U.S. patent application number 11/791570 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-18 for toothbrush apparatus with audio output function.
Invention is credited to Woonyoung Lee.
Application Number | 20080307593 11/791570 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36498222 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080307593 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Woonyoung |
December 18, 2008 |
Toothbrush Apparatus With Audio Output Function
Abstract
It is an object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush
apparatus with audio output function comprising a toothbrush unit
and an audio output unit, wherein the toothbrush unit detects the
toothbrush-generated vibrations and conducts the radio transmission
of such detected signals to the audio output unit and the said
audio output unit outputs various sounds, including voice. The
present invention does not have the audio output unit built inside
the toothbrush. Rather, it has a separate structure to output audio
signals. As a result, the present invention completely resolves the
waterproofing problem. Further, the present invention is able to
provide a wide variety of audio signals. To accomplish the above
object of the present invention, a novel toothbrush apparatus with
audio output function consists of a toothbrush unit comprising a
toothbrush, a vibration detection part built inside the toothbrush,
and a radio transmission means that conducts the radio transmission
of vibration detection data from the vibration detection part, and
an audio output unit that is separated from the toothbrush unit and
that receives the radio transmission of vibration detection data
from the said toothbrush unit and outputs the specified audio
signals.
Inventors: |
Lee; Woonyoung;
(Namyangju-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAMRE, SCHUMANN, MUELLER & LARSON, P.C.
P.O. BOX 2902
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0902
US
|
Family ID: |
36498222 |
Appl. No.: |
11/791570 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
November 24, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR05/03973 |
371 Date: |
June 19, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/105 ;
15/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 15/0042 20130101;
A46B 15/0002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/105 ;
15/167.1 |
International
Class: |
A46B 15/00 20060101
A46B015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 24, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0096935 |
Claims
1. A toothbrush apparatus with audio output function comprising a
toothbrush unit consisting of a toothbrush, a vibration detection
part built inside the toothbrush, and a radio transmission means
that conducts the radio transmission of vibration detection data
from the vibration detection part, and an audio output unit that is
separated from the said toothbrush unit and that receives the radio
transmission of vibration detection data from the said toothbrush
unit and outputs the specified audio signals.
2. The toothbrush apparatus with audio output function as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the radio transmission means of the said
toothbrush unit consists of a control part that creates and
generates No. 1 vibration detection data if the vibration detection
signals are repeatedly received from the said vibration detection
part during the specific No. 1 time period, No. 2 vibration
detection data if the vibration detection signals are not
repeatedly received from the said vibration detection part during
the specific No. 2 time period after the specific No. 1 time
period, No. 3 vibration detection data if the vibration detection
signals are repeatedly received from the said vibration detection
part during the specific No. 2 time period after the specific No. 1
time period, and No. 4 vibration detection data if the vibration
detection signals are repeatedly received from the said vibration
detection part during the specific No. 3 time period after the
specific No. 2 time period and then, the vibration detection
signals are iod, No. 2 vibration detection data if the vibration
detection signals are not repeatedly received from the said
vibration detection part during the specific No. 2 time period
after the specific No. 1 time period, No. 3 vibration detection
data if the vibration detection signals are repeatedly received
from the said vibration detection part during the specific No. 2
time period after the specific No. 1 time period, and No. 4
vibration detection data if the vibration detection signals are
repeatedly received from the said vibration detection part during
the specific No. 3 time period after the specific No. 2 time period
and then, the vibration detection signals a discontinued, a
transmission part that modulates the vibration detection data of
No. 1 to No. 4 under the control of the said control part according
to the specific radio communication standard and outputs them, and
an antenna that conducts the radio transmission of signals from the
said transmission part.
3. The toothbrush apparatus with audio output function as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the said audio output unit consists of a memory
part with multiple audio data, an audio output means comprising a
speaker, an antenna that detects and receives the radio
transmission of signals from the radio transmission means of the
said toothbrush unit, a receiving part that demodulates the signals
from the antenna, and a control part that checks No. 1 to No. 4
vibration detection data contained in the demodulated signals and
controls the output of audio data saved at the said memory part
corresponding to the checked vibration detection data to the
speaker through the said audio output means.
4. A toothbrush apparatus with audio output function comprising a
toothbrush unit consisting of a toothbrush, a vibration detection
part built inside the toothbrush, and a radio transmission means
that conducts the radio transmission of vibration detection data
from the vibration detection part, and an audio output unit that is
separated from the said toothbrush unit and that receives the radio
transmission of vibration detection data from the said toothbrush
unit and outputs the specified audio signals, wherein the said
audio output unit as claimed in claim 3 further comprises a key
input part for selection of various operation modes and functions,
a display part that shows the time and functions selected or set at
the key input part according to the control of the said control
part, and an audio input means for input of user's voice or other
audio data, and the said control part performs control functions to
save the audio data entered through the said audio input means at
the said memory part.
