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    • 专利摘要:
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR AND PERSONAL CARE APP The present invention relates to a system for the detection of skin contact that comprises a signal generator (9) for the generation of an electrical trigger signal; a reference circuit (10) comprising a capacitance (CREF) and a resistance (RPREF) for the generation of a reference signal depending on the trigger signal; a probe (11) palpable by a skin for measuring a skin response signal depending on the trigger signal; and a comparator (4) for comparing the skin response signal with the reference signal. The capacitance (CREF) of the reference circuit (10) represents a lower limit of the skin capacitance, and the resistance (RPREF) of the reference circuit represents an upper limit of the skin resistance.
    公开号:BR112012026599B1
    申请号:R112012026599-7
    申请日:2011-04-18
    公开日:2020-11-24
    发明作者:Dieter Johann
    申请人:Koninklijke Philips N.V.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001] The invention relates to a skin contact detector. The invention also relates to an apparatus for personal care. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [0002] Skin contact sensors can be used to detect the presence of skin near an object. An exemplary class of skin contact sensors are resistive skin contact sensors. Resistive contact sensors can comprise a voltage divider. In such a resistive contact sensor, the voltage drops of the different resistors are compared and analyzed. However, a resistive contact sensor is prone to error, particularly when it is used to detect skin contact.
    [0003] A better choice is to use a capacitive sensor, which evaluates and measures the capacity between two or more electrodes on the skin. Measuring a capacity value is generally more complex than measuring a resistor value.
    [0004] WO 2008/129324 describes an apparatus comprising a) a set of probes, each having tips arranged to simultaneously touch the skin and define a predetermined pattern on the skin, at least one of the probes being arranged to transmit a pulsed electrical signal and at at least one of the probes being arranged to receive the transmitted electrical signal; b) a signal detector for detecting the or each electrical signal received; c) means for comparing a numerical value obtained from at least one signal detected from the signal detector with at least one predetermined numerical value; and d) means for providing an output when said value obtained from the detected signal differs from the predetermined numerical value by more than a predetermined amount. If the predetermined value is tension, it is preferred that the minimum range is above the minimum known range for the skin. If the predetermined value refers to capacitance, the predetermined value is preferably based on the time taken to reach a limit. The means for comparison comprises a microprocessor and a storage medium for storing a boundary. The device is used to control intense pulsed light devices, used for the local treatment of various skin conditions, and to influence unwanted hair growth. The device comprises an analog to digital converter with multiple channels (ADC) and a microprocessor.
    [0005] US-A-5943516 describes a camera with an alert system that warns against inappropriate camera maintenance. A touch sensor detects a resistance or body ability of the photographer's finger to touch the sensor. In one embodiment, a pulse generator provides a pulse for a first RC reference circuit and through a resistor for a probe that has a capacitance with respect to the body. Thus, the probe in combination with the resistor forms an RC circuit. A comparator compares the pulse time delays caused by the two RC circuits. The time delay of the probe / resistor circuit changes when a finger contacts the probe. The probe is a type of detection of the electrostatic capacity of the touch sensor. Thus, in this embodiment, the circuit is suitable for detecting a change in sensor capacity. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [0006] It would be advantageous to have an improved skin contact detector. To better address this issue, a first aspect of the invention provides a skin contact detector, comprising: a signal generator configured to generate an electrical trigger signal; a reference circuit comprising a capacitance and a resistance configured in parallel to act as a model of electrical properties of the skin to generate a reference signal depending on the trigger signal; a probe palpable by a skin, in which the probe is configured to measure a skin response signal depending on the trigger signal, and in which the probe is configured to obtain the response signal dependent on a resistance and capacitance in electrical contact with the probe; and a comparator configured to compare the skin response signal with the reference signal in order to generate a signal indicating skin contact.
    [0007] The response signal of the skin depends on any resistance and capacitance that is in electrical contact with the probe. When the human body touches the probe, the resistance and / or capacitance changes, and consequently, the signal measured on the probe changes. The resistance and capacitance chosen for the reference circuit act as a simplified model of the electrical properties of the skin. The capacitance and resistance of the reference circuit are arranged in parallel. This arrangement provides a model of the electrical properties of human skin, because human skin also has a capacity and resistance in parallel. In this way, the shape of the reference signal adapts better to the skin response signal. Consequently, by comparing the skin response signal with the reference signal, both capacitance and skin resistance are tested with the same electrical circuit. This improves the reliability of skin contact detection compared to a capacitance or resistance test only. In addition, the number of electrical parts is limited. A processing unit is not required. The system can be made with relatively simple electrical parts.
    [0008] The capacitance of the reference circuit can represent a lower limit of a skin capacitance, and the resistance of the reference circuit can represent an upper limit of a skin resistance. The capacitance of the skin is generally greater than the capacitance of the air surrounding the probe. In addition, the resistance of the skin is generally less than the resistance of the air surrounding the probe. Because of this, the capacitance of the probe increases and the resistance in the probe decreases when the skin is brought close to the probe. When capacitance and resistance are chosen from the corresponding air and skin values, they can be used as limits to detect skin contact. The difference signal between the reference signal and the skin response signal can then change when the skin is placed in contact with the probe. This allows for easy skin detection.
    [0009] The comparator can be configured to compare a skin response signal voltage with a reference signal voltage. Signal voltage can be compared relatively easily with low cost parts. In addition, the voltage response to a trip signal is influenced by both capacitance and resistance. The increased capacitance causes the voltage to increase more slowly than the reference signal, which decreases the voltage compared to the reference signal, at least temporarily after the start of a clock. The reduced resistance also causes the tension of the skin's response signal to be lower. The effects of increased capacitance and reduced resistance are added to the skin's response signal, which can result in substantially less tension on the skin's response signal.
    [0010] The system may comprise an additional reference circuit comprising an additional capacitance and an additional resistance configured to generate an additional reference signal depending on the trigger signal, where the additional capacitance represents an upper limit of the capacitance of the skin, and where the Additional resistance represents a lower bond of skin resistance. In this way, two signals of / reference are obtained which represent cases of limit of expected capacity and the values of resistance in case of contact with the skin. This improves detection, as it makes it possible to distinguish skin contact from contact with a highly conductive material or an object of very high capacity.
    [0011] The system may comprise an additional comparator configured to compare the skin response signal with the additional reference signal, and an output signal generator, to generate an output indicating whether the skin response signal is between the reference signal and the additional reference signal. The two reference signals can represent upper and lower limits of the skin response signal (for example, a tension), in case of contact with the skin. This can be effectively treated using the additional comparator and the output signal generator.
    [0012] The electrical trigger signal may comprise a periodic pulse signal. This periodic pulse generates a reference signal and a skin response signal that has a slope that depends on capacity and a convergence value that depends on resistance. This allows both properties to be compared simultaneously and with a circuit. In addition, periodicity allows you to test the slope (ie, the capacity), at regular time intervals. An example of the periodic pulse signal is a clock signal.
    [0013] The system may comprise an additional probe palpable through the skin and configured to measure an additional skin response signal depending on the trigger signal for a different point on the skin, and an additional comparator configured to compare the additional skin response signal with the reference signal, and an output signal generator configured to generate a skin touch output depending on the comparator output and the additional comparator. This provides a more reliable measurement. In addition, it allows you to test whether an area between the probe and the additional probe is close to the skin. In this way, a more accurate positioning of a device with the skin contact sensor can be performed.
    [0014] The system may further comprise a surface arranged to be held by a hand, where a base is configured to allow electrical communication with the hand when the hand grips the surface. This is a convenient way of providing a foundation. No separate base probe is required. For example, the base can be arranged to allow a capacitive connection with the hand across the surface.
    [0015] The system may further include a housing, the surface comprising at least part of an outer surface of the housing. This is a convenient arrangement, for example, for manual devices, which can be made by adhering to the surface of the device. It can also be used in larger appliances, which can include a grip element or a palpable surface, for example.
    [0016] The probe may comprise a conductive material protruding from an enclosure. This arrangement facilitates the contact of the probe with the skin surface.
