Orthodontics headgear compliance monitor
First Claim
1. A compliance monitor for orthodontic headgear of the type applying linear spring-force, said compliance monitor comprising:
- a linear spring-force module having first and second opposite attachment members interconnected so as to provide spring tension when moved linearly apart from one another;
a position sensor positioned in the module to detect linear movement between said attachment members;
processor means for receiving a signal from said position sensor and determining whether such movement over a predetermined time period is sufficiently varying to be the result of human movement; and
memory means for recording determination made by said processor means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention is an apparatus and method for monitoring and motivating user compliance for orthodontic headgear (24) of the type using a linear spring force module (22). The spring force module (22) includes first (38) and second opposite attachment members that are interconnected to provide spring tension when moved linearly apart. A position sensor (16)(18)(19) detects liner movement between the attachment members. A microprocessor (12) receives signals from the position sensor to determine wear duration, force magnitude, and whether such movement is sufficiently variable to be biological in origin or is attempted mimicry. Multiple determinations made by the processor are recorded over time to provide an evaluation of headgear wear compliance and to provide ongoing motivation for user compliance.
155 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A compliance monitor for orthodontic headgear of the type applying linear spring-force, said compliance monitor comprising:
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a linear spring-force module having first and second opposite attachment members interconnected so as to provide spring tension when moved linearly apart from one another; a position sensor positioned in the module to detect linear movement between said attachment members; processor means for receiving a signal from said position sensor and determining whether such movement over a predetermined time period is sufficiently varying to be the result of human movement; and memory means for recording determination made by said processor means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of measuring and motivating orthodontic headgear compliance, comprising:
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providing a linear spring-force applying module; providing a position sensor for detecting linear movement in said spring-force module; processing signals received from said sensor and determining whether such movement is sufficiently variable to be biological in origin and recording such signals as indicating an in-use mode; and recording multiple determinations over time for evaluation of headgear wear compliance by measurement of cumulative time in said in-use mode. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification