DEVICE
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an attachment for use with a microphone-equipped electronic device, where said attachment utilises components of the device to create information and methods of assessing a surface using the attachment and device. The invention has particular application in the field of smart mobile phones and the assessment of hair.
Background and Prior Art
Various large laboratory based instruments for the analysis of surfaces are commercially available. For example, a PC linked Texture Analyser (TA) can be used to measure surface roughness.
Devices that can differentiate a variety of properties of substrates by the use of sound, are also known. For example, the transfer of sound from an acoustic collector to an electronic device is known from WO 15/057712 (Stratoscientific), which discloses a tool for connecting an acoustic collector to a microphone-equipped handheld electronic device, so that sound is conducted directly to the device's microphone, and used particularly for stethoscopes and long range sound collectors. The tool comprises: (a) a detachable fitted casing for fitting around at least a portion of the handheld device; (b) the acoustic collector affixed to the casing; and (c) a tube capable of carrying sound from the acoustic collector to a microphone on the handheld electronic device.
Devices that can differentiate a variety of properties of hair are known. The following are concerned with sensors for assessing the condition of hair and converting a signal from the sensor: W0 12/020043 (Unilever) discloses apparatus, method and a computer program for evaluating the condition of the skin, scalp and hair. Sensors assess the hair and produce an analog signal which is converted into an audio signal and related to a computer or mobile device.
EP 1 691 195A (Kao) discloses a hair sensor for detecting a sliding sound of hair to estimate hair characteristics. The sound is transmitted to a microphone.
JP 2004-159830 (Lion) discloses a hair evaluation system comprising a comb or a brush with a microphone attached, which receives the signal of the combing sound, amplifies it and outputs it as sound.
US 2003/233861 (P&G) discloses a method for assessing the friction of hair using a device comprising a comb means and a noise sensor arranged to capture frictional noise generated by passage of comb means through hair.
US2015/0342515 discloses a system comprising a hairstyling tool and a remote entity which can be connected to the hairstyling tool by a wireless connection, the hairstyling tool is a comb or hairbrush type comprising: a handle and a body, provided with teeth, a battery for storing electricity, at least one movement sensor or accelerometer, an electronic control unit, configured to capture and format signals provided by said sensor, a wireless communication means suitable for data transmission to the remote entity, which is configured to send back information about the hair being styled to the user. There remains a need for portable hand held devices, rather than specialised equipment, which are accessible to the everyday consumer without the need for plugging in, setting up or heavy and specialised equipment. The need extends to devices that can be easily and quickly used by the individual consumer when and where required, for example at point of sale, in the home or on the move.
Such devices should be capable of measuring a diverse range of properties and of quickly providing information about a range of different consumer related surfaces. Such devices should provide customisable features that enable the user to tailor the device to give the type of information desired by that individual consumer.
The present invention provides the consumer with a personalised measure of properties of surfaces, for example hair, and enables the consumer to track changes in the properties of the surface, via different treatment regimes and product uses, over a period of time. The present invention offers interchangeable probing devices that are capable of making a range of measurements and signals thus providing a diversity not known in the prior art. Because it is so accessible and easy to use, measurements can be performed many times a day, to provide a powerful tool in the hands of the every day consumer. Thus, the invention provides a means of getting sophisticated information to the consumer about the condition, health and properties of surfaces, thus enabling them to make informed
(product) choices for those surfaces. The device of the invention operates as a single unit such that no electronic connection to another device is required. The device that picks up data also analyses it and
communicates and displays it, providing a simple device that can be easily and quickly used by the individual consumer when and where required. Unlike the prior art, the device comprises a non-electronic attachment for the generation of vibrations. This invention provides an unexpectedly convenient, flexible and sophisticated tool that does not require additional electronics or power sources over that already present in the hand held electronic device which forms part of the system.
Furthermore, the device is used insitu, with no stresses on the surface.
Definition of the Invention
In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising a hand held electronic device and an attachment for the electronic device, said electronic device comprising a microphone, a signal processor and an output interface, said attachment comprising: i) a holding device, and
ii) probing device,
wherein the holding device holds the probing device, and
wherein the probing device is located in close proximity to the microphone of the electronic device and wherein the attachment is non-electronic.
In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assessing a surface using the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of:
i) contacting the surface with the probing device,
ii) causing relative movement between the surface and the probing device such that an acoustic signal is generated,
iii) capture of the acoustic signal resulting from step ii) by the electronic device, iv) converting the acoustic signal into consumer relevant information, by means of the signal processor of the electronic device, and
v) using the output interface to communicate the consumer relevant information to the operator.
In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assessing a surface using a system of the first aspect, that further comprises an accelerometer, said method comprising the steps of:
i) contacting the surface with the probing device,
ii) causing relative movement between the surface and the probing device such that an acoustic signal is generated,
iii) capture of the acoustic signal resulting from step ii) by the electronic device, vi) using data from the accelerometer to calculate the speed of the relative movement,
v) converting the acoustic signal and accelerometer data into consumer relevant information, by means of the signal processor, and
vi) using the output interface to communicate the consumer relevant information to the operator. In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using a system of the first aspect, to track changes in the properties of a surface, comprising the steps of: i) contacting the surface with the probing device,
ii) causing relative movement between the surface and the probing device such that an acoustic signal is generated,
iii) capture of the acoustic signal resulting from step ii) of the electronic device, iv) converting the acoustic signal into consumer relevant information, by means of the signal processor of the electronic device, and
v) using the output interface to communicate the consumer relevant information to the operator,
vi) applying a treatment or an assault to the hair,
vii) repeating steps i) - v), and
viii) comparing the results obtained from successive steps v).
Brief Description of the Figures
Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following non- limiting drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a system in accordance with the invention, where the attachment is a cover or case for a mobile phone;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a system in accordance with the invention where the probing device is a plucking device;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a system in accordance with the invention showing the probing device in close proximity to the microphone of an electronic device; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a system in accordance in use. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the system comprising an attachment (1 ), which is a cover or case for a mobile phone; an integrally attached holding device (2) and a probing device (3). Figure 2 is a perspective view of a system in accordance with the invention comprising an attachment (1), which is a cover or case for a mobile phone; an integrally attached holding device (2) and a probing device (3) which has a plucking device (4).
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a system in accordance with the invention comprising an attachment (1), a hand held electronic device (5), an integrally attached holding device (2) having a microphone (6), and a probing device (3). The probing device (3) is shown in close proximity to the microphone (6) of the electronic device (2).
Detailed Description of Invention
The system of the invention comprises an attachment and an electronic device. The Electronic Device The hand held electronic device comprises a microphone, a signal processor and an output interface.
The output interface is preferably selected from a screen, a cable, bluetooth and wifi. The hand held electronic device is preferably a mobile phone.
The hand held electronic device preferably further comprises an accelerometer, preferably an integral accelerometer. Accelerometers are used, for example, in mobile phones to allow the movement of the phone to be measured. Using the data from the accelerometer, the speed of the movement, e.g. combing, that generates the sound can be calculated. The speed of the movement allows a better calculation of the friction (that is, the condition of the surface) because the magnitude of the sound generated depends, in part, on the speed of the movement.
The Attachment
The attachment comprises a holding device, and a probing device.
The holding device holds the probing device in a fixed position, and the probing device is located in close proximity to the microphone of the electronic device. In the context of this invention, by close proximity is meant that the distance between the microphone and the probing device is preferably from 1 to 15 mm, more preferably from 5 to 10 mm.
The close proximity of the probing device to the microphone of the electronic device is advantageous for the picking up of quiet sounds, for example, a single hair fibre vibrating. Also, sound energy loss is minimised.
The probing device is preferably selected from a probe (for example a rubber finger), a comb, a brush (for example tooth brush, hair brush) a plectrum (eg for plucking a single fibre) and a stylus.