    [0017] The system may further comprise a switch operatively coupled to the comparator and configured to control an action having an impact on the skin under the dependence of an output of the comparator. In this way, the action can be conditioned to an appropriate position of the skin. This can increase security.
    [0018] The system can also include a source of electromagnetic pulses or light, where the switch is configured to control the source of electromagnetic pulses or light. In this way, pulses or light can be inhibited when there is no contact with the skin detected. The light source may comprise a laser light source.
    [0019] Another aspect of the present invention provides a personal care device comprising a skin contact detection system, as defined below. This allows the functioning of the personal care device to be controlled depending on the presence of a valid skin contact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0020] These and other aspects of the invention are evident from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described below. In the drawings, Figure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system for detecting skin contact; Figure 2 is a block diagram of an additional embodiment of a system for detecting skin contact; Figure 3 shows signal graphics in case of non-detection of contact with valid skin; Figure 4 shows signal graphics in case of detection of contact with valid skin; Figure 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment comprising two reference circuits; Figure 6 is a state diagram that corresponds to Figure 5; Figure 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment comprising multiple skin contact probes; Figure 8 is an outline of a home care device in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ACHIEVEMENTS
    [0021] In this description, inter alia, a skin contact sensor solution is described, which makes use of both the resistive and capacitive properties of the skin to improve the reliability of skin contact detection. In addition, a relatively small number of electrical parts are used. Both measurement principles can be evaluated by the same electrical circuit. In the prior art, normally, two (or more) different interpretation circuits have to be implemented to measure the resistance and capacitive changes of the contact sensor.
    [0022] The skin contact sensor may comprise a resistive reference element and a capacitive reference element. These elements can be compared with a skin contact element by a comparison element. The reference element and the skin contact element can be fed by a periodic trigger signal, for example, a clock signal (CLK) or pulse width modulation (PWM) signal (which can be easily provided by a microcontroller or by other means).
    [0023] The outputs of the reference element and the skin contact sensor can be compared by a simple comparison element such as a comparator, an operational amplifier, or directly by a microcontroller. The voltage drops from the reference and resistance element and the skin contact element depends on the resistance (and the amplitude of the trigger signal).
    [0024] The voltage drops from the resistance reference element and the skin contact element depends on the resistance (and the amplitude of the trigger signal).
    [0025] In addition to the resistive evaluation, the capacitive behavior of the skin contact sensor can also be compared with the capacitive reference element. For this purpose, the same comparison element can be used to measure the difference between the time constants of the skin contact sensor and the capacitive reference element. Due to the fast transient behavior of the used CLK or PWM signal, the capacitive value can be assessed by measuring the voltage difference between the transient response voltages of the reference element and the skin contact element. If the capacitive value of the skin contact sensor is higher than the capacitive value of the reference element, the time constant of the skin contact element is greater than that of the reference element. In this case, the tension of the skin contact element will be temporarily less than the tension of the reference element, which can be detected by the comparator.
    [0026] Once a resistive and capacitive reference element can be used, the calibration of the skin contact sensor can be done by defining the resistance and capacity of the reference elements. In this way, different "scenarios of skin contact detection" can be achieved (for example: full contact, partial contact, valid contact only with body cream, valid contact only with wet skin, valid contact only with dry skin). ..).
    [0027] Figure 1 illustrates a system for detecting skin contact or a skin contact detector. The system comprises a probe 11 palpable by a skin for measuring a skin response signal. The system further comprises a signal generator 9 for generating an electrical trip signal. This trigger signal can comprise a function step, for example, from zero volts to +5 volts. Any other trigger signal can be used. A non-constant trip signal is advantageous for capacity measurement.
    [0028] Signal generator 9 is operationally connected to probe 11. Therefore, the skin response signal depends on the trigger signal. The signal generator 9 can additionally be operatively connected to a reference circuit 10, which comprises a capacitance and a resistance for the generation of a reference signal depending on the trigger signal. Additional circuit 5 can be provided between signal generator 9 and probe 11. Probe 11 and reference circuit 10 are operatively connected to comparator 4. Comparator 4 compares the skin response signal with the reference signal . Some additional circuits 6 can be provided between probe 11 and comparator 4. The output of the comparator may be indicative of skin contact. To further improve skin contact detection, an AND 7 gate can have inputs from the comparator and signal generator as inputs. This allows only relevant parts of the signal to be taken into account in the output signal 8. The function of the AND gate can be provided by a microcontroller, for example. The capacitance of the reference circuit 10 may represent a lower limit of the skin's capacity. The resistance of the reference circuit 10 may represent an upper limit of the resistance of the skin. The base 12 can be implemented as a probe that is also touched through the skin in case of contact with the skin.