5. A toothbrush apparatus with audio output function comprising a
toothbrush unit consisting of a toothbrush, a vibration detection
part built inside the toothbrush, and a radio transmission means
that conducts the radio transmission of vibration detection data
from the vibration detection part and an audio output unit that is
separated from the said toothbrush unit and that receives the radio
transmission of vibration detection data from the said toothbrush
unit and outputs the specified audio signals, wherein the control
part of the said audio output unit as claimed in claim 4 performs
control functions to update the mapping data on audio data entered
through the said input means and saved at the said memory part and
No. 1 to No. 4 vibration detection data, on request of mapping
setting, save such updated mapping data at the specified area of
the said memory part, check No. 1 to No. 4 vibration detection data
contained in the signals demodulated at the said receiving part,
and output the audio data saved at the said memory part to the
speaker through the said audio output means based on the mapping
data saved at the said memory part and the checked vibration
detection data.
6. The toothbrush apparatus with audio output functions as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the radio transmission means of the said
toothbrush unit consists of a control part that creates and outputs
vibration detection data if the vibration detection signals are
repeatedly received from the said vibration detection part during a
specific period, a transmission part that modulates the said
vibration detection data according to the specified radio
communication standard under the control of the said control part
and outputs them, and an antenna that conducts radio outputs of
signals received from the said transmission part.
7. The toothbrush apparatus with audio output functions as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the audio out unit consists of a memory part
with multiple audio data saved, an audio output means comprising a
speaker, an antenna that detects and receives the radio
transmission signals from the radio transmission means of the said
toothbrush unit, a receiving part that demodulates the received
signals from the said antenna, and a control part that performs
control function to check the vibration detection data contained in
the said demodulated signals and output No. 1 audio data saved at
the said memory part to the speaker through the said audio output
means if the vibration detection data are repeatedly entered during
the specific No. 1 time period, No. 2 audio data saved at the said
memory part to the speaker through the said audio output means if
the vibration detection data are not repeatedly entered during the
specific No. 2 time period from the said receiving part after the
specific No. 1 time period, No. 3 audio data saved at the said
memory part to the speaker through the said audio output means if
the vibration detection data are repeatedly entered during the
specific No. 2 time period from the said receiving part after the
specific No. 1 time period, and No. 4 audio data saved at the said
memory part to the speaker through the said audio output means if
the entry of the vibration detection data from the said receiving
part is discontinued after the specific No. 2 time period.
8. A toothbrush apparatus with audio output function comprising a
toothbrush unit consisting of a toothbrush, a vibration detection
part built inside the toothbrush, and a radio transmission means
that conducts the radio transmission of vibration detection data
from the vibration detection part, and an audio output unit that is
separated from the said toothbrush unit and that receives the radio
transmission of vibration detection data from the said toothbrush
unit and outputs the specified audio signals, wherein the audio
output unit as claimed in claim 7 further comprises a key input
part for selection of various operation modes and functions, a
display part that shows the time and functions selected or set at
the key input part according to the control of the said control
part, and an audio input means for input of user's voice or other
audio data, and the said control part performs control functions to
save the audio data entered through the said audio input means at
the said memory part.
9. A toothbrush apparatus with audio output function comprising a
toothbrush unit consisting of a toothbrush, a vibration detection
part built inside the toothbrush, and a radio transmission means
that conducts the radio transmission of vibration detection data
from the vibration detection part, and an audio output unit that is
separated from the said toothbrush unit and that receives the radio
transmission of vibration detection data from the said toothbrush
unit and outputs the specified audio signals, wherein the control
part of the audio output unit as claimed in claim 8 performs
control functions to update the mapping data on audio data entered
through the said input means and saved at the said memory part and
No. 1 to No. 4 audio data, on request of mapping setting, save such
updated mapping data at the specified area of the said memory part,
check vibration detection data contained in the signals demodulated
at the said receiving part, and output the audio data saved at the
said memory part to the speaker through the said audio output means
based on the mapping data saved at the said memory part and the
checked vibration detection data.
10. The toothbrush apparatus with audio output functions as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the said toothbrush unit further includes a
low-voltage detection part that detects the voltage level of the
power part and, if the voltage level is low (below the specified
one), delivers the signal of such low-voltage status to the said
control part and the said control part perform control functions to
transmit the signal of low-voltage detection through the said radio
transmission means, if the said low-voltage detection part detects
the low-voltage status.
