Salivary gland management device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a salivary gland management device including: a first frame formed of an elastic member; and a plurality of second frames formed in a symmetrical shape, wherein the salivary gland management device is formed in the form of a headset by coupling the second frames to both the left and right sides of the first frame. The salivary gland management device includes: a first sensor module for detecting whether the salivary gland management device is worn; a first light output module including a plurality of light emitting elements that are respectively coupled to end portions of the plurality of second frames and output light of a designated wavelength; a state display module for displaying the charging state of the salivary gland management device and the currently selected operation mode; a switch module that can turn on / off and select the operation mode of the salivary gland management device; and a first processor for controlling the operation of the first light output module and the state display module on the basis of inputs of the first sensor module and the switch module.

Description

Salivary gland management device

[0001] The present invention relates to a salivary gland management device that can be used for salivary gland management.

[0002] The salivary glands are glands that secrete saliva into the oral cavity through the oral cavity. As shown in Figure 1, the parotid gland is located in front of and below the ear, the submandibular gland is located under the chin, and the sublingual gland is located under the oral mucosa in the lower part.

[0003] The salivary glands secrete saliva into the oral cavity through secretory ducts, producing approximately 1 to 1.5 L per day. They soften food when chewed, and contain amylase, which aids in the digestion of carbohydrates. They also transmit the sense of taste through the brain's nerves, function as a defense system against bacterial invasion through the oral cavity, and soften the voice during vocalization. Most of the saliva secreted each day comes from the submandibular gland, and when food stimulates the saliva secretion, the amount increases in the parotid gland.

[0004] Meanwhile, saliva secreted from the salivary glands supplies the teeth with the calcium and phosphorus they need, protects them from harmful substances, and helps them chew, swallow, and make sounds when eating.

[0005] When saliva production is low, the mouth feels dry, and dry mouth can occur as a result of medications taken or chronic diseases.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can be used in cases where there is a dry mouth due to low saliva secretion, where salivary gland function needs to be restored, or where a decline in salivary gland function is to be prevented.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a salivary gland management device that can be used in salivary gland management.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a salivary gland management device comprises a first frame formed of an elastic member, and a plurality of second frames formed in a symmetrical shape, and the second frames are respectively coupled to the left and right of the first frame to form a headset shape, the salivary gland management device comprising: a first sensor module for detecting whether the salivary gland management device is being worn; a first light output module, each coupled to an end portion of the plurality of second frames and including a plurality of light-emitting elements for outputting light of a designated wavelength; a status display module for displaying a charging status and a currently selected operation mode of the salivary gland management device; a switch module for turning the salivary gland management device on / off and selecting an operation mode; and a first processor for controlling the operations of the first light output module and the status display module based on inputs from the first sensor module and the switch module.

[0009] In the present invention, the first sensor module is characterized in that it detects whether a designated function module is additionally attached to the first light output module.

[0010] In the present invention, the first light output module is formed to be rotatable while being coupled to the second frame, and is characterized in that it is formed so that the user can rotate the first light output module to fit the salivary gland position of each user to the left and right face surfaces in response to the salivary gland position that varies depending on the size of the user's face.

[0011] In the present invention, the first light output module is characterized by including a light emitting element (LED) that outputs at least 1050 nm near-infrared light.

[0012] In the present invention, the operation mode is characterized by including at least one of: a normal mode that turns on a light-emitting element (LED) from the start of the operation to the end of the operation; a first mode that drives the LED in a direction that lifts up the upper part of the face; a second mode that drives the LED in a direction that lifts down the lower part of the face; a third mode that sequentially drives the LED in a direction that lifts up and down the upper and lower parts of the face; and a fourth mode that drives the LED in a direction that spreads outward from the center of a part in contact with the face.

[0013] In the present invention, it is characterized by further including an internal speaker that outputs a designated guidance sound according to a switch input, an operating state, or an operating mode.

[0014] In the present invention, the first processor is characterized in that it automatically terminates operation when the wearing of the salivary gland management device is not detected for a specified period of time through the first sensor module.

[0015] In the present invention, the first processor is characterized in that it checks whether a designated function module has been attached or replaced, and when the function module is not attached or replaced and an operation mode is selected, it controls the light output in a manner according to the mode through the first light output module, and when a designated time has elapsed, it automatically stops the operation of the first light output module.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention can improve user convenience when managing salivary glands.

[0017] Figure 1 is an example diagram illustrating the location of the salivary glands.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a schematic configuration of a salivary gland management device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a schematic form of a salivary gland management device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a salivary gland management device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing a schematic configuration of a functional module that can be attached to or replaced with the first optical output module in FIG. 2.

[0022] Figure 6 is an example diagram illustrating a schematic form of a functional module in Figure 5.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a functional module attached to a salivary gland management device (100) in FIG. 5.

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0025] In this process, the thickness of lines and the sizes of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined based on their functions within the present invention and may vary depending on the intent or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the overall content of this specification.

[0026] -Example 1-

[0027] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a schematic configuration of a salivary gland management device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a schematic form of a salivary gland management device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the salivary gland management device (100) according to the present embodiment includes a first frame (110), a second frame (120), a first sensor module (130), a first light output module (140), a switch module (150), a status display module (160), and a first processor (170).

[0029] The first frame (110) is formed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber, silicone, etc.).

[0030] The first frame (110) can be angle-adjusted, and the degree of adhesion can be adjusted by adjusting the angle.

[0031] The first frame (110) combines the second frames (120) on the left and right sides of the center of a plurality of second frames (120) formed in a symmetrical shape.

[0032] The second frame (120) can be formed of an inelastic member.

[0033] The form in which the first frame (110) and the second frame (120) are combined is a headset form.

[0034] The first sensor module (130) detects wearing of the salivary gland management device (100).

[0035] For example, the first sensor module (130) may include a proximity sensor.

[0036] The first processor (170) can automatically terminate operation when the wearing of the salivary gland management device (100) is not detected through the first sensor module (130).

[0037] The first sensor module (130) detects whether a functional module (e.g., a bone conduction speaker module for a soft massage effect and a sound output effect through vibration using sound, a vibration motor module, etc.) (200) is additionally attached to the front surface (i.e., the face contact surface) of the first optical output module (140), or whether the functional module (200) is replaced with the first optical output module (140).

[0038] For example, the first sensor module (130) may include a contact sensor.

[0039] The first optical output module (140) is formed in an oval shape, and a coupling portion is formed on one side of the oval shape, and is coupled (or fastened) to each end of a plurality of second frames (120).

[0040] The first optical output module (140) is attached to each of the left and right sides of the user's face (i.e., the side of the face with the salivary glands).

[0041] The first optical output module (140) can rotate (e.g., 180 degrees) while connected to the second frame (120).

[0042] For example, in response to the salivary gland location that varies depending on the size of the user's face, the user can rotate the first light output module (140) to fit the first light output module (140) to the left and right sides of the face according to the salivary gland location of the user.

[0043] The first light output module (140) includes a plurality of LED elements (e.g., 1050 nm near-infrared LED) inside.

[0044] The switch module (150) can turn the power of the salivary gland management device (100) on / off.

[0045] The switch module (150) can select the operation mode of the salivary gland management device (100).

[0046] For example, in the present embodiment, the salivary gland management device (100) may include at least four modes (e.g., first mode - lifting up mode, second mode - lifting down mode, third mode - lifting up / down mode, fourth mode - pressing mode, etc.), and the user may select the mode through a switch (or button) input of the switch module (150).

[0047] At this time, the salivary gland management device (100) can basically operate in normal mode (e.g., mode in which the LED element (e.g., 1050 nm near-infrared LED) is turned on from the start of operation to the end of operation).

[0048] Meanwhile, although not specifically shown in the drawing according to the present embodiment, the salivary gland management device (100) includes a battery (not shown) inside the main body (i.e., the first frame or the second frame), and can provide operating power by charging the battery (not shown) using a charging cable (not shown).

[0049] The status display module (160) can display the charging status (e.g., red when charging, green when fully charged, etc.).

[0050] The status display module (160) can display the currently selected operation mode (e.g., in the first mode, yellow flashes at the first time interval, in the second mode, yellow flashes at the second time interval, in the third mode, yellow flashes at the third time interval, in the fourth mode, yellow flashes at the fourth time interval, etc.).

[0051] Meanwhile, although not specifically shown in the drawing according to the present embodiment, the salivary gland management device (100) includes a speaker (or buzzer) (not shown) inside and can output a designated guidance sound (e.g., beep, beep, etc.) according to a switch (or button) input, an operation state, or an operation mode.

[0052] The first processor (170) can automatically terminate operation when the wearing of the salivary gland management device (100) is not detected through the first sensor module (130).

[0053] The first processor (170) detects whether a functional module (e.g., a bone conduction speaker module for a soft massage effect and a sound output effect through vibration using sound, a vibration motor module, etc.) (200) is additionally attached to the front surface (i.e., the face contact surface) of the first optical output module (140) through the first sensor module (130), or whether the functional module (200) is replaced with the first optical output module (140), and outputs a control signal (e.g., a control signal for driving the bone conduction speaker module) and data (e.g., data for driving the bone conduction speaker module) for controlling the functional module (200).

