CN113017887A - Toothbrush device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a toothbrush device, comprising: a detection unit that detects a predetermined physical quantity related to a brushing action of a user; a guide output unit that outputs a tooth brushing guide for assisting a tooth brushing action of a user; a storage unit for storing the physical quantity detected by the detection unit when the tooth brushing guide is output by the guide output unit; and an evaluation unit that evaluates a brushing action of the user, the brushing guide including a first part indicating a site to be brushed and a second part serving as an index of a period during which brushing is to be performed, the evaluation unit evaluating the brushing action of the user on the site indicated by the first part based on the physical quantity stored in the storage unit and detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second part is output, the toothbrush device including: after the detection of the physical quantity by the detection unit is completed, the evaluation unit starts evaluation of the brushing action of the user.

Description

Toothbrush device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a toothbrush apparatus.

This application claims priority based on japanese patent application No. 2019-233342, filed 24.12.2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background

Conventionally, there is known a device (for example, a device called a smart brush) that performs a brushing evaluation based on sensed data and displays the result of the evaluation.

For tooth brushing evaluation, it is necessary to detect the brushing position. In the case of directly detecting the brushing position, image analysis by a camera or the like is required, and the apparatus becomes large-scale. Therefore, generally, the brushing position is indirectly inferred by detecting the angle of the toothbrush. The method of estimating the brushing position from the angle of the toothbrush is simple, and on the other hand, there is a problem that it is difficult to discriminate the left and right sides of the occlusal surface, the buccal side, and the lingual side.

In order to solve this problem, conventionally, a method of mounting an electrode on a toothbrush head and determining a position in an energized state or a method of providing a tooth brushing guide has been used. In the method of mounting the electrode on the brush head, the brush head becomes large, and thus the operability is poor. In one example of a method for providing a tooth brushing guide, a part to be cleaned next is designated by a display terminal such as a smartphone, and thus a brushing position can be estimated with high accuracy based on a detected toothbrush angle and the designated part. However, in this case, the user must use the display terminal in addition to the toothbrush device, and the user's trouble increases.

In addition, conventionally, a system is known which provides feedback to an individual based on a brushing result and provides guidance for brushing to the individual (for example, see patent document 1). Patent document 1 describes an oral hygiene device such as an electronic toothbrush including a toothbrush member, a sensor, a storage unit, and a communication circuit. The oral hygiene device described in patent document 1 is used by a user in combination with a user device such as a smartphone.

However, patent document 1 does not describe the following: which part of the motion perception data collected by the sensor (i.e., which time period of motion perception data) should be used to discriminate (calculate) the user's oral hygiene cleaning performance. Therefore, according to the technique described in patent document 1, there is a possibility that the oral hygiene cleaning performance of the user cannot be accurately determined (calculated).

Patent document 2 describes a technique for assisting accurate brushing by an appropriate method of using an electric toothbrush. In the technique described in patent document 2, an acceleration sensor is provided in the toothbrush, the posture of the toothbrush is obtained from the output of the acceleration sensor, and the brushing portion is estimated based on the posture of the brush. In addition, the brushing time of the brushing portion is measured by a timer. Further, the brushing result of each portion is evaluated based on the measured brushing time and output.

Patent document 2 discloses the following: since recording and evaluation of the brushing time, the brushing angle, and the like during the movement of the brush between the parts is not appropriate, the processes such as the posture detection, estimation of the brushing part, measurement of the brushing time, estimation of the brushing angle, detection of the brushing pressure, and output of the brushing result are prohibited while the load is not applied to the brush.

However, in the technique described in patent document 2, in order to determine which part of the acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor (that is, the acceleration data in which time zone) should be used for the evaluation of the brushing, a load sensor is provided to detect the brushing pressure.

Therefore, the technique described in patent document 2 may increase the cost.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese Kohyo publication 2019-505269

Patent document 2: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2009-240760

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object thereof is to provide a toothbrush device capable of accurately evaluating a brushing action of a user.

Specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush device capable of accurately evaluating the brushing action of a user while suppressing the cost.

Means for solving the problems

A toothbrush device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a detection unit that detects a predetermined physical quantity related to a brushing action of a user; a guide output unit that outputs a tooth brushing guide for assisting a tooth brushing action of a user; a storage unit that stores the physical quantity detected by the detection unit when the tooth brushing guide is output by the guide output unit; and an evaluation unit that evaluates a brushing action of the user, wherein the brushing guide includes: and a second section which is an index of a period during which tooth brushing should be performed, wherein the evaluation unit evaluates tooth brushing action of the user on a part indicated by the first section based on the physical quantity stored in the storage unit and detected by the detection unit during the period during which the second section is output, and the toothbrush device includes: the evaluation unit starts evaluation of the brushing action of the user after the detection of the physical quantity by the detection unit is completed.

In the toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention, the evaluation unit may execute: the evaluation unit does not evaluate the brushing action of the user with respect to the part indicated by the first part based on the physical quantity detected by the detection unit while the first part is being output.

In the toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention, the detection unit may detect the physical quantity at predetermined time intervals during a period in which the tooth brushing guide is output by the guide output unit, the evaluation unit may calculate or acquire an actual data number, which is a number of data of the physical quantity stored in the storage unit and actually detected by the detection unit, during a period in which the tooth brushing guide is output by the guide output unit, the evaluation unit may acquire a design data number, which is a number of data of the physical quantity on design to be detected by the detection unit during a period in which the tooth brushing guide is output by the guide output unit, the evaluation unit may calculate an output speed ratio, which is a ratio between an actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide by the guide output unit and a designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide by the guide output unit, based on the actual data number and the design data number, the evaluation unit executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second portion is output is extracted based on the output speed ratio.

In the toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention, the evaluation unit may acquire a design first portion data number which is the number of data of the physical quantity in design to be detected by the detection unit while the first portion is output by the guidance output unit, the evaluation unit may acquire a design second portion data number which is the number of data of the physical quantity in design to be detected by the detection unit while the second portion is output by the guidance output unit, the evaluation unit may acquire the order in which the first portion and the second portion are output by the guidance output unit, and the evaluation unit may perform: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second portion is output is extracted based on the number of design first portion data, the number of design second portion data, the order in which the first portion and the second portion are output, and the output speed ratio.

In the toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention, the evaluation unit may acquire a designed first part output period which is an output period of the first part on the design to be output by the guidance output unit, the evaluation unit may acquire a designed second part output period which is an output period of the second part on the design to be output by the guidance output unit, the evaluation unit may acquire an order in which the first part and the second part are output by the guidance output unit, and the evaluation unit may perform: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second portion is output is extracted based on the designed first portion output period, the designed second portion output period, the order in which the first portion and the second portion are output, and the output speed ratio.

In the toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention, the tooth brushing guide output by the guide output unit may include a plurality of first parts, a plurality of second parts, and a third part indicating an end of the tooth brushing guide, the evaluation unit may acquire the number of pieces of design first part data to be detected by the detection unit while the plurality of first parts are output by the guide output unit, the evaluation unit may acquire the number of pieces of design second part data to be detected by the detection unit while the plurality of second parts are output by the guide output unit, the evaluation unit may acquire the number of pieces of design third part data, which is the number of pieces of data of the physical quantity in design to be detected by the detection unit while the third part is output by the guide output unit, and the evaluation unit may acquire the number of pieces of design third part data to be output by the guide output unit while the plurality of first parts are output by the guide output unit, The evaluation section performs, in order of the plurality of second portions and the third portion, the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the plurality of second portions are output is extracted based on the number of design first portion data, the number of design second portion data, the number of design third portion data, the order in which the plurality of first portions, the plurality of second portions, and the third portions are output, and the output speed ratio.

In the toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention, the tooth brushing guide output by the guide output unit may include a plurality of first parts, a plurality of second parts, and a third part indicating the end of the tooth brushing guide, the evaluation unit may acquire a design first part output period which is an output period of the plurality of first parts in the design in which the plurality of first parts are to be output by the guide output unit, the evaluation unit may acquire a design second part output period which is an output period of the plurality of second parts in the design in which the plurality of second parts are to be output by the guide output unit, the evaluation unit may acquire a design third part output period which is an output period of the third parts in the design in which the third parts are to be output by the guide output unit, and the evaluation unit may acquire the plurality of first parts output by the guide output unit, The evaluation section performs, in order of the plurality of second portions and the third portion, the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the plurality of second portions are output is extracted based on the designed first portion output period, the designed second portion output period, the designed third portion output period, the order in which the plurality of first portions, the plurality of second portions, and the third portion are output, and the output speed ratio.

In the toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention, the detection unit may detect the physical quantity at a predetermined time interval during a period in which the tooth brushing guide is output by the guide output unit, the evaluation unit may acquire a design data number that is a number of data of the physical quantity on design to be detected by the detection unit during a period in which the tooth brushing guide is output by the guide output unit, the evaluation unit may calculate a design output period that is a period in which the tooth brushing guide is output by the guide output unit based on the time interval and the design data number, the evaluation unit may acquire a start time stamp indicating a time at which the guide output unit starts the output of the tooth brushing guide and an end time stamp indicating a time at which the guide output unit ends the output of the tooth brushing guide, and the evaluation unit may detect the physical quantity at the predetermined time interval based on the start time stamp and the end time stamp, the tooth brushing guidance system includes a guide output unit that outputs a tooth brushing guidance, an evaluation unit that calculates an actual output period that is a period during which the tooth brushing guidance is actually output by the guide output unit, and calculates an output speed ratio that is a ratio of an actual output speed of the tooth brushing guidance based on the guide output unit to a designed output speed of the tooth brushing guidance based on the guide output unit, based on the actual output period and the designed output period, and the evaluation unit executes: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second portion is output is extracted based on the output speed ratio.

In the toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention, the detection unit may detect the physical quantity at a predetermined time interval during a period in which the tooth brushing guide is output by the guide output unit, the evaluation unit may acquire a designed output period which is a period in which the tooth brushing guide is to be output by the guide output unit, the evaluation unit may acquire a start time timestamp indicating a time at which the guide output unit starts the output of the tooth brushing guide and an end time timestamp indicating a time at which the guide output unit ends the output of the tooth brushing guide, the evaluation unit may calculate an actual output period which is a period in which the tooth brushing guide is actually output by the guide output unit based on the start time timestamp and the end time timestamp, and the evaluation unit may calculate the actual output period based on the actual output period and the designed output period, calculating an output speed ratio which is a ratio of an actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide based on the guide output unit to a designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide based on the guide output unit, wherein the evaluation unit executes: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second portion is output is extracted based on the output speed ratio.

In the toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention, the first part and the second part may be configured by different data files.

In the toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention, the toothbrush device may acquire a second part start time timestamp indicating a time at which the guidance output unit starts outputting the second part and a second part end time timestamp indicating a time at which the guidance output unit ends outputting the second part, and the evaluation unit may execute: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second part is output is extracted based on the second part start time timestamp and the second part end time timestamp.

In the toothbrush device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the toothbrush device may be an attachment attached to a toothbrush.

In the toothbrush device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the toothbrush device may be incorporated in a toothbrush.

In the toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention, the brushing guide may be an audible guide or a tactile guide.

The toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a wireless transmission unit that transmits the physical quantity stored in the storage unit and a result of evaluation of the brushing action of the user by the evaluation unit to a wireless terminal.

The toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention may further include an evaluation result output unit that outputs a result of evaluation of the brushing action of the user by the evaluation unit.

In the toothbrush device according to one aspect of the present invention, the detection unit may include at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a magnetic sensor.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toothbrush device capable of accurately evaluating the brushing action of a user.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a toothbrush device according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the tooth brushing guide output by the guide output unit.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed in the toothbrush device of the first embodiment in order to evaluate the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush on the site indicated by the first part shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a view showing another example of the tooth brushing guide output from the guide output unit of the toothbrush device according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed in the toothbrush device of the first embodiment in order to evaluate the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush on the site indicated by the first part shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the tooth brushing guide GD output by the guide output unit of the toothbrush device according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed in the toothbrush device of the second embodiment in order to evaluate the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush on the site indicated by the first part shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a view showing an example of the tooth brushing guide output from the guide output unit of the toothbrush device according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed in the toothbrush device of the third embodiment in order to evaluate the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush on the site indicated by the first part shown in fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of functional modules of the toothbrush device of the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of functional modules of the toothbrush device of the fifth embodiment.

Description of the symbols

1 toothbrush device

11 detection part

12 guide output part

13 storage part

14 evaluation part

15 radio transmitter

16 evaluation result output unit

1A hole

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the toothbrush device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings below, in order to make it easy to observe each component, the scale of the dimensions may be shown differently depending on the component.

< first embodiment >

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a toothbrush device 1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, fig. 1(a) shows an example of a functional block of the toothbrush device 1 according to the first embodiment, and fig. 1(B) shows an example of a schematic configuration of the toothbrush device 1 according to the first embodiment.

In the example shown in fig. 1 (specifically, the example shown in fig. 1B), the toothbrush device 1 is an attachment to be attached to a toothbrush (not shown). The toothbrush device 1 includes a hole 1A into which a part of a toothbrush handle (not shown) is inserted.

In another example, the toothbrush apparatus 1 may be built-in to a toothbrush.

In the example shown in fig. 1 (specifically, the example shown in fig. 1 (a)), the toothbrush device 1 includes a detection unit 11, a guidance output unit 12, a storage unit 13, and an evaluation unit 14. The detector 11 detects a predetermined physical quantity related to the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush (not shown).

In the example shown in fig. 1, the detection unit 11 includes an acceleration sensor (not shown). The detector 11 detects physical quantities (for example, inclination, vibration number, amplitude, and the like) related to the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush, using the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor.

In another example, the detection unit 11 may include a gyro sensor (not shown). In this example, the detector 11 detects a physical quantity related to the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush by using the angular velocity detected by the gyro sensor.

In another example, the detection unit 11 may include a magnetic sensor (not shown). In this example, the detector 11 detects a physical quantity related to the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush by using the orientation information obtained by the magnetic sensor.

In another example, the detection unit 11 may include any other sensor described in patent document 2, for example.

In the example shown in fig. 1 (specifically, the example shown in fig. 1 (a)), the guidance output unit 12 outputs brushing guidance GD that assists the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush. The storage unit 13 stores the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 when the guidance output unit 12 outputs the brushing guidance GD. The evaluation unit 14 evaluates the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush based on the physical quantity stored in the storage unit 13 and detected by the detection unit 11.

In the example shown in fig. 1, the toothbrush device 1 has a mode in which the evaluation unit 14 starts evaluation of the tooth brushing action of the user of the toothbrush after the detection of the physical quantity by the detection unit 11 is completed.

In another example, the toothbrush device 1 may include a mode in which the evaluation unit 14 starts evaluation of the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush before the detection of the physical quantity by the detection unit 11 is completed, in addition to the mode.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the tooth brushing guide GD output by the guide output unit 12. Specifically, fig. 2(a) shows the first part GD1 and the second part GD2 included in the tooth brushing guide GD output by the guide output unit 12. Fig. 2B shows the number of design data N, which is the number of data of physical quantities to be detected by the detection unit 11 in the period (time tS to time tE) in which the guidance output unit 12 outputs the brushing guidance GD.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the guidance output unit 12 includes a speaker. The guidance output unit 12 outputs a sound as a tooth brushing guidance GD for assisting the tooth brushing action of the user of the toothbrush. That is, in the examples shown in fig. 1 and 2, the brushing guide GD is an auditory guide. The brushing guide GD includes a first section GD1 that indicates a site where brushing is to be performed, and a second section GD2 that serves as an indicator of a period during which brushing is to be performed.

As a first part GD1 of the brushing guide GD, the guide output part 12 outputs, for example, "start brushing Bar! Swing out the mouth shape of 'babble-'! Cleaning anterior teeth! "sound of. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the region to be brushed is the buccal side (labial side) of the anterior teeth.

Next, the guidance output unit 12 outputs, for example, a sound of "brush brushing" as the second part GD2 of the tooth brushing guidance GD. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the period during which the second portion GD2 is output is the period during which the user should brush the teeth.

In another example, the guidance output unit 12 may output a sound other than the above-described sound as the first portion GD1, and the guidance output unit 12 may output a sound other than the above-described sound as the second portion GD 2.

