Oral care device

Abstract

A method, solution, concept, design, method and system are proposed for assisting and / or improving an oral care device having a cleaning element configured to engage a user's dental tissue during use. Embodiments propose that an indication of the position relative to the surface of the user's teeth or gingival tissue is determined based on light reflected from the surface of the oral cavity during use. That is, by analyzing the light reflected from the surface of the oral cavity, it can be determined whether the cleaning element is located on the surface of the user's teeth or gingival tissue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of oral care devices, and more particularly to the field of oral care devices having cleaning elements that engage with a user's tooth tissue.

Background Art

[0002] Oral care devices such as toothbrushes and mouthpiece-type dental brushes are used daily (e.g., every day).

[0003] Such personal care devices generally have cleaning elements (e.g., bristles, tufts, elongated protrusions, etc.) configured to engage with a user's tooth tissue during use.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to research, the position of the cleaning element in the user's oral cavity during use is expected to affect long-term results. For example, mouthpiece-type dental brushes (e.g., "U-shaped" or "Y-shaped" brushes) are recognized to have problems partly due to insufficient alignment between the cleaning element (e.g., bristles) and the user's teeth.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention is defined by the claims.

[0006] According to an example of one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an oral care device for cleaning a user's teeth, the device comprising: a light source configured to illuminate the user's oral cavity with light; a light sensor unit for detecting light; a plurality of cleaning elements that engage with the user's tooth tissue, the plurality of cleaning elements including a first optical waveguide configured to receive light irradiated by the light source and reflected from the surface of the oral cavity during use and transmit the received light to the light sensor unit; An optical analysis unit configured to analyze the detection light transmitted to the optical sensor unit via the first optical waveguide to obtain an analysis result; A processor configured to determine a first indication as to whether the first optical waveguide is located on the tooth surface or gum tissue of the user based on the analysis result.

[0007] Accordingly, the proposed concept aims to provide a method, solution, concept, design, method and system for assisting and / or improving an oral care device having a cleaning element configured to engage with a user's tooth tissue during use.

[0008] In particular, it is proposed that an indication of the position with respect to the tooth surface or gum tissue of the user be determined based on light reflected from the surface of the oral cavity during use. That is, by analyzing the light reflected from the surface of the oral cavity, it is possible to determine whether the cleaning element is located on the tooth surface or gum tissue of the user. Determining the position of the cleaning element (in real time) can provide various advantages, such as user guidance / feedback suggesting that the user change the position of the cleaning element to achieve improved cleaning of the teeth.

[0009] Embodiments can be based on the recognition that one or more characteristics of light reflected from the surface of the oral cavity may differ depending on whether it is reflected from the surface of the teeth or the gingival tissue. In particular, it is proposed that the wavelength spectrum of the reflected light differs depending on whether the light is reflected from the surface of the teeth or the gingival tissue. For example, white light incident on the surface of the teeth may be reflected as substantially white light, while white light incident on the gingival tissue may be reflected as substantially red light. This can be utilized by adapting one or more cleaning elements (e.g., hairs or protrusions) to a light conductor, which is configured to receive light reflected from the surface of the oral cavity during use and transmit the received light to a light sensor unit. By analyzing the reflected light received by the light-conductive cleaning element, it can be determined whether the cleaning element is disposed on the surface of the user's teeth or the gingival tissue (e.g., by analyzing whether the wavelength spectrum indicates absorption of light by the gingival tissue).

[0010] As an example of the proposed concept, a toothbrush or a mouthpiece can comprise a light-conductive cleaning element (e.g., an optical waveguide formed as a hair such as an optical fiber). The light-conductive cleaning element can receive light reflected from the user's oral cavity and guide the received light to a light sensor unit. Through spectral analysis of the received light, it can be determined, for example, whether the light-conductive cleaning element has received light reflected from the surface of the user's teeth or the gingival tissue, which can subsequently be used to determine whether the light-conductive cleaning element is located on the surface of the user's teeth or the gingival tissue. Further, by arranging the light-conductive cleaning elements in a predetermined or known pattern across the support surface of the oral care device, the analysis of the reflected light received by each of the light-conductive cleaning elements can be combined with the knowledge of the predetermined or known pattern of the light-conductive cleaning elements in order to determine which (and / or which ones) of the light-conductive cleaning elements overlap with the surface of the user's teeth or the gingival tissue. Thus, the accurate determination of the position of the cleaning element with respect to the user's tooth surface or gingival tissue can be facilitated by the proposed embodiments.

[0011] In other words, the embodiment proposes to use one or more optical waveguides in the cleaning element to irradiate the user's oral cavity with light and then capture the light reflected from the surface of the oral cavity. Analysis of the captured light can provide an indication of the position of the cleaning element relative to the user's tooth surface or gingival tissue. Such analysis can be based on the spectral characteristics (e.g., wavelength changes) of the reflected light received by the optical waveguide.

