WO2014097022A1 - Instrument de nettoyage dentaire permettant de détecter la plaque dentaire et le tartre - Google Patents

Instrument de nettoyage dentaire permettant de détecter la plaque dentaire et le tartre Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014097022A1
WO2014097022A1 PCT/IB2013/060464 IB2013060464W WO2014097022A1 WO 2014097022 A1 WO2014097022 A1 WO 2014097022A1 IB 2013060464 W IB2013060464 W IB 2013060464W WO 2014097022 A1 WO2014097022 A1 WO 2014097022A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plaque
calculus
teeth
cleaning
dental
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2013/060464
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paul Richard Simons
Jan Hendrik POESSE
Steven Charles Deane
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Publication of WO2014097022A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014097022A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0004—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means
    • A46B15/0006—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means with a controlling brush technique device, e.g. stroke movement measuring device
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0004—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means
    • A46B15/0008—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means with means for controlling duration, e.g. time of brushing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
    • A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
    • A61C17/221—Control arrangements therefor

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to dental cleaning implements, such as, but not limited to toothbrushes. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an electronic toothbrush for detecting plaque and/or calculus, automatically switching between a plurality of cleaning/brushing modes based on the detection of plaque and/or calculus, and/or communicating plaque/calculus data to a user.
  • Toothbrushes are designed to clean teeth by removing bio-films and food debris from teeth surfaces and interproximal regions in order to improve oral health.
  • a wide variety of electronic toothbrush designs have been created to provide improved brushing performance by increasing the speed of the brush head and using sonic vibration, and in some cases ultrasonic vibration.
  • Some electronic toothbrushes provide coaching methods to help guide a user to evenly brush all teeth and to coach good practices to improve overall brushing performance.
  • electronic toothbrushes include a timer to ensure brushing takes a minimum amount of time (e.g., 2-3 minutes), regardless of the state of the teeth.
  • An improved method involves guiding the user to divide the brushing time equally over the 4 quadrants of the teeth (i.e., front/top, front/bottom, back/top, and back/bottom) by pausing the brushing cycle briefly.
  • Modem toothbrushes are very efficient at removing plaque.
  • the consumer need only brush in the problem area for a few seconds to lift off plaque that is being brushed.
  • the consumer may move on to another tooth before plaque has been completely removed and/or may continue cleaning an area longer than necessary where little plaque has accumulated.
  • an indication of plaque levels on the teeth is highly desirable.
  • Plaque disclosing dyes are available to help consumers identify areas where plaque builds up and where brushing needs to be concentrated. However, these dyes have not been well-received by consumers.
  • a dental cleaning implement includes a body portion, at least one sensor positioned on or about the dental cleaning implement and configured to identify plaque and/or calculus on teeth; and a feedback mechanism configured to communicate plaque and/or calculus identification information of the teeth in real-time to a user.
  • the dental cleaning implement may further include at least one activation mechanism configured to selectively and automatically activate a plurality of cleaning modes in response to the plaque and/or calculus identification information received by the feedback mechanism.
  • the plurality of cleaning modes include a medium clean rate mode and a low clean rate mode.
  • the medium clean rate mode involves a medium clean frequency or intensity to remove the plaque from the teeth.
  • the low clean rate mode involves a low clean intensity or frequency to perform basic cleaning of the teeth.
  • a further cleaning mode of the plurality of cleaning modes is a high clean rate mode that involves a high clean frequency or intensity to remove the calculus and/or the severe/mature plaque from the teeth.
  • the plaque and/or calculus identification information is conveyed via images displayed on a display device to indicate a state of the teeth and guide the user to target teeth having the plaque and/or calculus.
  • the plaque and/or calculus identification information is conveyed via a sound emitting mechanism or a light emitting mechanism to indicate a state of the teeth.
  • the feedback mechanism further includes a storage unit storing at least one audible signal and an audible processor configured to play the audible signal to audibly indicate the level of plaque detected by the sensor.
  • the senor instantaneously, in realtime, and/or continuously detects a level of plaque and the audible processor adjusts at least one parameter of the at least one audible signal based on a most recent level of plaque detected by the sensor.
  • the audible processor plays the at least one audible signal to audibly indicate the teeth are clean.
