U.S. patent application number 13/108028 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-13 for oral care system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Braun GmbH. Invention is credited to Vladimir Fischer, Benedikt Heil, Ivo Kunath, Rory McGarry, Nobert Schaefer, Michael Schmid, Wolfgang Stegmann, Martin Stratmann, Ingo Vetter, Duy Phong Vu.
Application Number | 20110247156 13/108028 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41220212 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110247156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmid; Michael ; et
al. |
October 13, 2011 |
Oral Care System
Abstract
A body care appliance for personal use is disclosed. The body
care appliance includes a toothbrush; a display device and a
sensing device. The display device displays interactive
representations that can be controlled interactively from the
toothbrush by means of a control device. The sensing device senses
at least one operating parameter relating to the toothbrush,
wherein the sensing device has position sensing means for sensing
the relative position of the toothbrush to the body part of the
appliance user. The representations can be controlled by means of
the control device depending on the sensed relative position
Inventors: |
Schmid; Michael;
(Frankfurt/Main, DE) ; McGarry; Rory;
(Frankfurt/Main, DE) ; Stegmann; Wolfgang;
(Frankfurt/Main, DE) ; Vu; Duy Phong; (Schwalbach,
DE) ; Heil; Benedikt; (Ober-Moerlen, DE) ;
Stratmann; Martin; (Frankfurt/Main, DE) ; Schaefer;
Nobert; (Frankfurt/Main, DE) ; Kunath; Ivo;
(Kronberg, DE) ; Vetter; Ingo; (Karben, DE)
; Fischer; Vladimir; (Sulzbach, DE) |
Assignee: |
Braun GmbH
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
41220212 |
Appl. No.: |
13/108028 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/105 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 15/0006 20130101;
A63F 13/211 20140902; A46B 15/0002 20130101; A46B 15/0016 20130101;
A63F 13/245 20140902; G06K 9/46 20130101; A46B 15/0012 20130101;
A46B 2200/1066 20130101; A63F 13/52 20140902; A63F 2300/1012
20130101; A61C 17/221 20130101; A46B 15/0008 20130101; A46B 15/0004
20130101; A63F 13/213 20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/105 |
International
Class: |
A46B 15/00 20060101
A46B015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 20, 2009 |
EP |
09006802.4 |
May 20, 2010 |
IB |
PCT/IB2010/052258 |
Claims
1. A body care appliance for personal use, comprising: a
toothbrush; a display device for displaying interactive
representations that can be controlled interactively from the
toothbrush by means of a control device; and a sensing device for
sensing at least one operating parameter relating to the
toothbrush, wherein the sensing device has position sensing means
for sensing the relative position of the toothbrush to the body
part of the appliance user and wherein the representations can be
controlled by means of the control device depending on the sensed
relative position.
2. A body care appliance according to claim 1, wherein the position
sensing means has includes at least one sensor selected from the
group consisting of a distance sensor, a inclination sensor, a
movement sensor, and an acceleration sensor.
3. A body care appliance according to claim 1, wherein the sensing
device has object recognition means for recognizing a body part and
the control device controls the representations of the display
device based on the sensed object recognition data and at least one
operating parameter relating to the toothbrush.
4. A body care appliance according to claim 1, wherein the object
recognition means has an optical sensing unit for the optical
sensing of at least one anatomical feature of the body part in
order to identify the body part.
5. A body care appliance according to claim 1, wherein the optical
sensing unit is embodied to work without markings.
6. A body care appliance according to claim 3, wherein the object
recognition means has at least one determining unit for determining
colors, color contrasts, surface structures, structure differences,
material contrasts, surface contours, and/or spatial
geometries.
7. A body care appliance according to claim 3, wherein the object
recognition means have at least one sensing unit arranged on the
toothbrush.
8. A body care appliance according to claim 3, wherein the object
recognition means has a camera.
9. A body care appliance according to claim 1, wherein the sensing
device has sensing means for sensing a body care parameter
individually for the respectively identified body part, the body
care parameter selected from the group consisting of duration of
care, care movement, contact pressure force, worked-on surface, and
angle of incidence.
10. A body care appliance according to claim 1, wherein the control
device has a simulation device for simulating the body care
procedure by means of a virtual, animated representation on the
display device, whose animation can be controlled by an animation
control unit depending on the sensed relative position and/or the
sensed object recognition data.
11. A body care appliance according to claim 10, wherein the
animated representation includes a virtual image part and/or an
avatar, which is controlled synchronously to the sensed relative
position and/or synchronously to the at least one body care
parameter.
12. A body care appliance according to claim 10, wherein the
simulation device has display means for displaying an already
worked-on body part and/or a body part yet to be worked on.
13. A body care appliance according to claim 10, wherein the
simulation device has display means for displaying the desired
value and/or the actual value of a body care parameter in the
virtual representation.
14. A body care appliance according to claim 10, wherein the
simulation device has display means for displaying an error display
in the virtual representation in the case of an excessive
desired/actual value deviation of one or more body care
parameters.
15. A body care appliance according to claim 1, wherein the control
device includes a games- and/or simulation controller for
controlling a video game and/or an animated simulation on the
display device as well as an information controller for providing
information on the display device, wherein a switch device, which
can be actuated by a switch key, is provided on the display device
for switching the game representation generated by the game
controller to an information representation generated by the
information controller and/or vice versa.
16. A body care appliance according to claim 15, wherein the
referenced information controller has an evaluating unit for
evaluating sensed operating parameters and/or can be connected to
an evaluating unit, wherein by means of the switching device, the
game representation shown by the game controller can be switched to
an evaluation representation reproducing evaluated operating
parameters and/or vice versa.
17. A body care appliance according to claim 16, wherein the
operating parameters that can be evaluated is selected from the
group consisting of duration of care, care time, toothbrush
movement, toothbrush position, toothbrush speed, toothbrush
acceleration, and toothbrush contact pressure force.
18. A body care appliance according to claim 15, wherein a further
switch key is provided on the toothbrush for switching the screen
content of the display device from the toothbrush.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/IB2010/052258, filed May 20, 2010, which claims
priority to EP 09006802.4, filed May 20, 2009, the substance of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a body care appliance for
personal use, in particular in the form of an oral care system.