[0012] Accordingly, the embodiment can provide the advantage of being able to identify the position of the cleaning element in use in real time. This enables various useful applications, such as a user guidance application that proposes the direction of movement during brushing, for example, to the user.

[0013] The determined indication of the position of the cleaning element can be used to control the operation of the oral care device and / or to provide guidance to the user. Accordingly, the embodiment can facilitate improved cleaning during use and / or reduce unwanted damage to the gingival tissue.

[0014] The embodiment can be particularly relevant to dental recommendations, for example, by enabling improved cleaning of the user's teeth, gums, tongue, etc. For example, the proposed embodiment can assist in improved dental treatment. Accordingly, the embodiment can be used in relation to dental treatment to support dental healthcare providers when providing treatment to a subject.

[0015] By being integrated into the user's normal brushing method, the embodiment can support improved oral care. Accordingly, the proposed concept can provide improved tooth cleaning.

[0016] By employing an optical waveguide in the cleaning element to capture the light reflected from the user's oral surface, it is realized that the position of the cleaning element relative to the user's tooth surface or gingival tissue can be inferred from the analysis of the captured reflected light.

[0017] Accordingly, embodiments can provide the advantage that real-time information regarding the position of the cleaning elements can be obtained through the use of a relatively simple light detection and analysis concept.

[0018] In some embodiments, a plurality of cleaning elements are spaced from a first optical waveguide and, in use, are configured to receive light irradiated by a light source and reflected from the surface of the oral cavity and to transmit the received light to a light sensor unit through a second optical waveguide. The optical analysis unit may be further configured to analyze the detected light transmitted to the light sensor unit through the second optical waveguide to obtain a second analysis result, and the processor may be further configured to determine a second indication as to whether the second optical waveguide is located on the surface of the user's teeth or gum tissue based on the second analysis result. Thus, light reflected from the surface of the oral cavity can be received through a plurality of optical waveguides provided at different positions, making it possible to obtain a plurality of indications of the position. Accordingly, simple position sensing techniques and / or devices can be employed at a plurality of different positions of the oral care device to accurately identify the position and / or orientation of the device during use.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may be further configured to identify the surface of the user engaged by the plurality of cleaning elements based on the first and second indications. That is, the device may be configured to identify the surface of the user engaged by one or more cleaning elements based on the determined indications during use. Accordingly, embodiments can facilitate the provision of information indicating which cleaning elements are in contact with the surface of the teeth and which cleaning elements are in contact with the gum tissue. This can, for example, enable the user and / or the device to correct a misalignment between the generally arranged cleaning elements and the user-specific anatomical structure.

[0020] The optical sensor unit can have first and second optical sensors, and the first and second optical waveguides may be configured to transmit received light to the first and second optical sensors, respectively, during use. Individual optical sensors can be employed for each of the optical waveguides, thus enabling individual detection of the light received by each optical waveguide. In this way, improved accuracy can be achieved through the use of more optical sensors.

[0021] In some embodiments, the optical analysis unit may be configured to analyze the wavelength spectrum of the detected light transmitted to the optical sensor unit so as to obtain an analysis result. For example, to determine the nature / type of the oral surface, changes in the color of the light resulting from reflection by the oral surface can be analyzed, where a red shift in the reflected light can indicate that the light has been reflected, for example, by gingival tissue. Thus, an accurate determination of the position of the optical waveguide (and thus the position of the associated cleaning element) is made possible by a relatively simple analysis of the detected optical properties.

[0022] In one embodiment, the plurality of cleaning elements can include one or more illumination optical waveguides, each waveguide being configured to receive light from a light source and transmit the light received from the light source towards the surface of the oral cavity for illuminating the surface of the oral cavity during use. Thus, some embodiments can include optically conductive cleaning elements configured to direct light from a light source towards the surface of the oral cavity. That is, one or more cleaning elements can be configured to illuminate the oral cavity (by being configured to direct light from the light source). Accordingly, the cleaning elements can be used for multiple purposes, such as dental cleaning and illumination of the oral surface.

[0023] As a further example, the optical sensor unit can have an array of optical sensors. The plurality of cleaning elements can have an array of optical waveguides, and each waveguide can be configured to receive, in use, light irradiated by a light source and reflected from the surface of the oral cavity, and to transmit the received light to an individual optical sensor of the array of optical sensors. The optical analysis unit can be configured to analyze the detected light transmitted to the array of optical sensors via the array of optical waveguides to obtain an array analysis result. Next, the processor can determine, for each optical waveguide of the array of optical waveguides, an individual indication as to whether the optical waveguide is located on the surface of the user's teeth or gum tissue, based on the array analysis result. For example, the optical sensors can have a matrix configuration of optical sensors, and the cleaning elements can each have a matrix configuration of configured optical waveguides. The optical sensors are configured to (spatially) coincide with the individual optical waveguides, such that each waveguide is configured to transmit received light to an individual optical sensor. Thus, the reflected light received by each optical waveguide can be individually sensed and analyzed (by the individual optical sensors), thus making it possible to determine an indication of the position of each waveguide. Thus, a spatial distribution of the positions of the waveguides is obtained, facilitating an understanding of the overlap of the matrix of optical waveguides with the gums / teeth. For example, the processor can also be further configured to determine an indication of the overlap with the user's gum tissue by the plurality of cleaning elements, based on the array analysis result.

[0024] Furthermore, the plurality of cleaning elements can have an array of illumination optical waveguides, each waveguide being configured to receive light from a light source and transmit the received light from the light source towards the surface of the oral cavity for illuminating the surface of the oral cavity during use. For example, the array of illumination optical waveguides can be arranged adjacent to or spaced apart from the array of optical waveguides. Thus, the cleaning element can comprise first and second sub-arrays of optical waveguides, the first sub-array being configured to transmit light from the light source towards the surface of the oral cavity (e.g. for illuminating the oral cavity), and the second sub-array being configured to receive light reflected from the surface of the oral cavity. Accordingly, in addition to providing a dental cleaning function, the cleaning elements of the device can also provide the function of illuminating the oral cavity with light and receiving the light reflected from the oral cavity. Thus, the embodiments can be realized with fewer elements.

[0025] Some embodiments can further have an output interface configured to output a control signal based on an indication determined by a processor. The control signal can have, for example, audible, visual and / or tactile signals for guiding the user's use of the device. Accordingly, the embodiments can assist the user in achieving an improved or optimal positioning of the cleaning elements. This can also assist the user in cleaning complex areas (e.g. around braces), for example by providing a signal indicating the extent to which the tooth surface is engaged by the cleaning elements. Other advanced functions such as local deposition of cleaning paste or local sampling of bacteria from the user's tissue can be facilitated by such embodiments.

[0026] The oral care device can be integrated with (or incorporated into) a toothbrush or a mouthpiece. Accordingly, the proposed concept can provide a toothbrush having an oral care device according to the proposed embodiments. A mouthpiece having an oral care device according to the proposed embodiments can also be provided. Accordingly, one or more of the proposed concepts can be adopted in the range of different oral care devices. Accordingly, the embodiments can have a wide range of applications in the field of oral care devices.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an oral care device, wherein the oral care device includes a light source for irradiating the user's oral cavity with light, a light sensor unit for detecting light, and a plurality of cleaning elements engaging with the user's tooth tissue, the plurality of cleaning elements including an optical waveguide, and the method includes receiving, by the optical waveguide, light irradiated by the light source and reflected from the surface of the oral cavity; transmitting the received light to the light sensor unit via the optical waveguide; analyzing the detected light transmitted to the light sensor unit via the optical waveguide to obtain an analysis result; and determining, based on the analysis result, an indication as to whether the optical waveguide is located on the surface of the user's tooth or gum tissue.

[0028] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program having computer program code means configured to implement the method according to the proposed embodiments when the computer program is executed on a computer.

[0029] Accordingly, a computer system can also be provided, which includes a computer program according to the proposed embodiments and one or more processors configured to execute the method according to the proposed concept by execution of the computer-readable program code of the computer program.

[0030] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below and will be described with reference to the embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Fig. 1A

Fig. 1B

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] For a better understanding of the present invention and to more clearly show the method of its implementation, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which are merely illustrative.

[0033] The present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] The detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system and method, are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0035] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by persons skilled in the art in light of the drawings, disclosure and appended claims. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0036] It is to be understood that the figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It is also to be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0037] The present invention proposes a concept for assisting and / or improving cleaning by an oral care device. In particular, embodiments may provide a system, apparatus and / or method for providing an indication of the position of the user's tooth surface or gingival tissue. This makes it possible to adjust the use, orientation and / or position of the cleaning elements of the device based on its position, for example improving the cleaning function or result.

[0038] The proposed concept can be applied, for example, to toothbrushes and mouthpiece-type toothbrushes (which may have special problems with the alignment of the bristles).

[0039] Accordingly, embodiments can facilitate the extension and / or improvement of the cleaning function of an oral care device. Such embodiments can be particularly relevant to the proposals of tele-dentistry, for example, by enabling the determination and / or control of the positioning of the cleaning elements based on usage conditions. For example, based on the light reflected from the oral surface during use, an indication of the position of the cleaning elements relative to the surface of the user's teeth or gum tissue can be determined. This indication can facilitate improved control and / or positioning of the cleaning elements.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an oral care device according to a proposed embodiment is shown. More specifically, FIG. 1A is a simplified schematic view of an oral care device according to a proposed embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a close-up view of the brush head of the oral care device of FIG. 1A during use (showing the reflection of light incident on the oral surface). In this embodiment, the oral care device has an electric toothbrush 10 for cleaning the user's teeth.

[0041] The electric toothbrush 10 has a brush head 13 that supports a light source 14, a light sensor unit 16, and a plurality of cleaning elements 18 (e.g., flexible bristles) that engage the user's tooth tissue.