11. A toothbrush apparatus with audio output function comprising a
toothbrush unit consisting of a toothbrush, a vibration detection
part built inside the toothbrush, and a radio transmission means
that conducts the radio transmission of vibration detection data
from the vibration detection part, and an audio output unit that is
separated from the said toothbrush unit and that receives the radio
transmission of vibration detection data from the said toothbrush
unit and outputs the specified audio signals, wherein the control
part of the said audio output unit as claimed in claim 10 perform
control functions to extract the specified audio data corresponding
to the low-voltage detection signal from the memory part and output
them to the audio output means, if it receives the low-voltage
detection signal from the toothbrush unit through the receiving
part.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a toothbrush, more specifically,
to a toothbrush apparatus with audio output function comprising a
toothbrush unit and an audio output unit, wherein the said
toothbrush unit detects the toothbrush-generated vibrations and
conducts the radio transmission of such detected signals to the
audio output unit and the said audio output unit outputs various
sounds, including voice.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] At present, there are many kinds of toothbrush products that
have the audio function, such as output of melody or announcement.
Such products include the inventions of the Korean utility model
patent application no. 1999-0036909, the Korean utility model
patent no. 0163317, and the Korean patent application no.
2004-0004088. Such conventional toothbrush inventions with audio
output function has the handle with an audio output unit.
[0003] However, such structure has some disadvantages. For example,
since the toothbrush is always exposed to water, it has to be
completely waterproof. Especially, to realize the audio output
function, at least the speaker unit has to be exposed. Then, water
or humidity may penetrate into internal circuit board through such
speaker, leading to damages to the audio output unit.
[0004] In addition, such conventional structure has limited the
realization of the audio output function. In other words, since the
speaker has to be positioned inside the toothbrush handle, the
speaker's output is unavoidably limited. Further, the audio signals
generated on the use of the toothbrush are pre-memorized on its
fabrication, resulting in limited range of audio signals. If those
conventional toothbrush products are designed to have many audio
signals and to allow users to select the desired signals, it has to
contain a separate key input unit. In this case, such separate key
input unit is also vulnerable to water.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of
the above-mentioned problems found in conventional toothbrush
products. It is an object of the present invention to provide a
toothbrush apparatus with audio output function comprising a
toothbrush unit and an audio output unit, wherein the said
toothbrush unit detects the toothbrush-generated vibrations and
conducts the radio transmission of such detected signals to the
audio output unit and the said audio output unit outputs various
sounds, including voice. The present invention does not have the
audio output unit built inside the toothbrush. Rather, it has a
separate structure to output audio signals. As a result, the
present invention completely resolves the waterproofing problem.
Further, the present invention is able to provide a wide variety of
audio signals.
[0006] To accomplish the above object of the present invention, a
novel toothbrush apparatus with audio output function consists of a
toothbrush unit comprising a toothbrush, a vibration detection part
built inside the toothbrush, and a radio transmission means that
conducts the radio transmission of vibration detection data from
the vibration detection part, and an audio output unit that is
separated from the said toothbrush unit and that receives the radio
transmission of vibration detection data from the said toothbrush
unit and outputs the specified audio signals.
[0007] The radio transmission means of the said toothbrush unit
consists of a control part that creates and generates No. 1
vibration detection data if the vibration detection signals are
repeatedly received from the said vibration detection part during
the specific No. 1 time period, No. 2 vibration detection data if
the vibration detection signals are not repeatedly received from
the said vibration detection part during the specific No. 2 time
period after the specific No. 1 time period, No. 3 vibration
detection data if the vibration detection signals are repeatedly
received from the said vibration detection part during the specific
No. 2 time period after the specific No. 1 time period, and No. 4
vibration detection data if the vibration detection signals are
repeatedly received from the said vibration detection part during
the specific No. 3 time period after the specific No. 2 time period
and then, the vibration detection signals are discontinued, a
transmission part that modulates the vibration detection data of
No. 1 to No. 4 under the control of the said control part according
to the specific radio communication standard and outputs them, and
an antenna that conducts the radio transmission of signals from the
said transmission part.
[0008] The said audio output unit consists of a memory part with
multiple audio data, an audio output means comprising a speaker, an
antenna that detects and receives the radio transmission of signals
from the radio transmission means of the said toothbrush unit, a
receiving part that demodulates the signals from the antenna, and a
control part that checks No. 1 to No. 4 vibration detection data
contained in the demodulated signals and controls the output of
audio data saved at the said memory part corresponding to the
checked vibration detection data to the speaker through the said
audio output means. Further, the said audio output unit consists of
a key input part for selection of various operation modes and
functions, a display part that shows the time and functions
selected or set at the key input part according to the control of
the said control part, and an audio input means for input of user's
voice or other audio data. Moreover, the said control part performs
control functions to save the audio data entered through the said
audio input means at the said memory part. In addition, the control
part of the said audio output unit performs control functions to
update the mapping data on audio data entered through the said
input means and saved at the said memory part and No. 1 to No. 4
vibration detection data, on request of mapping setting, save such
updated mapping data at the specified area of the said memory part,
check No. 1 to No. 4 vibration detection data contained in the
signals demodulated at the said receiving part, and output the
audio data saved at the said memory part to the speaker through the
said audio output means based on the mapping data saved at the said
memory part and the checked vibration detection data.
[0009] Meanwhile, the radio transmission means of the said
toothbrush unit consists of a control part that creates and outputs
vibration detection data if the vibration detection signals are
repeatedly received from the said vibration detection part during a
specific period, a transmission part that modulates the said
vibration detection data according to the specified radio
communication standard under the control of the said control part
and outputs them, and an antenna that conducts radio outputs of
signals received from the said transmission part. And, the said
audio output unit consists of a memory part with multiple audio
data saved, an audio output means comprising a speaker, an antenna
that detects and receives the radio transmission signals from the
radio transmission means of the said toothbrush unit, a receiving
part that demodulates the received signals from the said antenna,
and a control part that performs control function to check the
vibration detection data contained in the said demodulated signals
and output No. 1 audio data saved at the said memory part to the
speaker through the said audio output means if the vibration
detection data are repeatedly entered during the specific No. 1
time period, No. 2 audio data saved at the said memory part to the
speaker through the said audio output means if the vibration
detection data are not repeatedly entered during the specific No. 2
time period from the said receiving part after the specific No. 1
time period, No. 3 audio data saved at the said memory part to the
speaker through the said audio output means if the vibration
detection data are repeatedly entered during the specific No. 2
time period from the said receiving part after the specific No. 1
time period, and No. 4 audio data saved at the said memory part to
the speaker through the said audio output means if the entry of the
vibration detection data from the said receiving part is
discontinued after the specific No. 2 time period. The said audio
output unit further comprises a key input part for selection of
various operation modes and functions, a display part that shows
the time and functions selected or set at the key input part
according to the control of the said control part, and an audio
input means for input of user's voice or other audio data.
Moreover, the said control part performs control functions to save
the audio data entered through the said audio input means at the
said memory part. In addition, the control part of the said audio
output unit performs control functions to update the mapping data
on audio data entered through the said input means and saved at the
said memory part and No. 1 to No. 4 audio data, on request of
mapping setting, save such updated mapping data at the specified
area of the said memory part, check vibration detection data
contained in the signals demodulated at the said receiving part,
and output the audio data saved at the said memory part to the
speaker through the said audio output means based on the mapping
data saved at the said memory part and the checked vibration
detection data.
[0010] The said toothbrush unit further includes a low-voltage
detection part that detects the voltage level of the power part
and, if the voltage level is low (below the specified one),
delivers the signal of such low-voltage status to the said control
part. In addition, the said control part perform control functions
to transmit the signal of low-voltage detection through the said
radio transmission means, if the said low-voltage detection part
detects the low-voltage status. Moreover, the control part of the
said audio output unit perform control functions to extract the
specified audio data corresponding to the low-voltage detection
signal from the memory part and output them to the audio output
means, if it receives the low-voltage detection signal from the
toothbrush unit through the receiving part.
Technical Solution
[0011] A preferred embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus with
audio output function will be described in detail in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the toothbrush unit of
the toothbrush apparatus with audio output function of the present
invention, while FIG. 2 is a cutaway view showing the toothbrush
unit of the toothbrush apparatus with audio output function of the
present invention.
[0013] As shown in these figures, the toothbrush unit (1) according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention consists of a
brush part (2), a handle part (4), and a connection part (3). It is
desirable that the connection between the handle part (4) and the
connection part (3) has several incisions and some of such
incisions have the screw thread. The connection part (3) is in the
cylindrical shape and its one end (i.e., where it is connected with
the handle part (4)) has the screw thread inside the cylindrical
form to allow connection with the screw thread of the handle part
(4) on combination with the said handle part (4). One side of the
said brush part (2) is communicated through the connection part (3)
to be connected with the handle part (4). Then, if the connection
part (3) is inserted into the connecting part of the handle part
(4) and screw-connected with the handle part (4), one side of the
brush part (1) is firmly connected with the handle part (4).
Meanwhile, the inside of the handle part (4) has a vibration
detection part (11) and a PCB (5) with several circuits. In
addition, at least one battery (6) can be positioned inside the
handle part (4). The opposite side of the part connecting with the
handle part (4) has a space for battery (the vibration of the
toothbrush at the handle part or others and a circuit conducting
the radio transmission of any detected vibration signals to an
external unit, and the circuit structure is treated to be
waterproofing.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit structure
built in one 6). It is desirable to design the battery space to be
sealed by a closing part.
[0015] Meanwhile, the toothbrush unit of the present invention is
not limited by the example shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The present
invention covers any structures that comprises a part detecting
embodiment of the toothbrush unit of the present invention.