    [0029] Figure 2 illustrates a more detailed example of the skin contact detection system. Similar items have been marked with the same reference numbers through the figures. The reference circuit 10 comprises an RPREF resistor in parallel with the CREF capacitance. Another RSREF resistor is arranged in series with the RPREF resistor and the CREF capacitance. In this example, the additional circuit 5 comprises a voltage divider, comprising the RSSKIN resistor and the RSKIN resistor, the latter RSSKIN resistor being connected to the base and the probe being disposed between the RSKIN resistor and the RSKIN resistor. As indicated in the drawing by means of dashed objects, the skin connected with the probe can behave electrically to a variable resistance RPSKIN and parallel variable capacity CSKIN- As described with reference to figure 1, the CREF capacitance of the reference circuit 10 can represent a lower limit of skin capacity, and the RPREF resistance of reference circuit 10 may represent an upper limit of skin resistance. Comparator 4 is arranged to compare the voltage of the skin response signal with a voltage of the reference signal. The resulting OUT_COMP signal and the output of signal generator 9 can be combined, for example, in an AND gate 7, to obtain the final output signal 8.
    [0030] Two probes can be provided, one probe is the skin contact probe 11 and the other probe is attached to the base. This is true for both Figure 1 and Figure 2. However, this is not a limitation, as will be described elsewhere in this description. Both probes can be arranged next to each other, in such a way that both probes can make electrical contact when a skin touches the probes.
    [0031] The skin contact sensor and the reference element are provided by a trigger signal to obtain a transient response from the reference element and the skin contact sensor. Two main signal parameters can be seen in the signal obtained from the skin contact element 11: △ USKIN: Voltage drop to ground according to skin resistance (RPSKIN) · △ τSKIN: Transient response elevation time according to skin capacity (CSKIN) · Corresponding signals can be seen in the signal obtained from reference circuit 10: △ UREF Voltage drop to ground according to the resistance (RPREF) of the reference element 10. △ τREF: Transient response rise time according to the capacity (CREF) of the reference element 10.
    [0032] The output of comparison element 4 is "low", while the skin values (ΔUSKIN, ΔτSKIN) are higher than the reference values (ΔUREF, ΔτREF ·). The output of the comparison element 4 is "high", while the skin values (ΔUSKIN, ΔτSKIN) are lower than the reference values (ΔUREF, ΔτREF). However, this is not a limitation. For example, the meaning of the "high" and "low" states can be changed by exchanging the connections of the comparator with the skin contact probe 11 and the reference circuit 10.
    [0033] The reference element comprising a defined series resistance (RSREF) and a defined capacity (CREF) can form a low pass filter with a defined transient response rise time (ΔτiREF) from the CLK signal. This transient response elevation time can be compared with the variable transient response elevation time (ΔτSKIN) of the low-pass filter, which is formed by the defined series resistance (RSSKIN) and the variable capacity (CSKIN) from the same signal CLK. Here, the variable capacity (CSKIN) refers to the capacity of a body (skin) in contact or very close to the probe 11. This is variable because the capacity (CSKIN) depends on whether the skin is in contact with the probe, and on the other hand it depends on the properties of the skin, and on anything on the skin (such as water or a gel). Different response times can be detected by the comparator, because there will be a voltage difference, at least temporary associated with a different lift time.
    [0034] The additional defined parallel resistor (RPREF) can cause the specific reference defined potential difference (ΔURREF) with the RSREF serial resistor. The skin also has a RPSKIN resistance (variable) that, with the RSSKIN serial resistor, causes the variable potential difference (ΔUiSKIN) that can be compared with the reference potential difference (ΔUREF). The difference in elevation time and potential difference caused by the skin's capacity and resistance adds to an increase in the difference between the tension associated with skin contact and the tension without any skin contact.
    [0035] While the value of the voltage at the negative input of the comparator (SKIN) is greater than the value of the positive input voltage (REF), the output of the comparator (OUT_CMP) is at the "low" value (This is the case when RPSKIN is higher RPref and / or Cskin is less than CREF). If the voltage value at the negative input of the comparator (SKIN) is less than the value of the positive input voltage (REF), the output of the comparator (OUT_CMP) changes to the "high" value (This is the case when RPSKIN is less than RPref and / or CSKIN is greater than CREF). However, this provision is just an example. The SKIN and REF signals can be exchanged, which would lead to the negation of the signals and exchange of "high" and "low" situations.
    [0036] When the electrical circuit is in its normal working operation, the skin contact probe 11 as well as the reference circuit 10 can be provided by the same CLK signal. The electronic components of the reference circuit 10 (in the example in figure 2, RSREF, RPREF and CREF) cause a defined resistive voltage drop (ΔUiREF) and a defined transient rise time behavior (ΔτiREF). Although the electronic parts of the skin contact circuit 13 (RSSKIN, RSKIN / RPSKIN and CSKIN) can cause a resistive voltage drop (ΔUiSKIN) and a transient rise time behavior (ΔτiSKIN). the RPSKIN and CSKIN values are variable and are defined by the skin. If there is no skin contact between Probe 11 and base (GND), the additional value of RPSKIN is very high (= open) and the additional capacity CSKIN is very low (= specific low dielectric).
    [0037] Figure 3 shows two graphs that illustrate the effect of tension, if the skin contact is not valid. Note that the graphs are sketches only and are not drawn to scale. In particular, the scale of the different graphs is not the same. The upper graph in figure 3 shows an example of the behavior of the transient signal of the reference element and the skin contact sensor. As long as there is no valid skin contact, CSKIN is very low and therefore the time of transient increase of the skin contact sensor (SKIN) is less than the time of transient elevation of the reference element (REF). The voltage difference (ΔU) between the comparator inputs causes a negative (= low) output (OUT_CMP) because the voltage of the skin contact sensor is greater than the reference element voltage, during the clock pulse . The AND 7 gate undoes the difference signal when there is no wristwatch.
    [0038] The lower graph in figure 3 shows an outline of the behavior of the exemplary resistive signal of the reference element and the skin contact sensor. As long as there is no valid skin contact, RPSKIN is very high and therefore the output voltage of the skin contact sensor (SKIN) is higher than the output voltage of the reference element (REF). The voltage difference (ΔU) between the comparator inputs causes a negative (= low) output (OUT_CMP) because the voltage of the skin contact sensor is greater than the voltage of the reference element. If the CLK signals change to low, there is still a voltage difference between the positive inputs of the comparator so that the output of the comparator (OUT_CMP) remains at the negative value (= low).
    [0039] Figure 4 shows graphs corresponding to the case in which the skin contact is valid, that is, there is skin in contact with the probe 11. Note that the graphs are only sketches and are not drawn to scale. In particular, the size of the different graphs is not the same. The upper graph in figure 4 shows an outline of an exemplary transient signal behavior of the reference circuit (REF) and the skin contact circuit (SKIN). When there is valid skin contact, CSKIN is greater than when there is no valid skin contact. CREF can be chosen in such a way that CSKIN is higher than CREF in case of contact with the skin. Therefore, the transient elevation time of the skin contact circuit (SKIN) is longer than the transient elevation time of the reference element (REF). The difference in negative voltage (-ΔU) between the comparator inputs causes a positive (= high) output (= high) of the comparator, because the skin contact circuit voltage is lower than the reference circuit voltage. Although the end of the clock pulse may be the beginning of a transient drop time in which the voltage of the skin contact circuit (SKIN) is greater than the reference voltage of the circuit (REF), the effect of this on the comparator output can be discarded via the AND 7 gate.