[0042] The light source (e.g., an LED) 14 is configured to illuminate the user's oral cavity with white light (L) during use. However, in other embodiments, the light source can emit other forms of light, such as visible light or light of a predetermined color.

[0043] The light sensor 16 is disposed between the cleaning elements 18 (i.e., within the outer periphery of the cleaning elements 18) and is configured to detect light.

[0044] The plurality of cleaning elements (e.g., flexible bristles) 18 are configured to engage the user's dental tissue (i.e., the oral surface) during use.

[0045] The plurality of cleaning elements 18 are configured to receive, during use, the light L' reflected from the surface 21 of the oral cavity (irradiated by the light source 14) and transmit the received light to the optical sensor unit 16, and have an optical waveguide 20 (for example, an optical fiber or an optical fiber element) configured to do so. That is, the optical waveguide 20 is configured to receive the light incident on the first oral cavity surface contact end of the waveguide and guide the received light to the other opposite end of the waveguide (adjacent to the optical sensor unit 16) along the length of its longitudinal direction.

[0046] The toothbrush further has an optical analysis unit 22 configured to analyze the detection light transmitted to the optical sensor unit 16 via the optical waveguide 20 to obtain an analysis result. The light received via the optical waveguide 20 and incident on the optical sensor unit 16, that is, the detection light, is passed to the optical analysis unit 22 for analysis. Specifically, the optical analysis unit 22 is configured to analyze the wavelength spectrum of the detected light to obtain an analysis result.

[0047] Utilizing the proposal that the nature of the light reflected from the surface of the oral cavity may vary depending on whether it is reflected from the tooth surface or the gingival tissue, the optical sensor unit 16 analyzes the wavelength spectrum of the detected light and determines whether the detected light is substantially white light or substantially red light. Accordingly, the analysis result generated by the analysis unit 22 has information regarding the wavelength spectrum of the detected light (for example, an indication of whether the detected light is white or red).

[0048] The toothbrush 10 also has a processor 24 configured to determine, based on the analysis result, an indication of whether the optical waveguide 20 is located on the user's tooth surface or gingival tissue. Specifically, if the analysis result includes information identifying that the detected light is substantially white, the processor 24 generates an indication that the cleaning element is located on the tooth surface. Conversely, if the analysis result includes information identifying that the detected light is substantially red, the processor 24 generates an indication that the cleaning element is located on the gingival tissue.

[0049] The toothbrush 10 further has an output interface 26 configured to output a control signal based on an indication determined by the processor 24. Here, the output interface has a speaker configured to output / emit an audible signal (e.g., beep sound, high pitch, etc.) based on an indication that the cleaning element is located on the user's gum tissue. Thus, the output interface is configured to provide the user with a signal warning that the cleaning element is engaged with the gum tissue (rather than the tooth surface), and thus the user is assisted in adjusting / adapting the position of the cleaning element during use.

[0050] The output interface 26 of the present embodiment is described in detail as providing an audible signal, but the output interface 26 may be configured to output a control signal in different forms perceptible to the user in other embodiments. For example, the output interface of an alternative embodiment may be configured to output a visual signal (e.g., display a graphical element) or a tactile signal (e.g., a vibration signal whose frequency changes based on an indication determined by the processor).

[0051] The embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B employ the concept of using a single optical waveguide (for receiving light reflected from the surface of the oral cavity illuminated by a light source), but alternative embodiments can employ a plurality of optical waveguides within the cleaning element. The larger / greater the number of optical waveguides, the more it is possible to identify the positions of different parts / regions of the cleaning element, for example. Thus, a simple analysis of the light received by each different optical waveguide can be employed to determine whether each optical waveguide is located on the tooth surface or the gum tissue, and thus, for example, it is possible to determine the degree of overlap of the cleaning element with the gum tissue.

[0052] Merely by way of example, a modified version of the embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B is depicted in FIG. 2. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the toothbrush 100 further has a second optical waveguide 30 disposed at a distance from the (first) optical waveguide 20.

[0053] More specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the plurality of cleaning elements have a second optical waveguide 30 disposed at a distance from the first optical waveguide 20. The optical sensor has a first optical sensor 161 and a second optical sensor 162.

[0054] The first optical waveguide 20 and the second optical waveguide 30 are located at opposite edges of the group of cleaning elements 18. The first optical waveguide 20 is disposed adjacent to the upper end / upper edge of the group of cleaning elements 18. The second optical waveguide 30 (first optical waveguide 20) is disposed adjacent to the lower end / lower edge of the group of cleaning elements 18. Thus, the first optical waveguide 20 and the second optical waveguide 30 are radially opposed in the generally circular cross-sectional group of the cleaning elements 18.

[0055] The first optical waveguide 20 is configured to receive, during use, the light L'1 irradiated by the light source 14 and reflected from the surface 21 of the oral cavity, and transmit the received light L'1 to the first optical sensor unit 161. Similarly, the second optical waveguide 30 is configured to receive, during use, the light L'2 irradiated by the light source 14 and reflected from the surface 21 of the oral cavity, and transmit the received light L'2 to the second optical sensor unit 162. That is, the first optical waveguide 20 and the second optical waveguide 30 are configured to transmit the received light to the first optical sensor 161 and the second optical sensor 162, respectively, during use.

[0056] The optical analysis unit 14 is further configured to analyze the detection light transmitted to the first and second optical sensor units 161, 162 via the first optical waveguide 20 and the second optical waveguide 30, respectively, and obtain the first and second analysis results.

[0057] Based on the second analysis result, the processor 24 is further configured to determine a second indication as to whether the second optical waveguide is located on the surface of the user's tooth or the gingival tissue. Thus, this is similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B, but the processor determines an indication of the position for each of the two optical waveguides. Thus, the first and second indications may be different when one optical waveguide is located on the user's tooth surface and the other optical waveguide is located on the gingival tissue (e.g., when a group of cleaning elements overlaps the tooth-gingival border).

[0058] Based on the first and second indications, the processor 24 is further configured to identify the surface of the user engaged by the plurality of cleaning elements. For example, if both the first and second indications indicate that the individual optical waveguides are located on the tooth surface, the processor determines that the plurality of cleaning elements are located on the surface of the user's tooth (and thus do not overlap the gingival tissue). Conversely, if both the first and second indications indicate that the individual optical waveguides are located on the gingival tissue, the processor determines that the plurality of cleaning elements are located on the user's gingival tissue (and thus do not overlap the tooth surface).

[0059] The output signal is provided by the output interface 26 based on the surface identified by the processor 24. For example, based on the identified surface being the gingival tissue, a warning signal can be output to the user. This can instruct the user to adjust / adapt the position of the cleaning elements during use and thus help reduce / avoid damage to the gingival tissue.

[0060] The above-described embodiments of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 employ a light source configured to illuminate a user's oral cavity by emitting light through a group of cleaning elements. However, alternative embodiments can employ one or more illumination light guides within the cleaning elements. The one or more illumination light guides can be configured to receive light from the light source (at a first end adjacent to the light source) and transmit the received light from the light source to a second, opposite end that exits toward the surface of the oral cavity. In this way, the one or more illumination light guides can improve / increase the illumination of the oral cavity by avoiding / reducing a certain amount of light from the light source. The light from the light source is prevented from being blocked, reflected, or otherwise emitted from the group of cleaning elements toward the user's oral cavity.

[0061] As an example, FIG. 3 shows a modification to the embodiment of FIG. 2, where two illumination light guides are provided within the cleaning element.

[0062] More specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the plurality of cleaning elements have two illumination light guides, and each light guide is configured to receive light from the light source 14 during use and transmit the received light from the light source toward the surface 21 of the oral cavity to illuminate the surface of the oral cavity.

[0063] The first illumination light guide 401 is provided substantially parallel and adjacent to the first light guide 20. The first illumination light guide 401 is configured to transmit the light L received from the light source 14 toward the surface 21 of the oral cavity during use.

[0064] The second illumination light guide 402 is provided substantially parallel and adjacent to the second light guide 30. The second illumination light guide 402 is also configured to transmit the light L received from the light source 14 toward the surface 21 of the oral cavity during use.

[0065] The first illumination light guide 401 and the second illumination light guide 402 can improve (i.e., increase) the illumination of the oral cavity by increasing the amount of light emitted through the group of cleaning elements 18 and / or relax the requirements imposed on the light source (thus, for example, assisting in integration into a toothbrush).

[0066] In yet another embodiment, an array of optical waveguides (for receiving reflected light) and / or an array of illumination optical waveguides (for transmitting light received from a light source toward the surface of the oral cavity) can be employed. Such an array can have a 1D (e.g., linear) configuration of waveguides or a 2D (e.g., matrix) configuration of waveguides. When two arrays / matrices are employed, they can be arranged adjacent to each other or spaced apart from each other.

[0067] By way of example only, FIG. 4 shows an embodiment employing a matrix configuration of an optical waveguide 40 (for receiving reflected light L') and an illumination optical waveguide 45 (for transmitting light L received from a light source 50 toward the surface of the oral cavity). This embodiment employs a matrix configuration of a light source 50 (e.g., an LED) (shown as a white square) and a photosensor 55 (shown as a black square) supported on the surface of a substantially flat substrate 60.

[0068] More specifically, the photosensor unit has a matrix configuration of photosensors 55, and the light source has a matrix configuration of LEDs 50. The photosensors 55 and the LEDs are arranged spaced apart from each other so as to form a combined matrix having alternating rows of photosensors 55 and LEDs 50.

[0069] Also, a plurality of cleaning elements have a matrix configuration of optical waveguides 40, and each waveguide is configured to receive, during use, light L' irradiated by an LED 50 and reflected from the surface of the oral cavity, and transmit the received light L' to an individual photosensor 55. The plurality of cleaning elements have a matrix configuration of illumination optical waveguides 45, and each waveguide is configured to receive, during use, light L from an individual LED 50, and transmit the received light L toward the surface of the oral cavity for illuminating the surface of the oral cavity.

[0070] The optical waveguide 40 and the illumination optical waveguide 45 are arranged spaced apart from each other so as to form a combined matrix having alternating rows of the optical waveguide 40 and the illumination optical waveguide 45.

[0071] The optical waveguide 40 is aligned with the optical sensor 55, and the illumination optical waveguide 45 is aligned with the LED. In this way, each optical waveguide 40 is associated with (i.e., corresponds to) a single individual optical sensor 55. Similarly, each illumination optical waveguide 45 is associated with (i.e., corresponds to) a single individual LED 50.

[0072] The oral care device also has an optical analysis unit 65 configured to analyze the light detected by each optical sensor 55 to obtain an analysis result. The light received via the optical waveguide 40 and incident on the optical sensor 55, i.e., the detected light, is passed to the optical analysis unit 65 for analysis. Specifically, the optical analysis unit 65 is configured to analyze the wavelength spectrum of the light detected by each optical sensor 55 to obtain an array analysis result.

[0073] The oral care device further has a processor 70 configured to determine, for each optical waveguide 40 of the array of optical waveguides, an individual indication as to whether the optical waveguide 40 is located on the user's tooth surface or gum tissue based on the array analysis result. The processor is also configured to determine an indication of the overlap with the user's gum tissue by the plurality of cleaning elements based on the array analysis result.

[0074] Embodiments have been described above as determining that the position of the cleaning element is either on the tooth surface or the gingival tissue based on detected white or red reflected light, individual light. However, the proposed concept is not limited to detecting red or white light. Other embodiments can analyze, for example, a shift or change in the spectrum of the reflected light. Subsequently, the shift in the wavelength spectrum can be used to infer whether the light was reflected by the tooth surface or the gingival tissue. For example, if the shift / change in the spectrum of the light (resulting from reflection by the oral surface) is small or negligible, it is inferred that the light was reflected by the tooth surface. Alternatively, low absorption of light (e.g., a small / low change in the light intensity resulting from reflection by the oral surface) can indicate that the light was reflected by the tooth surface, while high absorption of light (e.g., a large / high change in the light intensity resulting from reflection by the oral surface) can indicate that the light was reflected by the gingival tissue. Therefore, the analysis of one or more or different characteristics of the range of light reflected by the user's oral surface can be employed by the proposed embodiments to determine the position relative to the user's tooth surface or gingival tissue.

[0075] Next, referring to FIG. 5, a simplified flowchart of a method 71 for controlling an oral care device according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. In this example, the personal care device is a mouthpiece for insertion into the user's oral cavity. The mouthpiece has a light source for irradiating the user's oral cavity with light, a light sensor unit for detecting the light, and a plurality of cleaning elements that engage the user's tooth tissue. Further, the plurality of cleaning elements have optical waveguides.

[0076] This method has a first step 72 of receiving, in the optical waveguide, light illuminated by the light source and reflected from the surface of the oral cavity. Then, the method proceeds to a step 74 of transmitting the received light to the light sensor unit via the optical waveguide. Next, in step 76, the detected light transmitted to the light sensor unit via the optical waveguide is analyzed to obtain an analysis result.

[0077] Finally, in step 78, an indication as to whether the optical waveguide is located on the user's tooth surface or gum tissue is determined based on the analysis result (from step 76).

[0078] It should be understood that many additional embodiments of the proposed concept are foreseeable, for example, through modifications of the above-described embodiments.

[0079] As an example, the modification relates to the type of optical waveguide included within the cleaning element. For example, the optical waveguide can have an optical fiber or a flexible optical cable / fiber that also functions as a cleaning element (e.g., engages the oral surface in a manner similar to bristles). Alternatively, the optical waveguide is provided within a tuft / group of bristles and is recessed (i.e., set back) from the cleaning surface of the tuft / group of bristles, and as a result, is protected from engaging the oral surface during use. This is preferred when the optical waveguide is formed from a material not suitable for contacting the oral surface during use of the oral care device.

[0080] Also, the proposed concept is applicable to many different forms of oral care devices having a cleaning element designed to engage the user's tooth tissue, such as, for example, a manual toothbrush, an oscillating toothbrush, a cleaning mouthpiece. Further, embodiments can be added (e.g., retrofitted) to conventional / existing oral care devices so as to add or expand functionality. For example, an oral care device according to one embodiment can simply have bristles made from a light conductor. Here, the bristles are inserted into a matrix made from RGB light-emitting diodes and RGB light-detecting diodes. Thereafter, an algorithm can be employed to process the signals coming from the light-detecting diodes of the matrix for sorting by color (generally, the detected red light indicates the gum area and white light indicates the teeth).

[0081] FIG. 6 shows an example of a computer 80 in which one or more parts of the embodiments may be employed. The various operations described above can utilize the capabilities of the computer 80. For example, one or more parts of an oral care device for cleaning a user's teeth can be incorporated into any of the elements, modules, applications, and / or components discussed in this document. In this regard, it should be understood that the system functional blocks can be executed on a single computer or distributed across multiple computers and locations (e.g., connected via the Internet), such as a cloud-based computing infrastructure.

[0082] The computer 80 includes, but is not limited to, a PC, a workstation, a laptop, a PDA, a palm device, a server, storage, etc. Generally, from the perspective of hardware architecture, the computer 80 can include one or more processors 81, a memory 82, and one or more I / O devices 83 communicatively coupled via a local interface (not shown). The local interface can be, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as known in the art. The local interface can have additional elements such as a controller, a buffer (cache), a driver, a repeater, and a receiver to enable communication. Further, the local interface can include address, control, and / or data connections to enable proper communication between the aforementioned elements.

[0083] The processor 81 is a hardware device that executes software that can be stored in the memory 82. The processor 81 can be virtually any custom-made one among a plurality of processors related to the computer 80, or can be a commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or an auxiliary processor. The processor 81 can be a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip) or a microprocessor.

[0084] The memory 82 can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc.) and non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), tape, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), disk, floppy disk, cartridge, cassette, etc.). Furthermore, the memory 82 can incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. Note that the memory 82 can have a distributed architecture. In that case, various elements are arranged at locations separated from each other but can be accessed by the processor 81.

[0085] The software in the memory 82 can include one or more separate programs, and each program has an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. According to an exemplary embodiment, the software in the memory 82 includes a suitable operating system (O / S) 84, a compiler 86, source code 85, and one or more applications 87. As shown, the application 87 has a plurality of functional elements for implementing the features and operations of the exemplary embodiment. The application 87 of the computer 80 can represent various applications, computing units, logics, functional units, processes, operations, virtual entities, and / or modules according to an exemplary embodiment, but the application 87 is not meant to be limiting.

[0086] The operating system 84 controls the execution of other computer programs and provides scheduling, input / output control, file and data management, memory management, communication control, and related services. The inventors assume that the application 87 for implementing the exemplary embodiment is applicable on all commercially available operating systems.

[0087] Application 87 can be a source program, an executable program (object code), a script, or any other entity having a set of instructions to be executed. In the case of a source program, the program is typically translated via a compiler (such as compiler 86), an assembler, an interpreter, etc. so as to operate properly in connection with the O / S 84. These may or may not be included in the memory 82. Further, the application 87 can be described, for example but not limited to, an object-oriented programming language having classes of data and methods such as C, C++, C#, Pascal, BASIC, API calls, HTML, XHTML, XML, ASP scripts, JavaScript, FORTRAN, COBOL, Perl, Java, ADA,.NET, or a procedural programming language having routines, subroutines, and / or functions.

[0088] The I / O device 83 can include, for example but not limited to, input devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, a scanner, a microphone, a camera. Further, the I / O device 83 can include, for example but not limited to, output devices such as a printer, a display. Finally, the I / O device 83 can further include, for example but not limited to, devices that communicate with both input and output, such as a NIC, a modem / demodulator (for accessing remote devices, other files, devices, systems, or networks), a radio frequency (RF) or other transceiver, a telephone interface, a bridge, a router, etc. The I / O device 83 also includes elements that communicate via various networks such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0089] When the computer 80 is a PC, a workstation, an intelligent device, etc., the software in the memory 82 can further include a basic input / output system (BIOS) (omitted for simplicity). The BIOS is an essential set of software routines that initialize and test the hardware at startup, start the O / S 84, and support the transfer of data between hardware devices. The BIOS is stored in a certain type of read-only memory such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and as a result, the BIOS can be executed when the computer 80 is started up.

[0090] When the computer 80 is operating, the processor 81 is configured to execute the software stored in the memory 82, communicate data with the memory 82, and generally control the operation of the computer 80 according to the software. The application 87 and the O / S 84 are read, in whole or in part, by the processor 81 and probably buffered in the processor 81 before being executed.

[0091] It should be noted that when the application 87 is implemented in software, the application 87 can be stored on substantially any computer-readable medium by or in connection with any computer-related system or method for use by or in connection with any computer-related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer-readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that can store or hold a computer program for use by or in connection with a computer-related system or method.

[0092] Application 87 is implemented in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as, for example, a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other system that can fetch instructions from and execute the instructions from an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-readable medium can be, by way of example and not limitation, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium.

[0093] The proposed control method can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both (e.g., firmware executed on a hardware device). To the extent that embodiments are implemented partially or wholly in software, the functional steps shown in the process flowcharts can be executed by a suitably programmed physical computing device, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) or graphics processing units (GPUs). Each process, and each individual element step shown in the flowchart, can be executed by the same or different computing devices. According to an embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program including computer program code configured to cause one or more physical computing devices to execute the above-described control method when the program is executed on the one or more physical computing devices.

[0094] The memory medium includes volatile and non-volatile computer memories such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, optical disks (such as CD, DVD, BD), and magnetic storage media (such as hard disks and tapes). Various memory media may be fixed within a computing device or may be transportable such that one or more programs stored therein can be loaded into a processor.

[0095] To the extent that an embodiment is implemented partially or wholly in hardware, the blocks shown in the block diagrams of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 3, and 4 may be separate physical elements, may be logical subdivisions of a single physical element, or may be implemented in a manner integrated into one physical element. The function of one block shown in the figures may be divided among multiple elements in implementation, or the functions of multiple blocks shown in the figures may be combined into one element in implementation. Hardware elements suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). One or more blocks can be realized as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions and one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits for performing other functions.

[0096] Modifications to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art of implementing the invention claimed in the claims from a consideration of the figures, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. One processor or other unit may perform the functions of a plurality of items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be advantageously used. When a computer program is discussed, it can be stored / distributed in a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems. In the claims or the specification, when the term "adapted to" is used, the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0097] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible realizations of systems, methods, and computer programs according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which has one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. In some alternative embodiments, the functions described in the blocks may occur out of the order described in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially simultaneously, or depending on the relevant functions, the blocks may be executed in the reverse order. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, can be realized by a special purpose hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or acts, or executes a combination of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. 1. An oral care device for cleaning a user's teeth, comprising: a light source that illuminates the oral cavity of the user; an optical sensor unit for detecting light; a plurality of cleaning elements for engaging the user's dental tissue, the plurality of cleaning elements including a first optical waveguide that, in use, receives light illuminated by the light source and reflected from surfaces of the oral cavity and transmits the received light to the optical sensor unit; an optical analysis unit that analyzes the detection light transmitted to the optical sensor unit via the first optical waveguide to obtain an analysis result; and a processor that determines a first indication of whether the first optical waveguide is located on a tooth surface or gingival tissue of the user based on the analysis result; the optical analysis unit analyzes a wavelength spectrum of the detected light transmitted to the optical sensor unit to obtain an analysis result, and determines whether the detected light is substantially white light or substantially red light; The processor determines the first indication that the cleaning element is located on a tooth surface if the analysis result includes information identifying the detected light as being substantially white, and the first indication that the cleaning element is located on gingival tissue if the analysis result includes information identifying the detected light as being substantially red.

2. the plurality of cleaning elements each having a second optical waveguide spaced apart from the first optical waveguide, the second optical waveguide receiving, in use, light illuminated by the light source and reflected from a surface of the oral cavity and transmitting the received light to the optical sensor unit; the optical analysis unit further analyzes the detection light transmitted to the optical sensor unit via the second optical waveguide to obtain a second analysis result; The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein the processor determines a second indication of whether the second optical waveguide is located on a tooth surface or gum tissue of the user based on the second analysis result.

3. The personal care device of claim 2 , wherein the processor further identifies a surface of the user to be engaged by the plurality of cleaning elements based on the first and second indications.

4. 4. A personal care device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the light sensor unit comprises first and second light sensors, and wherein the first and second light guides transmit the received light to the first and second light sensors, respectively, in use.

5. 5. The personal care device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cleaning elements comprises one or more illumination light waveguides, each waveguide receiving light from the light source and transmitting the light received from the light source towards the surfaces of the oral cavity to illuminate the surfaces of the oral cavity, in use.

6. the optical sensor unit having an array of optical sensors; the plurality of cleaning elements have an array of light guides, each light guide, in use, receiving light illuminated by the light source and reflected from surfaces of the oral cavity and transmitting the received light to a respective light sensor in the array of light sensors; the optical analysis unit analyzes the detected light transmitted to the optical sensor array through the optical waveguide array to obtain an array analysis result; 6. The personal care device of claim 1, wherein the processor determines, for each light guide in the array of light guides, an individual indication of whether the light guide is located on the user's tooth surface or gingival tissue based on the array analysis results.

7. 7. The oral care device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of cleaning elements comprises an array of illumination light guides that, in use, receive light from the light sources and transmit the received light from the light sources toward surfaces of the oral cavity to illuminate the surfaces of the oral cavity.

8. The oral care device of claim 7 , wherein the array of illumination light guides is positioned adjacent to or spaced apart from the array of light guides.

9. 9. The personal care device of claim 7 or 8, wherein the processor determines an indication of overlap of the plurality of cleaning elements with the user's gum tissue based on the array analysis results.

10. 10. The personal care device of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an output interface configured to output a control signal based on an indication determined by the processor.

11. A toothbrush comprising an oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A mouthpiece comprising the oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A method for controlling an oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: receiving light emitted by the light source and reflected from the surface of the oral cavity with the optical waveguide; transmitting the received light to the optical sensor unit via the optical waveguide; analyzing the detection light transmitted to the optical sensor unit through the optical waveguide to obtain an analysis result; and determining an indication of whether the optical waveguide is located on the user's tooth surface or gum tissue based on the analysis results.

14. A computer program comprising computer program code means configured to implement the method of claim 13 when executed on a processor of an oral care device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images