In another example, the guidance output unit 12 may include a vibration generating device (not shown). In this example, the guidance output unit 12 outputs vibration as a tooth brushing guide GD for assisting the tooth brushing action of the user of the toothbrush. That is, in this example, the brushing guide GD is a tactile guide. In this example, the brushing guidance GD includes a first section GD1 that indicates a site where brushing is to be performed, and a second section GD2 that is an indicator of a period during which brushing is to be performed. In this example, the first portion GD1 and the second portion GD2 are different in vibration mode, for example. A user of the toothbrush, for example, reads an operation manual, and understands in advance that the vibration pattern of the first section GD1 is a content indicating a site to be brushed (for example, a buccal side of anterior teeth) and the vibration pattern of the second section GD2 is a content indicating a period during which brushing is to be performed. Further, the user of the toothbrush performs a tooth brushing action on the buccal side of the anterior teeth based on the vibration pattern of the first portion GD1 and the vibration pattern of the second portion GD2 while the toothbrush is in use.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, at time tS, the guidance output unit 12 starts outputting the tooth brushing guidance GD, the detection unit 11 starts detecting the physical quantity, and the storage unit 13 starts storing the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11. At time tE, the guidance output unit 12 ends the output of the brushing guidance GD, and the detection unit 11 ends the detection of the physical quantity.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, after the detection of the physical quantity by the detection unit 11 is completed (i.e., after time tE), the evaluation unit 14 starts evaluation of the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush. The evaluation unit 14 evaluates the brushing action of the user on the part indicated by the first part GD1, based on the physical quantity stored in the storage unit 13 and detected by the detection unit 11 while the second part GD2 is being output.

Specifically, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the second portion GD2 is output is extracted from the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the tooth brushing guide GD is output (time tS to time tE) stored in the storage unit 13. The evaluation unit 14 does not evaluate the brushing action of the user on the site (buccal side of anterior teeth) indicated by the first section GD1 based on the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the first section GD1 is being output.

Therefore, in the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush can be accurately evaluated, as compared to the case where the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush is evaluated based on the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 also during the period in which the guidance output unit 12 outputs the first portion GD1 (i.e., during the period in which the user of the toothbrush does not brush teeth).

If it is actually detected by the load sensor that brushing is not performed while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the first portion GD1 as in patent document 2, the installation of the load sensor is required, which is costly.

On the other hand, in the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, it is estimated that brushing is not performed while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the first portion GD1, and the evaluation by the evaluation unit 14 is performed only while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the second portion GD 2.

Therefore, in the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the cost can be reduced compared to the case where a load sensor is provided as in the technique described in patent document 2.

However, depending on individual differences of the toothbrush device 1, or depending on the usage environment of the toothbrush device 1, the designed output speed of the brushing guidance GD by the guidance output unit 12 may be different from the actual output speed of the brushing guidance GD by the guidance output unit 12.

In such a case, the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 may be extracted while the guidance output unit 12 does not actually output the second portion GD2, and the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush may be evaluated based on the physical quantity. That is, in such a case, the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush may be evaluated based on the physical quantity detected by the detector 11 while the user of the toothbrush is not brushing teeth.

Therefore, in the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, a measure is taken to extract the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the guide output unit 12 actually outputs the second portion GD2, even when the designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12 is different from the actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12.

Specifically, in the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the detection unit 11 detects the physical quantity at a predetermined time interval Δ t (data pitch) (see fig. 2B). Specifically, during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guidance GD, the detection unit 11 detects the physical quantity at a predetermined time interval Δ t. Even when the designed output speed of the tooth brushing guidance GD by the guidance output unit 12 is different from the actual output speed of the tooth brushing guidance GD by the guidance output unit 12 depending on individual differences of the toothbrush device 1, the usage environment of the toothbrush device 1, or the like, the time interval Δ t is a constant value.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the length of the tooth brushing guide GD is set so that the number of pieces of data of the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the tooth brushing guide GD is output by the guidance output unit 12 is N (see fig. 2B) when the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guide GD at the designed output speed.

That is, the number N of data is the number N of physical quantities in design (the number N of design data) to be detected by the detection unit 11 during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the guidance output unit 12 outputs the brushing guidance GD.

On the other hand, in the period (time tS to time tE) during which the tooth brushing guide GD is output by the guide output unit 12, the number of data (actual data number) of physical quantities actually detected by the detection unit 11 and stored in the storage unit 13 can be represented by the result ((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t) of the division of the length (tE-tS) of the period by the time interval Δ t.

The output speed ratio, which is the ratio of the actual output speed of the brushing guidance GD by the guidance output unit 12 to the designed output speed of the brushing guidance GD by the guidance output unit 12, can be expressed by the result (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N) of dividing the actual number of data ((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t) by the number of design data N.

When the designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12 is equal to the actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12, the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N) is 1.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, even when the output speed ratio is a value other than 1, the evaluation unit 14 calculates the actual data number ((tE-tS)/[ delta ] t) because the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the guidance output unit 12 actually outputs the second portion GD2 is extracted.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, as described above, the evaluation unit 14 calculates the actual data number ((tE-tS)/. at) by dividing the length (tE-tS) of the period (time tS to time tE) during which the tooth brushing guide GD is output by the time interval Δ t, and in another example, the detection unit 11 may count the number of physical quantities (actual data number) detected at the time interval Δ t (data pitch) set in advance during the period (time tS to time tE) during which the tooth brushing guide GD is output, and the evaluation unit 14 may acquire the actual data number, for example.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the above-described number N of design data (i.e., the number N of design data set in advance). The evaluation unit 14 calculates the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N) based on the number of actual data ((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t) and the number N of design data.

Further, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the second portion GD2 is output is extracted based on the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. Δ t)/N).

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, in order to recognize the period during which the second portion GD2 is output, the setting described below is performed in advance, and the processing described below is performed.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the length of the first portion GD1 is set so that the number of data of the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the first portion GD1 of the tooth brushing guide GD is output by the guidance output unit 12 is N1 (see fig. 2(B)) when the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guide GD at the designed output speed.

That is, the data number N1 is the number N1 of the designed physical quantities to be detected by the detector 11 while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the first part GD1 (the designed first part data number N1).

Further, the length of the second section GD2 is set so that the number of data of the physical quantity detected by the detector 11 while the guide output unit 12 outputs the second section GD2 of the tooth brushing guide GD is N2 (see fig. 2B) when the guide output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guide GD at the designed output speed.

That is, the number of data N2 is the number of data N2 (the design second partial data number N2) of the design physical quantity to be detected by the detector 11 while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the second part GD 2.

Further, the order in which the first portion GD1 and the second portion GD2 are output by the guidance output section 12 is set to "GD 1 → GD 2".

The evaluation unit 14 acquires the number of the design first partial data N1, the number of the design second partial data N2, and the sequence "GD 1 → GD 2" described above. Further, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the output of the second portion GD2 is extracted from the storage unit 13 based on the number of design first portion data N1, the number of design second portion data N2, the order "GD 1 → GD 2", and the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N) described above.

Therefore, in the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, even when the designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12 is different from the actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12, the evaluation unit 14 can accurately extract the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the second portion GD2 is actually output.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the speaker of the guidance output unit 12 can output the result of evaluation of the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush by the evaluation unit 14.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, in order to execute the process of extracting the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the second portion GD2 is output from the storage unit 13, as described above, the number of designed first portion data N1, the number of designed second portion data N2, the sequence "GD 1 → GD 2", and the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N) described above are used.

On the other hand, an output period of the designed first portion GD1 (designed first portion output period) ((N1 ×. Δ t)) during which the first portion GD1 should be output by the guidance output unit 12 and an output period of the designed second portion GD2 (designed second portion output period) ((N2 ×. Δ t)) during which the second portion GD2 should be output by the guidance output unit 12 are known in some cases. For example, in the known examples, the evaluation unit 14 obtains the above-described designed first-part output period, the above-described designed second-part output period, and the above-described sequence "GD 1 → GD 2". Further, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the second portion GD2 is output is extracted from the storage unit 13 based on the designed first-portion output period, the designed second-portion output period, the sequence "GD 1 → GD 2", and the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N) described above.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed in the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment in order to evaluate the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush on the site indicated by the first portion GD1 shown in fig. 2.

In the example shown in fig. 3, in step S11, the guide output unit 12 outputs the brushing guide GD including the first portion GD1 and the second portion GD 2.

In step S12, the detector 11 detects a physical quantity related to the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush. Specifically, in step S11, while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guidance GD, the detection unit 11 detects the physical quantity.

In step S13, the storage unit 13 stores the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 in step S12.

In step S14 executed after the detection of the physical quantity by the detector 11 is completed, the evaluation unit 14 calculates the actual data number ((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t) which is the number of data of the physical quantity actually detected by the detector 11 in step S12. Alternatively, in step S14, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the actual data count counted by the detection unit 11 in step S12.

In step S15A, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the number N1 of the preset design first partial data.

In step S15B, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the number N2 of the preset design second partial data.

Next, in step S16, the evaluation unit 14 calculates an output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/(N1 + N2)) based on the number of actual data ((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t) calculated or acquired in step S14, the number of design first partial data N1 acquired in step S15A, and the number of design second partial data N2 acquired in step S15B.

In step S17, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the order "GD 1 → GD 2" in which the first portion GD1 and the second portion GD2 are output by the guidance output unit 12 in step S11.

Next, in step S18, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the second portion GD2 is actually output is extracted from the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the tooth brushing guide GD is output (time tS to time tE) stored in the storage unit 13.

In detail, in step S18, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the second part GD2 is output is extracted from the storage unit 13 based on the number N1 of design first part data acquired in step S15A, the number N2 of design second part data acquired in step S15B, the order "GD 1 → GD 2" acquired in step S17, and the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/[ delta ] t)/(N1+ N2) calculated in step S16. Alternatively, in step S18, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the second portion GD2 is output is extracted from the storage unit 13 based on the known designed first portion output period, the known designed second portion output period, the sequence "GD 1 → GD 2" acquired in step S17, and the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/[ delta ] t)/(N1+ N2) calculated in step S16.

Next, in step S19, the evaluation unit 14 evaluates the brushing action of the user on the site (buccal side of anterior teeth) indicated by the first segment GD1 based on the physical quantity extracted in step S18.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the tooth brushing guide GD output by the guide output unit 12 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, fig. 4(a) shows the first parts GD1-1 to GD1-7, the second parts GD2-1 to GD2-7, and the third part GD3 included in the tooth brushing guide GD output by the guide output unit 12. Fig. 4B shows the number of design data N, which is the number of data of physical quantities to be detected by the detection unit 11 during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the guidance output unit 12 outputs the brushing guidance GD.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 4 (specifically, the example shown in fig. 4(a)), the brushing guide GD includes first portions GD1-1 to GD1-7 indicating a site to be brushed, second portions GD2-1 to GD2-7 indicating a period during which brushing is to be performed, and a third portion GD3 indicating the end of the brushing guide GD.

As the first part GD1-1 of the brushing guide GD, the guide output part 12 outputs, for example, "start brushing Bar! Swing out the mouth shape of 'babble-'! Cleaning anterior teeth! "sound of. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the region to be brushed is the buccal side (labial side) of the anterior teeth.

Next, the guidance output unit 12 outputs, for example, a sound of "brush brushing" as the second part GD2-1 of the tooth brushing guidance GD. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the period during which the second portion GD2-1 is output is the period during which the teeth brushing on the buccal side of the anterior teeth should be performed.

Next, as a first part GD1-2 of the tooth brushing guide GD, the guide output part 12 outputs, for example, "EYE! Very good! Maintain the mouth shape of 'babble-', clean the back teeth! "sound of. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the region to be brushed is the buccal side of one of the right posterior tooth and the left posterior tooth.

Next, the guidance output unit 12 outputs, for example, a sound of "brush brushing" as the second part GD2-2 of the tooth brushing guidance GD. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the period during which the second portion GD2-2 is output is the period during which the teeth of one of the right rear teeth and the left rear teeth should be brushed on the buccal side.

Next, as the first part GD1-3 of the tooth brushing guide GD, the guide output part 12 outputs, for example, "very good! Maintain the mouth shape of 'babble-', clean the back teeth on the opposite side! "sound of. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the region to be brushed is the buccal side of the other of the right posterior tooth and the left posterior tooth.

Next, the guidance output unit 12 outputs, for example, a sound of "brush brushing" as the second part GD2-3 of the brushing guidance GD. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the period during which the second portion GD2-3 is output is the period during which the teeth of the other of the right rear teeth and the left rear teeth should be brushed on the buccal side.

Next, as the first part GD1-4 of the tooth brushing guide GD, the guide output part 12 outputs, for example, "not just! Very good! Then open the mouth greatly like' o- ] | this! Clean the upper and lower teeth! "sound of. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the site to be brushed is the occlusal surface of one of the upper right posterior tooth and the upper left posterior tooth and the lingual side.

Next, the guide output unit 12 outputs, for example, a sound of "brush brushing" as the second part GD2-4 of the brushing guide GD. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the period during which the second portion GD2-4 is output is the period during which the teeth brushing is to be performed on the occlusal surface of one of the upper right posterior teeth and the upper left posterior teeth and the lingual side thereof.

Next, as a first part GD1-5 of the tooth brushing guide GD, the guide output part 12 outputs, for example, "EYE! Very good! Then jump to the opposite side! Clean the upper and lower teeth! "sound of. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the site to be brushed is the occlusal surface of the other of the upper right posterior tooth and the upper left posterior tooth and the lingual side.

Next, the guide output unit 12 outputs, for example, a sound of "brush brushing" as the second part GD2-5 of the brushing guide GD. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the period during which the second portion GD2-5 is output is the period during which the teeth brushing on the occlusal surface and the lingual side of the other of the upper right posterior tooth and the upper left posterior tooth should be performed.

Next, as the first part GD1-6 of the tooth brushing guide GD, the guide output part 12 outputs, for example, "feel ok! The lower back teeth are then cleaned! "sound of. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the site to be brushed is the occlusal surface of one of the lower right posterior tooth and the lower left posterior tooth and the lingual side.

Next, the guide output unit 12 outputs, for example, a sound of "brush brushing" as the second part GD2-6 of the brushing guide GD. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the period during which the second portion GD2-6 is output is the period during which the teeth brushing is to be performed on the occlusal surface of one of the lower right posterior teeth and the lower left posterior teeth and the lingual side thereof.

Next, as the first part GD1-7 of the tooth brushing guide GD, the guide output part 12 outputs, for example, "not just! Very good! Coming again for a moment! Then jump to the opposite side! Cleaning lower posterior teeth! "sound of. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the site to be brushed is the occlusal surface and the lingual side of the other of the lower right posterior tooth and the lower left posterior tooth.

Next, the guide output unit 12 outputs, for example, a sound of "brush brushing" as the second part GD2-7 of the brushing guide GD. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand that the period during which the second portion GD2-7 is output is the period during which the teeth brushing on the occlusal surface and the lingual side of the other of the lower right posterior tooth and the lower left posterior tooth should be performed.

Next, as a third part GD3 of the brushing guide GD, the guide output part 12 outputs, for example, "too excellent! Perfectly complete cleaning! "sound of. As a result, even when the user of the toothbrush is an infant, the user of the toothbrush can easily understand the content of the period in which the user should brush teeth.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, at time tS, the guidance output unit 12 starts outputting the first part GD1-1 of the tooth brushing guidance GD, the detection unit 11 starts detecting the physical quantity, and the storage unit 13 starts storing the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11. At time tE, the guidance output unit 12 ends the output of the third section GD3 of the tooth brushing guidance GD, and the detection unit 11 ends the detection of the physical quantity.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, after the detection of the physical quantity by the detection unit 11 is completed (i.e., after the time tE), the evaluation unit 14 starts evaluation of the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush. The evaluation unit 14 evaluates the brushing action of the user on the part indicated by the first part GD1-1 based on the physical quantity stored in the storage unit 13 and detected by the detection unit 11 while the second part GD2-1 is output. The evaluation unit 14 evaluates the brushing action of the user on the parts indicated by the first parts GD1-2 to GD1-7, based on the physical quantities stored in the storage unit 13 and detected by the detection unit 11 while the second parts GD2-2 to GD2-7 are output, respectively.

Specifically, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 11 during the periods (time tS to time tE) in which the tooth brushing guide GD is output, which are stored in the storage unit 13, are extracted from the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 11 during the periods in which the second parts GD2-1 to GD2-7 are output, respectively. The evaluation unit 14 does not evaluate the behavior of the user with respect to the site (buccal side of one of anterior teeth, right posterior teeth, and left posterior teeth, buccal side of the other of right posterior teeth and left posterior teeth, occlusal surface and lingual side of one of right upper posterior teeth and left upper posterior teeth, occlusal surface and lingual side of the other of right lower posterior teeth and left lower posterior teeth, and occlusal surface and lingual side of the other of right lower posterior teeth and left lower posterior teeth) indicated by each of the first portions GD1-1 to GD1-7 based on the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while outputting the first portions GD1-1 to GD1-7 and the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while outputting the third portion GD 3.

Therefore, in the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush can be evaluated more accurately than when the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush is evaluated based on the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 also during the period in which the guide output unit 12 outputs the first parts GD1-1 to GD1-7 and the third part GD3 (that is, during the period in which the user of the toothbrush does not brush teeth).

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, it is estimated that the tooth brushing is not performed while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the first portions GD1-1 to GD1-7 and the third portion GD3, and the evaluation by the evaluation unit 14 is performed only while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the second portions GD2-1 to GD2-7, respectively.

Therefore, in the examples shown in fig. 1 and 4, the cost can be reduced compared to the case where a load sensor is provided as in the technique described in patent document 2.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, similarly to the example shown in fig. 1 and 2, the designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12 may be different from the actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12 depending on individual differences of the toothbrush device 1, the usage environment of the toothbrush device 1, and the like.

Therefore, in the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, even when the designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12 is different from the actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12, a measure is taken to extract the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the guide output unit 12 actually outputs the second parts GD2-1 to GD2-7, respectively.

Specifically, in the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, the detection unit 11 detects the physical quantity at a predetermined time interval Δ t (see fig. 2B) as in the example shown in fig. 1 and 2. Specifically, during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guidance GD, the detection unit 11 detects the physical quantity at a predetermined time interval Δ t.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, the length of the tooth brushing guide GD is set so that the number of pieces of data of the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the tooth brushing guide GD is output by the guidance output unit 12 is N (see fig. 4B) when the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guide GD at the designed output speed.

That is, the number N of data is the number N of physical quantities in design (the number N of design data) to be detected by the detection unit 11 during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the guidance output unit 12 outputs the brushing guidance GD.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, the number of data items (actual data items) of the physical quantity actually detected by the detection unit 11 during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the tooth brushing guide GD is output by the guide output unit 12 can be represented by the result ((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t) of dividing the length (tE-tS) of the period by the time interval Δ t.

The output speed ratio, which is the ratio of the actual output speed of the brushing guidance GD by the guidance output unit 12 to the designed output speed of the brushing guidance GD by the guidance output unit 12, can be expressed by the result of dividing the actual number of data (tE-tS)/. DELTA.t) by the number of design data N (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N).

When the designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12 is equal to the actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12, the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N) is 1.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, even when the output speed ratio is a value other than 1, the evaluation unit 14 calculates the actual data number ((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t) because the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the guidance output unit 12 actually outputs the second parts GD2-1 to GD2-7, respectively, is extracted.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, as described above, the evaluation unit 14 calculates the actual data number ((tE-tS)/. at) by dividing the length (tE-tS) of the period (time tS to time tE) during which the tooth brushing guide GD is output by the time interval Δ t, but in another example, the detection unit 11 may count the number of detected physical quantities (actual data number) at the time interval Δ t (data pitch) set in advance during the period (time tS to time tE) during which the tooth brushing guide GD is output, and the evaluation unit 14 may acquire the actual data number, for example.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, the evaluation unit 14 obtains the above-described number N of design data (i.e., the number N of design data set in advance). The evaluation unit 14 calculates the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N) based on the number of actual data ((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t) and the number N of design data.

Further, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the second portion GD2 is output is extracted based on the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. Δ t)/N).

In the examples shown in fig. 1 and 4, the later-described setting is performed in advance to identify the periods during which the second parts GD2-1 to GD2-7 are output, respectively, and the later-described processing is performed.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, the length of the first portion GD1-1 is set such that, when the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guidance GD at the designed output speed, the number of data items of the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the first portion GD1-1 (see fig. 4 a) of the tooth brushing guidance GD is N1-1 (see fig. 4B).

That is, the number of data N1-1 is the number of data N1-1 of the designed physical quantity to be detected by the detector 11 while the first section GD1-1 is output by the guidance output unit 12 (the number of designed first section data N1-1).

Similarly, the lengths of the first portions GD1-2 to GD1-7 are set such that the number of data of the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the guide output unit 12 outputs the first portions GD1-2 to GD1-7 (see fig. 4(a)) of the brushing guide GD is N1-2 to N1-7 (see fig. 4(B)) when the guide output unit 12 outputs the brushing guide GD at the designed output speed.

That is, the data numbers N1-2 to N1-7 are the data numbers N1-2 to N1-7 of the designed physical quantities to be detected by the detection unit 11 while the first parts GD1-2 to GD1-7 are output by the guidance output unit 12, respectively (the designed first part data numbers N1-2 to N1-7).

Further, the length of the second section GD2-1 is set so that the number of data of the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the second section GD2-1 (see fig. 4 a) of the tooth brushing guide GD is output by the guidance output unit 12 is N2-1 (see fig. 4B) when the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guide GD at the designed output speed.

That is, the number of data N2-1 is the number of data N2-1 of the designed physical quantity to be detected by the detector 11 while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the second part GD2-1 (the number of designed second part data N2-1).

Similarly, the lengths of the second portions GD2-2 to GD2-7 are set such that the number of data of the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the guide output unit 12 outputs the second portions GD2-2 to GD2-7 (see fig. 4(a)) of the brushing guide GD is N2-2 to N2-7 (see fig. 4(B)) when the guide output unit 12 outputs the brushing guide GD at the designed output speed.

That is, the data numbers N2-2 to N2-7 are the data numbers N2-2 to N2-7 of the designed physical quantities to be detected by the detection unit 11 while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the second parts GD2-2 to GD2-7, respectively (the designed second part data numbers N2-2 to N2-7).

Further, the length of the third section GD3 is set so that the number of data of the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the third section GD3 (see fig. 4 a) of the tooth brushing guide GD is output by the guidance output unit 12 is N3 (see fig. 4B) when the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guide GD at the designed output speed.

That is, the data number N3 is the number N3 of the designed physical quantities to be detected by the detector 11 while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the third section GD3 (the designed third section data number N3).

Further, the order in which the first portion GD1-1 to GD1-7, the second portion GD2-1 to GD2-7, and the third portion GD3 are output by the guidance output section 12 is set to "GD 1-1 → GD2-1 → GD1-2 → GD2-2 → GD1-3 → GD2-3 → GD1-4 → GD2-4 → GD1-5 → GD2-5 → GD1-6 → GD2-6 → GD1-7 → GD2-7 → GD 3".

The evaluation unit 14 obtains the above-described numbers N1-1 to N1-7 of the design first partial data, the above-described numbers N2-1 to N2-7 of the design second partial data, the above-described number N3 of the design third partial data, and the above-described sequence "GD 1-1 → GD2-1 → … → GD1-7 → GD2-7 → GD 3". Further, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the second portions GD2-1 to GD2-7 are respectively output are extracted from the storage unit 13 based on the number of design first portion data N1-1 to N1-7, the number of design second portion data N2-1 to N2-7, the number of design third portion data N3, the sequence "GD 1-1 → GD2-1 → … → GD1-7 → GD2-7 → GD 3", and the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N).

Therefore, in the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, even when the designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12 is different from the actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12, the evaluation unit 14 can accurately extract the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 11 while the second parts GD2-1 to GD2-7 are actually output, respectively.

In the example shown in fig. 1 and 4, in order to extract the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the second portions GD2-1 to GD2-7 are output from the storage unit 13, the number of first portion data pieces N1-1 to N1-7, the number of second portion data pieces N2-1 to N2-7, and the number of third portion data pieces N3 are designed, and the sequence "GD 1-1 → GD2-1 → … → GD1-7 → GD2-7 → GD 3" and the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N) are used as described above.

On the other hand, there are cases where Δ is known in the output period (design first part output period) of the first parts GD1-1 to GD1-7 on design that the first parts GD1-1 to GD1-7 should be output by the guidance output unit 12 (N1-1 × Δ t to N1-7 × Δ t), the output period (design second part output period) of the second parts GD2-1 to GD2-7 on design that the second parts GD2-1 to GD2-7 should be output by the guidance output unit 12 (N2-1 × Δ t to N2-7 × Δ t), and the output period (design third part output period) of the third part GD3 on design that the third part GD3 should be output by the guidance output unit 12 (GD 3 × t). For example, in the known examples, the evaluation unit 14 obtains the above-described designed first-part output period, the above-described designed second-part output period, the above-described designed third-part output period, and the above-described sequence "GD 1-1 → GD2-1 → … → GD1-7 → GD2-7 → GD 3". Further, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the output of the second portion GD2 is extracted from the storage unit 13 based on the design first portion output period, the design second portion output period, and the design third portion output period in the order of "GD 1-1 → GD2-1 → … → GD1-7 → GD2-7 → GD 3", and the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N) described above.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed in the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment in order to evaluate the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush on the parts indicated by the respective first parts GD1-1 to GD1-7 shown in fig. 4.

In the example shown in fig. 5, in step S21, the guide output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guide GD including the first portion GD1-1 to GD1-7, the second portion GD2-1 to GD2-7, and the third portion GD 3.

In step S22, the detector 11 detects a physical quantity related to the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush. Specifically, in step S21, while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guidance GD, the detection unit 11 detects the physical quantity.

In step S23, the storage unit 13 stores the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 in step S22.

In step S24 executed after the detection of the physical quantity by the detector 11 is completed, the evaluation unit 14 calculates the actual data number ((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t) which is the number of data of the physical quantity actually detected by the detector 11 in step S22. Alternatively, in step S24, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the actual data count counted by the detection unit 11 in step S22.

In step S25A, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the preset number of design first partial data N1-1 to N1-7, respectively.

In step S25B, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the preset number of design second partial data N2-1 to N2-7, respectively.

In step S25C, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the number N3 of the preset design third partial data.

Next, in step S26, the evaluation unit 14 calculates an output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. at)/N) based on the actual data number ((tE-tS)/. at) calculated or acquired in step S24, the design first partial data number N1-1 to N1-7 acquired in step S25A, the design second partial data number N2-1 to N2-7 acquired in step S25B, and the design third partial data number N3 acquired in step S25C.

In step S27, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the order "GD 1-1 → GD2-1 → … → GD1-7 → GD2-7 → GD 3" in which the first portion GD1-1 to GD1-7, the second portion GD2-1 to GD2-7, and the third portion GD3 are output by the guidance output unit 12 in step S21.

Next, in step S28, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 11 during periods when the second parts GD2-1 to GD2-7 are actually output are extracted from the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 11 during the periods (time tS to time tE) during which the tooth brushing guide GD is output, which are stored in the storage unit 13.

In detail, in step S28, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 11 while the second portions GD2-1 to GD2-7 are respectively output are extracted from the storage unit 13 based on the number of design first portion data N1-1 to N1-7 acquired in step S25A, the number of design second portion data N2-1 to N2-7 acquired in step S25B, the number of design third portion data N3 acquired in step S25C, the order "GD 1-1 → GD2-1 → … → GD1-7 → GD2-7 → GD 3" acquired in step S27, and the output speed ratio (((tE-tS) /) calculated in step S26. Alternatively, in step S28, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 11 during the respective outputs of the second portions GD2-1 to GD2-7 are extracted from the storage unit 13 based on the known design first portion output period N1-1 × Δ t to N1-7 × Δ t, the known design second portion output period N2-1 × Δ t to N2-7 × Δ t, the known design third portion output period N3 × Δ t, the sequence "GD 1-1 → GD2-1 → … → GD1-7 → GD2-7 → GD 3" obtained in step S27, and the output speed ratio (((tE-tS) × Δ t)/N) calculated in step S26.

Next, in step S29, the evaluation unit 14 evaluates the brushing action of the user on each of the plurality of sites indicated by the first parts GD1-1 to GD1-7 (buccal side of one of the anterior teeth, right posterior teeth and left posterior teeth, buccal side of the other of the right posterior teeth and left posterior teeth, occlusal surface and lingual side of one of the right upper posterior teeth and left upper posterior teeth, occlusal surface and lingual side of the other of the right upper posterior teeth and left upper posterior teeth, occlusal surface and lingual side of one of the right lower posterior teeth and left lower posterior teeth, and occlusal surface and lingual side of the other of the right lower posterior teeth and left lower posterior teeth) based on the physical quantities extracted in step S28.

< second embodiment >

A second embodiment of the toothbrush device of the present invention will be explained below.

The toothbrush device 1 of the second embodiment is configured in the same manner as the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the aspects described below. Therefore, according to the toothbrush device 1 of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment described above can be obtained except for the aspect described later.

The toothbrush device 1 of the second embodiment is configured similarly to the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment shown in fig. 1.

The guidance output unit 12 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the second embodiment can output brushing guidance GD shown in fig. 2, for example, in the same manner as the guidance output unit 12 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the tooth brushing guide GD output by the guide output unit 12 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the second embodiment.

Like the detection unit 11 of the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment, the detection unit 11 of the toothbrush device 1 of the second embodiment detects the physical quantity at a predetermined time interval Δ t (see fig. 6) during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the guidance output unit 12 outputs the brushing guidance GD.

As described above, the length of the tooth brushing guide GD is set so that the number of data of the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the guide output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guide GD is N (see fig. 6) when the guide output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guide GD at the designed output speed. As described above, the number N of data is the number N of physical quantities in design (the number N of design data) to be detected by the detection unit 11 during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guidance GD.

The evaluation unit 14 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the second embodiment obtains the number N of the design data as in the evaluation unit 14 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the first embodiment.

The evaluation unit 14 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the second embodiment calculates a design output period (N × Δ t) which is a period in design during which the guidance output unit 12 should output the brushing guidance GD, based on the time interval Δ t and the number N of design data pieces (see fig. 6).

In another example, the evaluation unit 14 may acquire a known design output period (N ×. Δ t).

As described above, the evaluation unit 14 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the first embodiment calculates the number of data of physical quantities (the actual data number) actually detected by the detection unit 11 and stored in the storage unit 13 (tE-tS)/Δ t or the number of physical quantities (the actual data number) detected at a predetermined time interval Δ t (data pitch) during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the guidance output unit 12 outputs the brushing guidance GD, and acquires the actual data number.

On the other hand, the evaluation unit 14 of the toothbrush device 1 of the second embodiment does not perform any one of calculation and acquisition of the actual data number ((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t).

Instead, the evaluation unit 14 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the second embodiment acquires a start time timestamp (see fig. 6) indicating a time tS at which the guidance output unit 12 starts outputting the tooth brushing guidance GD and an end time timestamp (see fig. 6) indicating a time tE at which the guidance output unit 12 ends outputting the tooth brushing guidance GD.

The evaluation unit 14 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the second embodiment calculates an actual output period (tE-tS) which is a period during which the guidance output unit 12 actually outputs the brushing guidance GD, based on the start time timestamp and the end time timestamp (see fig. 6).

Further, the evaluation section 14 of the toothbrush apparatus 1 of the second embodiment executes the following processing: an output speed ratio ((tE-tS)/(N x Δ t)) which is a ratio between an actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12 and a designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide GD by the guide output unit 12 is calculated based on the actual output period (tE-tS) and the designed output period (N x Δ t), and a physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the second portion GD2 is output is extracted based on the output speed ratio ((tE-tS)/(N x Δ t)).

In the toothbrush device 1 of the second embodiment, substantially the same processing as that of the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment is performed in order to recognize the period during which the second portion GD2 is output.

In the toothbrush device 1 of the second embodiment, the evaluation unit 14 obtains the number of design first part data N1 (see fig. 6), the number of design second part data N2 (see fig. 6), and the order "GD 1 → GD 2" in which the guidance output unit 12 outputs the first part GD1 and the second part GD 2. Further, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the second portion GD2 is output is extracted from the storage unit 13 based on the number of design first portion data N1, the number of design second portion data N2, the order "GD 1 → GD 2", and the output speed ratio ((tE-tS)/(N x Δ t)).

In the above-described example of the toothbrush device 1 according to the second embodiment, in order to execute the process of extracting the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the second part GD2 is output from the storage unit 13, the number of designed first part data N1, the number of designed second part data N2, the sequence "GD 1 → GD 2", and the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t)/N) are used.

In another example of the toothbrush device 1 of the second embodiment, the evaluation unit 14 acquires a known designed first-part output period, a known designed second-part output period, and the order "GD 1 → GD 2". Further, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the output of the second portion GD2 is extracted from the storage unit 13 based on the design first portion output period, the design second portion output period, the order "GD 1 → GD 2", and the output speed ratio (((tE-tS)/. Δ t)/N).

Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed in the toothbrush device 1 of the second embodiment in order to evaluate the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush on the site indicated by the first portion GD1 shown in fig. 6.

In the example shown in fig. 7, in step S31, the guide output unit 12 outputs the brushing guide GD including the first portion GD1 and the second portion GD 2.

In step S32, the detector 11 detects a physical quantity related to the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush. Specifically, in step S31, while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guidance GD, the detection unit 11 detects the physical quantity.

In step S33, the storage unit 13 stores the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 in step S32.

In step S34A executed after the detection of the physical quantity by the detection unit 11 is completed, the evaluation unit 14 acquires a start time timestamp indicating the time tS at which the guidance output unit 12 starts outputting the tooth brushing guide GD and an end time timestamp indicating the time tE at which the guidance output unit 12 ends outputting the tooth brushing guide GD.

Next, in step S34B, the evaluation unit 14 calculates an actual output period (tE-tS) which is a period during which the guidance output unit 12 actually outputs the tooth brushing guidance GD, based on the start time timestamp and the end time timestamp acquired in step S34A.

In step S35A, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the number N1 of the preset design first partial data. Alternatively, in step S35A, the evaluation unit 14 acquires a known design first partial output period.

In step S35B, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the number N2 of the preset design second partial data. Alternatively, in step S35B, the evaluation unit 14 acquires a known design second partial output period.

Next, in step S36, the evaluation unit 14 calculates an output speed ratio ((tE-tS)/((N1+ N2) × Δ t)) based on the actual output period (tE-tS) calculated in step S34B, the number N1 of design first partial data acquired in step S35A, and the number N2 of design second partial data acquired in step S35B. Alternatively, in step S36, the evaluation unit 14 calculates the output speed ratio based on the actual output period (tE-tS) calculated in step S34B, the designed first partial output period acquired in step S35A, and the designed second partial output period acquired in step S35B.

In step S37, the evaluation unit 14 acquires the order "GD 1 → GD 2" in which the first portion GD1 and the second portion GD2 are output by the guidance output unit 12 in step S31.

Next, in step S38, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the second portion GD2 is actually output is extracted from the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the tooth brushing guide GD is output (time tS to time tE) stored in the storage unit 13.

In detail, in step S38, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 while the second part GD2 is output is extracted from the storage unit 13 based on the number N1 of design first part data acquired in step S35A, the number N2 of design second part data acquired in step S35B, the order "GD 1 → GD 2" acquired in step S37, and the output speed ratio ((tE-tS)/((N1+ N2) × Δ t)) calculated in step S36. Alternatively, in step S38, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the output of the second portion GD2 is extracted from the storage unit 13 based on the designed first-portion output period acquired in step S35A, the designed second-portion output period acquired in step S35B, the order "GD 1 → GD 2" acquired in step S37, and the output speed ratio ((tE-tS)/((N1+ N2) × Δ t)) calculated in step S36.

Next, in step S39, the evaluation unit 14 evaluates the brushing action of the user on the site (buccal side of the anterior teeth) indicated by the first section GD1 based on the physical quantity extracted in step S38.

< third embodiment >

A third embodiment of the toothbrush device of the present invention will be explained below.

The toothbrush device 1 of the third embodiment is configured in the same manner as the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the aspects described below. Therefore, according to the toothbrush device 1 of the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment described above can be obtained except for the aspect described later.

The toothbrush device 1 of the third embodiment is configured similarly to the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment shown in fig. 1.

The guidance output unit 12 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the third embodiment can output brushing guidance GD shown in fig. 2, for example, in the same manner as the guidance output unit 12 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the tooth brushing guide GD output by the guide output unit 12 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the third embodiment.

In the example shown in fig. 8, the first and second parts GD1 and GD2 included in the brushing guide GD are composed of different data files.

The detection unit 11 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the third embodiment detects the physical quantity at a predetermined time interval Δ t (see fig. 8) while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the brushing guidance GD, as in the detection unit 11 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the first embodiment.

In the toothbrush device 1 of the third embodiment, similarly to the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment, the length of the second part GD2 of the brushing guide GD is set so that the number of data of the physical quantity detected by the detector 11 while the second part GD2 of the brushing guide GD is output by the guide output unit 12 is N2 (see fig. 8) when the guide output unit 12 outputs the brushing guide GD at the designed output speed. The number of data N2 is the number of data N2 of the designed physical quantity to be detected by the detector 11 while the second section GD2 of the tooth brushing guide GD is output by the guide output unit 12 (the number of designed second section data N2).

As described above, the evaluation unit 14 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the first embodiment calculates the number of data (actual data number) of physical quantities actually detected by the detection unit 11 and stored in the storage unit 13 during the period (time tS to time tE) in which the guidance output unit 12 outputs the brushing guidance GD (tE-tS)/Δ t).

On the other hand, the evaluation unit 14 of the toothbrush device 1 of the third embodiment does not calculate the actual data number ((tE-tS)/. DELTA.t).

Instead, the evaluation unit 14 of the toothbrush device 1 according to the third embodiment obtains a second part start time timestamp (see fig. 8) indicating a time tGD2S at which the guidance output unit 12 starts outputting the second part GD2 of the tooth brushing guidance GD and a second part end time timestamp (see fig. 8) indicating a time tGD2E at which the guidance output unit 12 ends outputting the second part GD2 of the tooth brushing guidance GD.

In addition, the evaluation section 14 of the toothbrush device 1 of the third embodiment executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the second part GD2 is output (time tGD2S to time tGD2E) is extracted based on the second part start time timestamp and the second part end time timestamp.

In another example of the toothbrush device 1 according to the third embodiment, the physical quantity may be detected by the detection unit 11 and the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 may be stored in the storage unit 13 only during the period in which the second portion GD2 is output (time tGD2S to time tGD 2E). That is, in this example, the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 matches the physical quantity extracted by the evaluation unit 14.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing executed in the toothbrush device 1 of the third embodiment in order to evaluate the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush on the site indicated by the first portion GD1 shown in fig. 8.

In the example shown in fig. 9, in step S41, the guide output unit 12 outputs the brushing guide GD including the first portion GD1 and the second portion GD 2.

In step S42, the detector 11 detects a physical quantity related to the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush. Specifically, in step S41, while the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guidance GD, the detection unit 11 detects the physical quantity.

In step S43, the storage unit 13 stores the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 in step S42.

In step S44 executed after the detection of the physical quantity by the detection unit 11 is completed, the evaluation unit 14 obtains a second section start time timestamp indicating a time tGD2S at which the guidance output unit 12 starts outputting the second section GD2 of the tooth brushing guidance GD and a second section end time timestamp indicating a time tGD2E at which the guidance output unit 12 ends outputting the second section GD2 of the tooth brushing guidance GD.

Next, in step S45, the evaluation unit 14 executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the second section GD2 is actually output (time tGD2S to time tGD2E) is extracted from the physical quantities detected by the detection unit 11 during the period in which the tooth brushing guide GD is output, which are stored in the storage unit 13, based on the second section start time timestamp indicating the time tGD2S and the second section end time timestamp indicating the time tGD 2E.

Next, in step S46, the evaluation unit 14 evaluates the brushing action of the user on the site (buccal side of the anterior teeth) indicated by the first section GD1 based on the physical quantity extracted in step S47.

< fourth embodiment >

A fourth embodiment of the toothbrush device of the present invention will be explained below.

The toothbrush device 1 of the fourth embodiment is configured in the same manner as the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the aspects described below. Therefore, according to the toothbrush device 1 of the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment described above can be obtained except for the aspects described later.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of functional modules of the toothbrush device 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

In the example shown in fig. 1, the toothbrush device 1 does not include the wireless transmission unit, but in the example shown in fig. 10, the toothbrush device 1 includes the wireless transmission unit 15. The wireless transmitter 15 can transmit the physical quantity stored in the storage 13 and the result of evaluation of the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush by the evaluation unit 14 to a wireless terminal (for example, a mobile terminal of the user of the toothbrush).

< fifth embodiment >

A fifth embodiment of the toothbrush device of the present invention will be explained below.

The toothbrush device 1 of the fifth embodiment is configured in the same manner as the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the aspects described below. Therefore, according to the toothbrush device 1 of the fifth embodiment, the same effects as those of the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment described above can be obtained except for the aspect described later.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the toothbrush device 1 of the fifth embodiment.

In the example shown in fig. 1, the toothbrush device 1 does not include an evaluation result output unit, but in the example shown in fig. 11, the toothbrush device 1 includes an evaluation result output unit 16. The evaluation result output unit 16 outputs the result of evaluation of the tooth brushing action of the user of the toothbrush by the evaluation unit 14. The evaluation result output unit 16 includes, for example, a speaker. The evaluation result output unit 16 outputs a sound as a result of evaluation of the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush by the evaluation unit 14. In another example, the evaluation result output unit 16 may output a form other than sound (e.g., an image, a video, data, etc.) as a result of the evaluation of the brushing action of the user of the toothbrush by the evaluation unit 14.

< sixth embodiment >

Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of the toothbrush device of the present invention will be described.

The toothbrush device 1 of the sixth embodiment is configured in the same manner as the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the aspects described below. Therefore, according to the toothbrush device 1 of the sixth embodiment, the same effects as those of the toothbrush device 1 of the first embodiment described above can be obtained except for the aspects described later.

The toothbrush devices 1 according to the first to fifth embodiments do not include a terminal device such as a smartphone, for example, but the toothbrush device 1 according to the sixth embodiment includes a terminal device such as a smartphone, for example.

Specifically, the toothbrush device 1 of the sixth embodiment is configured by an attachment or a toothbrush main body including at least the detection unit 11, and a terminal device including at least the evaluation unit 14. Data communication by wireless communication is performed between the accessory or the toothbrush main body and the terminal device.

As described above, in the toothbrush device 1 according to the first to sixth embodiments, when the guidance output unit 12 outputs the tooth brushing guidance GD by sound, the user of the toothbrush needs to know which part of the sound output by the guidance output unit 12 is to be used for tooth brushing, and perform tooth brushing evaluation based on the physical quantity corresponding to the part.

In the toothbrush devices 1 of the first to sixth embodiments, even if there is no display terminal when the user of the toothbrush brushes his or her teeth, the teeth are cleaned based on the sound output from the toothbrush device 1, and thus the brushing evaluation result can be received after brushing his or her teeth.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is needless to say that these modifications and variations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

Further, the whole or a part of the functions of the respective units provided in the toothbrush device 1 of the above-described embodiment may be realized by recording a program for realizing these functions in a computer-readable recording medium, and causing a computer system to read and execute the program recorded in the recording medium. The "computer system" referred to herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a storage unit such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a removable medium such as a ROM or a CD-ROM, or a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. The "computer-readable recording medium" may include a medium that dynamically stores a program in a short time, such as a communication line in the case of transmitting a program via a network such as the internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and a medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as a server in this case or a volatile memory in a computer system serving as a client. The program may be a program for realizing a part of the above-described functions, or may be a program capable of realizing the above-described functions by combining with a program already recorded in a computer system.

Claims (17)

1. A toothbrush device is characterized by comprising:

a detection unit that detects a predetermined physical quantity related to a brushing action of a user;

a guide output unit that outputs a tooth brushing guide for assisting a tooth brushing action of a user;

a storage unit that stores the physical quantity detected by the detection unit when the tooth brushing guide is output by the guide output unit; and

an evaluation unit for evaluating the brushing action of the user,

the tooth brushing guide comprises: a first part indicating a site where tooth brushing should be performed and a second part which becomes an index of a period during which tooth brushing should be performed,

the evaluation unit evaluates brushing action of the user on the part indicated by the first part based on the physical quantity stored in the storage unit and detected by the detection unit during the period of outputting the second part,

the toothbrush device is provided with the following modes: after the detection of the physical quantity by the detection unit is completed, the evaluation unit starts evaluation of the brushing action of the user.

2. The tooth brush device of claim 1,

the evaluation unit executes the following processing: extracting the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second portion is output, from the physical quantities stored in the storage unit and detected by the detection unit during the period in which the tooth brushing guide is output,

the evaluation unit does not evaluate the brushing action of the user on the part indicated by the first part based on the physical quantity detected by the detection unit while the first part is being output.

3. The tooth brush device of claim 2,

the detection unit detects the physical quantity at predetermined time intervals while the tooth brushing guide is output from the guide output unit,

the evaluation unit calculates or acquires the actual data number of the physical quantity stored in the storage unit, the actual data number being actually detected by the detection unit while the tooth brushing guidance is output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit acquires the number of design data items of the physical quantity on design to be detected by the detection unit while the tooth brushing guidance is output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit calculates an output speed ratio, which is a ratio of an actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide based on the guide output unit to a designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide based on the guide output unit, based on the actual data number and the design data number,

the evaluation unit executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second portion is output is extracted based on the output speed ratio.

4. The tooth brush device of claim 3,

the evaluation unit acquires a design first partial data number which is a number of data of the physical quantity on design to be detected by the detection unit while the guidance output unit outputs the first part,

the evaluation unit acquires a design second partial data number which is a number of data of the physical quantity on design to be detected by the detection unit while the second portion is output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit obtains the order of outputting the first part and the second part by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second portion is output is extracted based on the number of design first portion data, the number of design second portion data, the order in which the first portion and the second portion are output, and the output speed ratio.

5. The tooth brush device of claim 3,

the evaluation unit acquires a design first part output period which is an output period of the first part on the design to be output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit acquires a design second part output period which is an output period of the second part on the design to be output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit obtains the order of outputting the first part and the second part by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second portion is output is extracted based on the designed first portion output period, the designed second portion output period, the order in which the first portion and the second portion are output, and the output speed ratio.

6. The tooth brush device of claim 4,

the tooth brushing guide output by the guide output unit includes a plurality of first sections, a plurality of second sections, and a third section indicating the end of the tooth brushing guide,

the evaluation unit acquires the number of design first partial data to be detected by the detection unit while the plurality of first parts are output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit acquires the number of pieces of design second partial data to be detected by the detection unit while the plurality of second portions are output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit acquires a design third partial data number which is a number of data of the physical quantity on design to be detected by the detection unit while the guidance output unit outputs the third portion,

the evaluation unit obtains an order in which the plurality of first portions, the plurality of second portions, and the third portion are output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the plurality of second portions are output is extracted based on the number of design first portion data, the number of design second portion data, the number of design third portion data, the order in which the plurality of first portions, the plurality of second portions, and the third portions are output, and the output speed ratio.

7. The tooth brush device of claim 5,

the tooth brushing guide output by the guide output unit includes a plurality of first sections, a plurality of second sections, and a third section indicating the end of the tooth brushing guide,

the evaluation unit acquires a design first part output period which is an output period of the plurality of first parts on the design to be output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit acquires a design second part output period which is an output period of the plurality of second parts on the design to be output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit acquires a design third part output period which is an output period of the third part on the design to be output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit obtains an order in which the plurality of first portions, the plurality of second portions, and the third portion are output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the plurality of second portions are output is extracted based on the designed first portion output period, the designed second portion output period, the designed third portion output period, the order in which the plurality of first portions, the plurality of second portions, and the third portion are output, and the output speed ratio.

8. The tooth brush device of claim 2,

the detection unit detects the physical quantity at predetermined time intervals while the tooth brushing guide is output from the guide output unit,

the evaluation unit acquires the number of design data items of the physical quantity on design to be detected by the detection unit while the tooth brushing guidance is output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit calculates a design output period, which is a period in design to which the brushing guidance is to be output by the guidance output unit, based on the time interval and the number of design data,

the evaluation unit acquires a start time stamp indicating a time when the guidance output unit starts outputting the tooth brushing guidance and an end time stamp indicating a time when the guidance output unit ends outputting the tooth brushing guidance,

the evaluation unit calculates an actual output period, which is a period during which the tooth brushing guidance is actually output by the guidance output unit, based on the start time timestamp and the end time timestamp,

the evaluation unit calculates an output speed ratio, which is a ratio of an actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide based on the guidance output unit to a designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide based on the guidance output unit, based on the actual output period and the designed output period,

the evaluation unit executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second portion is output is extracted based on the output speed ratio.

9. The tooth brush device of claim 2,

the detection unit detects the physical quantity at predetermined time intervals while the tooth brushing guide is output from the guide output unit,

the evaluation unit acquires a design output period which is a period on the design to which the brushing guidance is to be output by the guidance output unit,

the evaluation unit acquires a start time stamp indicating a time when the guidance output unit starts outputting the tooth brushing guidance and an end time stamp indicating a time when the guidance output unit ends outputting the tooth brushing guidance,

the evaluation unit calculates an actual output period, which is a period during which the tooth brushing guidance is actually output by the guidance output unit, based on the start time timestamp and the end time timestamp,

the evaluation unit calculates an output speed ratio, which is a ratio of an actual output speed of the tooth brushing guide based on the guidance output unit to a designed output speed of the tooth brushing guide based on the guidance output unit, based on the actual output period and the designed output period,

the evaluation unit executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second portion is output is extracted based on the output speed ratio.

10. The tooth brush device of claim 2,

the first portion and the second portion are comprised of different data files.

11. The tooth brush device of claim 10,

the toothbrush device acquires a second part start time stamp indicating a time at which the guidance output section starts output of the second part and a second part end time stamp indicating a time at which the guidance output section ends output of the second part,

the evaluation unit executes the following processing: the physical quantity detected by the detection unit during the period in which the second part is output is extracted based on the second part start time timestamp and the second part end time timestamp.

12. The toothbrush apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

the toothbrush apparatus is an attachment to a toothbrush.

13. The toothbrush apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

the toothbrush apparatus is built-in to a toothbrush.

14. The toothbrush apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

the brushing guide is an audible guide or a tactile guide.

15. The toothbrush apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

the toothbrush device further includes a wireless transmission unit that transmits the physical quantity stored in the storage unit and a result of evaluation of the brushing action of the user by the evaluation unit to a wireless terminal.

16. The toothbrush apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

the toothbrush device further includes an evaluation result output unit that outputs a result of evaluation of the brushing action of the user by the evaluation unit.

17. The toothbrush apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

the detection unit includes at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a magnetic sensor.

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