    [0040] The lower graph in Figure 4 shows an outline of the behavior of the resistance signal of the reference element and the skin contact sensor. When there is valid skin contact, RPSKIN is less than when there is no skin contact. In particular, the RPREF resistance in the reference circuit can be chosen in such a way that the output voltage of the skin contact sensor (SKIN) is less than the output voltage of the reference element (REF), in case of skin contact. The difference in negative voltage (-ΔU) between the comparator inputs causes a positive (= high) output (= high) of the comparator, because the voltage of the skin contact sensor is less than the voltage of the reference element. If the CLK signal changes to a low state, there may still be a voltage difference between the negative inputs of the comparator so that the output of the comparator (0UT_CMP) remains at the positive value (= high). It depends on the capacitive discharge behavior of the reference element how long the OUT_CMP value will remain at the high level. The diagram shows that the OUT_CMP value is slightly reduced in its level and voltage. However, this can be irrelevant if the AND 7 gate is applied.
    [0041] The AND 7 gate can be a separate electronic part. It can also be implemented in a microcontroller, PGA, FPGA, logic matrix or otherwise. If the contact with the skin is valid, the output of the AND (OUTPUT) gate can have almost the same behavior as the clock signal. Skin contact is valid when the capacity of the sensor with a skin contact is higher and / or the resistance of the sensor with a skin contact is lower than the capacity and resistance values of the reference element. If skin contact is not valid, the OUTPUT signal is constant at the low value.
    [0042] Calibrating the skin contact sensor can allow different "skin contact scenarios" to be achieved. For example, skin contact can only be validly detected in case of any of the following: total contact, partial contact, valid contact only with body cream on the skin, valid contact only with wet skin, contact valid only with dry skin. This calibration can be performed by adjusting or changing the electronic components of the reference circuit (RSREF, RPREF and CREF). For this purpose, the electronic components of the reference circuit can be variable. In addition, or alternatively, a plurality of reference circuits 10 and corresponding comparators 4, can be performed, calibrated for each of these different scenarios, to support the generation of different control signals, in the case of different types of skin contact .
    [0043] A plurality of reference circuits 10 and corresponding comparators 4 can also be used to improve the detection of skin contact. For example, to avoid a valid skin contact signal when the skin contact sensor is, for example, exposed to a very high capacity or low ohmic surface. Such a situation can also arise when contact with the skin is covered with water or is short.
    [0044] Figure 5 shows a block diagram of a skin contact detection system. As noted earlier, similar items were indicated with the same reference numbers in all figures. The skin contact circuit 13 and the reference circuit 10 and comparator 4 are similar to those described for Figure 2. The electrical parts of the reference circuit 10 are indicated with subscript 1 for clarity. The system of figure 5 also comprises an additional reference circuit 14 comprising an additional capacitance (CREF2) and an additional resistance (RPREF2) to generate an additional reference signal depending on the trigger signal, which can be a clock signal from the clock 9. As described above, the additional reference circuit 14 can be used in different applications, to be able to detect various contact scenarios, or to improve the quality of the detection. In the arrangement of figure 5, the system detects whether the contact circuit signal 13 is on the skin between the two reference signals of the reference circuits. However, this is not a limitation. Other arrangements for comparators 4 and 15 and the generator output signal 7 are also possible. In the present arrangement, the additional capacitance (CREF2) represents an upper limit of skin capacitance, and the additional resistance (RPREF2) represents a lower limit of skin resistance. The system further comprises a comparator 15 for comparing the skin response signal (SKIN) with the additional reference signal (REF2). The system further comprises an output signal generator 7, to generate an output that indicates whether the skin response signal lies between the reference signal and the additional reference signal.
    [0045] As shown in the figure, output signal generator 7 can be an AND gate. However, this is not a limitation. The additional reference circuit can define the lowest permissible skin resistance (RPREF2) and the maximum permissible skin capacitance (CREF2) · If the skin resistance becomes less than the RPREf2 value or the skin capacity exceeds the value of CREF2, the output of comparator 15 (COMP2) drops to the low value and the output (OUTPUT) of the AND gate goes to the low value. For this purpose, the additional reference circuit 14 is coupled to the negative input of the additional comparator 15. However, this is not a limitation. It is also possible to connect the additional reference circuit 14 to the positive input. This can be used to implement other functionality. In addition, it can be corrected by an appropriately configured output signal generator 7.
    [0046] Figure 6 illustrates an outline of a "valid status diagram" of the skin detection circuit shown in figure 5. The horizontal geometric axis represents the skin resistance (RPSKIN) and the vertical geometric axis represents the skin capacity (CSKIN) · As can be seen, CREF2> CREF1 and RPREF1> RPREF2. If CSKIN is less than CREF1 and / or RPSKIN is greater than RPREF1, the skin detection circuit output is "not valid" or "low" (state 1 in the figure). If CSKIN is greater than CREF1 and less than CREF2 and / or RPSKIN is less than RPREF1 and greater than RPREF2, the skin detection circuit output is "valid" or "high" (state 2 in the figure). If CSKIN is greater than CREF2 and / or RPSKIN is less than RPREF2, the skin detection circuit output is "not valid" or "low" (state 3 in the figure).
    [0047] Figure 7 shows a simplified diagram of a skin contact detector comprising a probe P1 and an additional probe P2 both palpable by a skin for the measurement of a skin response signal depending on the trigger signal. These probes P1 and P2 can be arranged close together on the surface of an apparatus to investigate two or more different skin sites. Probe P1 is connected to circuit 16 and probe P2 is connected to circuit 18. These circuits 16 and 18 can have a structure similar to that shown in figure 2, with comparator 4 for comparing the skin response signal with the reference signal. These circuits can have separate reference circuits or they can share the same reference circuit. The output signals OUT1 and OUT2 of circuits 16 and 18 can correspond to OUT_CMP or to the output signal 8 of figure 2. The output signals OUT1 and OUT2 are combined in the output signal generator 17 which can be an AND gate, to obtain the outgoing skin contact signal 19.
    [0048] The skin contact detector in this case comprises more than one skin contact probe P1, P2 ... It is possible to extend this system to more than two probes P1, P2, as shown in the figure. The skin contact probes can have circuits 13, 16 connected to detect any contact with the skin. The resulting signals (OUT1, OUT2 ...) from each of the skin contact probes (P1, P2 ...) are combined in the output signal generator 17. The output signal generator 17 can comprise a port AND, as shown, which only displays a valid skin contact signal if each individual resultant probe signal (OUT1, OUT2 ...) is indicative of valid skin contact. CP1 and CP2 represent the capacitive connection with the basis of detecting contact with a skin system through the skin. The base can be connected to an additional probe or can be implemented differently, as explained in the following example.
    [0049] Figure 8 illustrates a skin contact sensor in use in a personal care device 20. The personal care device 20 comprises two probes P1, P2 touching the surface of the skin 21, for example, the facial skin. The part of the skin touched 21 is in electrical contact with the hand 22 of the same person, as is schematically represented by capacities CP1 and CP2 ("dispersion capacities") · Probes Pl and P2 are connected to the circuit for the detection of contact with the skin, as described above. This circuit is in this example implemented on a printed circuit board (PCB), as shown. The base (GND) of the skin contact sensor can be connected to the barrel housing of the personal care device 20 and makes at least one capacitive connection with the hand 22, as is shown schematically by the CGND symbol. The housing can be made of a non-conductive material. The housing thus comprises a surface to be held by one hand, to hold the personal care apparatus 20, on which a base is connected to the surface. In general, the base is arranged to enable electrical communication, for example, through capacitive connection, with the hand when the hand grips the surface.
    [0050] The probes P1 and P2, as shown, can protrude from the housing. The probes can also be non-protruding. They can also comprise a conductive material. The base can, instead of being implemented by means of an adherent surface as in figure 8, it can also be implemented as a probe made of a conductive material, similar to P1 and P2.
    [0051] In general, the system for detecting skin contact can be used to control the operation of an apparatus. For example, a switch can be operationally coupled to the comparator to control an action of the device, such as generating a light signal or an auditory signal. The action can have an impact on the skin, to perform a skin treatment, for example. The system for detecting skin contact can be used to control a source of electromagnetic pulses or light by means of a switch.
    [0052] The described systems can be used whenever a type of total, partial or special skin contact needs to be detected. For example, it can be used on skin care devices. Such a skin care device may comprise a high energy flashing light source (or in general a source of electromagnetic pulses or lights), or a high energy laser light source. Such a source can be controlled using the skin contact sensor output. For example, the skin contact detector can be used as a security measure. The energy source can be activated only in case the skin contact is detected.
    [0053] It should be noted that the achievements mentioned above illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claim. The use of the verb "to understand" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those determined in a claim. The article "the (s), the (s)" or "one, one" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a properly programmed computer. In the device claim that enumerates various means, several of these means can be configured by one and the same piece of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
    权利要求:
    Claims (14)
    [0001]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, characterized by understanding: a signal generator (9) configured to generate an electrical trigger signal; a reference circuit (10) comprising a capacitance (CREF) and a resistance (RPREF) arranged in parallel to act as a model of electrical properties of the skin to generate a reference signal depending on the trigger signal; a probe (11) palpable by a skin, in which the probe is configured to measure a skin response signal depending on the trigger signal, and in which the probe is configured to obtain the response signal dependent on a resistance and capacitance the skin in electrical contact with the probe; and a comparator (4) configured to compare the skin response signal with the reference signal in order to generate an indicative skin contact signal.
    [0002]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, according to claim 1, characterized by the capacitance (CREF) of the reference circuit (10) representing a lower limit of the capacitance of the skin, and where the resistance (RPREF) of the reference circuit represents an upper limit of skin resistance.
    [0003]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, according to claim 1, characterized in that the comparator (4) is configured to compare a skin response signal voltage with a reference signal voltage.
    [0004]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, according to claim 2, characterized by comprising: an additional reference circuit (14) comprising an additional capacitance (CREF2) and an additional resistance (RPREF2) configured to generate an additional reference signal depending on the trigger signal, where the additional capacitance (CREF2) represents an upper limit of the skin's capacitance, and where the additional resistance (RPREF2) represents a lower limit of skin resistance.
    [0005]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, according to claim 4, characterized by comprising: an additional comparator (15) configured to compare the skin response signal with the additional reference signal; and an output signal generator (7) configured to generate an output indicating whether the skin response signal is between the reference signal and the additional reference signal.
    [0006]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, according to claim 1, characterized by the electrical trigger signal comprising a periodic pulse signal.
    [0007]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising: an additional palpable probe through a skin and configured to measure a skin response signal depending on the trigger signal at different points on the skin; and an additional comparator configured to compare the skin response signal with the reference signal; and an output signal generator configured to generate a touch of the output skin depending on the output of the comparator and the additional comparator.
    [0008]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, according to claim 1, characterized by additionally comprising a surface arranged to be gripped by a hand, in which a base is configured to allow electrical communication with the hand when the hand grips the surface.
    [0009]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, according to claim 8, characterized by the base being configured to make a capacitive connection with the hand across the surface.
    [0010]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, according to claim 8, characterized in that it additionally comprises a housing, wherein the surface comprises at least part of an external surface of the housing.
    [0011]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a housing, in which the probe comprises a conductive material protruding from the housing.
    [0012]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a switch operatively coupled to the comparator and configured to control an action having an impact on the skin depending on an output of the comparator.
    [0013]
    SKIN CONTACT DETECTOR, according to claim 12, characterized in that it additionally comprises a source of electromagnetic pulses or light, in which the switch is configured to control the source of electromagnetic pulses or light.
    [0014]
    PERSONAL CARE APPARATUS, characterized by comprising a skin contact detector, as defined in claim 1.
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    法律状态:
    2017-11-07| B25D| Requested change of name of applicant approved|Owner name: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V. (NL) |
    2017-11-21| B25G| Requested change of headquarter approved|Owner name: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V. (NL) |
    2018-12-26| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-09-17| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-08-04| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-11-24| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 18/04/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    EP10160655.6|2010-04-22|
    EP10160655|2010-04-22|
    PCT/IB2011/051663|WO2011132129A1|2010-04-22|2011-04-18|Skin contact detector|
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