Toothbrush Visual Tracking Markers Without Bulky Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic motion tracking oral care implements, such as toothbrushes, are bulky, expensive, and lack the aesthetics and comfortable handling of conventional toothbrushes, necessitating improvements in motion-tracking devices.
Innovation Solution
An oral care implement with visually-detectable motion tracking features, such as multi-colored tracking indicia or markers, configured to be detectable by electronic visual motion detection systems, which are removably or permanently coupled to the toothbrush, preserving its streamlined contours and comfortable handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If electronic motion tracking components are integrated into the oral care implement, then motion tracking capability is improved, but the device becomes bulky and loses streamlined contours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motion tracking function from the oral care implement body, placing it in a separate external device that captures images of the implement. This allows the implement to maintain its streamlined contours while still enabling motion tracking through externally captured visual data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual tracking system using markers or indicators on the implement that are captured by an external camera. This intermediary system enables motion tracking without requiring electronic sensors within the implement itself, preserving its aesthetic design.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If electronic motion tracking components are integrated into the oral care implement, then motion tracking capability is improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a visual copying approach where an external camera captures images of the oral care implement with visual markers. This replaces expensive electronic sensors with a simpler optical copying system that tracks motion through image analysis of the markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electronic sensing components with an optical-mechanical system using external camera imaging and visual markers. This replacement reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining motion tracking functionality through image-based analysis.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If electronic motion tracking components are integrated into the oral care implement, then motion tracking capability is improved, but the device becomes less aesthetically appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts all electronic tracking components from the implement, leaving only simple visual markers that preserve aesthetics. The complex electronic processing is moved to an external device, allowing the implement to maintain its conventional appealing design.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a tracking attachment protrudes transversely outwards, then motion tracking detection is improved, but the handling comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing tracking markers only at specific locations on the implement that are optimal for detection. This localized approach provides sufficient tracking data without requiring a bulky attachment that would compromise handling comfort.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides effective motion tracking while maintaining the aesthetics and comfort of conventional toothbrushes, offering an affordable and functional alternative to bulky electronic tracking devices.
Implementation Method 1
visually-detectable motion tracking features... multi-colored tracking indicia or markers... detectable by electronic visual motion detection systems
Data Source
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AI summary
An oral care system includes an oral care implement and motion tracking attachment configured to allow tracking of the implement during an oral care activity such as tooth brushing. The oral care implement may include a handle and head. The tracking attachment is coupled to the implement and comprises colored tracking markers detectable by a programmable visual-based motion tracking unit. The tracking attachment in one configuration may comprise a housing with plural insertable tracking colored wedges. In another configuration, a colored tracking portion colored panels and optional colored neck band may be formed on or attached to the oral care implement. Both the tracking attachment and tracking portion embodiments as applicable facilitate tracking at least one of a position, orientation, movement, and the like of the oral care implement to which it is attached. The tracking attachment may be non-electric in nature without any onboard electronics in some embodiments.