[0016] As shown in this figure, the circuit structure of the
toothbrush unit consists of a control part (10), a vibration
detection part (11), an oscillation part (12), a power part (13), a
low-voltage detection part (14), a transmission part (15), and an
antenna (16).
[0017] The said vibration detection part (11) is an element that
can detect the angle of the movement of the toothbrush if the
toothbrush is tilted or vibrated. It can be realized by any
commonly known technology. For example, it may employ the
mercury-based vibration detection technology or other available
technologies. The said oscillation part (12) is to generate the
base clock for signals to be used in the said control part (10) or
others, or the base signals to display the time.
[0018] The said power part (13) contains the battery or other
battery charger for stable power supply to internal circuits. The
said low-voltage detection part (14) detects any low-voltage
status, if the power level supplied to the said power part (13) is
below the specific point, and notifies such status to the said
control part (10).
[0019] The said transmission part is to modulate data according to
the specified radio communication standard under the control of the
said control part (10) and transmit them through the antenna (16).
Any radio communication standards suitable for short-distance
communication can be employed. Further, for the said antenna, it is
desirable to have a structure patterned onto the said PCB. However,
if the antenna is treated to be waterproofing, any structures can
be employed.
[0020] The said control part (10) is responsible for overall
circuit controls. In addition, it conducts the control function to
output the specified vibration detection data through the said
transmission part on the basis of the vibration detection signals
entered as the vibration is detected at the said vibration
detection part (11). Further, it conducts the control function to
output the low-voltage detection data through the said transmission
part as the low-voltage detection signals are entered from the said
low-voltage detection part (14). The said control part (10) has
unique identification codes, which are contained in the radio
transmission signals from the transmission part.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the circuit structure of
the audio output unit in one embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus
with audio output function.
[0022] As shown in this figure, the audio output unit consists of a
control part (20), an antenna (22), a receiving part (24), a key
input part (26), a microphone (28), a voice input part (30), a
memory part (32), a display part (34), an audio processing part
(36), an audio amplification part (38), a speaker (40), an
oscillation part (42), and a power part (44).
[0023] Multiple audio data (audio signals) are saved at the said
memory part (32). Types of such audio data may include 1) audio
data prior to tooth-brushing, 2) audio data during tooth-brushing,
3) audio data for pre-mature termination of tooth-brushing before
the time set for tooth-brushing, 4) audio data when tooth-brushing
is terminated after the time set for tooth-brushing, and 5) audio
data for warning of low-voltage. Each type may include several
audio data.
[0024] The said receiving part (24) receives the signals through
the antenna (22) from the toothbrush unit, demodulates them
according to the radio communication standard, and transmits them
to the control part (20). Although it is desirable for the antenna
to have the structure of patterned PCB, any shapes can be employed
for the antenna.
[0025] The said key input part (26) is to select various modes and
set functions. The type of audio output signals, data for the
display part (34), and user's voice memory modes to be saved at the
memory part can be selected and set.
[0026] The said display part (34) can employ conventional
liquid-crystal display elements and, desirably, has a function of
displaying the time under usual conditions. Further, it is
desirable to change the time set at the said key input part.
[0027] The said microphone (28) is to record the user's voice data,
if necessary, and save them at the said memory part (32). The said
voice input part (30) has the structure of conducting the low-pass
filtering of voice signals entered through the said microphone (28)
and outputting the voice data digitalized through the
analog/digital conversion. These digital voice data are saved at
the memory part (32) under the control of the control part
(20).
[0028] When the user play the voice data saved through key input,
the control part (20) controls extraction of the saved voice data
from the said memory part (32) and output of such data through the
audio processing part (36), the audio amplification part (38), and
the speaker (40). In this case, the user may delete the voice data
with use of the key input part (26) if he/she does not want
them.
[0029] The said audio processing part (36) conduct the
digital/analog conversion of the audio data (voice data) extracted
and outputted from the said memory part (32) under the control of
the said control part (20), while the said audio identification
codes, vibration detection data, and low-voltage detection data
contained in such demodulated signals and to output the specified
audio amplification part (38) amplifies the analog-converted audio
signals (voice signals) and outputs them through the said speaker
(40).
[0030] The said oscillation part (42) is to generate the base clock
for signals to be used in the said control part (20) or others, or
the base signals to display the time. The said power part (44) is
to supply power to individual elements and can be structured to
contain the battery or other battery charger.
[0031] The said control part (20) is responsible for overall
control of individual elements. In addition, it conducts the
control function to check the data saved at the said memory part
(32) corresponding to such checked detection data to the speaker
(40 through the said audio processing part (36) and the said audio
amplification part (38).
[0032] FIG. 5 shows the operational flow of the toothbrush unit in
one embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus with audio output
function.
[0033] As shown in this figure, when any vibration is detected by
the vibration detection part (11) and such vibration detection
signals are entered (Step S10), the control part (10) determines if
such vibration detection signals are repeatedly entered during the
specific No. 1 time period (Step S11.about.S12). If such signals
are not repeatedly entered, it ignores the vibration detection
signals of the above step S10. The reason why such determination is
made for No. 1 time period is to ignore the cases where vibration
is detected at the vibration detection part (11), for example, by
simply touching the toothbrush unit rather than grabbing the unit
to brush the teeth. Meanwhile, if it is determined that the
vibration detection signals are repeatedly entered at the above
step S12, it controls transmission of No. 1 (detection) data,
including its unique identification codes, through the transmission
part (15) and the antenna (16) (Step S13). The said No. 1
(detection) data are to output "audio data prior to tooth-brushing"
saved at the memory part (32) of the said audio output unit.
[0034] Then, the said control part (10) checks if the vibration
detection signals are repeatedly entered from the said vibration
detection part (11) during the specific No. 1 time period and No. 2
time period (Step S14.about.S15). When such repeated vibration is
terminated during the specific No. 2 time period, it controls
transmission of No. 2 (detection) data, including its unique
identification codes, through the transmission part (15) and the
antenna (16) (Step S16) and its status is returned into Step S10.
The said No. 2 (detection) data are to output "audio data for
pre-mature termination of tooth-brushing before the time set for
tooth-brushing".
[0035] Meanwhile, if the repeated vibration is detected at S15, the
said control part (10) controls transmission of No. 3 (detection)
data, including its unique identification codes, through the
transmission part (15) and the antenna (16) (Step S17). The said
No. 3 (detection) data are to output "audio data during
tooth-brushing" saved at the memory part (32) of the said audio
output unit.
[0036] Then, the said control part (10) checks if the vibration
detection signals are repeatedly entered from the said vibration
detection part (11) during the specific No. 2 time period and No. 3
time period (Step S18.about.S19). When such repeated vibration is
terminated during the specific No. 3 time period, it controls
transmission of No. 4 (detection) data, including its unique
identification codes, through the transmission part (15) and the
antenna (16) (Step S20) and its status is returned into Step S10.
The said No. 4 (detection) data are to output "audio data when
tooth-brushing is terminated after the time set for tooth-brushing"
saved at the said memory part (32) of the said audio output unit.
Meanwhile, this figure explains the operational flow of the said
control part (10) only from the aspect of vibration detection at
the said vibration detection part, but the control part (10) of the
present invention actually controls the transmission of low-voltage
detection data through the transmission part (15) and the antenna
(16) if the low-voltage detection signals are entered from the said
low-voltage detection part (14). The said low-voltage detection
data are to output "audio data for warning of low voltage" saved at
the memory part (32) of the said audio output unit and allow users
to exchange batteries of the toothbrush unit.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows the operational flow of the audio output unit
in one embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus with audio output
function. It depicts the operation flow when detection signals are
received at the audio output unit according to the control flow of
FIG. 5. In this figure, it is assumed that the audio output unit
has unique identification codes matched to data received from the
antenna (22) and the receiving part (24).
[0038] At first, if the control part (20) determines that No. 1
(detection) data are received through the receiving part, the
control part (20) extracts "audio data prior to tooth-brushing"
equivalent to No. 1 data from the memory part (32) and outputs them
to the speaker (40) through the audio processing part (36) and the
audio amplification part (38) (Step S21.about.S22). In this case,
the user is holding the toothbrush unit and doing other acts, such
as squeezing the toothpaste, in order to brush the teeth.
Therefore, it is desirable to output the audio data, such as "Hi!
Are you going to brush your teeth? Let's brush the teeth!", or
combination of audio data and music data.
[0039] In addition, if the said control part (20) determines that
No. 2 (detection) data are received through the receiving part, the
control part (20) extracts "audio data for pre-mature termination
of tooth-brushing before the time set for tooth-brushing"
equivalent to No. 2 data from the memory part (32) and outputs them
to the speaker (40) through the audio processing part (36) and the
audio amplification part (38) (Step S23.about.S24). In this case,
the user stops brushing the teeth before the time set for
tooth-brushing. Therefore, it is desirable to output the audio
data, such as "Why do you stop brushing your teeth so quickly?" or
combination of audio data and music data.
[0040] Further, if the said control part (20) determines that No. 3
(detection) data are received through the receiving part, the
control part (20) extracts "audio data during tooth-brushing"
equivalent to No. 3 data from the memory part (32) and outputs them
to the speaker (40) through the audio processing part (36) and the
audio amplification part (38) (Step S25.about.S26). In this case,
the user is holding the toothbrush unit and brushing his/her teeth.