More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a toothbrush
and a display device for displaying interactive representations
that can be controlled interactively from the toothbrush by means
of a control device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In order to increase the incentive for regular brushing,
brushing devices are provided with screens or displays on which
video games are shown that can be controlled interactively from the
toothbrush. Children in particular are motivated by the
additionally provided entertainment value to brush their teeth
regularly. Alternatively or in addition to pure entertainment
games, instructions for the efficient and effective brushing of the
teeth can also be shown thereby, for example, in such a way that
the toothbrush user copies the image sequences shown.
[0004] For example WO 2007/112112 A1 describes a brushing device in
which a screen is provided on the base station for charging the
toothbrush, on which screen video games are shown during use. The
video game can be controlled hereby from the toothbrush. On the one
hand, the toothbrush has manually actuatable input keys for
entering control commands for the video game. On the other hand,
brushing parameters such as contact pressure and accelerations
occurring during the brushing movements are sensed at the
toothbrush by means of various sensors, wherein the video game on
the screen is controlled based on these sensed parameters. In order
to show a respectively suitable video game for a respective user,
the attachment of the toothbrush is identified by means of an
identification code, depending on which the video game or its game
rules are selected. Even though a certain adaptation to the
individual user is guaranteed by these means, the degree of the
personalization as well as the adaptability to the respective needs
is limited.
[0005] From US 2008/0102953 A1, a toothbrush is likewise known that
is embodied as an input device for controlling a game console, in
order to control a video game thereon. A sensor attached to the
brush detects brush movements, wherein based on the movement
signals of the toothbrush, the movement of a virtual game object of
the video game is controlled. Further operating parameters are to
be sensed by further sensors on the brush, thus for example,
through a moisture sensor, a chemicals detector, a pH sensor, a
temperature sensor, or a toothpaste detector, in order for example
to activate additional game bonus points or functionalities when
the correct toothpaste is used.
[0006] US 2006/0040246 A1 describes an electric toothbrush that can
be placed on a base station and can be charged. The base station
contains a display on which an interactive game such as for example
PAC-MAN.RTM. is shown. The toothbrush communicates wirelessly with
the control device to control the game, which is activated by
removing the toothbrush from the base station or by a start knob
attached to the toothbrush. Sensors on the toothbrush sense its
movements, which are used to control movements of game characters
or game parts on the screen. In order to be able to carry out
different games, different chips can be used. The more skillfully
the game shown on the screen is played, the more winning points are
credited to the user.
[0007] From DE 10153863 A1 a toothbrush is known on whose shank end
a spherical display part can be placed, on which the brushing
results sensed by means of sensors can be displayed or after a
successful brushing procedure, a game for children can be shown.
However, an interactive control of the game shown on the display
from the toothbrush is not provided; rather, a control of the
program shown on the display takes place by means of input keys
arranged on the display part itself, so that the entertainment
value and the learning effect are limited. The actual display in
the display part is inserted into the spherical form of the display
part hereby and is covered by a sphere-cap-shaped, transparent
covering made of scratch-proof and acid-proof plastic.
[0008] Patent applications US 2008/0141478 and US 2008/0141476 show
further brushing devices with a display on which interactively
controllable games are shown, wherein several toothbrushes can
communicate with one another in order to be able to play games
against one another competitively, such as for example "Rock,
Paper, Scissors." However, the displays are attached to the
handpiece of the toothbrushes themselves hereby, so that a game
that supports the correct brushing cannot be played during the
brushing.
[0009] Even though such entertainment games increase the incentive
to also actually use the body care appliance such as for example a
toothbrush, the danger exists that the games come to the fore and
precisely with children, divert their attention so much that the
actual goal of improving the efficiency of the body care and body
brushing suffers. It would therefore be desirable to combine the
playful incentive to use the appliance with an operability that
supports the efficient use of the appliance, wherein it would be
advantageous to provide a playful learning aid for the correct
operability and in case of improper operation, to intervene in a
correcting manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In one embodiment, a body care appliance for personal use is
provided. The body care appliance includes a toothbrush; a display
device and a sensing device. The display device displays
interactive representations that can be controlled interactively
from the toothbrush by means of a control device. The sensing
device senses at least one operating parameter relating to the
toothbrush, wherein the sensing device has position sensing means
for sensing the relative position of the toothbrush to the body
part of the appliance user. The representations can be controlled
by means of the control device depending on the sensed relative
position
[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of specific
embodiments will become evident to those skilled in the art from a
reading of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
in nature and not intended to limit the invention defined by the
claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative
embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the
following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like
reference numerals and in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a body care
appliance in the form of a brushing device according to an
embodiment shown and described herein;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a course of a
interactively controllable brushing game on the screen of a display
device according to an embodiment shown and described herein;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a toothbrush positioned on a
base station according to an embodiment shown and described
herein;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a sectional representation of a navigation switch
on a toothbrush that can be actuated manually to control the avatar
of an interactively controllable game according to an embodiment
shown and described herein;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a switch key on a display
device for switching the screen content according to an embodiment
shown and described herein; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic, sectional representation of screen
control keys on a handpiece of a toothbrush according to an
embodiment shown and described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The following text sets forth a broad description of
numerous different embodiments of the present disclosure. The
description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not
describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible
embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. It will be
understood that any feature, characteristic, component,
composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described
herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole
or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition,
ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous
alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current
technology or technology developed after the filing date of this
patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. All
publications and patents cited herein are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0020] According to the present disclosure, during body care, the
position of the care tool relative to a body part to be cared for
is determined, and depending on the relative position determined,
the representation displayed on the display device is changed in
order to give feedback to the appliance user about whether the care
tool is guided over the body part to be cared for correctly,
completely, at the correct site and/or for a sufficiently long
time. According to one embodiment, the initially referenced sensing
device has position sensing means for sensing the relative position
of the care tool relative to a body part of the appliance user to
be cared for, wherein the representation shown on the display
device is controlled depending on the relative position sensed. The
screen representation hereby can, in one example, be a virtual,
animated representation that simulates the body care procedure,
wherein the animation is controlled depending on the relative
position of the actual care tool sensed relative to the actual body
part of the appliance user.
[0021] A display of the respective body part to be worked on and/or
its care condition is particularly helpful for the appliance user,
especially when these are children with even less pronounced motor
abilities. According to a further embodiment, the sensing device
has object recognition means for recognizing a body part, wherein
the control device controls the representation on the display
device based on the object recognition data sensed and on at least
one operating parameter relating to body care and/or the care tool.
If the body care appliance is for example a toothbrush, the brush
can sense and identify the teeth of the appliance user as body
parts to be cared for, and for example to display associated
parameters such as soiling condition or care that has already taken
place. For example, when a tooth with a large amount of soiling is
recognized, the representation on the display device, which for
example can reproduce a virtual image of a set of teeth, can
contain a particular recognition of the especially soiled tooth,
for example in the form of a marking or an emphasis such as for
example a coloration, in order to indicate to the appliance user
that he must brush this tooth particularly intensively. In this way
the object recognition can provide advantages even without
displaying the relative position of the care tool to the body part
to be brushed.
[0022] In particular, however, the object recognition is used to
represent graphically the relative position of the care tool to the
respectively identified body part in the representation on the
display device. If for example, a right upper incisor is brushed,
the object recognition means recognize the tooth being worked on as
a right upper incisor, so that in a virtual representation on the
display device, a corresponding image part can be emphasized and/or
marked.
[0023] The previously referenced position sensing means can in
principle contain various parameters of the relative position of
the care tool relative to the body part to be cared for. According
to one embodiment, the sensed relative position data can contain
only the distance of the care tool from the body part to be cared
for. Alternatively or in addition, however, the position sensing
means can sense the relative position of the care tool to the
respective body part in a more complex manner, in particular also
dynamically. In one embodiment, an inclination sensor can also be
provided for sensing the inclination of the care tool relative to
the body part to be cared for and/or absolutely in the space, a
movement sensor for sensing the movement distance and/or movement
direction of the care tool relative to the respective body part
and/or absolutely in the space, a speed sensor for sensing the
speed of the care tool relative to the respective body part and/or
absolutely in the space and/or an acceleration sensor for sensing
the acceleration of the care tool relative to the body part and/or
absolutely in the space. Depending on the embodiment of the sensing
means, the representation displayed on the display device can
simulate the body care procedure in more or less exact detail.
[0024] The object recognition for recognizing and/or identifying a
respective body part can in principle be carried out in various
ways. According to one embodiment, the object recognition means can
have an optical sensing unit for the optical sensing of at least
one anatomical feature of the respective body part, based on which
the respective body part can be identified. Such an anatomy
recognition allows the exact position of the care tool relative to
the body of the appliance user to be identified precisely and
efficiently and allows the virtual representation to be controlled
accordingly.
[0025] In order to enable a simple, practical use, the optical
sensing unit works without marking, i.e. it recognizes the
respective body part without previously placing corresponding
markings on it. In particular at least one anatomy feature can be
sensed for this purpose and evaluated. In one embodiment, the
object recognition means can determine colors and color contrasts,
surface structures and structure differences, material contrasts,
surface contours and/or spatial geometries of a body part. In order
to identify the respective body part from this, in principle
various procedures can be used, for example after determining the
three-dimensional contour of a tooth, the respective tooth can be
identified by a comparison with a set of reference data and/or a
comparison with several sets of reference data.
[0026] In order to enable a simple determination of the relative
position of the care tool to the respective body part from the
identification of this body part and/or in connection with its
object recognition data, according to an advantageous development
of the invention it is advantageous if the object recognition means
have at least one sensing unit arranged on the care tool. In
particular, a camera and/or an optical sensor can be arranged on
the care tool for object recognition, so that as the care tool is
guided over the body, the camera or the optical sensor is likewise
guided over it. In principle it would also be possible to provide a
separate sensing unit for example in the form of a separately
placed camera, which senses on the one hand the care tool and on
the other hand the body part to be cared for. However, this
requires a certain positioning of the body to the sensing unit and
thus a boundary condition parameter that must additionally be
maintained by the appliance user. In order to achieve a simpler
operability, the previously referenced embodiment with a camera
arranged on the care tool is particularly advantageous.
[0027] In one embodiment, the previously referenced further sensing
means or sensors of the position sensing means can also be arranged
on the care tool. In another embodiment, the sensing device is
embodied in such a way that at least one relevant body care
parameter is sensed individually for the respectively identified
body part. For example, the brushing movement, the brushing time,
the contact pressure force, and/or the worked-on surface can be
sensed and/or determined individually for a currently worked-on
body part. In one embodiment, the corresponding linking of object
recognition data and sensed operating parameter can take place in a
simple manner in that the sensing means for the referenced body
care parameter such as, for example, a contact pressure force
sensor as well as the object recognition means are arranged on the
care tool, so that the object recognition takes place essentially
in parallel time to the body care parameter sensing.
[0028] In order to enable an intuitive ability to sense the correct
appliance operation and also to give a playful learning aid into
the hand of children, in one embodiment, the control device has a
simulation device that simulates the body care procedure by means
of a virtual, animated representation on the display device, whose
animation is controlled by an animation control unit depending on
the sensed relative position of the care tool to the body part to
be cared for and/or the sensed object recognition data of a
respective body part. A synchronous control of the animated
representation with the sensed movements and operating parameters
of the care tool is particularly helpful hereby. Through this the
respective appliance user sees on the display device his care
movements and/or reactions of the animation corresponding to his
care movements and/or to control commands simultaneously or with
only a slight time delay, so that an immediate learning effect
occurs.
[0029] In order to give an appliance user assistance about which
body parts to be cared for he has already worked on and which he
has not yet worked on, in one embodiment, the simulation device has
display means for displaying an already worked-on body part and/or
a not yet worked-on body part and/or a body part yet to be worked
on. The display can in principle be embodied in various ways
hereby. For example, corresponding markings can be applied to the
virtual representation of the body parts to be cared for, for
example, by a coloration of the corresponding representation parts.
If, for example, a tooth has been brushed for a sufficiently long
time, its virtual representation can be switched from a beige shade
to a white shade.
[0030] Alternatively, or in addition to this, other display means
can also be used, for example an insertion of text, a change of the
gestures or facial expressions of the animated character or of the
avatar of the virtual representation, an acoustical signal such as
beeping or speech, or an optical signal such as for example
light-emitting diodes or a symbol representation such as for
example a stop sign, an arrow with a slash through it, or the like.
In order to give the appliance user a learning aid for the correct
use of the appliance, in one embodiment, the simulation device can
have display means for displaying the desired value and/or the
actual value of a body care parameter such as, for example, the
movement path of the care tool over the body part to be cared for.
The desired and/or actual values of other operating parameters or
body care parameters can also be displayed thereby, in particular
can be integrated into the virtual, animated representation, thus
in particular a display of the movement speed, the contact pressure
force, the care time, the movement amplitude, and/or the angle of
incidence of the care tool, wherein advantageously the desired
value and actual value are inserted respectively.
[0031] In one embodiment, the control device can hereby include an
evaluation unit that undertakes a comparison between the desired
values and the sensed actual values of the operating parameters or
of the body care parameters, in order to determine errors in the
operation of the appliance. In another embodiment, the simulation
device can have display means for displaying an error display in
the virtual representation when a faulty operation is recognized,
in particular in the case of an excessive desired/actual value
difference of one or more body care parameters and/or operating
parameters.
[0032] The previously referenced representation of desired and
actual value can in principle be inserted permanently into the
animated representation on the display device. Alternatively, the
simulation device can also include control means that activate the
desired and/or actual values and/or the error display only when a
faulty operation is actually sensed and/or a predetermined quantity
is exceeded.
[0033] In one embodiment, graphic displays for supporting the
correct appliance operation can be built into the animated
representation. For example, for a body care appliance in the form
of a toothbrush, it is possible to display lines for a desired
movement path and an actual movement path in the animated
representation, so that the appliance user can try to bring the two
lines to overlap, which then corresponds to an optimal manipulation
of the care tool. If on the other hand a pressure sensor is
mounted, the user can also be informed about the recommended
contact pressure and in comparison to this can be informed about
the actual contact pressure, for example, in that the deviation is
illustrated graphically and by color. For example, if the contact
pressure is too high, a tooth that has just been worked on or its
virtual representation can be colored red. Alternatively or in
addition, a bar diagram with a red bar whose length is changeable
can also display contact pressure that is too high and/or can
display correct contact pressure with a green bar.
[0034] In one embodiment, in combination with the previously
referenced position determination device and/or the object
recognition means it can be provided that the care time on a
respective body part, in particular the brushing time on a
respective tooth, can be sensed and a display for proceeding to a
next tooth can be activated in the virtual representation when the
desired care time is achieved. This can take place for example, by
a graphic emphasis of the neighboring tooth, when the toothbrush is
to be moved further. Alternatively or in addition, an error display
can be generated when the toothbrush is moved further to a next
tooth before the desired brushing time has elapsed.
[0035] In one embodiment, it is proposed to use the screen of the
display device not only for the representation or the course of a
video game and/or the display of animated, virtual representations
of a body care simulation, but also to display various other pieces
of information on it and to give the respective appliance user the
possibility of switching back and forth between the video- and/or
simulation game and the display of the desired information. Such
information can be of a varied nature, for example can have as a
subject the charge state of the appliance, can relate to the
brushing time already elapsed, or can display the attachment used.
The respective appliance user can switch back and forth between
different display modes as he likes and can thus match the screen
representation to his needs. According to one embodiment, the
control device includes a games- and/or simulation controller for
controlling a video game on the display device as well as an
information controller for providing information on the display
device, wherein a switch device that can be actuated by means of a
switch key, is provided for switching from the game display
generated by the game- and/or simulation controller to the
information display generated on the display device by the
information controller and/or vice versa. The referenced games-,
simulation- and information controllers hereby do not need to be
separate hardware components, but can be realized in the form of
various software modules in a joint micro-controller.
[0036] The information that can be shown in addition to the video
game and/or the animated simulation can hereby be of a varied
nature in principle and for example, can reproduce fixed
information stored beforehand relating to the work appliance used
or the current value of an operating parameter. In one embodiment,
evaluations can also be shown on the display device that are
generated from previously sensed operating parameters of the body
care appliance and/or sensed environmental parameters. In another
embodiment, the control device includes an evaluation unit for
evaluating sensed operating parameters and/or sensed environmental
parameters, wherein the switching device can be coupled with the
evaluation unit in such a way that by actuating the switch key, the
respective appliance operator is able to switch from the video game
to the evaluation representations.
[0037] The switch key can in principle be arranged at various
points hereby. In order to enable a simple operation also during
the brushing and to enable a switching also during the brushing in
a simple manner, a switch key is provided on the care tool, so that
the appliance user can switch the screen representation in the
desired manner while manually guiding the care tool.
[0038] In one example, the switch key is provided on a handle
section of the care tool, in particular in an area in which a
fingertip of the appliance operator comes to rest. Alternatively or
in addition, a switch key can also be provided on the display
device itself, so that the desired screen representation can be
called up directly on the display device. This is particularly
advantageous in connection with the previously referenced
evaluation unit, so that operating parameter evaluations can be
called up on the display device after the brushing procedure has
ended. This enables for example, parents to monitor the brushing
behavior of their children in a simple manner, by actuating the
switch key to call up evaluation data stored in a memory connected
to the control device. Alternatively or in addition, a switch key
can also be provided on a base station on which the care tool
and/or the display device can be placed and/or docked and/or
charged.
[0039] The switching of the screen contents can take place hereby
in principle in various ways. For example, an insertion over the
screen representations can take place. Alternatively or in
addition, a simultaneous reduced representation of both screen
representations can take place in the form of a split screen. In
one embodiment, the respectively desired screen contents are
completely replaced by others.