  • a method of detecting plaque and/or calculus on teeth via a dental cleaning implement having a body portion includes the steps of positioning at least one sensor on or about the dental cleaning implement, identifying the plaque and/or calculus on the teeth via the at least one sensor, and communicating plaque and/or calculus identification information of the teeth in real-time to a user via a feedback mechanism.
  • the method also includes the step of selectively and automatically activating a plurality of cleaning modes in response to the plaque and/or calculus identification information received by the feedback mechanism via at least one activation mechanism.
  • the method may further include the step of guiding the user to move the dental cleaning implement to target teeth having the plaque and/or calculus.
  • the method may further include the steps of storing at least one audible signal, and playing the audible signal to audibly indicate the level of plaque detected by the sensor. Additionally, the method may further include the step of adjusting at least one parameter of the audible signal based on a most recent level plaque detected by the sensor.
  • Fig. 1 is a flowchart illustrating plaque and calculus detection via a toothbrush, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a person using a toothbrush, as well as a schematic diagram of an internal configuration of a toothbrush, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method utilizing the system depicted in Fig. 2, in accordance with the present disclosure
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a dental implement, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the dental implement of
  • Fig. 4 specifically, components of the feedback mechanism of the dental implement, according to the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating audible feedback based on levels of plaque detected using the feedback mechanism of Fig. 5, according to the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure describes various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods in which brushing/cleaning modes may be changed in response to identification of plaque and/or the identification of calculus, such that a brushing/cleaning mode is optimized.
  • Different brushing/cleaning patterns may be easily detected by the user and feedback is provided to the user to move the dental cleaning implement (e.g., toothbrush or air floss) around the teeth, cleaning off plaque, and concentrating on problem areas to provide more efficient plaque and/or calculus removal.
  • the dental cleaning implement e.g., toothbrush or air floss
  • an intelligent dental cleaning implement e.g., a toothbrush or air floss
  • a toothbrush or air floss e.g., a toothbrush or air floss
  • the focus areas of primary interest are those with plaque and/or calculus.
  • detection methods may be incorporated into the dental cleaning implement.
  • One skilled in the art may contemplate a plurality of different sensing mechanisms. However, in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, three primary modes of operation are proposed.
  • high brush rate frequency or intensity mode e.g., ultrasonic frequencies to optimize calculus removal and/or severe plaque removal
  • medium brush rate frequency or intensity mode e.g., sonic frequencies to optimize plaque removal
  • low brush rate frequency or intensity mode e.g., for basic cleaning, as indication that a tooth is clean (e.g., free of plaque and calculus).
  • the dental cleaning implement may switch off once the tooth is deemed to be sufficiently clean.
  • audio feedback may be given once the tooth is deemed to be sufficiently clean.
  • combinations of the above three modes of operation enhances cleaning by optimizing cleaning performance while guiding the user to focus his/her efforts on the problem areas.
  • combinations of both frequency and amplitude are used to adjust the brushing/cleaning to deal with the severity of the problems detected or sensed.
  • Other embodiments are also proposed to include a "detect-only" diagnosis mode.
  • Another embodiment may adjust the bristles during brushing/cleaning to deal more effectively with the presence of plaque and/or calculus, as discussed in detail further below.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a flowchart illustrating plaque and calculus detection via a toothbrush, according to the present disclosure.
  • the flowchart 100 includes the following steps.
  • step 1 10 when the toothbrush is first switched on it defaults to the plaque removal mode. However, one skilled in the art may contemplate defaulting to the calculus removal mode or the clean mode.
  • the toothbrush uses its sensors to detect the presence of plaque and/or calculus on the teeth of a user.
  • step 120 it is determined whether calculus is detected. If calculus is detected, the process moves to step 150.
  • calculus removal brushing/cleaning is activated (i.e., high brush rate mode).
  • step 160 it is determined whether the calculus removal has timed out.
  • step 120 determines if further calculus is present. If YES, the process goes to step 130. In step 130, it is determined whether plaque is detected. If YES, the process returns to step 1 10. If NO, the process goes to step 140. In step 140, after no plaque and no calculus have been detected, the toothbrush returns to the low brush rate mode because the teeth are considered clean. The process then ends. It is to be understood that the method steps described herein need not necessarily be performed in the order as described. Further, words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps. These words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the method steps.
  • Fig. 1 if calculus and/or severe plaque is detected, the toothbrush immediately and automatically switches, in real-time, to the high brush frequency and/or intensity.
  • This mode provides a more abrasive brushing/cleaning cycle to deal with calculus, which is more stubborn than plaque.
  • the brush frequency and/or intensity is reduced to prevent damage to teeth and gums.
  • the toothbrush signals a clean tooth by switching to its low brush frequency or intensity cycle. This provides clear indication to the user to move on to another tooth or area of the mouth.
  • the calculus removal cycle is aggressive, a time limit on the application of this mode at any one time may be implemented to prevent damage to teeth and gums.
  • This methodology has the advantage of guiding the user to focus on problem areas and varying the cleaning program needed depending upon specific user requirements.
  • the toothbrush is configured to automatically switch between at least these two modes of operation in response to the plaque and/or calculus detected or sensed on the teeth.
  • the tooth cleaning process according to the present disclosure is more efficient, as the user is guided to focus his/her efforts on the teeth requiring additional attention by specifically targeting those teeth via at least one sensor.
  • the brushing/cleaning intensity is proportional to the detected plaque level, as a continuous indication, instead of having just two discrete states.
  • the user may decide the threshold at which the tooth is clean enough and move on to the next tooth.
  • the exemplary embodiments may be configured to include a single continuous mode, where the user has the capability to decide at which point to move from tooth to tooth during a cleaning session based on plaque detection levels.
  • Fig. 2 depicts a schematic diagram 200 illustrating a person using a toothbrush, as well as an interior configuration of the toothbrush, according to the present disclosure.
  • a toothbrush 210 is presented including a handle portion 205 and a head portion 207.
  • the head portion 207 may include a plurality of bristles extending therefrom.
  • the head portion 207 also includes at least one sensor 220 positioned thereon.
  • one skilled in the art may contemplate positioning the at least one sensor 220 on any portion of the dental cleaning implement, including the body portion.
  • the handle portion 205 may include an activation mechanism 230 that activates a controller 235.
  • the controller 235 is run by an algorithm, which activates the plurality of brush modes, as discussed above, based upon a selected mode or based upon detection of plaque and/or calculus (i.e., automatically).
  • the controller 235 communicates with the sensor 220 via a plurality of wires 237.
  • the activation mechanism 230 may be a button actuated by a user to select one of the plurality of brushing/cleaning modes.
  • the controller 235 can be a processor, microcontroller, a system on chip (SOC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.
  • SOC system on chip
  • FPGA field programmable gate array
  • Collectively the one or more components, which can include a processor, microcontroller, SOC, and/or FPGA, for performing the various functions and operations described herein are part of a controller, as recited, for example, in the claims.
  • the controller can be provided as a single integrated circuit (IC) chip which can be mounted on a single printed circuit board (PCB).
  • the various circuit components of the controller including, for example, the processor, microcontroller, etc. are provided as one or more integrated circuit chips. That is, the various circuit components are located on one or more integrated circuit chips.
  • the second and third modes would be the primary modes, and the first mode may be an optional mode.
  • the modes may be a basic cleaning mode, a plaque cleaning mode, an automatic mode of operation, and a continuous mode of operation.
  • the continuous mode of operation may be a mode where brushing/cleaning intensity is proportional to a detected plaque level on teeth of a user.
  • the activation mechanism is an automatic activation mechanism that is automatically triggered, in real-time, by the detection of plaque and/or calculus on the teeth of a user. Therefore, in such instance, the user need not select a mode of operation as the mode of operation is automatically selected by the controller 235 based on the feedback received by the at least one sensor 220.
  • the controller 235 may contemplate either an automatic mode or a manual mode.
  • a user 250 is shown holding a toothbrush 210 of the present disclosure in front of a mirror 260.
  • the toothbrush 210 includes the sensing mechanism 220 to detect plaque and/or calculus on the teeth of the user 250 when the user 250 is brushing/cleaning his/her teeth.
  • a separate display device 270 having a screen 272 may be positioned in the vicinity of the user 250.