The attachment can be stuck directly onto the electronic device but is preferably integral to a case or cover for the electronic device. Movement of the attachment relative to the electronic device can cause interference in the sound generated. Thus, preferably, the attachment is rigidly fixed. The attachment is removably attached to the electronic device. The attachment is not permanently attached to the electronic device but is
interchangeable.
The attachment is non-electronic. That is to say that the attachment itself has no electronic functionality. It does not, therefore, comprise electronic components or a power source. The Method
The method of the invention is used to assess a surface using the system described above. The method comprises the steps of: i) contacting the surface with the probing device,
ii) causing relative movement between the surface and the probing device such that an acoustic signal is generated,
iii) capture of the acoustic signal resulting from step ii) by the electronic device, iv) conversion of the acoustic signal into consumer relevant information, by means of the signal processor of the electronic device, and
v) using the output interface to communicate the consumer relevant information to the operator. The assessment can be, for example, the assessment of softness, friction, smoothness, roughness, stiffness, abrasion, lubricity, damage or porosity.
The relative movement between the surface and the probing device can be, for example, rubbing, sweeping, plucking, pushing, combing or pulling, such that an acoustic signal is generated.
The consumer relevant information is preferably an indication of damage, softness, moisturisation level, cleaning level, longevity of a given property. Combing
Combing can be carried out using a combing means having a plurality of tines.
Combing is particularly suited to arrays of fibres, preferably hair fibres. Combing allows the differentiation of alignment, condition, treatment of the fibres. Thus a highly aligned, conditioned array of fibres will produce less sound energy than a tangled, poorly conditioned array of fibres. By conditioned is meant fibres that have been treated with a conditioning active, such as silicone.
Plucking
Plucking can be carried out using a plucking means, for example a plectrum.
Plucking with a plectrum is particularly suited to a fibrous surface, such as a single strand of hair. Plucking enables the measurement of stiffness to be carried out.
Sound recorded for a single fibre being plucked can be translated into useful information about the state of, not only the fibre but also and hair overall.
A preferred method of assessing a surface uses a system of the invention that further comprises an accelerometer, said method comprising the steps of: i) contacting the surface with the probing device,
ii) causing relative movement between the surface and the probing device such that an acoustic signal is generated,
iii) capture of the acoustic signal resulting from step ii) by the electronic device, vi) using data from the accelerometer to calculate the speed of the relative movement,
v) converting the acoustic signal and accelerometer data into consumer relevant information, by means of the signal processor of the electronic device, and vi) using the output interface to communicate the consumer relevant information to the operator.
A further preferred method of the invention involves assessing changes in the properties of a surface, for example, where a property is getting worse (for example due to an assault) or better (for example due to the application of a product treatment regime). The method involves at least 2 measurements separated by a time period relevant to the treatment or assault applied.
The method comprises the steps of: i) contacting the surface with the probing device,
ii) causing relative movement between the surface and the probing device such that an acoustic signal is generated,
iii) capture of the acoustic signal resulting from step ii) by the electronic device, iv) converting the acoustic signal into consumer relevant information, by means of the signal processor, and
v) using the output interface to communicate the consumer relevant information to the operator,
vi) applying a treatment or an assault to the hair,
vii) repeating steps i) - v),
viii) comparing the results obtained from successive steps v).
Steps vi) - viii) can be repeated multiple times.
The present invention thus provides the consumer with a personalised measure of properties of surfaces, for example hair, and enables the consumer to track changes in the properties of the surface, via different treatment regimes and product uses, over a period of time.
Assaults include general wear and tear, mechanical (such as combing, brushing), heat and straightening treatments, environmental (such as exposure to UV light or pollutants), chemical (such as bleach, colour), styling and cleaning assaults.
Preferred treatments for hair (step vi) are rinse off and leave on products. Preferred hair treatment compositions are selected from a shampoo, a rinse-off hair conditioner, a hair mask, a leave-on conditioner composition, and a pre-treatment composition, more preferably selected from a rinse-off hair conditioner, a hair mask, a leave-on conditioner composition, and a pre-treatment composition, for example an oil treatment, and most preferably selected from a rinse-off hair conditioner, a hair mask and a leave-on conditioner composition.
Rinse off conditioners for use in the invention are conditioners that are typically left on wet hair for 1 to 2 minutes before being rinsed off.
Hair masks for use in the present invention are treatments that are typically left on the hair for 3 to 10 minutes, preferably from 3 to 5 minutes, more preferably 4 to 5 minutes, before being rinsed off.
Leave-on conditioners for use in the invention are typically applied to the hair and left on the hair for more than 10 minutes, and preferably are applied to the hair after washing and not rinsed out until the next wash. Treatments compositions for use in the method of the current invention preferably comprise conditioning agents. Conditioning agents are preferably selected from cationic surfactants, used singly or in admixture.
Cationic surfactants useful in compositions for use in the method of the invention contain amino or quaternary ammonium hydrophilic moieties which are positively charged when dissolved in aqueous composition.
Examples of suitable cationic surfactants are those corresponding to the formula: [N (Ri) (F¾) (Rs) (R4)]+ (X)- in which R-i, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from (a) an aliphatic group of from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, or (b) an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alklaryl group having up to 22 carbon atoms; and X is a salt-forming anion such as those selected from halogen, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate nitrate, sulphate, and alkylsulphate radicals. The aliphatic groups can contain, in addition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, ether linkages, and other groups such as amino groups. The longer chain aliphatic groups, e.g., those of about 12 carbons, or higher, can be saturated or unsaturated. The most preferred cationic surfactants for compositions for use in the method of the present invention are monoalkyl quarternary ammonium compounds in which the akyl chain lengthy is Cs to CM.
Suitable examples of such materials correspond to the formula:
[N (Rs) (Re) (Rz) (Rs)]+ (X)" in which Rs is a hydrocarbon chain having 8 to 14 carbon atoms or a functional ised hydrocarbyl chain with 8 to 14 carbon atoms and containing ether, ester, amido or amino moieties present as substituents or as linkages in the radical chain, and R6, Rz and Rs are independently selected from (a) hydrocarbyl cahins of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, or (b) functional ised hydrocarbyl chains having from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms and containing one or more aromatic, ether, ester, amido or amino moieties present as substituents or as linkages in the radical chain, and X is a salt-fomning anion such as those selected from halogen, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate nitrate, sulphate and alkylsulphate radicals.
The functional ised hydrocarbyl cahins (b) may suitably contain one or more hydrophilic moieties selected from alkoxy (preferably C1-C3 alkoxy), polyoxyalkylene, alkylester, and combinations thereof.
Preferably the hydrocarbon chains Ri have 12 to 14 carbon atoms, most preferably 12 carbon atoms. They may be derived from source oils which contain substantial amounts of fatty acids having the desired hydrocarbyl chain length. For example, the fatty acids from palm kernel oil or coconut oil can be used as a source of Cs to C12 hydrocarbyl chains. Typical monoalkyi quarternary ammonium compounds of the above general formula for use in compositions for use in the method of the invention include:
(i) Lauryl trimethylammonium chloride (available commercially as Arquad C35 ex Akzo); cocodimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (available commercially as
Arquad DMCB-80 ex-Akzo)
(ii) Compounds of the formula:
[N (Ri) (F¾) ((CH2CH2O)xH) ((CH2CH2O)y H]+ (X)" wherein: x + y is an integer from 2 to 20;
Ri is a hydrocarbyl chain having 8 to 14, preferably 12 to 14, most preferably 12 carbon atoms and containing ether, ester, amido or amino moieties present as substituent's or as linkages in the radical chain;
R2 is a C1-C3 alkyl group or benzyl group, preferably methyl, and X is a salt-forming anion such as those selected from halogen, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate nitrate, sulphate, methosulphate and alkylsulphate radicals.