[0040] In another embodiment, the switching to and fro of the
screen representations can also take place automatically. A switch
control provided for this purpose actuates the switch device
automatically depending on a preset operating condition of the body
care appliance. In an embodiment, this can contain a time control,
for example, in that after a preset period of time has elapsed, for
example beginning with the start of a game, the screen
representation is automatically switched to the information screen.
Alternatively or in addition, the switching to the information
screen can take place depending on a preset game result of the
video game controlled by the game controller, for example, in that
a data evaluation concerning the brushing procedure is shown only
after a successful completion of the game.
[0041] Alternatively or in addition, the switch device can also
insert an information representation when an incorrect or imperfect
use of the care appliance is recognized and evaluated by an
evaluation unit of the control device. For example, an
instructional representation can be inserted in place of a video
game, if a brushing procedure is carried out with too high a
brushing pressure in incorrect brushing movements.
[0042] The manual actuation of the switch device can in principle
take place in various ways. In one embodiment, the input device
provided for this purpose can have an actuating key to actuate the
switch device by pressing, touching, and/or approaching the key.
For example, a mechanical pressure key and/or a graphic touch
screen key can be used hereby.
[0043] Alternatively or in addition to an actuating key that works
in a tactile manner, the input device can also be embodied to work
in a contactless manner, for example, having a movement sensor for
sensing a movement of a limb of the body.
[0044] In order to enable a better matching of the representations
displayed on the display device to the respective appliance
operator, for example, to be able to match the game running on it
to the respective user, according to one embodiment, a selection
device can be provided for the selection of several games for
display on the display device, so that the game respectively
matching the appliance user can be shown. For this purpose, several
games and associated representation data can be stored in a memory
device that is brought to and controlled on the display device by
the game controller after selection by means of the selection
device. For example, a simpler game can be selected for a small
child than for an older child.
[0045] Alternatively or in addition, the body care appliance can
hereby contain a removable storage and/or an interface for
inserting various storage media with different games, so that the
selection can take place by means of different storage media. The
storage and/or the storage interface can be provided in principle
hereby at various points, for example, can be positioned directly
on the display device. Alternatively or in addition, an interface
can be provided for importing new games software and/or downloading
the software.
[0046] In one embodiment, a simple individualization of the game
shown on the display device or of the animated simulation can also
take place in that the respective storage medium is assigned to an
attachment that can be placed on a handpiece of the care tool
and/or can be docked to it. For example, an RFID chip can be
present on the attachment, which chip stores the corresponding game
information, and the information can be called up from the
handpiece of the care tool and transmitted to the game controller,
which then shows the corresponding game information on the display
device. Alternatively or in addition, an identification code only
can also be stored on the referenced attachment, with which
corresponding game information linked together is filed at another
point in a memory, so that by requesting the identification code of
the respectively docked attachment at another point, the game
information stored for this purpose can be called up.
[0047] In one embodiment, the addressing of the stored data can be
programmable hereby, so that it can be specified by an appliance
user which data set is brought for display on the display device
when a certain attachment is identified.
[0048] In order to enable a still further individualization of the
screen representations, it is possible not only to select between
previously configured screen representations, but to modify,
change, and/or generate screen representations. For example, it is
provided that the stored representations for display on the display
device are embodied so that they can be changed and/or configured
individually by means of an input device provided on the body care
appliance and can be stored in the memory component linked to an
individual code. The individual programmability of the
representations via the selection of pre-stored variants allows a
diverse adaptation of the use of the display device for different
needs. The changeability of the representations can hereby in
principle be embodied in various ways. For example, stored
representations can respectively have an unchangeable basic section
and at least one supplemental section to supplement the stored
representation by means of an individually configured
representation. For example, name windows in the stored
representations can be individually programmable, for example, to
designate an animated avatar by a specific name, which then is
shown together with the avatar on the display device. This makes it
possible for example to generate individually designated figures in
video games.
[0049] The referenced input device for the individual changing
and/or configuration of the representations can be embodied hereby
in principle in various ways. For example, a touch screen can be
provided for the input of the individual changes and/or
configurations, wherein in particular the display device itself can
have a display element in the form of such a touch screen, so that
changes to the representations can be undertaken individually.
[0050] Alternatively or in addition, an input device can be
provided in the form of a programming control key, for example, in
the form of a cursor control key for clicking display buttons
and/or input commands, wherein such a programming control key can
be provided on the display device and/or a base station. In one
example, such a programming control key can also be provided on the
care tool, so that the representations on the display device can be
changed and/or configured individually from the care tool.
[0051] In one embodiment, such a control key, in particular when it
is provided on the care tool, can be engaged in a changeable manner
depending on the representation shown on the screen, for example,
in such a way that during the course of a video game, the control
key forms a control key for controlling the video game on the
display device, in particular a navigation key for navigating a
virtual screen element and/or for navigating an avatar over the
display device and/or over the background image shown thereon. If
on the other hand instead of such a video game, a configuration
menu is shown on the display device, the referenced control key on
the care appliance can form a navigation key for controlling by
means of the menu, which for example allows the clicking of various
menu buttons. The control key on the care tool therefore has a
double or multiple function. Instead of the video game or in
addition, information and evaluations about the brushing behavior
and the current or/and past brushing times can be shown. Other
adult functions, which are orientated more towards a target group
of adults as far as the information content is concerned, can also
be displayed on this display device.
[0052] In one embodiment, the individually changeable and/or
generated representations and/or information can be stored
individually, for example, together with a code identifying a
respective attachment of the care tool and/or in a memory component
provided on the attachment, so that when the respective attachment
is attached, the individually generated data can be called up and
brought to the display on the screen of the display device.
[0053] In one example, the display device, in spite of the fact
that it can be controlled by the care tool, is not arranged either
fixed on a base station or fixed on the care tool, but is as it
were able to positioned freely, so that it can be positioned at the
respectively most favorable place. In one embodiment, the display
device forms a component that is embodied separately from the base
station and the care tool and can be positioned separately, which
component has a communication interface for communication with the
base station and/or with the care tool even when separated. By
embodying the display device as a stand-alone module, the display
device can be positioned at the place that is readily visible for a
child or also for an adult independently of the position of the
base station, so that the visibility is good even during the
specified moving to and fro of the care tool--in the case of a
toothbrush corresponding to the brushing movements in the mouth.