[0054] However, the function module (200) may include a separate processor (i.e., a second processor) (240), and accordingly, the function module (200) may perform independent control (i.e., control of a bone conduction speaker module or a vibration module according to an operation mode) without being directly controlled by the first processor (170).

[0055] Meanwhile, although not specifically illustrated in the drawing according to the present embodiment, the salivary gland management device (100) may further include a terminal (not shown) for outputting driving power, a control signal (e.g., a control signal for driving a bone conduction speaker module), and data (e.g., data for driving a bone conduction speaker module) to the function module (200).

[0056] The first processor (170) controls the operation of the first light output module (140) and the status display module (160) based on input from the first sensor module (130) and the switch module (150).

[0057] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a salivary gland management device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, the first processor (170) checks whether the function module (200) is attached (or replaced) (S101), and when the function module (200) is not attached (or replaced) (NO in S101), and an operation mode is selected (YES in S102), the first light output module (140) controls the light output according to the mode (S103).

[0059] For example, the operating mode may include a normal mode (e.g., a mode in which an LED element (e.g., a 1050 nm near-infrared LED) is turned on from the start of the operation to the end of the operation), a first mode (e.g., a mode in which the LED is driven in a direction in which the LED is lifted up toward the upper side of the face), a second mode (e.g., a mode in which the LED is driven in a direction in which the LED is lifted down toward the lower side of the face), a third mode (e.g., a mode in which the LED is sequentially driven in a direction in which the LED is lifted up and lifted down toward the upper and lower sides of the face), and a fourth mode (e.g., a pressing mode in which the LED is driven in a direction in which the LED spreads outward from the center of the part in contact with the face).

[0060] That is, the salivary gland management device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has various operation modes, thereby enabling stimulation of the salivary glands in various ways corresponding to the modes. Accordingly, the user can control the salivary gland management device (100) by selecting the mode most suitable for him / her based on the effect (or feeling) he / she feels according to the operation mode. In addition, the selection of the operation mode allows the user to continuously use the salivary gland management device (100) without getting bored.

[0061] The first processor (170) automatically stops the operation of the salivary gland management device (100) when the power is turned off or a specified time (e.g., 20 minutes) has elapsed (example of S104).

[0062] -Example 2-

[0063] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing a schematic configuration of a functional module that can be attached to or replaced with the first optical output module in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a schematic form of the functional module in FIG. 5.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the function module (200) includes a second sensor module (210), a bone conduction speaker module (220), a second optical output module (230), and a second processor (240).

[0065] The second sensor module (210) detects light (light) output from the first light output module (140) when the function module (200) is additionally attached to the front surface (i.e., the face contact surface) of the first light output module (140).

[0066] For example, the second sensor module (210) detects the LEDs that the first light output module (140) sequentially turns on according to the operating mode.

[0067] The bone conduction speaker module (220) can provide a soft massage effect and a sound output effect (e.g., an effect to auditorily suggest movement according to the operation mode by outputting music or sound effects corresponding to the operation mode) through vibration using sound.

[0068] Originally, a bone conduction speaker is a speaker that transmits sound through vibration, but since it also outputs sound in a subtle manner, in this embodiment, the operating characteristics of such a bone conduction speaker are utilized to provide a soft massage effect and a sound output effect (e.g., an effect to auditorily suggest movement according to the operating mode by outputting music or sound effects corresponding to the operating mode) through vibration.

[0069] At this time, if a vibration motor module (not shown) is used instead of the bone conduction speaker module (220), a massage effect can be provided, but it is difficult to expect a sound output effect, and since it is heavier than the bone conduction speaker module, the usability by the user may be reduced. Therefore, it is preferable to use the bone conduction speaker module (220) in the function module (200).

[0070] The second light output module (230) can irradiate 1050 nm near-infrared rays, which are most effective for salivary gland management, when the function module (200) is attached to the front surface (i.e., the face contact surface) of the first light output module (140) or is replaced with the first light output module (140).

[0071] The second processor (240) controls the bone conduction speaker module (220) according to the light detected through the second sensor module (210) (i.e., the flow of light output from the first light output module, a control signal using light, or a control signal through a terminal).

[0072] The second processor (240) can output 1050 nm near-infrared light through the second optical output module (230) and simultaneously output sound through the bone conduction speaker module (220).

[0073] At this time, the bone conduction speaker module (220) arranges a plurality of bone conduction speakers (not shown) in a row, and then controls the output order and volume size of the bone conduction speakers (not shown) according to the operation mode (e.g., normal mode, 1st to 4th mode), thereby allowing the user to feel a soft massage effect through vibration.

[0074] Additionally, by outputting music or sound effects corresponding to the operation mode, it is possible to auditorily suggest movement according to the operation mode.

[0075] For example, when the function module (200) is attached to the front surface (i.e., the face contact surface) of the first light output module (140), the output order and volume size of the bone conduction speaker (not shown) can be controlled in response to the light sequentially output from the LED of the first light output module (140).

[0076] Meanwhile, although not specifically illustrated in the drawing according to the present embodiment, the salivary gland management device (100) may further include a terminal (not shown) for outputting driving power, a control signal (e.g., a control signal for driving a bone conduction speaker module), and data (e.g., data for driving a bone conduction speaker module) to the function module (200).

[0077] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a functional module attached to a salivary gland management device (100) in FIG. 5.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 7, when the function module (200) is attached to the front surface (i.e., the face contact surface) of the first light output module (140), the second processor (240) detects light (or a control signal using light) output from the first light output module (140) (S201).

[0079] In addition, depending on the operation mode, sound is output through the bone conduction speaker module (220) according to the flow of light (or control signal using light) output from the first light output module (140), and the output order and volume size of the bone conduction speaker (not shown) are controlled (S202).

[0080] Additionally, depending on the operation mode, light is output through the second light output module (230) (S203).

[0081] The second processor (240) automatically stops the operation of the salivary gland management device (100) when the power is turned off or a specified time (e.g., 20 minutes) has elapsed (example of S204).

[0082] As described above, the salivary gland management device (100) according to the present embodiment has various operation modes, thereby enabling stimulation of the salivary glands in various ways corresponding to the modes. Accordingly, the user can control the salivary gland management device (100) by selecting the mode most suitable for him / her based on the effect (or feeling) he / she feels according to the operation mode. In addition, by attaching or replacing the function module (200), it is possible to perform salivary gland management using light as well as sound and vibration at the same time, thereby enhancing the convenience of the user.

[0083] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from the drawings. Accordingly, the technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims. In addition, the implementations described in this specification may be implemented as, for example, a method or process, a device, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the implementation of the discussed features may also be implemented in other forms (e.g., a device or a program). The device may be implemented by suitable hardware, software, firmware, etc. The method may be implemented in a device such as a processor, which generally refers to a processing device including, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device. The processor also includes a communication device such as a computer, a cell phone, a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), and other devices that facilitate the communication of information between end-users.

Claims

1. A salivary gland management device formed in the form of a headset, comprising a first frame formed of an elastic member and a plurality of second frames formed in a symmetrical shape, and wherein the second frames are respectively combined on the left and right sides of the first frame, A first sensor module that detects whether the salivary gland management device is worn; A first light output module, each coupled to an end portion of the plurality of second frames and including a plurality of light emitting elements that output light of a specified wavelength; A status display module that displays the charging status and currently selected operation mode of the salivary gland management device; A switch module that can turn the power on / off of the salivary gland management device and select the operation mode; and A salivary gland management device, characterized by including a first processor that controls the operation of the first light output module and the status display module based on inputs from the first sensor module and the switch module.

2. In the first paragraph, the first sensor module, A salivary gland management device characterized in that it detects whether a designated function module is additionally attached to the first optical output module.

3. In the first paragraph, the first optical output module, It is formed so as to be rotatable while being coupled to the second frame, A salivary gland management device characterized in that it is formed so that the user can rotate the first light output module to fit the salivary gland location of each user to the left and right sides of the face in response to the salivary gland location that varies depending on the size of the user's face.

4. In the first paragraph, the first optical output module, A salivary gland management device characterized by including a light emitting element (LED) that outputs at least 1050 nm near-infrared light.

5. In the first paragraph, the operation mode is: Normal mode, which turns on the light-emitting diode (LED) from the start of operation to the end of operation; A first mode that drives the LED in a direction that lifts up the upper part of the face; A second mode that drives the LED in a direction that lifts down the lower part of the face; A third mode that sequentially drives the LEDs in the direction of lifting up and lifting down the upper and lower sides of the face; and A salivary gland management device characterized by including at least one of a fourth mode for driving an LED in a direction spreading outward from the center of a part in contact with the face; 6. In paragraph 1, A salivary gland management device further comprising an internal speaker that outputs a designated guidance sound according to a switch input, an operating status, or an operating mode.

7. In the first paragraph, the first processor, A salivary gland management device characterized in that when the wearing of the salivary gland management device is not detected for a specified period of time through the first sensor module, the device automatically ends operation.

8. In the first paragraph, the first processor, Check whether the specified function module has been attached or replaced, When the operating mode is selected while the function module is not attached or replaced, the light output is controlled in a manner according to the mode through the first light output module. A salivary gland management device characterized in that the operation of the first optical output module is automatically stopped when a specified time has elapsed.

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