Therefore, it is desirable to output the music data, such as
cheerful songs.
[0041] Moreover, if the said control part (20) determines that No.
4 (detection) data are received through the receiving part, the
control part (20) extracts "audio data when tooth-brushing is
terminated after the time set for tooth-brushing" equivalent to No.
4 data from the memory part (32) and outputs them to the speaker
(40) through the audio processing part (36) and the audio
amplification part (38) (Step S27.about.S28). In this case, the
user stops brushing his/her teeth after sufficient time of
tooth-brushing. Therefore, it is desirable to output the audio
data, such as "See you again!" or combination of audio data and
music data.
[0042] Meanwhile, this figure explains the operational flow of the
said control part (20) only from the aspect of vibration detection
at the said vibration detection part, but the control part (20) of
the present invention extracts "audio data for warning of
low-voltage" from the said memory part (32) and outputs them to the
speaker (4) through the audio processing part (36) and the audio
amplification part (38) if the low-voltage detection signals are
detected by the said low-voltage detection part (14) and such
low-voltage detection data are received at the said audio output
unit. In this case, the toothbrush unit is under exchange of
batteries or requires recharging. Therefore, it is desirable to
output the audio data, such as "Hello, I am hungry.about..about.",
"Please change batteries.about..about.", or "Please recharge
me.about..about.", or warning sounds.
[0043] It is desirable to match audio data saved at the said memory
part (32) with No. 1 to No. 4 (detection) data and low-voltage
detection data and to save such mapped data at the specified area
of the said memory part (32).
[0044] Further, the control part (20) desirably performs control
functions to update the mapping data, when the user request mapping
resetting of No. 1 to No. 4 (detection) data and low-voltage
detection data through the key input part (26), save such updated
mapping data at the specified area of the said memory part (32),
check No. 1 to No. 4 (detection) data and low-voltage detection
data contained in the signals demodulated at the said receiving
part (24), and output the audio data saved at the said memory part
(32) to the speaker through the said audio processing part (36) and
the audio amplification part (38) based on the mapping data at the
memory part (32) and the detection data or low-voltage detection
data checked as above.
[0045] FIG. 7 shows the operational flow of the toothbrush unit in
another embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus with audio output
function.
[0046] As shown in this figure, when vibration is detected at the
vibration detection part (11) and vibration detection signals are
entered (Step S3), the control part (10) in the example embodiment
of the present invention determines if the vibration detection
signals are repeatedly entered during a specific period (Step
S31.about.S32) and, if such signals are not repeatedly entered, it
ignores such vibration detection at the above step S30. The reason
why such determination is made during a specific period is to
ignore the cases where vibration is detected at the vibration
detection part (11), for example, by simply touching the toothbrush
unit rather than grabbing the unit to brush the teeth. Meanwhile,
if it is determined that the vibration detection signals are
repeatedly entered at the above step S32, it controls transmission
of vibration signals, including its unique identification codes,
through the transmission part (15) and the antenna (16) (Step
S13).
[0047] FIG. 8 shows the operational flow of the audio output unit
in another embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus with audio output
function. This figure depicts the flow of receiving detection
signals at the audio output unit according to the control flow of
FIG. 7. In this figure, it is assumed that the audio output unit
has unique identification codes matched to data received from the
antenna (22) and the receiving part (24).
[0048] As shown in this figure, when vibration signals are received
from the receiving part (24) (Step S40), the control part (20)
determines if the vibration signals are repeatedly entered during a
specific No. 1 time period (Step S41.about.S42) and, if such
signals are not repeatedly entered, it ignores such vibration
signals received at the above step S40. The reason why such
determination is made during a specific No. 1 time period is to
ignore the cases where vibration is detected at the vibration
detection part (11), for example, by simply touching the toothbrush
unit rather than grabbing the unit to brush the teeth and such
vibration signals are received at the audio output unit. Meanwhile,
if it is determined that the vibration signals are repeatedly
entered at the above step S42, the control part (20) extracts
"audio data prior to tooth-brushing" as No. 1 audio signals from
the memory part (32) and outputs them to the speaker (40) through
the audio processing part (36) and the audio amplification part
(38) (Step S43).
[0049] Then, the said control part (20) checks if the vibration
detection signals are repeatedly entered during the specific No. 1
time period and No. 2 time period (Step S44.about.S45). When such
repeated vibration is terminated during the specific No. 2 time
period, it extracts "audio data for pre-mature termination of
tooth-brushing before the time set for tooth-brushing" as No. 2
audio signals from the memory part (32) and outputs them to the
speaker (40) through the audio processing part (36) and the audio
amplification part (38) (Step S46). The control part's status is
returned into step S40.
[0050] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the repeated vibration
signals are received at S45, the said control part (20) extracts
"audio data during tooth-brushing" as No. 3 audio signals from the
memory part (32) and outputs them to the speaker (40) through the
audio processing part (36) and the audio amplification part (38)
(Step S48).
[0051] Then, if it is determined that no repeated vibration signals
are received, the said control part (20) extracts "audio data when
tooth-brushing is terminated after the time set for tooth-brushing"
as No. 4 audio signals from the memory part (32) and outputs them
to the speaker (40) through the audio processing part (36) and the
audio amplification part (38) (Step S48.about.S49). The said
control part (20) goes back to the above step S40.
[0052] Meanwhile, this figure explains the operational flow of the
said control part (20) only from the aspect of vibration detection
at the said vibration detection part, but the control part (20) of
the present invention extracts "audio data for warning of
low-voltage" from the said memory part (32) and outputs them to the
speaker (4) through the audio processing part (36) and the audio
amplification part (38) if the low-voltage detection signals are
detected by the said low-voltage detection part (14) and such
low-voltage detection data are received at the said audio output
unit.
[0053] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of circuits built inside the
toothbrush unit in another embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus
with audio output function. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing
circuits of the audio output unit in another embodiment of the
toothbrush apparatus with audio output function. FIG. 11 shows
communication between the toothbrush unit and the audio output unit
in another embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus with audio output
function. Unlike other example embodiment, this example embodiment
in these figures has a structure that, when the toothbrush unit
transmits data on radio communication between the toothbrush unit
and the audio output unit, the audio output unit transmits the
signals confirming that such data are received.
[0054] The above examples are based on the case when the user is
manually brushing his/her teeth. However, the present invention is
also applicable to automatic toothbrush. In this case, the presence
or absence of actual tooth-brushing can be determined by the said
vibration detection part. However, such determination may be based
on the vibration switch (on/off). Although the preferred embodiment
of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative
purpose, those who are skilled in the art will appreciate that
various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible,
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as
disclosed in the accompanying claims.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0055] As clearly illustrated and demonstrated as above, the
present invention does not have the audio output unit inside the
toothbrush, but it consists of two separate units. The toothbrush
unit has a system to detect vibration of the toothbrush and conduct
the radio transmission of such detection result to the separate
audio output unit. In this way, the present invention resolves the
waterproofing problems and enables use of various audio
signals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0056] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the toothbrush unit of
the toothbrush apparatus with audio output function of the present
invention.
[0057] FIG. 2 is a cutaway view showing the toothbrush unit of the
toothbrush apparatus with audio output function of the present
invention.
[0058] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit structure
built in one embodiment of the toothbrush unit of the present
invention.
[0059] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the circuit structure of
the audio output unit in one embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus
with audio output function.
[0060] FIG. 5 shows the operational flow of the toothbrush unit in
one embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus with audio output
function.
[0061] FIG. 6 shows the operational flow of the audio output unit
in one embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus with audio output
function.
[0062] FIG. 7 shows the operational flow of the toothbrush unit in
another embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus with audio output
function.
[0063] FIG. 8 shows the operational flow of the audio output unit
in another embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus with audio output
function.
[0064] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of circuits built inside the
toothbrush unit in another embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus
with audio output function.
[0065] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing circuits of the audio
output unit in another embodiment of the toothbrush apparatus with
audio output function.
[0066] FIG. 11 shows communication between the toothbrush unit and
the audio output unit in another embodiment of the toothbrush
apparatus with audio output function.
LEGEND
[0067] 1: Toothbrush unit [0068] 2: Brush part [0069] 3: Connection
part [0070] 4: Handle part [0071] 5: PCB [0072] 6: Battery [0073]
10: Control part [0074] 11: Vibration detection part [0075] 12:
Oscillation part [0076] 13: Power part [0077] 14: Low-voltage
detection part [0078] 15: Transmission part [0079] 15A:
Transmission/Receiving part [0080] 16: Antenna [0081] 20: Control
part [0082] 22: Antenna [0083] 24: Receiving part [0084] 24A:
Transmission/Receiving part [0085] 26: Key input part [0086] 28:
Microphone [0087] 30: Voice input part [0088] 32: Memory part
[0089] 34: Display part [0090] 36: Audio processing part [0091] 38:
Audio amplification part [0092] 40: Speaker
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0093] It is preferred to embody the invention that outputs audio
signals only when users brush their teeth. In other words, it is a
key point to recognize if the act of brushing the teeth is actually
done and output the signals.
MODE FOR THE INVENTION
[0094] Since it is difficult to actually recognize the act of
brushing the teeth, the present invention considers the vibration
of the toothbrush unit as the act of brushing the teeth and outputs
audio signals.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0095] The present invention is applicable to any applications that
recognize movement and output audio or voice signals.
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0096] Not applicable
* * * * *