Nonetheless, the screen representation, for example, in the form of
a video game can be controlled interactively from the care tool via
the communication interface of the display. For this purpose the
care tool can have a communication link directly to the display
component or can communicate with it indirectly via the base
station.
[0054] In order to achieve a simple and efficient power supply to
the display device without an action radius dependent on the base
station in spite of any desired positionability of the display
device, in one embodiment, the display device is provided with a
chargeable energy storage that can be charged by docking the
display device to the base station. In one embodiment, both the
display device and the care tool can be charged on the base
station.
[0055] In addition to the referenced separately embodied display
device, the care tool can include a display device attached to the
care tool itself, for example in order to indicate particular
events supplemental to the separately embodied display device, or
to transport other information. In one embodiment, the care tool
can include a display that can itself be controlled by a control
device depending on the course of the game on the separate display
device and/or depending on an operating parameter of the care tool
itself. For example, the display provided on the care tool itself
can be used in order to indicate particularly interesting or
important game situations on the separate display device.
[0056] The display device on the tool can in principle be embodied
in various ways, wherein in a development of the invention simpler
display means are provided on the care tool itself than on the
separate display device. In an embodiment, the care tool can have a
housing section that can be illuminated and/or can include a
lighting element that can be placed on the tool housing. In the
case of a care tool in the form of a toothbrush, in a development
of the invention an illuminated ring can be provided at the front
end of the handpiece, which can be brought into different
illumination conditions such as for example, a blinking and/or into
different colors.
[0057] If the display on the tool in one embodiment, is controlled
depending on the course of the game on the separate display device,
when for example the game on the separate display device expects or
requires a control command as an input, a signal can be given on
the display on the tool, for example in the form of a blinking. The
display element of the separate display device may be embodied in a
more complex manner, however. For example, an electronic display
panel may be provided for example in the form of an LCD screen.
[0058] The brushing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an electric
toothbrush 2 that includes a handpiece 3 forming a handle, as well
as an attachment 4 fixed thereon detachably, which in the form of
embodiment shown is an attachment brush with a bristle field 5, but
also can optionally have other brushing elements such as plastic
strips, interdental brushers, or the like.
[0059] In the interior of the handpiece 3, a drive motor is
accommodated that can drive the bristle field 5 of the attachment 4
via a suitably embodied drive train. Furthermore an energy storage
in the form of a battery is provided in the interior of the
handpiece 3, which battery can be charged via a charge connection
6. The referenced charge connection 6 may be situated on a rear end
section of the handpiece 3, with which the handpiece can be placed
or positioned on a base station 7, in order on the one hand to be
put away in normal operation and on the other hand to be able to be
charged.
[0060] As FIG. 3 shows, the toothbrush 3 stands upright on the
station body 8 of the base station 7, which station body is
essentially embodied in the form of a flat plate, wherein according
to an embodiment, the upright position is achieved without a
locking engagement or the like, so that the upright-standing
toothbrush 2 can rock to and fro, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In one
embodiment, a shape-matched pair of bearing surfaces 10 is provided
as bearing means 9, which bearing means form a respectively
multi-axis pair of curved rocker surfaces whose surface pieces
nestle against one another. As shown in FIG. 3, the bearing surface
10a of the station body 8 is embodied in the form of a rotationally
symmetric trough, whereas the front face end of the handpiece 3 of
the toothbrush 2 forms an egg-shaped or sphere-cap-shaped surface
piece or in another manner a surface piece that is curved in a
rotationally symmetrical convex manner, which surface piece nestles
into the referenced bearing trough 10a. In one embodiment, one of
the bearing surfaces 10a or 10b or both can have a flattening, in
order to enable a centered position.
[0061] In order to maintain the positioned toothbrush 2 in its
upright position, magnetic holding means 11 acting between the
toothbrush 2 and the base station 7 may be provided in the area of
the bearing means 9, which holding means have a centering effect
and hold the referenced toothbrush 2 standing vertically in its
rest position. The referenced magnetic holding means 11 can hereby
contain a permanent magnet in the base station 7, which magnet acts
on a metallic bearing element in the end piece of the handpiece 3,
for example, in the form of a bearing ring. The magnetic holding
means 11 may result in a self-restoring momentum acting on the
handpiece 3 when the handpiece 3 is displaced from its centered
desired position. In the embodiment shown, this self-restoring
device is formed by the magnetic holding means 11.
[0062] In one embodiment, the toothbrush 2 may be charged
inductively from the base part 7. The charge connection 6 of the
handpiece 3 may be embodied in an inductively working manner, as is
a charge connection 12 provided on the base station 7 and
interacting with it. Both charge connections 6 and 12 may be
covered or encapsulated from the environment. For example, they can
be arranged under the housing of the handpiece 3 or of the base
station 7, so that a contactless transmission of the charge current
takes place. In order that the magnetic fields of the stand device
cannot interfere with the electromagnetic alternating field in a
mutually weakening manner, the two devices can be arranged in a
"nested" manner with respect to one another. For example, in a
variant, the stand magnet is embodied such that it encloses the
induction coils for the electromagnetic coupling (for the
transmission of the charge current). A reversed arrangement with a
spool enclosing the stand magnet is also provided in a further
variant. The stand magnet is arranged in the base station or/and in
the lower section of the handle. This subject of the inductive
energy transmission with stand magnet can be combined with other
forms of embodiment in a desired manner.
[0063] The base station 7 moreover serves as a trough for a display
device 13 that may include an electronic display element 14 in the
form of a screen or display, which, for example, can be embodied as
an LCD screen. In one example, the display device 13 may be a
stand-alone unit separately from the base station 7, which
stand-alone unit can be docked to the base station 7 in order to be
charged by the latter, but can also be operated separately away
from the base station 7.
[0064] In one embodiment shown, the display device 13 hereby
includes a base body 15, which forms the bottom of the display
device 13 and bears the referenced display element 14. In an
embodiment, a transparent cover bell 16 is slipped over the
referenced display element 14, which bell covers or encapsulates
the display element 12 and is connected in a fluid-tight manner to
the referenced base body 15, so that the display element 12 is
embedded under the cover bell 13.