  • the display device 270 may wirelessly communicate with the toothbrush 210.
  • the display device 270 may receive various information related to the degree of plaque and/or calculus detected on the teeth of the user 250. For example, as shown on the screen 272 of the display device 270, there may be a snapshot of the user's teeth illustrating specific teeth that have plaque and/or calculus.
  • the user 250 may brush those teeth more aggressively or may activate the appropriate brushing/cleaning mode available to him/her.
  • the display device 270 may emit sounds (such as beeps) to indicate that plaque and/or calculus has been detected, as will be described in further detail below with reference to the embodiment described in Figs. 4-7.
  • the sound feedback may be dependent on the degree or level of detected plaque. For example, the volume of the sounds may be different in order to indicate whether the issue with the teeth is plaque and/or whether the issue with the teeth is calculus.
  • the display device 270 may emit a light to indicate that plaque and/or calculus has been detected.
  • the light feedback may be dependent on the degree or level of detected plaque. For example, a red light may be emitted to indicate that more brushing/cleaning is necessary on a certain tooth due to plaque and/or calculus. A green light may be emitted to indicate that the tooth is clean and more brushing/cleaning is unnecessary.
  • One skilled in the art may contemplate a plurality of different visual or audible configurations to relay or convey information to a user in a continuous and/or automatic manner.
  • the display device 270 may display all available modes.
  • the display device 270 may display a basic cleaning mode, a plaque cleaning mode, an automatic mode of operation, and a continuous mode of operation, where the continuous mode of operation may be a mode where brushing/cleaning intensity is proportional to a detected plaque level on teeth of a user.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart illustrating a method utilizing the system depicted in
  • the flowchart 300 includes the following steps.
  • a toothbrush is provided having a handle portion and a brush head portion with bristles extending therefrom.
  • at least one sensor is positioned on the brush head portion of the toothbrush.
  • the plaque and calculus on the teeth is identified via the at least one sensor.
  • the plaque and/or calculus identification information is communicated in real-time to the user via a feedback mechanism.
  • a plurality of brushing/cleaning modes are selectively and automatically activated in response to the plaque and/or calculus identification information received by the feedback mechanism via at least one activation mechanism.
  • the user is guided to move the toothbrush to target teeth having the plaque and calculus.
  • detection of plaque and/or calculus is indicated by emitting a clearly identified sound via a sound emitting mechanism, as will be described in further detail with reference the embodiments of Figs. 4-7. These sounds may be caused by vibrating the toothbrush or issuing a separate sound or different volume to indicate not only the presence of plaque and/or calculus but also the amount detected.
  • a sound emitting mechanism as will be described in further detail with reference the embodiments of Figs. 4-7.
  • These sounds may be caused by vibrating the toothbrush or issuing a separate sound or different volume to indicate not only the presence of plaque and/or calculus but also the amount detected.
  • One skilled in the art may contemplate a plurality of different configurations involving audible and visual cues to the user in a continuous and/or automatic manner.
  • calculus removal may be aided by the exposure of a region of the toothbrush with harder bristles. This may be achieved by the mechanical action of extending bristles from within the brush head, and/or the retraction of softer bristles optimized for plaque removal.
  • the head portion of the toothbrush may include one or more regions with hard, medium, and soft bristles.
  • the medium bristles may be adapted and dimensioned to extend further out than the other bristles.
  • the hard bristles may be adapted and dimensioned to extend further out than the other bristles. Therefore, a mechanism may be provided within the toothbrush to enable the selective extension and/or retraction of regions of bristles based on the sensed condition on the teeth of the user.
  • the toothbrush automatically adjusts the intensity of a brush rate based on real-time feedback as to the degree of plaque and/or calculus detected or sensed.
  • the intensity of the brushing/cleaning which should level out as the effect on the brushing/cleaning area stabilizes.
  • a separate screen may be provided that is wirelessly connected or that wirelessly communicates, in real-time, with the toothbrush to enable coaching of brushing/cleaning. This may provide accurate indication of the presence of plaque and/or calculus. Optionally, it may also display images inside the mouth of teeth and gums during the brushing/cleaning process so that the user may see the action of the toothbrush as it performs cleaning.
  • the brush may be put in a "detect-only" mode where the toothbrush is used only to detect the location and severity of plaque and/or calculus where the brushing/cleaning effect is switched off or reduced to a minimal level.
  • the brushing/cleaning mode automatically switches on only when plaque and/or calculus is detected or sensed, thus enabling targeted brushing/cleaning.
  • a physical indication of plaque may be enabled by using a sliding button (e.g., for the thumb) on the handle of the toothbrush. This is physically moved into one of the three positions by the toothbrush to indicate plaque level, but also controls the speed of brushing/cleaning. Moreover, it allows the user to override the toothbrush speed, should the user encounter an area he/she thinks needs more cleaning or is sensitive. It also provides a little resistance if the user forces the cleaning speed to be different in order to move to the correct or appropriate speed. Therefore, a user may manually control the brushing/cleaning speeds of the dental cleaning implement based on the user's determination of cleanliness of a tooth.
  • a sliding button e.g., for the thumb
  • a dental implement 1100 also referred to herein as a toothbrush 1 100
  • the feedback mechanism 1200 is configured to sense or detect the amount or level of plaque and/or calculus on teeth instantaneously, in real-time, and/or continuously, and generate an audible signal based on the level of plaque and/or calculus detected.
  • the feedback mechanism 1200 instantaneously, in real-time, and/or continuously changes at least one parameter of the audible signal generated to indicate the amount or level of plaque and/or calculus present or detected.
  • the audible signal heard by the user changes based on the changes in the levels of plaque/calculus detected as the user is cleaning his/her teeth. For example, in the beginning of a cleaning session, the audible signal generated or played by the feedback mechanism 1200 has a high volume, and near the end of the cleaning session, the audible signal generated has a low volume.
  • a display or user interface may be positioned on the toothbrush
  • the toothbrush 1 100 can perform a short animation, sound or video clip appropriate to the user on the toothbrush display to reward good brushing performance (e.g., the image of a footballer showing a clever ball skill).
  • alternative videos may be displayed for poor performance, or premature termination of brushing prior to completion (e.g. a footballer trying a skill, tripping on the ball and falling).
  • the brushing performance can be monitored instantaneously, in real-time, and/or continuously during brushing and can be relayed to a separate display, for example, a mobile phone display over a wireless link.
  • the toothbrush 1 100 could also be supplied with open APIs (application programming interfaces) to relay brushing data to a smartphone app over a wireless link to enable a game app on the smartphone to set targets to motivate brushing.
  • feedback mechanism 1200 is shown with particular detail including sensor 1201, microprocessor 1203, ROM/storage unit 1205, RAM 1207, audible processor 1209, amplifier 1211 , and audible device 1213.
  • the feedback mechanism 1200 of electric toothbrush 1100 is configured to provide instantaneous, real-time, and/or continuous audible feedback regarding the presence of plaque and/or calculus.
  • the toothbrush 1100 has embedded sensors 1201 that can indicate the presence of plaque and/or calculus instantaneously, in real-time, and/or continuously.
  • sensors 1201 can indicate the presence of plaque and/or calculus instantaneously, in real-time, and/or continuously.
  • the digital data received from sensors 1201 is converted into suitable audible signals, by a suitable processor 1203 and amplified, via amplifier 1211 , to be transmitted by an audible device 1213, such as a loudspeaker, on the toothbrush 1 100.
  • an audible device 1213 such as a loudspeaker
  • microprocessor 1203 and/or audible processor 1209 receives the digital data indicative of the level or amount of plaque from the sensors, and based on the received data, plays an audible signal that is stored in the ROM 1205.
  • the amplifier 121 1 receives the audible signal played by the audible processor 1209 and amplifies the volume/level of the audible signal.
  • the audible device 1213 emits a sound corresponding to the at least one audible signal played by the audible processor 1209 and/or amplified by the amplifier 1211.
  • feedback mechanism 1200 may include some or all of the elements shown and described.
  • feedback mechanism 1200 may include a wireless transmitter which transmits signals to a separate mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, which processes and plays the audible signals received from the feedback mechanism 1200.
  • the main embodiment is for a toothbrush 1100 that describes the level of plaque and calculus on teeth using audible signals delivered by an embedded loudspeaker, or a loudspeaker in a computing device, such as a smartphone, where the audible signal is transmitted thereto, for example, via the Bluetooth communication protocol.
  • Sound is a very powerful indicator that people use naturally in their daily lives to perform various tasks (e.g. knowing when to change gear in a car using the tone of the engine).
  • the choice of a suitable analogous situation that is familiar to people is applied by feedback mechanism 1200 to guide people to clean their teeth better.
  • Examples of audible signals and sounds that may be used may vary between the users.
  • the sound of gravel being sucked up through a nozzle could be analogous to showing that a certain level of plaque has been detected and cleaned at a particular instance.
  • the size of the gravel could be used to correspond to the depth of the plaque or calculus, such that areas that are difficult to shift are similar to larger stones in that they take slightly longer to suck up.
  • a user may prefer the sound of an electric shaver cutting off loose hairs, with the sound of the density and roughness of bristles clipped being indicative of the plaque being removed.
  • the user may wish to choose different sound effects, different types of musical genre, etc. to represent the level of plaque and/or calculus detected.
  • This can be enabled by providing a range of different profiles that describe the ranges of sounds created to represent the level of plaque and calculus detected.
  • completely different sounds can also be associated with plaque from the sounds associated with calculus.
  • ROM 1205 may store different sound profiles corresponding to different users, or different sound profiles that may be selected by a single user.
  • ROM 1205 could contain the different sound profiles selected by the user, used to program the audible processor 1209.
  • the sounds profiles may correspond to a group or type of audible signal to be played.
  • Real-time sensor readings from the plaque sensor 1201 could indicate the instantaneous plaque levels under the brush head or amplitude and plaque, calculus resistance values.
  • these values can be delivered by the microprocessor 1203 to the audible processors 1209, where the sound is adapted to the frequency and amplitude that meets the selected profile with the real-time output amplified and output through an audible device 1213, such as a loudspeaker.
  • users may define the profiles by recording their own audible signals for the representation of levels of plaque and/or calculus detected.
  • the user may record their own audible signals, or sounds, and store them in ROM 1205 for future selection.
  • users may download audio signals, sounds, or sound profiles onto toothbrush 1100 for storage in ROM 1205.
  • the ROM 1205 associates the stored audible signals, sounds, etc. with a particular user of the dental implement 1 100.
  • the dental implement 1100 can include identification means for identifying the particular user of the dental implement 1100.
  • the processor 1203 can then identify the stored audible signals, sounds, etc. corresponding to the particular user identified by the identification means.
  • the identification means can include an RFID tag embedded in a removable brush head 1120.
  • a method for detecting levels of plaque/calculus and playing audible signals based on the detected levels of plaque/calculus detected is illustrated and shown as method 1300.
  • the methods described herein are illustrated and described as including particular steps in a specific order, it is appreciated that any of the methods described herein may include additional or fewer steps than described, and may be carried out in any order other than the order specifically described.
  • Method 1300 begins with step 1301.
  • plaque/calculus sensor 1201 detects the levels and/or amount of plaque in the area of teeth being brushed.
  • feedback mechanism 1200 looks up the audible signal selected in the user preferences for the user operating the toothbrush 1 100.
  • ROM 1205 may store a plurality of audible signals for selection by a user.
  • step 1305 feedback mechanism 1200 analyzes the level of plaque detected in step 1301 and plays the audible signal corresponding to the audible signal looked up in step 1303. More particularly, the audible signal in step 1305 is based on the level detected in step 1301. For example, where the level of plaque detected in step 1301 is high, the audible signal may be played at a high volume, and where the level of plaque detected in step 1301 is low, the audible signal may be played at a lower volume, or vice versa. In this regard, a user will know that the dental area is clean, and the level of plaque for that dental area is low, when the audible signal is playing at a low volume or when there is no audible signal playing.
  • step 1305 may include changing at least one parameter of the audible signal played.
  • step 1307 feedback mechanism 1200 determines if the level of plaque detected in step 1301 is below a threshold.
  • the threshold level may be preconfigured by a user, preconfigured by a manufacturer, or may be automatically adjusted by feedback mechanism 1200.
  • method 1300 proceeds to step 1309. If the level of plaque is not below the threshold (NO in step 1307), the method 1300 reverts to step 1301 where a new level of plaque is detected such that the audible signal played in step 1305 may be adjusted and/or changed (in step 1305) based on the new level of plaque detected.
  • step 1309 a new sound is played indicating that the dental area, tooth, or teeth being sensed for levels of plaque is/are clean. This may be indicative for a user to move the toothbrush to a new or different dental area, or if all other dental areas/teeth are clean, that brushing is complete. Although described as playing a new sound, it is envisioned that step 1309 may include changing at least one parameter of the sound that is already being played.
  • the advantages of the present disclosure are achieved by monitoring plaque levels within the mouth, instantaneously, in real-time, and/or continuously informing the user of the level of plaque detected, to improve brushing performance. In some embodiments, further advantages are achieved by storing data corresponding to plaque levels during and after brushing, using brushing history and plaque level history to set achievable targets to motivate users to improve brushing performance, and gradually raising targets as users gain experience.
  • the advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be achieved by using sensors to detect performance and motivate positive behavior in the use of a consumer product and to use the operation of the device to provide real-time feedback.
  • These basic principles may be extended to other consumer products where real-time guidance and feedback is required, or may be helpful, in order for the user to optimally use the product in order to achieve his/her personal objectives, for example, through teeth whitening, taking diabetes shots, correct use of an inhaler, electric shavers, personal grooming, and any other products.
  • the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure specifically relate to dental implements, such as toothbrushes or airfioss.
  • the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be broadened or applied by one skilled in the art to include professional dental examination devices, whereby presence of plaque may be revealed by images, sound or vibration frequency and intensity. This is applicable in fields such as dentistry, dental hygiene, and tooth whitening.
  • the technical features of the present disclosure include detecting the level of plaque and/or calculus on a tooth or area of teeth and switching between different brushing/cleaning modes to improve the performance of the toothbrush, and varying the brushing/cleaning modes in terms of their frequency of vibration of the toothbrush and/or brushing/cleaning intensity or both to provide feedback to the user of plaque/calculus detection toothbrush.
  • the technical features further include allowing the mode of brushing/cleaning (e.g., speed of vibration or audio feedback) to provide a clear indication to the user of the state of each tooth.
  • Another technical feature includes conveying plaque and/or calculus detection information by using displayed images, indicating sound type or volume, or light color or intensity on the toothbrush.
  • the amount of plaque and/or calculus may also be indicated using the intensity of volume of sound or length of vibration intensity change.
  • Another technical feature includes using a separate display to convey the presence of plaque and calculus using the above methods.
  • a further technical feature includes incorporating a "detect-only" mode, where the user is able to review cleaning after brushing/cleaning is completed to enable the user to guide the toothbrush around the mouth, thus actively and dynamically searching for any other of plaque and/or calculus remaining.
  • Another technical feature includes lengthening the brushing/cleaning cycle to correspond to specific cleaning requirements.
  • the advantages of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the following: providing tooth by tooth coaching to optimize brushing/cleaning, thus focusing on problem areas, providing a clear indication of a state of teeth based on a brushing/cleaning mode, which includes frequency and brushing/cleaning amplitude (intensity), sounds, vibration or visual indication, providing better plaque and calculus removal by optimization of the brushing/cleaning method, and varying brushing/cleaning cycles based on a level of brushing/cleaning required.
  • the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure specifically relate to toothbrushes.
  • the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be broadened by one skilled in the art to include professional dental examination devices, whereby presence of plaque and particularly calculus may be revealed by images, sound or vibration frequency and intensity. This is applicable in fields such as dentistry, dental hygiene, and tooth whitening.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un instrument de nettoyage dentaire comprenant une partie de corps, au moins un capteur disposé sur ou autour de l'instrument de nettoyage dentaire et conçu de manière à identifier la plaque dentaire et/ou le tartre sur des dents, et un mécanisme de retour conçu de manière à communiquer les informations d'identification de plaque dentaire et/ou de tartre des dents à un utilisateur en temps réel. L'instrument de nettoyage dentaire comprend en outre au moins un mécanisme d'activation conçu pour activer de manière sélective et automatique une pluralité de modes de nettoyage en réponse aux informations d'identification de plaque dentaire et/ou de tartre reçues par le mécanisme de retour. Le mécanisme de retour peut en outre inclure une unité de stockage qui stocke les signaux audibles, et un dispositif de traitement audible qui émet des signaux audibles afin d'indiquer de manière audible le niveau ou la quantité de plaque dentaire/tartre détectés par le capteur.
PCT/IB2013/060464 2012-12-19 2013-11-28 Instrument de nettoyage dentaire permettant de détecter la plaque dentaire et le tartre WO2014097022A1 (fr)

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CN110664109A (zh) * 2019-09-26 2020-01-10 深圳缇铭科技有限公司 牙菌斑的监控方法、监控设备、监控系统、存储设备及牙刷
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US20150381923A1 (en) * 2014-06-27 2015-12-31 United Video Properties, Inc. Methods and systems for adjusting a play length of a media asset based user actions
CN105632052A (zh) * 2014-10-30 2016-06-01 东莞宇龙通信科技有限公司 一种刷牙提示方法、装置及牙刷
US10285249B2 (en) 2015-02-11 2019-05-07 Signify Holding B.V. Lighting system controller
WO2016128183A1 (fr) * 2015-02-11 2016-08-18 Philips Lighting Holding B.V. Organe de commande de système d'éclairage
JP2018505536A (ja) * 2015-02-11 2018-02-22 フィリップス ライティング ホールディング ビー ヴィ 照明システム制御装置
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CN109640738A (zh) * 2016-08-30 2019-04-16 欧姆龙健康医疗事业株式会社 牙刷和系统
US11076940B2 (en) 2016-11-04 2021-08-03 Dyson Technology Limited Cleaning appliance
US20180132602A1 (en) * 2016-11-14 2018-05-17 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral Care System and Method
CN108066029A (zh) * 2016-11-14 2018-05-25 高露洁-棕榄公司 口腔护理系统和方法
US11602216B2 (en) 2016-11-14 2023-03-14 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care system and method
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US10582764B2 (en) 2016-11-14 2020-03-10 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care system and method
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US10835028B2 (en) 2016-11-14 2020-11-17 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care system and method
US11361672B2 (en) 2016-11-14 2022-06-14 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care system and method
KR102439884B1 (ko) 2017-04-25 2022-09-05 썬전 윈딩 인포메이션 테크놀로지 컴퍼니 리미티드 스마트 칫솔의 제어방법 및 제어시스템
EP3639789A4 (fr) * 2017-04-25 2021-01-13 Shenzhen Yunding Information Technology Co., Ltd. Procédé de commande et système de commande d'une brosse à dents intelligente
JP2020520288A (ja) * 2017-04-25 2020-07-09 深▲せん▼市云頂信息技術有限公司 スマート歯ブラシの制御方法、制御システム
KR20200049706A (ko) * 2017-04-25 2020-05-08 썬전 윈딩 인포메이션 테크놀로지 컴퍼니 리미티드 스마트 칫솔의 제어방법 및 제어시스템
US11630555B2 (en) 2017-04-25 2023-04-18 Shenzhen Yunding Information Technology Co., Ltd. Control method and control system for smart toothbrush
US11103209B2 (en) 2017-11-16 2021-08-31 Colgate-Palmolive Company Ultrasonic system and method for detecting a biofilm on a tooth
CN112423701A (zh) * 2018-07-16 2021-02-26 戴森技术有限公司 清洁器具
JP2021531091A (ja) * 2018-07-16 2021-11-18 ダイソン・テクノロジー・リミテッド クリーニング電気器具
CN112423702A (zh) * 2018-07-16 2021-02-26 戴森技术有限公司 清洁器具
WO2020016544A1 (fr) * 2018-07-16 2020-01-23 Dyson Technology Limited Appareil de nettoyage
WO2020016546A1 (fr) * 2018-07-16 2020-01-23 Dyson Technology Limited Appareil de nettoyage
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CN110664110B (zh) * 2019-09-26 2023-09-22 深圳缇铭科技有限公司 牙菌斑的监控方法、监控设备、监控系统、存储设备及牙刷
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