Suitable examples are PEG-n lauryl ammonium chlorides (where n is the PEG chain length), such as PEG-2 cocomonium chloride (available commercially as Ethoquad C12 ex-Akzo Nobel); PEG-2 cocobenzyl ammonium chloride (available commercially as
Ethoquad CB12 ex-Akzo Nobel); PEG-5 cocomonium methosulphate (available commercially as Rewoquat CPEM ex Rewo); PEG-15 cocomonium chloride (available commercially as Ethoquad C/25 ex-Akzo). (iii) Compounds of the formula:
[N (Ri) (R2) (R3) ((CH2)n OH)]+ (X)" wherein: n is an integer from 1 to 4, preferably 2; Ri is a hydrocarbyl chain having 8 to 14, preferably 12 to 14, most preferably 12 carbon atoms;
F¾ and F¾ are independently selected from Ci - C3 alkyl groups, and are preferably methyl, and
X- is a salt-forming anion such as those selected from halogen, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate nitrate, sulphate, alkylsulphate radicals. Suitable examples are lauryldimethylhydroxyethylammonium chloride (available commercially as Prapagen HY ex-Clariant).
Mixtures of any of the foregoing cationic surfactants compounds may also be suitable. Examples of suitable cationic surfactants for use in hair compositions for use in the method of the invention include cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, behenyltrimethylammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, tetramethylammonium chloride, tetraethylammonium chloride, octyltrimethylammonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, octyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, decyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, didodecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride, tallowtrimethylammonium chloride, cocotrimethylammonium chloride, and the
corresponding hydroxides thereof. Further suitable cationic surfactants include those materials having the CTFA designations Quaternium-5, Quaternium-31 and Quaternium- 18. Mixtures of any of the foregoing materials may also be suitable. A particularly useful cationic surfactant is cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, available commercially, for example as DEHYQUART, ex Henkel.
The level of cationic surfactant is preferably from 0.01 to 10, more preferably 0.05 to 5, most preferably 0.1 to 2 w.t. % of the total composition. A preferred conditioner comprises a conditioning gel phase. Such conditioners and methods for making them are described in WO2014/016354, WO2014/016353,
WO2012/016352 and WO2014/016351. The conditioning compositions may also comprise other optional ingredients. Such ingredients include, but are not limited to; fatty material, deposition polymers and further conditioning agents.
Conditioner compositions preferably additionally comprise fatty materials. The combined use of fatty materials and cationic surfactants in conditioning compositions is believed to be especially advantageous, because this leads to the formation of a structured lamellar or liquid crystal phase, in which the cationic surfactant is dispersed.
By "fatty material" is meant a fatty alcohol, an alkoxylated fatty alcohol, a fatty acid or a mixture thereof.
Preferably, the alkyl chain of the fatty material is fully saturated.
Representative fatty materials comprise from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, more preferably 16 to 22. Examples of suitable fatty alcohols include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. The use of these materials is also advantageous in that they contribute to the overall conditioning properties of compositions.
Alkoxylated, (e.g. ethoxylated or propoxylated) fatty alcohols having from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain can be used in place of, or in addition to, the fatty alcohols themselves. Suitable examples include ethylene glycol cetyl ether,
polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene (4) cetyl ether, and mixtures thereof. The level of fatty material in conditioners is suitably from 0.01 to 15, preferably from 0.1 to 10, and more preferably from 0.1 to 5 percent by weight of the total composition. The weight ratio of cationic surfactant to fatty alcohol is suitably from 10:1 to 1 :10, preferably from 4:1 to 1 :8, optimally from 1 :1 to 1 :7, for example 1 :3. Further conditioning ingredients include esters of fatty alcohol and fatty acids, such as cetyl palmitate.
A conditioning composition for use in the present invention may preferably comprise a miscellar structured liquid.
The pH of a conditioner comprising the present composition is preferably 3-5. More preferably the pH of the composition is 4.5 - 5.5. Where the composition has a pH of less than 3.10 it is preferred that it is in the form of a conditioning mask for intense treatment.
Further conditioning ingredients include conditioning oils, preferably selected from coconut oil and olive oil.