[0065] To provide power to the display element 14, an energy
storage in the form of a battery is integrated into the base body
15, which battery can be charged from the base station 7 via a
charge connection 17. The charge connection 17 on the display
device 13 as well as the charge connection 18 of the base station 7
interacting with it are advantageously also embodied in an
inductively working manner here, so that the charge current can be
transmitted in a contactless manner and the charge connections 17
or 18 can be embedded against moisture, in particular can be
covered under the housing of the respective part.
[0066] As FIG. 1 shows, the underside of the base body 15 of the
display device 13 forms a contact area, with which the display
device 13 can be positioned on any flat surface. By means of a
communication interface 19 not specifically shown, the display
device 13 can communicate with the toothbrush 2. For the wireless
communication, a sender/receiver component may be provided hereby
on the display device 13, with which component a corresponding
sender/receiver component on the handpiece 3 of the toothbrush can
communicate, wherein data can be transmitted in both directions.
For example, a Bluetooth interface can be provided on the display
device 13 as well as the toothbrush 2, in order to establish a
Bluetooth connection between the two parts.
[0067] The display device 13 furthermore may have a control device
20 that controls the representations on the display element 12 and
converts control commands received from the handpiece 3 of the
toothbrush 2 into corresponding graphics commands for the screen
representation. For example, the referenced control device 21 can
represent and interactively control a video game on the display
element 14, which simulates a body care cycle, as is shown in FIG.
2 by way of example.
[0068] In one embodiment, at least one avatar 22 and/or a virtual
element is shown on the display element 14, which can be moved or
guided over the screen and/or moved or guided over the screen
background. In the embodiment shown, the avatar 22 is formed by the
figure of a child, which can be moved over an island as well as in
the underwater world in front of the island, in order to brush a
reef lying underwater that symbolizes the teeth of a set of teeth
to be brushed.
[0069] The referenced avatar 22 can be navigated hereby by the
toothbrush 2 over the screen representation or the display element
14. For this purpose the handpiece 3 of the toothbrush 2 includes
navigation control means for generating navigation, commands that
are transmitted to the control device 21 via the referenced
communication interface 19 or 20 and that control the movement of
the avatar 22 on the display element 14. In the embodiment shown
according to FIG. 4, the referenced navigation control means hereby
include on the one hand a navigation switch 23 that can be actuated
manually, which can be embodied in principle in various ways and
can be designed for example in the form of a mouse track ball known
on laptops, which recognizes actuations or applications of force in
different directions and converts them into navigation control
signals of different directions.
[0070] In order to simplify the navigation of the avatar 22 for
children, the navigation switch 23 on the handpiece 3 may be a
four-position pressure switch, which has pressure sections
orientated in four directions, which can be positioned with respect
to one another in the form of a cross. By pressing down one or two
adjacent pressure sections, a navigation control signal going in
the corresponding direction, optionally also superimposed, can be
generated, which signal is converted into a movement of the avatar
in the corresponding direction. A fixed direction assignment
between the pressure sections and the screen can be specified
hereby, for example, in such a way that the pressing down of the
pressure section orientated towards the attachment 4 always causes
a movement of the avatar 22 upwards to the upper edge of the screen
etc. Alternatively, the direction assignment can also depend on the
orientation of the brush shown in the virtual representation, so
that the virtual representation of the brush is, for example,
always moved to the right at right angles to the longitudinal axis
of the virtual brush representation, irrespective of its rotational
position in the screen, when the pressure section lying on the
right of the real toothbrush is pressed down. However, this is a
more complex control method which is less suitable for children,
but can equally well increase the game incentive for adults.
Alternatively the navigation switch 23 is a nonlocking key that is
to be actuated as soon as certain positions/configurations can be
recognized on the display. Further, in one embodiment, the
navigation switch 23 is also [embodied] as an on/off switch of the
electric toothbrush (e.g. with a longer pressure time in order to
switch the toothbrush on and off than to operate the display
functions [)]. In a further alternative, the on/off switch of the
electric toothbrush and the navigation switch 23 are embodied
separately, for example, on two opposite or other sides of the
toothbrush handle.
[0071] Alternatively or in addition to the referenced manually
actuatable navigation switch 23, hand navigation control signals on
the handpiece 3 can also be derived from operating parameters of
the toothbrush and/or body care parameters 2. For example, by means
of suitable sensing devices such as movement- and/or acceleration
sensors, movement- or acceleration signals can be generated that
correspond to the movements, in particular brushing movements of
the toothbrush 2, so that the virtual representation of the avatar
22 and/or of the virtual brush part held by the avatar is navigated
in accordance with the actual movements of the toothbrush 2. In one
embodiment, an inclination sensor can also be integrated into the
toothbrush 2, which senses the inclination or orientation of the
toothbrush 2 in the space, so that the avatar 22 is not only moved
to and fro but can also be rocked. In one example, the screen
representation of the avatar 22 moves synchronously with the
movements and/or pressure switch actuations on the toothbrush
2.
[0072] For example, the toothbrush 2 can have a sensing device 27
that has position sensing means 28 by means of which the relative
position of the toothbrush 2 relative to the teeth to be brushed
can be sensed, or corresponding data can be sensed on the basis of
which the relative position can then be determined.
[0073] In one embodiment, a camera 29 can be provided on the
toothbrush 2 in the area of its attachment 4 and/or of the bristle
field 5, which camera senses an image of the tooth contour lying in
front of the surface of the bristle field 5 formed by the free ends
of the bristles. As FIGS. 1 and 6 show, the camera 29 is orientated
with its view axis--roughly speaking--inclined parallel or only at
an acute angle to the main axis of the bristles of the bristle
field 5. Although in the form of the embodiment shown, only one
camera 29 is positioned adjacent to the bristle field 5 on the
toothbrush head, in a development of the invention several cameras
can also be provided.
[0074] The camera 29 forms a component of object recognition means
30, which based on the images of the camera 29 identify the
respective tooth and/or part of the set of teeth and/or part of the
mouth cavity, on which or in which the bristle field 5 of the
toothbrush is respectively situated. Together with the data of the
previously referenced sensors, such as for example, speed sensor,
contact pressure sensor, inclination sensor, etc., it can be
determined respectively by these means how the toothbrush 2 is
moved over which tooth or section of a set of teeth.
[0075] From the determined position-, operating-, and/or body care
data, as well as from the object recognition data, an evaluation
component of the control device 21 can generate navigation control
signals in order to control the avatar 22 in the virtual
representation according to FIG. 2 over the sections of the reef
shown there that symbolize the teeth of the appliance user to be
brushed.
[0076] In the initially referenced manner, a simulation device,
which as far as software technology is concerned can be embodied in
the referenced control device 21, can control the animations of the
virtual representation according to FIG. 2 in the previously
referenced manner, for example, can also simulate in the referenced
manner displays of the desired- and actual values of the body care
parameters, the sensed movement path compared to a desired movement
path and/or changes of the animations in the case for example of
contact pressure that is too high.
[0077] In order to increase the entertainment value, the animated
simulation of the brushing procedure can be combined with other
game features that can be controlled in the referenced manner by
control commands that can be entered manually and/or by specific
movements of the toothbrush 2. For example, the crab shown in the
large representation of FIG. 2 below the avatar brushing the upper
reef can be kept away from the avatar 22 by actuating the
previously referenced navigation key 23. Other or additional game
control commands can likewise be integrated on demand and/or can be
entered as desired. Alternatively, the navigation switch 23 is a
nonlocking key that is to be actuated as soon as certain
positions/configurations can be recognized on the display. In a
further alternative, the navigation switch 23 is also [embodied] as
an on/off switch of the electric toothbrush (for example, with a
longer contact pressure time in order to switch the toothbrush on
and off than to operate the display functions [)]. In a further
alternative, the on/off switch of the electric toothbrush and the
navigation switch 23 are embodied separately, for example, on two
opposite or other sides of the toothbrush handle.
[0078] As FIG. 5 shows, the screen representation of the display
device 13 can be switched by means of a switch device from the
video game shown in the previous figures to an information content
that is not connected to the video game, wherein in principle
various pieces of information can be shown here in the initially
referenced manner. In the form of embodiment shown, a static
evaluation of the brushing time on different days is shown, which
are generated by an evaluation component of the control device 21.
In principle other operating parameters could also be evaluated and
shown. In one embodiment, the evaluated operating data are stored
individually, that is, are stored and assigned to a respective user
in such a way that they can also be called up again individually.
This can take place in such a way that the evaluated operating
parameters and/or the other information are stored together with an
identification code that is assigned to an attachment of the
toothbrush. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the brushing times
are shown for a user called "Joey."
[0079] The switching device for switching the screen representation
from the video game to the evaluations and vice versa can be
actuated by means of a switch key 25, which is provided in the form
of embodiment shown in FIG. 5 on the display device 13 in the form
of a push button switch. If different evaluation data sets have
been generated by the evaluation component of the control device
21, for example in order to prepare various evaluations of various
operating parameters of a user or the evaluated operating
parameters of various users, switching between the various screen
representations can be accomplished through the referenced switch
key 25 by pressing several times in sequence. As FIG. 6 shows, a
screen control key 26 can also be provided on the handpiece 3 of
the toothbrush 2, which key in principle can control various
functions of the screen. In particular such a control key 26 can
form a switch key, by means of which the screen contents can be
further switched in the referenced manner and/or can be switched
back.
[0080] As FIG. 6 shows, the control key 25 can be arranged hereby
in principle at various points and/or several such control keys 26
can be provided. In one embodiment, a control key can be arranged
on a front side of the handpiece 3, for example, in the section in
which a thumb comes to rest. Alternatively or in addition, a
control key 26 can be positioned on the back of the handpiece 3, in
particular in the area of a finger that comes to rest there.
Alternatively or in addition, a control key 26 can also be provided
in another section of the handle.
[0081] The engaging of the control key 26 can in principle be
embodied in various ways, for example, in a changeable manner such
that various functions are assigned to the control key 26 depending
on the operating state of the toothbrush 2 and/or depending on the
screen content shown on the display device 13. If for example a
video game is playing on the display device 13, a control key 26
can form the referenced switch key for switching the screen
content. When a video game is running on the display device 13, the
referenced or a further control key 26 can alternatively form an
actuation key for actuating game functions, for example, actions of
the avatar 22. However, if for example the display device is used
as an electronic picture frame, to which images are imported from
an image storage source, one of the referenced control keys 26 can
be engaged in such a way that it effects a further switching from
image to image. If on the other hand a control menu is shown on the
screen of the display device 13, for example before the start of a
game, in order to select a certain game, the referenced control key
26 can form an input key for actuating buttons.
[0082] Alternatively or in addition, the previously referenced
navigation key 23 can also have a variable engagement, which can be
changed depending on the operating state of the care tool and/or
depending on a screen content shown on the display device 13. If,
for example, in the previously referenced manner a control menu is
shown, the referenced navigation key 23 can form a navigation
cursor, in order to navigate through the control menu and to select
corresponding buttons by clicking--for example by double-clicking
an actuation section in quick succession. However, if a video game
is shown on the display device 13, the referenced navigation key 23
can be used in the described manner to control the avatar 22.
[0083] Alternatively or in addition, the referenced control key 26
and/or the referenced navigation key 23 can be used in a
programming mode to change screen contents individually and/or to
generate or to configure individually, for example in that an
individually programmable name is generated in a name window
assigned to the avatar 22, which name is then used in the screen
representations of the video game.
[0084] The technical embodiment of the referenced navigation- and
control keys 23 or 26 on the handpiece 3 of the toothbrush 2 can in
principle be made in various ways. In one embodiment, respective
switches of a flexible soft component are positioned that enable
the actuation of a nonlocking key lying respectively behind it and
thus ensures an insulation against moisture. The referenced
flexible soft component can form an integral constituent of the
housing of the handpiece 3, which for example can be produced in a
two-component injection molding method.
[0085] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0086] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0087] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *