using any suitable method. Then, the recognized patterns may then be used to identify a user or type of user (e.g., large hand=adult, small hand=child) and configure operation (e.g., by controlling the actuator109) of the toothbrush system100in accordance with the recognized user or type of user, etc.

In some embodiments, it is envisioned that the pressure sensor116may include capacitive sensors which may detect the presence of a user's hand (e.g., with or without touch) and form a corresponding signal based upon a distance between a user's hand and an adjacent portion of the pressure sensor and/or a force applied to the pressure sensor. It is further envisioned that pressure sensor116may include touch-screen-type sensors and/or may include a pressure matrix which may determine a position of pressure applied thereto and/or a position of a users hand in the vicinity of the sensor, if desired, and provide this information to the controller107for further processing.

In yet other embodiments, the toothbrush102may be configured such that one or more of the TS sensors (e.g.,104-xand/or106) may be configured to function as an on/off switch as well as touch-sensitive switch (e.g., a pressure-sensitive switch). For example, once the toothbrush is turned (e.g., the actuator109is driven by the controller107) on as a result of a user applying force to one or more selected TS sensors (e.g.,104-xand/or106), the controller107may determine a value of a force applied (e.g., an analog resistive value) to the corresponding TS sensor (e.g.,104-xand/or106). Then, based upon the value of the force applied, the controller107may determine a function to apply and activate the actuator109in accordance with the determined function. Thus, a user may hold the hand grip118, turn the toothbrush on by depressing the TS sensor106once and, thereafter, press and hold the TS sensor106using a desired pressure and/or pattern. Then, the controller107may read force values from the TS sensor106(which are related to a force applied thereto) and select a desired function to activate. The functions may include functions such as massage function, a deep clean function, a light clean function, a beginner's function, a training function, a child user function, an adult user function, etc. Each of these functions may have a predefined defined frequency, pattern, amplitude, etc. The controller107may then control the actuator109to operate in accordance with the selected function. In yet further embodiments, one or more of the TS sensors (e.g.,104-x,106) may be ergonomically positioned on the body102and/or may be ergonomically shaped so as to enhance ease of user and/or user comfort when holding and/or operating the toothbrush system100.

FIG. 4shows an exploded perspective view of a force-sensitive (FS) resistor type pressure sensor400in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The pressure sensor400may include a conductive polymer laminate450having first and second major surfaces452and454, respectively, first and second ends458and459, respectively, and may change resistance in a predictable manner (e.g., linearly, etc.) following application of a force to one or more of its surfaces such as the first and second major surfaces452and454, respectively. This resistance may be translated into a force value (e.g., an analog value or digital value, if desired) indicating a magnitude of the force applied to the pressure sensor400and may be output at an output lead assembly456of the pressure sensor400. Accordingly, as the force increases, the force value may increase correspondingly (e.g., linearly, etc.). An analog-to-digital convert (A/D) may be provided to convert the force value from analog to digital form, if desired. The pressure sensor400may include a plurality of polymer layers such as an active layer460defining an active area, a spacer layer462, such as a non-conductive plastic layer, and a conductive film layer464formed over a flexible substrate465, shown inFIG. 6. The active layer460may include a conductive layer466and an electrical lead468coupled thereto. The spacer layer462may include an opening or air vent471to a cavity473which may be operative to equalize pressure between the active layer460and the conductive film layer464. The conductive film layer464may include an electrical lead472coupled thereto. The resistive value may be read across the electrical leads468and472which may be configured to be coupled the controller, if desired.

FIG. 5shows a side-view of a force-sensitive (FS) resistor type pressure sensor400installed in accordance with embodiments of the present system. A support portion474may support for the FS resistor pressure sensor400(hereinafter pressure sensor400) and may be formed integrally with the body102or may be formed separately from the body102and inserted within the cavity124of the body102, if desired. The lead assembly456may be folded to pass through one or more openings491in the body102, if desired. However, in yet other embodiments, one or more vias may be provided through the body102and/or one or more layers (e.g.,460,462,464) of the pressure sensor400. Accordingly, the lead assembly456may be configured to receive the one or more vias. The pressure sensor400may have any suitable size and/or shape. For example, in some embodiments, the pressure sensor400may form at least part of a ring which may extend fully or substantially about the body102. However, in yet other embodiments, the pressure sensor may have yet other shapes such as shown inFIG. 6which shows an exploded perspective view of a force-sensing resistor type pressure sensor600(hereinafter pressure sensor600) in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The pressure sensor600may be configured similarly to the pressure sensor400ofFIG. 4and similar numerals are shown for the sake of clarity. However, the size and/or shape may be different. For example, the pressure sensor600may be used for the button-type TS sensor106. In yet other embodiments, it is envisioned that the pressure sensor400may form an arc shape (when viewed from the side) which may extend about the body102.

FIG. 7shows a side perspective view of a portion of toothbrush system100situated on a charging stand702in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The body102may be a touch-sensitive body and may be configured to be coupled to the charging stand702so as to wirelessly receive an electrical power suitable for charging and/or operation therefrom.

A method of operation for oral healthcare devices (OHD) (such as the toothbrush system100, etc.) operating in accordance with embodiments of the present system will now be discussed. Upon detecting that a user has squeezed a grip portion of the OHD, a controller may determine an amount (e.g., magnitude) of force and/or pattern of force (e.g., pattern of squeezes) and control the OHD to perform one or more functions associated with the determined amount of force and/or pattern of force. The pattern may be detected when different forces are applied over a time interval such as three seconds. However, other time intervals may also be used. Table 1 illustrates a function selection table in accordance with embodiments of the present system.

The various squeeze actions, such as squeeze actions 1-3 may include squeezing, maintaining the squeezing force, and releasing and loosening the force/grip on the handgrip118(or portions thereof) once, and depending on how hard the user squeezed handgrip118, the amount of released agent is defined. To distinguish the squeeze actions from other actions, such as grabbing the handgrip118, or continuously squeezing to change the operating frequency, for example, a desired action such as release of an agent (e.g., toothpaste or cleanser) is only activated and performed if the squeeze and release events happen in a predefined time window or range, such as within between 0.1 to 0.2 seconds. Thus, a squeeze action may be defined as hardening and releasing of the grip that happened within the predefined time window or range (of around 0.1 to 0.2 seconds, for example), where the time window is defined by two values: minimum time (e.g., 0.1 second) to avoid false activation by uncontrolled squeezing, and maximum time (e.g., 0.2 second) to distinguish the squeeze action from a continuous squeeze action for changing the operating frequency when the handgrip118is squeezed for more that 0.2 seconds but less than 3 seconds, or activating the second type of bristles when the handgrip118is squeezed for more than 3 seconds, for example.

Accordingly, force and/or pressure is used to select and activate different functions. For example, three consecutive squeezes may select and activate a massage function, but two squeezes may select and activate a normal cleaning function. Further, any desired combinations of functions (e.g., massage function, a deep clean function, a light clean function, a beginner's function, a training function, a child user function, an adult user function, etc.) may also be selected and activated in response to a predefined defined frequency, pattern, amplitude, etc., even in mid-use when other functions are being performed. For example, during normal cleaning if the user were to squeeze and release three times quickly, then the massage function begins mid use until another three squeezes stops the massage and returns the toothbrush system to the normal cleaning mode or function as it was before activation of the massage function.

The selection and/or activation of the desired function(s) may also be achieved by tapping the head of the brush on the teeth, where a sensor detects the tapping of the head. Such a sensor may be similar to the described force sensors, and/or other sensors, such as at least one of a light sensor, a moisture sensor and an accelerometer. As discussed, these sensors may detect the number and/or taps intensity or force of taps of the head in the mouth, and in response, different functions are selected and/or activated. For example, two taps in the mouth may be detected by one of these sensor, and in response, the massage function may be activated. The functions may include functions such as massage function, a deep clean function, a light clean function, a beginner's function, a training function, a child user function, an adult user function, etc. Each of these functions may have a predefined defined frequency, pattern, amplitude, etc.

With force based interfaces, a user normally is able to produce and remember four to six levels of pressure/force (at least with fingers), where increasing the number of pressure levels beyond six levels could lead to the increased error rate. Further, it should be noted that since the human perception of grip force is not linear, the range of each distinguishable force level might not necessarily be of the same size. For example, the force range of what the present system might recognize as a “light grip” is smaller than the force range of what the system might recognize as a “hard grip.”

To reduce false activation, a minimum activation time must first pass before activating the desired function. Thus, only if force is detected and remains within predefined range, such as 10-20 milliseconds, only then the desired function is activated. Accordingly, a delay (of 10-20 milliseconds, for example) is provided before any commencing of activation operations. Further, as typically people are not normally able to increase the pressure or the squeezing very gradually, a smoothing is performed on the detected force/pressure on the handgrip118. Thus, if the force or squeezing continues, such as strong or stronger grip, then the reaction (i.e., operating frequency increase) is provided with some delay (before activation) and smoothing. The operating frequency may be changed gradually, or in discrete steps.

The toothbrush system100may be deactivated when no force or a force below a certain threshold is detected. Further, an off button or a portion of the pressure sensitive grip may be designated for deactivation function when squeezed. Alternatively or in addition, other sensor information is used to determine whether the device should be deactivated such as, for example, an accelerometer or light sensor in the grip to determine more reliably whether a user is holding the device.

In yet other embodiments, the squeezing action may be mapped to activate actuators for a desired period of time (e.g., 2 seconds, etc.) which may release a cleaning agent such as one or more of toothpaste, mouthwash, etc., or may provide a short vacuum for removing debris from teeth, etc. The various squeeze actions (e.g., squeeze actions 1, 2, and/or 3) may be selected by the user to be mapped to the squeeze action or the squeeze actions may be differentiated from each other by a type of squeeze (e.g., long, medium, or short may be mapped to a desired squeeze action such as squeeze action 1, squeeze action 2 and squeeze action 3, respectively). In some embodiments, only a single squeeze action is defined and this squeeze action may be mapped to a desired function (e.g., to activate the interdental cleaning device, etc.). In yet other embodiments, a force of the squeeze action may be mapped to speed of the toothbrush as will be described below.

In some embodiments, a state machine flow may also be used to determine a function to apply. For example, in some embodiments, after the first actuator is initially actuated (e.g., turned on) to transmit force and/or motion to the tool at a default setting (e.g., 5000 brush-strokes-per-minute (BSM)), the system may determine how much force is applied to a touch-sensitive sensor and thereafter determine a corresponding function to apply to the actuator. Thereafter, the controller may control the operation of the actuator in accordance with the determined corresponding function.

The embodiments shown above in Table 1 are just exemplary and many other settings are envisioned (e.g., for the cleaning modes, etc.). For example, in yet other embodiments, one or more of the force, patterns and corresponding cleaning mode functions may be set by the system and/or user. In yet other embodiments, a user may be identified (e.g., via a grip analysis application of the process) and a corresponding function map for the desired user may used. Thus, for example, the process may activate different functions for a first user, e.g., a parent, and a second user, e.g., a child for whom the process may activate functions for children such as a low speed (frequency) brush action, child toothpaste output, etc.

In some embodiments, the system may include an application for a user to set/reset the function selection table using a menu-based system rendered on any suitable device such as a display of the system, or display of any other connectable user device, e.g., user's phone, etc. Accordingly, the system may communicate with the user's device using any suitable communication method, such as a wired and/or wireless communication methods, e.g., Bluetooth™, etc.

In yet other embodiments, user interaction (e.g., by applied force and/or pattern) may be used to select a bristle stiffness mode in which the stiffness of the cleaning bristles may be adjusted by, for example, adjusting an extension of desired bristles (e.g., stiff bristles in the present embodiments) when a user grips the handgrip with a desired force and/or pattern. For example, when it is determined that a user squeezes the handgrip hard for more than 10 seconds, a group of stiff (hard) bristles may be extended from the brush head beyond the extension of a group of regular bristles (e.g., soft bristles) which are normally extended. Thus, embodiments of the present system may provide user interaction methods for altering the stiffness of the bristles of a brush head of the system. Although, users may prefer a toothbrush with hard bristles due to the belief that it is actually cleaning their teeth better than soft bristles, these hard bristles can, in the long term, cause damage the enamel of a user's teeth or to the gum area of a user, if overused or used excessively. Accordingly, embodiments of the present system may adjust the extension of the hard bristles so as to engage the hard bristles only when requested by user interaction. Thus, the user may interact with the OHD to alter the hardness of the bristles of a brush head when the users desires to do so such as when the user feels like the hard bristles would be desirable to, for example, remove some stubborn debris, plaque, etc.

Further, embodiments of the present system may perform a hand grip recognition method which may be used to insure that device settings are not changed when the user adjusts a handgrip on the handle during use. Thus, for example, if a user quickly changes a handgrip position, the device may ignore any changes in detected grip force and/or patterns for a certain time interval.

FIG. 8Ashows a partially cutaway side perspective view of a portion of toothbrush system800with a touch-sensitive (TS) body802in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The TS body802may have a first end820and a second end822, a grip portion/hand grip818situated between the first and second ends820,822, and other features similar to those shown inFIG. 1, such as the touch-sensitive (TS) rings104-1through104-N (generally104-x) and/or a button-type TS sensor106shown inFIG. 1, but omitted fromFIGS. 8A, 8Bfor better clarity. However, a tool808of the TS body802may include adjustable bristles as opposed to fixed bristles of the tool108. More particularly, the tool808may include a brush head814, and may be coupled to the TS body802. The tool808may receive a motive force (e.g., a rotary force, a vibrational force, etc.) from any suitable force transmitting member such as an actuator rod812. The motive force may be produced by any suitable source such as an electronic actuator (ACT)109coupled to the actuator rod812, similar to that described in connection withFIG. 1, for example.

The brush head814may include one or more groups of bristles at least one of which is adjustable in extension. For example, a first group of bristles850may include bristles of a first type (e.g., soft bristles) and a second group of bristles852may include bristles of a second type (e.g., firm bristles). The second group of bristles852may be controllable so as to adjust an extension thereof relative to an exterior of the brush head814. A bristle actuator mechanism862may adjust a position of the controllable bristles (e.g., the second group of bristles852in the present embodiment) under the control of the controller (CONT)807via a signal transmitted via control lines860so as to position the controllable bristles in a normal position (e.g., a retracted position) during normal use and in an extended position, when activation of the bristles of the second type is desired (e.g., see, Table 1 for activation methods). The bristle actuator mechanism862may include any suitable mechanism such as an electroactive (ionic) polymer (EAP) actuator866which changes its shape and/or stiffness when placed under a low voltage of, for example, 1-2 volts provided from the controller807via the control line860. The EAP actuator866may include a passive material and, thus, can be embedded in a cavity809of the tool808with little or no additional electronics or mechanical mechanism. An electronic coupler864may couple the controller807(situated with a cavity of the TS body802) to the EAP actuator866via, for example, the control line860so that power (e.g., a voltage such as a control voltage) may be supplied to the EAP actuator866as a voltage to activate the EAP actuator866when desired.

FIG. 8Bshows a partially cutaway side perspective view of a portion of toothbrush system800with voltage applied to the EAP actuator866in accordance with embodiments of the present system. As a control voltage is applied to the EAP actuator866, the EAP actuator866will bend to exert a force which may cause the controllable bristles (e.g., the bristles of the second group852) to further extend from the tool808so as to be able to contact a desired surface (e.g., a user's tooth) during operation. In accordance with yet other embodiments the bristles of the second group852may include at least one rubber wiper. In yet other embodiments, other suitable mechanisms for adjusting the position of rubber wipers and/or bristles may also be used.

FIG. 8Cshows a cross-sectional view of a portion of toothbrush system800taken along lines8C-8C ofFIG. 8Ain accordance with embodiments of the present system. The bristles of the second group852may be coupled to a carrier867which is, in turn, coupled to the EAP actuator866and situated with the cavity809of the tool808. At least a portion of the cavity809may be defined by one or more inner edge walls875which may define a width (Wc) of the cavity809. Similarly, the EAP actuator866and/or the carrier867may have opposed side edges890which may define a width (WEAP) of the EAP actuator866and/or the carrier867. The one or more inner edge walls may875may be configured such that Wc may be slightly greater than WEAPso that transverse deflection of the EAP actuator866and/or the carrier867relative to the cavity809of the tool808may be controlled (e.g., by contact of the opposed side edges890with adjacent ones of the one or more inner edge walls875) when the tool808receives a motive force (e.g., a rotary force, a vibrational force, etc.) from any suitable force transmitting member such as the actuator rod812during use.

FIG. 8Dshows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the toothbrush system800taken along lines8D-8D ofFIG. 8Cin accordance with embodiments of the present system. The tool808may include a body870having one or more side walls which may define at least part of a side of the cavity809and may include one or more openings872through which the bristles of the second group852may pass. For example, the cavity809may include an inner side wall874which may be configured to contact an adjacent portion of the carrier867when the EAP actuator866is bent by the control voltage as illustrated by the dotted lines. The EAP actuator866may have proximal and distal ends880and878, respectively, and may be coupled at the proximal end880to the body870of the tool808so that the proximal end880may remain stationary relative to the body870when activated. Accordingly, when a control voltage is applied (e.g., when the EAP actuator is activated) to the EAP actuator866, the EAP actuator866will bend and the distal878end of the EAP actuator866may be deflected to an extended position as illustrated by the dotted lines. Accordingly, the controllable bristles (e.g., the bristles of the second group852) which are coupled to the EAP actuators866via the carrier867will be pushed through the one or more openings872and extend further from the tool808so as to be able to contact a desired surface (e.g., a user's tooth) during operation. This position may be referred to as an extended position. When the control voltage is no longer applied to the EAP actuator866, the EAP actuator866resumes its normal shape as shown by the solid lines and the controllable bristles (e.g., the bristles of the second group852) coupled thereto are retracted from their extended position so that contact with a desired surface (e.g., a user's tooth) during operation can be reduced or entirely prevented. This position may be referred to as a retracted or normal position. Thus, for example, if the bristles of the second group852are hard bristles, contract between these bristles and a desired surface (e.g., a user's tooth) can be reduced or entirely prevented when the bristles of the second group852are not extended in the retracted position. The first group of bristles850may be coupled to the body870of the tool808using any suitable method. For example, proximal ends886of the first group of bristles850may be coupled to first group carrier884which may be coupled to the body870of the tool808. Accordingly, the first group of bristles850may pass through openings888which may be situated in the body870of the tool808. However, in yet other embodiments, the proximal ends of the first group of bristles850may be coupled directly to the body870of the tool808. The extension of the first group of bristles850may remain the fixed relative to the regardless of whether bristles of the second group852are extended or retracted. However, in yet other embodiments, at least some bristles of the first group of bristles850may be controlled to variable extend or retract similarly to the second group of bristles852.

In accordance with embodiments of the present system, a system including an OHD having a body with a handgrip and a toothbrush coupled to the body. The handgrip may include and pressure sensor such as a force-sensitive (FS) resistor type pressure sensor. As soon as the toothbrush is switched on, a controller may determine a force applied to the pressure sensor based upon an output of the pressure sensor (e.g., an analog resistance value in the present embodiments). The force signal output by the pressure sensor may be a monotonic function of area and/or pressure applied to the pressure sensor. Further, a mapping between a force applied to the pressure sensor (e.g., as determined base upon the pressure sensor output) and a desired operation (e.g., oscillation) speed (e.g., an operating frequency) of an attached cleaning tool such as a toothbrush (e.g., in brush-strokes-per-minute (BSM)) may be provided and stored in a memory of the system.

The mapping may be set/reset by a user using any suitable method such as a training process performed in accordance with embodiments of the present system. For example, during the training process, a user may hold the handgrip of an OHD loosely and then gradually increase the force they apply to the on the handgrip until they exert a firm, yet comfortable, squeeze upon the handgrip. The pressure sensors on the handgrip will sense this force and form corresponding sensor information. Then, these sensor values may be converted to units of force (e.g., in Newtons (N)) which are mapped to BSM. These mapped values may then be stored in a memory of the system for later use in accordance with a user's settings. The mapped values of BSM may be related to the values output by the pressure sensors directly (e.g., continuous, on a one-to-one or linear basis) or discretely (e.g., on a discrete basis) as will be discussed below. In yet other embodiments, the signals output by the pressure sensor(s) are mapped to the BSM as discussed above without converting to units of force. For example,FIG. 9Ashows a graph900A which illustrates a direct or continuous (e.g., an on-to-one) relationship between the force applied to the pressure sensor(s) and BSM values in accordance with embodiments of the present system; andFIG. 9Bshows a graph900B which illustrates a discrete relationship between force applied to the pressure sensor(s) and BSM values in accordance with embodiments of the present system. Thus, as shown inFIG. 9A, the BSM may be mapped directly to a force applied to the pressure sensors of the handgrip on a one-to-one basis. Thus, the BSM may be directly proportional to the force applied to the handgrip. In some embodiments, the one-to-one mapping will not be applied until the sensed force exceeds a first threshold BSM, 1.

In yet other embodiments, as shown inFIG. 9B, the BSM may be mapped discretely to the FSM. Accordingly, the controller may adjust the BSM at discrete intervals in accordance with a range of pressures (e.g., “loose,” “normal,” and “firm”) exerted by the user on handgrip as detected by the pressure sensors. For example, in some embodiments sensor information (SI) related to a force applied by a user may be obtained from a TS sensor may be compared with a plurality of threshold values (e.g., Thresh1, Thresh2, Thresh3, and Thresh 4. If it is determined that: Thresh1<=SI<Thresh2, the controller may select a first BSM value (e.g., BSM1). However, if it is determined that: Thresh2<=SI<Thresh3, the controller may select a second BSM value (e.g., BSM2). Similarly, if it is determined that: Thresh3<=SI<Thresh4, the controller may select a third BSM value (e.g., BSM3). Further, if it is determined that: Thresh4<=SI<Thresh5, the controller may select a fourth BSM value (e.g., BSM4). The mappings may be stored in a memory of the system in any suitable form such as in a function table (e.g., Table 1), if desired.

During operation of the OHD, the controller may perform operational acts such as: determining force applied to a handgrip of the OHD by a user, and determining a value for the BSM based upon the determined force. The values for the BSM may be obtained from a memory of the system (e.g., using the look-up table). Then, the controller may control the actuator in accordance with the determined value for the BSM. The actuator may then drive the brushhead at (or about) the determined value for the BSM.

In accordance with other embodiments of the present system, there is provided an OHD such as an interdental cleaning device operating in accordance with embodiments of the present system. One such interdental cleaning device is known as a such as a Philips™ AirFloss™ interdental cleaning device (IDCD) which outputs a liquid and/or gas jet when desired and may be controlled to operate in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The liquid jet may include water and/or one or more cleaning fluids such as mouthwash, a fluoride wash, an abrasive, etc.

The liquid jet may be activated in accordance with embodiments of the present system based upon a force applied to a force-sensitive (FS) pressure sensor (hereinafter pressure sensor) such as shown on the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-2. Accordingly, a pressure sensor may be integrated into the hand grip of the Airfloss-type device (e.g., an IDCD) and may sense a force applied thereto by a user and provide indication of this force (e.g., as a resistive value or other sensor value) to a controller. The controller may then determine a force applied to the pressure sensor of the hand grip, a hand grip pattern, and/or a force application pattern over time. Then, the controller may determine a proper function (e.g., selected from a plurality of functions) to apply in accordance with the determined applied force, grip pattern, and/or pressure pattern over time in accordance with system and/or user settings using, for example, a table lookup. Then, the controller may activate the one or more actuators in accordance with the determined function.

Accordingly, the one or more actuators may pump a selected liquid and/or a gas in accordance with the determined function to a tool of the IDCD such as a cleaning head which may then output the liquid and/or gas from one or more openings of the cleaning head. Thus, the fluid and/or gas may be output by the cleaning head in accordance with functions based upon determined pressure, grip pattern, and/or pressure pattern over time. This may be similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2and the sensor output from the pressure sensors may be read by the controller. The controller may then compare a value of the sensor information from the pressure sensors to a pressure threshold value and, if it is determined that the value of the sensor information is greater than the threshold value (e.g., indicating a squeeze action of the user), the controller may control an actuator of the IDCD to supply a liquid under pressure to the cleaning head.

Alternatively, the size of the openings in the cleaning head may be altered to change the speed of the liquid and/or gas output, with a smaller opening leading to a faster output (assuming similar pressure from the pump). An actuator or motor may be provided to open and close the openings in the cleaning heads, selectively or together, such as by move a cover over the openings in the cleaning head to open and close the openings thus changing the speed of the liquid and/or gas output. Accordingly, the liquid and/or gas may be output by the cleaning head as one or more liquid/gas jets including micro-droplets of water. However, if it is determined that the value of the sensor information is less than or equal to the threshold value, no action may be taken by the controller, if desired.

FIG. 10shows a front perspective view of a portion of IDCD system1000(hereinafter system1000for the sake of clarity) with a touch-sensitive body1002in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The IDCD system1000may be similar to the toothbrush system100shown inFIG. 1and may include a tool1008for cleaning coupled to the body1002. The touch-sensitive body1002may have first and second ends1020and1022, respectively, a handgrip1018situated between the first and second ends1020and1022, respectively, and one or more touch-sensitive sensors situated on the handgrip. The touch-sensitive (TS) sensors may include any suitable touch-sensitive sensing arrangement such as touch-sensitive rings1004-1through1004-N (generally1004-x) and/or a circular TS sensor1006. The touch-sensitive sensors may be similar to the operation of the TS sensors104-xand106, described in connection withFIG. 1, and may transmit information related to a force exerted thereupon to a controller of the system, such as a controller1007, which may be a processor, such as a micro-processor μp.

With regard to the tool1008, this tool may include a cleaning head1014, such as an AirFloss™-type cleaning head, a liquid/water nozzle, or the like, configured to emit a liquid and/or gas as a jet (e.g., a water and/or air jet) with a given force from at least one opening1009of the cleaning head1014. The opening1009may be flow coupled (e.g., via a conduit1012) to one or more actuators such as one or more pumps situated in the body and which may pressurize the liquid(s) and/or gas under the control of the controller1007. The pumps may include any suitable pump such as a rotary, reciprocal, piezo, pumps or the like. The one or more pumps may receive the liquid from any suitable source such as a hose or a reservoir (Res)1091flow coupled thereto. In some embodiments the cleaning head1014may include one or more brushes. One or more of the brushes may be extended or retracted under the control of the controller and in accordance with pressure exerted upon the handgrip1018as sensed by pressure sensors (1004-xand/or1006). In some embodiments, the tool may include a brush head, if desired. Further, an actuator for driving the tool may then be provided so that the tool may be driven at a desired direction(s) and/or at a desired frequency (e.g., in brush-strokes per minute (BPM)).

FIG. 11shows a front perspective view of a portion of an IDCD system1100with a touch-sensitive (TS) body1102in accordance with yet other embodiments of the present system. The IDCD system1100is similar to the IDCD system1000and includes a body1102, a touch-sensitive ring1104, and a tool1108, which are similar to the body1002, the touch-sensitive ring1004(or1004-x), and the tool1008, respectively, of the IDCD system1000. However, the touch-sensitive ring1104extends along a major length of a handle portion1118of the body1102. Accordingly, the touch-sensitive ring1104may extend along a major length of the longitudinal axis (LA) of the body1102.

A method of operation of an OHD will now be discussed with reference toFIG. 12which is a flow diagram that illustrates a process1200performed by a system in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The process1200may be performed using one or more controllers, processors or computers communicating over a network and may obtain information from, such as the controller107shown inFIG. 1, for example, and/or store information to one or more memories which may be local and/or remote from each other and coupled to the processor, or controller107for example. The process1200can include one of more of the following acts. Further, one or more of these acts may be combined and/or separated into sub-acts, if desired. Further, one or more of these acts may be skipped depending upon settings. In operation, the process may start during act1201and then proceed to act1203.

During act1203, the process may obtain sensor information from at least one force-sensing (FS) sensor of a handgrip portion of a body portion. The sensor information may include analog and/or digital information related to at least one value of a force applied to the at least one FS sensor by, for example, a user. For example, in some embodiments, the FS information may include information related to an area or zone at which the force is applied. In some embodiments, the FS sensor is a FS resistive sensor which may output resistance (value(s)) as the sensor information. The resistance may correspond with a force applied to the FS sensor. However, in yet other embodiments, it is envisioned that the FS sensor is a FS capacitive sensor which may output capacitance (value(s)) as the sensor information. The capacitance may correspond with a force applied to the FS sensor. After completing act1203, the process may continue to act1205.

During act1205, the process, e.g., processor or controller107, may determine and/or select a function to apply in accordance with the sensor information. Accordingly, the process may match the sensor information with function selection information stored in a memory of the system such as may be stored in a function-selection table. In some embodiments, the function selection information may include information related to one or more thresholds and/or patterns with which to compare the sensor information to and, may include corresponding functions to apply (e.g., to actuators, switches, etc.) based upon the results of the comparison(s). Once the processor determines a function to apply, corresponding actuators are controlled accordingly, e.g., to control brush stroke, a first actuator is controlled; to control fluid flow, a second actuator (e.g., a pump) is controlled; and to control brush extension, a third actuator (e.g., an EAP actuator) is controlled. After completing act1205, the process may continue to act1207.

During act1207, the process, e.g., processor or controller107, may apply the determined/selected functions. Accordingly, the processor may control or otherwise drive one or more (selected) actuators in accordance with the selected function(s). After completing act1207, the processor may repeat act1203so as to continually control the OHD in accordance with input of a user or may end, if desired.

Further and/or different operational acts may be performed by the processor or controller107in controlling operation of the toothbrush system800shown inFIG. 8A, 8Bhaving the two groups of bristles850,852. In particular, during act1207, the controller107controls a first actuator in accordance with the selected function, where the first actuator is the same actuator (109) described in connection withFIGS. 1, 8A, 8B. In addition, during act1210, the controller107obtains further sensor information generated by the touch-sensitive sensor, the further sensor information corresponding to a force applied by a user to a surface of the touch sensitive sensor at a second time. Next, during act1212, the controller107determines whether the second sensor information is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and then during act1214, the controller107activates a second actuator862to extend one of the first and second brushes850,852relative to the other of the first and second brushes850,852when it is determined by the determining act that the second sensor information is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

FIG. 13shows a portion of a system1300in accordance with embodiments of the present system. For example, a portion of the present system1300may include a processor1310(e.g., a controller) operationally coupled to a memory1320, a user interface (UI)1330, and a user input portion1370. The memory1320may be any type of device for storing application data as well as other data related to the described operation. The application data and other data are received by the processor1310for configuring (e.g., programming) the processor1310to perform operation acts in accordance with the present system. The processor1310so configured becomes a special purpose machine particularly suited for performing in accordance with embodiments of the present system.

The operation acts may include configuring the system1300by, for example, configuring the processor1310to obtain information from user inputs such as from the user input portion1370and/or the memory1320and processing this information in accordance with embodiments of the present system to determine function to apply and/or actuator(s) which should be controlled in accordance with a corresponding function in accordance with embodiments of the present system. The user input portion1370may include force-sensitive (touch-sensitive) sensors, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball and/or other device, including touch-sensitive displays, which may be stand alone or be a part of a system, such as part of an OHD, a personal computer, a notebook computer, a netbook, a tablet, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, and/or other device for communicating with the processor1310via any operable link. The user input portion1370may be operable for interacting with the processor1310including enabling interaction within a UI as described herein. Clearly the processor1310, the memory1320, the UI1330and/or user input portion1370may all or partly be a portion of a computer system or other device such as a client and/or server as described herein.

The processor1310may render the information on the UI1330such as on a display of the system (e.g., graphics capable display, light emitting diodes (LEDs), a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc.

The methods of the present system are particularly suited to be carried out by processor programmed by a computer software program, such program containing modules corresponding to one or more of the individual steps or acts described and/or envisioned by the present system.

The processor1310is operable for providing control signals and/or performing operations in response to input signals from the user input portion1370as well as in response to other devices of a network and executing instructions stored in the memory1320. For example, the processors1310may obtain feedback information from the feedback sensors and may process this information to determine force applied to a cleaning tool, if desired. The processor1310may include one or more of a microprocessor, an application-specific or general-use integrated circuit(s), a logic device, etc. Further, the processor1310may be a dedicated processor for performing in accordance with the present system or may be a general-purpose processor wherein only one of many functions operates for performing in accordance with the present system. The processor1310may operate utilizing a program portion, multiple program segments, or may be a hardware device utilizing a dedicated or multi-purpose integrated circuit.

Accordingly, for an optimal cleaning experience, embodiments of the present system may enable users to control various functions of an oral healthcare device such an electronic toothbrush and/or flosser. For example, embodiments of the present system may provide for a user to control the speed of an electronic toothbrush and/or a jet of water ejected from an automatic flosser (e.g., an Airfloss™-type device). What is optimal for a user may depend on various factors such as: a desired efficacy, personal preferences, amount of dirt, type of dirt, sensitivity, pain threshold, spacing between the teeth, etc. Accordingly, a user may map functions to hand grip force, patterns, etc.

Accordingly embodiments of the present system provide systems, apparatus, and methods which may allow users to easily control operating parameters of an oral healthcare device. For example, rather than having to press buttons on a console of the toothbrush to select the operational mode, the user may easily exercise control to select various functions of an electronic toothbrush or flosser operating in accordance with embodiments of the present system by, for example, adjusting pressure (e.g., by squeezing harder or softer on the handgrip) on a pressure-sensitive handgrip of the electronic toothbrush or flosser. The pressure-sensitive hand grip may be squeezed during use to select functions such as a shot of air or application of stiffer bristles to remove some stubborn debris etc. which may be desirable at different times during a cleaning operation. By providing a touch-sensitive hand grip, a user does not have to make visual contact with the console of the toothbrush or flosser to see where to press to select a function. Further, a handgrip of the electronic toothbrush or flosser may have a smooth surface without physical buttons, which makes the electronic toothbrush or flosser easier to clean and more hygienic.

While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that present invention is not limited thereto, but that various changes in form and details, including the combination of various features and embodiments, may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, instead of a toothbrush or an oral cleaning device, the present system is equally applicable to items used by dentists such as drills and/or optical camera or viewing apparatus for diagnostics etc. Further variations of the present system would readily occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art and are encompassed by the following claims.

The section headings included herein are intended to facilitate a review but are not intended to limit the scope of the present system. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that:

d) several “means” may be represented by the same item or hardware or software implemented structure or function;

e) any of the disclosed elements may be comprised of hardware portions (e.g., including discrete and integrated electronic circuitry), software portions (e.g., computer programming), and any combination thereof;

f) hardware portions may be comprised of one or both of analog and digital portions;

h) no specific sequence of acts or steps is intended to be required unless specifically indicated; and

i) the term “plurality of” an element includes two or more of the claimed element, and does not imply any particular range of number of elements; that is, a plurality of elements may be as few as two elements, and may include an immeasurable number of elements.